tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59902536039634688322024-02-07T22:45:33.105-06:00What We Call TravelConsider this a new brand of Food, Travel, and Life magazine - from our point of view!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-4320736271642357612012-04-19T20:02:00.001-05:002012-04-19T20:02:10.043-05:00Pushr Apr 19, 2012 20:02TestJustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18295360164058952001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-19264170788615782262009-06-07T19:52:00.002-05:002009-06-07T19:56:38.584-05:00New Blog Address!<div style="text-align: center;">Hi Everyone!<br /><br />Justin and I have been playing around with the blog this weekend, and have made some BIG CHANGES, including the URL that you can find us at! This current site will still stay up for awhile, but we will be publishing all new blog posts to the new address. Please head over to <a href="http://fravelicious.com/">Fravelicious.com</a> and check out our snazzy new look! <br /><br />Thanks!<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-77407284351346082242009-06-06T10:38:00.004-05:002009-06-06T11:57:11.914-05:00Bouchon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtJv0TOXNotQnN-JaLUqkFpteNy0W-rD1TTrJpuOom4fu2nZ1meoel68yHm-h7JwMBLSsUwapUP8d9U-uhMs4W_gjA2iQ1K5W-b-UTk_bZKNt1GbYILGnS5C4qARIACxE-yes9JE6XKHT/s1600-h/DSC_0592.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtJv0TOXNotQnN-JaLUqkFpteNy0W-rD1TTrJpuOom4fu2nZ1meoel68yHm-h7JwMBLSsUwapUP8d9U-uhMs4W_gjA2iQ1K5W-b-UTk_bZKNt1GbYILGnS5C4qARIACxE-yes9JE6XKHT/s400/DSC_0592.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259696670839634" /></a><br /><br />When we were in Las Vegas, Julie and I ate at <a href="http://www.bouchonbistro.com/">Bouchon</a> at the <a href="http://www.venetian.com/">Venetian</a> for dinner. Julie had eaten there before a couple of years ago, and was excited to go again. I looked at the menu and was definitely excited to give it a try. Plus, we had a 15% coupon for the restaurant that we got at the <a href="http://www.bouchonbakery.com/">bakery</a>, so that helped, because we knew it *definitely* wasn't going to be cheap.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiukSEmnhGIX3T6vB9-2jtNg6BWYoeR2sCG15nxhBp8I2qKRyLsYNeZPobC5Ys8fK_tGy64PSFwIQ_JhwzuiL5A2RR8PdgNdJF8-Is62wpoTIUQNvoSlOqVEf4XXI7XbQUJQ68FIrVRD6f/s1600-h/DSC_0575.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiukSEmnhGIX3T6vB9-2jtNg6BWYoeR2sCG15nxhBp8I2qKRyLsYNeZPobC5Ys8fK_tGy64PSFwIQ_JhwzuiL5A2RR8PdgNdJF8-Is62wpoTIUQNvoSlOqVEf4XXI7XbQUJQ68FIrVRD6f/s400/DSC_0575.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344256916011807714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The restaurant had a very cool feel to it. Not too "uppity" that I was uncomfortable, but nice. The waiter was friendly, attentive and helpful. It overlooked one of the garden and pool areas at the hotel. There were nice big windows to let a lot of light in. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVIPF6feXgs-mRknklPOs0pLUvBm5Jrpv09NnqCbOQWTBtI9txzX3U73AeIurfJzu_6Eq-S1cWCMprFTL2yrTI9WqK6nbzJ0gGXJ0lwWFNBU0ovuo2tANhrIjUCToN41ZoyVjSHNjYBy5/s1600-h/DSC_0573.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVIPF6feXgs-mRknklPOs0pLUvBm5Jrpv09NnqCbOQWTBtI9txzX3U73AeIurfJzu_6Eq-S1cWCMprFTL2yrTI9WqK6nbzJ0gGXJ0lwWFNBU0ovuo2tANhrIjUCToN41ZoyVjSHNjYBy5/s400/DSC_0573.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344256910215386770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right away, they brought out bread and toasted pistachios for us to munch on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkvf-cS6etpnmNW_CZlfcZijrVNci9r53QgjfLg9gkH8-V5LZ8-0YoM4dLE4EMwOlkIPQNaLtiBqDMw2FJtBE1iS9POkKud9VxPiesZgT1OjPGXn3ubqyIY5vEZFlUB5tLFOke56kfUDs/s1600-h/DSC_0574.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkvf-cS6etpnmNW_CZlfcZijrVNci9r53QgjfLg9gkH8-V5LZ8-0YoM4dLE4EMwOlkIPQNaLtiBqDMw2FJtBE1iS9POkKud9VxPiesZgT1OjPGXn3ubqyIY5vEZFlUB5tLFOke56kfUDs/s400/DSC_0574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344256917537415394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The waiter explained the specials for us to consider. We got three of the items on the specials menu - an appetizer, an entree and a desert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaE_iYWMLTqUrK856KsRhq6dsT3_syvqooZcpLrhzt3pIA1CSRgvolAJSXe6Sv7vHbzXRx1195UMGt7SeJD7y2ZS5GWiqsnNpO56HwoiXlKObArdcUHMdj8906zpN_y-6pd09drYsJOfa/s1600-h/DSC_0576.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaE_iYWMLTqUrK856KsRhq6dsT3_syvqooZcpLrhzt3pIA1CSRgvolAJSXe6Sv7vHbzXRx1195UMGt7SeJD7y2ZS5GWiqsnNpO56HwoiXlKObArdcUHMdj8906zpN_y-6pd09drYsJOfa/s400/DSC_0576.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344256919157631314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We split the "duck pressee" appetizer. It was duck wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and then cooked "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sous-vide">en sous vide</a>", which Thomas Keller is pretty famous for doing in his restaurants. It was served with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke">sunchokes</a> and a huckleberry sauce. It was awesome. We started eating it before remembering to take a picture, so the picture is of the appetizer half finished :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPtlOdOvgszFk87GY0GhWvnwcvkJAKXcitnzvSmtcv63DsmV9ySxCjiQ5yh2GIS6pq1VBd1icUn325yXhJbZEb481l0rY_4aSnBlo4rlFE5jx6-D5-pg8AFzd6JpWfeB4UxbfB6l8cSAN/s1600-h/DSC_0577.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPtlOdOvgszFk87GY0GhWvnwcvkJAKXcitnzvSmtcv63DsmV9ySxCjiQ5yh2GIS6pq1VBd1icUn325yXhJbZEb481l0rY_4aSnBlo4rlFE5jx6-D5-pg8AFzd6JpWfeB4UxbfB6l8cSAN/s400/DSC_0577.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259216114795586" /></a><br /><br />For the entrees, I got the scallops special (scallops are one of my favorite foods). It was scallops flown in fresh from Maine, without being frozen, over caramelized endives and an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalone">abalone</a> steak, with a carrot curry butter sauce. I hadn't ever had abalone before, so it was a new food to try, which is always fun. Abalone was definitely an interesting thing to eat, kind of chewy, with a distinct flavor. It matched the rest of the food nicely. The whole thing came out served in an All-Clad dish, which was kind of cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfxRGExgM2yKwGUzEac-w-qZarMvzbGbNnB1XOexb0v1-hjW3cAyC2mrZW2m0YZuSiPMC5JprLJBBG4ftOCRGRPKIAtBmrVY_soHY0T3qxxO2Vn7qw28fPh0zaqQw-tkZQOLnqP-lGJmk/s1600-h/DSC_0581.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfxRGExgM2yKwGUzEac-w-qZarMvzbGbNnB1XOexb0v1-hjW3cAyC2mrZW2m0YZuSiPMC5JprLJBBG4ftOCRGRPKIAtBmrVY_soHY0T3qxxO2Vn7qw28fPh0zaqQw-tkZQOLnqP-lGJmk/s400/DSC_0581.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259220918773298" /></a><br /><br />Julie had the "steak frites". It was a flatiron steak (probably our favorite steak right now), with maitre'd hotel butter and home made fries. The steak was perfectly cooked, and the fries were amazing. Needless to say, both got finished completely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf8uzJUvquSKntRaKfpelyNewWII0k3iZgURvIufYfLO7XRE0My2UQjYzXxpFkLfOPThbWIZGjPkKVTWqJW4vP16vxcC7MqEx9xwCCqsfBMcqjCTua8D9Gcj5BwUjnyIJihVtBPlbeo6b/s1600-h/DSC_0579.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf8uzJUvquSKntRaKfpelyNewWII0k3iZgURvIufYfLO7XRE0My2UQjYzXxpFkLfOPThbWIZGjPkKVTWqJW4vP16vxcC7MqEx9xwCCqsfBMcqjCTua8D9Gcj5BwUjnyIJihVtBPlbeo6b/s400/DSC_0579.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259220545546498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GpEeTpQtlE95QbCi92YYIfzU4Hqn1k0HfvnTuXv0JsJqbxc4cABCuOfZU__pTxJMoknZiHww_7Q7c1fDBuGmJ-KFA9o8RDAqQINg5YO2vU8dlpvMCOJn9hjEM-GGsz6G03PPtvBpnE1C/s1600-h/DSC_0583.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GpEeTpQtlE95QbCi92YYIfzU4Hqn1k0HfvnTuXv0JsJqbxc4cABCuOfZU__pTxJMoknZiHww_7Q7c1fDBuGmJ-KFA9o8RDAqQINg5YO2vU8dlpvMCOJn9hjEM-GGsz6G03PPtvBpnE1C/s400/DSC_0583.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259227674857234" /></a><br /><br />For desert we had probably one of the best desert dishes we could remember. We got the "bouchons", which was three small brownies, each topped with a different flavor of ice cream - vanilla, mint chip, and peanut butter. When the waiter was describing it and mentioned fresh peanut butter ice cream, I knew that Julie wouldn't want anything but that desert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIhv9ubCN_dm9AB6nzKU64BEe416rzcR0nafbMKQQsfwbbaWExP3UzNS8_v8JW8nix-lU4oRfajXtyOptt2EQ0gvYzjMdqEAEwCDxx-o6iPMzaP10KLs9V046SPG3Eh4ww4npU5oErPGp/s1600-h/DSC_0588.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIhv9ubCN_dm9AB6nzKU64BEe416rzcR0nafbMKQQsfwbbaWExP3UzNS8_v8JW8nix-lU4oRfajXtyOptt2EQ0gvYzjMdqEAEwCDxx-o6iPMzaP10KLs9V046SPG3Eh4ww4npU5oErPGp/s400/DSC_0588.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344259231627372146" /></a><br /><br />The vanilla ice cream was very good, but got overshadowed by how great the other two were. The mint ice cream didn't taste artificially "minty", it tasted more like mint leaves. Based on what we could tell, they used fresh pureed mint leaves to add the flavor, which gave it a distinct taste that was awesome. The peanut butter ice cream was incredibly creamy and tasted amazing - it was probably the best of the three.