tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97060852024-03-12T18:29:19.525-05:00Erin RagesI rage, therefore I am.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.comBlogger407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-71742975869520207592011-09-27T11:56:00.005-05:002011-09-27T12:41:32.294-05:00Homemade Vanilla ExtractI'm really excited to share one of my latest projects with you: Homemade Vanilla Extract.<div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bO9FTuJQBc/ToIAfr3ZUUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/VoPJFB10Lk4/s1600/DSC_0106.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bO9FTuJQBc/ToIAfr3ZUUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/VoPJFB10Lk4/s400/DSC_0106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657084626281779522" /></a></div><br />Vanilla Extract is compose of two ingredients: Vodka and Grade B Vanilla Beans.<div><br /></div><div>One of the many things I love about this project is that it's inexpensive. Also, if you like to bake as much as I do, you know Vanilla Extract is an essential in your pantry. To this day, one of the gifts I remember most from my parents is a bottle of Vanilla Extract from Mexico.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Vodka (I got the cheap stuff, but use whatever you'd like.)</div><div>2. Grade B Vanilla Beans (I got Tahitian, rather than Madagascar Bourbon, for no particular reason, from <a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/vanillaproducts">this seller</a> on ebay.)</div><div>3. Bottles (I bought amber-colored 8 oz bottles locally from <a href="http://mountainmamanaturalfoods.com/Welcome.html">Mountain Mama Natural Foods</a>.)</div><div>4. Full page shipping label paper (shown below, bought at Walmart)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p_Ni6F9HUA/ToIC6pSiYQI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ccKvrDDwKtk/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p_Ni6F9HUA/ToIC6pSiYQI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ccKvrDDwKtk/s400/DSC_0109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657087288470036738" /></a></div>So here's what you do:<div><br /></div><div>1. Prepare three vanilla beans for each 8 oz jar you'll be using. In order for the beans to fit into the jars I chose, I had to cut an inch or so off of the ends (I put them aside for use in my grandfather's homemade Kahlua). Then, I took my kitchen shears and split them up the middle, leaving the tops connected, rather than splitting them all the way.</div><div>2. Put the beans in the jar. Using a funnel, fill the jar with vodka.</div><div>3. Place the cap back on and set aside in a cool place and give it a good shake once a week. Do this for two months, when it will be ready for use. Top off with more vodka as needed - those little beans will keep on doin' work for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to be able to use whatever I bought for labels in a creative way, so instead of messing with a predetermined size, I bought the full sheet shipping labels. This way, I could cut them into ovals, or hearts, or stars (or rectangles, which I ended up doing anyway). But I can also use them in different ways for different projects. I'm good with that. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used the business card template in my word processing software (Pages for Mac), which gave me the approximate size label I was looking for. I imported a picture of my son, chose the font I liked (Courier), rearranged a few things, and came up with the label you see. </div><div><br /></div><div>There you go! Homemade Vanilla Extract. Here's the cost breakdown per bottle:</div><div><br /></div><div>Vodka: 1.06</div><div>Vanilla Beans: 0.55</div><div>Label: 0.07</div><div>Bottles: 1.40</div><div><b>Total: 3.08</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you seen how expensive store-bought Vanilla Extract is? This is a deal! (And you could save even more money if you find cheaper bottles - which I didn't have any luck with.)</div><div><br /></div><div>You still have time to make these as Christmas gifts. Enjoy!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-3750318741768058572011-09-22T13:59:00.003-05:002011-09-22T14:15:29.909-05:00Uh-Mazing Cherry CrispI made cherry crisp a few days ago. It was so good, Scout would come home from work and immediately say, "You didn't eat all the cherry stuff, did you?" <div><br /></div><div>Yesterday my answer was, "Yes-but-I'll-make-more-I-promise." <div><br /></div><div>I got the recipe <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cherry-Crisp">online</a>, but used canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries. (Thanks, <a href="http://armybloggerwife.blogspot.com/">ABW</a>, for unloading all of your pie filling on us!) Making this was free (I had all the ingredients on hand). On another note, I've never even heard of an 11x7 inch pan, so I used my 9x9. It turned out perfectly. Oh, and I use salted butter in most of my baking. It gave this dessert a nice flavor contrast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I'm making blueberry crisp with the same recipe. Scout will be pleased. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 14px; "><span class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><ul class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; "><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">PASTRY:</b></span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/4 teaspoon </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">salt</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/2 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">packed brown sugar</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">all-purpose flour</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/2 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">cold butter, cubed</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "></span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; "><br /><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">FILLING:</b></span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">sugar</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/4 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">cornstarch</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">cherry juice blend</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">4 cups </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">pitted tart red cherries</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "></span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">Few drops red food coloring, optional</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "></span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; "><br /><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">TOPPING:</b></span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1-1/2 cups </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">quick-cooking rolled oats</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/2 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">packed brown sugar</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">1/4 cup </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">all-purpose flour</span></i></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; ">5 tablespoons </span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; font-style: normal; text-align: right; ">butter, melted</span></i></li></ul></span><span class="instructions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><h2 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(100, 41, 22); font-family: MuseoSlab500, Georgia; line-height: 1.22em; ">Directions</h2><ul class="directions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">In a bowl, combine salt, sugar and flour; cut in butter. Press into a greased 2-qt. or 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">For filling, combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in juice. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Fold in cherries and food coloring if desired. Pour over baked crust. Combine all topping ingredients; sprinkle over filling.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around edges.<b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "> Yield: </b>6-8 servings.</li></ul></span></span></div><div>Now, go make some! </div><div><br /></div></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-73551043975524168362011-09-20T15:24:00.002-05:002011-09-20T16:00:55.655-05:00Rearranging Some ThingsIf I'm gonna blog more, I've gotta have the place organized. You may see the stuff on the sidebar lookin' all jacked up for a while. For now, take a look at one of my new favorite frugal blogs, <a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/">Fabulessly Frugal</a>.<div><br /></div><div>See you soon!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-48987788238554793542011-09-19T14:58:00.004-05:002011-09-19T15:16:59.435-05:00Homemade All-Purpose CleanerThe creamy pesto went terribly wrong. Sorry for getting your hopes up, <a href="http://dinnerwiththecantrells.blogspot.com/">Jon and Abbey</a>. :)<div><br /></div><div>For now, I'm going to share with you one of my favorite frugal recipes: All-Purpose Cleaner, provided by one of my frugal heroes, <a href="http://www.tightwad.com/">Amy Dacyczyn</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Save up some store-bought cleaning solution bottles and go to town:</div><div><br /></div><div>1/2 cup ammonia</div><div>1/3 cup vinegar</div><div>2 Tbsp baking soda</div><div>1 gallon water</div><div><br /></div><div>Mix it all up in a bucket and pour it into spray bottles. I also like to add a few drops of home fragrance oil. I had this on hand (from Bath & Body Works). It smells like heaven.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51deLnyWBTA/TnehpPIs4sI/AAAAAAAAA5c/wGgeNgaa6ck/s1600/nutmeg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51deLnyWBTA/TnehpPIs4sI/AAAAAAAAA5c/wGgeNgaa6ck/s400/nutmeg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654165586996683458" /></a>Heaven that's practically free. And makes me smile while I disinfect my counter tops.<div><br /></div><div>Let me know if you end up making some (and if you like it). </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-19850990860311095502011-09-18T16:49:00.002-05:002011-09-18T17:04:39.074-05:00My Quest to Become the World's Best HousewifeI can't find a job. To be honest, I don't really want to work outside of my home - and this is a recent revelation. <div><br /></div><div>I finished college to stretch my brain and secure my place in the job market. No one told me that if the economy failed, a college education would mean next to nothing. Even if you're a teacher.</div><div><br /></div><div>After being frustrated, anxious, and annoyed by my professional situation, I've decided to say, "Screw the economy. I'm gonna be the best damn housewife/mother that the world has seen." (Ok, maybe that last part is a stretch. But I'm going to try.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also striving to be a better blogger. Posting once every eight months is not what I would consider acceptable. I hope to have a tutorial up tomorrow for Old Spaghetti Factory's Creamy Pesto salad dressing! See you then...</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-79171450221336433812011-08-24T19:13:00.004-05:002011-08-29T00:13:27.073-05:00Garage Door MakeoverMy garage door finally matches my shutters:
<br />
