tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10939844479360889802024-03-13T12:04:30.399+00:00Legos in My CouchA Mom's BlogRiley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-42138102671711771472011-01-15T12:51:00.001+00:002011-01-15T12:54:15.354+00:00Tips for Seasoning Food the Healthy Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGW3X4XDrI/AAAAAAAAAE0/_4Rq_nPo9mw/s1600/101_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGW3X4XDrI/AAAAAAAAAE0/_4Rq_nPo9mw/s320/101_8945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, it looks like we’re going to have to make some big changes in our diet around here. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Not that we eat badly, but you know, not good enough. More about that later.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Although this meal was already on my meal plan this week, I’m still pretty happy with how it was in line with the new diet recommendations. I did use less butter than I normally would </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> but everything <em>still</em> tasted great! Here are is how I seasoned the healthy way, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>can too!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <strong>What I left out-</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Normally when I make tilapia, I make a garlic butter mix which is spread over the fish before pan “frying.” Since I needed to cut some butter </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> I just melted just enough in the bottom of the pan to keep it from sticking. It was just as yummy as when there is more butter! </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I never have much luck with brown rice and I don’t know what I do wrong but, this time was better. Not as good as the asparagus though! Asparagus is one of those vegetable that we didn’t like much until I experimented and found a way we enjoyed them. Actually, we love them like this! Although I did leave out the bacon this time...</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tips for seasoning your food the healthy way:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Tilapia- Melt a tsp of butter in the bottom of your pan. Press 1-2 cloves on garlic right into the butter. Throw in the fish, and cook about 5-6 minutes on each side, seasoning with salt and pepper.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Rice- After cooking the rice per package instructions, I added two “ice cubes” of my homemade chicken broth (probably about ¼ cup broth. Mix in ¼ tsp. each onion, garlic powder, and salt. Stir and taste. Add more seasoning to your taste if needed. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Asparagus- Wash and trim off the bottoms of your asparagus. Spray your pan with non-stick and add in the asparagus. I also sprayed the veggie to help it “crisp.” Press 2 garlic cloves into the pan and season with salt to taste- it doesn’t take much. Cook on medium high heat for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently. We call this blackened asparagus or dirty asparagus because, well, that’s how it looks! The flavor is great though!</em> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, there ya have it. I didn’t season everything the way I normally would have (um, more fat) but everything tasted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just</i> as great and we’re the more healthy for it. Now to keep it up!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How do YOU season your food in a healthy way?</span></strong></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-66239883523047570342011-01-15T11:56:00.005+00:002011-01-15T12:08:59.947+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 12,13, 14<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whew, the past few days have been hectic! I've had problems finding time to sit at the computer so I'm catching up on posting photos today. After seeing how much I enjoy taking photos of food, my husband says I should be a food photographer. What do you think? Could I get a gig? What's that? I need some work? Haha, I agree!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGJJ2M4_9I/AAAAAAAAAEo/FMMpAH4Hy1c/s320/101_8933.JPG" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Day 12- Um....it was, uh, crazy hat night at church...my husbands doing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGJTEPxUhI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wUbyLk1-EbU/s1600/101_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGJTEPxUhI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wUbyLk1-EbU/s320/101_8940.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 13- My yummy homemade cake and icing for the PC party. YUM!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGJk1jkdZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/s4Ddf1W9VZ4/s1600/101_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TTGJk1jkdZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/s4Ddf1W9VZ4/s320/101_8945.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 14- I about dropped dead when my picky eater ate asparagus last night!</span></div><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wha'ts YOUR favorite thing to photograph?</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-92107549700217007732011-01-14T11:17:00.001+00:002011-01-14T11:19:40.885+00:00Lil' Smokies Recipe<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vMkh3bTJCeA/SxybpWKplxI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/oYI2RFBdlBw/s1600/lil+smokies" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vMkh3bTJCeA/SxybpWKplxI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/oYI2RFBdlBw/s200/lil+smokies" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So last night I hosted a Pampered Chef party for some of my girlfriends (that's why I was MIA!). Gotta love a night out with friends! And of course one of the best parts of these parties is the food <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had a few packages of Lil' Smokies in the freezer that I bought with coupons a few months back, (2 points for the <a href="http://thereslegosinmycouch.blogspot.com/2011/01/menu-planning-pantry-challenge.html">Pantry Challenge</a>!) so I decided to do something with those. Yummm...nothing says party like a pot full of Lil' Smokies ;) These are a perfect appetizer and they’re great for potlucks as well. They are super easy to make- just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and come back a few hours later. And everyone loves them, so it's a win-win.