<br /><br />Overall it was an awesome experience that will definitely happen again the next time we are in Vegas.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18295360164058952001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-86424768696721769322009-06-03T00:10:00.004-05:002009-06-03T00:22:49.125-05:00Tastes of Vegas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6p89EylIxqYlqCCJ9aU_Lq1566tWI2k0gpqJc4642MPQSA3BsMQwcOLwSH5KEB5yDseOoXW9EdIZg1HkHZ085Eyg9XyhcbmeZzfwNnwanWJ2I_plt1moP2a2wAKjUeAWcD3qlvh7ioTn/s1600-h/window+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6p89EylIxqYlqCCJ9aU_Lq1566tWI2k0gpqJc4642MPQSA3BsMQwcOLwSH5KEB5yDseOoXW9EdIZg1HkHZ085Eyg9XyhcbmeZzfwNnwanWJ2I_plt1moP2a2wAKjUeAWcD3qlvh7ioTn/s320/window+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342967011717202802" border="0" /></a>Yum. I think you could eat at a different restaurant, deli, or bakery for every meal, every day of the week for a year, and still not a make a dent on everything there is to taste in Las Vegas, even if you just limit it to the Strip! We've already had multiple fantastic meals and snacks, from New York pretzels, Hagen Daas Ice Cream, the Buffet at Mandalay Bay, and a Rice Krispie treat the size of my face. Here are some of the more interesting bites we've taken:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb7_cQV1YCEpo-UOrpyXwZOt4Y8W9qRY3C3Hn9ybOccr0Q1ZTUKIp__KWpe2Q53PQpqV40jrfcDuAtlmwRGLzve6RyTUa_yi_R5J84T8yGrxEMb_dW_KYk5l3XSaE4alrX3jp88lmOcyw/s1600-h/macaroon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb7_cQV1YCEpo-UOrpyXwZOt4Y8W9qRY3C3Hn9ybOccr0Q1ZTUKIp__KWpe2Q53PQpqV40jrfcDuAtlmwRGLzve6RyTUa_yi_R5J84T8yGrxEMb_dW_KYk5l3XSaE4alrX3jp88lmOcyw/s320/macaroon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342966734081289170" border="0" /></a>This is a Parisian Macaroon from Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian. This bakery is the bomb. Phenomenal. Everything looks beautiful and exquiste. Their Cheese Danishes are unbeatable. Parisian Macaroons seem to be all the rage at the moment. I see them on all sorts of blogs and in cookbooks, but have never had one (and didn't want to try to make them until I knew what the result was supposed to be). And after having one that is reputed to be among the best, I'm not sure I'm a fan. They are beautiful and unique, but the flavor was similar to a Skittle candy! With a texture in between chewy and airy. Definitely interesting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBqK9qY6ScqrLJvXJu8aGsm6RY1djUI_ceXpq4rsnOmYDGetxz21B7YXif1Ow1kfA3WcgMKVvoNdyy7_skDeviI83E1flIqvcBLGywUbeUAxOsQTppU-V0Ea8rTnkxbeIH3XIbOwH6_5d/s1600-h/mom's+sandwich.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBqK9qY6ScqrLJvXJu8aGsm6RY1djUI_ceXpq4rsnOmYDGetxz21B7YXif1Ow1kfA3WcgMKVvoNdyy7_skDeviI83E1flIqvcBLGywUbeUAxOsQTppU-V0Ea8rTnkxbeIH3XIbOwH6_5d/s320/mom's+sandwich.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342966728467980978" border="0" /></a>We also stopped at Canter's Deli in Treasure Island for lunch a couple of days ago. And all tried REAL pastrami for (we all think) the first time. It was ridiculously good, bordering on obsene. The sandwiches were monstrous. But yet, you still wished you could fit more into your tummy for how delicious it was! Ruth is determined to get one more sandwich (all to herself!) before we leave.<br />We'll see what happens across our palates tomorrow!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-62561252643298421772009-05-30T23:09:00.003-05:002009-05-30T23:22:14.681-05:00Vegas, Baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTefQqNiYchm9x0K4qQiIcX0FBflGaRCdzENqnzg2KcT6M6IdUUZ8cgdg-kRgg1eGnVBXLzL_dyInz5bT82s4ti-qidwQYqlofVO1wXeYAblBzyihfloLZd4W3mlhwrPbPsIqIOsv5H4vd/s1600-h/nightvegas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTefQqNiYchm9x0K4qQiIcX0FBflGaRCdzENqnzg2KcT6M6IdUUZ8cgdg-kRgg1eGnVBXLzL_dyInz5bT82s4ti-qidwQYqlofVO1wXeYAblBzyihfloLZd4W3mlhwrPbPsIqIOsv5H4vd/s320/nightvegas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341837898804853906" border="0" /></a>After a day of driving and flying, we are HERE. Lights, Crowds, Traffic, Noise, Food, Fun. I'm feeling strangely overwhelmed, even having been here twice before. Maybe it's the Saturday evening crowds (we happened upon the line waiting for Fleetwood Mac - chaos), maybe just from the traveling. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtQ84xh4UsHOZtP76vidpP5lFz-lcZQVPEfQmLf3Lzdva9nTs-6lYRM__4rmzv249JR95t88EM9T25dyy6apelQU8ENPxcM5aQqGnOzzQlJ3EEXhnjxnbWKDpnnXqkZb0zrzw29GE7lkO/s1600-h/momplane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtQ84xh4UsHOZtP76vidpP5lFz-lcZQVPEfQmLf3Lzdva9nTs-6lYRM__4rmzv249JR95t88EM9T25dyy6apelQU8ENPxcM5aQqGnOzzQlJ3EEXhnjxnbWKDpnnXqkZb0zrzw29GE7lkO/s320/momplane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341837894778758818" border="0" /></a> I feel it is too early to be in my room on a weekend night in Vegas, but yet I am oh-so-thankful to be in my room on a weekend night in Vegas. The weather is beautifully warm, and the forecast is near perfection. Our hotel room windows look out on the New York New York roller coaster and the intersection that has NYNY, the MGM Grand, the Tropicana, and the Excaliber. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEendkxhwIZs31E-vdP3F-dH1wZL6nnIl5GyExz-FU3VML3NS58VXN9-Ofdc9U99Ul66K_zhLR4Eh_cxIiaCLSBqjDNcgxaLbnzcrEwSPY-f_of_eRHEBiExZe_PMAMSdWShYtT8oS7rK/s1600-h/momruthvegas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEendkxhwIZs31E-vdP3F-dH1wZL6nnIl5GyExz-FU3VML3NS58VXN9-Ofdc9U99Ul66K_zhLR4Eh_cxIiaCLSBqjDNcgxaLbnzcrEwSPY-f_of_eRHEBiExZe_PMAMSdWShYtT8oS7rK/s320/momruthvegas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341837898735830018" border="0" /></a>It really is something to see at night - all lit up and exciting. I am looking forward to the day and week ahead. Also, so far we have only lost $4.50 gambling. We controlled ourselves. Today. :)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-68209825415074834472009-05-29T21:20:00.003-05:002009-05-29T21:34:55.768-05:00Hypercolor Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0dLga84-AZmHYas9R96X8ZdFrPzTVd0xeHy00eo2PuxNYKgo_QDzoca5qQe-0kXI7UUmy9zd0PcqzDEmBhjdQpoOqvOTmbUQlI0jWliTbn6B7fybsdsGNufkfBWqYsplGp7xvlraxt_d/s1600-h/sliced+rainbow+cupcake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0dLga84-AZmHYas9R96X8ZdFrPzTVd0xeHy00eo2PuxNYKgo_QDzoca5qQe-0kXI7UUmy9zd0PcqzDEmBhjdQpoOqvOTmbUQlI0jWliTbn6B7fybsdsGNufkfBWqYsplGp7xvlraxt_d/s320/sliced+rainbow+cupcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341438905019548834" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's go back to 1992. Yeah, I know it might be painful. I was in junior high - can't get much more painful than that! Snap! bracelets, hypercolor t-shirts with neon leggings, tight-rolled jeans. Oh yeah, we're almost there... <br />And now enter my cupcakes - unicorn rainbow explosion. I meant well, really I did. <br />Here was what I was going for:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBEa6puV0NJxRFFGs0AX1zwCQgRXd9hxC_juNhB8McB3MdUJfdwCFIg194x1T6GYNhyphenhyphenOEkKVVIbqRayvLypA9dY2uSmRQfea1aAzkHkjL8RWzaKSuMni_gZJrXOUxQr1UUvYm0jTvdQij/s1600-h/rainbow+cupcakes.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBEa6puV0NJxRFFGs0AX1zwCQgRXd9hxC_juNhB8McB3MdUJfdwCFIg194x1T6GYNhyphenhyphenOEkKVVIbqRayvLypA9dY2uSmRQfea1aAzkHkjL8RWzaKSuMni_gZJrXOUxQr1UUvYm0jTvdQij/s320/rainbow+cupcakes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341438900070922386" border="0" /></a>How pretty and unique and festive, courtesy of <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2009/05/rainbow-cupcakes/">Baking Bites</a>.<br /><br />Here is what I got:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WiKDpaZ3srspLlMss9b5un-YCcdmq-adD98pPgndCICu6kVCWE2kzWARTFJHbOtkKsoIb941K4ewiox3jy6kdAz8_vj12wmy4SAX7SlUO9CL8PHVLEkZ2vdKzo6lPgS1ywVEW2D18zTf/s1600-h/jenns+rainbow+cupcake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WiKDpaZ3srspLlMss9b5un-YCcdmq-adD98pPgndCICu6kVCWE2kzWARTFJHbOtkKsoIb941K4ewiox3jy6kdAz8_vj12wmy4SAX7SlUO9CL8PHVLEkZ2vdKzo6lPgS1ywVEW2D18zTf/s320/jenns+rainbow+cupcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341438907657219730" border="0" /></a><br />Obviously, something went very very wrong in the construction or baking process. Instead, we got tye-dyed, but oh-so-tasty, cupcakes. I had originally planned to just do some nice white frosting. But as the cupcakes were so far gone, I decided just to kick them right over the cliff's edge with the color-blend frosting as well.<br />And while 1992 didn't really treat anyone all that great in the fashion department, it really isn't a good look for cupcakes either!