tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774056517550356242024-03-05T05:48:53.746-08:00Biggest Little Blogbiggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-19811378090133551292016-09-14T15:20:00.000-07:002016-09-14T15:20:18.350-07:00Tomato and Tortellini Soup<h2>
What You'll Need:</h2>
1 teaspoon olive oil<br />
1 medium onion<br />
3 garlic cloves peeled and minced<br />
1 sprig of fresh rosemary<br />
1 teaspoon dried oregano<br />
4 basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
pepper to taste<br />
4 cups chick stock<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
24 ounce can diced tomatoes<br />
15 ounce can of tomato sauce<br />
20 ounces three cheese tortellinis<br />
1/2 shredded parmesan cheese<br />
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<h2>
What to do:</h2>
In large sauce pan, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic and fresh diced rosemary. Sauté for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce oregano, basil, salt, pepper, stock and heavy cream to pot. Simmer for 20 min and taste. Add more seasonings as desired. Optional: for a smoother finish you can ladle half the pot mixture into blender and blend till smooth then return to pot with remaining mixture. Place tortellini in pot under tender and cooked thoroughly.<br />
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To serve, ladle into bowls and garish with parmesan cheese and diced fresh basil.<br />
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-11600019820684134632016-02-15T10:08:00.000-08:002016-02-15T10:08:15.740-08:00Penne with Chicken and Vodka Sauce<br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d414a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Penne with Chicken and Vodka Cream Sauce </span></strong></h2>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d414a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What You Will Need:</span></strong></h3>
<span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoons unsalted butter</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">4 small shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1 can tablespoons tomato paste</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">2 cans of diced </span><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">tomatoes</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">6 tablespoons vodka</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon granulated sugar</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup heavy cream</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (pounded with meat tenderizer till thin)</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1 pound dried penne pasta</span><br /><span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What You'll Do:</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">In a large pot, melt butter. Add diced shallots and cook till softened. Stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Add can of tomato paste and let softened and caramelize a little, maybe 1 minute. Add cans of diced tomatoes. Transfer in batches to a blender, or use a emersion blender to make smooth. Some chunks are ok if you like it thicker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Transfer tomato mixture back to pot and stir in chili flakes, vodka, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors are melded, about 15 minutes. Stir in cream and season to taste. You can add more cream or less depending on taste. Just do a little, stir, taste and add more if desired. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d414a; font-family: inherit;">Cook pasta to directions. Get a pan on stove really hot. Season flattened chicken breast with salt and peer. Cook each side till browned (3 min each side). Remove chicken from heat and cut into long strips. add chicken to sauce and let marinate for at least 5 min. Keep warm while pasta cooks. To Serve, spoon cooked and drained pasta in serving dish. Add spoons of sauce with chicken and mix. Add another layer of pasta to serving dish and more sauce and mix. This way you don't over sauce your noodles. Top with grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bon A</span>ppetit! </div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-24129656920520343172014-07-31T14:12:00.001-07:002014-07-31T14:12:06.730-07:00Roasted Potato Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to make potato salad for a BBQ dinner we were having. However, I wanted something light and on the healthier side instead of traditional mayo based stuff. I am having fun and feeling inspired trying new dishes for summer bbqs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What you'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 pounds fingerling potatoes (roughly diced)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 celery stalks, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 tablespoons plain greek yogurt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tablespoons minced mint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 400. I KNOW, you don't want to turn on the oven in the heat of summer, but the crunch and roastyness will be worth it. Mix diced potatoes and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper. Put potatoes on baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes making sure to stir a few times to prevent burning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once browned, remove from oven and cool to room temperature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While your potatoes cool, whisk remaining olive oil, yogurt, and lemon juice together. Add salt and pepper to taste...and maybe a little more lemon juice if you want it zesty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour potatoes into serving bowl and add minced celery. Pour dressing on top and mix until potatoes are coated. Garnish with mint and serve. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW81u8_7u3haqeladCGue17Q_3tbtWuaGmXExg8OfmKGTilRc4BbglJuxhh8cxR_rxwty8L_0_-e4tmNkKdVWcLJqn3jeaeyz5ggaNOCC4QNzRPcFmRLzuWyY4ccW6eB_VrVyqUCy-LRH/s1600/potato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW81u8_7u3haqeladCGue17Q_3tbtWuaGmXExg8OfmKGTilRc4BbglJuxhh8cxR_rxwty8L_0_-e4tmNkKdVWcLJqn3jeaeyz5ggaNOCC4QNzRPcFmRLzuWyY4ccW6eB_VrVyqUCy-LRH/s1600/potato.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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Bon Appetit! </div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-4717980268621738132014-07-30T08:47:00.004-07:002014-07-30T08:47:23.922-07:00Asian Inspired Grilled Corn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love summer. I love Summer bbqs where everyone hangs out outside playing yard games and grilling! Summer is my happy place. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2s_pr3qdypO3USO7czneGQbgPDEjcgMeBEgZ_hM7D2QM78Y6bjiXSdQFrOPfA_ImHHBsFNzLcTrXJ9klGFj_7RdY79Gixo2MjHSHxPAAVGx3ECCLDDR9SxKD4CueFwqD9QSCn1Lc9cGc/s1600/corn3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my go-to side dishes is grilled corn; summer corn is sweet, inexpensive, easy to prepare, and always a crowd pleaser. There are so many varieties of grilled corn, but here is an asian twist to the summer dish! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2s_pr3qdypO3USO7czneGQbgPDEjcgMeBEgZ_hM7D2QM78Y6bjiXSdQFrOPfA_ImHHBsFNzLcTrXJ9klGFj_7RdY79Gixo2MjHSHxPAAVGx3ECCLDDR9SxKD4CueFwqD9QSCn1Lc9cGc/s1600/corn3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2s_pr3qdypO3USO7czneGQbgPDEjcgMeBEgZ_hM7D2QM78Y6bjiXSdQFrOPfA_ImHHBsFNzLcTrXJ9klGFj_7RdY79Gixo2MjHSHxPAAVGx3ECCLDDR9SxKD4CueFwqD9QSCn1Lc9cGc/s1600/corn3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What you'll need</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 medium cloves of garlic (minced on a microplane grater)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 inch of fresh ginger (peeled and minced on a microplane grater)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons of soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 tablespoons of soft butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8-10 ears of fresh corn on the cobb (shucked)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup diced scallions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Directions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat grill to medium heat. While grill is heating, mix garlic, ginger, soy sauce, butter, and lemon juice until combined in a small pot. Set aside on stove.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place corn on grill. Cook the corn till you get a light grill on all sides. Keep rotating corn every minute or so to keep from burning for about 10 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer corn to serving dish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turn stove with small pot of sauce on low. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is thin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coat the corn with sauce mixture using a brush or spoon. Sprinkle scallions over corn and serve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bon Appetit!