tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68629476869210771252024-03-04T21:53:17.437-08:00The Sour and the SweetBecoming the modern Martha, something that every good valley girl aspires to be. Whether she admits it or not.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-7491933723126947482013-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:002013-01-05T13:17:43.316-08:00Well, Hello Hello 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year 2013!<br />
I hope that these first few days of the year have brought you all happiness and optimism that 2013 will be THE year. I know that is my outlook.<br />
I ain't gonna lie, 2012 was rough. When jokes were made about the fiscal cliff, my response was, 'Makes no difference to me, we fell over the edge months ago.'<br />
The benefit of falling over the edge is that gravity takes hold and you pummel to the bottom at breakneck speed. Because of this, I am confident that we have reached the bottom and the only direction that is left is up.<br />
2013 will be the year of the climb.<br />
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With every new year comes a new round of resolutions I fail to keep. This year is no exception. I hesitate to call them resolutions this year. I am taking the 'Whatever happens, happens.' approach.<br />
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The list:<br />
1. Drink more water.<br />
2. Become financially organized.<br />
3. De-clutter and purge the house of all unnecessary items.<br />
4. Go to church.<br />
5. Make healthier food choices.<br />
6. Start writing. (the blog, the 3 book ideas I have in my head...)<br />
7. Learn some French.<br />
8. Learn to sew.<br />
9. Be a better wife.<br />
10. Be a better friend.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-45485408026351756522012-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:002012-07-08T18:42:27.626-07:00Let Them Eat Cake: Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(This is the look I came up with the night before)</i></div>
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As gorgeous as the inspiration cake is from <a href="http://jennifertonick.blogspot.com/2012/07/let-them-eat-cake-day-one.html" target="_blank">my post from day one</a>, I know my limitations. I know what I can do and what techniques I can pull off and which ones still need more practice. I didn't want to take on too much so I sketched out my idea first and then attempted to recreate it. </div>
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This was my first real time working with gum paste. I had dabbled before but never really had that much practice with it. I followed the instructions on the package and let it cure. I had a figure mold that I was hoping would make the job easier, but for me it was a big fat fail. For some reason the gum paste would stick in the mold and tear when I tried to take it out. I tried it again, this time making sure that I greased the mold first. Again, it tore. It might have had something to do with the obnoxious heat, I am not sure. I ended up freestyling the form and the head and hand molded them. In the end it worked out beautifully. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I added additional detail that I didn't include in the original sketch (like the bow in the back, which I love). </span></div>
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For the cake I used a recipe for a doctored up cake mix. I chose chocolate. For the filling I had a jar of strawberry-champagne jam in the fridge from Cost Plus World Market that I used for the filling. I thought the champagne flavor was appropriate for the French theme I was going for. I made a vanilla bean frosting for the under-coating for the fondant to stick to. </div>
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I had intended to use royal icing to do some of the detail but in the end was too tired and lazy to make some. I used fondant and gum past to complete the details (such as the trim around the bust, the red mouth and the details for the up-do). I was very pleased with the results and can't wait to explore some more ideas for next week.
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Below are pics of the finished product...bon appetite!</div>
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<i>(Marie Antoinette, just in time for Bastille Day)</i></div>
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<i>(Front)</i></div>
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<i>(Back)</i></div>
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<br /></div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-47529703213608024472012-07-07T14:42:00.000-07:002012-07-07T14:42:03.364-07:00Spring Garden Tour 2012 (aka Too Hot to Handle)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>A post from April 22, 2012 that wasn't posted for lack of pictures. The camera went missing for a bit</i>.</div>
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A few years back, my mum, grandmother and I took the garden tour. It is put on by the <a href="http://www.modestogardenclub.org/" target="_blank">Modesto Garden Club</a> every year (which I found out today is the largest garden club in the US....who knew?). Last time we took the tour the weather was a little warm and I was wearing the wrong shoes. By the end of the day I was pretty uncomfortable and, towards the end, it made for a somewhat miserable trip. This was unfortunate because some of the homes chosen to be on the tour that year were homes in Modesto that I had always secretly spied on from afar and was now afforded the luxury of seeing them up close.<br />
When my grandmother wanted to know if I was interested in going again this year I thought I would give it another go and made sure to wear the right shoes and the right clothes so that I wouldn't make the same mistake as before.<br />
The valley has had a pretty mild spring. Just last week temperatures were more like those that you would find in the winter months. Just the day before yesterday it was only 75 degrees, today it was 92.<br />
It started out well enough, the walk wasn't all that unpleasant and some of the gardens were lovely. I was able to realize another dream today as well.<br />
When my brother and I were younger my mother would treat us to frozen yogurt and then would drive us around the older neighborhoods in town while we licked our cookies and cream or chocolate mousse and we would gawk at all the beautiful homes and wonder what it would be like if we actually lived in them. Every time we did this my brother and I would beg our mother to take us to the 'castle'. There is a house in Modesto that looks just like a castle. It is made of brick, has turrets and a massive front door. If my brother and I dreamed of living anywhere in town, this house was it.<br />
This house was on the tour today and I was able to finally see it up close. I strolled past the koi pond, skipped around the tiled swimming pool and ate cookies by the outdoor fireplace. It really was a silly old dream come true.<br />
After that, things started to go downhill pretty quickly.<br />
I began to not feel well. I made the mistake of staying up a little too late the night before at a party and the next morning didn't give myself enough time to eat breakfast or to properly hydrate myself. I began to pay the price for it. I tried to fight through it because there was no way that I could complain to my mother or my grandmother. I was the youngest one there, I couldn't be the first to wimp out. We made it through the first leg of the tour (and I swear that we were the only ones that actually walked the whole thing) and stopped at the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/yogurt-mill-modesto">Yogurt Mill</a> to cool down. I knew it was worse than I had thought it was when I wasn't able to finish my treat. At the next house, I didn't go in and waited in the car...I was no longer sweating...uh oh.<br />
Luckily my mum recognized how miserable I had become and took me home. I ended up sleeping through the rest of the tour and the rest of the afternoon.....ugh, I'm pretty pathetic.<br />
Maybe next year I'll get it together so that I don't embarrass my mother and my grandmother.<br />
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<i>(The 'Castle' on Magnolia)</i></div>
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<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-20854641651581098802012-07-07T14:29:00.000-07:002012-07-07T14:52:24.284-07:00Let Them Eat Cake: Day One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(Gorgeous cake from <a href="http://www.cakeoperaco.com/" target="_blank">Cake Opera Co.</a>)</i></div>
When I stared back to work, baking came to a complete halt. In fact, I haven't taken on a cake project in over a year! Can you believe that? Last year I made the mistake of taking on two cakes in the same weekend. Although both turned out lovely, I was exhausted. I also realized that I wasn't being compensated nearly enough for the amount of work that actually went into making a cake (A good article for those that really have no idea is <a href="http://www.motherofcakes.net/2012/01/03/free-cakes/" target="_blank">THIS</a> one from Mother of Cakes). I stepped away. I didn't think that I would be gone so long. There were a couple of times that I thought about breaking out the ol' cake supplies and building a cake just for the heck of it but ultimately I lost the motivation because I would remember just how time consuming it was.<br />
For some reason now, in the middle of a valley summer in a house without air conditioning, I have found the motivation.<br />
I don't know if you know this but <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/category/cakes" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a> has a cake gallery with over 1400 photos of different wedding cakes and today I looked at them all and saved some to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen7162000/cake-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board for inspiration. Towards the end of the album I reached these gorgeous cakes from <a href="http://www.cakeoperaco.com/" target="_blank">Cake Opera Co.</a> and knew that I would have to try to recreate them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOarOPhpU1uCGCCjKqn3B4JXbiZgAAaLAUIjHEr1PDdHJUYUrC9xCkEgHJ_o8y2g4rzk_G2lqN6Q2BL5Ab1xPNCdosnONfnTMED7jklVF0EpyzkX80tqyqC9ifRnFDm6k2BYDXSOqHMg/s1600/cakeopera2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOarOPhpU1uCGCCjKqn3B4JXbiZgAAaLAUIjHEr1PDdHJUYUrC9xCkEgHJ_o8y2g4rzk_G2lqN6Q2BL5Ab1xPNCdosnONfnTMED7jklVF0EpyzkX80tqyqC9ifRnFDm6k2BYDXSOqHMg/s400/cakeopera2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC4_ETAguz56uSXFyGsIh5DaBXiUOu_Lbh9TMACPDcJE8rz_9sMpySk8HRDFiavLPVhzD4bW4IhI9dUWUeaBIr1Dba3njRHEJNAlN3hWJySiD4MhlHW-WiSoy4GzxO5A158cYBlPVXpo/s1600/cakeopera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC4_ETAguz56uSXFyGsIh5DaBXiUOu_Lbh9TMACPDcJE8rz_9sMpySk8HRDFiavLPVhzD4bW4IhI9dUWUeaBIr1Dba3njRHEJNAlN3hWJySiD4MhlHW-WiSoy4GzxO5A158cYBlPVXpo/s400/cakeopera.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>(I really LOVE this one with the white wig)</i></div>