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufaQUzPdMmc/TlWUGXbrNHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/ZU8rbU6A2cA/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufaQUzPdMmc/TlWUGXbrNHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/ZU8rbU6A2cA/s400/DSC_0105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580545069003890" /></a>I twitched every time I looked at the brown. Wouldn't you?<div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeNpr1uveUw/TlWUHXUymnI/AAAAAAAAA5U/E5lV0B5s1HQ/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeNpr1uveUw/TlWUHXUymnI/AAAAAAAAA5U/E5lV0B5s1HQ/s400/DSC_0114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580562219997810" /></a>The weather stripping needed to be replaced as well:</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJ_3ZLy9Dk/TlWUFjAfu0I/AAAAAAAAA48/uQvJAOVLhe4/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJ_3ZLy9Dk/TlWUFjAfu0I/AAAAAAAAA48/uQvJAOVLhe4/s400/DSC_0103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580530996362050" /></a>There were cracks all over the place:</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbJsOJ0xLe4/TlWUFNyRXcI/AAAAAAAAA40/qHBehaQBF1o/s1600/DSC_0101.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbJsOJ0xLe4/TlWUFNyRXcI/AAAAAAAAA40/qHBehaQBF1o/s400/DSC_0101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580525299555778" /></a>As I took the shutters down to wash and repaint them, I started getting irate at the previous contracter/diyer/remodeler who did the painting/repairs/remodeling/etc. There were thickly dried paint drips all over them. Some of the slats weren't even painted completely. They were most likely forty years old and starting to rot. I spent an hour sanding and scraping one of the shutters without much progress. I was not feeling warm and fuzzy.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I HATE lazily done home repairs. I don't get it. If you're gonna spend money to do something, do it CORRECTLY, even if it's "just" paint. You know what I'm sayin'?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>In the end, I put my heart health ahead of saving a few bucks, so I sold the shutters on Craigslist (to a <a href="http://michellemabell.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-headboard-out-of-shutters.html">girl making a headboard</a> out of them - fun, huh?) and sprung for inexpensive vinyl shutters at Lowe's.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Better, yeah?</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufaQUzPdMmc/TlWUGXbrNHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/ZU8rbU6A2cA/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufaQUzPdMmc/TlWUGXbrNHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/ZU8rbU6A2cA/s400/DSC_0105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580545069003890" /></a>Unfortunately, the Colorado heat has scorched my lawn. I'm hoping to get it back to green once it cools down a little bit!
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Linking to:</div>
<br /><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="The DIY Show Off" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-28334192901942681412011-08-11T09:08:00.003-05:002011-08-11T09:11:36.318-05:00In the Meantime...My dear friend, Abbey, whom I've known for over 15 years, has a new foodie blog. She's an amazing mom, has an amazing husband, and knows how to throw down in the kitchen. I wish I could go to her house every night for supper. <div>
<br /></div><div>Check <a href="http://dinnerwiththecantrells.blogspot.com/">her</a> out, then come back here and see if I've gotten my crap together (it's doubtful).</div><div>
<br /></div><div> </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-62672688952627332462011-08-05T09:13:00.002-05:002011-08-05T09:15:07.789-05:00I'm Still HereI've been accomplishing much more than I've actually been blogging about. We just got back from a vacation in Seattle (I even reupholstered some chairs while we were there!) and getting the house ready to sell is making me a little nutty. I'll get to posting my projects as soon as I can. Thanks for stopping by. :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-14816828940131151442011-07-12T10:51:00.003-05:002011-07-12T12:06:43.229-05:00On Why I Hate CraigslistI love buying things on craigslist. It's the <i>selling</i> of things on craigslist that brings out the very worst in me.<div><br /></div><div>Here is my most recent post:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;">Two dog kennels (pictured) for sale. $10 each. You may take one or both. Please text or call Erin.</span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azm95w1_JWI/ThxuXL1sK2I/AAAAAAAAA4s/zowvaT1adfI/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azm95w1_JWI/ThxuXL1sK2I/AAAAAAAAA4s/zowvaT1adfI/s400/DSC_0101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628494978900306786" /></a><br />We used to have six dogs, now we have three. The truth is, there just isn't a reason to have kennels laying around the garage when there aren't dogs that occupy them at some point. I thought this was going to be an easy transaction. (Well, until I got a text from Norma five seconds after I listed them.)<div><br /></div><div>It started innocently enough:</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: Just wondering if the kennels r avail</div><div>Me: Yep. :)</div><div>(<i>seven minutes later</i>)</div><div>Me: Would you like to come see them?</div><div>(<i>almost an hour later</i>)</div><div>Norma: I will let my husband know, thanks</div><div>(<i>over two hours later - and yes, there's a reason I'm pointing out the time in between texts)</i></div><div>Norma: I'm interested in the kennels how tall are they?</div><div>Me: I'm not at home but I'll text you the measurements when I get there.</div><div>Me: One is 26 inches and one is 30 inches.</div><div>Norma: Ok I'm interested in both but stuck at home without my suv today I live in fountain and can get em tomorrow if that's ok.</div><div>Me: Yes, that's perfect.</div><div>Norma: Awesome. We just got 2 mastiff pups lol need kennels and are a lil broke after buying the pups so this is perfect. Its 20 for both? (<i>This is where concern started setting in</i>.)