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My husband is two days older than me, and I love to remind him he is my older man. Every year for our birthdays we run away to the greater San Jose area. We are huge hockey fans and every year as a birthday treat the San Jose Sharks play back to back home games around our birthdays. This year we went to a game on Thursday and Saturday which left Friday open to escape to Napa for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our day started the best way possible with a Parisian breakfast at </span><a href="http://bouchonbakery.com/yountville"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bouchon Bakery</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. Every rich and savory treat you could wish for was ordered and paired with a heavenly salted caramel latte. The ivy covered building and seating area outside provided the perfect backdrop to allow for my fantasy of sitting in Paris somewhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From there we stared our day of wine tasting. My favorite by far was taking the tour and tasting at amazing </span><a href="http://www.domainecarneros.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Domaine Carneros</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. Every girl should have a little bubbly on her birthday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We ventured downtown Napa and stumbled into the coolest place, </span><a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Oxbow Market</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. This market place had several restaurants with communal seating so we got some treats from a few places. Our favorite was </span><a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/merchants/hog-island-oyster-bar/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hogs Island Oysters</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. We then did some light shopping through the market at </span><a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/merchants/whole-spice/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whole Spice</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/merchants/napa-valley-distillery/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Napa Valley Distillery</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> where we got some unique bitters for cocktails. If you go to downtown Napa, I highly recommend this place. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After some more wine tasting, a dream came true, we had dinner at </span><a href="http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ad Hoc</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. For anyone who knows me, I am obsessed with Thomas Keller, and specifically this cookbook created after this restaurant. The cover of the pig was painted on our dining room wall...that's obsession. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ad Hoc's menu changes every day, you will never experience the same meal there twice. They do a 4 course family style menu with one optional supplement; if you go, get the supplement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our meal was amazing and lived up to all of our expectations. My husband, being the smooth talker he is even got us a tour of the kitchen and we got to talk to the head chef. Words cannot express enough the high level of service and amount that extra attention and we got after they learned it was not only our birthdays, but how utterly food-geeky we were for being there! Dreams do come true for these foodies. </span></div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-69451294845501481432014-03-03T09:04:00.002-08:002014-03-03T09:04:34.072-08:00Oscar Party Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpE475EPHOwvpXhXHZDmDDC8eyYaL8UHNczyV9g2-0GAbTKBKROG9rpWTlWiWoIobA_HRWNW4QJi_jb0agwvFvDG203kjfu5U34oj6fRKHoaa1tLBGFsagp4DPz0i1YhbsTDmeiBDWi10/s1600/oscar+candy+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpE475EPHOwvpXhXHZDmDDC8eyYaL8UHNczyV9g2-0GAbTKBKROG9rpWTlWiWoIobA_HRWNW4QJi_jb0agwvFvDG203kjfu5U34oj6fRKHoaa1tLBGFsagp4DPz0i1YhbsTDmeiBDWi10/s1600/oscar+candy+bar.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Loads of food. Beet salad, braised short ribs with mash, mini vegetarian lasagnas and toast, shrimp toast, goat cheese balls with smoked salmon, mini cheese cakes just to name a few! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oscar bingo boards and Oscar ballots for games! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBMLIPfLtUJam2fTX3jTv3mBHq8HJdwUKS0GRCrHCFj847VGGVcWyCZBKgvCWUItOrZlRrU0isEjHRQ1B5KTfSE52Oxr75oHwFVdRCuvJ6GCvBauCYnvFlHbHwIOX1dhgQvOBVQM6vkcZ/s1600/oscar+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBMLIPfLtUJam2fTX3jTv3mBHq8HJdwUKS0GRCrHCFj847VGGVcWyCZBKgvCWUItOrZlRrU0isEjHRQ1B5KTfSE52Oxr75oHwFVdRCuvJ6GCvBauCYnvFlHbHwIOX1dhgQvOBVQM6vkcZ/s1600/oscar+group.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A lot of lovely ladies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH4TlBoVygOU4QzRc6BGyRBXe5_7cwx8fpji6ZZ6to7GunYtDbWUUk_Xq7ETMiveDmCcaRp2zTr4vLysEtZrfUZ0OG98s6P2PjlYS6xmFcChYAD_dOwLTErPaHdvRYzxqw3N7ySxtOlzU/s1600/oscar+photo+booth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH4TlBoVygOU4QzRc6BGyRBXe5_7cwx8fpji6ZZ6to7GunYtDbWUUk_Xq7ETMiveDmCcaRp2zTr4vLysEtZrfUZ0OG98s6P2PjlYS6xmFcChYAD_dOwLTErPaHdvRYzxqw3N7ySxtOlzU/s1600/oscar+photo+booth+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Photo booth pictures.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR4itOQoycKOj9zmwpjEjwKSJXdM9lCFW0C6VkARClIGL3szi2Gsf4eS8dvQxG8OtlAFmOdLlPqx9P-2prQRtT28QW_j9viQN2V98_XptHYPdiwvjdkO3D1jh7Kr-04e0On7jrv3UqYLO/s1600/oscar+photo+booth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR4itOQoycKOj9zmwpjEjwKSJXdM9lCFW0C6VkARClIGL3szi2Gsf4eS8dvQxG8OtlAFmOdLlPqx9P-2prQRtT28QW_j9viQN2V98_XptHYPdiwvjdkO3D1jh7Kr-04e0On7jrv3UqYLO/s1600/oscar+photo+booth.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-66435749017081696552014-02-24T14:23:00.000-08:002014-02-24T14:23:00.179-08:00Travel Bug<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I believe in adventure and traveling. I believe in pushing oneself to their boundaries...and then to keep going. Traveling has made me a deeper more well rounded person. I believe in the power of experiencing new cultures and food and getting lost from time to time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am lucky to have a husband with the same passion for food and travel as me. With this shared passion, we both have the same issue right now...a bad case of the travel bug. We are starting prep work for our next four day holiday and trying to decide which of these great American cities we want to visit. Both are achievable for a short four day holiday. Both cities offer outdoor adventures, food, culture, cocktails, and a new area to explore. If you have visited these places....PLEASE let me know your opinions. Help is appreciated. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">New Orleans</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO89-aY1EvupFTa1Ce0QTSvNMntnQ98F6z-UI3YkuxQh6hPVsUCKahQeuA25PZAa4IaTtFDh0MGJ-vEVyXXz6uYOhF5-aI-PxZUCvFrwhECW4HdqJ4RAO-mEj4y5ydp9GpvNZS6lvyCJHe/s1600/333af635a0ffb0c82aac9441d4bb5ab6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO89-aY1EvupFTa1Ce0QTSvNMntnQ98F6z-UI3YkuxQh6hPVsUCKahQeuA25PZAa4IaTtFDh0MGJ-vEVyXXz6uYOhF5-aI-PxZUCvFrwhECW4HdqJ4RAO-mEj4y5ydp9GpvNZS6lvyCJHe/s1600/333af635a0ffb0c82aac9441d4bb5ab6.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZfVos9zao7KiWasamVb6JmGzwWOPHMj6n17NwimRWgIckXOu_xWEPj9nSoaOXJqoeIQTC3-k0t3jgKm_QzjC2qflr1lnRK_U4DiiP-7sR7o9QStkm6ybaNHmWV8NBQUCbsWxuaRPPay9/s1600/1fbfc8d12bfbfdb8edbd7306c68007ec+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZfVos9zao7KiWasamVb6JmGzwWOPHMj6n17NwimRWgIckXOu_xWEPj9nSoaOXJqoeIQTC3-k0t3jgKm_QzjC2qflr1lnRK_U4DiiP-7sR7o9QStkm6ybaNHmWV8NBQUCbsWxuaRPPay9/s1600/1fbfc8d12bfbfdb8edbd7306c68007ec+(2).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Portland</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDclB_QhuZ3JrQnuW4lCdmAurUAVTQZ3MPMFLY39_nSsPCD7b5VXII_g_OdfXZ-m-EVUZPEEfK9s76zXl8WxG343l5J26MjlT_ti4PvAi3WdOopoYAUVg2kZfLnYo3Foaxejo47UGPGAt/s1600/7bba34c412cee288088f5149b71fa917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDclB_QhuZ3JrQnuW4lCdmAurUAVTQZ3MPMFLY39_nSsPCD7b5VXII_g_OdfXZ-m-EVUZPEEfK9s76zXl8WxG343l5J26MjlT_ti4PvAi3WdOopoYAUVg2kZfLnYo3Foaxejo47UGPGAt/s1600/7bba34c412cee288088f5149b71fa917.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-19897655164356198362014-02-14T09:44:00.002-08:002014-02-14T09:44:33.053-08:00Friday Letters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jdF4OBVFxzMBxPB0Q-gQbeWzNovnaKmLBn_OScC7OyxQPumkh6AAOeg0RG2M0QhEiDQGi7ew0rGe6GTbSVi0e3VfKY8aQUzwOMSqBheqNFeyxm7MWOD21RBxk9iQ89GuovfPWeifO9Hd/s1600/5e7e8fd55c162b82f0215027b16fb803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jdF4OBVFxzMBxPB0Q-gQbeWzNovnaKmLBn_OScC7OyxQPumkh6AAOeg0RG2M0QhEiDQGi7ew0rGe6GTbSVi0e3VfKY8aQUzwOMSqBheqNFeyxm7MWOD21RBxk9iQ89GuovfPWeifO9Hd/s1600/5e7e8fd55c162b82f0215027b16fb803.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear self,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This week has show you perspective. Everyone in life has so many hours in the day and what they choose to do with those hours shows you what their priority is. While you cannot change people's priorities, understanding them helps you put your priorities into focus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear my lovely husband, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Valentines day! I cannot believe this will be the 12 valentines day we spend together....is that right? Wow I am starting to feel old as I type that. I am looking forward to having dinner with you tonight and diving into season two of House of Cards! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear Nathan James,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I never thought I would love someone and miss someone I hardly know so much. Its surreal to me that you are so little and I get to be a witness to your whole life. I know that you are going to do great things, and even though I am far away, I cannot wait to see you grow into the person you will become. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9idekPdgqsexMEzLeb0upAyUs5lLVwX-e3JZoju_KoQpw69qof1SiXTFTI_FWiaBNEdsc8zI0JCGbS50eA73OVrfv8u7Ndyd6PZZdPOe2mIzcVi0shwSEzH9pr8MabB8LqdUwtkDIwDj/s1600/n438g_elodie_main_rgb_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9idekPdgqsexMEzLeb0upAyUs5lLVwX-e3JZoju_KoQpw69qof1SiXTFTI_FWiaBNEdsc8zI0JCGbS50eA73OVrfv8u7Ndyd6PZZdPOe2mIzcVi0shwSEzH9pr8MabB8LqdUwtkDIwDj/s1600/n438g_elodie_main_rgb_a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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Dear <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/ts/qssw5"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stella and Dot party,</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You are too far away! With all this snow and cold weather I am desperately craving some yummy pieces from the new spring line and cannot wait to play dress up! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.thesweetseasonblog.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/FridaysLettersButton_zps485705e4.jpg" /></a></div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-10782975887055531222014-02-13T15:22:00.000-08:002014-02-13T15:22:01.653-08:00Simple Valentines Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have a confession, I get HUGE anxiety doing crafts. I see all these amazing projects on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kcaloiaro/">Pintrest</a> and wish I had the patience and ability to do some of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another confession, Valentines day isn't a huge deal in my house. We try to show our love in small ways to each other but I never understood the concept of once a year spending hundreds on flowers and going out to eat and all this lavishness. I would rather sprinkle love throughout the year. Every since we started dating (11 years ago) we started the tradition of cooking for one another. To this day, this has been our standing tradition and is much more our style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So combining my anxiety for crafts and the simplicity of the holiday I came up with the below idea. I remember making hearts out of standard construction paper in elementary school, so I thought to myself, "if a second grader can do it so can I." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I made some hearts and wrote different reasons why I love my husband. My plan is to hide them in places so he finds them throughout the day such as his underwear drawer, his lunch box he takes to work, by his toothbrush, his car, etc. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-UQdGre8WOZgzgFcKF1SlMGATEM_cSPeetgAce5e9JpGKN_rPC_aJ5UPlyFvQfM88SnNXo_QfJeYTFkkHFiwzlDY28Cp0LDVKQ6QfnL0b6czF63ErG7pQf5cCtI6A0AaJbwTuzse0gOl/s1600/blog+valentines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-UQdGre8WOZgzgFcKF1SlMGATEM_cSPeetgAce5e9JpGKN_rPC_aJ5UPlyFvQfM88SnNXo_QfJeYTFkkHFiwzlDY28Cp0LDVKQ6QfnL0b6czF63ErG7pQf5cCtI6A0AaJbwTuzse0gOl/s1600/blog+valentines.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It might be simple...but its the thought that counts right? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Valentines Day! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">XOXO</span></span></div>
<br />biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-40631556039502230062014-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:002014-02-12T14:18:03.992-08:00Short Month, Make the Most of it...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">February is the shortest month of the year, but there is no reason not to make the most of everyday by challenging yourself to try new things. Here are five fabulous ideas to help make the most out of your February! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Find a new colorful lip shade to try</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">February is the most romantic month of the year, why not spice it up with a fun new lip color? I just got </span><a href="http://www.sephora.com/rouge-volupte-silky-sensual-radiant-lipstick-spf-15-P218426?om_mmc=ppc-MSN&mkwid=XQvOyf4f&pcrid=156907862&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="brand-name text-upper">Yves Saint Laurent </span>ROUGE VOLUPTÉ</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and I am having so much fun with it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaBRtpr0xpesDFBwNL1M4Bs1aVKXQsZSu5LK2aKCsxJcveTe9zxbGodkEzwLvycrO6IJEuiy9-rmVTcwSWw7u_32152xGSAQb8fuRU-oTe9WSJKV4FXeBHDybFFYNrLyBsHlQhppHUnZI/s1600/s1148451-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaBRtpr0xpesDFBwNL1M4Bs1aVKXQsZSu5LK2aKCsxJcveTe9zxbGodkEzwLvycrO6IJEuiy9-rmVTcwSWw7u_32152xGSAQb8fuRU-oTe9WSJKV4FXeBHDybFFYNrLyBsHlQhppHUnZI/s1600/s1148451-main-hero.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Try a new workout</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Statistics say that most people who make January resolutions already failed, why not start fresh with a new workout? I am obsessed with </span><a href="http://toneitup.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tone It UP</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> which has <em><u>free</u></em> weekly workouts and YouTube videos that make it easy for people like me who don't know what or how to do certain workouts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Experiment with a new recipe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why pay exorbitant prices to eat out on valentines day? Instead, why not try a romantic dinner at home with a new recipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Buy yourself flowers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whether you have a valentine or not this year, fresh flowers help perk up any room and can change a mood every time you walk by them. Why not freshen up your space with a nice vase this month?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Treat yourself to a pedicure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spring is right around the corner which means almost sandal weather! Why not treat yourself to a pedicure this month with a fresh fun color?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy February! </span></div>
biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-77957458668587845622014-02-11T09:29:00.000-08:002014-02-11T09:29:17.038-08:00Spice up Your Weekday Meals with Chimichurri Sauce<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am always looking for healthy easy ways to spice up dinner to make it a little more fun and exciting. The answer: Chimichurri sauce. Originated from Argentina, this is the perfect way to dress up any meal time. I love making a simply grilled chicken, fish, or steak and throwing this sauce on top; hello easy weekday meal! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">What you will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 cup red wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 cloves of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 shallot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 to 1 jalapeno (depending on how much heat you like)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 cups cilantro </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 cup parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/3 cup fresh oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine vinegar, garlic, shallot, jalapeno and salt in bowl of food processor and let sit for 10 minutes. Add in cilantro, parsley and oregano. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFumNNJ6cSmuGIKQpAb9PuV0vynFrj6sRKHXZWvbqEJnYXOSGTkWNiKFaF3jZsskq6PioqwJsuTP9gq52_Cm5slIyK-HW-ORII4Z4yK-oOE6yKALhR0hnnaxA55uFzcIhXZveIL_eg1RV/s1600/blog+chim+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFumNNJ6cSmuGIKQpAb9PuV0vynFrj6sRKHXZWvbqEJnYXOSGTkWNiKFaF3jZsskq6PioqwJsuTP9gq52_Cm5slIyK-HW-ORII4Z4yK-oOE6yKALhR0hnnaxA55uFzcIhXZveIL_eg1RV/s1600/blog+chim+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pulse to blend. Add in olive oil and blend again. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoXEZWddd0hzWW7biFVVjMVU-RbKJIr8l38CJ1jiyMLz5HatMlw5B3vOnFXOLb4RNSYW2Lu616kHaouKfBnelSmKZjeuFEhmHbEtLtVPNot1Jhg9DgkK2wV_6uw27RZEJvR3txQg3CUA/s1600/blog+chim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoXEZWddd0hzWW7biFVVjMVU-RbKJIr8l38CJ1jiyMLz5HatMlw5B3vOnFXOLb4RNSYW2Lu616kHaouKfBnelSmKZjeuFEhmHbEtLtVPNot1Jhg9DgkK2wV_6uw27RZEJvR3txQg3CUA/s1600/blog+chim.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Taste and feel free to add more of the above ingredients as you feel are needed. You can add more jalapeno for heat or more cilantro for a citrusy flavor. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY7FOafkU1Kwk98WN4B4AxprJv2kiIe87CR-49cfCejT8QKhcHf85AXrhErtjrbpZYfnEUqsc5g71tN9oKR5piFyU9MYNxTt6nq51ynVD6J0cTbtUr-KeOHyvs0vIv0pFUFO4y_WYbG1S/s1600/blog+chimmchury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY7FOafkU1Kwk98WN4B4AxprJv2kiIe87CR-49cfCejT8QKhcHf85AXrhErtjrbpZYfnEUqsc5g71tN9oKR5piFyU9MYNxTt6nq51ynVD6J0cTbtUr-KeOHyvs0vIv0pFUFO4y_WYbG1S/s1600/blog+chimmchury.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Top any grilled meat with your chimichurri sauce and enjoy. You can also use this sauce to spice up salads or dip bread in. You can store sauce in fridge and use through-out the week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bon Appetit!