tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62831281617752663022024-03-13T12:42:42.346-04:00Pictures & PawprintsThis blog is a way to allow me to share my love of photography and help my new hobby grow, with a few other little things sprinkled in along the way!Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-88092796591384979422015-02-11T14:04:00.000-05:002015-02-11T14:04:47.883-05:00DIY Baby Sensory SquaresHappy 2015! So hard to believe we're already a month and a half in. Brendan is growing like a weed! I remember when everyone told me to enjoy the moments when he was really tiny, before he was mobile, and now I know what they meant. Long gone are the days when I could stick him in his swing and let him hang out and possibly even fall asleep. Nope. Now he's at that age where he's into everything and he's so curious. He's obsessed with the dog and likes to get his hands on anything he sees. And of course, everything goes in the mouth now that he's teething (two little teeth so far!).<br />
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He's really into different textures and feeling different things with his hands, so I got the idea to make some sensory items for him to play with. I finally busted out my sewing machine for the first time since he's been born. I found some fabric and a few items in my craft drawer to stuff into them, along with two different types of ribbon. These were super easy and took very little time to do. Plus, they're small enough so that I can take them out with me and give them to him in the shopping cart or stroller. The fabric I had already had square shapes on it, so I cheated a little, but you can make them any size you want. Mine are about 5"x5". I had this cute Richard Scarry fabric, which I'm crazy about since I LOVED his books as a child!<br />
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Here's what you need:<br />
- Small items with different textures. I used corks, makeup sponges, cellophane, and cotton pom poms.<br />
- Grosgrain and satin ribbon<br />
- Fabric, cut into squares (I suggest anywhere from 5" to 7" inches all around)<br />
- Sandwich size ziploc bags<br />
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Cut out fabric and cut about 8" piece of each ribbon.<br />
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Take 2 fabric squares, and place them together, right sides facing each other.<br />
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To place the ribbon to make a "loop," fold each piece of ribbon in half and place it upside down, sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric, as seen below. Pin into place. For each square, I used one of each ribbon and put them on random sides.</div>
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Place items into ziploc bags (this makes it easier to clean the squares without ruining the items inside). The only one I ended up not doing that to last minute were the pom poms.</div>
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Sew around each square, leaving about a 2" opening on the bottom. Turn inside out (which will make it right side up).</div>
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Go back and sew the seam shut, and that's it!</div>
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Baby approved!</div>
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I guess they're tasty too :)</div>
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-77897417443316528462014-12-30T15:31:00.000-05:002014-12-30T15:31:47.636-05:00Wrapping Up 20142014 has been my busiest and most life-changing year ever. Becoming a mom for the first time has been exciting, happy, scary, stressful, and wonderful all at the same time. Fortunately, Brendan is a great baby. He's healthy, happy, sleeps well and eats well. He's growing like a weed, and already starting to fit into 9 month clothes! He definitely inherited his daddy's genes.<br />
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I've had to put a few things on hold as I adapt to motherhood and get Brendan on a decent schedule. One of those things has been working on this blog. I love coming on here and sharing pictures, stories, projects, and recipes. I'm still thrilled at the amount of hits it gets, mostly from past projects that get repinned on Pinterest. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to make an effort to get back on here - even if it's once a week. It's a good outlet for me and I need to keep it up!<br />
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That being said, here are some pics from the last few months, and we get ready to wrap up 2014. I love the monthly pics I've been doing of Brendan since I'm able to record his stats and remember things that he was really into at each age. Plus, it's fun to see how much he changes month to month!<br />
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This was Brendan's Halloween costume - a 1930s circus strong man. How cute is that?! The mustache was part o a 6 pack of stick on fuzzy staches I found at Target in the Halloween aisle. The onesie was one he already had with an anchor on the front that I cut the sleeves off of and turned inside out. For the dumbbell, I bought a wooden rod at the craft store and had Mike saw it down to size. I glued on two styrofoam balls and painted the whole thing black. I cut out the "100" numbers and glued them on. As for the belt, I printed out that letter "G" and then traced it on to glittery foam paper. I glued that on to a thick piece of black ribbon, added a piece of velcro to fasten the belt together, and that's it! </div>
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Shameless plug...his pic also made it on to the Today Show's website last month to promote "Movember." It was awesome :)</div>
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These are Brendan's Christmas pictures and I am simply SMITTEN with them! I did these in my living room, and I wish I had taken a pic of what the setup looked like. I took a white tri-fold board (like the kind we used to use for science fair porjects. Though I guess they still use them for that since they still sell them...), and draped white Christmas lights over it. I took the shaggy area rug from Brendan's room and draped a nice white blanket over it, so it would be nice and cushiony for him. I set him up a few feet in front of the board, instead of directly in front, so I could get that nice blurred light background. I put a few more lights in front of him and scattered some candy canes around for fun. I love the way these came out, and love that Penny was included too :)</div>
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Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year! Here's to 2015 bringing nothing but happiness, health, and good things to you all. xoxo</div>
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-67921246307295277412014-09-05T14:16:00.000-04:002014-09-05T14:16:26.030-04:00Getting the Hang of ThingsIt's been a little over 2 months now since Brendan's been born, and I'm finally starting to adapt to normal life again (sorta). It's amazing how packed your day gets and how a simple trip to Target requires more than just grabbing your keys and heading out the door. I knew it wouldn't be easy and things would be VERY different. Being a stay at home mom is tough...very tough. I know a lot of people who don't have kids think that it's a piece of cake, but it's not. Being at the beckon call of someone who can't fend for himself, while trying to take care of yourself and maintain a house is more demanding than any job I've ever had...seriously. Fortunately, Mike's been doing extremely well with work however, he has to travel a lot since he's got construction going on in Alabama and Georgia, leaving me to not only be a stay at home mom, but be a single stay at home mom as well. Fortunately, Brendan is a good baby and a good sleeper. He's not on a schedule just yet (we're working on it), but he tends to go down between 9-10:00 and get up anywhere from 4:30 to 6:00 (once he slept until 7:30. It was the greatest gift that little man could have given us!).<br />
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This kid is also getting BIG! At his 2 month checkup, he was a little over 25" long and weighed 12 lbs, 13 oz. He's in the 81st percentile for weight, and 96th for height. I packed away his newborn clothes recently and wanted to cry my eyes out. He's already in 3 month clothes now! At the rate this kid's going, he'll be wearing 9 month size by Christmas...He's also very "chatty" lately, cooing and making noises all the time. He'll talk to anyone or anything that'll listen to him. Me, Mike, Penny, the ceiling fan. You name it, he'll strike up a conversation with it. He also smiles a lot now, which is the sweetest thing I've ever seen. That chubby, gummy smile just makes me happy no matter what!<br />
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Here are a few pictures of him so far. We've been taking our monthly pics, not to mention my iPad is loading with nothing but pics of this kid. We spend so much time taking pictures of him, that we realized we had no pics of us with him since the hospital! My parents were here last weekend so we had my dad take a couple pics of us as a family so this poor kid won't look back on baby pictures of himself and think he was raised by ghosts, since we're nowhere to be seen. Looking at these pictures, it's so fun to see how much he's grown and changed in just 2 months.<br />
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This is what we've been posting on Facebook and sending to family. Thought it would be fun to keep up with his stats each month. Aren't those tie stickers so cute?! My mom's friend Rita gave them to us. I love them - he's such a little man!</div>
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He and Penny and pals. Their expressions that I caught in the one month pic are great!</div>
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The hat and booties were a little set I ordered on Etsy, given Mike's line of work. I couldn't resist! Future general contractor. This was at one month old.</div>
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Such a happy kid! I mean, look at that face... :)</div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-86551282155138721722014-07-22T13:41:00.000-04:002014-07-23T15:55:18.922-04:00Introducing Brendan Richard Gorecki!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA4usxSCKvdrzySQ-2_v6XA1BtTBFsl8dtHKH04MDQTMM9q11cR7_1ujvyQQU8adgYOFAbY63G1plBfQq3aoy_AzDzIb7-tsIN5Olze43YcV-RbatWaLIRA_9weCfG6sIHUdjuKSsmTUJ/s640/blogger-image-2104915948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA4usxSCKvdrzySQ-2_v6XA1BtTBFsl8dtHKH04MDQTMM9q11cR7_1ujvyQQU8adgYOFAbY63G1plBfQq3aoy_AzDzIb7-tsIN5Olze43YcV-RbatWaLIRA_9weCfG6sIHUdjuKSsmTUJ/s640/blogger-image-2104915948.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqFcVzPYKE6Jp5kfifdl0E46vTsB7SYdVqyTJ8HryJR6jPbUvc1DxyrRYZ9QvSUpBe6WhWy24bub81AbVfadqHku6p-3cGFERJYvNwvqH71hzb5KHZe4BzC0EqSmHH7k6cwh-IDnFILMN/s640/blogger-image-992598227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqFcVzPYKE6Jp5kfifdl0E46vTsB7SYdVqyTJ8HryJR6jPbUvc1DxyrRYZ9QvSUpBe6WhWy24bub81AbVfadqHku6p-3cGFERJYvNwvqH71hzb5KHZe4BzC0EqSmHH7k6cwh-IDnFILMN/s640/blogger-image-992598227.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><br></div>He's FINALLY here! Our little man was born on June 23rd at 3:19 p.m., weighing 7 lbs, 14 oz, and measuring 21.75" long (the same length as his daddy...I wonder if he'll be 6'3 too??). Brendan is healthy and happy, and we still can't believe he's ours. We named him after St. Brendan, whose church Mike and I were married in here in Clearwater. St. Brendan is also an Irish saint, which is appropriate since Ireland was our big pre-baby trip. He is also the patron saint of diving, sailing, and travelling, which - for those of you who know us - is quite appropriate since Mike loves the water and we both love to travel. Richard is my dad's first name, and Mike's dad's middle name, so we love how it pays homage to both of his grandpas.<br>
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As for his birth day...if you had asked me 2 months ago how I envisioned Brendan's birth, it would have been totally opposite of what really happened (well, except the epidural. God bless that epidural!). My due date was June 19, and from the start, I was totally convinced that he was going to come early. At every ultrasound, he measured ahead of schedule, and I just had that gut feeling. He also always showed to be in the perfect position for a natural birth and everything looked perfect.<br>
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Boy, was I off.<br>
