tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32664747657355482092024-03-19T02:15:47.187-07:00the leafy greenRachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-65187439614475672252012-07-31T17:59:00.000-07:002012-07-31T17:59:20.681-07:00A Hard Decision...As you have noticed, I'm just about the worst blogger <strong>EVER</strong> lately. The hustle and bustle of life has just been overwhelming lately...with the transitions at my job, to transitions in my personal life and great growth in my event planning business...life is just a <em>"little"</em> crazy.<br />
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So, a hard decision was made...</div>
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I have been <em>(poorly)</em> operating two blogs, <a href="http://www.theleafygreen.org/">The Leafy Green</a> and <a href="http://www.blisseventsbyrachel.blogspot.com/">Bliss Events by Rachel</a>. This blog has obviously been more about my personal life and our lifestyle while my Bliss Blog is mainly geared toward weddings and events. Well, after much thought, I've decided to consolidate the blogs and continue with only posting to my <a href="http://www.blisseventsbyrachel.blogspot.com/">Bliss Events by Rachel blog</a>. <br />
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I have loved The Leafy Green and have so appreciated all the support! I hope that you will continue to read about our tasty recipes, fun DIY projects and silly life <em>"happenings"...</em>tossed in with some wedding and event fun at <a href="http://www.blisseventsbyrachel.blogspot.com/">www.blisseventsbyrachel.blogspot.com</a>.<br />
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Again, thanks so much!</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-19578172876397214772012-07-05T14:53:00.001-07:002012-07-05T14:55:41.597-07:00Fat Cow and Happy 4th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gGhtquG5EVv4i93w7eFlEf_NEdzRF96LCAQKSYSI9cF4PfunE2BF7LRveVvQrDSQ01q7vA4OG19j79yeMZxyIBKUNepR8W7Fb4lX6VPXf2T45Jjr9uWvZOBoHySgzJDnjPQhyH6FXoWd/s1600/Fat+Cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gGhtquG5EVv4i93w7eFlEf_NEdzRF96LCAQKSYSI9cF4PfunE2BF7LRveVvQrDSQ01q7vA4OG19j79yeMZxyIBKUNepR8W7Fb4lX6VPXf2T45Jjr9uWvZOBoHySgzJDnjPQhyH6FXoWd/s640/Fat+Cow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yes, the vegetarian family went to <a href="http://fatcowburgers.com/">Fat Cow.</a></div>
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<em>And, we love it!</em></div>
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Any of the burgers can be served with a salmon fillet or a giant portobello mushroom. I'm currently head over heels in love with the Napa Burger, which stars sliced pear, red onion marmalade, goat cheese and fresh arugula. <em>Thank you mam!</em></div>
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I had eaten my entire burger before I realized I hadn't taken a picture. So here is one of the 120 burger that Chris got. It had gruyere cheese, caramelized onion, fresh arugula, sliced tomato and horseradish mayonnaise <em>(sans the bacon, of course!). </em>I'll say this...I didn't love it but Chris did...<em>to each their own!</em></div>
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Fat Cow is very kid friendly. Their patio is cool with lots of shade...perfect for a little family outing. They also have a great selection on their kids menu. Lily loves their grilled cheese sandwich!<br />