</span></div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-46187514896675293202014-02-10T10:35:00.003-08:002014-02-10T10:35:45.748-08:00Traditional Cocktailing with the Manhattan<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There is a part of me that is very old fashion and traditional. There is a romantic side of me that loves the idea of my husband coming home after a long day in the office and serving him a cocktail before supper. I know this idea sounds very old fashion indeed-and there is no way this happens on a regular basis; but occasionally it is fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So for all of my friends out there who aren't whiskey/bourbon drinkers, here is how to make the perfect Manhattan cocktail. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMArqZR0_Vqh6ysBXVdnNmrVwXhbEC8rxMUMCvSZOMe9nUq5-61fUoZ1VgQgchnB1wEboW7r_B4bBrNcjVptMF1SE6LEExvujdABfVObBGRF-w4iGNI9sqehM0061YWS-cNKCGV52Tc476/s1600/blog_Manahattan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMArqZR0_Vqh6ysBXVdnNmrVwXhbEC8rxMUMCvSZOMe9nUq5-61fUoZ1VgQgchnB1wEboW7r_B4bBrNcjVptMF1SE6LEExvujdABfVObBGRF-w4iGNI9sqehM0061YWS-cNKCGV52Tc476/s1600/blog_Manahattan.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The perfect Manhattan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 ounces rye whiskey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 ounce Italian vermouth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 dashes angostura bitters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 large ice cube (we got </span><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/silicone-ice-sphere-molds-set/?cm_src=AutoSchRel"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">cylinder ice cube makers</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> that are fun to use and the ice melts slower so it doesn't dilute your cocktails)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stir stir stir so the ice chills the drink and serve!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span> </span></div>
biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-32772813264815831302013-12-05T14:44:00.002-08:002013-12-05T14:45:07.712-08:00Good Eats in Reno<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There
is something transcendent about a good meal. To me, food can bring people
together in a powerful way; it’s a shared experience unmatched in my mind. I
have loved eating and cooking as a pastime for years now. I went to college in
Reno and moved shortly after graduation to Southern California where my taste
buds rejoiced in all the amazing diversity of cuisine. Moving back to Reno about
two years ago, I was delighted how much the food scene here had evolved. Little
restaurants and bars popped up that rivaled those I had experienced living in
California. I love food and so glad that my home town is not transforming from only casinos and slots to a local foody and art scene. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This transformation was even recognized by the New York times. <a href="http://blogs.rgj.com/renorebirth/2013/10/15/new-york-times-raves-about-renos-midtown-district/">http://blogs.rgj.com/renorebirth/2013/10/15/new-york-times-raves-about-renos-midtown-district/</a></span></div>
Way to go Reno and all the local chefs out there that helped transform this city. biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-15106023923435025562013-09-04T09:35:00.001-07:002013-09-04T09:35:20.251-07:00Eggplant Brushetta<h2>
What you will need</h2>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup bread crumbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 medium eggplant (sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 loaf of your favorite bread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 ounces mozzarella</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marinara sauce (store bought or you can make your own with this </span><a href="http://biggestlittleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-lasagna.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">recipe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. In a shallow bowl, whisk two eggs together with a dash of salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, pour in your bread crumbs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dip your eggplant rounds into egg then into breadcrumbs ensuring your coat thoroughly. Transfer to greased baking sheet. Repeat till all eggplant slices are done. Place baking sheet in over until golden brown, about 15 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While eggplant are cooking, slice bread loaf lengthwise and place cut side up on baking sheet. Press slightly in middle to make a well. Place in oven for 2-5 minutes just to get a light browning on bread otherwise your bread might get soggy in the middle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top lightly toasted bread with marinara sauce, baked eggplant slices, and mozzarella cheese. Put back in over for about 6-9 minutes until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once baked, you can cut into slices and serve. If you have fresh basil, it would be great to add a rough chopped basil on top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Bon Appetit</strong></span> </span></div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-40183618494732842792013-08-27T15:02:00.001-07:002013-08-27T15:02:16.755-07:00Nourishment for the Soul<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have read any of my posts before, you should have a pretty good idea that I love food. I love everything about food; the preparation of it, the look, the smell, the taste, the way it brings people together around a table. I married a man whose passion for food exceeds my own so its no surprise that when we travel we arrange our trips and excursions around cuisine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our most recent voyage brought us to Miami, home of the </span><a href="http://www.thebazaar.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bazaar by Jose Andres</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It was a culinary marathon of 20+ courses ranging from small bite size salami and caviar to a dragon fruit ceviche and finished with a deconstructed key lime pie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I loved about this experience was that it was a 3 hour culinary journey I got to share with the love of my life. Its not just about the food, but how the food is experienced and shared and how that united us. In 30 years from now, my husband and I will remember this meal just like we remember the time we ate at Daniel's in New York or the place we picked a fish on the beach and watched them cook it for us in Thailand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These meals create lasting memories for us that we can cherish for the rest of our lives. Sitting at tables all over the world, from Miami to my mother's kitchen counter, these meals make me stop and slow down and cherish what I have and who I am sharing these meals with. No matter what food you enjoy or where you eat it, I pray that you each can slow down and enjoy the nourishment, not just for your body but for your soul as well.</span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT-V9xTPD9JV9OWezZx0F10ZNo7l6c3UuD8ympRgJmH1oSc7erPizuCpoJ-6BpAf6wa6U93Q0ldNuCJAd57LsMmcLd8EOOP5iaXWzFXIiCU-Zdjwdx4mlElpA8l44EVBDy_S4Mq93AfIe/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT-V9xTPD9JV9OWezZx0F10ZNo7l6c3UuD8ympRgJmH1oSc7erPizuCpoJ-6BpAf6wa6U93Q0ldNuCJAd57LsMmcLd8EOOP5iaXWzFXIiCU-Zdjwdx4mlElpA8l44EVBDy_S4Mq93AfIe/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggVTVHpORuQArZzUsK9Q8_GanIllP_jKrAgMPpMvcNZ__cthOaY4nlqZ4clA7ylgpfDfsBvx1gXIe3mK1ifQKGnkbABT154ZYss2R8cSTrjrhQzD8G4OtT7Rv_AYYYmdekY-vPOnjvZ2h/s1600/miami_Bazaar+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggVTVHpORuQArZzUsK9Q8_GanIllP_jKrAgMPpMvcNZ__cthOaY4nlqZ4clA7ylgpfDfsBvx1gXIe3mK1ifQKGnkbABT154ZYss2R8cSTrjrhQzD8G4OtT7Rv_AYYYmdekY-vPOnjvZ2h/s320/miami_Bazaar+14.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Bon Appetit</strong></span> </span></div>
biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-3758776581955852052013-07-31T13:53:00.000-07:002016-09-14T15:02:48.373-07:00Thai Coconut Curry Soup<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My husband and I have been obsessed with Thai food after we traveled there a few years ago. This dish is one of my weekday go-to-meals as it can be made under twenty minutes but doesn't lack any flavor. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>What you'll need:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2-3 chicken thighs, deboned and cubed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 bell pepper any color, cut into this long strips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 carrot cut into thin long strips ( I used a mandolin for this)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 egg plant cubed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Jar Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 can coconut milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rice noodles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cilantro</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Optional if you have in your kitchen:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thai chili</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coconut sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fish Oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cook rice noodles based on package instructions. This normally consists of boiling water-removing pot from heat and submerging noodles in water. Make sure you keep an eye on them and don't over cook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, take a wok, or any large frying pan will do, and drizzle a little olive oil in pan on medium heat. Empty red curry paste jar into pan and stir. Let this slightly caramelize for about a minute. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuUAU4KJOFPGMgsJlzGKi_OBf9BGS99uwVs7xnq46eD4zZuTPJvMgslXLRcXYOKy4swM_OR4mFg1thlNbT8CNhTjM05UxxnPNCaeTKOdn-48b64MgxGVhTm82di26_fH36-POksIwr_ZD/s1600/thai+soup2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuUAU4KJOFPGMgsJlzGKi_OBf9BGS99uwVs7xnq46eD4zZuTPJvMgslXLRcXYOKy4swM_OR4mFg1thlNbT8CNhTjM05UxxnPNCaeTKOdn-48b64MgxGVhTm82di26_fH36-POksIwr_ZD/s320/thai+soup2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Add 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of water to pan and stir to low boil. Add diced chicken and simmer until cooked (approximately 7-10 min). Add eggplants to pan, let cook for 2 min minute. Add carrots to pan, let cook for a minute. Add bell pepper to pan, cook for a minute.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-ghCfbqrpxp0LoXFpVwpcyu5IWTXZf9KZ-Gyv2OddoflKRitoo4TcL-eio6rn87-CuJYE07u5fN0t4zB-oLQ1I78frLNnmdCSZ-mJ98rGysrrHP5ijtrBPeBxA6S0PuPIq2Ga1vbQMYK/s1600/thai+soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-ghCfbqrpxp0LoXFpVwpcyu5IWTXZf9KZ-Gyv2OddoflKRitoo4TcL-eio6rn87-CuJYE07u5fN0t4zB-oLQ1I78frLNnmdCSZ-mJ98rGysrrHP5ijtrBPeBxA6S0PuPIq2Ga1vbQMYK/s320/thai+soup.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From here you are going to add can of coconut milk and stir. If you have fish oil, add a dash at this point. Add Thai chili peppers for additional heat to your liking. If you want to sweeten the soup, add a pinch of coconut sugar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To serve, add a decent serving of noodles to bowl and spoon soup and veggies over noodles. Top with a pinch of cilantro. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCSWmFKvRozojNDkBllR4HA23mnGPmAsLdWCwndNc2ghSQPVS6BTRbSxWUtaLaSzZcOFMXFxRKy-vnn7IK2G6C1Mr9_s9Ol7d3KeswgpykCoGwjPQIc6j-uBRGjTybinrzdn6jODuI3Xi/s1600/thai+soup4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCSWmFKvRozojNDkBllR4HA23mnGPmAsLdWCwndNc2ghSQPVS6BTRbSxWUtaLaSzZcOFMXFxRKy-vnn7IK2G6C1Mr9_s9Ol7d3KeswgpykCoGwjPQIc6j-uBRGjTybinrzdn6jODuI3Xi/s320/thai+soup4.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2h-yiM-F4ikXcctDldn9ryydyCPX0GS4bv6Q51L16iQDSK1pnbkFolrKZjDu2sZ9f1pPQwXLk-cqnR_wDJW4zmLk5_x7yHPMUtr48TnNB-o6KJ3hXQWopW_pw6kJKOP2AAtQTBEKuWC7/s1600/thai+soup3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2h-yiM-F4ikXcctDldn9ryydyCPX0GS4bv6Q51L16iQDSK1pnbkFolrKZjDu2sZ9f1pPQwXLk-cqnR_wDJW4zmLk5_x7yHPMUtr48TnNB-o6KJ3hXQWopW_pw6kJKOP2AAtQTBEKuWC7/s320/thai+soup3.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are a few pictures of our Thailand adventure. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs-ngQC4SHBk5KEz3Uyf-jXdjEy76mPO_4P63RCE55YIurmEtgwW9PwZOaUU5ETWBc3N8vDkmWEoZjVYyMpryMlpIOOQt9Gt9BeHq6vHr9grkMDX4FreP4tWQ46H8p6mcEG2daJmWtlul/s1600/205888_186673681398435_4051464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs-ngQC4SHBk5KEz3Uyf-jXdjEy76mPO_4P63RCE55YIurmEtgwW9PwZOaUU5ETWBc3N8vDkmWEoZjVYyMpryMlpIOOQt9Gt9BeHq6vHr9grkMDX4FreP4tWQ46H8p6mcEG2daJmWtlul/s320/205888_186673681398435_4051464_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKZJmS5MCaKGrkydzLrQKBhsEdYC_lmTNGrxIQNP1zZsA7LAoBf1K1ujlU3_L9UzTodWtdUNKTW3Ziec_u_FBwOL_1c7iporsFnvtFWdU9HkgTDGDfghDRtTvAsQLZQIeUplIFWRIuGZ_/s1600/223037_183657518366718_53889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKZJmS5MCaKGrkydzLrQKBhsEdYC_lmTNGrxIQNP1zZsA7LAoBf1K1ujlU3_L9UzTodWtdUNKTW3Ziec_u_FBwOL_1c7iporsFnvtFWdU9HkgTDGDfghDRtTvAsQLZQIeUplIFWRIuGZ_/s320/223037_183657518366718_53889_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Bon Appetit</strong></span> </span></div>
biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-39241520500794157592013-01-04T14:30:00.003-08:002013-01-04T14:30:41.517-08:00Friday's Letters<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear Me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You are not perfect, you fall short every day from being the person you desire to be. You make mistakes. However; every day is another opportunity for a fresh start. The fresh start you need might not be to fix those things above, but to allow yourself the grace to not be perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Love isn't finding a perfect person, it is seeing an imperfect person perfectly." Today, allow yourself the grace to not be perfect and to love yourself despite of it. Never stop trying to improve yourself, but don't be so hard on yourself when change doesn't happen over night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Grace is a hard thing to allow oneself. It seems much easier to forgive other's shortcoming than your own; why is this? Stop. Just stop. Every hour, every day, and every week is another opportunity for another fresh start. Take it. </span></div>
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biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-62246439201487494832013-01-02T12:21:00.003-08:002013-01-02T12:21:41.776-08:00New Year, New Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So many people have opinions it seems about making New Years resolutions. For me, I don't see why anyone wouldn't. Life is a journey, and we should take every moment and opportunity as a chance to grow and better ourselves. I love being able to reflect on 2012; all the past mistakes, opportunities lost, experiences that changed me and made me different today. 2013 is a chance to hit reset and change things for this year. I hope that when I am 70 I am still trying to better myself. So here it is, my goals for 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">My Husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Honestly, I love this man more every day. He is my rock and without him my life would be so grey. My goal this year is to be more intentional with my relationship to him. I love being a wife, and I am blessed with a job that lets me be able to focus on taking care of my household as well. I feel there is a big difference in managing a house, and being intentional with every action. Serving my husband a plate of dinner after work is different than intentionally making a meal he enjoys, plating it well, serving a sit-down-not-in-front-of-the-tv dinner to him. Doing the laundry is different than intentionally cleaning folding, pressing, and putting his clothes away. Saying 'I love you" is different than intentionally saying the words and meaning it every time I say it. Going out to dinner for a date night is different than intentionally being present in that evening and putting all my stresses and anxieties away to spend quality silly time with the man I am so blessed to have in my life. I want to enjoy our lives together and flourish rather than just trying to just survive our days. I want to be silly with him. I want to make memories with him; not just on big days, but every day. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvNi3In7qL-p6zT6jJcOevxWruJWc_-5AUzdZ9MFFFH2FRfjLaTVfuOBh3wHvJ2ksiOxOpFHjQe2-bg79ttFSuXUcTuQz5oGOBRixFQlMKceiwrTpMsFp17IoB1Yc6heiKUpfM28o8BW-/s1600/steven+and+kylee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvNi3In7qL-p6zT6jJcOevxWruJWc_-5AUzdZ9MFFFH2FRfjLaTVfuOBh3wHvJ2ksiOxOpFHjQe2-bg79ttFSuXUcTuQz5oGOBRixFQlMKceiwrTpMsFp17IoB1Yc6heiKUpfM28o8BW-/s320/steven+and+kylee.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">My Family</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God has blessed me with amazing family and the opportunity to move closer to them. This year I want to work harder and building closer bounds and getting deep relationships with them. Its one thing to call someone a sister or a mother because they are blood; I want a long lasting relationship with my family that supersedes everything else. No more petty fighting and worthless energy spent over hurt feelings. At the end of the day, I want to focus on what is really important. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0K1vujJfaKAJuSf4JcQcPPOgxoY6bUFVx7CnqzIVWZG16Qdp5PFpOuIgYYqk-_hMFC_1qA-iRfQvLQ8qVXvnyeIHhx_JuIHIQfTs1zIcgTi5_9ij-aO9altoKa45YwgZ53eGusyRJ3xg/s1600/family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0K1vujJfaKAJuSf4JcQcPPOgxoY6bUFVx7CnqzIVWZG16Qdp5PFpOuIgYYqk-_hMFC_1qA-iRfQvLQ8qVXvnyeIHhx_JuIHIQfTs1zIcgTi5_9ij-aO9altoKa45YwgZ53eGusyRJ3xg/s320/family.JPG" width="308" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4A4pPta6Gmgw6a2nDdc-xZbh1qSjFF_9YLEumvl_isc0IBP49Zxfb3ICqjVubM4DnzXLIsyZ-9M9WdF9IdW9wJzObinYSPgdbDjS4mLXe770OPyxR-D9NGI5SoBiWwNQlveuVxziADfl/s1600/family1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4A4pPta6Gmgw6a2nDdc-xZbh1qSjFF_9YLEumvl_isc0IBP49Zxfb3ICqjVubM4DnzXLIsyZ-9M9WdF9IdW9wJzObinYSPgdbDjS4mLXe770OPyxR-D9NGI5SoBiWwNQlveuVxziADfl/s200/family1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Friendships</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2012 really opened my eyes to what friendship is, who my true friends are, and what a blessing a real friend is. No matter how many miles apart or time spent face to face, a real friend will stand by you through it all. I love all my friends and this year I want to make sure they all know it. Much like my husband, I want my actions with my friends to be intentional.