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In early June, my doctor's office scheduled an induction date of June 23rd, just in case he did not arrive by the 19th. I didn't think much of it since I assumed he'd be here early (the 11th specifically stood out in my mind for some reason). On Sunday June 8th, I started feeling extreme back pain with some cramping. Finally, around 11:00 that night, I called my doctor's office and the doctor on call told me to go in to the hospital. Being the planner I am, our bags had been packed and ready to go for weeks, so Mike loaded up the car just in case, and off we went. We spent 3 hours in the hospital as I was hooked up to a monitor to watch my contractions and the baby's heart rate. Since I wasn't dilated far enough, they sent us home. However, I was convinced that it was going to happen for real any day at that point. For the next 2 weeks, I did everything possible to help get this kid out. I took Penny on 2 mile walks every morning, ate the spiciest food I could find, sat on a yoga ball...you name it, I did it. June 19th rolled around and nothing had happened. Any contractions I'd had were irregular, and my water hadn't broken. On Friday, June 20th, I went to see my doctor so that they could do a pre-delivery checkup on me and everything looked perfect. My doctor was even convinced that I would deliver on my own over the weekend, and not make it to Monday since Brendan was ready to come out.<br>
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Wrong again.<br>
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I know this sounds crazy, but I was really looking forward to that moment where the contractions were strong enough or my water broke, so that I could run and tell Mike "it's time!" They had scheduled us to arrive at the hospital at 4:30 a.m. on Monday morning. Naturally, I barely slept on Sunday night. I was excited to meet Brendan, but a little nervous that they were going to induce. They had us check in and once I was all settled in the delivery room, my doctor came in around 5:30 a.m. and broke my water and said I was 3 cm. dilated. Then they started to issue the petocin and that's when the sh*t hit the fan...those contractions were WAY different than the ones I'd been getting on my own. I admire all the women who don't get an epidural because that's not easy. Definitely one of the worst pains OF MY LIFE! A little while later, they gave me the epidural and it was like euphoria. My doctor came in and said they had actually turned off the petocin since I had started contracting on my own, and had just needed a little kick start. Around 12:00, she came back in and said I was fully dilated and ready to go soon! Around 1:30, I began to push. For some reason, Brendan's heart rate kept dropping every time I pushed, and he didn't wanna come out. Just before 3:00, the doctor came back in and said that she wasn't comfortable with me pushing any more because of his heart rate, and wanted to deliver via C-section. I was crushed since I was so close and I knew it meant a lot for Mike to cut the umbillical cord. However, I wanted what was best for the baby, and I knew that a C-section was my safest bet for him. That happened so fast. They wheeled me into the O.R., issued the additional epidural and medications, and by 3:19, he was out. It turns out, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his mid-section, which was preventing him from coming out, hence the heart rate dropping. They didn't know that until they did the C-section, so looking back, I'm glad they did what they did for the safety and health of Brendan.<br>
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I was scared and nervous. I was a little loopy from being on additional meds, but I will never, ever forget that first time I heard him cry. It was the best sound I've ever heard in my life. Mike peeked over the curtain and told me how cute he was and a few minutes later, they brought him over and showed him to me. It was so surreal. I couldn't believe our little man was finally here. After they cleaned him up and weighed him, they brought him over to me and I remember saying "I love you so much" to him. It's amazing how you can say that and mean it to someone you just met.<br>
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The recovery was tough. I was sick to my stomach and out of it for most of the day, and the days after that in the hospital were rough from the surgery. We were blessed to have such wonderful doctors and nurses there to take care of us, and what's most important is that Brendan was in perfect health. I'm feeling much better now and my doctor did a great job with the c-section. Yes, it was tough, but I would do it all over again since it brought me the greatest gift in the world. I've driven by the hospital a few times since his birth, and get nostalgic every time. In a strange way, I wish I was back there to do it all over again, aches, pains and all. Today, Brendan is one month old and I can't believe it! Time flies very fast, and I'm cherishing every minute with him. Mike has been a wonderful daddy and Penny has been great too - she always wants to be wherever we are and runs to his side when he cries.<br>
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Welcome to the world, Brendan Richard! You were so worth the wait :)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWRfIp7uSyRWgHGhyphenhyphenQ6SlgzI0f3jkOsPT_thvjtMIw5aFk-8v0g61uAQ45Bs2qXpt8o6gRl_ArTNrpgJ6_2zmrBPgQ0pgSSI7nV9Hzur73X4IMMukEMjJhswhH8l37DkeetGPuitr28O1/s640/blogger-image--209704166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWRfIp7uSyRWgHGhyphenhyphenQ6SlgzI0f3jkOsPT_thvjtMIw5aFk-8v0g61uAQ45Bs2qXpt8o6gRl_ArTNrpgJ6_2zmrBPgQ0pgSSI7nV9Hzur73X4IMMukEMjJhswhH8l37DkeetGPuitr28O1/s640/blogger-image--209704166.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-83780385970578087752014-06-17T09:48:00.000-04:002014-06-17T09:48:09.059-04:00Quack, Quack!Yep...still pregnant. I'm not due for another 2 days so I can't really complain too much, but I'm just way too anxious to meet our little man!<div>
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So, to keep myself busy without straying too far from home (I have this fear of my water breaking while I'm in the makeup aisle at Target or something), I've been doing stuff around the house and tending to my ducks. Yes, my ducks. We live on a pond, and not long after we moved in, a mama and 4 babies started frequenting my yard, so of course, I had to feed them every time I saw them. Well, 4 became 3, and then 3 became none...right around the time we saw an alligator in the pond. Not cool. Fortunately, a gator is a very uncommon site in this particular pond, and after spotting him on my lawn of all places, I contacted our HOA and after other complaints, they had a trapper come out and remove him (oh what an exciting Friday night that was!). Since then, a new mama came around with 2 more ducks. Now there's only 1, but since there are no more gators around, I like to think that he rebelled and went off on his own, or maybe he went to live with his dad. We'll leave it at that. The other duck is growing big now and, at the expense of getting laughed at by Mike, I buy duck food at PetsMart and leave it in a bowl in the yard. It makes me so happy to see them get out of the pond and come racing up to the bowl all the time now. Another duck friend of theirs has also decided to join them for their meals, but that's fine by me. If the bowl is empty and they start to walk away, they come running back the minute they hear me open the patio door. They're so pretty - we have Mallards and American Black Ducks. A pesky squirrel has also decided to help himself to the food, but I just open the sliding door and send Penny running out there, and that takes care of that. </div>
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Here are some pics of the most recent babies that I took about 2 weeks ago. </div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-84866335957916547742014-06-05T15:31:00.000-04:002014-06-05T15:31:15.163-04:00Baby G's Construction Themed NurseryI'm due 2 weeks from today!! Time has flown by like crazy. Being the planner that I am, I wanted to make sure that everything was done and ready to go so that we won't have anything left to do once this little guy arrives. Hospital bag is packed, all the baby laundry is done, car seat installed, and nursery is set up. With Mike being a general contractor, we decided to go with a "construction" theme so the baby can be just like daddy :) We didn't want to overdo it or make it too cartoon-like. I wanted the room to reflect a little boy, not really a baby boy, so that he can grow into it. My mom (who is obsessed with Pottery Barn), suggested the <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/madras-nursery-patrick-bedding/?pkey=bboys-nursery-bedding&" target="_blank">Madras Nursery Bedding</a>, so that we can switch out the decor down the road if we decide to. It's still loaded with bright colors, so it goes with anything. Though the pictures don't show it too well, the walls are a very subtle light blue called "Icicle."<br />
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That glider was given to us from our friends Sara & Derek. She used it for her 2 kids and they were sweet enough to pass it down to Baby G now that she's done using it. It's really comfy and goes beautifully with the room!</div>
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The diaper decoration was from my baby shower.</div>
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How cute is this?? I had been looking for something to fill that lamp, and my sister and I came across a construction Lego set at Target.</div>
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Found a 3-piece set of these Melissa & Doug wooden vintage toys at HomeGoods for $7!</div>
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Found these prints on Etsy and thought they were too cute to pass up.</div>
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We actually got this print at an art fest in Atlanta. I love the vintage look of it!</div>
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I painted this canvas for him. The lyrics are part of the Dave Matthews song, "Grey Street."</div>
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I'm SO excited for Mike to read this book to the baby. It's adorable :)</div>
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The bottom shelf has my baby book, Mike's baby book, and Baby G's baby book.</div>
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I call this his "nostalgia" shelf. All old-school toys. The Jack in the Box and Barrel of Monkeys were gag gifts from our wedding that I hung on to, the Beanie Baby belonged to his grandma Sharon's (Mike's stepmom) mother, the "Happy Apple" was mine as a baby, and the teddy bear was also mine that my dad gave me as a baby. The wooden truck is part of the vintage Melissa & Doug set. </div>
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My friend Kristin put my gift in this adorable canvas tote for my shower. Perfect for blanket storage next to the glider!</div>
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I think this is my favorite thing in his room. I saw the idea on Pinterest and Mike insisted on making it for the room. He put together and painted that peg board and I absolutely LOVE it!! The tools are actually plastic kids toys from Target, and I love the diapers in the basket.</div>
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Another Etsy purchase. I couldn't resist!! </div>
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Not that polar bears have anything to do with construction, but this is another hand me down. My aunt made this for me and it was in my room as a baby. My mom saved it all these years, so now Baby G gets it. </div>
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So there you have it! Now all we need is a baby to put in there :) Any day now...</div>
Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-72832132645852305422014-05-27T17:35:00.002-04:002014-05-27T17:37:02.001-04:00A Few of My Favorite ThingsAs my pregnancy comes to a close, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things that I've grown to love and got attached to throughout these last 9 months. From beauty products, to clothes, to popsicles, here are the things I've loved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuimBhyphenhyphenpBM_RhP5Y48v9qRCPgOxqhmmzjh9duxLX6ghE6jbdyvM5mdMZgGlZ1ZQGiYHSniWYPc0XIfkIgwj4-03hKvhYXLyUuw7hETbsjBRQLMKBWQtt-R6aL0e4GQB-LPUmUPJakejeu/s1600/Burts-Bees-Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter-with-Shea-Butter-and-Vitamin-E-792850010307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuimBhyphenhyphenpBM_RhP5Y48v9qRCPgOxqhmmzjh9duxLX6ghE6jbdyvM5mdMZgGlZ1ZQGiYHSniWYPc0XIfkIgwj4-03hKvhYXLyUuw7hETbsjBRQLMKBWQtt-R6aL0e4GQB-LPUmUPJakejeu/s1600/Burts-Bees-Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter-with-Shea-Butter-and-Vitamin-E-792850010307.jpg" height="200" width="197" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter/01030-00,default,pd.html?cgid=mamaBee&start=6&q=#start=6" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter</span></a></b><br />
I started using this around 14 weeks when my belly began to pop out, and I love it! It's super thick, so a little goes a long way. I rub this on my belly once in the morning and once before bed. It keeps my stomach moisturized all day and I'm not sure if it's because of the lotion or genetics, but I never got one stretch mark on my stomach. I'm about 3/4 of the way through with jar #2 and will probably keep using it even after he's born. It's easy to find, too. I buy mine at Target, but most maternity stores or drug stores where Burt's Bees products are sold will carry it. Runs about $12 a jar and worth every penny and then some.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.palmers.com/product/detail.php?ID=58&SID=2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks</span></a></b><br />