Now for those that have seen my cakes on this blog might be thinking, 'Jen, you're cakes are awesome but they are a little elementary to those edible sculptures that the Cake Opera Co. has created. Girlfriend, I think you might be out of your league on this one.' (I believe that all four and a half of my readers use the word 'elementary' in everyday conversation because they are all gifted and brilliant. They also are not so snobby to immediately follow it up with a 'girlfriend'.)<br />
This is why I have to try.<br />
I set aside my other little hobby and made way for cake to take over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EpRnvj4D0kKgiUAbBW5feXkh5x5Z5Jyk-HL4usdzsceNnlPL4tLGW6iPQTWJ15tLEGGchWbPnqcLcPChJ6W9JXG1lxm7PlRdpE33ZbFRUTQe2i45lFRxFW6WVGiv4xXbEwg677jG6Jw/s1600/07072012+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EpRnvj4D0kKgiUAbBW5feXkh5x5Z5Jyk-HL4usdzsceNnlPL4tLGW6iPQTWJ15tLEGGchWbPnqcLcPChJ6W9JXG1lxm7PlRdpE33ZbFRUTQe2i45lFRxFW6WVGiv4xXbEwg677jG6Jw/s400/07072012+120.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I started to crochet again and found a terrific toddler sweater pattern that I was able to use as a base for creating my own. The pink is for a 2T, the blue is for a 0-3 months and the striped one will be for a 0-3 month as well. These little puppies whip up in no time at all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGgXPaufW346ecA97boXayc21TYWfbnwDxO3WN1ZdjLjOkE9E2TZ2TGa-XqjzlD8Jo3iufErFcVeObFSp9zu8LZpOMYjA6e8hyphenhyphenlCC4uUY9IjsVXNE1Wav09YkH3FcT-RWc5nvNYhYPuc/s1600/07072012+121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGgXPaufW346ecA97boXayc21TYWfbnwDxO3WN1ZdjLjOkE9E2TZ2TGa-XqjzlD8Jo3iufErFcVeObFSp9zu8LZpOMYjA6e8hyphenhyphenlCC4uUY9IjsVXNE1Wav09YkH3FcT-RWc5nvNYhYPuc/s400/07072012+121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went on a little shopping spree today but found some great deals so I didn't spend all that much money. My eyes lit up when I found the Circle Cutter at the <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a> and using the weekly 40% off coupon (that can easily be pulled up on a smartphone) made it a steal. I picked up the CK Gum Paste Mix at <a href="http://www.edwardscakeandcandy.com/" target="_blank">Edward's Cake Supply</a>. Wilton makes one as well but is a little bit pricier. I have several recipes for gum paste and have always been leery of using it. I love the way that it looks when done right. I bought the mix because it seemed simple enough to make (just add water) and the entire bag was comparable in price to the tylose powder (that would have to be added to other ingredients to make gum paste) that I had originally gone in for. See that figurine mold in the back there? That is my little secret weapon for the cake I want to make. I have a lot riding on that little mold, it better not let me down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZuVRcRp1cZZyJ_1CuXAtFCy3miiccGU-2K9CQh9f4D8jW96XHoVmgN6gsn2ht4QTWmm6LGORp09Tn8Gc1xDE-HmSf0kU6YPCwOubc8pPbk4Ug9GZau098mgWYNGWLDqq5tJU1p3kbE4/s1600/07072012+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZuVRcRp1cZZyJ_1CuXAtFCy3miiccGU-2K9CQh9f4D8jW96XHoVmgN6gsn2ht4QTWmm6LGORp09Tn8Gc1xDE-HmSf0kU6YPCwOubc8pPbk4Ug9GZau098mgWYNGWLDqq5tJU1p3kbE4/s400/07072012+122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The gum paste was a breeze to mix up and clean up was easy as well. I have read that gum paste, if stored correctly, can last up to six months. I made sure to date mine. Gum paste has to cure for 24 hours before using. Later tonight when it is cooler I will bake up the cakes and mix up my marshmallow fondant. I am going to try to make do with the cake pans I have for the body of the piece but I am thinking I might have to invest in a doll pan. I might have to make another trip to the Hobby Lobby. </div>
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<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-73138413976493623932012-07-01T00:30:00.000-07:002012-07-01T00:35:45.071-07:00The Food Break UpIt has been two full weeks and I have to admit, I haven't been perfect. I was super excited at losing seven pounds so quickly but then nothing. Not another pound. I had almost given up yesterday completely when I shoveled a sugar cookie and two fun sized candy bars down my throat...but then a funny thing happened. The crap food didn't satisfy me the way that it used to. I was looking for that satiated feeling after eating a fatty, carb filled, nothing but sugar, piece of garbage. It didn't happen. Instead my mouth rolled over each piece of chocolate as if it were a foreign object. It tasted strange, almost plastic like. The chocolate felt like it was coating my tongue like candle wax.<br />
Dammit.<br />
I had found out that my favorite foods were no longer worth it.<br />
I will miss you cheap milk chocolate. I will miss you sugar cookies (you are now far to sweet for me). I will miss you Flaming Hot Munchies. I may miss you most of all. McDonald's? I am so sorry to leave you behind. Your french fries and chicken sandwiches got me through a lot of emotional battles and for that I will forever be grateful to you for standing next to me as a fellow soldier. These goodbyes are bittersweet.<br />
A few years ago I quit smoking (for the most part). The Mr. can't stand it and it really is an immature behavior as well as being one of the worst things you can do to your body. I had dodged urges for a cigarette for months. At one point I couldn't take it, I bought a fresh pack. I indulged in a pricier brand because I told myself 'If I am stupid enough to buy these awful things then I should have to pay for it out of the wallet as well.' (I fully believe that the government should tax the sh*t out of nicotine. Hike up packs to $15 a piece. It would help the deficit and if it forced people to quit because of the price to smoke then it ends up a win-win.)<br />
I unwrapped the plastic coating and pulled back the paper surrounding the cigarettes. Each one lined up perfect, each one matched the neighbor next to it. I pulled one out and could smell the sweet earthy aroma wafting from the tip. I flicked my drugstore lighter and singed the end of it. I inhaled.<br />
It tasted gross.<br />
I inhaled again.<br />
Still gross.<br />
I repeated this process until the cigarette was nothing but the filter. I felt sick. Where was my mellow buzz? Where was that thing that takes the edge off? I had craved it so much and fantasized how it would make me feel. What a let down. All I had was stinky hair, stinky hands and a dry mouth. My head started to spin a little bit, but not in the way I had hoped. I could feel my stomach wanting to evict its tenants. I managed to keep everything down but it was an effort and now I felt awful.<br />
Cigarettes had betrayed me and now junk food had followed suit.<br />
Just like cigarettes, I am sure I will still have moments of weakness. Like that awful boyfriend during the time of bad decisions, I am sure that I will have urges that I cannot control, duck into a convenience store or run to a vending machine. I am sure I won't think twice to suck down a Butterfinger without chewing. The difference this time is that the feeling that I will be hoping for will no longer be there.<br />
Fine junk food, if that is how you want to be then I don't need you.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-67444341673553288082012-06-24T14:31:00.000-07:002012-06-24T14:31:23.739-07:00Hits and Misses: 17 Day Diet<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I have completed my first week and have said farewell to seven pounds! That is a pound a day if you need some help with the math. So far it has worked out well because I actually get to eat, I actually get to eat food! What a novel concept. All those diets that I have tried before, I should have known something wasn't right. This one is working for me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">It hasn't all been sunshine and roses this week though. While I haven't had too many cravings, I have found the hardest part for me is to make sure that I eat often enough. That and that I make sure that I eat enough protein as well. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Today I will touch base on the hits and misses that I have experienced so far this week. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">In the last post I have explained some of the misses. One being Faux Mashed Potatoes. I had done quite a bit of research to look for recipes that would hopefully make me feel like I wasn't depriving myself. And by research I mean I spent hours and hours on Pinterest, but you probably guessed that already didn't you? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I stumbled across the recipe for the for the faux mashed potatoes, read the reviews and thought that I had found what would be a staple in my diet for at least the first 17 days. I was mistaken. Now just because it was a miss for me doesn't mean that others will have the same experience. In the reviews that I had read lots of other people actually enjoyed them. For that reason I am including it here: </span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Faux Mashed Potatoes</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">(modified from <i><a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/01/better-than-potatoes-cheesy-cauliflower.html">I Breath...I'm Hungry</a></i>)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 head cauliflower</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">2 Tbls heavy cream</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 Tbls butter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">2 ounces Dubliner or other sharp cheese</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">Clean and trim the cauliflower, breaking it into medium sized pieces. Place in a microwave safe bowl with 2 Tbl of cream and 1 Tbl of butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for five minutes. Stir to coat cauliflower with cream/butter mixture. Microwave for another 4 minutes on high. Remove from the microwave and put into a high speed blender or </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w0" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-style: none none solid; bottom: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; left: auto; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; top: auto;"><span style="color: black;">food</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;"> processor along with the cheese. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the cream and butter to your preference. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">The modification that I made to this was that instead of the heavy cream and the butter I replaced both with Greek yogurt. This most likely accounts for texture of how my attempt turned out. My cauliflower was pretty grainy. I also replaced the Dubliner cheese with about four ounces of reduced fat cheddar cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I also experienced two hits. One came from the 17 Day Diet book and the other came from my own creation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Eggplant Parmesan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">(from </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">The 17 Day Diet</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 lg eggplant (peeled)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">4 egg whites</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 c. grated parmesan cheese</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">4 cloves garlic</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Spaghetti sauce (or low-carb marinara)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Pre-heat oven to 400F. Cut eggplant into 1/4" slices. Beat egg whites and 4 tablespoons of water until foamy. Dip eggplant in egg mixture, then into FF parmesan cheese, pressing cheese into eggplant. Place eggplant on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with minced garlic. Spray</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> vegetable</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">spray over the top. Bake 30 minutes, then turn and bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with sauce, bake another 20 minutes and serve.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This was amazing and turned out to be the perfect Thursday night dinner treat. This next recipe is all me and I am pretty proud of it. It really is as easy as they come. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leafy Tacos</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 pound ground turkey</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">1 pkg low sodium taco seasoning</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Bell pepper, sliced </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Red onion, sliced</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Romaine</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> leaves </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Fat free sour cream</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Fresh salsa</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Fat free shredded cheese </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Prepare turkey meat according to the directions on taco seasoning package. Remove meat from pan. In seasoning left behind from the meat add about a tablespoon water and saute bell pepper and onion. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use romaine leaves as 'taco shells' and add meat, sauteed vegetables, sour cream, salsa and cheese. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Good stuff. I was able to eat four guilt free because I didn't have to worry about the taco shells. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-40437646784724042042012-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:002012-06-21T19:27:06.099-07:00The Incredible Shrinking Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you may have guessed by the lack of posting, I am again in the working world. No more wiling away my time catatonic in front of Pinterest ('See More Pins'? It begs me. How can I not?) I have redecorated my house about a gazillion times thanks to that website, all in my head of course. And just like every other pinner out there, I have both fantasized about glorious baked goods and exercise regimens...simultaneously. Talk about setting someone up for failure...<div>
But I digress. </div>
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With this new job is the attempt at a brand new me. The Mr. spent a few weeks visiting his family in the Midwest so I took that time to reflect inward. I wanted to make some changes. One was to become more like a duck and let everything run right off me and not let myself get affected by things that I had limited control over. I have a few moments where anxiety takes over and I start to freak out but for the most part I am much more relaxed. The other was make some superficial changes. I am now a blonde thanks to Cocodoodle. I haven't figured out if they truly do have more fun but I will keep you updated. The other was to again try to battle the bulge. </div>
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Being a little plump growing up, I had been on every diet imaginable since about the age of nine. Just at the start of the year I dropped 10 pounds in 10 days doing the Master Cleanse. Not the healthiest of means to lose weight, but effective. Within 3 months the weight had gradually crept back. I overindulged quite a bit with the Mr. away and vowed to myself to be strict in my eating habits when he returned. Over the course of three weeks I melted away 10 pounds just by watching what I ate and the portions that I consumed. </div>
<div>
My new boss at my new job mentioned that he had lost 40 pounds on the 17 Day Diet. He wouldn't shut up about it. I let it go through one ear and out the other for a few weeks until a friend of mine had mentioned that it was working for her sister. I did some research and read the reviews. There wasn't a bad one out there. I bought the book and waited for its delivery. </div>
<div>
I started the diet four days ago and so far have lost five pounds. </div>
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Amazing, right? It takes a bit of work but it is doable. Let me share some of what works for me. </div>
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Planning is EVERYTHING for me! </div>
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The night before I started I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, chopping vegetables, bagging up fruit, baking hand held egg cups, making beefed up broccoli meatloaf and faux mashed potatoes. I was excited for the next day. </div>
<div>
I am not an egg fan and dressed these eggs up as much as I could. The first day I let myself believe that they were delicious, the second day they 'weren't that bad'. By the third day, I could barely look at them. The egg cups were a success, but like I said I am not that much of an egg fan. </div>
<div>
Onto the meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The meatloaf was ok. I made it with ground turkey and doubled its size by added shredded broccoli. In the end all I really tasted was the broccoli. I need to work on that recipe still. The faux mashed potatoes, in my opinion, weren't fooling anyone. Pulverized cauliflower still tastes like cauliflower to me...yuck!</div>
<div>
As long as everything is planned out it is an easy diet to stick to because you can actually eat. </div>
<div>
Tonight is Eggplant Parmigiana. Mmmmm...</div>
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<br /></div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-78028560250537780662012-03-07T11:34:00.000-08:002012-03-07T11:34:15.548-08:00SprungWith the spurts of cleaning I have gone through lately, I have to say that the feeling of spring has definitely sprung in my home. I emptied out half of my closet and donated it to the local Goodwill. A couple of days later I followed up with a second trip after I eliminated two bags of shoes and whittled my collection to only 17 pairs. No room is safe in the house because I want to get rid of everything. At least everything that I don't need or haven't touched in the last year or two.<br />
Yesterday was the day that I tackled the front room. I used another <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen7162000/">Pinterest</a> find to help me navigate my way with a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758655616/">weekly cleaning schedule</a>. I was able to manage the daily chores that were recommended in about 30 minutes, give or take. The cleaning for the living room on the other hand took me hours to finish. I am hoping that after the first week it will get easier. The only substitution I made was for Thursday. I don't have children which means I don't have a kid's bathroom. I subbed this day out for the office and spare bedroom and will pretty much follow the guidelines for the living room and master bedroom.<br />
With the front of the house clean, I decided that it needed just one more touch. I headed out to Trader Joe's and picked up a bunch of flowers. Can you believe that this gorgeous bouquet only cost me $9.99?<br />
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Last night I took on another project from Pinterest. I made a spring wreath. I had debated on making a St. Patrick's Day wreath, since it is my favorite holiday (I have no idea why but I look forward to it every year) but decided to go with a longer lasting spring wreath instead. I know that it isn't officially spring yet but in California with its temperate weather it might as well be. I used a couple of ideas learned from the pins I had saved. First up, because I am a cheapie, I made my foam wreath (found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758167085/">HERE</a>) instead of forking out for the high price I saw it for at the local craft store. I took it one step further and took a wire hanger from the dry cleaners and stuffed it in the middle of the foam to reinforce it. I found out the hard way when the last wreath I made ended up more oblong than round. Next I followed <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758664761/">THIS</a> tutorial. Instead of using a flower garland I used inexpensive fake flowers I found for 50% off at the Hobby Lobby and stuck pins with yellow heads through them to attach to the wreath. I was very happy with the results (although I still struggle making bows, grr...).</div>
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<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-31004787447692630462012-03-05T11:38:00.000-08:002012-03-05T11:41:20.210-08:00Mrs. Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(What I used to think...I am starting to change my opinion.)</i></div>
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One of the little spats the Mr. and I get into repeatedly is over housework. Who should do it? How clean should the house be at all times? How much does our working schedule play into how much time each of us spends on keeping things tidy? That sort of thing.<br />
<div>
He likes things military clean, I on the other hand don't mind the mess. If you ask my parents or any of my former roommates, my living spaces might have been a little...hmm...what's the right word? Scattered. Yes, that term will do nicely, thank you. </div>