</div><div>Me: Yep. :)</div><div>Norma: Sweet. What time works for u</div><div>Me: Noon is good. </div><div><br /></div><div>So at this point, I figured we had a deal. We'd verified the price, we'd arranged a meeting time, and this conversation has gone on for about four hours - all of which was time I was waiting on HER. All for $20 freakin' bucks.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was about 1:30 in the afternoon when I decided to silence my phone and lay down with my cranky three year old. Scout was home from work early so the three of us climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a long napper (two hours is my ideal napping duration), but I was shocked when I woke up and looked at my phone. We had been sleeping for <i>four </i>hours. I had six text messages, <i>all</i> from Norma.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: Perfect. Can I get the address please</div><div>Norma: (picture of puppy number one)</div><div>Norma: (picture of puppy number two)</div><div>Norma: I will txt ya tomorrow for address will u hold em for me till tomorrow please or I may be able to get em later today depending on what time my hubby gets home.</div><div>Norma: Hi, sorry to keep bugging u I really want these kennels.</div><div>Norma: Do u still have the kennels or did someone else get them?</div><div><br /></div><div>After putting Norma on Stalker Status, I texted her back. Apparently, she can make me wait for a response, but heaven forbid I actually have stuff that keeps me from my phone for a reasonable period of time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Me: Sorry. I was napping with my son and had my phone on silent. Your pups are precious! I will definitely hold the kennels for you.</div><div>Me: My address is blah blah blah. I'm in Widefield so I'm not far from you. :) Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.</div><div>Norma: Awesome thank u I will be there at noon tomorrow. (<i>This is where I expected a "sorry for stalking you like a loser ex-boyfriend" text. It didn't come</i>.)</div><div>Me: Sounds good. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, it just got worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: Hi, got a ? My hubby took 5bux this morning left me with 15 can I get both for 15?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is actually the point where my blood started to boil. Up until this point, she was just a little obnoxious. But after agreeing on a price, when I've already been telling other potential buyers that the kennels were in the process of being sold, it pissed me off. Terribly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I texted Scout: Ugh this lady is driving me crazy. Now she wants both kennels for 15 bucks because supposedly her husband took 5 dollars out of her wallet.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to tell you that I really didn't buy it. I could not imagine that a grown woman with a husband and two new, very expensive dogs could have $15 to her name. I know there are people that exist that literally spend every penny they have per pay-period, but my assumption is that if she did, in fact, have $15 to her name, she'd be more concerned about dog food, or <i>human</i> food, rather than kennels. So I stuck my head in the sand and ignored her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then:</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: I have 18 will that be ok</div><div><br /></div><div>For the next four minutes, the two, very distinct personalities that I struggle with had the following conversation:</div><div><br /></div><div>Erin Rages: No, Crazy Stalker Cheap Skate Lady can kick rocks. We already agreed on a flippin' price! It's not our problem her stupid husband took money out of her wallet! Tell her to go to the ATM!</div><div><br /></div><div>Erin Empathizes: Maybe she really is struggling financially. What is two dollars anyway, Erin Rages? Seriously, you're getting caught up over two dollars? Just let her have it. We don't need the money - we just want the kennels gone!</div><div><br /></div><div>I texted her back: Yeah that's fine</div><div><br /></div><div>No period. No emoticon. That's code for I freakin' hate you.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as much as I'm blaming this all on her, this really was my problem. It would have been just as easy (physically) to text: No, we agreed on $20. This is what Erin Asserts would have said.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's my problem: There's no middle ground for me. I either feel terribly sorry for people and become a door mat, or I get all irrational and angry and cut people off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Scout got home from work and I unloaded on him. There were tears. There was self-bashing, like "I'm a wimp" and "I can't say no" and "I <i>hate</i> that I'm such a pansy!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Then she texted me again. At 11:05 in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: If its ok I'm kinda in the area can I stop by in like 20 mins or so to get em?</div><div>Me: Yeah that's fine</div><div>Norma: K</div><div><br /></div><div>And then at 11:45.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norma: On my way now.</div><div>(I didn't even respond.)</div><div><br /></div><div>At about ten after noon, she finally showed up. Crazy Lady can't be on time for "being in the area and showing up early", let alone our original meeting time. Ugh.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before she showed up, I had actually hosed down a third kennel and had it sitting next to the other two. When she pulled up, her first question was, "Are you selling this one, too?"