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Though I never got any stretch marks on my belly, I have some on my lower hip area that are genetic (my skinny, 24 year old sister has them too). Since my skin was stretching even more these last few months, I bought a tube of it and I've noticed that the marks are reduced. It's so cheap - about $5 - and sold at most every drug store. It's thick, so you don't need a lot and bonus - it smells like chocolate!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoRQUeofXR2Q_V24bGWx0fFoT5lY168gYoPNH8x82nlBjHEyPIET_gHNQvW3LoyNSJKkUlRFyj4fwWpdfEx8naFk7fu5nN9c2Euv-0_MP5R9cxVTJQbS991RIHtVAzMXZon3veJL2fjuI/s1600/seaweed-ionic-clay-mask_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoRQUeofXR2Q_V24bGWx0fFoT5lY168gYoPNH8x82nlBjHEyPIET_gHNQvW3LoyNSJKkUlRFyj4fwWpdfEx8naFk7fu5nN9c2Euv-0_MP5R9cxVTJQbS991RIHtVAzMXZon3veJL2fjuI/s1600/seaweed-ionic-clay-mask_l.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/facial-masks/seaweed-ionic-clay-mask.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask</span></a></b><br />
Early on in my pregnancy, my skin did a dramatic change and got really oily. I used to have very minor problems with a slightly oily T-zone in the summers, but this was full out oil (God bless oil absorbing papers!). This stuff is really good since it helps draw out all the excess oils and impurities out of your skin, yet won't dry you out. Fortunately, the oil didn't last too long and my skin went back to normal, but now that I'm back in Florida, I'm sure I'll be getting use out of the rest of the jar once he's born and the true humidity hits.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.apeainthepod.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=63403Z10291&MasterCategory_Id=MC27" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pea In The Pod Secret Fit Belly Jersey Knit Maternity Leggings</span></a></b><br />
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My mom got me 2 pairs of these for Christmas and I practically lived in them! Maternity leggings in general are beyond comfortable, but there was just something about these that felt soooo good. Totally worth the investment since these have been a staple in my maternity wardrobe. Comfort is everything when you're pregnant!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5758" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Old Navy</span></a> and <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5997" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gap Maternity</span></a></span></b><br />
I tried not to spend a fortune on maternity clothes since you only wear them for a few months (if that). Even though I had been lent some maternity jeans by a friend, I got the most use out of my jeans from these 2 places. I got a pair of skinny maternity jeans from each store and wore them all the time. Most Old Navy stores carry their maternity line in-store now. The department may be small, but you can find some cute and inexpensive things like tanks and cute tops for under $20. Some Gap Baby stores will have a maternity section in them, but most of their stuff is online. They do some great sales and even have free shipping promos. I got several nursing tops from them that can be worn now and after he's born. And what's great is that lots of their sales (like 40% off promos) will apply to clearance items too!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.target.com/c/liz-lange-brand-shop/-/N-5q6o6#?lnk=lnav_shop%20by_2lnav_null_12" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Liz Lange Maternity for Target</span></a> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlzDoBj7hOGe9Bclc7qcRjEDlaT0a9ThmcOkHOE_DQYYq3_jJ4HU8fI7faYZOOevzSqf0EJSi7n_7_2O_xQ_22hlRnOuwNxUJ2HYr5fUAsXOS_7tdAg_sc22x3RdljY5P9igmeVc4zZqz/s1600/logo_LizLangeForTgt_2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlzDoBj7hOGe9Bclc7qcRjEDlaT0a9ThmcOkHOE_DQYYq3_jJ4HU8fI7faYZOOevzSqf0EJSi7n_7_2O_xQ_22hlRnOuwNxUJ2HYr5fUAsXOS_7tdAg_sc22x3RdljY5P9igmeVc4zZqz/s1600/logo_LizLangeForTgt_2c.jpg" height="64" width="320" /></a></div>
Another pregnancy go-to. Most of the Liz Lange line is designed to wear during and after pregnancy. I got lots of basic tees and tanks in different colors, as well as a couple of sundresses and a long skirt. During the winter up in Atlanta, they were great for sweaters since they were stretchy and didn't even look like maternity wear. Target always has great clearance rack sales too, so lots of the stuff I got ended up being 30-50% off.<br />
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<b><a href="http://us.havaianas.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Havaianas</span></a></b><br />
Your feet WILL swell at some point...and it sucks. Fortunately, mine didn't start until around 35 weeks. Living in Florida again, I've pretty much worn flip flops every day since I've been back. There's something about Havaianas though, that make them so much more comfortable than regular flops. Plus, you want a good quality flip flop to wear when your feet feel like you've just completed two back-to-back marathons (unless it's winter, which I guess will make Uggs your best friend). They're not as cheap as flip flops from Old Navy, Target, etc., but you can find them at Nordstrom Rack for $12 or online for about the same, if not, less. Your feet will thank you. <br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sobefrozen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SoBe Coconut Water Pops</span></a></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><br />
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Staying hydrated is a big part of being pregnant, and coconut water is a great source of hydration. I discovered these gems at Publix up in Atlanta early on, and even ate them when it was 20 degrees outside. I would eat 2 every night while watching TV. Not kidding - I'm tempted to have Mike bring them to the hospital while I'm in labor. I've only found the regular (my favorite) and the yumberry pomegranate, but they also come in strawberry kiwi and pomegranate cherry.<br />
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<b><a href="http://zico.com/2013/products/zico-chocolate-14-oz/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Zico Chocolate Coconut Water</span></a></b><br />
Another solid coconut water find. It tastes like YooHoo! It's a great source of electrolytes and potassium. I've found them everywhere - Publix, Target, etc. Most grocery stores should carry them.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.carnationbreakfastessentials.com/Public/Default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Carnation Instant Breakfast</span></a> </b><br />
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I actually didn't drink these for breakfasts, but would have them as an afternoon snack. They're loaded with vitamins and a great source of calcium, which you need for those growing baby's bones! I preferred the chocolate one since I felt like I was drinking a chocolate milkshake, but the strawberry and vanilla are super tasty too. They comes in pre-made bottles for on the go, but I would just get the box of the powder mixes and mix them with milk.<br />
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-56217800647189858412014-05-08T20:41:00.000-04:002014-05-08T20:41:08.999-04:00Changes Galore!Hello friends. Man, have we had a lot of changes these last few months! First off, we moved! We loved, loved, loved living in Atlanta. Even though we weren't there long, I feel very lucky that we had the opportunity to experience life there. There's so much to do and it's a really pretty place. I won't miss the 30 degree temps in March, but I will miss the four seasons - especially fall. If you've read my blog before, you know how much I absolutely LOVE fall. The weather, the farmers' markets, pumpkins, changing leaves...sigh. However, once we learned we were having a baby, it seemed like the right decision to make the move back to Tampa. Most all of our close friends have young children and babies, not to mention I know more people who are pregnant than I can keep track of (seriously - I have to stop and count by month since there are so many). It also just so happens that this is the year of the boy! I'm due in June, and I have 3 other friends due in July, August, and September - all with boys! Plus, one friend just had a boy last month, so Baby G will have no shortage of little buddies his age. It also allowed us to be closer to family. We felt it was really important for the baby to be close to his grandparents, aunts, uncle, and cousin. We decided to continue renting out previous house out, and bought a home in a different part of town that we used to live in - an area known to be very family friendly and have some of the best schools in the area.<br />
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So far, we love it here! We lucked out on our house (and I mean, lucked OUT!). It's perfect for us and it's within walking distance to a great park/playground. Our neighbors have been very welcoming, and there are lots of little baby boys around here as well. The only gripe I have is the lovely gator who decided to sun himself on our lawn about 2 weeks ago...We live with our backyard facing a huge pond, and he graced us with his presence one afternoon. Supposedly, they haven't been spotted in this pond before, so Florida Wildlife got a phone call from me, and hopefully they can take him away to a place where alligators can frolic and play...preferably very far away from here. Anyway, the house itself is awesome. The lady who lived here before us took incredible care of everything, and upgraded a lot. Before we moved in, we re-painted the inside colors to our liking, but other than that, the house was good to go! We also have a screened in pool which is coming in very handy since we've had lots and lots of 89 degree days (God bless all you ladies who have to go through Florida summers being pregnant!). Penny's been in a few times, except she apparently forgotten that she likes to swim (I have video proof of her at the beach and pool in the past). She'd prefer to run around the perimeter of the pool and spazz out over the floating chlorine holder that looks like a duck wearing sunglasses.<br />
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I had my baby shower about 2 weeks ago and reality is starting to set in! I'm 34 weeks now, and Baby G is growing beautifully. He kicks and moves all the time, and gets the hiccups several times a day. We're almost done decorating his nursery, and I could just sit in his room and stare at everything for hours. I love it and I can't wait to meet our little man. We have just a couple finishing touches, and then I'll post pics on here once it's all done.<br />
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That being said, I'm off to fold some more baby laundry. Just wanted to post a little update on what's been going on lately!Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-86307472582920016932014-02-07T09:01:00.000-05:002014-02-07T09:01:31.679-05:00Oh BOY!!!IT'S A BOY!!! We found out at our 2nd trimester ultrasound on Monday and are absolutely over the moon. Oddly, I've been having a hunch it was a boy since I got pregnant. I always thought I'd be more inclined toward a girl (although I still would have been ecstatic to have a mini me to dress up and teach crafts to), but I just kept getting this hunch it was a boy. I even referred to it as "he" all the time, just out of habit. I grew up in a house with a mom and sister, and no brothers (my poor, patient dad had 3 girls to deal with), so I thought a boy would be a lot of fun. As soon the ultrasound tech started looking at the baby, she got excited and shouted "It's a boy!" Sure enough, there was no doubt once we looked at that ultrasound. Mike is beside himself - he's so happy to have a son to take fishing, play golf with, and build projects with. The family is so excited. Though there are still no Gorecki baby girls (Mike's sister has a one year old, and his cousin has a 2 year old son), we're happy our little guys will be so close in age and will hopefully grow to be good friends. This will be the first grandbaby on my side of the family, and coming from a girl-dominated household, my parents are thrilled to finally have a little boy in the family. Although we have some ideas for names, we're going to hold off on telling people what the name is until he's born.<br />
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Here is the gender announcement we posted on Facebook (Mike's idea to do a Gator jersey, of course), and a few of the ultrasound pictures (that I diagrammed to make them easier to see) of our SON!<br />
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The doc said to look at this as if you're underneath him. It's definitely a boy! ;)</div>
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Doc said he has long legs...he already takes after his dad.</div>