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We hope you and your families had a fabulous Fourth of July! Here are some other photos from our relaxing, stress-free holiday! Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NIX2qsTOunJMnS1XQPz5jWIkypTSyz4B-1Lt5TPAGhmhYGGH3HkyEIM9E-xpbvQJtZgV_k2ORJB9vqrLTWS1PACtxjcEzU86rXS6e5zwVg8Tjkfpy3195BMljs64WDZF7aej6qFuXw4Y/s1600/Fat+Cow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NIX2qsTOunJMnS1XQPz5jWIkypTSyz4B-1Lt5TPAGhmhYGGH3HkyEIM9E-xpbvQJtZgV_k2ORJB9vqrLTWS1PACtxjcEzU86rXS6e5zwVg8Tjkfpy3195BMljs64WDZF7aej6qFuXw4Y/s640/Fat+Cow+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She always wants to feed herself! Very independent!</div>
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Lily and GranZee were just pooped after lunch...so naptime on the couch it was!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-NVtIb2m-jR0bIFWuVbrl0qCOx7XnT7okNCKGvpGr0xqrCzbtuFeQmluJDt-iMVQDmZEmWzRNagwK94YF5wOrr07Q1p0UHiIO-10NgNOXZ91EPsyisHrQ7-EPYx9KgQw3pbQjUzXjW_d/s1600/American+Boi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-NVtIb2m-jR0bIFWuVbrl0qCOx7XnT7okNCKGvpGr0xqrCzbtuFeQmluJDt-iMVQDmZEmWzRNagwK94YF5wOrr07Q1p0UHiIO-10NgNOXZ91EPsyisHrQ7-EPYx9KgQw3pbQjUzXjW_d/s640/American+Boi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course Oliver had to get in on the action...what a patriotic puppy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci4FyXwxU6qnCTHhzL7_wR40rQEL2i2RDwbLcjuZfD2qfPQvbp39DHMgfOgHFK5spX4ib-rs1NotPPe9mHe3e8nwYYJ5vIpwJrYgfhYjAyeuw7iiSCYyYMdHWEpQukMiuUjBpWC1ADkWV/s1600/Watermelon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci4FyXwxU6qnCTHhzL7_wR40rQEL2i2RDwbLcjuZfD2qfPQvbp39DHMgfOgHFK5spX4ib-rs1NotPPe9mHe3e8nwYYJ5vIpwJrYgfhYjAyeuw7iiSCYyYMdHWEpQukMiuUjBpWC1ADkWV/s640/Watermelon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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No Independence Day is complete without tasty watermelon!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9spFXzyEVNSnjIpNQymxmhzivqv-A_4iWj5YFR87ipDorjJidH48go4bLHtjgGzU3HRrH2fsFmoNV-_49kvDqPD-5Rvkw6q38kXnKxzeVGGtZw_1oSoywd-dOdP9ViJht5H9LuuNzinfN/s1600/Liberty+Beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9spFXzyEVNSnjIpNQymxmhzivqv-A_4iWj5YFR87ipDorjJidH48go4bLHtjgGzU3HRrH2fsFmoNV-_49kvDqPD-5Rvkw6q38kXnKxzeVGGtZw_1oSoywd-dOdP9ViJht5H9LuuNzinfN/s640/Liberty+Beer.jpg" width="640" /></a>Finishing the day with a little Liberty Ale!</div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-17879901035340613352012-07-02T15:12:00.003-07:002012-07-02T15:12:42.422-07:00My Summer To-Do List<br />
I know...summer is half way done and I'm just now talking about my to-do
list. To put it nicely...<em>life is a little crazy right now!</em> <o:p></o:p><br />
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Anywho...the Henry's have a lot going on right now so our summer to-do list
is a MUST to-do list! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<em>Enjoy...</em><o:p></o:p></div>
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1. <strong>Get our house ready</strong>....this is top of our must-do list
because we are in the very early stages of wanting to sell our home. This will
NOT be easy for me...this is the home where Chris proposed, where we started
our family and have had so many fun memories made...BUT, we are quickly
outgrowing our fun little three-bedroom house...so it's time to move on. We are
starting by removing a lot of our personal items and making the space more
generic. Thankfully, there isn't a ton of projects that we need to tackle...but
we are going to do as much as we can, while we can!<o:p></o:p><br />
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2. <strong>Have some date nights</strong>...we are so horrible about this!