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I am not a disgustingly messy person by any means and as much as the Mr. likes to make the comparison to me and a person that we might see on Hoarders ('See? They have boxes of yarn throughout the house that they won't get rid, just like you babe.') I am in no way unsanitary. Besides, we BOTH make the mess. His expectation is that I be the primary one to clean it up. </div>
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I used to take his reasoning as some barbaric, outdated, sexist, 1950s nonsense. Now that I am the housewife, I really don't have any recourse. After being the housewife for a whole week and attempting to keep the house spic and span I have to say, I really don't mind it. It gives me something to do during the day and it gives me something to plan out before I go to sleep at night. What really excites me about taking on these new domestic duties is that I can finally start putting all those pins in <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen7162000/">Pinterest</a> to use. I have a board completely committed to <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen7162000/tips-for-the-home/">'Tips for the Home'</a>. I thought I would try some out over the weekend. I want to share with you what worked for me and what gave me only so-so results. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I gathered the needed ingredients: </div>
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Dawn Dish Soap (apparently Dawn is the answer to everything according to Pinterest, but it has to be Dawn)</div>
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Hydrogen Peroxide</div>
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White Vinegar</div>
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Baking Soda</div>
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Vanilla Extract</div>
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<br /></div>
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The DIY cleaners I made with those ingredients were: </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758655268/">Shower Cleaner</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758191720/">Drain Cleaner</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758232726/">Stain Remover</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66005950758190670/">Microwave Cleaner</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's start with the microwave cleaner. It was very, very simple.</div>
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Mix 2 cups water with 1 tsp vanilla extract. Heat on high in the microwave for 5 minutes. Wipe down microwave with a clean dishcloth. </div>
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This method in the end worked well. It wasn't as simple as wiping the microwave down when done, it did take a little bit of elbow grease but I had a spotless microwave in the end without having to use any sort or soap or other chemical cleaner. I give this tip a B+. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For the drain cleaner, again another simple solution. </div>
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Pour 3/4 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour 1/2 cup white vinegar into the drain. Immediately cover (I used a plate) and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove cover and run hot water down drain for 2-3 minutes after. </div>
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This cleaner worked perfectly, I could not have been happier with the results. I give it an A. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The shower cleaner I am 50/50 on. </div>
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Mix equal parts Dawn with white vinegar that has been heated up. Fill up spray bottle with solution. Spray desired area. Let sit for 30 minutes and then wash clean. </div>
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Let me tell you what it worked well on: </div>
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The shower grout and tile. </div>
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Let me tell you what it did not work well on: </div>
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The toilet</div>
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The shower floor</div>
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The shower seats</div>
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Saying that it worked well on the shower grout and tile is a little of an overstatement. Let's just say that it worked. My grade on this one, C-. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Last we come to the stain remover. I save this one for last because I used it last. I wasn't sure I would need it at all but thanks to the Pup's late night upset tummy, I found my opportunity. </div>
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Mix 1 part Dawn and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Fill spray bottle with solution. Spray on affected area, let sit at least 10 minutes (I opted for 30). Scrub area with water, pat dry. Repeat until suds stop appearing when scrubbed. </div>
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For me, this worked faster than the chemical cleaners I used before. It was a little bit time consuming but in the end I was very happy with the results. A-.<br />
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There you have it. Some were great and some were just so-so. I have a couple more tips I would like to try and about a gazillion other things on Pinterest that I would like to attempt. Stay tuned and I will try post updates and reviews. </div>
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<br /></div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-9600132043556868532012-03-04T17:41:00.000-08:002012-03-04T17:42:21.605-08:00Sensing Sunday: March 4, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Hearing</b>: A little Bob Marley, 'I Can See Clearly Now'<br />
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<b>Seeing</b>: The Mr. channel surfing in the other room.<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: Dolce and Gabbana, Light Blue.<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: An ice cold Heineken...perfect for this unbelievably beautiful weather.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Tired but relaxed. I never seem to fully recuperate after the 6 miles I walk with my dad every Sunday, neither does the Pup. Getting my second wind anticipating my husband grilling ribs for dinner tonight though. The end of this week could have been completely different considering all that the Mr. and I faced in the last seven days but I am glad that it ended with such a lovely day.<br />
<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-53641025291566063612012-01-01T12:31:00.000-08:002012-01-01T12:32:00.401-08:00Sensing Sunday: January 1, 2012<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Just realized that it is Sunday as well. Let's try this again, shall we....</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Hearing</b>: The One That Got Away-Katy Perry</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="192" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gK5JD_zGi8U?rel=0" width="320"></iframe>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></center></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Seeing</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">: Some show on the History Channel that the Mr. is watching behind me on his brand new humongous television, a 50 inch plasma. I have to do a double take every time I walk past it because I haven't gotten over the ridiculousness of it yet. Good grief....</span></div>
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Smelling</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">: The self tanner I applied on my legs and arms. </span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Tasting</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">: The coffee I had this morning....gross. As soon as I am done here I am brushing my teeth. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Feeling</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">: Still a little worn out from being so sick yesterday but much better than I was. </span>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-92038266581584688422012-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:002012-01-01T11:48:59.556-08:00Be the Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Here we are again....<br />
<br />
It being the new year and resolutions being foremost in mind, I have decided I will not make empty promises about updating this blog. I swear I am starting to sound like a broken record. I am hoping to update more consistently but until the day where I get paid for these little ramblings, I can make no promise to do so on a regular basis.<br />
Ok, now that we have got that out of the way.....<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
I believe this is the first year that I have not thought long and hard about resolutions. Most years I sit down at least a week prior to the new year editing my list to ten things I feel I might be able to tackle. Most years I am able to say that I have accomplished at least one thing on that list. I figure I would just carry over any resolutions I made last year but didn't fulfill and only add one more to the bunch. The one that I want to make this year is a little vague but easy to keep in mind on a daily basis.<br />
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<b>This year I want to be the best I can be.</b><br />
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More specifically I want to:<br />
<br />
Be the healthiest I can be.<br />
Be the best looking I can be.<br />
Be the best wife that I can be.<br />
Be the best friend that I can be.<br />
Be the best employee I can be.<br />
Be the best Christian I can be.<br />
Be the best daughter I can be.<br />
<br />
and if given the chance this year....<br />
<br />
Be the best mother I can be.<br />
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I started this morning by shaving my legs....already off to a great start.<br />
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Here's to the hopefulness of 2012! Can't wait to see what it brings.<br />
<br />