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I love this one. That sweet little foot has been kicking me a LOT lately!</div>
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-16109367983704889502014-01-30T16:36:00.000-05:002014-01-30T16:36:19.025-05:00Snowmageddon 2014!As a born and raised Florida girl, my time in the snow has been limited. I saw snow a few times in Colorado when I was little, and again in NYC when I moved there in 2007 (2 days into my February move, I realized that I needed to invest in a pair of waterproof boots ASAP!). Upon moving to Atlanta, I was pretty excited at the chance that we might see snow. Last year, Mother Nature just teased us with really cold weather and a few days of flurries. The last time Atlanta had a real snowfall was in 2011, so the odds weren't too strong of us getting another snow day soon. Every now and then, the 10 day forecast will show a little snow icon, only to disappoint yet again with a couple of flurries (if that) and more cold.<div>
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However, that all changed this Tuesday morning when I looked out my window. Holy crap - the meteorologists were right! We had snow! Not just flurries, but actual snow. And it was even sticking to the ground! I swear, I felt like a little kid, just sitting by the window watching the snow fall. I got a text from Mike saying that he'd be home around 2:00, and for me to wait to bring Penny outside until she got back since she'd never seen snow. We were psyched to see her reaction to it. Mike came home and walked in the door with a sled, of course. We put Penny's little pink down coat on her and took her outside. By now, the snow had accumulated quite a bit. He put her down, I had the camera ready to film, and...totally uneventful. We expected her to hop around or act like she didn't know where she was when instead, she walked around sniffing it, eating it, and peeing in it like it was nothing new. Turns out Penny loves the snow. Who knew?! We let her run around in it for awhile and she had a blast. A few minutes later, we were on our way to the park up the street. Seriously, you would have thought this dog had died and gone to heaven. What shocked us even more, was her reaction to the sled. Her reaction to the snow was un-exciting, so we were SURE she would freak out when she saw the sled. Nope. She loved that too. Mike would go to the top of the hill and she would follow him up there, and then run down the hill alongside him as he would go down the hill. It was quite cute, actually! After that, she ran around like the happiest dog on earth. Yesterday, the snow had stopped falling but it had accumulated even more on the ground, so back to the park we went. I tried the sled a little...down the world's smallest hill. I'm so accident prone and now that I'm carrying precious cargo, I didn't want to risk running into a tree.</div>
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The snow is starting to melt today, but I'm SO excited that I was actually able to experience some real snow. It's a good thing I still had those boots... As much fun as we had in the snow, unfortunately, not everyone had the same experience. I'm sure you've seen on the news or online that Atlanta was in a crisis the last couple of days. A lot of people think it's because we can't handle the snow, but it's not. Our government officials didn't handle the situation properly, and let all businesses and schools out at the same time, and didn't order the streets to be prepped to handle the snow and black ice. A lot of people were stuck in traffic for hours...some over 24 hours. Some schools stayed open and set up a place for students to sleep in the gyms overnight. Because the roads weren't properly prepped, there were nearly 1,300 accidents due to ice. It was pretty crazy. Mike got home from work in about 1.5-2 hours which is nothing compared to what others dealt with. Fortunately, it's over now, but it was such a mess. I just thank God that Mike made it home safe and that I was home, and that we were able to enjoy the time together. </div>
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Here are some pics from our days in the park with our little ice princess (whose 3rd birthday happens to be today!). Enjoy!</div>
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Walking on our frozen fountain.</div>
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Is this not the happiest dog you've ever seen??</div>
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Our courtyard. </div>
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The park by us, totally covered in snow.</div>
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Sledding down the hill with dad! She preferred running alongside it. </div>
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Off they go!</div>
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Making sure mama's safe on the sled.</div>
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Making new friends in the snow!</div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-90353559465210587612014-01-13T19:51:00.002-05:002014-01-13T19:51:55.425-05:00Pretzel Parmesan Crusted ChickenA few days ago, I was watching a show where they were making pretzel coated chicken. It looked amazing but it was also fried. Now, even though I'm pregnant and you could probably fry anything and I'd eat it, I wanted something a little healthier (besides, I live in Atlanta and would rather spend my fried food calories on some REAL fried chicken). Last night, I came up with an alternative pretzel crusted chicken that was baked in pretzel crumbs and parmesan cheese and it worked out quite well. I had the parmesan on hand, but I'm sure you could substitute any shredded cheese in your fridge and it would be fine. I may try it with cheddar next...<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Pretzel Parmesan Crusted Chicken</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span></div>
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- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into about 2" cubes</div>
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- 1 1/2 cups of crushed pretzel crumbs - the actual amount of pretzels you'll use will vary, depending on the size (I used the small pretzel sticks)</div>
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- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese</div>
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- 1 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder</div>
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- 1 tsp paprika</div>
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- salt to taste, if using unsalted pretzels</div>
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- 1 egg, beaten</div>
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Heat oven to 375. Place wire rack on a baking sheet and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. </div>
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Cube chicken and set aside.</div>
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In a food processor, crush pretzels and parmesan until you have about a cup and a half. You'll have some fine crushed pieces (like breadcrumbs), and some larger chunks. Toss into a large Ziploc bag and add the garlic powder, paprika, and salt (if using).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HDrrcQxNmk8wKqAawsam-pLFdspgagqz4rQYH-f-bHArg227_qijEjOPwlQkJ0VicfHkPhZ3e_70Qa2Ic-yD_ZwrALTt8P2jFr_zasRaSCNjHfDSdOPePsSbmLAIs9Q975B5vYN2liBg/s1600/Pretzel+chicken+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HDrrcQxNmk8wKqAawsam-pLFdspgagqz4rQYH-f-bHArg227_qijEjOPwlQkJ0VicfHkPhZ3e_70Qa2Ic-yD_ZwrALTt8P2jFr_zasRaSCNjHfDSdOPePsSbmLAIs9Q975B5vYN2liBg/s640/Pretzel+chicken+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg and add to the bag, about 1-2 pieces at a time. Make sure each piece is nicely coated in the crumb mixture. </div>
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Place chicken pieces on the wire rack and bake for 30 minutes (the rack will allow them to cook evenly on top and bottom).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUqEH81rb-aO0fRRRDPFt5va1IvuRad91DyLbkbE1uIygcl3T6jhzbHYo3XR_mwIwfrcyeH6k7ed-3fZBA2Xz5pY7kFJ_DBslLluuX2_Vzv9UHoU6N0SEmTT3YZrZhEs4KdazqE-Sx4qT/s1600/Pretzel+chicken+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUqEH81rb-aO0fRRRDPFt5va1IvuRad91DyLbkbE1uIygcl3T6jhzbHYo3XR_mwIwfrcyeH6k7ed-3fZBA2Xz5pY7kFJ_DBslLluuX2_Vzv9UHoU6N0SEmTT3YZrZhEs4KdazqE-Sx4qT/s640/Pretzel+chicken+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Serve with your choice of dipping sauce on the side. I served these with BBQ sauce to dip them in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJatHCgmjn9_XmwVHtc1h51iOfgOAi0eYbDw6GwDNY1bJc1s0fZbrPGnWTyewXLmdLQlaSWpGK84E6Qy3frcUguWtqBsMifacXnkI9vfDit0YwQQjI9vgfJrrSABxDti5a0WrRZ9DXmC7z/s1600/Pretzel+chicken+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJatHCgmjn9_XmwVHtc1h51iOfgOAi0eYbDw6GwDNY1bJc1s0fZbrPGnWTyewXLmdLQlaSWpGK84E6Qy3frcUguWtqBsMifacXnkI9vfDit0YwQQjI9vgfJrrSABxDti5a0WrRZ9DXmC7z/s640/Pretzel+chicken+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Serve along with your favorite sides and that's it! I made a simple carrot/zucchini dish, marinated in herb infused olive oil and garlic, and roasted for about 25-30 minutes at 375, and rice pilaf (which was Uncle Ben's. I cheated.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wyfjkvalwVa-d7cDrnudCa7Ai6oJ82Get6F-orj_ZMbM-kt83264HKwIbjTnwi4zteaIMuyL3alCn1aY7py6mCUiulr2cLAc-DWeZRD9zFiRzXHeL_tLJaGS4KJshJxnuzhg6dS8OQJs/s1600/Pretzel+chicken+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wyfjkvalwVa-d7cDrnudCa7Ai6oJ82Get6F-orj_ZMbM-kt83264HKwIbjTnwi4zteaIMuyL3alCn1aY7py6mCUiulr2cLAc-DWeZRD9zFiRzXHeL_tLJaGS4KJshJxnuzhg6dS8OQJs/s640/Pretzel+chicken+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you reheat these as leftovers, I recommend heating them in a 350 oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot. Microwaving them might make them soggy. Enjoy!</div>
Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-26282430964282914832013-12-17T19:54:00.001-05:002013-12-17T19:54:57.612-05:00Pickles & Peanut ButterWondering why I've been quiet for so long?? SURPRISE!!! It's been a busy few weeks in the Gorecki household, with most of the excitement surrounding our big secret that we can FINALLY spill. Baby Gorecki will be joining us in June, and we are beyond thrilled!<br />
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I'm now 14 weeks and feeling really good. Fortunately, Baby G. has been good to mama. I felt a little queasy and REALLY tired in the first few weeks, but all that went away around week 9. Now, I've got lots more energy back and I'm staying up past 9:00. The doctor said everything looks great and the baby's nice and healthy. Last Monday, we were able to go in for our most recent ultrasound and we heard the heartbeat, which was amazing! We won't know what it is for a few more weeks, but we're definitely going to find out. Neither of us really have a preference - we're just so excited. I've been having a hunch it's a boy, but had a dream last week that it was a girl, so who knows.<br />
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Thankfully, I haven't had any crazy cravings (yet). I've really been wanting sweet stuff - not necessarily junk food - just anything sweet. I've been trying to curb the cravings with fruit and yogurt, but I still have my chocolate every day. I've also been wanting lots of cheese. The baby's probably gonna come out looking like a block of Dubliner Irish Cheddar if this keeps up. I'm still working out regularly so hopefully that takes care of that cheese problem...<br />
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Other than that, things are really good. Our families and friends are so excited, and I'm pretty sure Penny has a hunch that I'm pregnant too. She's been more protective than usual lately. I think she'll be a great big sister! Though I'm pretty sure she'll think all the hype (and toys) are for her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CbbqExyjLyhBJXZS7nJu5Xr6YPgazaCo48hHtzYJJu59liF1mIIsRiOLL-In5xCGWWt1XMimXPOTln2ZonXMOAgwpB54T-t8Br70fJtkukhBZ9dn3jFVyZPxsbKdBEtd2jfNLgO1V7v7/s1600/Penny+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CbbqExyjLyhBJXZS7nJu5Xr6YPgazaCo48hHtzYJJu59liF1mIIsRiOLL-In5xCGWWt1XMimXPOTln2ZonXMOAgwpB54T-t8Br70fJtkukhBZ9dn3jFVyZPxsbKdBEtd2jfNLgO1V7v7/s640/Penny+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the announcement we posted on Facebook. We couldn't resist - we had to do it! The other one is the pic we used for our Christmas card pic this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdEM0v-zKZcKfRrTNgEnX6oYpBoA6-idz0VROIddBOeOa6vWt-XBUxw4ZVbO3rBhoi7J1Bgf9YeuzWK3iX3sEbudWjXLllUq2OQzjjaEIpjcZuwGYjrHLG2yYu6x_P-9N4hz5_zrQDMPd/s1600/Annoucement+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdEM0v-zKZcKfRrTNgEnX6oYpBoA6-idz0VROIddBOeOa6vWt-XBUxw4ZVbO3rBhoi7J1Bgf9YeuzWK3iX3sEbudWjXLllUq2OQzjjaEIpjcZuwGYjrHLG2yYu6x_P-9N4hz5_zrQDMPd/s640/Annoucement+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOhvjmSYEHsqL29uXHggYa36mp_Zr-p6SfbAZ7UQ2l26_f31MAvkX9ZeUV0076HifogaOniBFmSZvx4Ji_dfLBeShfkB_5d9RWXE2IRILUsJGvb2lFiV6XNHQ6zUfcL1Ffs2zNGD_Ge_R/s1600/Belly+Xmas+Pic-1-2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOhvjmSYEHsqL29uXHggYa36mp_Zr-p6SfbAZ7UQ2l26_f31MAvkX9ZeUV0076HifogaOniBFmSZvx4Ji_dfLBeShfkB_5d9RWXE2IRILUsJGvb2lFiV6XNHQ6zUfcL1Ffs2zNGD_Ge_R/s640/Belly+Xmas+Pic-1-2-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't take credit for this one. I saw something similar on Pinterest and fell in LOVE with it!!</div>