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Lil' Smokies</em></span></u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em> 2lbs approximately Lil' Smokies (mine were only 14oz each but no worries. There was just extra sauce)</em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>1 cup grape jelly </em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>½ cup mustard </em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>1 ½ tbsp packed brown sugar (optional)*</em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)*</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Turn a slow cooker to high. Make the sauce by mixing all the ingredients except the smokies, straight in the cooker. (The jelly will be a little chunky now, but as it heats up it will melt and incorporate with the sauce) Add in the Lil’ Smokies and toss to cover them in sauce. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours.</em></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*I made this recipe my own by adding a few more things. Mostly because I’m not good at following directions ;) but it turned out great. I considered adding hot sauce so you could try that if you like. Enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from: </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vMkh3bTJCeA/SxybpWKplxI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/oYI2RFBdlBw/s320/lil+smokies"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vMkh3bTJCeA/SxybpWKplxI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/oYI2RFBdlBw/s320/lil+smokies</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-63808677810815116072011-01-11T20:52:00.003+00:002011-01-11T20:54:35.041+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 11 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSzDGaKJ8RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TewXLOMpTuU/IMAG0072.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSzDGaKJ8RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TewXLOMpTuU/s320/IMAG0072.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some cocoa with my kiddo :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-72507972304906384312011-01-11T10:06:00.000+00:002011-01-11T10:06:25.906+00:00Recommended Books- His Needs, Her Needs<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; font-family: Arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MNA3MR8XL.jpg" width="206" /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Building an Affair Proof Marriage</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are so many marriage books on the market now. You can even say it’s become a fad to read them. But I thought this was one different. To me- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this book was incredible</i>. It gives such insight into how the opposite sex thinks and feels. It gives such power to the hands of the reader. How many books do that?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m sure many were turned off by the title. Well, the subtitle- “Building an Affair Proof Marriage.” No one wants to think that it’s possible for their spouse to cheat. And picking up a book of these sorts? Well, the idea goes through your head once…or twice (and by that I a lot more than twice). But if you can get past that, there are so many little jewels of information that you can take away and put to use immediately.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don’t mean to make this book sound like it’s a cure-all for those with serious marriage problems. It’s meant to help <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> things become serious. But yes, everyone can read this book, and take away valuable information that will be beneficial no matter where you are in your journey with your spouse. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Short Overview-</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Basically there are 10 (most common) needs for men and women. When listing those needs, men put one set of five needs at the top of their list, while women choose the other five. This proves the theory (because of the needs chosen most important to them) that men are more visual beings and women are emotional beings. The author then goes on to talk about each genders top five, why they are important to that person, and how to meet the need. A couple is vulnerable to an affair when one spouse has needs that are continually unmet, and someone else begins meeting that need. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To make something clear</b>- </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The author does not condone having an affair. Nor does he blame the spouse when one occurs.</i> His purpose of this book is to educate people how differently men and women think and feel. It’s because of this difference that we often don’t understand each other, and as a result, don’t always know how to meet each other’s needs. Thus the door is open for an affair. That doesn’t mean your spouse will fall into the trap though. Many spouses suffer through years in a marriage where their needs are not being met, and yet remain faithful. But doesn’t sound like a win-win either.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s such a great feeling, to understand my husband more and what makes him tick. And how thankful we are, to be able to meet each other’s needs. Not that we’re perfect at it, but it’s a work in progress!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommended for:</b> Engaged to be married couples, anyone married </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">YOU</b> read this book? What did you think?</span></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-65254693286859550902011-01-10T21:22:00.000+00:002011-01-10T21:22:10.527+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 10<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSt4UwcQswI/AAAAAAAAAEc/IqlZivApICs/s1600/101_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSt4UwcQswI/AAAAAAAAAEc/IqlZivApICs/s320/101_7480.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy at school!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-71072992374759348522011-01-10T21:06:00.001+00:002011-01-10T21:07:03.349+00:00Menu Planning Monday & Pantry Challenge Update<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/mpm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8978" height="100" src="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/mpm-1.jpg" title="mpm-1" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don’t know how, but we are seriously running low on the necessities! I did my normal shopping (only 5 days ago!) and for some reason…there’s nothing there. Out of milk, bread, and eggs. What’s up with that?