<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-24158918391712125602011-11-03T23:25:00.000-07:002011-11-03T23:25:33.927-07:00Giving Thanks: Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">'Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.'--</span>Hebrews 10:35-36<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #625529; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></i></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Day 3: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today I am thankful for my age. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Funny thing to be thankful for, right? I am 32. I have learned quite a bit in my 32 years on this planet. With this wisdom comes a confidence that I wish I had 10 years ago. I didn't necessarily have awkward teen years (because really those are all a blur) but I could have really used the wisdom in my 20s. I look back on that time and am so glad that I am 32 today and not 22, I even look and feel better physically now than I did then. With some of the idiotic things I did when I was younger (sorry mom, hope you're not reading this and if you are just remember how great I turned out), I am surprised that I can stand here today as an independant, highly functioning adult. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Although I do miss the faster metabolism of my youth...20s you can keep it. I like myself too much now to go back and retrieve it. </span><br />
<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-91995410271241379332011-11-02T22:15:00.000-07:002011-11-03T18:41:17.068-07:00Giving Thanks: Day One and Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLq36SHpyFU-nm6o0H4qVF84Q2uBPzVuaZJZULh3z4oRdQkqnHd0CWOkn5imm2oDC_Vd1zVRm6HfrA1b6sj1qfrWnXQ-bScfsKfSiSOLsgJMN89jNBhJ7kHQyiYikHeH0GSnEAYxXqn4/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLq36SHpyFU-nm6o0H4qVF84Q2uBPzVuaZJZULh3z4oRdQkqnHd0CWOkn5imm2oDC_Vd1zVRm6HfrA1b6sj1qfrWnXQ-bScfsKfSiSOLsgJMN89jNBhJ7kHQyiYikHeH0GSnEAYxXqn4/s400/sleeping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.'--</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Life has been busy for me. This has to be pretty obvious because I keep promising to update more often and then don't post for a month or two. Hoping to correct this, I am taking on the '30 Days of Thanks' challenge. The month of November is the perfect time to take this task on so here goes days one and two: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Day One: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am thankful to get a paycheck. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know that money isn't everything but in this day and age I feel extremely lucky to have a job to go to 5 days a week. I work hard and put in lots of hours after work but there are so many in this country and in my local community that struggle to get a job and have carried on that struggle for years. Which brings me to day two....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Day Two: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am thankful that the Mr. has a job. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't talked about it too much (if at all) in the blog but the past few years have definitely been both the sour and the sweet. My husband has always been a very hard worker and has always taken tremendous pride in the work that he did. He worked in construction, with the same company for 11 years. He was awarded 'Apprentice of the Year' right before we met. He worked his way from apprentice to General Foreman in no time at all and was responsible for huge projects. He worked for a company that built schools so when (around the time we were planning our wedding) we heard rumblings that construction was on a downward spiral in our community and that the housing market was imploding, we were worried but thought that we were safe. The Mr. built schools not houses or commercial buildings, schools. There was always going to be a need for schools...or so we thought. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In a years time my husband would be out of a job. The last school that he worked so hard on, a state of the art brand new high school, didn't open on its scheduled date. The city couldn't afford to enroll students into the school so it sat dormant for almost 2 years. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The next few years were a very trying time for us. The Mr. was used to succeeding in a career that he loved to do. That career was no longer an option for him. It came at a time when we were just starting a new chapter in our lives, we were newlyweds. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When something like that happens it starts to feel like that movie 'Groundhog Day'. You wake up everyday without a sense of direction because you are still hesitant to start really planning your future. Everyday is the same and you think it will end soon but then weeks turn into months and months turn into years. It truly tests the bonds of marriage because both of you are struggling to be the people that you promised you would be to each other. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When you get through all of this, and dust from the storm settles, you look over and the one standing next to you is the one that stood next to you on the most important day of your life...you feel absolutely empowered. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Mr. is working now and working hard. He has found a great job with a long standing company 10 minutes away from home. He is working 60 hours a week and never complains. We are finding our footing again and for that I am thankful. </span>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-46764050092330024702011-09-18T17:13:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:16:03.287-07:00Sensing Sunday: September 18, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucukP1RFLTve4QH4hG30tZQS_wlgoSiXgG34hZ8DJGSiU5n-F2Zh5_ExEJjPwh2mbgDh9IxtI31C3h4MHknnvXRP8SlqJEtB-JBhax9nG5XNEiJ5VhRu1wUwe6SzBflp8kBE1oYddnE/s1600/driving460.130120409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucukP1RFLTve4QH4hG30tZQS_wlgoSiXgG34hZ8DJGSiU5n-F2Zh5_ExEJjPwh2mbgDh9IxtI31C3h4MHknnvXRP8SlqJEtB-JBhax9nG5XNEiJ5VhRu1wUwe6SzBflp8kBE1oYddnE/s400/driving460.130120409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What I am:<br />
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<b>Hearing</b>: Heading up to the hills today, this came on over the radio. Of course I turned it up.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U3sMjm9Eloo" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<b>Seeing</b>: Although '<i>Citizen Kane</i>' is just starting on the television behind me, as soon as I finish this post I am going to watch '<i>The Company Man</i>'<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: The perfume that I created at the boutique event at my friend's salon. It has hints of vanilla, white tea, persimmon and pink peony. I love it. It makes me feel sassy.<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: A slightly chilled glass of sweet red wine. Or I will be in about five minutes.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Finally creative again. As you can see there was quite the lull in posts over the summer but I feel I am getting my groove back. This weekend I baked, crocheted and went on a little adventure. More on that soon....<br />
<br />Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-54564798078922246662011-07-11T00:25:00.000-07:002011-07-11T00:25:35.052-07:00Sensing Sunday: July 10, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiQW4U1fZIk9_bXyteZ1AUK722s6EC6np6y1kuOcuGlLEYpIOlGSwF0HwavSDCYRcfo7eey3KamNeaHbQcTvrF7cksup4wxkzYQjNGM97FZF4SLBssnoC0DeHdUBpseKY0_HjXK1fzzE/s1600/vintage-hanes-womens-stockings-ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiQW4U1fZIk9_bXyteZ1AUK722s6EC6np6y1kuOcuGlLEYpIOlGSwF0HwavSDCYRcfo7eey3KamNeaHbQcTvrF7cksup4wxkzYQjNGM97FZF4SLBssnoC0DeHdUBpseKY0_HjXK1fzzE/s400/vintage-hanes-womens-stockings-ad.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<i>'Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.' --Mary Schmich</i></div>
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<b>Hearing</b>: After lounging in the pool on Saturday listening to the oldies station, I have had the Beatles in my head all weekend.<br />
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<b>Seeing</b>: 'Jerseylicious'. Don't judge, its close to midnight. What else am I supposed to have on in the background at this hour?<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: Pecan and chocolate chip cookies. I have to make sure to get them out of the house as soon as I can. I think I might take the leftovers to work.<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: A glass of organic pink lemonade from Trader Joe's.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Accomplished. I walked away from the dreaded social networking for a week and I have finished 2 books ('<i>The Paris Wife</i>', soooo good which led me to '<i>The Dangerous Summer</i>' where I spent half the week in the summer of 1959 in Spain. As traumatizing as bullfighting is, I have a new appreciation for it.), I got a tan, lost a couple of pounds, made dinner a few times this week, maintained some household chores and got a raise at work. Here's hoping I can continue to keep my superfluous internetting to a minimum.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-85694746944670843812011-06-28T22:57:00.000-07:002011-06-28T22:57:39.944-07:00One Man ShowThis week I look at things with a different set of eyes.<br />
When I was a little girl my cousin had a friend that was our age. My aunt stayed home and would often watch my brother and I while my mom worked. She would sometimes watch my cousin's friend as well. As little girls we would color in coloring books with chipped crayons. The three of us coveted the Barbie coloring book. My cousin and I each had one. When one favorite page was colored, there was always the duplicate in the other book. Of course we played dolls, make-believe, on the swing set and dress up but it is that coloring book that I remember most.<br />
One day at my cousin's, I remember a hushed conversation between the adults.<br />
"I can't believe she's gone, and the kids too..."<br />
I didn't understand it at the time. I didn't understand what death was. I didn't understand how a child could die.<br />
A car accident.<br />
My cousin and I were told that our playmate was gone, and she wasn't coming back. I couldn't understand because she was in my coloring book. The pinks, the greens. the lavender scribbles...all above where she scratched out her name with the apprehensive staccato of a schoolgirl.<br />
Jessica.<br />
Her name was still in my coloring book. I couldn't understand that she wasn't coming back. I kept that coloring book for years and would find it every once in a while as I was growing up. Sometimes I would forget why I still had it but after thumbing through it I would remember. I would feel the same confusion I had as a little girl. No matter how much I had aged, I still couldn't understand. Her name was still in my coloring book.<br />
I feel that way again this week. This week a young mother, who I only casually know but is very close to a good friend of mine, was in a horrible car accident. She had her two year old and her four year old in the car with her. Her two year old, although badly hurt, will grow up in her mother's arms. Her four year now rests in the arms of God. She is in the hospital suffering from major physical injuries. Over time she will heal from these injuries but will be emotionally wrecked for life.<br />