</div><div><br /></div><div>I handed the responsibility over to Scout because Erin Rages was preparing to come out full-force. Norma had more money in her car to pay the <i>full</i> price for the third kennel. It dawned on me: She wasn't broke, she was one of those people that felt the obsessive desire to get a teensy bit better of a price just for asking for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that's what I get. I let my sympathetic, nurturing personality win out over the judgmental personality that knew she had more than $18 to her name. I'm a sucker. And it won't be happening again.</div><div><br /></div><div>So in short, as much as I hate selling on craigslist, I will be doing it deliberately and frequently to kill pieces of both Erin Rages and Erin Empathizes to create room for Erin Asserts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll let you know how that goes. </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-2717801917974656092011-07-06T10:07:00.004-05:002011-07-06T10:43:54.777-05:00Opinions WantedThis is the house we closed on nearly two years ago. Some of you may be able to attest from this picture that the yard has come a VERY long way. There's still a lot to be done, but grass isn't on my mind today. It's the paint.<br /><br />First I must say how much the garage door has nagged at me. Why is it brown? Doesn't it make the house look uneven? (Don't even get me started on the Infant Poop color of the actual house. I'm dealing with it.) And did the previous owners lack my OCD Garage Door Must Match the Shutters Disorder? So it's settled. The garage door and the shutters will soon match.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiPy6WGWNQI/ThR70oeUQCI/AAAAAAAAA4U/QeJiOlFT_K8/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiPy6WGWNQI/ThR70oeUQCI/AAAAAAAAA4U/QeJiOlFT_K8/s400/DSC_0114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626257978640580642" /></a>More specifically, though, I'm painting the front door. Here's where I need some input. Scout has learned over the years to "go with it", whether that means a paint color, my design ideas, or a furniture redo. So my questions to him regarding this decision have been met with, "Whatever you want to do, babe."<div><br /></div><div>What I want to do is paint the front door a light aqua-ish color to make the Infant Poop look more like Sand. I'm confident with this step of the project. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what do I do with the numbers? Pizza delivery drivers love them. People arriving at my house for the first time love them. I love them - I think they are modern-cottage-y. But I've gotten mixed reviews. More than one person has said, "I don't get it." Here's why it's so important: We're putting the house on the market at the end of summer.<br /><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBeKQ3tGWYc/ThR71B4CHXI/AAAAAAAAA4c/OOFxpQ1oSOQ/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBeKQ3tGWYc/ThR71B4CHXI/AAAAAAAAA4c/OOFxpQ1oSOQ/s400/DSC_0115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626257985459330418" /></a>I don't want buyers to immediately dismiss our house for a small thing like house numbers. So, do I paint the door, leaving the numbers on as a stencil to peel off later and reveal the white underneath? Or do I take the numbers off, paint the door, and put up more traditional numbers?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4kezy8PbFw/ThR71dHx_7I/AAAAAAAAA4k/01FoACE58Qo/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4kezy8PbFw/ThR71dHx_7I/AAAAAAAAA4k/01FoACE58Qo/s400/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626257992773140402" /></a>Decisions, decisions. (Please, tell me what YOU would do.)<br /></div></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-62072025620409911632011-06-09T21:56:00.003-05:002011-06-09T22:05:39.780-05:00And She's BackI never thought I would come back to this blog. I was overcome with the most terrible, gut-wrenching sadness (obviously - see the previous post). It's amazing what a year (in this case, more) will do. I'm amazed that I was able to come back from it. And I never want to feel that way again.<div><br /></div><div>I've needed to write. Facebook is great for one-liners, but not for writing. I've been doing it privately for the last year or so, but I missed doing it here, in my tiny little corner of the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for visiting. I've missed you.<br /><div> </div></div><div><br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-71935230861618819442010-04-19T20:34:00.002-05:002010-04-19T20:36:43.966-05:00SadI'm incredibly sad.<div><br /></div><div>There have been pretty major things going on with me. Nothing that I would share on the blog, but potentially life-changing things. Change makes me sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the few of you that still stop and check in on us, thank you. I'm not sure how much I'll be blogging in the future. Maybe when I don't feel totally consumed by sadness and grief.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-33992510555528719432010-04-06T20:01:00.004-05:002010-04-06T20:21:56.304-05:00BastardsSo much for my clean language goal.<div><br /></div><div>We have a <a href="http://www.ppcf.org/Venetucci">local farm</a> nearby that we pass frequently, whether on our way to work or the store.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple months ago, I noticed two little cuties on the property:<br /><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7van7CU3kI/AAAAAAAAA3U/NhboDzSV0TU/s1600/pigs2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 198px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7van7CU3kI/AAAAAAAAA3U/NhboDzSV0TU/s400/pigs2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457195752886689346" /></a><br />On my way home from work, I always looked forward to the part of my drive that I got to see the pigs. I would come home and tell Scout what they were up to that day like they were my kids.<div><br /></div><div>Shortly thereafter, Scout would come home and ask, "Did you see the pigs today?", or say, "I saw the pigs today; they were laying in the sun."