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Pantry Challenge Update</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On a side note, I’m very please with my pantry challenge this week! So far I’ve cleaned out garlic bread, corn, stuffed shells, and frozen berries <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> It made a big difference in my little European freezer. It’s going to look empty at the end of this week!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This Weeks Menu Plan</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tuesday- Chili (beans from the freezer) & chips (moved from Tuesday) </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wednesday- dinner at church!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thursday- Tilapia (from the freezer), asparagus, rice (moved from Sunday)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Friday- Pizza, carrot sticks, salad</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Saturday- BBQ Chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sunday- Taco salad (beef from the freezer)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Monday- Spaghetti (sausage from the freezer), salad, garlic bread</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Check back later this week for a super easy pizza sauce recipe!</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>What's on YOUR menu this week?</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for lots more menu plans and inspiration!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-3765838179399808812011-01-09T16:30:00.002+00:002011-01-09T22:52:41.848+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 9 (Living in England)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have more than one photo to share today! This afternoon we took a family walk, exploring some of the footpaths leading out of our village. A sunny day during winter in England is something to get excited about! It was a perfect day to explore- and a gorgeous one at that <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSneZpCa0PI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ZrvS1qoWYTA/s1600/101_8897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSneZpCa0PI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ZrvS1qoWYTA/s320/101_8897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same river that runs next to our house</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnejWWN4LI/AAAAAAAAAD4/4-eSkrd-nVg/s1600/101_8901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnejWWN4LI/AAAAAAAAAD4/4-eSkrd-nVg/s320/101_8901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSneqBlycaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wxlh9iVuM7g/s1600/101_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSneqBlycaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wxlh9iVuM7g/s320/101_8903.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two were looking for food!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSne6DGwk8I/AAAAAAAAAEA/0e0XD-ojWHQ/s1600/101_8905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSne6DGwk8I/AAAAAAAAAEA/0e0XD-ojWHQ/s320/101_8905.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfI0Sz2rI/AAAAAAAAAEE/znn1kISr_cg/s1600/101_8914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfI0Sz2rI/AAAAAAAAAEE/znn1kISr_cg/s320/101_8914.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the very cool "A frame" bird house? Too cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfOcKXsBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/a6qXyQq0ehI/s1600/101_8917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfOcKXsBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/a6qXyQq0ehI/s320/101_8917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See these things all the time here...they have a very distinct sound</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfb0HGbsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/5kOXty0e-bI/s1600/101_8911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSnfb0HGbsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/5kOXty0e-bI/s320/101_8911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two hungry guys followed us the whole way- about a mile down the river!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_1335789350"></span><span id="goog_1335789351"></span>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-362440151459285432011-01-08T23:08:00.000+00:002011-01-08T23:08:11.194+00:005 Easy Steps to Organizing & Maintaining Your Digital Photos<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSjsL5YXrfI/AAAAAAAAADw/eZ_uMgr-J58/s1600/101_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSjsL5YXrfI/AAAAAAAAADw/eZ_uMgr-J58/s200/101_8891.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screen shot of my pictures folder<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I love taking pictures (that’s why I decided to take on the <a href="http://thereslegosinmycouch.blogspot.com/2011/01/365-days-in-photos.html">365 Days in Photos</a> project). And I usually take <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strike>a lot</strike></i> <em>a ton</em> of pictures. One day trip last year I took about 300-at one castle. So it’s not surprising it that can be overwhelming for me to sort through them. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I had to figure out a way to sort and store my photos so that they didn’t over accumulate, and were also easily accessible. It took a few years after getting a digital camera to find a system that works for me, but I’m so glad I did! Maybe my system can work for you- or maybe inspire you to create your own system </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1- Upload your photos to your computer before the cameras memory is full</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s really annoying when you have your camera ready to capture that special moment, only to find it’s at full capacity! My goal is to empty the photos on my laptop at <em>the end of every month</em>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any longer, and I won’t remember the details to write captions.