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Thanks for bearing with me while I kept this a secret! More posts (and belly pics) to come soon :)<br />
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Love,<br />
Brie & Baby G.Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-89373550522425569842013-10-03T18:59:00.000-04:002013-10-03T18:59:30.767-04:00My Husband Hates Beans Bean-less ChiliI feel like that's an appropriate name for this recipe. As you know from <a href="http://picturesandpawprints.blogspot.com/2013/02/vegetarian-lentil-soup.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">previous posts</span></a>, my husband Mike HATES beans. Which is a shame, because I love them. Not to mention, they're good for you. I have a great chili recipe and every time I make it, Mike pushes all the beans to the side and asks if I can make it bean-less. Sigh. When I think "bean-less chili" I think of a big bowl of meat. So, out of the kindness of my heart, I altered the recipe and added in some extra veggies to sub for the beans. It was actually pretty good and best of all, Mike-approved :)<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Mike's Bean-less Chili</span></b><br />
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- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil<br />
- 2 lbs of lean, ground beef<br />
- 1 medium onion<br />
- 1 red bell pepper<br />
- 1 green pepper<br />
- 1 medium zucchini<br />
- 1/4 cup chili powder<br />
- 1 Tbsp cumin<br />
- 1/2 tsp cayenne<br />
- 6 garlic cloves, minced<br />
- 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained<br />
- 28 oz can of tomato puree<br />
- 6 to 8 oz ale or lager style beer<br />
- Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Chop all vegetables. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, zucchini, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt to taste. Cook about 7-8 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the garlic.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPup9yilS057YUNgdF48e9gx4BKBhSDq9EP0nGZ0D44qiacGhiChDb2FCgXza9F1qez24Zg6dL3Us_UgIKofR-UWtqcl5U_EG9KGJR94etI8y9q2EYXAofv566V4iNPO_IXLrrDmwtcm4/s1600/Chili+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPup9yilS057YUNgdF48e9gx4BKBhSDq9EP0nGZ0D44qiacGhiChDb2FCgXza9F1qez24Zg6dL3Us_UgIKofR-UWtqcl5U_EG9KGJR94etI8y9q2EYXAofv566V4iNPO_IXLrrDmwtcm4/s640/Chili+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were a good hearty option to replace the beans. Carrots and corn would work too!</td></tr>
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Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until no longer pink. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, and beer. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for about 45 minutes.<br />
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Remove cover and cook for another 35 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKAcIMSM5fOtWxKzXem8PH-kIfcrkueNxnTClrjMhNt5OyJSrMrkcgCk8FjlyFHx86Mgk-2kzCLlvgkjuU_4zQkxh1oYZYhjlK9uRVs96aV44k0DFvEUMYU4UfJkJp1MKM4nIzIvt3nSF/s1600/Chili+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKAcIMSM5fOtWxKzXem8PH-kIfcrkueNxnTClrjMhNt5OyJSrMrkcgCk8FjlyFHx86Mgk-2kzCLlvgkjuU_4zQkxh1oYZYhjlK9uRVs96aV44k0DFvEUMYU4UfJkJp1MKM4nIzIvt3nSF/s640/Chili+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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* If you don't want to use the beer, do not drain the diced tomatoes. You can use the juice from that instead.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-57294719890834166912013-09-29T09:16:00.000-04:002013-09-29T09:16:00.438-04:00Catching Up! Falling Leaves & Doggie SwagAhh...fall is here! I absolutely LOVE living in a city that actually has a fall, which happens to be my most favorite season. I loved having a fall when I lived in NYC and was so bummed when I moved back to Florida and back to 85 degree Thanksgivings. It's been beautiful here the last few weeks - especially this past week. Clear, blue skies with no humidity and fantastic cool temps in the morning. I actually like that I have to put a sweater on to take Penny out in the mornings and leaving the air off and the patio doors open has been awesome. The leaves are starting to fall and I noticed some red on a few of the trees yesterday. Love it!<br />
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Fall also means it's pumpkin time! I love anything with pumpkin. I even have an entire board on Pinterest dedicated to pumpkin recipes: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bgorec/my-pumpkin-obsession/">http://www.pinterest.com/bgorec/my-pumpkin-obsession/</a>. I went to Target yesterday and walked out with pumpkin coffee creamer, pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin spice M&Ms, and pumpkin pie spice tea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmJpmrQo2g8RPPOinMzEC_m-kLX7YPdfU-1sIJb5XHHAznKFyQM68YLri4uz8tuJ3BlxqyKttQTeYffweUJzZaz8VUO5NFurDU9Cl_SRh_LnDZjPUgSX5lIJtynJ-1vKR90-JH_q29ieA/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmJpmrQo2g8RPPOinMzEC_m-kLX7YPdfU-1sIJb5XHHAznKFyQM68YLri4uz8tuJ3BlxqyKttQTeYffweUJzZaz8VUO5NFurDU9Cl_SRh_LnDZjPUgSX5lIJtynJ-1vKR90-JH_q29ieA/s640/photo+(3).JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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This is what my morning included today. Yum!</div>
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Now to a totally different subject - dog bandanas! I've been selling baby shower decorations on Etsy for almost a year now, and not too long ago, decided to open up a dog store on the site called <a href="http://barkstreettreats.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Bark Street Treats</b></span></a>. I started off with dog treats and once I inherited my sewing machine, started making dog bandanas for Penny and decided to put those up there as well. It's been great so far! The most popular ones seem to be the chevron pattered ones, and I just put some Halloween ones up there last week. I've even had a few people send me pics of their pups wearing the bandanas I made, which I love seeing :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15RhQiewW4F9fBhy9PVdT5ubuBwwBH-a6H3jthW6ZagB1ydBuVhKY26jgWC2CSkcImj7TJFXWubMLY2wQRIsiCFsgcI6coGkhTTD1F0VIE-zdn1cAQLbDHOgsQH7UWrhTxPI6u9SvZbPL/s1600/bandana+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15RhQiewW4F9fBhy9PVdT5ubuBwwBH-a6H3jthW6ZagB1ydBuVhKY26jgWC2CSkcImj7TJFXWubMLY2wQRIsiCFsgcI6coGkhTTD1F0VIE-zdn1cAQLbDHOgsQH7UWrhTxPI6u9SvZbPL/s640/bandana+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUrt-Csn8BVqaDMjxtPMam56ZON6aAqulPv-_zoczMxXxq_KtLC7wTrlWVFYNcsKPJRfAFkqUoC_-k2Fr3bJZO-eUt0pVcub8c-wA97NFmmEn8l0XbY86rnvBkawY-mJ4PLUhQzqOeM3d/s1600/dog+bandana+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUrt-Csn8BVqaDMjxtPMam56ZON6aAqulPv-_zoczMxXxq_KtLC7wTrlWVFYNcsKPJRfAFkqUoC_-k2Fr3bJZO-eUt0pVcub8c-wA97NFmmEn8l0XbY86rnvBkawY-mJ4PLUhQzqOeM3d/s640/dog+bandana+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can click <a href="http://barkstreettreats.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>here</b></span></a> to go to my shop. It's been a fun side project so far!</div>
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Off to get a few things done before taking Penny to Paws in the Park Atlanta. Have a great day!</div>
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<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-3120666699369591092013-09-06T21:59:00.002-04:002013-09-06T21:59:58.346-04:00Slainte!Happy almost-fall everyone! It's been a fun few months for us...in the midst of hectic, everyday life, we made a very special trip - to Ireland! I came back with 1,061 pics. Yes, that's the actual number. I'm STILL sifting through them all and want to talk about all the places we saw and things we did, but for now, here's a little taste of the greenest place I've ever been. Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen so much green. Or sheep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYuoGoTUbrS0d1QD9KGhWEq4-vsaieD3mNTZ6AMEdf0VmG25OSgkS061xq2JoHJXt-MWVe4CBsnnpgSsVqzz1Ivy02b0kvIykxK4-I4vkW3GSTpW1s9YHCbihYtkQw_NjZhElONOin11K/s1600/Ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYuoGoTUbrS0d1QD9KGhWEq4-vsaieD3mNTZ6AMEdf0VmG25OSgkS061xq2JoHJXt-MWVe4CBsnnpgSsVqzz1Ivy02b0kvIykxK4-I4vkW3GSTpW1s9YHCbihYtkQw_NjZhElONOin11K/s640/Ireland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-60962789029312528302013-07-01T22:40:00.001-04:002013-07-01T22:40:36.516-04:00Fun With Neon! Throw Pillow Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZtPriTudGtPMJzCSMGJ65vDDWQQCYww1mx3ezcydeKNjKbwqE-Xiq07mrFE9BSjDuAQtxRbQ1DssOY8-8FA-Wf5fr6hJsbSzzbA92XgkcOLKtZ5y9m8sqb7HGQomCIFtzvr2XqpZDRMn/s1600/Neon+12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZtPriTudGtPMJzCSMGJ65vDDWQQCYww1mx3ezcydeKNjKbwqE-Xiq07mrFE9BSjDuAQtxRbQ1DssOY8-8FA-Wf5fr6hJsbSzzbA92XgkcOLKtZ5y9m8sqb7HGQomCIFtzvr2XqpZDRMn/s640/Neon+12-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First off, remember these crazy mutts? Finn left on Friday night and Penny slept ALL weekend. Seriously, this dog was in total zombie mode. How cute are they, though??<br />
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I made those bandanas for them last week. They were pretty easy to make and I like how they slip over the collar instead of tying around the neck. I'm making Penny another one this week, so I'll post pics of how I did that in a few days.</div>
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Sorry for the no-so-awesome quality pics. Those were from my phone. They were just too cute not to share :)</div>
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Anyway...I wanted to share my new neon-trimmed throw pillows. I really wanted new throw pillows for our sleeper sofa in the guest room. The old ones I had in there were from Pier 1, and I've had them since the days of yore.</div>
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Boring.</div>
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Since I started working with Fabric.com a few months ago, I've come across so many fabrics that I fall in love with. We're allowed to take the sample fabrics home, which is coming in handy now that I have my sewing machine. Now, I have a confession to make.<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><span style="color: cyan;">I</span><span style="color: magenta;"> love </span><span style="color: lime;">neon.</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></b>My inner 80s child just can't get enough of it. Hardly a day went by in the 80s where I didn't leave my house looking like a box of highlighters. Those days are over however, I love using bright neon colors as an accent color - especially next to dark colors. I was playing around with some of my fabrics this weekend, and came across a combo that I fell in love with - dark grey and neon green. Who knew?!</div>
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I started toying around with a few pattern combos. Being new to this whole sewing thing, I made it more complicated than it should have been. I finally came up with a pattern that I liked, that was surprisingly easy to do. </div>