</div><div><br /></div><div>When we were driving together, we'd squint our eyes over to the big field and see who could spot them first. It was the farm version of I Spy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday evening as we were heading to the movies, the pigs were nowhere to be found. We shrugged it off and listed off some reasons they might not be there. Like, maybe they're sleeping. Or maybe they got moved to another piece of the property.</div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't find out until today that they were attacked. <a href="http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/90003647.html?storySection=comments">By humans</a>. Twice. (Don't worry, Meg. They survived both attacks.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I know it must sound silly, but I feel a little bit invested in these pigs. My immediate response was to offer to pull security with my Remington 870. </div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of person does this shit?</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-12028690580529695492010-04-05T19:07:00.002-05:002010-04-05T19:09:56.625-05:00Daddy Phrase"Hey - eat! Avocados are not cars."<div><br /></div><div>(As Tucker "drives" his avocado across the table and makes vroom-vroom noises.)</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-18613036242617706372010-04-04T15:16:00.003-05:002010-04-04T15:39:37.854-05:00Stupid.Have you ever done something <i>so</i> stupid that you have a hard time wrapping your brain around what could have possibly possessed you to do it?<div><br /></div><div>I have. It was today, in fact.</div><div><br /></div><div>We closed on our house in August of last year. By my calculations, that's about about seven or eight months. Keep that number in mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the selling points of this house was the jet tub in the upstairs bathroom. Scout couldn't wait to use it. When we closed on the house and Scout went to take his long-awaited bath (remember, we lived in an Airstream for six weeks prior to that), we were both disappointed when the jets wouldn't work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Logically, I knew there must be stuff growing inside the jets. But when we cleaned the tub, the jets were always wiped down where the visible grime was. And the jets didn't work anyway, so what did it matter?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, today as I was bathing, getting ready to shave and push back my cuticles so that I could paint my toe nails, I decided I wanted to know why the jets weren't working. EIGHT. MONTHS. LATER. Do you know where this is going yet?</div><div><br /></div><div>I pushed the button. <i>The button that never worked </i><i>before</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well friends, the button worked this time. And I promise you that I was totally covered by spattering particles that looked like boogers. Don't take my word for it. See for yourselves:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7jzuawcvRI/AAAAAAAAA3M/d93PRas2wEw/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7jzuawcvRI/AAAAAAAAA3M/d93PRas2wEw/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456378927341419794" /></a><br /></div><div>Scout heard me screaming obscenities and came running upstairs. He walked in on me, completely frozen, and I said, "The jets work. Help me."</div><div><br /></div><div>I started thinking about the eight months all that crap had to grow. I can't even think about it without wanting to dry heave. </div><div><br /></div><div>And what in the <i>hell</i> possessed me to push that stupid button? </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-18356405511044607912010-04-04T10:36:00.002-05:002010-04-04T10:37:04.508-05:00Happy Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7iyF-K-DwI/AAAAAAAAA3E/45sPqZqTME0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7iyF-K-DwI/AAAAAAAAA3E/45sPqZqTME0/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456306764217454338" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-27381397108531704722010-04-03T23:14:00.003-05:002010-04-03T23:30:35.612-05:00The Creepiest Aisle at Walmart is Definitely:The doll aisle.<br /><br />There is a doll that will crawl as you walk past her, one that says prayers in Spanish, and numerous dolls that wiggle and coo like puppies. I don't envy those of you with girls (ok, I do. Just not the doll part).<br /><br />We were in the doll aisle for one reason: We've decide to give the <a href="http://drphil.com/articles/article/264">Dr. Phil</a> potty training method a try. A doll that wets herself is suggested (along with noise makers and party hats).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7gSdr_V8bI/AAAAAAAAA28/OY1X8rhoFCc/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7gSdr_V8bI/AAAAAAAAA28/OY1X8rhoFCc/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456131249793266098" /></a>I was very discouraged by the fact that this baby has breasts. Seriously? Do you see her knockers? (Gross!) I wasn't particularly happy with the selection of party hats, either.<div><br /></div><div>This is the kind of silly crap moms do for the love of their children. And for the sake of potty training.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-37827751166292852092010-03-29T19:35:00.002-05:002010-03-29T19:57:29.076-05:00Photo UpdateI've been so lazy when it comes to blogging. But seeing Tuck and Butterball reunited gives me a reason to post pictures (don't worry, Grandma San Antonio, I'm burning you a disc).<br /><br />Getting through the Terrible Twos (a stage which we've officially entered) is usually cured with candy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLTrYy3QI/AAAAAAAAA20/eqBUAAhb05I/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLTrYy3QI/AAAAAAAAA20/eqBUAAhb05I/s400/DSC_0204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223425158700290" /></a>Hugs:<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLS_I8fZI/AAAAAAAAA2s/quYg83ZiCk8/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLS_I8fZI/AAAAAAAAA2s/quYg83ZiCk8/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223413281062290" /></a>Being independent:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLSHz2K2I/AAAAAAAAA2k/l9kgbwXTnFE/s1600/DSC_0211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLSHz2K2I/AAAAAAAAA2k/l9kgbwXTnFE/s400/DSC_0211.