Now that Lily is at that awesome fun stage, we hardly ever carve out time for
just to two of us...but that's one of our goals this summer! I'm not sure what
we are going to cook up...but it will most definitely involve good food...so
I'll make sure to share!<o:p></o:p><br />
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3. <strong>Read a book</strong>...<em>again, so sad</em>...I haven't read a
book for pure enjoyment in ages.<o:p></o:p><br />
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4. <strong>Have some family fun</strong>...now that we have a few weekends
that are free, I want to fill them with fun family time! Lily is running around
loving life...which is just a blast! So I want to start filling her scrapbook
with fun memories!<o:p></o:p><br />
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5. <strong>Get in gear</strong>...both Chris and I have established some
hard core fitness goals recently. Unfortunately, they are on two separate ends
of the spectrum. I, of course, am still wanting to lose some weight but Chris
needs to gain it. So, as challenging as this sounds, we are going to make it
work without cooking two separate meals every day! We can do this! He has been
grooving for a couple of weeks now but I'm kicking it up a notch this week! I
found this 7-day cleansing diet (thank you Pinterest) that I started
today...<em>more on that later!</em><br />
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So this is just a glimpse into what I would like the rest of our summer to look like. We have a lot going on...but I'm hoping to enjoy it a bit too!<br />
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<strong>What are your summer plans?</strong></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-66067782317537600052012-06-06T11:53:00.000-07:002012-06-06T11:55:07.593-07:00Gazpacho with Goat Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This might shock you, but until recently, I had never had gazpacho! <em>I know...shocking!</em> I was perusing the Internet the other day and came across this gazpacho recipe from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">Real Simple</a> and it was just that...<em>real simple!</em> So I tried it...and..<em>eh...</em></div>
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It was a refreshing treat and would be perfect for maybe a cocktail party or summer fun day...but not for a random night dinner. <em>You live your learn, I guess.</em> Another thing that threw me off was the real onion taste...<em>I mean, it just hits you.</em> So when it says 1/2 of a small sweet onion...really look for the smallest one in the bunch! </div>
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Anyway, here is the recipe...<em>enjoy!</em></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/gazpacho-goat-cheese-10000001639819/index.html">Gazpacho with Goat Cheese</a></strong></div>
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2 1/2 pounds of beefsteak tomatoes, roughly chopped</div>
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2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped</div>
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1/2 small sweet onion, roughly chopped <em>(remember really small!!!)</em></div>
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2 red bell peppers, roughly chopped</div>
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1 pound of cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped</div>
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Juice from one lemon</div>
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Kernels from 2 ears of fresh corn <em>(we ended up boiling ours, but I can imagine grilled would be fantastic)</em></div>
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3 tablespoons of cilantro, roughly chopped</div>
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3 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled</div>
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2 tablespoons olive oil</div>
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Toss your tomatoes, garlic, onion, bell peppers and cucumbers in a food processor and pulse until just about pureed. Unless you have the largest food processor EVER, you are going to have do work in batches until all is added.</div>
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Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the lemon juice and salt/pepper to taste.</div>
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Ladle the soup into your serving bowls and top with goat cheese, corn and cilantro. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crusty bread!</div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-66798444589046152082012-06-05T13:17:00.000-07:002012-06-05T13:17:03.260-07:00Hey Fatty Meal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let me preface by saying a dear and beautiful friend of mine recently got engaged and I am beyond excited to stand up with her on her wedding day as she marries the man of her dreams...but after hearing the names of the bridesmaids...<em>mama has to get serious about slimming it down!</em></div>
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So, say hello to my last "fatty meal"! Burger King is one of the few fast food restaurants that we can drop by when time constraints...<em>ok, laziness</em>... get the best of me. Their veggie burger isn't a key item on the menu, but if you search...you'll find it. I pair that bad boy with a monster size coke and some onion rings with zesty sauce and the fat kid inside me is a happy camper. The responsible, food loving, caring parent however...<em>is ashamed.</em></div>