I don't understand it. I have seen people that I love leave this world too early and suddenly without warning. Although painful, over time I could at least try to rationalize it. I could try to understand. A child, I cannot. I can't even let myself try.<br />
One thing I have learned this week, is that I am not a one man show. No one is. I cannot only rely on myself because the way I live my life affects others. There are people that care for me and love me. I care for an love others. Sometimes I take that for granted. It is easy to let 'I love you' wander from the lips. Don't let it wander without direction. Don't say it without thought. Show it to those you love, show it every day. Accept it as well. One never knows what length of the thread of life has been spun for any soul. A person, no matter how much love is given or received, may be gone without warning. Everyday must be treated as a gift, lived to its fullest potential.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-75826837930112065442011-06-26T22:28:00.000-07:002011-06-26T22:28:16.907-07:00Party On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZqiaX3-oH34Jaopdj6P-5N8WIc91CAxgIoh__xOzF4Ni-mG2QdmvRK5JoTUoFpkXBkU-m6KZ4v-CE3yxA26bmAZuQAqJTQDV8y7Zi2xVizIUIwgpmueT_gHYmIlsXaJnYFTyrrRo8Jg/s1600/cf_3small-550x825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZqiaX3-oH34Jaopdj6P-5N8WIc91CAxgIoh__xOzF4Ni-mG2QdmvRK5JoTUoFpkXBkU-m6KZ4v-CE3yxA26bmAZuQAqJTQDV8y7Zi2xVizIUIwgpmueT_gHYmIlsXaJnYFTyrrRo8Jg/s400/cf_3small-550x825.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I love this County Fair themed party</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div>Because I make cakes, I find myself growing obsessive about party planning. I get these wild ideas but have no children yet and no real reason to execute them. Instead they linger and stew around in my head. This little problem becomes worse when I end up blog stalking. I came across the following blogs and am inspired.<br />
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My first favorite, <a href="http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/">Party Perfect</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbE0wUeSgs1NhH2OfvKIlBebeAwLUdcDirFCHNq2a0zMKF626MHI_BryjvFqUyI9U8AA7qsLEVJWl0YYeOo1NilnB-prvzAUtjL4fIXu5VqeO4d5PlWRIQ0GL1BLxTeLxmFJrAjNezcY/s1600/6a00d83452951869e2014e88309de2970d-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbE0wUeSgs1NhH2OfvKIlBebeAwLUdcDirFCHNq2a0zMKF626MHI_BryjvFqUyI9U8AA7qsLEVJWl0YYeOo1NilnB-prvzAUtjL4fIXu5VqeO4d5PlWRIQ0GL1BLxTeLxmFJrAjNezcY/s400/6a00d83452951869e2014e88309de2970d-800wi.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://thompsonfamily.typepad.com/thompson_familylife/2011/05/why-its-been-quiet-around-here.html">The Thompson Family</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/">One Charming Party</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vgm6uNzjtLXj4kUB08lgrHrsZfDRaLGZi4uyd_K6sTeIbXFDiRzPiITGMz3qpzTN0PvRkNUILXPq5cqkeSwHnKqwNW-XQHPTgTrX5OztE3Fa5EfzZY2u2GJZRWoZ0EUFOFgcDkWGW0s/s1600/cf_5ringtoss-550x825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vgm6uNzjtLXj4kUB08lgrHrsZfDRaLGZi4uyd_K6sTeIbXFDiRzPiITGMz3qpzTN0PvRkNUILXPq5cqkeSwHnKqwNW-XQHPTgTrX5OztE3Fa5EfzZY2u2GJZRWoZ0EUFOFgcDkWGW0s/s400/cf_5ringtoss-550x825.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/">Hostess with the Mostess</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9-IRW_F69VvkeG0yVmwjYCJKRVBL4Bc1GxSHzUb54UW4xOAr6jYhSrmRVbO4TMh8LqUhfKB3UxUORm8KZQxgU5GJoExuqQXeW9KHQoj2cBzj6fNBz6UmLOoZ4-gBfnKdenplT4tej58/s1600/yellowandgray_desserttable_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9-IRW_F69VvkeG0yVmwjYCJKRVBL4Bc1GxSHzUb54UW4xOAr6jYhSrmRVbO4TMh8LqUhfKB3UxUORm8KZQxgU5GJoExuqQXeW9KHQoj2cBzj6fNBz6UmLOoZ4-gBfnKdenplT4tej58/s400/yellowandgray_desserttable_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-26853084195462581882011-06-26T22:05:00.000-07:002011-06-26T22:05:16.815-07:00Sensing Sunday: June 26, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw0DOWJN2IwyClKA4p3XWstuhkV1_4rDJ2iUX5ANJ9qW3djG7ZGP2h_TU_lyd6deNYhNpi70lk2akg6Nq_vQbOthH9SmmItcZ6VDZQPEzbK0TJWLCPOqiptD05BLb9EnXh8moIb9_GK4/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw0DOWJN2IwyClKA4p3XWstuhkV1_4rDJ2iUX5ANJ9qW3djG7ZGP2h_TU_lyd6deNYhNpi70lk2akg6Nq_vQbOthH9SmmItcZ6VDZQPEzbK0TJWLCPOqiptD05BLb9EnXh8moIb9_GK4/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My little weekend project....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><b>Hearing</b>: 'Feels Like Home'-Chantal Kreviazuk<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="334" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t-ouxPhYy7Y" width="406"></iframe></div><br />
<b>Seeing:</b> 'Marley and Me' on the television behind me. I read the book on our honeymoon cruise and made the mistake of reading the last few chapters while lounging on a deck chair in the middle of hundreds of strangers. I ended up trying to hide the sobbing behind a pair of over-sized sunglasses. At least I was among strangers and never had to face those confused people again.<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: The collection of candles I have lit on the mantle.<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: Ice cold water. I feel completely dehydrated this weekend and this water is really the only cure.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Kinda sluggish. After the marathon baking session on Friday night/ Saturday morning; weekend yard selling; Saturday afternoon cocktails poolside (that went into the wee hours of Sunday morning), and walking the dogs with dad a handful of hours later, I laid down for what turned into a six hour nap. Now I am awake when I should be winding down for bed. Instead I am up trying not to think of the insane work week in front of me.<br />
Hope everyone had a very happy weekend!Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-61593681236616636412011-06-11T10:31:00.000-07:002011-06-11T10:31:18.763-07:00Lazy Saturday Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5H2cTvjzEaKEUBccjcCEL9JgBnYDjVKUzA6CFwz9aPWgwH5RMSBqDyckDMa67TZGkH6pOOkf91GxUJZck-ypIIzXMKA_BI2sAskrBD3VCzFjlG1oFt1Y8RU6UeZhyphenhyphenngcjcw8D7Vj3Z0/s1600/11515Drink-Coffee-Poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5H2cTvjzEaKEUBccjcCEL9JgBnYDjVKUzA6CFwz9aPWgwH5RMSBqDyckDMa67TZGkH6pOOkf91GxUJZck-ypIIzXMKA_BI2sAskrBD3VCzFjlG1oFt1Y8RU6UeZhyphenhyphenngcjcw8D7Vj3Z0/s400/11515Drink-Coffee-Poster1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This morning (because I didn't have a cake order to fret about) I was able to sit down, relax with a cup of my favorite coffee from the Blue Bottle Coffee Co., and tool around the internet catching up on some of my favorite blogs.<br />
Here's the recap....<br />
From <i><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Cup of Joe</a></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QLL5riHHMN2hSSOqkQXZzdCVYORMIXjy4nm81Hat0o3DBWkX6unWdlgk8xjrE52pe_LrPQCQK4E4BPSG1g1T9GfT4k_VrzsbklGg_CsYscbCxybFxpmpsNoW1n-cJom9gva6M8xXq50/s1600/lego-falling-water.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QLL5riHHMN2hSSOqkQXZzdCVYORMIXjy4nm81Hat0o3DBWkX6unWdlgk8xjrE52pe_LrPQCQK4E4BPSG1g1T9GfT4k_VrzsbklGg_CsYscbCxybFxpmpsNoW1n-cJom9gva6M8xXq50/s400/lego-falling-water.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IXYSGO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=acoj-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B002IXYSGO" target="_blank">Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water ala LEGO</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUmpUfvnKaG-krBBPhA40sPClF8bigT8ft4MJaEM6ks_Iqi94_f9cWNy_fQpYhyxmssMyMNgZjyeYL_-sdW4hvEcE-PFYyqcBPpHWgd5jDwbqolwV7jPAKdZ4FhIvZ_DDBSqdnhDFc6k/s1600/31ikhOrLhZL._AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUmpUfvnKaG-krBBPhA40sPClF8bigT8ft4MJaEM6ks_Iqi94_f9cWNy_fQpYhyxmssMyMNgZjyeYL_-sdW4hvEcE-PFYyqcBPpHWgd5jDwbqolwV7jPAKdZ4FhIvZ_DDBSqdnhDFc6k/s400/31ikhOrLhZL._AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Browne-Co-Cuisipro-Snap-Robot/dp/B004U5DVUC/ref=pd_sim_k_3" target="_blank">Sandcastle Popscicle Molds</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_Fbc8Oe5dfPj9jROdsSo8ZA4pgtJT8BBuTxH2VZ1RG7jee94kZVHbsNwrLuf2h375GnQysVZn9O_2TjvXSXlUdy5qExYBWl44kDz1DvAr12IZbKP86jq03QcODM7gwi27d_YnH6Wen4/s1600/img_transparent_canoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_Fbc8Oe5dfPj9jROdsSo8ZA4pgtJT8BBuTxH2VZ1RG7jee94kZVHbsNwrLuf2h375GnQysVZn9O_2TjvXSXlUdy5qExYBWl44kDz1DvAr12IZbKP86jq03QcODM7gwi27d_YnH6Wen4/s400/img_transparent_canoe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/sports/water-sports/transparent-kayak/" target="_blank">Transparent Kayak</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From <i><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/" target="_blank">Our Best Bites</a>:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToLHv891sAV50DoQYg8EGvWZBUEKoYmdmXavEOnKVZVgbBKkJLZ710kBAOkCkoGr-RaM_Gok7C-G3OGJcZsdG5er_oYF8BQI5kwOmdDdAEYuAUIwcwwOHj4NhzQKN4ZwvrR38kZQwYPE/s1600/P1020520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToLHv891sAV50DoQYg8EGvWZBUEKoYmdmXavEOnKVZVgbBKkJLZ710kBAOkCkoGr-RaM_Gok7C-G3OGJcZsdG5er_oYF8BQI5kwOmdDdAEYuAUIwcwwOHj4NhzQKN4ZwvrR38kZQwYPE/s400/P1020520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/10/brown-paper-bag-microwave-popcorn/" target="_blank">Brown Paper Bag Popcorn</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCmPHesI1vI6s-KeC8onDHfh9MtweRHTusUMuXCmc1KvA2OZMXNl6PMowEt3fudHblzrYKa_VbQCVkzqoDH0ugj6HUiAbBYrdLdNYcRIjeuOxBH34K8yRdsjhkFYT4oEwuaZsgPIlHkQ/s1600/strawberry+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCmPHesI1vI6s-KeC8onDHfh9MtweRHTusUMuXCmc1KvA2OZMXNl6PMowEt3fudHblzrYKa_VbQCVkzqoDH0ugj6HUiAbBYrdLdNYcRIjeuOxBH34K8yRdsjhkFYT4oEwuaZsgPIlHkQ/s400/strawberry+sauce.