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223398428617570" /></a>The aquarium:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLRW08KpI/AAAAAAAAA2c/KyhsL9FZt9U/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLRW08KpI/AAAAAAAAA2c/KyhsL9FZt9U/s400/DSC_0258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223385279867538" /></a>Playing hard to get (how did he learn that already?):</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLRHNgwXI/AAAAAAAAA2U/bXnvY_7TyBU/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S7FLRHNgwXI/AAAAAAAAA2U/bXnvY_7TyBU/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223381087961458" /></a><br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-59857023885082191052010-03-07T11:55:00.003-06:002010-03-07T12:22:53.560-06:00Busy BeeI've been sewing up a storm lately. I'm on a roll and feel like I can't stop!<div><br /></div><div>I decided that Butterball needed a matching purse for the <a href="http://erinrages.blogspot.com/2010/02/butterballs-dress.html">dress</a> I made her:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps86tEY7I/AAAAAAAAA18/B1NJYpQ4skI/s1600-h/DSC_0112.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps86tEY7I/AAAAAAAAA18/B1NJYpQ4skI/s400/DSC_0112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445956905715655602" /></a>And when the handle on my school bag broke, I <i>designed </i>(ok, Erin, not that big of a deal) and made a new one! Can you see the pleats? It's much cuter in person, but I'm also kicking myself for not interfacing it:<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps8fDbkPI/AAAAAAAAA10/AFLeYiwY1-4/s1600-h/DSC_0109.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps8fDbkPI/AAAAAAAAA10/AFLeYiwY1-4/s400/DSC_0109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445956898293256434" /></a>I embellished our Plain Jane shower curtain with some vintage lace out of my Grandmother's stash:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps700mALI/AAAAAAAAA1s/80heW46Gubc/s1600-h/DSC_0100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps700mALI/AAAAAAAAA1s/80heW46Gubc/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445956886956736690" /></a>And.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Warning: If you are my sister and want to be surprised for your birthday, do not continue to scroll.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you sure?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ok. The purse:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps9x1GiYI/AAAAAAAAA2M/TKBEskSR0dI/s1600-h/DSC_0114.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps9x1GiYI/AAAAAAAAA2M/TKBEskSR0dI/s400/DSC_0114.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445956920513300866" /></a>And the makeup bag (my first project including a zipper. Not quite as bad as I expected):</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps9QGwmVI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Hs2kIV85kFY/s1600-h/DSC_0116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S5Ps9QGwmVI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Hs2kIV85kFY/s400/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445956911460555090" /></a>And now, I'm going to participate in Spring Top Week, over at Rae's. Now that birthdays are under control, I'm going to sew for me, me, me.<br /><center><a href="http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/"> <center><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pf3AxwDm2aw/S5MrM4ZQpGI/AAAAAAAACRs/v5A2JZUrfV0/s1600/topweekparticipant.png" width="120" /></center></a></center></div></div></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-57562015416722261042010-02-28T20:37:00.002-06:002010-02-28T20:44:27.183-06:00Child TalkHere I am with something that I fear I will forget if I don't document it.<div><br /></div><div>I was sitting in the living room this evening, somewhat engaged in reading blogs, while occasionally looking at the television to see what was happening on COPS. Tucker walked in as a big ol' woman got tased. She fell (hard and clumsily) to the ground, which yanked her pants down enough to expose her thong (THONG!). Tucker looked straight at the television and said, "Eeeeeww."</div><div><br /></div><div>That's my boy.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-64048976146668206752010-02-27T18:53:00.002-06:002010-02-27T19:07:00.225-06:00Mission AccomplishedRemember how I said I miss the feeling of my legs giving out to the point that I had to slide down the stairs on my butt? Yeah, Trainer Man accomplished that today.<div><br /></div><div>I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it would be difficult, but I really had no idea that it would be so intense. After 100 squats and 60 push-ups, Trainer Man said, "Great! We're 25% done with the warm-up!"</div><div><br /></div><div>My legs were already burning. I was breathing like I had been held under water ten seconds too long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the session was a mixture of whining, grunting, and cursing myself for getting so out of shape. Trainer Man calmly encouraged me and let me whine, grunt and curse. On the way back to the house from the park, my legs kept giving out and I had to catch myself from falling. I <i>love</i> that feeling. (I no longer miss it.) :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I came home to freshly-baked banana bread which tasted amazing after such a crazy workout. I can't wait to work out on Monday (I was instructed to take tomorrow off). </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and I have phenomenal legs. At least that's the adjective I think Trainer Man used. My mind was in a haze at the time so I can't be sure. I had to fight my urge to reply, "Yeah, but you haven't seen them without pants." </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're in the Springs area and want an awesome, kick-ass trainer, email me at erinrages@yahoo.com and I'll give you his contact information.