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Organize your photos into folders by year, then months</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For example: </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pictures </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 2010</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">July</span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3- Further divide your photos in events and occasions</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once your folders are set up by years and months, create folders for specific events and occasions. For example, in my July 2010 folder you are likely to find occasions such as “4<sup>th</sup> Celebrations” and “Mom’s Bday Party.” </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Example:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pictures </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 2010 </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> July </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 4<sup>th</sup> Celebrations, Moms Bday Party, Our Vegetable Garden</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">*Don’t be afraid to divide your photos even more. The folder “Mom’s Bday Party” may be divided into “Making the Cake,” “Decorating the Hall,” and “The Surprise Party.”</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4- At the beginning of each month, share your photos from the month before</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are so many websites out there that allow you to share your photos with family and friends. If photo sharing is something you do, posting them monthly will keep your pictures from piling up (and taking an eternity to load), and keep you loved ones up-to-date. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (photo sharing websites: kodakgallery.com, snapfish.com, flickr.com just to name a few)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5- Use an external hard drive to pack up photos</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Our photos are precious to us- they represent our memories after all. Having digital copies of our photos is like taking out insurance. Except that most of us don’t keep actual prints anymore, making the digital copies the only copies. I’ve heard too many stories about computers crashing and all family photos lost. Why take that risk? Use an external hard drive to periodically backup your photos, and have peace of mind. (Experts suggest having a backup of your backup on separate hard drives…in different physical locations…confused yet?)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Using this easy method to sort and store your photos will let you enjoy picture taking without the annoyance of them piling up, dislocating them, or losing them forever. Enjoy snapping!</span></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-48824199276015060222011-01-08T20:44:00.002+00:002011-01-08T20:46:13.481+00:00365 Days in Photos-Day 8 <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSjMVvsWwiI/AAAAAAAAADo/ECF3MoZhbi0/IMAG0092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSjMVvsWwiI/AAAAAAAAADo/ECF3MoZhbi0/s400/IMAG0092.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our village church, somewhere in England :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-29696667936551073612011-01-07T23:15:00.002+00:002011-01-07T23:28:16.146+00:00Kitchen Tip- Lemons Anyone?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeZrqFuk-I/AAAAAAAAADI/f0YwkMZN6NI/s1600/101_8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeZrqFuk-I/AAAAAAAAADI/f0YwkMZN6NI/s200/101_8865.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you ever have a recipe that calls for lemon juice or lemon peel? Do you buy a lemon or two just for those recipes? If so, I bet you have had lemon slices left over. And if you’re like me, they would usually end up in the garage. Ever wonder what to do with those? I used to- until I tried freezing a lemon!</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Lemons for Later</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lemons do well in the freezer, and they do fairly well during defrosting. The only difference between a defrosted lemon and a fresh lemon is the amount of juice. When you slice into a previously frozen lemon, more liquid leeks out than usual. The only time this might be a problem is when you want to serve slices of lemon with a dish-a salad or seafood maybe. I would stick to fresh lemons for that purpose </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSegE8uWaWI/AAAAAAAAADc/J0PW0Vcydqk/s1600/101_8871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSegE8uWaWI/AAAAAAAAADc/J0PW0Vcydqk/s200/101_8871.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Lemons<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeY6Ofk0NI/AAAAAAAAADE/I3fZccpyl1s/s1600/101_8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeY6Ofk0NI/AAAAAAAAADE/I3fZccpyl1s/s200/101_8866.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Lemons</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here’s how to do it</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Depending on what you need from your lemons will depend on how you freeze them. Here are the steps I suggest.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1- Use a citrus zester to peel the zest from the lemon. (You don’t want to do this after it’s defrosted!) Store in a small container or baggie and put it in the fridge. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">*If you don’t have a zester, no worries! You can use a fine grater to zest your lemon. </span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeaUWuLYZI/AAAAAAAAADU/nqWjRRny1h0/s1600/101_8880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeaUWuLYZI/AAAAAAAAADU/nqWjRRny1h0/s200/101_8880.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Love the lines in the lemon :)</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Cut you lemons into quarters</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This will allow you to pull out just enough of what you need for juicing.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">3- Place the slices on a piece of parchment or wax paper with a cookie sheet under it. Set it in the freezer for an hour or so until the outside is firm and transfer it to a freezer safe container.</span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeafX14mzI/AAAAAAAAADY/OaSdHp7diKA/s1600/101_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSeafX14mzI/AAAAAAAAADY/OaSdHp7diKA/s200/101_8883.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">*In my measurements, one quarter lemon gives about 1 tbsp of juice. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope this little tip will help you save money and reduce waste!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ideas for using your lemon juice- lemon blueberry pancakes, lemon & garlic pasta sauce, lemon frosting, lemon poppy seed muffins, lemon cheesecake…..I think I’m officially hungry!