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<b>Step 1:<span style="color: lime;"> </span></b>Cut fabric to size. To make 2 throw pillows, you'll need to cut out 4 squares and 4 side strips. I made the main squares 16" x 16" each, and made each neon strip 4.5" x 16". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvxZWklRxyXp88_C-eXRXDSs6ELW-KfbzX64CIz_klYkuCXCxq_C2jTfn7Abe5Vkzf1VVDXImVPt0KLkMqH45HUd3ABuGm_vF4PCwIA6uDDBkGLxbRR9fkViMjJGzhBXct1mYf5cw7qoA/s1600/Neon+1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvxZWklRxyXp88_C-eXRXDSs6ELW-KfbzX64CIz_klYkuCXCxq_C2jTfn7Abe5Vkzf1VVDXImVPt0KLkMqH45HUd3ABuGm_vF4PCwIA6uDDBkGLxbRR9fkViMjJGzhBXct1mYf5cw7qoA/s640/Neon+1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start by sewing one strip to one side of a square. Remember to sew the wrong sides together so you can eventually turn it inside out. I used a straight seam and a 3/8" inseam.</div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Do the same thing on the opposite side of the square. You'll end up with this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_fSZcHEWDb7ZmP3dMAWqFCFzM-2mGeN71UH3DvCMTFhnNRQOsE67udLmyvomumI4F1J4JOXVShcrAtNGGI8F5wvq8ZzitAzyU48nD9ianS2SWRb5A45IbbJzw6MnHwsPFODTE_Ai-WU-/s1600/Neon+3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_fSZcHEWDb7ZmP3dMAWqFCFzM-2mGeN71UH3DvCMTFhnNRQOsE67udLmyvomumI4F1J4JOXVShcrAtNGGI8F5wvq8ZzitAzyU48nD9ianS2SWRb5A45IbbJzw6MnHwsPFODTE_Ai-WU-/s640/Neon+3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3</b>: Iron the seams down to flatten them out. This will help the pillow lay better and will help you sew through them easier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4sHt9UkzBIGRrWLSwxR8mNA-8ruIY93xZZSOM5rIVSt0Edf8-k5ikxuXrzj_qra9GBsTgyQJbqpzzEfKQUkkTmfC4mLjwALS8ROtRYAeOEOOXccZ4p7F51MkR7EyxWUi9nBnHHquCO0-/s1600/Neon+4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4sHt9UkzBIGRrWLSwxR8mNA-8ruIY93xZZSOM5rIVSt0Edf8-k5ikxuXrzj_qra9GBsTgyQJbqpzzEfKQUkkTmfC4mLjwALS8ROtRYAeOEOOXccZ4p7F51MkR7EyxWUi9nBnHHquCO0-/s640/Neon+4-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Sew the other square to the opposite side of one of the neon strips (it doesn't matter which one).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAppcVkDKC1l6Obe-fYxabSAAx_g9UHUTQOcCl2JRYG_BlWhm0KK1vP-tK2_uMQ6csZ9AYZPnRLYxV4T3ACZ9aeYvW1WntVtWQ4qVaT-13hcjFVxL06FXJhV0Ljw6WwYls_d2jN1Avgk-x/s1600/Neon+5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAppcVkDKC1l6Obe-fYxabSAAx_g9UHUTQOcCl2JRYG_BlWhm0KK1vP-tK2_uMQ6csZ9AYZPnRLYxV4T3ACZ9aeYvW1WntVtWQ4qVaT-13hcjFVxL06FXJhV0Ljw6WwYls_d2jN1Avgk-x/s640/Neon+5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5: </b>Fold it over (with the wrong sides still facing out), and sew the last non-sewn neon end to the other non-sewn end of the square fabric. They should be all connected and look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFBBE1pGjumNN8ix76swIxHlmgHcjDPuwIPdWNf02MSdr6OtLsrAV0WwiJAIRzF7J8wbTPmtF7UU2oavuPuZJ6h-Fagf0sD3DXNsdmsniJzoPK8Ccn1ylLzu2YR0jwSMr_anOi1zJdgG4/s1600/Neon+6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFBBE1pGjumNN8ix76swIxHlmgHcjDPuwIPdWNf02MSdr6OtLsrAV0WwiJAIRzF7J8wbTPmtF7UU2oavuPuZJ6h-Fagf0sD3DXNsdmsniJzoPK8Ccn1ylLzu2YR0jwSMr_anOi1zJdgG4/s640/Neon+6-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to iron down the 2 new seams.</div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Line up the seams of each so that they are even, and sew entirely down one side. Do the same on the other, but leave a 4-5 inch opening on that one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir30F3TrluyePcjeOyKBdhFR15WxGKwLU61lcXQtG87dgKj5qo6lKWMtHJ3k3jHEaoDAY7OWkQorngPHaNGXTjaIpzXj_10SxPFJWKn_Hc9R6cPfe_1rvjLZ-TPD2krbtHgDPDL_T_-cS1/s1600/Neon+8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir30F3TrluyePcjeOyKBdhFR15WxGKwLU61lcXQtG87dgKj5qo6lKWMtHJ3k3jHEaoDAY7OWkQorngPHaNGXTjaIpzXj_10SxPFJWKn_Hc9R6cPfe_1rvjLZ-TPD2krbtHgDPDL_T_-cS1/s640/Neon+8-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 7: </b>Stuff away! I took the stuffing out of the old pillows and used that. These pillows were also slightly larger than the old ones, so I took a spare flat pillow that we had in the linen closet, and used some of the stuffing from that to finish them off. Either hand sew, or carefully use your machine to close up the seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0sPGwOFTeGv1Hx_bWCD2iQC9kAChYR-H9ONnzenlguLYphuWPjOjhkd_Ooxpu31PBqZptbdcRSmF_jJIF1YHfGAXM44R7v6S-6o-LTFWNOvJZFAJDv0BqDR766uMhr_9wMiAVElDmmYH/s1600/Neon+9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0sPGwOFTeGv1Hx_bWCD2iQC9kAChYR-H9ONnzenlguLYphuWPjOjhkd_Ooxpu31PBqZptbdcRSmF_jJIF1YHfGAXM44R7v6S-6o-LTFWNOvJZFAJDv0BqDR766uMhr_9wMiAVElDmmYH/s640/Neon+9-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The end result. I love them! I never would have thought to mix those colors, but I love them. The neon adds the perfect pop of color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ETc24jHBI5ZBqs0lsSFdG7UsCZXn0CWTiilWGXGIjfNRju-ML5Wwzb0KahigDpRP-gnzuho1rT8ua4jbtXD6w6YM6ClGGat__mO77XQqwGeEfwprHh8h4w0-cHgbvyTacWSQM9YF6EDP/s1600/Neon+10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ETc24jHBI5ZBqs0lsSFdG7UsCZXn0CWTiilWGXGIjfNRju-ML5Wwzb0KahigDpRP-gnzuho1rT8ua4jbtXD6w6YM6ClGGat__mO77XQqwGeEfwprHh8h4w0-cHgbvyTacWSQM9YF6EDP/s640/Neon+10-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She sees a camera and immediately has to jump in. God forbid I don't include her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi21RX-ITnRBrsVdWxwuphiFFDOHt7xbyBXF-aKUUsyLS931j59VWvfcFWHmmAZMBhvs8J-U1bB2_Gp8REU9KOe7FY0B2Peirmhk6hLSlcmBO3UhhsYsjumLYcMLwh1Mahm5SkZkbM7s1/s1600/Neon+11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi21RX-ITnRBrsVdWxwuphiFFDOHt7xbyBXF-aKUUsyLS931j59VWvfcFWHmmAZMBhvs8J-U1bB2_Gp8REU9KOe7FY0B2Peirmhk6hLSlcmBO3UhhsYsjumLYcMLwh1Mahm5SkZkbM7s1/s640/Neon+11-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv7T4jgaB_7UW8pqN7GnTZRrqEKnNHmvAFSo7jeTjGGd2yO0LMGpQtoYt9QftUk2uYrAljX39GDzrnFEP33l1BZjVBH8MIc1sL7oEoHpsuSoJhvb65zG4j3GCLV4v5JwHSfdb7tZwqOq9/s1600/Neon+12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv7T4jgaB_7UW8pqN7GnTZRrqEKnNHmvAFSo7jeTjGGd2yO0LMGpQtoYt9QftUk2uYrAljX39GDzrnFEP33l1BZjVBH8MIc1sL7oEoHpsuSoJhvb65zG4j3GCLV4v5JwHSfdb7tZwqOq9/s640/Neon+12-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Not gonna lie, I totally wanna decorate the room with neon now. Though I'm sure that Mike would veto that in about 2 seconds flat... </div>
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In case you're wondering (and are as smitten as I am with them). Here are the fabrics that I used:</div>
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Grey: <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=64a06a11-4cc4-4db7-8c27-5f02b12f56c1&CategoryID=f005f7b4-7eb7-4cec-b352-4eaebdff26c2"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Moda Shades of Black Dilly Dally Grey</span></b></a></div>
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Green: <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=d82c5de4-1704-4fe5-b336-bd9cf30d39e2&CategoryID=f7b31f1d-ee93-44be-ac48-54d354e1a8c7"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Riley Blake Neon Green</span></b></a></div>
Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-71603006768118088272013-06-26T11:28:00.001-04:002013-06-26T11:28:12.598-04:00Barking MadMeet Finn. Finn is our houseguest for the week. His mom Heather is a friend of ours and was kind enough to take care of Penny the weekend we went away for our anniversary. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD3BYZLBcJYiA91FWY4a7Kbc14zcrrYBmKHdh4BR8NQFcEcPR6NYzXuknmk8xNWamzXmkGhRM9cJaA_Wtu6Fcu4h3Rcpj21jXGXEMFI69z5GAsIkGyXoZ4mkwuX8woxrmSZ0-s-TezMdI/s640/blogger-image--823767689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD3BYZLBcJYiA91FWY4a7Kbc14zcrrYBmKHdh4BR8NQFcEcPR6NYzXuknmk8xNWamzXmkGhRM9cJaA_Wtu6Fcu4h3Rcpj21jXGXEMFI69z5GAsIkGyXoZ4mkwuX8woxrmSZ0-s-TezMdI/s640/blogger-image--823767689.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's quite possible that I've found a dog with more energy than Penny. The good news is that they entertain each other all day and wear each other out. They actually go to sleep when we do however, the minute my alarm goes off (at 6:15), so do they. I'm used to Penny sleeping while I take my shower, have my coffee, and get ready for work, and then she goes out. Now that she has a friend around, she's ready to run outside the minute that alarm starts beeping. I have to say, though. Finn is a very sweet pup and gets along great with Penny and chances are, she'll sleep for an entire week after he leaves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CBhi3yj_E1lItRpg24uSCM1FnfQ6WSWIlkaaXp3LuZ-1yYlRXygGclXHPvWWzfKJGjdnm2Y1fOpfnYU04eCPaFTupBUteq3wWJ696i0qaG52VlhS0c6sw8PRl9S4rignLYVGmNtClZF2/s640/blogger-image-2016441655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CBhi3yj_E1lItRpg24uSCM1FnfQ6WSWIlkaaXp3LuZ-1yYlRXygGclXHPvWWzfKJGjdnm2Y1fOpfnYU04eCPaFTupBUteq3wWJ696i0qaG52VlhS0c6sw8PRl9S4rignLYVGmNtClZF2/s640/blogger-image-2016441655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2mhhv7wc9kpr7nNcn1GIFBSZ8Ok1V8jkTU4kflCul6_19ibbXZqnA0CisT5Xd8G7kni37IVf0_P1Uq3tCz0SZpHIPY1vkuFPPJKwmeZFNSeesPijQfAaILBdkhXTjKxBbyEJQ1_QacVz/s640/blogger-image-165773579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2mhhv7wc9kpr7nNcn1GIFBSZ8Ok1V8jkTU4kflCul6_19ibbXZqnA0CisT5Xd8G7kni37IVf0_P1Uq3tCz0SZpHIPY1vkuFPPJKwmeZFNSeesPijQfAaILBdkhXTjKxBbyEJQ1_QacVz/s640/blogger-image-165773579.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr0ar_AzvNgaL-V5jKHGGVfO4jT0Nqlfwiu8Ahkxcvby42nZwMSsclQCXW9kF3VMsplVmx_KJHbcqOdl1xolbIl40Z8u7JS2VoQEoTRksbXp398c6buskKS6ftMZv2_IT926dBkZjXh6e/s640/blogger-image-1634987224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr0ar_AzvNgaL-V5jKHGGVfO4jT0Nqlfwiu8Ahkxcvby42nZwMSsclQCXW9kF3VMsplVmx_KJHbcqOdl1xolbIl40Z8u7JS2VoQEoTRksbXp398c6buskKS6ftMZv2_IT926dBkZjXh6e/s640/blogger-image-1634987224.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_0AZdoqTlrFE0uwPy2QIjDE-x7V49DHRZqxVIWd93OuTVF3K5LukZkg_XaBL_1pPtmCBcESS81folDV7UPfJkm6j9pZxiltFfvc5Uacs-91KAd6kojJ-Gm5VHQQYPjYN7SSnsvH8ww8K/s640/blogger-image--1476836013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_0AZdoqTlrFE0uwPy2QIjDE-x7V49DHRZqxVIWd93OuTVF3K5LukZkg_XaBL_1pPtmCBcESS81folDV7UPfJkm6j9pZxiltFfvc5Uacs-91KAd6kojJ-Gm5VHQQYPjYN7SSnsvH8ww8K/s640/blogger-image--1476836013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a rare moment...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Aside from dealing with 2 mad mutts, I've been getting into a new hobby lately - sewing! My mom gave me her sewing machine and I took a class at this great local place called The Beehive here in Atlanta. I'm making a baby blanket for a friend, so I'll post some pics soon once I'm done. I might also practice my stitching by making some dog bandanas. Or doggie straight jackets...</div></div></div></div></div><br></div>Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-68838725188668574332013-06-17T20:26:00.000-04:002013-06-17T20:26:20.183-04:00So, About That Raw Food Challenge...Hey kids - remember when I told you about that raw food challenge I was doing for a week? Well, it's over now, and here's what I came home from Publix with today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyddCeLXyngEQfWWLBoNe1ecXuxBsJSHv8Gv_pGhumgNxUMUghub6_hvGhjWItUSPmJMz-7AqhzvDGH2_PdmQW7fv66XVOgtcgE2pGhX2BwLS5Dwe4IDUfOLQWw7EHGeo4F6my0UouLmD-/s1600/sweets+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyddCeLXyngEQfWWLBoNe1ecXuxBsJSHv8Gv_pGhumgNxUMUghub6_hvGhjWItUSPmJMz-7AqhzvDGH2_PdmQW7fv66XVOgtcgE2pGhX2BwLS5Dwe4IDUfOLQWw7EHGeo4F6my0UouLmD-/s640/sweets+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not only 5 super sweet products, but 5 <b>brand new</b> super sweet products. I've actually had the coffee creamer already - I bought it once before, a couple of weeks ago when I first spotted it at Target, and it was so freaking good. God bless those awesome Girl Scouts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2610Vy5hrTNmUX6iv9IC3hCV4QEvHQrwosbUd2Zs5x2ZR6vi8R5PD6ru-1OneIey9aqno0xe7PZBHJVi7RNRjEXXYBYnhLJm1vdA37CFJB98TiU7HoCpBEcmw4sgENzCiyldeIQeQHW6/s1600/sweets+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2610Vy5hrTNmUX6iv9IC3hCV4QEvHQrwosbUd2Zs5x2ZR6vi8R5PD6ru-1OneIey9aqno0xe7PZBHJVi7RNRjEXXYBYnhLJm1vdA37CFJB98TiU7HoCpBEcmw4sgENzCiyldeIQeQHW6/s640/sweets+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also opened the peanut butter and the Goldfish since <strike>cravings</strike> curiosity won me over. The Goldfish taste exactly like french toast drizzled with syrup, and the peanut butter tastes like a tub of chocolate-peanut butter frosting. It's actually lower in fat and calories than regular peanut butter (not by much, but every little bit counts. Right?). I'm sure I'll dive into the Special K bars tomorrow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbjIBAyTsbb1BYT5BM6G2eHVnCsd77GP0J2B-ojjpI6GJ2cMDoQJGbFD1giov9_cyEuzWIkqvq8v6bpxd1fRR0thVwZ772kg4YWh1VG2gjF6uC5KUzYixLVRxUijvrivQcOi_q0YIqhq/s1600/sweets+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbjIBAyTsbb1BYT5BM6G2eHVnCsd77GP0J2B-ojjpI6GJ2cMDoQJGbFD1giov9_cyEuzWIkqvq8v6bpxd1fRR0thVwZ772kg4YWh1VG2gjF6uC5KUzYixLVRxUijvrivQcOi_q0YIqhq/s640/sweets+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, now that I've kicked your sugar cravings into high gear, I'll tell you about my raw food week. It actually wasn't too bad. I didn't really know what to expect from it to be honest. I pretty much stuck to the same thing each day. Here's how my week went:</div>
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Breakfast:</div>
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Smoothie made with honey, pineapple, frozen peaches, strawberries, and bananas</div>
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Grapefruit</div>
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Snack:</div>
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Fruit (usually grapes, an apple, a pear, or watermelon)</div>
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Handful of mixed nuts (pistachios, peanuts, almonds, and cashews)</div>
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Lunch:</div>
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Salad made with kale, red leaf lettuce, red onion, yellow pepper, tomato, black olives, garbanzo beans, avocado, zucchini, and a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar</div>
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Snack:</div>
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Fruit or a Lara Bar</div>
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Dinner:</div>
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Salad made with tomato, cucumber, red onion, and avocado, tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkled with basil</div>