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKK-jQ6EjMEn8iBFZ7VuVrV8QjS97VLlXBg7VwdLja6qShNxRofPa-YorM0ynSdJfOaPhpPN7HWtjje64arAZhavmujrk0iGqs6qYQxuHMD2HNazJCpaGd5ultPRRYEa7rkl1IPfaRaXk/s1600/friend1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKK-jQ6EjMEn8iBFZ7VuVrV8QjS97VLlXBg7VwdLja6qShNxRofPa-YorM0ynSdJfOaPhpPN7HWtjje64arAZhavmujrk0iGqs6qYQxuHMD2HNazJCpaGd5ultPRRYEa7rkl1IPfaRaXk/s320/friend1.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDem85tGvRqEBCT-UpQvHT8jMneVpCJFo_oxnzTUmH8ws9ApNwV86MOHiP49ReO8kYQLnj9w0A8M4IAetHlv6U5KoIZK_kYH4BYNOxFoVFVvK5MGw2utiODWrcKInfMP78ux9pXXvId16g/s1600/friend2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDem85tGvRqEBCT-UpQvHT8jMneVpCJFo_oxnzTUmH8ws9ApNwV86MOHiP49ReO8kYQLnj9w0A8M4IAetHlv6U5KoIZK_kYH4BYNOxFoVFVvK5MGw2utiODWrcKInfMP78ux9pXXvId16g/s320/friend2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aYOyQJS1qEWdga5sXesO5go_FTUL03ND8_G1W9XhqQSV7YRPeOd4p5jeBqyLp8vxovX6ww_YiuPg4JhENjNoXdhHbbQmzNAiakkWHKiTg974azJJpnoCV4IPow3OR9Bh5L9lYDf24K5v/s1600/friend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aYOyQJS1qEWdga5sXesO5go_FTUL03ND8_G1W9XhqQSV7YRPeOd4p5jeBqyLp8vxovX6ww_YiuPg4JhENjNoXdhHbbQmzNAiakkWHKiTg974azJJpnoCV4IPow3OR9Bh5L9lYDf24K5v/s320/friend.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">And Lastly...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes I want to work out more; I know it is cliche. But generally, I want to be healthier...both physically and mentally. I want to find workouts that I don't dread and that make me feel better. People say the best therapy can be found in the gym and I want to experience that feeling. I also want to become up close and personal about the demons I carry around me with..so to do that I think I might use this blog as a tool to express myself and try to overcome some of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So that is it. A long list of hopes and goals for the new year. I might fall a little, but I think the important thing is to say them out loud and allow myself some grace in finding out how to live life better every day. </span><br />
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<br />biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-83315377013477427762012-07-06T09:28:00.000-07:002012-07-06T09:28:02.674-07:00Friday Letters<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dear Jamie,</span><br />
I love you so much and cannot wait to spend the week with you. Buy lots of coffee, and wine! :) So excited for our San Diego outtings we have planned. <br />
<a href="http://thenewsfromlafuze.blogspot.com/?m=1">http://thenewsfromlafuze.blogspot.com/?m=1</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOfQVi49qoh8_ebLNKil4dI1uf8Q2zVKKaEsWNow_hslxfBWjhkW0euT7Pey6l5noozMU_FA4dqqxxBLW5Xtrv05TCwZZRitifqNdP-xtxKDVg1yJnmEHSXcbf6CBJuAdyM-aBvGE4HD6/s1600/lafuze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOfQVi49qoh8_ebLNKil4dI1uf8Q2zVKKaEsWNow_hslxfBWjhkW0euT7Pey6l5noozMU_FA4dqqxxBLW5Xtrv05TCwZZRitifqNdP-xtxKDVg1yJnmEHSXcbf6CBJuAdyM-aBvGE4HD6/s1600/lafuze.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qkZeTQJZaoG3yPA3LJ4oUoqsomQOrc6hrI1wvXgn439AmVC_vKf33OOChM69GReM9jk_nBmob-f-FsuWk25bUkMCs2my-u2ZuE7W0bs7euInokuRRDNOM_uLsbSVsJ4eBoK5j2kR8iMO/s1600/lafuze2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qkZeTQJZaoG3yPA3LJ4oUoqsomQOrc6hrI1wvXgn439AmVC_vKf33OOChM69GReM9jk_nBmob-f-FsuWk25bUkMCs2my-u2ZuE7W0bs7euInokuRRDNOM_uLsbSVsJ4eBoK5j2kR8iMO/s1600/lafuze2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dear Southwest,</span><br />
I am a nervous flier, so please try to keep it a smooth flight for tomorrow as I head to San Diego. Also, I would like a sprite and peanuts please! <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dear gym,</span><br />
It has been a while since I have visited you and I am sorry. You and I have this love hate relationship. I love to hate you, but love the way you make me feel. I promise next week will be better. I will make an effort. <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dear pups,</span><br />
I will miss snuggling with you while I am away. I know it will be hard on you since you havent been left alone all day now that I work from home, but behave and try not to destroy the house! <br />
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<center><a href="http://comeoneileen86.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/Design/fridaysletters.png" /></a></center>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-91993159625693441542012-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:002012-07-03T09:24:33.051-07:00Details Make a House a HomeIt has been 3 weeks since we got the keys to our house! It has been full of lots of projects, hard work, and nothing but joy in all of it! For those of you who didn't read it, I posted some of my inspirations and ideas a few weeks ago of projects I wanted to do. <a href="http://biggestlittleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/happiest-friday.html">http://biggestlittleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/happiest-friday.html</a><br />
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I love details; I feel like all the details are what make a house a home. Personalized touches that make your house uniquely yours. I just wanted to share with you some of my favorite details in my new home!!! <br />
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My entry way! I have always wanted a cozy and inviting entry way. I blogged about a picture that inspired this in the link above. The shelf in the original picture was pottery barn and hundreds of dollars! Instead, we went to home depot and got 2, 6 foot long boards, molding for the edges, white paint and hooks. We built the whole shelf for under $30! I still want to play with decor for it, but I love the shelf and its super sturdy so all my guests can hang their coats and purses with no fear of falling! The bench will be perfect for little feet one day; walk in, take off shoes and coats...kind of like an entry way/mud room idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ1dZlZxX0M2v4p_4csgpXQOQp6X9p7x033ENTkLz2JPHyWzx99LfYM5ojCtrw-9dpa-do0PG8LcA652rYFjQZSp9Z5qXiTXroGRRNIympSPdtr0sA7lxGacpg7bQwb95xufBgmwEx6LE/s1600/entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ1dZlZxX0M2v4p_4csgpXQOQp6X9p7x033ENTkLz2JPHyWzx99LfYM5ojCtrw-9dpa-do0PG8LcA652rYFjQZSp9Z5qXiTXroGRRNIympSPdtr0sA7lxGacpg7bQwb95xufBgmwEx6LE/s1600/entry.jpg" /></a></div>
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My dining room is one of the rooms that is uniquely our style, and not for everyone. We had a good friend who is an artist come and mimic Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc pig on our wall. For two foodies, we LOVE our dining room. If nothing else, it has become quite a conversation piece when people come over. </div>
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I love our family picture wall down our hallway. I have pictures of us both as babies, our families, travel we have done, etc. It is full of all the people we love and tons of memories. Eventually, I want the pictures to cover the entire wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5plgeYbiEKmf9t-B039PmmSbv14hbyShLMEhfLGjHvg0lRqbI3XGX1SANYjFL4y-5OfB-RLGFH4tqyG838pvo25cptIk2JCHO_-BoRAPB5Odioul_r0dv6xILMk0Xq-RdhZ4LLz4zSt-/s1600/hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5plgeYbiEKmf9t-B039PmmSbv14hbyShLMEhfLGjHvg0lRqbI3XGX1SANYjFL4y-5OfB-RLGFH4tqyG838pvo25cptIk2JCHO_-BoRAPB5Odioul_r0dv6xILMk0Xq-RdhZ4LLz4zSt-/s1600/hall.jpg" /></a></div>
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I adore how my office turned out. I work from home so I wanted an office that was going to be calming and comfortable. We have this cute nook that had a built in desk and shelves so we painted the whole thing white to lighten it up. I love butterflies, (<a href="http://biggestlittleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/rainbows-and-butterflies.html">http://biggestlittleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/rainbows-and-butterflies.html</a>) and my sister sent me some beautiful prints she took that I framed and hung up. We took some puddy, and added three coats to flatten the wall from texture. I then painted three coats of chalk board paint over it. We then took some molding, painted it white, and framed the whole area out. I love my chalk board, I think its useful but also adds a lot of character. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJFaxJViG2YNxHhwVj5F3WBSfC8VJZWiCtRn-FGlw-XUm5Rsp1TmQbk26mi8cpeGq7d6VzDsBhkinb-29V-WZRb0IKD7DHczKH4cPfJa8MGP1If-uk1Y5au_dK6lE62CisIrgjfsUr1kl/s1600/office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJFaxJViG2YNxHhwVj5F3WBSfC8VJZWiCtRn-FGlw-XUm5Rsp1TmQbk26mi8cpeGq7d6VzDsBhkinb-29V-WZRb0IKD7DHczKH4cPfJa8MGP1If-uk1Y5au_dK6lE62CisIrgjfsUr1kl/s1600/office.jpg" /></a></div>
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What are some of your favorite details of your home? </div>