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do YOU have a favorite lemon recipe?</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-14874991301573561892011-01-07T14:05:00.000+00:002011-01-07T14:05:35.039+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 7<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TScdA5ov4kI/AAAAAAAAADA/DOidMZd1ZT8/s1600/101_8863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TScdA5ov4kI/AAAAAAAAADA/DOidMZd1ZT8/s320/101_8863.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Haha! Boys will be boys...he wears his robe because he thinks he looks like Obe Wan Kenobi :) I'll miss these days when he's all grown up!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-19876845050521599262011-01-06T20:23:00.000+00:002011-01-06T20:23:48.266+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 6 and a Crustless Quiche Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSYimSWQmbI/AAAAAAAAAC8/XEPW4U7UxSI/s1600/101_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSYimSWQmbI/AAAAAAAAAC8/XEPW4U7UxSI/s320/101_8858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love taking photos of my food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
This is the most versatile recipe ever. I never had a quiche until a few years ago, now it’s a “go to” meal for my family. This is one of those few dishes that are perfect- for so many reasons. First of all it’s so versatile. You can use whatever you have on hand to make it. You get to use up all the end bits of veggies (and eggs) in your fridge, and it’s a great way to get in some veg for breakfast. The whole meal is in one dish (except some toast!) and it’s easy to make. It’s great for breakfast, brunch or dinner <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> even heats well (though most egg dishes don’t) for a sack lunch the next day. If there is any leftover! Are you sold yet? </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Have it Your Way</strong></span> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I’ve never measured anything out before when making this until tonight- just for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>! Just remember, when making this recipe you can substitute, add, or take out anything you like. Well, except the eggs…Eggs are kinda important to a quiche!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is how I made the quiche tonight. The basic components for a quiche are italicized. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Branch out and experiment from there!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ingredients:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 large eggs</span></em></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp. black pepper</span></em></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">¼ tsp. salt</span></em></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">¼ cup dairy</span>-</em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> sour cream or your choice! (milk, unflavored milk substitute, cream, half & half, sour cream, cottage cheese, plain yogurt)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">¼ tsp minced garlic, or 1 pressed clove</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/3 cup each- sliced onions, sliced red pepper, torn baby spinach (any combination that = 1 cup. Vegetables and meat such as diced bacon or ham)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (try different cheeses!)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 small tomato, sliced thinly</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 tbsp shredded parmesan, because that’s all I had <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pinch of parsley</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Crack the eggs into a medium bowl. Add the pepper, salt, sour cream, and garlic. Whisk together until the eggs are blended with the sour cream. Next, add in the vegetables and ½ cup shredded cheese. Gently mix.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Coat a pie dish with cooking spray and pour the egg mixture in. (You may need to distribute the veggies and cheese so that it’s not all in the middle) Spread the thinly sliced tomato over top the egg mixture, like pepperoni on a pizza. Bake for 10 minutes (I have a convection oven- for a conventional oven try 13 minutes). </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When the top of the quiche is set but the inside is still wiggly, pull out. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, and the parsley. Return to the oven and bake 7 minutes (try 10 for a conventional oven). Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Makes 4 main dish servings</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do YOU have a favorite quiche recipe?</span></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-59809250541930318012011-01-05T23:17:00.002+00:002011-01-05T23:36:07.160+00:00Menu Plan Monday...On a Wednesday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="size-full wp-image-8300 aligncenter" height="100" src="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" title="mealplanmonday_v1" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">While I normally make my weekly menu on Mondays and the shopping on Tuesdays, we’re still a little out of whack from the holidays and having hubby home. We’re officially out of the bare necessities and I have no choice but to go get groceries. So, I made this week’s menu while keeping my Pantry Challenge goals in mind. We’ll see how much extra room is in the freezer once these meals are gone….then I’ll have room to do some freezer cooking!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This Weeks Menu Plan</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thursday- Quiche, toast (french toast for the kiddo)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday- Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, corn (from the freezer)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Saturday- Pizza, carrot sticks, salad</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday- Tilapia (from the freezer), asparagus, rice</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday- Stuffed Shells (from the freezer), salad, garlic bread</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tuesday- Chili (bean from the freezer) & chips</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wednesday- dinner at church!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Look for a quiche recipe and a pizza sauce recipe coming soon!