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/05/strawberry-sauce/" target="_blank">Strawberry Sauce</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUc7rH-wvNz0TgEt4zl7kj6XU17Piu_SJmjm1Zdi-2xmoi-xG6dDWnaLyNZGvqZIg3sxfKhEnGWfbneG-8_E2YePKwgb4jJUs-VoS_2mWuZ6cb3lfAzjMA_-okZ7RCF5lwdeRV1WWDHI/s1600/IMG_1380-e1305550014549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUc7rH-wvNz0TgEt4zl7kj6XU17Piu_SJmjm1Zdi-2xmoi-xG6dDWnaLyNZGvqZIg3sxfKhEnGWfbneG-8_E2YePKwgb4jJUs-VoS_2mWuZ6cb3lfAzjMA_-okZ7RCF5lwdeRV1WWDHI/s400/IMG_1380-e1305550014549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/carrot-cake-supreme/" target="_blank">Carrot Cake</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and from <i><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi6VVRt5OrWmtAbe54dHKsfAX2_CSUfEwLtUgiAnsYqhunUys1xesAFDzxNcO3E67ojgZhk-pfAqQHcXzITKd2v-ddsdhQnHcAbdWyQnY27Dn5avO496BFAuVphy81kMQW2izHZ24OpQ/s1600/classic-centerpiece-sum11mwd107101_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi6VVRt5OrWmtAbe54dHKsfAX2_CSUfEwLtUgiAnsYqhunUys1xesAFDzxNcO3E67ojgZhk-pfAqQHcXzITKd2v-ddsdhQnHcAbdWyQnY27Dn5avO496BFAuVphy81kMQW2izHZ24OpQ/s400/classic-centerpiece-sum11mwd107101_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/budget-wedding-flower-ideas?lpgStart=1&currentslide=2&currentChapter=1" target="_blank">DIY Wedding Centerpieces</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikML1EkZ5qbYj_xKRiz1_yArFbLwiTVDMzTYgUgpVlUCA4a_Xb2xYWvBoYRcPdfDf_SkF3k-ETV-ySH0FQ8Q4PIb1CN6XatKzKmedAhVK5ly9_OiZGtmgP12c6ZtPd3ajgdoYtjkQEDEA/s1600/bowl-centerpiece-sum11mwd107101_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikML1EkZ5qbYj_xKRiz1_yArFbLwiTVDMzTYgUgpVlUCA4a_Xb2xYWvBoYRcPdfDf_SkF3k-ETV-ySH0FQ8Q4PIb1CN6XatKzKmedAhVK5ly9_OiZGtmgP12c6ZtPd3ajgdoYtjkQEDEA/s400/bowl-centerpiece-sum11mwd107101_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/budget-wedding-flower-ideas?lpgStart=1&currentslide=4&currentChapter=1" target="_blank">More Centerpieces</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7rRvLIM75b_4miR9G5507w8fnwagjY_mhS8YBuJjezMOB9wzR5bdLzrY3OjKNwu5FM42QH3lU9gGcYQ-2Zd81DWskNcF77PyNZ-KO1ZAfFWNGvhyqh4arX0qYPH1QCdoLgYCnemmWuA/s1600/book-cards-bookmark-0511mld106104_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7rRvLIM75b_4miR9G5507w8fnwagjY_mhS8YBuJjezMOB9wzR5bdLzrY3OjKNwu5FM42QH3lU9gGcYQ-2Zd81DWskNcF77PyNZ-KO1ZAfFWNGvhyqh4arX0qYPH1QCdoLgYCnemmWuA/s400/book-cards-bookmark-0511mld106104_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/a-book-themed-baby-shower#slide_1" target="_blank">Book Themed Baby Shower</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</i>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-82368654915545037022011-05-29T16:27:00.000-07:002011-05-29T16:42:34.494-07:00The Versatile Blogger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EA2nUKt-zsX24JYWOVkovqHJwfWVoXGwHVvBx0DTfqAUXtWp-ddg348cmPLktcvmt6BpxaGdH86DjumncuUYj7f8GEM_EvmrucCsTmevCI5b0h8wyWXBPy33IYnaPtTjFYodXyl1joQ/s1600/versatile_blogger_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EA2nUKt-zsX24JYWOVkovqHJwfWVoXGwHVvBx0DTfqAUXtWp-ddg348cmPLktcvmt6BpxaGdH86DjumncuUYj7f8GEM_EvmrucCsTmevCI5b0h8wyWXBPy33IYnaPtTjFYodXyl1joQ/s1600/versatile_blogger_award.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>("You like me! You REALLY like me!"-Sally Fields)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days ago I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by my dear (real life) friend, Ellen. She also happens to write the AMAZING blog, <a href="http://durrerce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life on a Real California Dairy Farm</a>. If you already haven't done so, you should definitely check it out. She writes about her life as a dairy wife and mom. This is something near and dear to me since so many of my friends make their living in the mud and the dirt, at the crack of dawn until way after the sun sets, every day of the year, through rain and 100+ degree days, providing food for (not only myself and my immediate community) but the rest of the world. I am so honored to have received this award and it is a reminder that there are other people out there in Bloggerville that, not only take the time to read my lil ramblings, actually enjoy them enough to call me out. My cup runneth over! Thanks again Ellen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With this award comes a great responsibility. It is my privilage to pass it on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rules that come with this award are to thank the person who gave it to you, link back to their blog, and pass it along to other deserving bloggers. Then, you must reveal seven things about yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All winners in my book...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://kendramarie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Writer</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pandaeraser.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Panda Eraser</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://redhestia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Hestia</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I rarely pass up an opportunity to talk about myself (as you have seen <a href="http://jennifertonick.blogspot.com/2010/08/25-little-things-about-me.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://jennifertonick.blogspot.com/2011/01/picture-this-day-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Lets see if I can offer up any new information:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>1. I have an entire shelf in my bookcase dedicated to all things Martha Stewart. The collection includes several cookbooks, craft books, holiday specific books and about two years of <i>Martha Stewart Living</i> (if not more). I also have years of <i>Martha Stewart Weddings</i> and a coveted <i>Martha Stewart Baby</i> from Spring 2001. To my knowledge, it is the only issue ever published of <i>Baby</i> but I would LOVE to see it come back. I adore every thing in that issue. Yes, I am obsessed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. I am extremely anxious and terrified of what will happen with <a href="http://jennifertonick.blogspot.com/2011/05/sweet-temper-baking.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweet Temper Baking</i></a>. I am terrified of its potential failure. I may be more terrified at its potential success. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. I get ridiculously, grandiose ideas. I have recently determined that it is hereditary. My mother AND grandmother do the same. My mother and I will call each other with the latest hair-brained scheme and spend the next hour and a half on the phone completely dissecting it to figure out how we can make it a reality. Once that is done, the idea seems to pass before it ever comes to fruition. It drives the Mr. absolutely insane. I think he is figuring it out though. I think he realizes that this is just how my mum and I communicate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>4. The latest idea? It has been in my head the last few weeks to figure out how to purchase an inexpensive home in the foothills to make into our family vacation home. My theory is why wait if it might be manageable now? This idea will probably last all summer at least, then onto the next. (A couple of years ago I was trying to figure out how the Mr. and I could manage a 'live aboard' lifestyle on a boat docked in the Bay).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. I had something a little too honest written out for this one but decided against it. What I was going to rant on about was something that I am guilty of doing as well. I didn't want to sound hypocritical so I left it out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Ok, ok, here goes. Sometimes I get so restless that I could scream! I don't know if its this town, or if it is indicative to women my age but its something that just drives me bonkers. It is this whole 'Stepford Wife' mentality. Its this image of a picture perfect life. All the play dates, perfect birthday parties, half birthday parties, 'Which formula do YOU use?' 'Oh I would never! I only breast feed', pedicures, weekend getaways, 'my husband grilled this tonight for dinner' or 'I made that tonight for dessert', taking the boat out for the first time this summer, and so on and so on. I brag about and attempt these things everyday as well (did you expect the complete 180 to come so soon after I shared my love for all things Martha? lol) but when I really start to think about it, who am I really trying to impress? When did it become a competition to just LIVE? I like to make things look pretty and perfect and we all have things that we are strong at and things we admire in others, but when did this admiration turn into envy? When did it become 'Look at what she did! Pffft...I know I can do better than that.' instead of 'Wow, she did such a great job. I am so proud to be her friend'? I know if I feel this way that some of my other peers feel this way too. Why, as women are we always trying to one up each other? Why can't we just be honest with each other without feeling as if we were we would be fodder for idle gossip later?</div>Hmmm... still thinking I probably shouldn't have 'revealed' so much.<br />
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7. I love to read and it has helped me through many hurdles in life. I should turn to the Bible more for help but I don't (I do listen for God to speak to me and rely on our 'conversations' to guide me through life though). I make the joke often that I read 'The Rules' and tried them on the first man that I met afterwards to see if they worked. That man was the Mr. I have recently started another book that I am hoping will be the punchline for another huge life decision. I don't want to say too much more on that, but look for that book review hopefully sooner than later. I know that this final revelation might have been a tad vague (ok, HUGELY vague). Sorry about that.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was my seven things. You might have thought I was drunk or high when writing those out but I assure you I wasn't. Just perhaps a little too revealing. </div>Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-27754970842557443692011-05-18T00:15:00.000-07:002011-05-18T00:35:27.851-07:00How NOT to waste a day in the Valley....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r-ZGEKOBVW_4kYq5bGbDyCSoAKDWi425qqLawnqYnAzq4gZBK_ZDRCL-Mfyk4XCYSajHw4HfIpuHr9Jw6GUu-HWGacbtG-4lHgllwpgn7AepR39GkjzEFqg5B0owEQFjoby-7G64Uz0/s1600/one+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r-ZGEKOBVW_4kYq5bGbDyCSoAKDWi425qqLawnqYnAzq4gZBK_ZDRCL-Mfyk4XCYSajHw4HfIpuHr9Jw6GUu-HWGacbtG-4lHgllwpgn7AepR39GkjzEFqg5B0owEQFjoby-7G64Uz0/s400/one+man.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Pretty much...)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div>Friday night, the Mr. convinced me to unwind by throwing back what was only supposed to be 'a couple of cocktails'. Needless to say, the stress of work last week took complete advantage of me and because I thought that <a href="http://www.sailorjerry.com/" target="_blank">Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum</a> had an adorable design on the front of the bottle (completely disregarding the fact that it was a very potent alcohol at 92 proof, in comparison to Captain Morgan only being 70 proof) I was paying the price the next morning.<br />
I like to unwind a bit but the older I get the more I find that I no longer look forward to the weekend as a time of getting 'wasted on white zin' as I made a habitual practice of in my early 20s. Everyone has the same wistful story. The 'when-I-was-young-I-could-drink-all-night-pass-out-at-3-AM-and-be-fine-to-work-a-couple-hours-later' story. You know, the time in your young life when all you needed was a venti of whatever with an extra shot of espresso and a couple of aspirins to be right as rain? Oh get off your pedestal...you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.<br />