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</div>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-79465966260929611812012-06-27T12:16:00.004-07:002012-06-27T12:16:32.944-07:00Greek Quinoa Green Salad<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This has become my favorite thing to make lately in different varieties. It is healthy, super easy and quick to make, the flavors are so fun for summer! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What you will need:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 cup dried Quinoa (cous cous or bulgur wheat; whatever your favorite grain will work)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">zucchini</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">onion</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dressing:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4 cup Greek yogurt</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup white vine vinegar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tablespoons of tarragon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend well. Scrap down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Set aside or put in fridge to keep cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine quinoa with 2 cups of water in a pot and bring to simmer. Cook over low heat till all the water has been absorbed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat BBQ on low. Slice onions into rounds and slice zucchini in half longwise. Drizzle with olive oil and place on hot BBQ. Cook until little browned and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and slice into bite size pieces. Mix vegetables with quinoa and salt and pepper to taste. From here, you can serve warm or put in fridge to serve cold. I like a hot salad and my husband likes a cold salad so whatever you choose!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Place a hand full of greens on a plate. Top with quinoa and veggie mixture. Drizzle with your dressing and serve! Easy, healthy, meatless, and fast to prepare! Have fun and play with different veggies. Add some avocado or grilled bell pepper. Let me know what you choose to add to yours!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bon Appetit!</span></div>
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<br />biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-71045367311606815162012-06-26T09:29:00.000-07:002012-06-26T11:52:33.559-07:00The art of cocktailingTo you, what makes a great bar? The drinks, the bartender, the atmosphere? If you had to only have 1 of those three, which would you choose? To me, the bartender makes the bar, and the chances of having a great bartender and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">comparable </span>drinks are high. <br />
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Moving back to Reno has allowed us to go out and rediscover the area. This last weekend we ventured out to some of the newest spots we have heard hype about to check them out for ourselves. <br />
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We started at <a href="http://renopublichouse.com/">The Public House</a> in mid town Reno. There was plenty of street parking, and since we went earlier in the evening, 7ish, the bar wasen't too crowded. The rustic vibe, wood bar, wood floors, amazing tap list made the whole place feel super fun and casual. We walked up to the far side of the bar and waited for our bartender's attention...for 15 minutes we waited for her attention. Again, did I mention the bar wasen't that crowded? Not even a simple, "Hey I will get to you guys in a minute," or give us a cocktails list to look over while we waited. The girls next to us had a list, so we were able to select our poison from that, but still, bad service. The cocktail list was a really fun list of craft cocktails, and art that is highly <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">underutilized</span>. I selected a "Gypsy Rose" which is gin, grapfruit and bubbles. My husband, the bourbon lover, had a blackberry fizz which is bourbon, egg white, lemon, blackberry, and lavender bitters. All in all, the drinks were amazing! Now if maybe we can get the bartender some help, I would say this place could <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">definitely </span>be frequently visited. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYv6GwVu497MBkrfZkcB8PBOa98J0iTi8ma_FSBwBlpT5Uz4KT_Ck4EL3pWkHXkXSVnZ2Idczlg-1pZQT9dY_jA0DGrVMlJa-ZeqbUS5jV8Lo7EbPDth2QPI3oasWq4KNY50FfZTyfDlWa/s1600/cocktails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYv6GwVu497MBkrfZkcB8PBOa98J0iTi8ma_FSBwBlpT5Uz4KT_Ck4EL3pWkHXkXSVnZ2Idczlg-1pZQT9dY_jA0DGrVMlJa-ZeqbUS5jV8Lo7EbPDth2QPI3oasWq4KNY50FfZTyfDlWa/s1600/cocktails.jpg" /></a></div>
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From there, we went up the street a block to the <a href="http://biggestlittlecityclub.com/">Biggest Little City Club</a>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Immediately </span>walking in the door the bartender greeted us and welcomed us to the bar. My husband was in heaven talking bourbons and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">whiskeys </span>and bitters and was able to sample and taste different varieties with the bartender. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Myself, I couldn't resist a Mick Jagger Mojito on the hot day and was pleasantly surprised with the brown sugar twist to this drink. The bartender was very knowledgeable and fun to chat with. He also informed us of the different bands and shows they bring into the bar; a wide fixture of music from DJs, to rock, to alternative, to Blues. Honestly, I am really excited about this place and to go back for a show one night. I like that they cater to different crowds, something for everyone. My husband and I also got to play a round of darts, where I am sad to report he won, but fun nether the less.</span><br />
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Last stop on our outing was dinner at <a href="http://midtowneatsreno.com/">Mid Town Eats</a>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It was pretty late at this point, but luckily they had a table open so we were able to walk in with no reservations. This bar/restaurant is small but very charming. It has a very eclectic/rustic feel to it and reminds me of some of the cool restaurants we frequented in San Diego. My husband ordered a "Well Off" which is bourbon, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup, cherry syrup, and absinthe bitters. We ordered the bone marrow appetizer served with a toasted baguette. He ordered the pork belly, I had the fish, and we split a bread pudding for the dessert. The food was thoughtful and a good play of flavors. I didn’t get any pictures of the food, but it was worth going back to just to get some for you all :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The art of making a great drink is making a comeback across the country and in every essence I am a major fan. I am so glad that Reno has some really cool places like these and can’t wait to frequent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is your favorite cocktail?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://www.five30three.com/2012/06/weekehttp://www.five30three.com/2012/06/weekend-update-according-to-instagram.htmlnd-update-according-to-instagram.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9FPDNGuOMwYEAyS0TzEt3-xNmafasRzXA1vIIG1VSr511G7XEtCUL9-BfiKDnLBHuVKhuT4IA1yShhJHIqeOE1RQkVxpYvdKl5A-JLPbEC8JdfY8evkthe1huG7nwz0IoCLpaNq2Er88/s1600/weekend_update.jpg" /></a></div>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-80565053499802587512012-06-22T10:06:00.000-07:002012-06-22T10:06:25.488-07:00Potato Cheese SoupMy husband has a really bad cold, sick in bed the last two days. When he is sick, he love potato cheese soup, very comforting. This is a family recipe that has never been written down, so I am going to try my best to outline it here for you. This, like most of my recipes, are all estimations so play with it to make it uniquely yours. <br />
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Take 6 russet potatoes, peel and wash. You want to roughly cube them and add to empty pot. Once all potatoes have been added to the pot, fill with water JUST TILL potatoes are covered. You will not be draining the water so don't overfill. Put the pot of potatoes on the stove on medium low to slowly boil.<br />
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While potatoes are cooking, take about 6 strips of bacon and cube. Add to pan to cook till lightly browned. While bacon is cooking, take 1 whole onion, I prefer yellow, and roughly dice. Once bacon is lightly browned, add diced onion to the bacon pan and cook. Cook down till onion is translucent while not letting the bacon burn. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside. <br />
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Once the pot of potatoes are slightly fluffy and potatoes are cooked through, turn down heat to simmer. </div>
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In a separate pot, melt about 3 tablespoons of butter. Once butter is fully melted, add approximately 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in to fully incorporate. This part will be estimations and you may need more or less butter to flour. You will be creating a rue or roux; this is a base used to thicken up soups, sauces, or gravies. You can use this cooking technique to get a blond, medium or dark roux base which is created by how long you let your roux cook. For this soup, you just want a blond roux that will be slightly bubbly which is how you know its ready. Consult picture below. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Z-tUol4iIZsxmEF2SIvsubbsJA8Z-oPFcqFzOTA8AoL6YYJIRHTBYJvv8dM4_FOSk_eFoxZzRuFuxFS1b3_Q3vH4BWIsZkCBc8uByptkf1lNOcL1WiWodA9ljdT-d87acaL4MRGz-7m/s1600/soup+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Z-tUol4iIZsxmEF2SIvsubbsJA8Z-oPFcqFzOTA8AoL6YYJIRHTBYJvv8dM4_FOSk_eFoxZzRuFuxFS1b3_Q3vH4BWIsZkCBc8uByptkf1lNOcL1WiWodA9ljdT-d87acaL4MRGz-7m/s1600/soup+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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From here, you will add 2 cups of milk to your roux whisking until fully incorporated. </div>