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Check out Laura at <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=menu+plan&um=1&hl=en&tbs=isch:1&ei=HPkkTefCLYKAhQfB-ui3Dg&sa=N&start=60&ndsp=20">I’m an Organizing Junkie</a> for lots more menu plans and inspiration.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-26630130568893054352011-01-05T21:53:00.000+00:002011-01-05T21:53:36.838+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 5<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSTn8B4cdaI/AAAAAAAAAC0/nrnQGLD3SjM/s1600/101_8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSTn8B4cdaI/AAAAAAAAAC0/nrnQGLD3SjM/s320/101_8852.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little "cubbie bear" opening a late gift from a friend at church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-65565155397866811132011-01-05T15:47:00.001+00:002011-01-05T15:50:02.930+00:00Recipes: Herb Butter & Sirloin Steak<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So for dinner last night my husband decided he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">needed </i>steak. Which is funny, because he’s not a picky eater at all, and usually doesn’t have a preference when I ask for his input. It was also funny because I never cook steak- never as in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">once in my entire life</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The mother of invention</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my poor steak deprived husband stopped by the store on his way home and picked up two sirloin steaks for his poor clueless wife to cook. And since he never asks for steak, I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">determined</i> to cook it, and cook it good! So I hopped online and did a quick search. We were both surprised (in a good way!) at how well it turned out. But the icing on the cake (so to speak) was the butter. Oh, the butter….I love butter </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A few good recipes</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On a trip to Germany we took over Thanksgiving I had a delicious steak served with herb butter. I wanted to recreate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> butter. So I did some more searching and came up with my own after reading a few recipes. This was my safety net in case the steak did not turn out…I wasn’t going to hold my breath! After compiling a few ideas, this is what I came up with.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the steak:</span></u></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 ½ tbsp Olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tbsp butter</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp garlic powder</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Directions</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Drizzle the olive oil into your pan, turn the pan to coat. Sprinkle the pepper, salt, and garlic powder over the oil. Add the butter. Heat the pan over medium heat (I heated mine on 4 out of 6). Once the pan is good and hot, add the steaks. Cook until halfway done (sorry, no times-depends on the thickness of your steak and how done you want it), flip it and cook until desired doneness. Add to plates and allow to rest for 5 minutes or so.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">*I didn’t do this because we were using herbed butter, but one site recommended it. Add another tbsp of butter to the juices left in the pan. Cook on medium, stirring often, for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour this “sauce” over the steaks.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Herbed Butter:</span></u></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup butter, softened</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (regular pepper is fine if you don’t have a grinder)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp minced garlic (or 1 clove pressed)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp parsley</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Directions</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mix ingredients together until well incorporated. Serve on steak, chicken, on top baked potatoes, in mashed potatoes, in place of garlic butter for garlic bread….I’m sure there are tons more ideas!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">BOTH turned out delicious! The steak tasted just like we ordered it from a real Steakhouse, and the butter, yuuuuuuum! Why haven’t I done this before? I’m only sorry I didn’t take a picture! </span></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-39688354208736451102011-01-04T23:08:00.000+00:002011-01-04T23:09:15.320+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love when the veg lady drops off my veggie box :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSOnwIOXBDI/AAAAAAAAACw/0rUc6wypyjM/s1600/100_4632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSOnwIOXBDI/AAAAAAAAACw/0rUc6wypyjM/s320/100_4632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Who would have thought that fresh, organic vegetables from the farm would make me so happy!</div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-84059070667076424032011-01-04T21:42:00.002+00:002011-01-04T22:33:20.846+00:00Menu Planning & A Pantry Challenge<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now that the holidays are over, and so is all the special foods that go with them, I’m ready for something new in the kitchen! I don’t know about you, but we tend to have the same meals over and over. I’m looking forward to breaking out the recipe books and finding some inspiration. Our meals tend to revolve around ground beef and chicken breasts. I think I need to branch out a little </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Menu Planning</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All the recipes in the world are not going to help if I don’t plan a menu. The craziness of all the Christmas parties and celebrations made menu planning difficult. Time to start back up! I’m looking forward to the organization having a plan brings. Ever find yourself in the kitchen around 5pm, searching for something to fix for dinner? I really don’t like that feeling. I especially don’t like it here in England, where restaurants are not so convenient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>A Pantry Challenge</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So I’ll be menu planning tomorrow. And in addition to my menu planning, I’m going to join the Pantry Challenge over at <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2011/01/join-the-pantry-challenge.html">Life as MOM</a>. It’s my first one </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> I think it’s a great time to join since this is one where you can customize it to your own needs. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My goals for the challenge are:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">-To use up what’s in the freezer (this could be scary…some of it has been in there a while!)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">-To increase my stockpile by using coupons (preferably on on-sale items!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">-And to make a weekly menu </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13284" height="216" src="http://lifeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/pantry-challenge-copy.jpg" title="pantry challenge copy" width="216" /> <br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re interested in joining the Pantry Challenge, check out <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2011/01/join-the-pantry-challenge.html">Life As MOM</a>!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-7003447346446105242011-01-03T16:33:00.000+00:002011-01-04T23:09:28.053+00:00365 Days in Photos- Day 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSH1MfGJsII/AAAAAAAAACs/uvLk82qgecs/s1600/101_8847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSH1MfGJsII/AAAAAAAAACs/uvLk82qgecs/s320/101_8847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of our back garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-2129701125947754452011-01-03T08:42:00.010+00:002011-01-04T22:46:58.114+00:002011 Resolutions Released!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mycreative-cafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/jan-09-hh-new-year-resolution-clipboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" n4="true" src="http://mycreative-cafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/jan-09-hh-new-year-resolution-clipboard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Whew! Well<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, </b>I did it- made my “resolutions.” And even added steps to obtaining them (but I won't bore you with those)! Now to just follow through…not my strong suit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I don’t really like the term resolutions. To me it implies “these are not going to last, I just wasted my time working on this, you can’t resolve this many bad habits at one time…” and the list goes on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer the term “goals.” Goals I can handle. Goals imply “trying to improve, a work in progress, I’m not perfect but I am able to do better….” Without goals or some sort of direction we wander through life, frustrated with the way things are and no means to alleviate it. That can really weigh one down! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, I’m a realistic person. In fact, I consider myself a realist. So I’m aware that I may not accomplish ¾ of this list and I’m okay with that. But at least I have direction, a focus. It’s away to alleviate those frustrations when they happen…which they will. Then I’ll remember, “I had a plan for this.” At that moment, I’ll feel in control- and that’s a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">great</i> feeling!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wow, this is a big list….I’m feeling very ambitious this year! Wish me luck :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Personal-</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1- Be more healthy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Have a more consistent bedtime routine</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3- Stick to a weekly routine for housekeeping</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4- Form closer relationships with my husband and with my son</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Family-</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1- Spend less time watching TV & sitting at the computer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Spend more time reading together</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3- Be more active together</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4- Have baby #2!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">5- Have a family devotion time several times a week</span> <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Spiritual-</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1- Spend time daily with God</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Begin (and finish!) a Bible study</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3- Read scripture daily</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4- Consider a way I can be serving others on a consistent basis</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Little Man</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1-Stick to a bedtime routine- meaning get to bed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on time</i>!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2-Be consistent with chores</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3-Introduce an allowance (and how to use it wisely!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4-Work on first time obedience </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Homeschooling</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1-Make library trips more often</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2- Allow more time for art</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the most important step in obtaining all these goals is to pray! Without Him, I can do none of this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's YOUR New Years goals?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Photo from:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://mycreative-cafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/jan-09-hh-new-year-resolution-clipboard.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://mycreative-cafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/jan-09-hh-new-year-resolution-clipboard.jpg</span></a></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-59728380505376782642011-01-02T22:51:00.000+00:002011-01-02T22:51:05.364+00:00Chocolate Chip Cookies RecipeIn my last <a href="http://thereslegosinmycouch.blogspot.com/2011/01/365-days-in-photos.html">post</a> there was a photo of my kiddo enjoying his chocolate chip New Year cookies...a new tradition we started this year. So far this is our favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies, although I think my 4yo would eat cardboard if it have chocolate chips in it...<br />