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-47175223672322646352010-02-24T20:46:00.003-06:002010-02-24T21:32:29.356-06:00Change<div>I used to wake up in the dead of Kansas winter to swim at five am for off-season tennis training. I would run coliseum stairs until my shins screamed. I was a slow runner, but enjoyed watching the wheat fields pass me by as I ran in the sizzling Kansas summer. I endured extraordinary pain in the weight room. My body was often so sore the day after a tough workout, I had to slide down stairs on my rear; trying to use my legs would have resulted in a serious downward tumble. I <i>miss</i> feeling like that.</div><div><br /></div><div>These days, I'm more of a couch-potato. I read blogs, sew purses, knit gloves, bake cookies, enjoy cigarettes with my coffee, etc. (all lovely things, of course. But none of them make me feel the way I did as a college athlete). The most <strike>exercise</strike> movement I've had recently was raking leaves on a Saturday afternoon. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I've made a step towards becoming an athlete once again. I've hired a personal trainer.</div><div><br /></div><div>It sounds a lot more glamorous than it really is; I'm fortunate to have found a friend and co-worker that charges just enough money for his training to be considered professional experience. That works perfectly because I'm making less money than most of my high-school students with part-time jobs (how's that for depressing?).</div><div><br /></div><div>Normally when I go through the "I'm Fat and Need More Exercise" cycle, I dread actually starting my work-outs. But I'm actually really excited to see what I can push my body to do when Trainer Man comes over on Saturday. </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-11574392532757369142010-02-21T15:41:00.003-06:002010-02-23T19:00:13.296-06:00Hands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S4GowPw4t7I/AAAAAAAAA1k/vQodAj7fgko/s1600-h/DSC_0308_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S4GowPw4t7I/AAAAAAAAA1k/vQodAj7fgko/s400/DSC_0308_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440815371659032498" /></a>I fell off the I Heart Faces wagon a while back, but they have a really cool "Hands" competition this week. I took this photo of Tucker and Butterball last June and it's still one of my favorites. <div><br /></div><div>They were so well-behaved that day, sitting in a quaint Gig Harbor Italian Restaurant, sharing a large plate of olives, mozzarella, and pineapple chunks that the waitress brought out especially for them. I can't wait to see them together again. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>(I was shocked to be the 838th entry! There are some great photos entered. <a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/2010/02/week-8-hands-on-fun-photo-challenge.html">Go check it out</a> if you wish).</div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></center>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-49400843861510697042010-02-14T23:07:00.002-06:002010-02-14T23:07:45.606-06:00Chocolate Heaven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jWlL9FWbI/AAAAAAAAA1c/ijtCK43af7Y/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jWlL9FWbI/AAAAAAAAA1c/ijtCK43af7Y/s400/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438332484402370994" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9706085.post-61349243156043140952010-02-14T22:52:00.003-06:002010-02-14T23:06:28.289-06:00Good DayScout was awesome to me today! Check out the beautiful (and delicious) Italian feast he made!<br /><br />Caesar Salad (with homemade dressing <i>and</i> croutons!):<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUae1ikcI/AAAAAAAAA1U/j5G-Qf_8eWs/s1600-h/DSC_0070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUae1ikcI/AAAAAAAAA1U/j5G-Qf_8eWs/s400/DSC_0070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438330101469188546" /></a>Bruschetta. I love me <i>any</i> kind of bruschetta, but this rocked my world:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUaLadrfI/AAAAAAAAA1M/azbj1kVwK4M/s1600-h/DSC_0080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUaLadrfI/AAAAAAAAA1M/azbj1kVwK4M/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438330096255348210" /></a>Chicken Florentine. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUZGL1i-I/AAAAAAAAA08/Dmx8BkNKCnU/s1600-h/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUZGL1i-I/AAAAAAAAA08/Dmx8BkNKCnU/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438330077671951330" /></a>Cannoli. Dang, this was good, too. Yes, those are finely ground pistachios gracing our presence:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUYqOkAII/AAAAAAAAA00/kQ5GnIDpsek/s1600-h/DSC_0071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUYqOkAII/AAAAAAAAA00/kQ5GnIDpsek/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438330070167191682" /></a><br /></div><div>Oh, and the flowers. Scout is under strict instructions not to spend eleventy million dollars on roses (even on Valentine's Day), so he got me tulips (one of my faves). Aren't they pretty?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUZsw4bLI/AAAAAAAAA1E/Ii8F5Lt727s/s1600-h/DSC_0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxF_aVCB8Ow/S3jUZsw4bLI/AAAAAAAAA1E/Ii8F5Lt727s/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438330088027876530" /></a>How was your Valentine's Day?</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03345233951014025763noreply@blogger.com1