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Snack:</div>
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Grapes or watermelon</div>
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This was fine for the first 3 days, but then it got a little old. I did cheat a little on Thursday and Friday. I had my monthly girls' wine night at a friend's house on Thursday, so I had a little wine and some cheese. On Friday, I went to my friend Natalie's house and had a drink and a few snacks. I would probably do it again in a few months, but only for 3 days. I think it's a good way to give your body a detox every now and then, and I could definitely feel a difference after 3 days. </div>
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Now excuse me as I go dip my pretzel thins into my chocolate peanut butter.</div>
<br />Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-41496862003881266132013-06-09T19:01:00.001-04:002013-06-09T19:37:28.071-04:00Make it RawLast week, one of the girls I work with said that she was doing a raw food challenge, and asked if anyone would like to join her. Her trainer suggests going "raw" once every quarter, to cleanse out your system and stay healthy. It's only for a week, so I decided to give it a shot. I think there are about 6 of us who are doing it. Some people do it to lose weight and some people do it for the health benefits. I'm doing it for the health benefits, especially since it's great for your skin and hair. I'm also curious as to how it makes you feel. I eat healthy with little splurges every now and then, but this takes it to another level, so I'm wondering if it will help me sleep better and have more energy.<br />
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Basically, you eliminate processed foods, sugar, carbs, etc. for one week, and you don't cook the food, since cooking vegetables can actually take away some of the nutritional value of them. You eats tons of fresh fruits and veggies, plus nuts and beans for added protein. You can also eat pure honey and agave nectar as sweeteners. Today, I went grocery shopping and stocked up on tons of fresh produce (yes, I will be making Mike his own separate food since there is no way on earth he'd do this challenge with me). I figured that my meals would consist of a smoothie for breakfast (no dairy, obviously - bananas, berries, etc), a salad for lunch with a light splash of olive oil and vinegar (although I will miss my cheese. Sniff, sniff :( ), and another salad for dinner. For snacks, I'll munch on fruit, carrot sticks, and nuts, and if I'm craving something sweet, some strawberries with honey.<br />
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This should be interesting, since I know there are going to be times that I'll be dying to reach for my pretzel chips and I'll definitely miss my Greek yogurt for breakfast. And my dark chocolate granola bars. And my Coffee-Mate Girl Scout Cookie Samoa coffee creamer. Wait a second - now that I think about it... No, no - I can do this. At least it's only for a week. And who knows, maybe I'll love it so much, that I'll want to stick to it! Although, I'm sure my hankering for sweets and my anti-vegetable husband would veto that idea real soon ... ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LCyRu2u-9iaZ4C_UPJ-PpmFcsfyZwYThDvE4joWI4o-XNjxIaJhFCuhsgjjrlxjZQi4c3NS55u5zv5eIZqDEogM0k_cX5huKGnAdQIyaEQZjF_PL1Q8mejTMs8kQbJ9t3lWBB6ivCCfd/s1600/raw+food+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LCyRu2u-9iaZ4C_UPJ-PpmFcsfyZwYThDvE4joWI4o-XNjxIaJhFCuhsgjjrlxjZQi4c3NS55u5zv5eIZqDEogM0k_cX5huKGnAdQIyaEQZjF_PL1Q8mejTMs8kQbJ9t3lWBB6ivCCfd/s640/raw+food+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My shopping trip consisted of:</div>
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<li>Apples (golden delicious and braeburn)</li>
<li>Pears</li>
<li>Peaches</li>
<li>Red grapes</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Strawberries</li>
<li>Pineapple</li>
<li>Grapefruit</li>
<li>Avocado</li>
<li>Tomatoes</li>
<li>Bell peppers (green and yellow)</li>
<li>Cucumbers</li>
<li>Zucchini</li>
<li>Kale</li>
<li>Red leaf lettuce</li>
<li>Red onion</li>
<li>Baby carrots</li>
<li>Black olives</li>
<li>Garbanzo beans</li>
<li>Mixed nuts (pistachios, cashews, and almonds)</li>
<li>Lara Bars (these have no preservatives and are made with raw, natural nuts and fruit)</li>
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I washed and pre-cut mostly everything, to make life easier. I'll keep you posted on how this goes. I could love it, or I could end up curled up in a corner, crying for a piece of chocolate or an entire block of cheese...</div>
Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-4177968910737344502013-06-03T21:44:00.000-04:002013-06-03T21:45:15.371-04:00Pork Chops with Cinnamon-Pear IPA SauceYes, you read that correctly. Odd combination, but I promise you, it works. It works really well, in fact. Publix had a huge sale on pork chops last week - lean pork chops were dropped to $4.99 a pound and were buy one get one free. I stocked up on them since that was a killer price, and I froze them in portions of two. However, this now means that I have a freezer full of pork chops, causing me to come up with some new pork chop recipes. Fortunately, pork is pretty versatile and can be made so many different ways.<br />
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I hadn't made the <a href="http://picturesandpawprints.blogspot.com/2013/01/stout-glazed-pork-chops.html"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Stout-Glazed Pork Chops</span></b></a> in awhile, and was thinking about those earlier, when I realized that I didn't have any stout beer in the fridge. I did have some IPA, which happens to be Mike's favorite. I figured I'd test drive something new, and started playing around with what I had on hand. As I was staring blankly into my cabinet, I noticed a bottle of pear-infused white balsamic vinegar. I was intrigued, so I mixed a little bit in a small Pyrex dish, along with some of the beer. Surprisingly, it was really good! It almost had a cider-like taste to it, so I added a dash of cinnamon, and I was sold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbmd4zNwm5ybXiutd5M_pbDRp5l5btmH9Ydpm3xPNPiTPGzPlBT6x9z6QxjOGvtVpRYIG-wxd48tiDnW9IuhCLYqQt174FzTpMV17SFCwf9XMBZ7RmupINYiG_AtK_fDHHDtWXY90WMAh/s1600/IPA+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbmd4zNwm5ybXiutd5M_pbDRp5l5btmH9Ydpm3xPNPiTPGzPlBT6x9z6QxjOGvtVpRYIG-wxd48tiDnW9IuhCLYqQt174FzTpMV17SFCwf9XMBZ7RmupINYiG_AtK_fDHHDtWXY90WMAh/s640/IPA+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Any kind of IPA will do. We had some of this from Trader Joe's, so I decided it would be my guinea pig, mostly because it was the cheapest bottle in the fridge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6BZb0mBfFkYn5EbxkYWLmOxGR0Ys8B7TYWaCszQtTytZGU3JPvCSRlj0AWvM4i65Lxd8B6prDwMUc3tGECekDqJKqRgJ5Y5TOl5T57K0ej3i1TnEJZbth8I77_ZBxy7MF_bVA1dK9hB6/s1600/IPA+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6BZb0mBfFkYn5EbxkYWLmOxGR0Ys8B7TYWaCszQtTytZGU3JPvCSRlj0AWvM4i65Lxd8B6prDwMUc3tGECekDqJKqRgJ5Y5TOl5T57K0ej3i1TnEJZbth8I77_ZBxy7MF_bVA1dK9hB6/s640/IPA+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are so many different flavors of vinegars out there. If you have a favorite kind, give it a try! Just make sure you mix it up beforehand to make sure the tastes work together. I also mixed it with regular white balsamic, but there was something about the pear that gave it a much better flavor.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Pork Chops with Cinnamon-Pear IPA Sauce</span></b></div>
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- 4 boneless lean pork chops, about 1 inch thick</div>
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- 1 1/4 cups of IPA style beer</div>
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- 2 Tablespoons of pear infused white balsamic vinegar</div>
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- Small vidalia onion, thinly sliced</div>
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- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon</div>
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- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil</div>
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- 1 Tablespoon of butter</div>
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- salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste</div>
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Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.</div>
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Season chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and add to the pan. Cook about 3 minutes per side.</div>
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Remove chops from heat and set aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.</div>
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Add onions to the pan and cook them, stirring often, for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and add to the plate with the chops. Keep covered with foil.</div>
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Add the beer, vinegar, and cinnamon to the pan. Whisk for several minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken up.</div>
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Once the sauce has thickened, add the onions and pork chops back to the pan. Cover and cook for 3 minutes per side.</div>
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As a side dish, I made this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tomato-vegetable-casserole-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Tomato Vegetable Casserole</b></span></a> from my Giada deLaurentis cookbook. It was SO good! Definitely a keeper.</div>
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As you can see, my sauce was a little thinner than it should be, but that's because I was being impatient. It was still super delicious. Next time, I'll give my sauce a few more minutes. It's definitely worth the wait :)</div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-47750798644516140272013-05-28T21:41:00.002-04:002013-05-28T21:41:14.659-04:00Sticky, Gooey, Deliciousness<br />
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Hello, friends! Looks like I'm sticking to that New Year's resolution REAL well, huh? :) Truth be told, I miss blogging. Between working, gym, cooking, dog, husband - by the time I sit down at night, I'm beat. I've decided to not let that happen happen anymore. I'll get back into a rhythm soon.<br />
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However...I did want to share some awesome cupcakes I made last week. My girlfriends and I have been doing monthly girls' wine nights, and we rotate houses each month. Along with that, we pick a theme each time. The first one was California wines, the second one (at my house) was French, and this month's was Spanish wines. Since I'll use any excuse to bake something, I decided to make dulce de leche cupcakes since those are Spanish themed. For some reason, I've been on a huge caramel kick lately. I'll do just about anything for a piece of sea-salted caramel. I found a few recipes online, and ended up using <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2011/02/dulce-de-leche-cupcakes/"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>this one</b></span></a>. I've made a few things from this site before and everything's turned out really well. These were no exception! The only thing I did differently was double the amount of dulce de leche and filled each cupcake with it, in addition to adding it into the frosting. I had a bunch of leftovers (surprisingly, since I feel like I ate half the batter as I was making them), so I took them to work and quickly learned that Georgia folks don't know what dulce de leche is. I guess growing up in Florida (especially in Miami), it was practically a staple. Anyway, here's the end result. I miss them already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHipK5Tn9CXrwdMQWQHiXVLVkClxjSerZjart2lZLA_WT1imLzXpDqmXNgENRuTpqlFMMk_9-zTnSpSP7a94bOIkieFwI51aJixLMwFr2pDsgLUa3P9_gKQsLL79LkUwpcZE4-nnBqgd4/s1600/cupcake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHipK5Tn9CXrwdMQWQHiXVLVkClxjSerZjart2lZLA_WT1imLzXpDqmXNgENRuTpqlFMMk_9-zTnSpSP7a94bOIkieFwI51aJixLMwFr2pDsgLUa3P9_gKQsLL79LkUwpcZE4-nnBqgd4/s640/cupcake1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDXX4zqfIekdOFtMgCwbK2bIsxy5Zf10FmmtGzxADT2M5lBOEZn2niYOov5TNyk2nox4bLj6a_GWDB-uQaTKnYdMR3ImJm2HkrOEGres5v92JLKdWZd2AHIkpke_dCGPPVjbZydhkG98/s1600/cupcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDXX4zqfIekdOFtMgCwbK2bIsxy5Zf10FmmtGzxADT2M5lBOEZn2niYOov5TNyk2nox4bLj6a_GWDB-uQaTKnYdMR3ImJm2HkrOEGres5v92JLKdWZd2AHIkpke_dCGPPVjbZydhkG98/s640/cupcake2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF-QbUkLcjxG0U2j3dnbt224Ennd6JrBTs2iggn9PE0R-J85S_URUgZFv0MC4vuqcZqq70D0PrwaiuddnMukzclm7Uzpu4wYYeAHA95ziUyLCdi_GC1RbFUjPdOGPo3B6laFZVAUobqU/s1600/cupcake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF-QbUkLcjxG0U2j3dnbt224Ennd6JrBTs2iggn9PE0R-J85S_URUgZFv0MC4vuqcZqq70D0PrwaiuddnMukzclm7Uzpu4wYYeAHA95ziUyLCdi_GC1RbFUjPdOGPo3B6laFZVAUobqU/s640/cupcake3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53j9ql5XLgeqeu8viJ_ImowJEOkCxn-OSa2SFn8bhqbxI3ztcn-YaLJwAFuuPT6HVyvGbhn0nk0AIIAyalnjdWlv4bqa7rVTbyXwkwy-s5FaZXLkPGfSPUosJKRbo8E_oIYP4y40FOpo/s1600/cupcake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53j9ql5XLgeqeu8viJ_ImowJEOkCxn-OSa2SFn8bhqbxI3ztcn-YaLJwAFuuPT6HVyvGbhn0nk0AIIAyalnjdWlv4bqa7rVTbyXwkwy-s5FaZXLkPGfSPUosJKRbo8E_oIYP4y40FOpo/s640/cupcake4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seriously - how can you resist that??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TsZU_N0EQKtW5XXxGnLEArYSMLrCwdkT9AqnW0Qj3yi7crl8CSDm3ZYaCXws7g4m-Cao861CYYcMa4ABnjDj4LIzpIvqzMz_A9niY0jdi9KiC17Jdb82w3f0fzy9X4KOIQ0x2dy4Y98/s1600/cupcake8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TsZU_N0EQKtW5XXxGnLEArYSMLrCwdkT9AqnW0Qj3yi7crl8CSDm3ZYaCXws7g4m-Cao861CYYcMa4ABnjDj4LIzpIvqzMz_A9niY0jdi9KiC17Jdb82w3f0fzy9X4KOIQ0x2dy4Y98/s640/cupcake8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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FYI - for those of you who, like my Georgia friends, don't know what dulce de leche is, it's sweetened condensed milk that's cooked down to a caramel-like consistency. It's pretty flippin' amazing. Not to mention, ADDICTING!</div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-84642743692000588892013-05-06T22:21:00.001-04:002013-05-06T22:21:40.770-04:00Lentil Soup 2.0I'm back from a crazy, but fun, weekend! We went down to Tampa on Friday for a wedding. We got to spend some time with our nephew (and godson!), Tyler, and then saw all of our friends on Saturday for our friends Kyle and Mel's wedding. The wedding was Kentucky Derby themed, so all of the girls wore big derby hats, and all the guys wore bowties and pastels. I still have to upload the pics, so expect to see those within the next few days.<br />