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Anyways, I thought I would share this recipe with you! <br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda <br />
1/2 teaspoon salt <br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted <br />
1 cup packed brown sugar <br />
1/2 cup white sugar <br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract <br />
1 egg <br />
1 egg yolk <br />
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. (parchment is my preferred method!)Sift (or whisk) together the flour, baking soda and salt and set aside. <br />
In a medium bowl cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until it's well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients just until blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon until incorporated-don't over mix the dough.<br />
Drop cookie dough using a cookie scoop onto the prepared cookie sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, although we prefer them warm and gooey :)<br />
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<u>Kitchen Tips-</u><br />
This dough can be made ahead of time and can either be refrigerated or frozen. To keep in the fridge, simply make up the dough, transfer it to your preferred bowl with a lid, and pop it in. I've keep this dough for up to a week before, but I wouldn't go any longer than that. <br />
To freeze this dough make the dough and scoop it as normal. Pop your cookie sheet into the freezer until the cookies are firm on the outside. Then transfer them to a plastic container or bag that is safe for the freezer. This normally takes me several rounds with the cookie sheets. While I'm waiting for the dough in the freezer to freeze, I let the remaining dough wait in the fridge. Once in their permanent containers don't forget to label the contents and the date made! Then, whenever you're in the mood for some freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies, take a few out and pop them in the oven and voila! Enjoy :)Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-86960544969768978172011-01-02T21:35:00.000+00:002011-01-02T21:38:56.779+00:00365 Days in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I read about this at one of my fave blogs, <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/real-life/fb-365-project/">The Happy Housewife</a>. What a great idea! A picture for every day…At the end of the year we’ll have photos of some great memories we may have otherwise forgotten. Plus I just like taking photos, so I’m game!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ll be posting one photo a day here on the blog. Now, I realize that real life <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may</i> get in the way, but my handy high-tech phone should make this easy and very doable. I’m not worried </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Since I didn’t come to this conclusion until just a few minutes ago, I have to post a photo for today <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> yesterday...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSDopHpSr6I/AAAAAAAAAA0/u9LsdCxkfV8/s1600/101_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSDopHpSr6I/AAAAAAAAAA0/u9LsdCxkfV8/s320/101_8836.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jan 1, 2011- My little guy enjoying his New Years cookies & milk just after midnight (in the tent of course!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSDsyDZTaCI/AAAAAAAAABc/kEWi7lN_3_o/s1600/101_8843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GThExGv8vSU/TSDsyDZTaCI/AAAAAAAAABc/kEWi7lN_3_o/s320/101_8843.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jan 2, 2011- My little guy playing his fave game- Lego Star Wars!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you enjoy taking "real life" photos?</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-883782060885364122011-01-02T16:16:00.000+00:002011-01-02T16:16:35.869+00:00Well, It's that time of year...<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://blisted.breakthrough.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ppc-seo-resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 208px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 201px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://blisted.breakthrough.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ppc-seo-resolutions.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The time of year when you re-think the past year and plan for the future one. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The thought of making “resolutions” gets me a little excited but at the same time I dread it too. Why is it something I dread? I don’t know exactly…maybe because I know they likely won’t stick…or because sticking to a plan is not my strong suit…but probably because I don’t find looking at my faults, bad habits, and shortcomings very fun. Who does? We already know we aren’t perfect, but who <em>needs</em> that little reminder? Sheesh!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So why does making “resolutions” get me excited? Because although I’m not good at sticking to a plan, I’m a GREAT planner! (ha- the irony!) Because New Years are about fresh starts- I could use one of those! But most importantly, because making “resolutions” requires you to look at the past. And doing <em>that</em> reminds me how incredibly blessed I am! Who doesn’t need that?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do YOU make New Years resolutions?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Photo copied from:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://blisted.breakthrough.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ppc-seo-resolutions.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://blisted.breakthrough.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ppc-seo-resolutions.jpg</span></a></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093984447936088980.post-8462811096860359202011-01-01T13:51:00.000+00:002011-01-02T16:18:21.137+00:00HAPPY NEW YEARS!<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">What better time to start a new blog than the very beginning of a new year?</span> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m so excited to be sharing “all things mommy” here with you. Look out for upcoming posts on New Year’s resolutions & Goals, recipes, cooking how-to’s, and lots more! </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What are YOU doing to celebrate the new year?</span></div>Riley Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410087983013323069noreply@blogger.com0