<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-64551193548291744022009-05-27T17:13:00.004-05:002009-05-27T17:27:15.806-05:00Back to Baking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIFpJq31sdxaGY6grq4RUjVsYI_i5cWf2lSUUPN-YZ4aqjWz6nKu0WFCwzgjCZ3iWt_mtba2XWGrCp8WVB9E0s5emWU3yH0cc9ehZf6wBugaQypMtG__7fdYMUy0PRpaj3TQoHOwC1xLC/s1600-h/denting+cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIFpJq31sdxaGY6grq4RUjVsYI_i5cWf2lSUUPN-YZ4aqjWz6nKu0WFCwzgjCZ3iWt_mtba2XWGrCp8WVB9E0s5emWU3yH0cc9ehZf6wBugaQypMtG__7fdYMUy0PRpaj3TQoHOwC1xLC/s320/denting+cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340632764393828290" border="0" /></a>After pouring over<a href="http://bakingbites.com/"> this blog</a> for the last few days, I knew I wanted to try to make a a batch or two of the homemade Girl Scout Cookie recipes, namely the <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2005/10/thin-minties/">Thin Mints</a> and <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2008/01/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-tagalongs/">Tagalongs</a>. Tagalongs have always been my favorite. Vanilla Shortbread Cookies - yes please. Dollop of Peanut Butter Filling in the center - two please. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7663JzPej5AHkyiR1Cr6pubbwiNiqpc5Glq6xFmPgN1Oi7IG5MshL8F_H9mDbwcKwZvQu474vawIDsU3KBtdxlrDOzO0NegAHYKELk5dXUEKv7U-U-bWQsufHhQNvijhPMFtWtc0qRvX/s1600-h/dipping+cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7663JzPej5AHkyiR1Cr6pubbwiNiqpc5Glq6xFmPgN1Oi7IG5MshL8F_H9mDbwcKwZvQu474vawIDsU3KBtdxlrDOzO0NegAHYKELk5dXUEKv7U-U-bWQsufHhQNvijhPMFtWtc0qRvX/s320/dipping+cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340632774951644658" border="0" /></a>Covered in chocolate - just one more please! And this recipe is spot on. The result is almost identical (possibly better?!) than the original, and thoroughly addicting. The main reason I don't order any girl scout cookies is to prevent me from eating an entire box of Tagalongs in one sitting. Now I actually have to practice some self-control and keep out of the kitchen. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uDdpmrzzl42lUpVJmxxHfh4swJiTOSlLNB-J3488FuwmZ_iu5zUrN5rb-fDymuerD4dOrZ2n0IKmIe4MRTGheV5WvCa9Kttv8tZwhylSgNSbbhU_nmjtAo9gS7Fs0NAASyCps0xUF2P0/s1600-h/finished+cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uDdpmrzzl42lUpVJmxxHfh4swJiTOSlLNB-J3488FuwmZ_iu5zUrN5rb-fDymuerD4dOrZ2n0IKmIe4MRTGheV5WvCa9Kttv8tZwhylSgNSbbhU_nmjtAo9gS7Fs0NAASyCps0xUF2P0/s320/finished+cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340632770146561682" border="0" /></a><br />I already feel my resolve wavering...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-34859850338927349712009-05-26T15:50:00.003-05:002009-05-26T16:01:08.740-05:0090 Seconds of Your Time...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeiDasf-gutV3OwFJb14Mpyoh6pU-g659abFu_9nAcPiTZIYV4nsD195Mafvr2gPhb45qp0emUR6x2Ig5U3F75xz_rwHCOtpDPpnoQ_o1dJERiE9eQCjKKuFpAr0KFV8qaOLiO-1qOnxq/s1600-h/water+faucet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeiDasf-gutV3OwFJb14Mpyoh6pU-g659abFu_9nAcPiTZIYV4nsD195Mafvr2gPhb45qp0emUR6x2Ig5U3F75xz_rwHCOtpDPpnoQ_o1dJERiE9eQCjKKuFpAr0KFV8qaOLiO-1qOnxq/s320/water+faucet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340240331943514514" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you are obviously spending some time surfing the interweb, surf your way over to <a href="http://savewateramerica.com/home.swa#/home/">SaveWaterAmerica.com</a>. For every simple quiz taken, Kohler has pledged to donate $1 in products to Habitat for Humanity. <br />Easy and effective!<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-19688305274680095672009-05-24T21:01:00.003-05:002009-05-24T21:26:09.235-05:00Filler<div style="text-align: center;">Not much has happened in the last week that I feel is worth blogging about, but as Justin gave me the assignment of posting SOMETHING - ANYTHING, here are some photos that were taken in the last few days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhE0EW2RRCJCLHlQ0-LktZi1tLByRmedGpb3asxmhnrsfJ_95VGh7xxoNXYbkkZbCLMNF_gutdLDJ7-UREYGDYgopJrGBZGPDKslmuZQgBEAzX8MLd8-uVVoSU8s5d9WmnVEOjMwXnHBw/s1600-h/cardinal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhE0EW2RRCJCLHlQ0-LktZi1tLByRmedGpb3asxmhnrsfJ_95VGh7xxoNXYbkkZbCLMNF_gutdLDJ7-UREYGDYgopJrGBZGPDKslmuZQgBEAzX8MLd8-uVVoSU8s5d9WmnVEOjMwXnHBw/s320/cardinal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339580950977814658" border="0" /></a>This cardinal has been a fixture around our yard for a good year now. <br />He and his mate regularly terrorize and taunt the cats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtGOFdhBmhxUiMbtnOBhDMigS4SZTnaBxjfcge-fjDhTECyDIM9wA3rJw4RF4j_PmPdfW6DmFVYD0Ug0g4YhtHTwhAqo9eFvnqxRcdGASuEb5D2e_4TDR5TRre0uO7ByjfNVTbRpfGBmL/s1600-h/ground+cover+norm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtGOFdhBmhxUiMbtnOBhDMigS4SZTnaBxjfcge-fjDhTECyDIM9wA3rJw4RF4j_PmPdfW6DmFVYD0Ug0g4YhtHTwhAqo9eFvnqxRcdGASuEb5D2e_4TDR5TRre0uO7ByjfNVTbRpfGBmL/s320/ground+cover+norm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339580727668749810" border="0" /></a>Norm, exploring our out-of-control-yet-still-pretty ground cover.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWB5J553jG_cFVsOciRd2zPlauyEK8-O_NYKr3Xv0tIWi-oTN-k9XF1TTUU-XZcANmbd2vV-zGii3oIZ1ywmPzR6jnpxBCxGpqi5u2LladAP8jV7gyGwzo-18QIN7sanjYo_gybPJM1NL_/s1600-h/pails.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWB5J553jG_cFVsOciRd2zPlauyEK8-O_NYKr3Xv0tIWi-oTN-k9XF1TTUU-XZcANmbd2vV-zGii3oIZ1ywmPzR6jnpxBCxGpqi5u2LladAP8jV7gyGwzo-18QIN7sanjYo_gybPJM1NL_/s320/pails.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339580723605197570" border="0" /></a>Tin pails, possibly to be used for an upcoming wedding.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWjOpxVAdxg-P1wwGb7ZU2_5jej7SIo1jGvNXlzIS1fTFRj5MzCs3wK9h5KR73d2s2FAgqo4Qw4UUztxfykOeE2jK-5oByhZcK9sPV8af134gCnJjxEvNAJepXHuRtJZWMsX8v9LcbAGd/s1600-h/fragile+box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWjOpxVAdxg-P1wwGb7ZU2_5jej7SIo1jGvNXlzIS1fTFRj5MzCs3wK9h5KR73d2s2FAgqo4Qw4UUztxfykOeE2jK-5oByhZcK9sPV8af134gCnJjxEvNAJepXHuRtJZWMsX8v9LcbAGd/s320/fragile+box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339580719149232050" border="0" /></a><br />Justin's birthday present. <br />Does UPS take FRAGILE stickers as a challenge?<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(thankfully, nothing was broken inside)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-47461104679153018012009-05-19T22:25:00.008-05:002009-05-19T22:48:39.365-05:00Soda taste testWhen we were in Ohio, we went to <a href="http://www.junglejims.com/">Jungle Jim's grocery store</a>. Quite a trip. It's not so much a grocery store as it is an amusement park where you buy food. There's lots of weird stuff going on in there. Anyways, while we were there, I bought a bunch of bottles of weird sodas I had never tried, and we (Beth, myself, Julie, Lynn, Sally, Alex, and my dad) did a taste test of them all:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWj37iGpMzuboNPAmn8g085LC71oCreFWK_ig0BsPSUAi_BS7A1r8ENvtHQrI82Cg1mkbI6SfMZTMNRicaWLG628RxmrMxnwY4X61lWytDFPJAVvVhYNDslRF2bKkpEtY2LeF6-pQM7ER/s1600-h/DSC_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWj37iGpMzuboNPAmn8g085LC71oCreFWK_ig0BsPSUAi_BS7A1r8ENvtHQrI82Cg1mkbI6SfMZTMNRicaWLG628RxmrMxnwY4X61lWytDFPJAVvVhYNDslRF2bKkpEtY2LeF6-pQM7ER/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337743730643500962" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I do realize that one of the sodas has an inappropriate name. I thought it was "Fu<span style="font-style:italic;">n</span>kola Cola". Whatever, just deal with it. <br /><br />First up was "Thum's Up". Apparently this is from India. The checkout guy was incredulous that I actually wanted to buy this. I wish I would have taken his advice. I thought it tasted like Coke, but with about 1/2 the normal amount of sugar. Sally thought it tasted like laundry detergent and Julie though it tasted like cleaning chemicals. Not exactly what you want in a soda.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6AeAzxb_PZtljwOexPdso3jaklSXmGdHgTjXndWkwws6l3y5IyNzWes1jMqUuaeTLniDuDmTDGSwFBoyPhXrbDCVkrJVi-Y2Ady6TpTmTWgxQlmVJbx3kONC3D-nXsKeG5m5VoqPbC1k/s1600-h/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6AeAzxb_PZtljwOexPdso3jaklSXmGdHgTjXndWkwws6l3y5IyNzWes1jMqUuaeTLniDuDmTDGSwFBoyPhXrbDCVkrJVi-Y2Ady6TpTmTWgxQlmVJbx3kONC3D-nXsKeG5m5VoqPbC1k/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337743733109351730" /></a><br /><br />Next on the docket was "Almdudler 50 Jahre" - the national soft drink of Austria (my dad's comment was "Isn't the national soft drink of Austria just beer?"). This one tasted kind of citrusy, with a hint of pineapple, but mostly it just tasted like bad ginger ale.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIHAl49nBo7BWt_Do_3w2tLvfI9Sahq-mHD0v3iS7bGDleDoKAQrB2UKYMjk2MHuoTJiglkoTTFJfJPd55KtBiI3InGIt-kmbWGSqIcQ0ZKnHNB53SZyxP1kuKsEl2s_CMiCt_jYr5tb9/s1600-h/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIHAl49nBo7BWt_Do_3w2tLvfI9Sahq-mHD0v3iS7bGDleDoKAQrB2UKYMjk2MHuoTJiglkoTTFJfJPd55KtBiI3InGIt-kmbWGSqIcQ0ZKnHNB53SZyxP1kuKsEl2s_CMiCt_jYr5tb9/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337743737645657394" /></a><br /><br />Next up was Cheerwine. I first had this in South Carolina last year. Definitely the best of the bunch. It's basically a black cherry soda. Very good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrrF4cAg3qRagGQbW6I1Ae7EByqJITr6v1QZFcXkuzPBGp7WTGXZKRbZWnYuKhTJAptLZSNdqUjVrZX5c6Antiw2bkuoL6c6OXIrJzg52O5qcuHHbk4Vtg_oYVCnoyO8H7431SlXZME59/s1600-h/cheerwine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrrF4cAg3qRagGQbW6I1Ae7EByqJITr6v1QZFcXkuzPBGp7WTGXZKRbZWnYuKhTJAptLZSNdqUjVrZX5c6Antiw2bkuoL6c6OXIrJzg52O5qcuHHbk4Vtg_oYVCnoyO8H7431SlXZME59/s400/cheerwine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337745515058694178" /></a><br /><br />Fukola Cola, the one with the inappropriate name and slogan, was normal-ish cola, but Beth and I both experience unpleasant bubbles-up-the-nose. Meh.