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Alright, in all honestly, this probably isn't my <em>"last"</em> fatty meal before the spring...but I am going to make a conscious effort to steer clear! Wish me luck!</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-34166191648624616292012-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:002012-06-01T11:10:27.701-07:00Finger Food Friday!One of my favorite things about being a mommy to a toddler <em>(wow...where did the time go!)</em> ...is watching Lily discover new foods. My biggest fear is that we are going to have a picky eater. So, to push her to being a <em>lover of food</em> like her parents, we are having fun introducing new colors, textures and tastes. Her reactions are the <strong>BEST</strong>! The only heart breaking experience we have had so far...she hates avocados! No matter how we dice it or spruce it up...<em>she isn't fooled!</em><br />
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She loves to eat but hates being fed...she wants to do it all herself. <em>Miss Independent already.</em> So, finger foods it is! Since we are having so much fun stuffing her little sweet cheeks, I'll start sharing our experiences...<em>the good, the bad, and the adorable!</em><br />
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This week...<strong><a href="http://weelicious.com/2009/06/21/corn-black-bean-salad/">Black Bean & Corn Salad</a></strong>...success!</div>
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I got the recipe from one of my go-to sources of baby food fun...<a href="http://weelicious.com/">Weelicious</a>. They have such creative ways to spice up the everyday lunch box...<em>which I'm all about!</em> This salad was a no-brainer to try because it is completely vegetarian, so no need to tweak too much, and it's so much fun! Not too messy, very colorful and healthy...<em>win, win, win!</em> Here ya go...</div>
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2 ears of corn, <em>husked, cleaned and ready to go!</em><br />
1 can of black beans, <em>drained and rinsed</em>1 red bell pepper, <em>dice it up...remember, small fingers need to grab it!</em><br />
2 tbsp cilantro, <em>same thing, dice it up!</em><br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 tbsp lime juice<br />
1 tsp honey<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
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We had every intention of grilling the corn to spice it up...but there was a hungry little girl running around my feet, so off the grill the ears of corn came and into the pot! <em>It was just as tasty...and Lily didn't seem to mind too much!</em><br />
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So, bring about an inch of water to boil and add your corn. Cover and steam for 5 minutes and then remove and let cool. While your corn is getting ready, go ahead and mix all of your other ingredients in a bowl.<br />
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Once your corn is cooled, add it to your party...stir and serve! <em>So easy!</em><br />
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Doesn't that look so tasty? <em>Trust me...it is!</em> Lily LOVED it! Black beans are one of her favorite things right now so she ate all the black beans first...and then dove head first into the bell peppers and corn. </div>
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Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! There is so much going on around town so have fun!</div>
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</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-79385710203256070122012-05-31T14:01:00.002-07:002012-05-31T14:01:34.684-07:00{Trash to Treasure} Cheerio!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I complained on Facebook several months ago that I couldn't find a chest of drawers that would be a perfect fit for a "catch all" I wanted to create for our entry way. I had scoured thrift stores, garage sales and Craigslist...<em>with no luck.</em> Minutes after my status was updated, a friend of mine came to the rescue! They were just about to trash this chest so we ran over, picked it up...<em>and I started planning!</em></div>
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After a couple coats of paint, some sanding, a little glaze and some vinyl letters from the Cricut... <strong><em>BAM</em></strong> step one complete!</div>
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Next step, making it an organization tool! <em>Stay tuned!</em></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-52182894999496257722012-05-30T14:09:00.000-07:002012-05-30T14:09:09.142-07:00Anniversary Date Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>What a fabulous night we had!</em> Chris and I celebrated our two-year anniversary with a fun lunch at MJ's Cafe (review <a href="http://www.theleafygreen.org/2012/05/mjs-cafe.html">here</a>), happy hour at <a href="http://www.konagrill.com/">Kona Grill</a> and then topped it off with a movie night. Yep, we are kinda lame...<em>but whatever, we had a blast!</em></div>
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We had not been to the movies since the last Harry Potter<em> (cue the gasps!)</em> so this was a huge feat for us. I'm a bit of a comic book nerd, so my movie choice was <a href="http://marvel.com/avengers_movie/">The Avengers</a> ...<em>and a good one it was!</em> We loved it! My favorite scene was the schwarma scene after the credits...<em>hilarious!</em></div>