Saturday morning, I couldn't force myself to get out of bed and get dressed until noon...and that wasn't even a terrible hangover. Sheesh.<br />
At this point in my life, I hate hangovers. Not necessarily because of how miserable they physically make me feel (just you body's way of paying you back for treating it like sh*t), I hate hangovers because they make me useless for the next 12-24 hours. I absolutely hate wasting a day off.<br />
When I was finally feeling as if I could face the day, behind a dark pair of sunglasses of course, my mind wandered on what I could do to not feel as if I missed a day of my weekend. I settled on a little trip to my local used bookstore, <a href="http://yesterdaysbooksmodesto.com/" target="_blank">Yesterday's Books</a>.<br />
Yesterday's Books is somewhat of an institution in my hometown. It was been in business since 1980 (a year younger than myself, if you are counting...don't try too hard to figure out the math) and has outlived many of its neighbors on the most popular strip in town. I have a feeling its in part to the ever changing, thought provoking quotes posted on the large wall on the side of the building. A favorite of mine from last month? 'A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit' (Richard Bach). I love getting lost in the aisles, always finding something unintentional. I found one of my most prized possessions there, a first edition reading copy of Fitzgerald's 'The Last Tycoon'. I always find something that I never knew I wanted but soon realize that I never could have done without.<br />
Saturday I went in, thinking I would find obscure books on local history (which I did) but left with a handful of classics. 'The Bell Jar' (Plath), 'Death in the Afternoon'(Hemingway), 'The Dangerous Summer' (another Hemingway) and 'Philosophy in the Boudoir' (Marquis de Sade) made its way into my shopping bag for the bargain price of around $20. That's about as much as I spend on one brand new book.<br />
After meandering around the bookstore for a couple of hours, I made my way to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Plantation-Coffee-Cafe/110244382383221?ref=ts" target="_blank">Old Plantation Coffee</a>. Again, this is another long standing local business that has ten times more the charm than those cookie cutter coffee houses. I walked up to the counter and ordered an iced mocha. I was fully expecting to pay the already reasonable full price when I was gently informed that it was 'Happy Hour' and that my order would be half price. Awesomesauce! I reached in and pulled out the ol' plastic swipe card but, because of the great 'Happy Hour' deal, wasn't spending enough to use it. 'No problem, I will take that delicious looking chocolate croissant you have in the case'. (By another sure to be a fast favorite, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Love-Baking/103650766351392" target="_blank">Pure Love Baking</a>)<br />
I sat down with my pastry in front of me, my mocha in one hand, the Marquis de Sade in my other and caught quick glances of the <a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_05_14_sfnmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=wrap&c_id=mlb" target="_blank">Giants easing their way to another win against Chicago</a> on the television above.<br />
I am so glad that I didn't waste my precious day off.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-67781427314170893122011-05-15T16:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T16:00:05.107-07:00Sensing Sunday: May 15, 2011<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRov2bvZdInl-9vRpmcxHsF6e83t7G_eb5oRFbbyVN-6atLDu0IOyApo8bDCV_L_dse6YlSXyX7CXNqHLm3GKrp5FVjsGWCj1cgbKVRCxIqlDHDZpyxScJehhPAP6I-S1C_emgYptIxII/s1600/b2b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRov2bvZdInl-9vRpmcxHsF6e83t7G_eb5oRFbbyVN-6atLDu0IOyApo8bDCV_L_dse6YlSXyX7CXNqHLm3GKrp5FVjsGWCj1cgbKVRCxIqlDHDZpyxScJehhPAP6I-S1C_emgYptIxII/s400/b2b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Aw...man...I could have been with THESE guys today)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><b>Hearing</b>: Still on the Adele kick...I can't help it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="261" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w44dk4ysnz8?rel=0" width="406"></iframe></div><br />
<b>Seeing</b>: Indulging in one of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities, real estate shopping on the internet. Note to self; look into getting pre-approved for a home loan soon, very soon.<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: My 'Downtown Amber' candle from the Target Collection<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: A 'Strawberry Short Kook' Otter Pop...one of my guiltiest pleasures.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Even though I didn't make it to the 100th Bay to Breakers this weekend (very sad indeed), I am still feeling somewhat accomplished. I made a little trip to the bookstore yesterday to stock up and I purchased another couple of books online. I finished 'Men and Dogs' by Katie Crouch in, oh about, 2 days! Next up 'Death in the Afternoon' by Hemingway. Walked the 6.5 miles with dad and the dogs this morning. The Mr. went to lunch and now I am blogging away. I have a couple of other posts to write up (about yesterday's trip to the bookstore and last week's trip to the baseball game) and then a little bit of laundry and begin prep for my gigantic cake order next Saturday. Wow, after thinking about all that, all I want to do now is take a nap....zzz....Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-51940505032361104062011-05-08T22:13:00.000-07:002011-05-08T22:13:41.932-07:00Sensing Sunday: May 08, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C8UfEh1kBtIM1Qp7Xa_2pinAihuOLP2t7t7Sfq4Jq9xG2RNOv-rvujnEQO-TihB_iuLOP6Xxk2TPSz8LIEI3RBFrTYr3Vc61F3mdPukJyI3V5enN_rlnravC3c0_ADzxDNTcHBEZ6ls/s1600/clouds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C8UfEh1kBtIM1Qp7Xa_2pinAihuOLP2t7t7Sfq4Jq9xG2RNOv-rvujnEQO-TihB_iuLOP6Xxk2TPSz8LIEI3RBFrTYr3Vc61F3mdPukJyI3V5enN_rlnravC3c0_ADzxDNTcHBEZ6ls/s400/clouds3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>There's a storm a comin'...<br />
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</i></div><b>Hearing</b>: After reading a magazine blurb, where the writer mentioned what was on her kids playlist at the moment, I have had Big Rock Candy Mountain in my head for the past two days.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Seeing</b>: Headed over the Altamont tonight to take my brother back to the BART station for his train to San Francisco, we witnessed the most beautiful show of swirling dark storm clouds hovering over the mountain ridges. It was a sight to see.</div><br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: The Mr. just scrubbed down the counters in the kitchen. Its smells like some sort of cleaning supply, I just can't pinpoint which one.<br />
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<b>Tasting</b>: A lick of Dulce de Leche cupcakes I made my mum for Mother's Day...per her request of course. <br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Strange, and exhausted (seems to be a theme on my Sunday posts). I had a Mother's Day heart to heart with my mum on the drive and it opened my eyes to things I am capable of and what might be in store for me in the future. Its strange to think in the terms that we talked about tonight. It wasn't a surprise though, I knew I would have to start dealing with some things that I have tried to manage through the motions of or ignored completely. I was just a little surprised that I was able to just take a deep breath and confront some reservations I have had. I still can't say what the future might hold for me but at least I feel I am moving forward again after feeling stagnant for so long.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862947686921077125.post-22278383532871410112011-05-04T23:10:00.000-07:002011-05-04T23:10:10.596-07:00Sweet Temper Baking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ5kLN4SntZwkrTNUo9eWOEQDS35PCeZh6vGeBN3pEd01wtv8djJ4SPvCaanHxIiBY6hrMe-K-bYazyj9mi1uUvbIaR7GxMJ8ZXxchnXRVAaX0Tnxqswv-f3q-qi8lxeBod-0dGWxbHY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ5kLN4SntZwkrTNUo9eWOEQDS35PCeZh6vGeBN3pEd01wtv8djJ4SPvCaanHxIiBY6hrMe-K-bYazyj9mi1uUvbIaR7GxMJ8ZXxchnXRVAaX0Tnxqswv-f3q-qi8lxeBod-0dGWxbHY/s400/003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(a cake fit for a princess)</i></div>I have a friend that, after much debate and personal soul searching, has decided to accept another position with another company that will give her more flexibility to spend time with her family. I am very much a firm believer that family and personal connections should come first and a career should come second. I have had money and have spent freely. I have made peanuts and have pinched pennies. When it comes down to it, you make do with what you have. When I think of my past, I remember the moments I shared with the people I loved. Not once does an eight hour shift pop into my head. I can't tell you how much money I have made and spent in my life.<br />
I can't say that money doesn't matter at all, that would be silly for me to say. Without money The Mr. and I wouldn't have been able to spend a weekend celebrating our anniversary last year at the beach. Without money I wouldn't be able to buy my cake supplies to indulge in the hobby that I love. Which brings me back to my original story...<br />
Today, when talking with my friend about the new adventure in front of her, we got into the discussion of where I see myself going, career wise. I told her that if given the opportunity I would go back to school, get my degree in business and open a bakery and cafe.<br />
I have been trying to perfect sweet treats for about three years now. It all started when I took a beginning cake decorating course through the local community college and it took off from there. After spending a couple of years focused mostly on cupcakes, I have now turned my eye to tiered cakes, pies and cookies as well.<br />
Lately it has started to take on a life all its own. I was compelled to take it to the next level.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Temper-Baking/144106328989612" target="_blank">Sweet Temper Baking</a> was born.<br />
Right now I am working on small batch, made to order desserts but my future goal is to turn it into more of a thriving business. I ultimately want to open a shop to include coffee service, a lunch menu AND a tea menu.<br />
I am confident that one day soon I will pull it off and the line of making a living and doing what I love will be happily blurred.Jen http://www.blogger.com/profile/10398061153956621896noreply@blogger.com0