<br /><br />Inca Kola was up next. I had heard about this from Peru trips, but had never actually had it. It smells like a banana popsicle, and tastes like the bubble-gum flavored flouride at the dentist. Not the greatest thing in the world, but not the worst either.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99PMWmVJ22vhwzWunY-ss-pfC8FtjHzPbpAWvxb1ir_TMbu-ga6yP22ChllnFqqVQtBkAWyKKHzO9ta9knafeRXdBqR-kzLOx3fjIN6CugtTAdRWQNfNglj8nUnpn5BUlnMLf-oRl51sq/s1600-h/BOD241_gr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99PMWmVJ22vhwzWunY-ss-pfC8FtjHzPbpAWvxb1ir_TMbu-ga6yP22ChllnFqqVQtBkAWyKKHzO9ta9knafeRXdBqR-kzLOx3fjIN6CugtTAdRWQNfNglj8nUnpn5BUlnMLf-oRl51sq/s400/BOD241_gr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337746345366283186" /></a><br /><br /><br />Faygo rootbeer was just normal rootbeer, nothing great or bad about it.<br /><br />Frostie Vanilla Root Beer was probably my second favorite, behind Cheerwine. It basically tastes like a rootbeer float after the ice cream has had a chance to dissolve. A couple of people mention cotton candy, but I think they are confused :) Definitely the second creepiest mascot of the bunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBxT3-dO9wsz-T9SI-P9-664fu4tlgFsqPWqkcwxKJnr5F3ap67qSz7Eu9jLlIc0Rlb1vTWOHRsU4SM2UnrQKYKxHWX0aRauin93UuGFcw2zZFI3ds6KymVp5sFNETqvXkj_bylKmtPJq/s1600-h/3232138755_07298e2f26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBxT3-dO9wsz-T9SI-P9-664fu4tlgFsqPWqkcwxKJnr5F3ap67qSz7Eu9jLlIc0Rlb1vTWOHRsU4SM2UnrQKYKxHWX0aRauin93UuGFcw2zZFI3ds6KymVp5sFNETqvXkj_bylKmtPJq/s400/3232138755_07298e2f26.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337746846766755698" /></a><br /><br />Manhattan Special Sasparilla was up next. This tasted pretty much like Rootbeer flavored Kool-Aid, which apparently they don't make anymore.<br /><br />Kickapoo Joy Juice had the best name and creepiest logo of all the sodas. It also has a weird tagline: "Original dogpatch recipe". It wasn't bad, it just kind of tasted like flat Mountain Dew. I am slightly concerned that I somehow was duped into drinking dog pee though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrEPLqZe4XJcfNgxeKlp_OyfopbVHEzlUrMh_esTD2VLvd7est6fbqVYHt0v1mmxwsSnkxrMXuVlryO02gUxAsdYUmhxxR-2_0wO5ylY2rD0leVDctLISbxn628nZtiOMtjfByygkeH_P/s1600-h/soda-pop_2055_5270330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrEPLqZe4XJcfNgxeKlp_OyfopbVHEzlUrMh_esTD2VLvd7est6fbqVYHt0v1mmxwsSnkxrMXuVlryO02gUxAsdYUmhxxR-2_0wO5ylY2rD0leVDctLISbxn628nZtiOMtjfByygkeH_P/s400/soda-pop_2055_5270330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337747815745691282" /></a><br /><br />All in all, a successful taste test. Luckily no one had any bad reactions, so the authorities didn't have to be called:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3RSyIkpayUy8WRfxxsq1PcvcSrThp27eVSaaQwZ5eMbIObYGRHiHp8OQ5NYes5q8VJKX5elI42OeiJatycsqfzERK2vM8COoXSxA6pwEG_2cjop78zcCgCMKfm00NkFLnRhJvjz_pn_T/s1600-h/DSC_0029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3RSyIkpayUy8WRfxxsq1PcvcSrThp27eVSaaQwZ5eMbIObYGRHiHp8OQ5NYes5q8VJKX5elI42OeiJatycsqfzERK2vM8COoXSxA6pwEG_2cjop78zcCgCMKfm00NkFLnRhJvjz_pn_T/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337743741853913874" /></a>Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18295360164058952001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-91262466701605397682009-05-17T20:46:00.004-05:002009-05-17T21:12:25.371-05:00Bittersweet Family Gathering<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEbhdAPamFxyUdAA0dBV03YhcXMcmfBnNocu2tCzLBzFBKmSf1l5TY5pDLGk7QvkDvcI_nnAEzln0tXfHLqOuCVAbkY2_X_Q3x1Z3drGSO9ravvhdkgpmQR4NggEwOt6OTO-G4SNLmt0/s1600-h/gasper+sibling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEbhdAPamFxyUdAA0dBV03YhcXMcmfBnNocu2tCzLBzFBKmSf1l5TY5pDLGk7QvkDvcI_nnAEzln0tXfHLqOuCVAbkY2_X_Q3x1Z3drGSO9ravvhdkgpmQR4NggEwOt6OTO-G4SNLmt0/s320/gasper+sibling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336980156226470866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(from left: Dan, Dave, Gramps, Maggie, Pete, John)</span><br />Over </span><span style="font-size:100%;">six months ago, plans began for a Gasper family reunion. Justin's dad and his siblings worked at getting everyone together at a state park near Cincinnati, Ohio. Reservations were made and rough plans put in place for the weekend. We all may have had different expectations for the weekend, but God certainly had something else in mind for this gathering. About two weeks ago Justin's grandmother, Gigi, went into the hospital and had her galbladder removed, but then doctors continued to find masses within her, presumably cancer. Things advanced very quickly, much more so than anyone imagined. Tho</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ugh in her late 80's, Gigi has been <span style="font-style: italic;">incredibly</span> active, helping with her church, with adults and children, delivering bread and food to a local pantry, visiting with a multitude of friends and family, writing monthly letters and prayer journals to near about a billion people on the planet (slight exaggeration, but still, <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span>), caring for Gramps, and feeding and protecting just about every stray cat in their neighborhood. She possesses the characteristic Gasper sense of humor and makes every attempt to show Christ's love to everyone around her. On Saturday, her children and grandchildren were able to visit with her at the hospital, laugh over memories, and show and receive her love.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCl17XO7XPOkGpVY9A6LUVkj4radgd84sXsFDjO_2VqIZWIUoYRfJZSfOEfI5Hi1tOXwBRns3vwkevBMUfOY69yHGQQs_WXH7YSTY9pKpthls955i_2wAirM8CFPnIGNU3OOWF2bsAh7/s1600-h/cousins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCl17XO7XPOkGpVY9A6LUVkj4radgd84sXsFDjO_2VqIZWIUoYRfJZSfOEfI5Hi1tOXwBRns3vwkevBMUfOY69yHGQQs_WXH7YSTY9pKpthls955i_2wAirM8CFPnIGNU3OOWF2bsAh7/s320/cousins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336980152283407698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Cousins from left: me, Justin, Beth, Sally, Lynn, baby Carson, Andy - and be sure to notice the <span style="font-style: italic;">sweet</span> mural on the wall!) </span><br />Later in the day, Uncle Dave and his wife Jan drove Gramps out to the park, and we were able to share a meal together at the restaurant in the lodge. We continued to catch up on news with other family members and sang Happy Birthday as loudly as possible for Sally's 28th birthday. Afterward we played games, drank entirely too much crazy soda, and laughed around a campfire.<br />Though exhausting, the weekend was a good one, and we're so thankful to have been able to go.<br /></span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-11726787677434084872009-05-13T19:25:00.004-05:002009-05-13T19:34:54.744-05:00the decline...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqz4XN8OEw6XbKfcSV7KSFy7vSk9vfDfJk2Kar32qz3XECztJkSzxUwelJdtGkdGyZ6OCWozKW2G5GNEsl4wNuJUzmjexYATbE1kaMcpknBedTj-YLnW0mMRTN-RvWPDm8E9XD5FDzgx1/s1600-h/dying+tulip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqz4XN8OEw6XbKfcSV7KSFy7vSk9vfDfJk2Kar32qz3XECztJkSzxUwelJdtGkdGyZ6OCWozKW2G5GNEsl4wNuJUzmjexYATbE1kaMcpknBedTj-YLnW0mMRTN-RvWPDm8E9XD5FDzgx1/s320/dying+tulip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335471026038329570" border="0" /></a>The tulips really came in beautifully this year. They multiplied, came in loads of cheery colors, with an array of heights and variances. And now begins the rather rapid demise of petals and stems, as they have served the purpose of attracting bugs and bees for another spring season. How I wish these days went by slower, lengthening the buds' lifespan. Distracting eyes from the weeds growing and gaining strength beneath them. For awhile we have a gorgeous, healthy flower garden. In a week or two, we will have a seemingly forsaken patch of weeds. At least the dandelions will add some color!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-28054396556574513722009-05-09T21:28:00.008-05:002009-05-09T22:06:49.034-05:00Peru Banquet Fundraiser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWVISzm1fLACW1R1YttBxz-wVGOWXoGJ-ABqE7J0S2UkDOMk_a5aRmoFhyphenhyphenzwtYKwD07bESTwlg4EOP-KqIMK-Pcv19KGeLxzy3SRXcZQG3suXEXasiILRry4HoPVnSu7H6AsLGCpBjaw/s1600-h/alpaca+photo+booth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWVISzm1fLACW1R1YttBxz-wVGOWXoGJ-ABqE7J0S2UkDOMk_a5aRmoFhyphenhyphenzwtYKwD07bESTwlg4EOP-KqIMK-Pcv19KGeLxzy3SRXcZQG3suXEXasiILRry4HoPVnSu7H6AsLGCpBjaw/s320/alpaca+photo+booth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334023076323797490" border="0" /></a>A group of students and adults from our church are taking a trip down to Lima, Peru this summer. They will be partnering with a local Peruvian church to help teach ESL classes, organize and put on a children's carnival, and do some other outreach activities in the community. In order to raise the (much needed) funds, the team held a fundraising banquet at church this evening, and they asked if I might do the desserts for the group. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmCgSJynSv98cA3CwX6h6NT_tywVzvDNtTkCEYDWGRLaY_Hu9Q-sUq1_5ualzLrWTMieRE7r7r6PpFY75pbqp80GqiH5AmDOYFb9FMFjf4NjpqdJciU3FYTiaS_M2gN4OOu0l7NxFoRiR/s1600-h/alpaca+cupcake+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmCgSJynSv98cA3CwX6h6NT_tywVzvDNtTkCEYDWGRLaY_Hu9Q-sUq1_5ualzLrWTMieRE7r7r6PpFY75pbqp80GqiH5AmDOYFb9FMFjf4NjpqdJciU3FYTiaS_M2gN4OOu0l7NxFoRiR/s320/alpaca+cupcake+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334023085401204674" border="0" /></a>I happily agreed, and the ideas immediately began to form. I played around with the alpaca cookie cutter idea for awhile, but then I found something so much better. I wanted it to be a surprise for the team, so I couldn't post anything on the blog (even though I've been busy in the kitchen all week!). I was so excited to see everything come together this afternoon. These cupcakes, with their chocolate alpaca candies, are one of the cutest creations to have left my kitchen. And I was just as excited to find the miniature <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOc-65AHHmZeMJA9TgvVc1uC7bi1dcHl3z3Lb75_VNXoCApgwMxexNAB9t2x8ofvUg4JjTwooOb1rfX7nx_d7_SczK8BZ6qz19NGyTdyNSmE5M_Rm6-IYmvx8_trXSFs4xD4iwt61FLEW/s1600-h/alfajores.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOc-65AHHmZeMJA9TgvVc1uC7bi1dcHl3z3Lb75_VNXoCApgwMxexNAB9t2x8ofvUg4JjTwooOb1rfX7nx_d7_SczK8BZ6qz19NGyTdyNSmE5M_Rm6-IYmvx8_trXSFs4xD4iwt61FLEW/s320/alfajores.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334023081227970562" border="0" /></a>Peruvian flags! Add in chocolate <a href="http://whatwecalltravel.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-got-whole-world.html">cake pops painted like the earth</a> and <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Peruvian-Caramel-Cookies-70813">alfajores</a> (Peruvian almond cookies with dulce de leche filling), and I couldn't wait for others to partake. And while I try to shy away from receiving credit, it always gives me a thrill to have people enjoy something I made. Though, I have to admit, it seems kind of silly to make a statement like that and then write about it on this blog! Really though - I hope you enjoy the pictures at least!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphH0ElT4mojnzdV29Zx1sH2U3wld9B0c5WKv3ELmw23Q3Zr9zjHgupn8-G_n6lKEZcypHIRT1_y4_kpGZKj8ec639CCpwLWfSJpAy_NUPMd5StySwfwSeolOYcjgXm7Ii9YmNy1Skkih2/s1600-h/cupcake+stand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphH0ElT4mojnzdV29Zx1sH2U3wld9B0c5WKv3ELmw23Q3Zr9zjHgupn8-G_n6lKEZcypHIRT1_y4_kpGZKj8ec639CCpwLWfSJpAy_NUPMd5StySwfwSeolOYcjgXm7Ii9YmNy1Skkih2/s320/cupcake+stand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334023086195315538" border="0" /></a>And Kudos to Jim for creating the rockin' alpaca cut-out photo booth, to Madie (and others) for helping me set up, and to the entire organzing team for the banquet - you really did a fantastic job and the night was a hit!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-46450814827326619892009-05-08T00:23:00.002-05:002009-05-08T00:28:50.335-05:00Friends & (camp)Fires<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rq_EuFR8dBy8dyekpuVbmXf_sQ-1q9bKoxSPFwILM8PQU6jkDQhoep7ZqB8TewC7YUte44Ex7pcFNflG4Ah8IDmkbrErztqb8GFE7kzWxiCTtuaFdabWak_c9fZ8G5Krcg2pI_weB-Kp/s1600-h/campfire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rq_EuFR8dBy8dyekpuVbmXf_sQ-1q9bKoxSPFwILM8PQU6jkDQhoep7ZqB8TewC7YUte44Ex7pcFNflG4Ah8IDmkbrErztqb8GFE7kzWxiCTtuaFdabWak_c9fZ8G5Krcg2pI_weB-Kp/s320/campfire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333320627973948370" border="0" /></a>We had a great time tonight catching up with Dan & Bethany around the campfire, as well as smiling and laughing at/with their one-year-old daughter Jillian. She just started walking, which is obviously her favorite thing (other than terrorizing Justin, that is). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZh1938tuGBMkfIUF-hqxasGmqQ5JXPkJ1r46NAcYE6yfcnXHB3XTvvjw15TjvbMRdmKKqjABQYhqt5JwTUyNnhsM32wqDV98DkQiD5ekjHQxKF5lzWxRA83dvuUva0SasRczTE7wQmGj/s1600-h/jillian+and+justin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZh1938tuGBMkfIUF-hqxasGmqQ5JXPkJ1r46NAcYE6yfcnXHB3XTvvjw15TjvbMRdmKKqjABQYhqt5JwTUyNnhsM32wqDV98DkQiD5ekjHQxKF5lzWxRA83dvuUva0SasRczTE7wQmGj/s320/jillian+and+justin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333320621875538546" border="0" /></a>Bethany had all the fixin's for pudgie pies ready, and we happily burned our tongues with the molten lava hot filling (not to be confused with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9c9lAfXQHs">these</a>).Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-88204254001568805112009-05-04T19:14:00.007-05:002009-05-04T19:27:54.318-05:00Seriously Beautiful Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1yDNTXUN_53CkQylioI-kogiCweOVkgJCFcMswBtJMg8ffcEZlWH4yqAe2qo7I0hurHDevXRJkFn3LbkH1fDH7seHTTAHRZTWe_IQd-DYuwdjibHivtjBxmNCHa_i2vWrT-SEH3ZZkTi/s1600-h/pink+tulip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1yDNTXUN_53CkQylioI-kogiCweOVkgJCFcMswBtJMg8ffcEZlWH4yqAe2qo7I0hurHDevXRJkFn3LbkH1fDH7seHTTAHRZTWe_IQd-DYuwdjibHivtjBxmNCHa_i2vWrT-SEH3ZZkTi/s320/pink+tulip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332128273612246274" border="0" /></a>Without a doubt, I like our garden in May better than any other month of the year. Crocuses still hanging around, daffodils and tulips blooms galore, plum and apple trees budding, ground cover spreading, and weeds still at a minimum. Plus, the weather was <span style="font-style: italic;">perfect</span> today - sunny, 75 degrees, with a gentle breeze. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxX3LQOcypoT-sB_G6LzrX42KvRsEbDUxa0I_NZMx0sAufkKGYW6OFZg3Lwdum09gUW9TykAN1gzaIQKCdI64l4AMWByw_XCtQvFkMMjdX5424tYM7aV2oAlp9CBx_Q2czaJeXfKjrHq6/s1600-h/plum+blossoms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxX3LQOcypoT-sB_G6LzrX42KvRsEbDUxa0I_NZMx0sAufkKGYW6OFZg3Lwdum09gUW9TykAN1gzaIQKCdI64l4AMWByw_XCtQvFkMMjdX5424tYM7aV2oAlp9CBx_Q2czaJeXfKjrHq6/s320/plum+blossoms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332128275027740338" border="0" /></a>Justin played a round of golf and I had the chance to sit out on the deck in a short sleeve shirt and shorts.<br /><br /><br /><br />For now<br /><a href="http://gramercyarms.blogspot.com/2008/04/lyrics.html">I'm looking at the sun</a><br />Someday the rain might come<br />But I love the sunshineJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-32226953844642704072009-05-03T20:03:00.003-05:002009-05-03T20:13:59.433-05:00Cake Overload - A Tasting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9IPCHe9b8jQZpZOnc2TetIpj4taxTn7UlLxVLA-EOs7he6l2eUNZ89jBuFUOTxXR3ukLSUnHVEdjJvBQ64EDR6uuxYZ7zDyb82AXC04DsqIuR3UtssQJ6n2_jxf2XCNiW6Di2NYiK7W3/s1600-h/4+cakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9IPCHe9b8jQZpZOnc2TetIpj4taxTn7UlLxVLA-EOs7he6l2eUNZ89jBuFUOTxXR3ukLSUnHVEdjJvBQ64EDR6uuxYZ7zDyb82AXC04DsqIuR3UtssQJ6n2_jxf2XCNiW6Di2NYiK7W3/s320/4+cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331770501838026450" border="0" /></a>My cousin and his fiance are getting married this summer, and they came over today to taste some different cake flavor possibilities. They picked out eight flavors to try, so I spent the last few days baking and frosting small portions for them to taste. They left happy, with sugar highs and decisions made about the types of cakes - Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, Lemon Chiffon Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Buttercream Frosting, and finally a Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with Strawberry Preserves Filling and Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Any requests for an invitation should be directed toward the happy couple!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-69340300311776699522009-05-01T16:54:00.003-05:002009-05-01T17:16:10.619-05:00Lemon Curd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnbGNt3MYxS5_KizTnMUO7yGQNPQF-R_ne4SnGz-0KDEjtalaL_OfHfersypyS7Puw3lIwkDvRNb7riZ9LsYqXQC7K-NxX47HDhmTTkuFGmrp2I-UIcvMOHnGbfa3wAjxn4IOqLCbHkOF/s1600-h/cut+lemon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnbGNt3MYxS5_KizTnMUO7yGQNPQF-R_ne4SnGz-0KDEjtalaL_OfHfersypyS7Puw3lIwkDvRNb7riZ9LsYqXQC7K-NxX47HDhmTTkuFGmrp2I-UIcvMOHnGbfa3wAjxn4IOqLCbHkOF/s320/cut+lemon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330982186503040034" border="0" /></a>Who in the world came up with the name for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_curd">Lemon Curd</a>? CURD? That was the best someone could come up with after first stumbling upon the preparation for this silky smooth, buttery, sweet-and-sour concoction? Honestly. It makes something so delicious sound like, well... like cheese. Which, don't get me wrong, is delicious in its own special way. But a Cheese Curd and Lemon Curd have diddly squat in common, and I take offense to this complete misuse of the word Curd. Even Pudding would have been more acceptable, though, I suppose, that's a whole other ball of wax!