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I haven't been to a happy hour in quite some time so we really enjoyed it. Hats off to <a href="http://www.konagrill.com/">Kona Grill</a> on establishing a pretty fantastic happy hour scene. The limited menu was actually impressive with more than one vegetarian option...<em>kudos!</em> I sipped on a margarita and we chowed down on the margherita flatbread...<em>outstanding.</em> It was garlic, parmesan, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and a balsamic reduction...<em>tasty, tasty, tasty.</em> </div>
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The weather was pretty perfect so we enjoyed the patio and then walked over to the theatre. That's one of the reasons I love <a href="http://www.perkinsrowe.com/">Perkins Rowe</a> so much...you can park once and leisurely walk around to enjoy food, shopping and a movie. <em>Ok, commerical over!</em></div>
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Anyway, it was a fabulous night celebrating two really memorable years...can't wait to see what year three has in store!</div>
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Oh and sorry the pictures are so horrible!<em> I was just so excited to be out in public...</em></div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-64142930971792973642012-05-29T13:02:00.001-07:002012-05-29T13:14:22.705-07:00MJ's Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is our anniversary...<em>cue the "aws"!</em> So, Chris and I have <em>"big"</em> plans for today...starting with a little lunch. He wouldn't tell me where we were headed as we drove through Mid City, but when we pulled up to <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/66/1597327/restaurant/Mid-City/MJs-Cafe-Baton-Rouge" target="_blank">MJ's Cafe</a>...<em>I was pleasantly surprised!</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/66/1597327/restaurant/Mid-City/MJs-Cafe-Baton-Rouge" target="_blank">MJ's Cafe</a> is a mainly vegetarian lunch spot featuring local and seasonal ingredients. <em>Yep, right up our alley!</em> We walked in and took two seats at the bar...<em>a fabulous choice.</em> We had a front row view of our meal being made and we were able to chat with the owner a bit. Maureen Joyce is energetic and obviously passionate about what she is doing. I enjoyed watching her delicately create each meal with a smile on her face....<em>it was quite refreshing! </em><br />
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The daily lunch special includes a small soup or salad with one of their sandwiches. I decided to start with the Summer Squash and Salsa Verde soup, while Chris went with the Pinto Bean and Guacamole...both were fantastic! For our sandwiches, Chris decided on The Southwestern, which featured pepper jack cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and romaine lettuce. I went with The French, which was grilled and featured goat cheese, arugula, apples and a pepper jelly. Both were delicious...<em>but I won this round!</em> The French sandwich was seriously tasty and very filling. <br />
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The decor is quite simple with a little nod to vintage. The cafe actually shares space with a vintage furniture store, so that was uniquely quirky...<em>I loved it!</em> There is local art on the walls and the tables and chairs aren't too matchy-matchy. Honestly, I felt like I had pulled up a bar stool in a dear friend's kitchen...especially when Maureen started chatting with us as she chopped apples. The casual and comfortable vibe of the cafe made me feel right at home.<br />
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To put it plainly...the food was delicious, the service was outstanding and the general atmosphere was just trendy enough to be noticed but not too hipster to scare off the close-minded. Normally, when we go out to eat, ordering can be such a challenge. The meticulous studying of the menu followed by the endless questions for the server...<em>it's exhausting.</em> But today we knew that everything on the menu was fair game...and that was such a welcomed shift. With that being said, I'm confident that even our most carnivorous friend would enjoy lunch here.<br />
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In terms of price, $10 for lunch is not bad. Will we eat here weekly? Probably not.. However, we are definetely going back for more!<br />
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<em>Fabulously served local and seasonal food...two big thumbs up from me!</em></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/66/1597327/restaurant/Mid-City/MJs-Cafe-Baton-Rouge"><img alt="MJ's Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1597327/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-30490589723926257772012-03-27T08:31:00.003-07:002012-03-27T08:33:14.388-07:00Quick Sauteed Kale with Toasted Pine Nuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I am seriously having a love affair with kale...</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beyond being just scrumptious and delicious...<em>it is so very good for you!</em> After a bit of research, I discovered that this beautiful, dark, leafy green has some power to it! From cholesterol-lowering abilities to detoxing to even cancer-fighting, this is a must-try veggie! Seriously, this <em>"queen of greens"</em> is one of the healthiest vegetables around and a nutritional powerhouse...<em>I'm obsessed!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a tasty and easy way to incorporate kale into your diet...ENJOY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Quick-Sauteed-Kale-with-Toasted-Pine-Nuts-356891" target="_blank">Quick Sauteed Kale with Toasted Pine Nuts</a></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>4 bunches kale (about 2 pounds-<em>seems like a lot, but remember, it will wilt!)</em><br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1 large red onion, chopped<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted<br />