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Let simmer slowly, keep stirring as to not let your milk boil. Keep heat on low to medium. After mixture thickens up, about 10 minutes, add 2 to 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese. This is an approximation and based on your taste how much cheese you want to add. Salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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Mix the cheese into sauce till fully incorporated. Let simmer for about 5 minutes. From here, take you cheese sauce and pour into your pot of potatoes and water. <br />
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Mix together and let simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Add pan on onions and bacon to pot of soup. <br />
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Let simmer for another 5 minutes at least. Again, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some warm bread and you have a nice comfort meal for a sick day or a cold night. <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Bon Appetit!</span> </div>
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</div>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-78539532397196035452012-06-21T09:12:00.000-07:002012-06-22T10:09:16.458-07:00Happily Ever AfterMy life feels like a dream sometimes. There are times I look around and feel like things are too good to be true and one day I will wake up and realize it all was. The times I feel like this the most is when I look at the amazing man that for some reason, fell in love with me. <br />
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My man is brilliant! He is the smartest and most driven man, which is one of the reasons I fell for him. At 16 when I met him, he was already building his resume by working for a state Senator as an intern. He graduated with honors from college and promptly got accepted and excelled in law school. His drive with his education and career never wavered and I find that so admirable. While many men his age were out partying or hanging with friends, he was spending hours locked in a room studying or wasting summers taking classes to get him ahead on his bar exam. For his hard work to take care of his family, I can never thank him enough. <br />
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He challenges me to try new things. I am a very cautious person, almost to the extend where I don't live because I am scared of bad things happening. <span style="background-color: white;">He has got me</span> out of that fear and exposed me to new places, people, and things I would never have done myself. A major example of this is our 3 week trip to Thailand and Cambodia where I backpacked and camped into a jungle, rode elephants, snuggled with tigers, took a cooking class from a ladyboy, rafted down a river in the middle of a jungle,etc. The point of this story is it was the most amazing adventure and I met the most wonderful people and had the best time of my life, and I wouldn't have wanted to have that adventure with anyone else! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilepJidVNQv99BovESZjg6a9k35hAkZEEVz8E8GgnmBPLG9cdumuTAcQxUnnFxzDSYIglcLwUKxG4btP9Z0KM0IY6vX5KO2aql4T9ib8v1JmhOKq_-Lot06uTBOMm_JhxaCYbt7CLKI9_H/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilepJidVNQv99BovESZjg6a9k35hAkZEEVz8E8GgnmBPLG9cdumuTAcQxUnnFxzDSYIglcLwUKxG4btP9Z0KM0IY6vX5KO2aql4T9ib8v1JmhOKq_-Lot06uTBOMm_JhxaCYbt7CLKI9_H/s1600/food.jpg" /></a></div>
The man can cook! And I mean, REALLY cook. He used to compete in culinary competitions and was offered a scholarship to culinary school but turned it down to go to law school as cooking is more a passion than a career for him. This passion has passed off on me and all my foodie inspirations are from him. I am a lucky girl that he creates these masterful meals for me to enjoy, and we found a hobby and passion we can share together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y-0R7SPpUANFRV-2TSld8HUGqWSWwYF69-wXCQK7Df2ynMizQRGnnGX5ez5203g5h69R6ig_sj-ZKmlzRjanh0WSM1RAMdaxeQ_zKQW7iaG85pA-7LrWSV93C0Cnr1pacPEAnbzv2zXK/s1600/carson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y-0R7SPpUANFRV-2TSld8HUGqWSWwYF69-wXCQK7Df2ynMizQRGnnGX5ez5203g5h69R6ig_sj-ZKmlzRjanh0WSM1RAMdaxeQ_zKQW7iaG85pA-7LrWSV93C0Cnr1pacPEAnbzv2zXK/s1600/carson.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love that we are still so young and have so much ahead of us still. I know he will make a great dad. I am excited to see him teach his children and guide their lives. This is an exciting chapter we have yet to open, but when we do I know it will be wonderful! </div>
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I am so in love with this man and feel like I am living a fairy tale every day! Happy anniversary Steven...I love you more today than ever before! <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077405651755035624.post-47659164478699311122012-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:002012-06-01T10:37:17.700-07:00Happiest Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buying a house=no fun. Closing on your house=so much fun! </span></div>
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We get the keys to our house next week after the longest year long process in finding and finalizing everything. We went the short sale route and if you have a good living situation and can wait it out, it can be worth the wait...however, be prepared to wait. </div>
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Now that we are closing I am getting so excited with projects and furniture and cannot wait to get in and start doing stuff. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhGdtJy1cKt-GbF1hdyIOfcVMZHhjGfqqgsRJCkGu6aA7ZDs5D9q2VkHzlhTpFK9-p6lfZEe9uC1T5kGuCeWHS-l7HfAU8GWfUueZRAE45tvkB-l8BXlowZvdFyUV2Z-sxRQPseK4_BqU/s1600/mail-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhGdtJy1cKt-GbF1hdyIOfcVMZHhjGfqqgsRJCkGu6aA7ZDs5D9q2VkHzlhTpFK9-p6lfZEe9uC1T5kGuCeWHS-l7HfAU8GWfUueZRAE45tvkB-l8BXlowZvdFyUV2Z-sxRQPseK4_BqU/s1600/mail-4.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I have a beautiful entry way wall like this and I found this picture on pintrest as my inspiration. I found a bench last weekend in my shopping adventure, it is wood and long like the above expect it is deep and the seat part opens to put umbrellas or scarves in. I love the idea of having an entry way bench so when I walk in the door i can take my shoes off, hang up my purse, etc. For the shelf, my mother in law took me to home depot and we bought 2 six foot long boards that we are going to paint and then put a decorative molding on. We also founds some really cute hooks like the ones in this picture to hang on it. I will take pictures of this project and post later for you all to see! </div>
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Here is another pintrest inspiration. The house has a beautiful build in desk like the above, expect bigger. Since I work from home, my desk needs to be a very calming and inspiring place that I enjoy being in. Right now the desk has just regular stock cabinets and three walls. I want to paint it all white like the above and paint and frame in a chalk board on one of the walls. Again, I will post more on this project as I do it! </div>
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Here are some of my recent and exciting purchases from last weekend! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iBIjKpJhzDsSdtQ3Q_rwTFW0f8H0El27VA-qqqMnukGfKX2_p1jsrlnZnovmTbtliqgX99mgfAOnEFTmXBjtXrmsDxl1MXy8xOuFkegf8mT0P7zsU77ECgiRD6-oL8ETT4l6xZPXZR5e/s1600/mail-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iBIjKpJhzDsSdtQ3Q_rwTFW0f8H0El27VA-qqqMnukGfKX2_p1jsrlnZnovmTbtliqgX99mgfAOnEFTmXBjtXrmsDxl1MXy8xOuFkegf8mT0P7zsU77ECgiRD6-oL8ETT4l6xZPXZR5e/s1600/mail-7.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I got an Ethan Allen accent chair! This was originally a $1550 chair that I got on sale for $325! I couldn't even find a target or world market chair this nice for under $325.</div>
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My target guest bathroom shower curtain. I got the teal one and I will pair with white towels, white bath mat and white accessories. My mother in law got me a beautiful teal bowel for the counter to match the curtain and pull more teal in. I want a teal trash can too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLXQkDZzRM1VQ_1ymXGb6IYmKvQcyz6vfUKCK_p5jovxBOj2MwIdreFY_FVy5nPrKGa8gcf_2ck0WfFWHS8EYEwExzCF5P9F5Ug5wYmZuk2-2eOI8J6S9fHDFHQ4r5Ls3U-NhU1r6grqd/s1600/mail-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLXQkDZzRM1VQ_1ymXGb6IYmKvQcyz6vfUKCK_p5jovxBOj2MwIdreFY_FVy5nPrKGa8gcf_2ck0WfFWHS8EYEwExzCF5P9F5Ug5wYmZuk2-2eOI8J6S9fHDFHQ4r5Ls3U-NhU1r6grqd/s1600/mail-8.jpeg" /></a></div>
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We have a pretty huge living room and a big sectional so when I stumbled upon this over sized coffee table it was love at first sight. I got the coffee table, end table and matching buffet for my living room. they are big and solid and I can't wait to put in my new house. </div>
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We close next week and I am just over the moon excited. I feel very blessed and lucky. Thank you in advance for all my family and friends who are helping us. </div>
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<br /></div>biggestlittlebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126313016515276236noreply@blogger.com2