<br />Well, setting aside the deplorable name, here is an altogether lovely recipe for lemon curd, which takes less than 15 minutes to make. Perfect for a pie, tart, or cake filling, or spread on muffins or scones.<br /><br />Lemon Curd<br />(adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baking-Textbook-Pastry-Fundamentals-2nd/dp/0131579231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241216088&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">On Baking</span></a>, by Sarah Labensky)<br /><br />4 fl. oz. Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed<br />6.5 oz. Granulated Sugar, divided<br />2 tsp. Lemon Zest<br />2 Eggs<br />6 oz. Unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces<br /><br />1. Combine the Lemon Juice, 3 ounces of the sugar and the zest in a nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.<br />2. Place the eggs and remaining sugar in a bowl. Gently whisk together - we don't want lots of air bubbles.<br />3. While stirring the egg mixture gently, pour about 1/4 of the boiling juice mixture into the eggs. Once combined, continuing stirring and add in the remaining juice mixture to the eggs. Whisk to combine, then add the mixture back to the saucepan and return to the stove.<br />4. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Continue mixing and boil for 1 minute.<br />5. Remove from heat and transfer mixture into a cool bowl. Allow to cool, either in an ice bath or in the fridge for several minutes.<br />6. When the mixture is still warm, but no longer hot, add the butter in five parts, stirring well with a spatula after each addition. When the chunks of butter are almost melted, but not completely, you can add the next addition.<br />7. Use immediately, or chill, cover, and refrigerate.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-87261828230630563362009-04-29T19:44:00.003-05:002009-04-29T19:58:36.455-05:00Cakes Galore - and Alpacas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Au_U5xZ4AouwcjwuahMv6fcF_bOwOIDdawliT8mjAWaKgd5BheI4R63d5yK6KcPfgm2DryQJSMBbh9WFeMlcsxAGymvQBWpgJcjuuLfa4OyF2EtxEsvKGyaw4ydl-CrSgPdSVIMFdoY/s1600-h/marble+cake+batter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Au_U5xZ4AouwcjwuahMv6fcF_bOwOIDdawliT8mjAWaKgd5BheI4R63d5yK6KcPfgm2DryQJSMBbh9WFeMlcsxAGymvQBWpgJcjuuLfa4OyF2EtxEsvKGyaw4ydl-CrSgPdSVIMFdoY/s320/marble+cake+batter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330282140836859570" border="0" /></a>I have quite a few events coming up to bake for, and I've started by baking a number of cakes for a tasting. Today I put together a simple marble, chocolate fudge, and vanilla buttermilk cakes. The vanilla buttermilk cake recipe comes from a cookbook I've mentioned before on this blog, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sky-High-Irresistible-Triple-Layer-Cakes/dp/0811854485/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241052532&sr=8-2">"Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes."</a> It is so very tasty - the buttermilk adds such a nice little extra flavor, as well as tons of moisture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR1xy3oXxcg-sKVpYK1XytwEJMgj-hwZVCseXFT4Fmls3PQLWkRIG3suUeHDn97FvF4nbKzvjsqSb_qITCDogslMhKEcSvOyKT5pgE7GvzC5Q0KdOQoDIBVXTxZJN9FWvqq2cstjSBOCs/s1600-h/marble+alpaca.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR1xy3oXxcg-sKVpYK1XytwEJMgj-hwZVCseXFT4Fmls3PQLWkRIG3suUeHDn97FvF4nbKzvjsqSb_qITCDogslMhKEcSvOyKT5pgE7GvzC5Q0KdOQoDIBVXTxZJN9FWvqq2cstjSBOCs/s320/marble+alpaca.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330282146244219106" border="0" /></a>Also coming up is a fundraising banquet at church for the team of students and adults heading on a missions trip this summer to Lima, Peru. I was asked to provide the desserts, and was happy to oblige. I was playing with some ideas for sweets when I came across this Alpaca-shaped cookie cutter online. I have since decided to make some other things and won't be using the cutter for the banquet, but I had the extra piece of cake that I had leveled off, and felt like testing it out. Yep. It turns out that it cuts things in the shape of an alpaca. Genius.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-34862427470395333262009-04-26T19:11:00.005-05:002009-04-26T19:48:14.267-05:00Kieler & Kohler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfu3LNWq5JI80p8tpr7zbU7-wGjy7xz7-VzZxijH5neY65V2DAwEsK8ahqTUUEk8yzsaxRXucOKBeNXPikFe4z37guJvyYdWUR_NwS8hOlszgg91MUcW43DUKhkTOlqSO_xwaV-jGuYc/s1600-h/whistlingstraitstiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfu3LNWq5JI80p8tpr7zbU7-wGjy7xz7-VzZxijH5neY65V2DAwEsK8ahqTUUEk8yzsaxRXucOKBeNXPikFe4z37guJvyYdWUR_NwS8hOlszgg91MUcW43DUKhkTOlqSO_xwaV-jGuYc/s320/whistlingstraitstiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329164385828226002" border="0" /></a>This weekend Justin and I had made plans to be at different sides of the state. He and his dad and an opportunity to play <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNudyZVOb9P513LmJvxgSx7tpNHmHAjTuOL-sF41H3PbuM86zDPGuP9XpMkuO7FHudyyfvilMwWsnZokFTu_J-O-hQNW6t-A35gUuVavytbBCkFbzdrfRSpe65NtUwtm1R3uQLyjq53Y/s1600-h/angie+and+lamb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNudyZVOb9P513LmJvxgSx7tpNHmHAjTuOL-sF41H3PbuM86zDPGuP9XpMkuO7FHudyyfvilMwWsnZokFTu_J-O-hQNW6t-A35gUuVavytbBCkFbzdrfRSpe65NtUwtm1R3uQLyjq53Y/s320/angie+and+lamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329164387227800466" border="0" /></a>The Straits Course at <a href="http://www.destinationkohler.com/golf/ws/ws_index.html">Whistling Straits</a> in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">Kohler</a>, and I went to visit Kurt, <a href="http://kielersnyder.blogspot.com/">Angie</a> & Katie in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">Keiler</a>. Our weekends could not have been more opposite! Though cold and windy, Justin was excited to have gotten a chance to play a PGA Championship course. Scores and stories will surely be re-shared the next time they watch Tiger play a round there! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqoPs0vtZ5a8X7QZKRpvshMyu8s4LxMD0kEvHacmEZDVXkyu-5w4fV5BY6oQ_nHXN7v-A8XsSieCGLPlo4DFpi12vtWmNxsBxXTD3hz6KgztpW7bMW4vi-7s6smBNJopvLg9XCyz-ln0/s1600-h/eating+clothespins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqoPs0vtZ5a8X7QZKRpvshMyu8s4LxMD0kEvHacmEZDVXkyu-5w4fV5BY6oQ_nHXN7v-A8XsSieCGLPlo4DFpi12vtWmNxsBxXTD3hz6KgztpW7bMW4vi-7s6smBNJopvLg9XCyz-ln0/s320/eating+clothespins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329164391160189330" border="0" /></a><br />And at the other corner of Wisconsin, I was passing time taking photos of lambs, petting downy-soft new chicks, visiting with great friends, and working at making their one-year-old daughter smile and laugh (and was successful most of the time!). And who knew that clothes pins are the bees knees of children's toys (or snacks)?! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3f5AtIKRPMFKo5elmM7D_RtQ5aFhAu7tRl9iHWCWr3uTwoT9t25bcUxB7yPeH7ynONVLCyJTS63EZ8tEGT0SSgqR27oh4I29qQQhRA6ctIevQXqOuZ7RXSyBSP13hVhWeqxeQOI0XAQ/s1600-h/taking+a+picture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3f5AtIKRPMFKo5elmM7D_RtQ5aFhAu7tRl9iHWCWr3uTwoT9t25bcUxB7yPeH7ynONVLCyJTS63EZ8tEGT0SSgqR27oh4I29qQQhRA6ctIevQXqOuZ7RXSyBSP13hVhWeqxeQOI0XAQ/s320/taking+a+picture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329164394008739026" border="0" /></a> And cameras. Cameras are evidently fascinating to one-year-olds. Especially the lens - it calls out to Katie to be touched! It was a fun, relaxed time, even if it did involved getting creamed at Mexican Train Dominoes by a ruthless Harris! And now we are both home, glad to be done with driving and out of the rain and thunderstorms.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-9465843008939802172009-04-23T11:55:00.008-05:002009-04-23T20:20:14.703-05:00Wife of a Geek<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGhBXGADdDSJaaaLgx8zEvOPGwcoVBPP5oec4LlMCmEQ0d8pte1DUCjv7JC4ck5QryXXMZ6hgVDWeaS-QZPKxRsGlWhlFqS0w2Ge5rmigTncXyVTTsUgUEfcYH7FRR6kJpDE2J7mJsmc/s1600-h/topcoder+cupcakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGhBXGADdDSJaaaLgx8zEvOPGwcoVBPP5oec4LlMCmEQ0d8pte1DUCjv7JC4ck5QryXXMZ6hgVDWeaS-QZPKxRsGlWhlFqS0w2Ge5rmigTncXyVTTsUgUEfcYH7FRR6kJpDE2J7mJsmc/s320/topcoder+cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327935411816649346" border="0" /></a>Justin has been involved in an online software competition for the last couple of months, and has qualified for a trip to Las Vegas. We've gone to this "conference" for the past two years, and we're thrilled to be going again soon. However, to try to "get to know" the competitors a bit better, <a href="http://www.topcoder.com/">TopCoder</a> has asked each of them to submit a video. Not really anything specific required, just something personal and TopCoder- or competition-related. We wanted to try to make it somewhat silly, but we couldn't figure out how filming Norm attempting to climb a tree was computer-related. Rather, I got a <a href="http://www.globalsugarart.com/product.php?id=19925">new brand</a> of fondant icing I have been wanting to try, and decided to make TopCoder and <a href="http://www.topcoder.com/tco09">TCO</a> cupcakes. Then we will film Justin eating one. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Satin Ice</span> Fondant was very easy to work with, but alas, it still tastes a bit like plastic. I added some vanilla and butter extract, but that just made it taste like vanilla butter gum. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK7Ayolhb_phv5gI3EkR2YJrYkps62jL7iHVdEyA3vESaxxovflry9xXWcKMZ7JufKwFLhZDlm-6_DNxP2FgBkhy1IZHF7t2nmUFkyTyo-5Tgd3fS9LIsp46Ia6FWWoBoPXvGArqssr0/s1600-h/sprinkled+cupcake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK7Ayolhb_phv5gI3EkR2YJrYkps62jL7iHVdEyA3vESaxxovflry9xXWcKMZ7JufKwFLhZDlm-6_DNxP2FgBkhy1IZHF7t2nmUFkyTyo-5Tgd3fS9LIsp46Ia6FWWoBoPXvGArqssr0/s320/sprinkled+cupcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327935408034555154" border="0" /></a> So cute? Of course. Tasty? Nothing to rave about, but not half bad. Definitely better than Wilton brand (noticing a theme here...). I only covered these few in fondant - the rest I just stuck with the cream cheese frosting! And sprinkles - lots of sprinkles!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Can you believe this photo came from my camera - Justin thought it was something I found online!</span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-44353620027933218732009-04-22T09:15:00.002-05:002009-04-22T09:24:58.416-05:00I've got the Whole World...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_L6mnd6E_uoLU-_qb5cftE-8u6zi9pN3qNMlzNcBOKZD0ZxijEDdtG9Jxt1M5KJRwKuar7O-s6S0-fXEdMfDV9PQiWG04_A819HPtaURAMF88KbF18TNdfT5x_Le3XblG4YI8wPZQ-E/s1600-h/cake+globes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_L6mnd6E_uoLU-_qb5cftE-8u6zi9pN3qNMlzNcBOKZD0ZxijEDdtG9Jxt1M5KJRwKuar7O-s6S0-fXEdMfDV9PQiWG04_A819HPtaURAMF88KbF18TNdfT5x_Le3XblG4YI8wPZQ-E/s320/cake+globes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327521634465940866" border="0" /></a>In celebration of both Earth Day and my Aunt Ruth's birthday, she requested cake pops to take to her office. These came out even better than expected. I also tried some new candy melts, Merkens brand from <a href="http://www.confectioneryhouse.com/home.php">Confectionery House</a> (which also sells ridiculously cool cupcake wrappers). In addition to the candy coating; I also bought paramount crystals which help thin out the melted candy, making it easier to dip the cake balls. This combination (the new melts and crystals) seemed to be easier to work with than my previous endeavors with Wilton brand melts and shortening, though there wasn't much difference in the end result.<br />So whether it is your birthday, or you are just trying not to destroy the earth, Enjoy the day!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-11179649736091767392009-04-18T22:21:00.004-05:002009-04-18T22:31:02.205-05:00Women's Retreat (day)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsS1ZtqBJ6neOPq77qEHfQr6JZJ6a0DkGY4BpXUJDMS0Sc0NA-vtyoUvm51ZtpOM4JegOP8Zi7qYi4qenySlxdJDyg1RpG-pLfSvvdHgm8ztzTATDEZ_K_4UIORNR03CQwrevXP8A-x4/s1600-h/quiet+time+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsS1ZtqBJ6neOPq77qEHfQr6JZJ6a0DkGY4BpXUJDMS0Sc0NA-vtyoUvm51ZtpOM4JegOP8Zi7qYi4qenySlxdJDyg1RpG-pLfSvvdHgm8ztzTATDEZ_K_4UIORNR03CQwrevXP8A-x4/s320/quiet+time+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326238944813253138" border="0" /></a>This whole weekend (Friday - Sunday) is our church's Women's Retreat. We had some plans already set for this weekend, so rather than going for the whole time, and since it was relatively nearby, I decided to just drive out for the day. It was a gorgeous warm, sunny day, and a nice time to connect with a bunch of other gals from our church, be silly, have some quiet time, and do some cooking. The theme for the weekend was "Finding Your True Beauty." And I was glad to have my camera along to capture some moments that I found beautiful.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZXJOpXizp7tqHFWO1GWWHlT-9KfRYHjqx7t4FbmdFei_kSIBYGNme99_5ZXrEyjt4H2PMStK6gFpaxMUe1VKncCZQD45k40yWWB4qvhh-qsrAPghh5RWKPkKf8c8GQYFD2OLj2zrFd0/s1600-h/finished+products.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZXJOpXizp7tqHFWO1GWWHlT-9KfRYHjqx7t4FbmdFei_kSIBYGNme99_5ZXrEyjt4H2PMStK6gFpaxMUe1VKncCZQD45k40yWWB4qvhh-qsrAPghh5RWKPkKf8c8GQYFD2OLj2zrFd0/s320/finished+products.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326238949551687202" border="0" /></a><br />In the afternoon there were a number of workshops that the women could choose from to fill an hour, one of which I led. I shared a number of fun and easy appetizer and dessert recipes and ideas, and made sure the women in my little group (trapped in the sweltering hot kitchen) got involved and got their hands dirty. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_XpDjkdwqd29tRVbkM_z5wXBLav4yUvAKpN7Ch_ymGgy1b_P_FH2VrvULv8iyrGNwM2UNsQbKJJXLQUdNOMW80w5A8BNzoHnz4MVbEmUOdVM-rY8Kljdrys_22zXWF5j2kutLGMeWGU/s1600-h/tammis+hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_XpDjkdwqd29tRVbkM_z5wXBLav4yUvAKpN7Ch_ymGgy1b_P_FH2VrvULv8iyrGNwM2UNsQbKJJXLQUdNOMW80w5A8BNzoHnz4MVbEmUOdVM-rY8Kljdrys_22zXWF5j2kutLGMeWGU/s320/tammis+hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326238942265846562" border="0" /></a> Here is Tammi David putting together some Roasted Garlic and Cambazola Cheese Triangles. She wanted me to take a picture so she could prove to her husband that she helped cook! She also helped with the dishes, which is always a way to endear yourself to me! :)<br />I was glad for the chance to be able to spend the day this way.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-57486188550072453442009-04-15T15:23:00.004-05:002009-04-15T15:29:32.598-05:00Toot the Tax Bird<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6MssjToSHs8AptVecbe9e9zgQlfKR6Ug0om1K85WlHEKyLyFVdzvamva874VFsafZRjBNBw0anKpzdT3zwhwcCvtqG9X8fFpTGzx12YKpxxeEEKkpB5zHoTzXcSGxNrkfNT4KHgez30/s1600-h/toot+the+tax+bird.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6MssjToSHs8AptVecbe9e9zgQlfKR6Ug0om1K85WlHEKyLyFVdzvamva874VFsafZRjBNBw0anKpzdT3zwhwcCvtqG9X8fFpTGzx12YKpxxeEEKkpB5zHoTzXcSGxNrkfNT4KHgez30/s320/toot+the+tax+bird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325017471934612818" border="0" /></a>In a <a href="http://epicute.com/">round</a> <a href="http://rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/">about</a> sort of way, I happened upon <a href="http://www.nanibird.com/index.html">this fun, free site</a> on the internet. After downloading and printing out the design, I spent the next 10 minutes cutting, folding and gluing my little birdie together. Seriously - pretty funny. I would suggest printing it out on cardstock paper if you have it, but the regular old paper already loaded in the printer works pretty good as well. I may soon have a flock of these little guys - perfect for wasting time and eliciting smiles.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-46093255311804136132009-04-13T10:22:00.007-05:002009-04-13T10:46:21.861-05:00French Toast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nk2WOaQn09nGKLePRgBcO4ICmzot0RutlblN_Y-6fMKZTVprCRvnqThp7XzkIgr18KMVyV2tlAmKI-MG_p0UVTwSO1eMtPemx4rxsjhAostLxPrM2wlJoEX2VuQvRjrRs3j50r2pHTo/s1600-h/challah+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nk2WOaQn09nGKLePRgBcO4ICmzot0RutlblN_Y-6fMKZTVprCRvnqThp7XzkIgr18KMVyV2tlAmKI-MG_p0UVTwSO1eMtPemx4rxsjhAostLxPrM2wlJoEX2VuQvRjrRs3j50r2pHTo/s320/challah+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324201851196108034" border="0" /></a>The second loaf of challah baked up beautifully. While still far from perfect, it had a great crust and delicious and moist crumb. We shared about half of it with family, but then hoarded the rest away in order to make french toast with it this morning.<br /><br />The basis for this recipe for french toast is the first recipe I ever wrote down while watching <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/30-minute-meals/index.html">Thirty Minute Meals</a> (caution - link has sound) with Rachel Ray - almost 6 years ago (before she took over the world) - and it is the bomb. But I've never used challah bread for french toast before today, and now it is the atom bomb of french toast. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rcOax57NMWFRtcxIx3r2Bviau2DQJ3DiXpAuCuGxYVeJZEHRquS0cuP18VVpqgL-DBCnD-A2Utwti761sLa1bAmFIR-yStKBnL7YXOPvN9RF7EBbt4KOUX4u8LY84LOu2oqS4kw6RtI/s1600-h/french+toast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rcOax57NMWFRtcxIx3r2Bviau2DQJ3DiXpAuCuGxYVeJZEHRquS0cuP18VVpqgL-DBCnD-A2Utwti761sLa1bAmFIR-yStKBnL7YXOPvN9RF7EBbt4KOUX4u8LY84LOu2oqS4kw6RtI/s320/french+toast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324201852809035474" border="0" /></a>Serve with real maple syrup, preferably made by <a href="http://kielersnyder.blogspot.com/">a friend</a>'s family, and you might as well wipe yourself off the face of the map. Crazy. Good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />French Toast<br />(adapted from Thirty Minute Meals)<br /><br />2 eggs<br />1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar<br />3/4 Cup Heavy Cream<br />1/4 Cup Milk<br />1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated if you have it)<br />6-8 slices thick (at least 1" thick) french or challah bread<br />Butter for pan<br /><br />Whisk together the eggs, sugar, cream, milk, and nutmeg. Start soaking several slices of bread in the mixture, flip over after a few minutes to soak other side. Heat large non-stick skillet/griddle to medium heat. When the pan is heated, melt a bit of butter in it, then add several pieces of soaked bread to it - only as many as can fit comfortably in the pan, don't crowd it. While these are cooking, start soaking remaining slices in the egg mixture. Depending on your stovetop's heat output, each slice should be flipped over after about 3 minutes, when the cooked side is golden brown. The other side usually takes a little bit less time, maybe about 2 minutes. Warning - I've never actually timed how long this takes. Maybe it was 4 minutes and 3 minutes? Just keep an eye on it. If the toast darkens after only a minute, turn down your heat a bit, or else you will have beautiful-looking french toast, but it will be nasty and gooey on the inside - blech. I like to preheat my oven to 300 degrees, set a wire rack on a cookie sheet, and have it ready in the warmed oven in order to put my finished slices of french toast on while I cook the whole batch of toast. The finished slices don't get soggy or cold, and everything can be served together at the same time. And if, by chance, the center of the french toast didn't get completely done in the pan, the heat from the oven will finish the cooking process.