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Anyway, back to the lentils. We all know that lentils are good for you, however, did you know that lentils are a superfood? According to <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2012/04/drop-10-top-superfoods-slideshow?intcid=superfoodshub#slide=1"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Self.com</span></b></a>, the top 10 superfoods are salmon, apples, quinoa, lentils, olive oil, eggs, yogurt, sweet potatoes, kiwi, and edamame. They all have different health benefits and honestly, I absolutely love everything on that list. I suddenly had a craving and decided to make my lentil soup again, so that I can eat it for the rest of the week. I made a few little changes to it and to tell you the truth, I liked it even better than the first time I made it. In addition to the original ingredients, I added red bell pepper, garbanzo beans, and cumin. I think the pepper and cumin made a big difference in the taste. I also added a little extra paprika and garlic. I revised the original recipe - click on the link below and let me know what you think!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><a href="http://picturesandpawprints.blogspot.com/2013/02/vegetarian-lentil-soup.html"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Vegetarian Lentil Soup</b></span></a> </span></div>
Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-4416257966991418942013-04-23T22:15:00.000-04:002013-04-23T22:15:38.809-04:00Adventures in Blue RidgeAs I mentioned, April 9th was our 2 year anniversary. Last year, we went on a cruise that we planned together. This year, Mike wouldn't tell me where we were going...I still didn't really even know once we got there. His list of what I needed to pack was a little bizarre so needless to say, I was slightly concerned...<div>
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We ended up in Blue Ridge, GA, which is about 2 hours north of us. We turned into a lodge-style hotel, which turned out to be AH-mazing! It's called <a href="http://www.serenityinthemountains.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Serenity in the Mountains</b></span></a> and it really was great. I would totally go back and stay there again. It's like the love child of a spa and a lodge. The suites were huge, clean, and beautiful. Check this out...</div>
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The bathroom was practically the size of the entire first floor of my house.</div>
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We could throw a party for 10 people in that shower. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXqRSw57xB6GKDkec-zxQLEpPfw8jlylwCMPGwzdHMatp9CiUJ7LyAp61X1CHHWmiUFjVkinAm_FCaqp7rhDJNOneaUdJMAW1zNXjAGEpJDW_Foc7mIv2rrAlPrKbgwyGZBcCK-T75zE/s1600/Anniversary+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXqRSw57xB6GKDkec-zxQLEpPfw8jlylwCMPGwzdHMatp9CiUJ7LyAp61X1CHHWmiUFjVkinAm_FCaqp7rhDJNOneaUdJMAW1zNXjAGEpJDW_Foc7mIv2rrAlPrKbgwyGZBcCK-T75zE/s640/Anniversary+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is where I spent Friday and Saturday night. Ahhh....</div>
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The bed was SO comfortable! It was king sized, which we decided that we need since we both like to sprawl out, and our 20 pound dog somehow takes up the entire bed. </div>
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They had a thing for bears. Pictures of bears on the walls, lamps with bears in the suite...</div>
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So by now, you're probably thinking we spent the entire weekend hanging out with our bear lamps, right? Nope! We had adventures, people. </div>
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On Saturday morning, we drove up to Tennessee and went white water rafting! It was my first time going and it was actually a lot of fun. We did a 5 mile ride down the Ocoee River.</div>
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That's not us, but that's exactly where we were. We drove around and watched the other people battle the splashing when we were done.</div>
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One of the Olympic competition sites from 1996.</div>
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For those of you who watch Cupcake Wars on Food Network, this was the winning team from last year! We got the winning S'mores cupcake and it did not disappoint. </div>
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This is "downtown." You're looking at the tallest buildings there! </div>
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I made a new friend.</div>
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After our anniversary dinner (don't we look so tired from all that rafting?)</div>
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On Sunday, we got up and went horseback riding! I hadn't been in so long. I grew up going to the stables with my aunt, who was an avid horseback rider, and in high school, I worked as an assistant horseback riding instructor at summer camp.</div>
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I know what you're thinking - that helmet is really flattering on me. </div>
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We rode through the Chattahoochee National Forrest for about 3-4 hours. It was really nice and fortunately, our horses behaved themselves. Before we left, we also stopped at Mercier Orchards. They have an awesome store with tons of products - fresh peach and apple cider, pies, sauces, and every type of jam, preserve and butter you can think of. And all of it's made on-site! Of course, we stocked up. I'm dying to go back in the Fall so we can go apple picking!</div>
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This little lady hopped out of the woods to say "hi!"</div>
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It was a really nice weekend and I'm definitely itching to go back - especially when it's hot out because I can only imagine how good that water will feel in the summer! Mike also treated us to a couples massage at the spa on-site, on Saturday afternoon. I must say, it was one of the BEST massages and very well needed. </div>
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Thank you, babe - you did well! :)</div>
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Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-17377740271172232612013-04-17T23:21:00.001-04:002013-04-24T23:50:18.573-04:00Fancy Sauteed Green Beans Last Tuesday, Mike and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been 2 years already. Time definitely flies! We had SUCH a fun wedding! I seriously would not have done anything differently. It was perfect, unique, and definitely represented who we are. People still talk about it, so I know it was a success :)<br />
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For our anniversary, I decided to surprise Mike and recreate what we ate for dinner the night of our wedding. The food at the Hyatt was no joke - it was pretty amazing. We did a sit down dinner and had the choice of chicken, grouper, or filet. I had the grouper and Mike had the filet however, grouper is not so easy to find right now, so I ended up making a filet for me too. We also had roasted potatoes, a veggie medley, and pretzel rolls. I looked back on pics to refresh my memory - I even wanted the potatoes to look the same. The veggies were some sort of medley that had green beans, yellow squash, carrots, and tomatoes. I had no idea how they were cooked, so I winged it...and they were SO good! Unfortunately, I was too focused on coming up with the recipe, that I forgot to measure everything. I used my best judgement in this recipe, but the good thing is that you can add or take away the ingredients to your liking and it will still taste good. I also made it for 2 people, so just adjust the ingredients to make more.<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Sauteed Green Beans:</span></b><br />
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- Fresh green beans (enough for 2 people), washed and trimmed<br />
- One small yellow squash, very thinly sliced<br />
- 1 to 2 carrots, very thinly sliced<br />
- 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes, cut in half<br />
- Half of a small onion, thinly sliced.<br />
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth<br />
- One tablespoon unsalted butter<br />
- One tablespoon olive oil<br />
- One clove of minced garlic<br />
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*For the carrots and squash, I used a vegetable peeler to slice them, so they were very thin and "ribbon-like."<br />
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Steam green beans in the microwave or stove top for a few minutes, until crisp-tender.<br />
In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.<br />
Add the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPfpJAI8UzybPSQ7NgPFAbgeR-C07YPHXvLeVxpRQhZsegp8pw8yCfzB1uwRBnGGMSyJHwfTgdYYvzC_o7Ijj58hOwC1S5LOhRGORhwhnSbjq-zAj_voEaO4Bu0yjdbaoZ_HOQ_xlILs/s1600/veggie+1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPfpJAI8UzybPSQ7NgPFAbgeR-C07YPHXvLeVxpRQhZsegp8pw8yCfzB1uwRBnGGMSyJHwfTgdYYvzC_o7Ijj58hOwC1S5LOhRGORhwhnSbjq-zAj_voEaO4Bu0yjdbaoZ_HOQ_xlILs/s640/veggie+1-2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Add the carrots, squash, and tomatoes and saute, stirring for 1 minute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-8Q2CfmkSWXHRaaMbszYiI91rhmMgQeP1g4jBDCUnQFkyDDRBcwzNV56Vl5kpp2jhT3HMVPbPd69H87s2X15pGGwxMxaEAmDcKxwwexEDk2llNc678gLo6u67ppybdNL4WChrubwC0E/s1600/veggie+2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-8Q2CfmkSWXHRaaMbszYiI91rhmMgQeP1g4jBDCUnQFkyDDRBcwzNV56Vl5kpp2jhT3HMVPbPd69H87s2X15pGGwxMxaEAmDcKxwwexEDk2llNc678gLo6u67ppybdNL4WChrubwC0E/s640/veggie+2-1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Add the green beans and chicken broth. Cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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The finished product was great! Dinner was delicious and Mike was surprised. Not shown are the crab cakes we had as appetizers (they were one of the apps served during cocktail hour and happened to be our favorite).<br />
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And yes, we did eat a piece of our ORIGINAL cake! Goes to show that a boat load of saran wrap and a good freezer will work wonders :)<br />
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Almond cake with dulce de leche filling...we couldn't decide on flavors since we liked them all, so each tier was a different flavor!Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283128161775266302.post-68358826378780137832013-04-15T22:34:00.001-04:002013-04-15T22:34:03.335-04:00Oh, Hi There!Bet you thought I disappeared, huh? Sorry...when I say it's been a crazy few weeks, I'm not kidding! I promise to have some new posts up this week. I recently started a new job, so by the time I get home, work out, cook dinner, and do all the fun household stuff, I'm ready to crash! Mike and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary last week, and he took me on a surprise trip this past weekend. I'll tell you all about it, plus, I have a new recipe to share and some pics of me on TV! Stay tuned, friends. I'm not gone...just adjusting :)Briehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773729290511850207noreply@blogger.com0