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947387151824351601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990253603963468832.post-479335115900352332009-04-12T21:24:00.015-05:002009-04-12T23:09:52.682-05:00Easter randomnessThis post has nothing to do with Easter, but I posted it on Easter, so I have to at least mention Easter. Here's a picture of a deep-fried Cadbury Creme Egg:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thisiswhyyourefat.com"><img height="300px" width="350px" src="http://22.media.tumblr.com/i2dw5nf19jtqb3tvzV9tk5l1o1_500.jpg"/></a><br /><br />Here's a funny picture:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.icanhascheezburger.com"><img height="300px" width="350px" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/funny-pictures-your-cat-lays-easter-eggs.jpg"/></a><br /><br />Julie and I went to <a href="http://www.woodlandschurch.org">church</a> this morning, out to brunch with her mom, dad, and grandma, and then went up to Wausau to watch golf and hang out with my parents. While we were there, <a href="http://sameoldnothing.blogspot.com">Sarah</a> reached into a cookbook and pulled out this note (it had a recipe on the back), which we are assuming was written about 20 years ago, when I was 9 or 10. Click to get the full details<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xwPVtoXBjClVt8-E1y_e6-O0Dw0H-Og-msrM2hknedJ0xQxF913meZFIbu_biPGs-V6HN-LHJTCqgqUXL02aD2xsCg5U-svxYyuQVTfid-jUC5XKYik4fDgD22N30wQkfoAfM1thyh9R/s1600-h/Note.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xwPVtoXBjClVt8-E1y_e6-O0Dw0H-Og-msrM2hknedJ0xQxF913meZFIbu_biPGs-V6HN-LHJTCqgqUXL02aD2xsCg5U-svxYyuQVTfid-jUC5XKYik4fDgD22N30wQkfoAfM1thyh9R/s400/Note.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323997759875173442" /></a><br /><br />For those who don't know, my mom passed away when I was 6, and my dad was left with 3 boys, ages 6, 4, and 2, and a <a href="http://www.workhorsewi.com">fledgling business</a>, so we were all expected to do stuff that most normal kids didn't have to deal with. It's kind of funny looking back at stuff that we just kind of assumed was normal at the time but very much wasn't.<br /><br />We also had a long discussion about <a href="http://facebook.com">Facebook</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCb8msmAxrnS6NVrHY0aSvcf-jc5i0wQqPZwMCO9ltpRStMp9rSW8rZQh8PWFHL6J21UIrbys9Gaf4ziqesRi6TTzkQD_z-nlSaKKXPZvpUt6L-eWtWw2tSsqJU4CuOgpqthJiAwyNLPg/s1600-h/facebook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCb8msmAxrnS6NVrHY0aSvcf-jc5i0wQqPZwMCO9ltpRStMp9rSW8rZQh8PWFHL6J21UIrbys9Gaf4ziqesRi6TTzkQD_z-nlSaKKXPZvpUt6L-eWtWw2tSsqJU4CuOgpqthJiAwyNLPg/s400/facebook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323998181619577698" /></a><br /><br />I am still on the fence about this whole thing. While I do enjoy a good bit of technology now and then, there are some things I just don't see the value in, namely cell phones, instant messaging, and now Facebook. I don't like cell phones (we only have 1 - prepaid -, and only for emergencies), or instant messaging, because I consider them to be "intrusive" technologies. I mostly like being left alone to focus <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp9Gm-aRe5A">on important tasks</a>, and I feel that having a phone ringing wherever I was or having an IM window pop up all the time is distracting and I end up resenting either the phone or person IM'ing me. Facebook is scary to me because I haven't always made the best decisions (actually hardly ever), and I don't want people remembering me from grade school, middle school, high school, college, etc..., but it would actually be cool to stay in touch with my family, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, grandparents, parents, etc..., all of whom are starting to use Facebook. Let me know your thoughts. Either Facebook is a gift from the heavens, made from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5im0Ssyyus">dreams, rainbows, and unicorn farts</a> (Candy mountain! Candy mountain! You fill me with sweets, sugary goodness!!! ), or it is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60-qRvmzKA">pure evil</a>. I actually already have an account, but I haven't used it all. If I actually start using the stupid thing, I will have to create a profile pic that uses one of my cats, as that seems to be the Gasper thing to do:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCtViYrINbHEV0V6akhip0NXJ2X0X5riRzyRQO1ygg4erU6xJljWUMVjpHWKgOy5wD0fcIAdbx6IIpZPc4znFSmfJgWmCp9V5iY8hCbLhpbxLRyr0wpSDR2h4ugK5MQd3a9YkSGDkh_hO/s1600-h/n26704637_38848531_4644656.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCtViYrINbHEV0V6akhip0NXJ2X0X5riRzyRQO1ygg4erU6xJljWUMVjpHWKgOy5wD0fcIAdbx6IIpZPc4znFSmfJgWmCp9V5iY8hCbLhpbxLRyr0wpSDR2h4ugK5MQd3a9YkSGDkh_hO/s400/n26704637_38848531_4644656.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324001679103229778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBgYUdBEcqa9YS93w6A8vxspsR2GJdwVdbfNVN5CQxNIdcRoecLGBawTbVDktsxs_wHIL_eVblysTY_BEjGorxEsX8S50VyfBwkiMY-IKDORYBAMB5RMmOag8dOCACgVMavqVXmHriHiv/s1600-h/n514775569_3041299_340.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBgYUdBEcqa9YS93w6A8vxspsR2GJdwVdbfNVN5CQxNIdcRoecLGBawTbVDktsxs_wHIL_eVblysTY_BEjGorxEsX8S50VyfBwkiMY-IKDORYBAMB5RMmOag8dOCACgVMavqVXmHriHiv/s400/n514775569_3041299_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324001676085121970" /></a><br /><br />I have also been listening to new music lately, so I thought I would share my current list.<br /><br />Trav clued me into this compilation, which has a ton of artists that I like on it, including an awesome song by Sufjan Stevens, Justin Vernon (from Bon Iver), YeaSayer, The National, and Beirut:<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=303463575&s=143441"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dcOSb-MAJnwdiC4Vezu3CIOzRAj3Lq6hRhAcE5Bn3NiYZk3ib07smJtah1shvKV1DcpIKH8gaDwz58h05DzrqwxJWmYGQbaL2a57t9FGX5iccAckkzaSdnuOAkW5Fi9-OXJLjhpho8WG/s400/61AQVTRSYUL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324005339384549746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://pandora.com">Pandora</a> also recommended to me a song by Vetiver, and I am currently listening to both "Tight Knit", and "To Find Me Gone"<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=304173782&s=143441"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WqzYE4ABL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=138286671&s=143441"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61EQQNSG4XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"/></a><br /><br />A standby favorite of mine is Sufjan Stevens. Both the Illinois and Michigan albums are spectacular:<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=72809208&s=143441"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51X0VrO%2BxWL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=73654274&s=143441"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/6175ASTTEDL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"/></a><br /><br />In the same vein is Welcome Wagon. Sufjan Stevens had an obvious influence in this album. I'm not sure how I feel about the album cover, but it's good music.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=293838165&s=143441"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61UdkwTvzmL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"/></a><br /><br />For good up-tempo music, Fatboy Slim and OK Go are two of my many go-to choices. Doesn't hurt that they know how to make a music video:<br /><br /><object width="350" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pv5zWaTEVkI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pv5zWaTEVkI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZwZiU0kKs">Fatboy Slim Video</a> (for some reason can't embed this one, but it's probably the best video ever. Christopher Walken is a genius.)<br /><br />That's it for me. Random Easter post out -- word.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18295360164058952001noreply@blogger.com2