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First things first, fold each kale leaf lengthwise and cut stem away along the crease. Then, tear the leaves coarsely. <em>If you want to do this ahead of time, it can be prepared one day in advance, just pack the kale into resealable plastic bags and chill. </em><br />
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Now, heat your oil in heavy large pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic then saute until the onion is soft and your house smells amazing!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEita04BEFoFpepAcy7oHEQHcZjoq6sbB7CoeeXMZonsOoLjkVBJEZjdm2FmuHfYeFlUsJd2g2U0rnjbWo0aH6CO92K5vISF08mkQOxk3iPrB1bPKswtO08pIfI8O3qKpKZ9Yi3VRKuiLpNU/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEita04BEFoFpepAcy7oHEQHcZjoq6sbB7CoeeXMZonsOoLjkVBJEZjdm2FmuHfYeFlUsJd2g2U0rnjbWo0aH6CO92K5vISF08mkQOxk3iPrB1bPKswtO08pIfI8O3qKpKZ9Yi3VRKuiLpNU/s640/DSC_0702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
While your <em>"onion party"</em> is going, pour your pine nuts into a smaller skillet over medium-low heat. <em>Just don't forget to give them stir every now and then!</em><br />
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</div>Now, add half of the kale to your <em>"onion party",</em> packing slightly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbM-cYsnluj2yeTOE7TpxsutwgFAtfifvOm1mUi5h5eY0N9W6g6iiDK0R0Y9ntR8x2r8mnc-qJ6x6P1FjDISeIm-Ro-4BmZHmFQOcMw34afUzOjnyYtVuNKxSU7Kc2346Zk9qS9PZuYyh/s1600/DSC_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbM-cYsnluj2yeTOE7TpxsutwgFAtfifvOm1mUi5h5eY0N9W6g6iiDK0R0Y9ntR8x2r8mnc-qJ6x6P1FjDISeIm-Ro-4BmZHmFQOcMw34afUzOjnyYtVuNKxSU7Kc2346Zk9qS9PZuYyh/s640/DSC_0705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cook until kale wilts, tossing often, which is about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add remaining kale and half of the toasted pine nuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPMzjvveJcTBHf9fOcvoASrvGKb5M2kZ3u1dR9GgMBsvid3Ymeh4LKdFdGo6lOU3OmSscj-RczTY21YK-jykPyvf2QvDQ6jTk0EH0EiJmnnfusqT2IFm8z9x4hOczwS_RAcLP8EQTA13Y/s1600/DSC_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPMzjvveJcTBHf9fOcvoASrvGKb5M2kZ3u1dR9GgMBsvid3Ymeh4LKdFdGo6lOU3OmSscj-RczTY21YK-jykPyvf2QvDQ6jTk0EH0EiJmnnfusqT2IFm8z9x4hOczwS_RAcLP8EQTA13Y/s640/DSC_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toss until kale is just tender and still bright green, which is about 3 minutes longer. Then, season to taste with salt and pepper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt47s0e4R29SKpgyJddpzkZXjUngWmjVqWlfhNHVsATg8QUHz4I3VQPdAmnwBIWaAegG4Yq37m5kDUBaqzfsDKYOaNOclS_dw8gS4iCkGFI79YY58VAvKNpL6HpukYTryrQWnpkITjAUS/s1600/DSC_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt47s0e4R29SKpgyJddpzkZXjUngWmjVqWlfhNHVsATg8QUHz4I3VQPdAmnwBIWaAegG4Yq37m5kDUBaqzfsDKYOaNOclS_dw8gS4iCkGFI79YY58VAvKNpL6HpukYTryrQWnpkITjAUS/s640/DSC_0707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with remaining toasted pine nuts.</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;"><em>Get ready for some yumminess!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-47403293595224904252012-03-26T10:54:00.000-07:002012-03-26T10:54:54.305-07:00Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad!<div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad...<em>whew, say that five times fast!</em> </div><br />
We have been trying to eat more salads and I fell upon this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/strawberry-spinach-salad-ii/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=strawberry%20spinach%20salad&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">recipe</a>. This salad isn't necessarily healthy but <em>yum, tasty!</em> If you are in the mood for a sweet treat that you won't entirely regret, I highly recommend this dish! <em>Enjoy!</em><br />
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1/2 cup white sugar<br />
<div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">2 tablespoons sesame seeds</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/2 teaspoon sesame oil</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1 tablespoon poppy seeds</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/4 teaspoon paprika</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/2 cup vegetable oil</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/2 cup balsamic vinegar</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">2 bunches fresh spinach - chopped, washed and dried</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1 pint strawberries, halved</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Whisk together the sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, poppy seeds, paprika, oil and vinegar. Then, refrigerate until chilled. </div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
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</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a salad bowl, combine the spinach and strawberries. Drizzle with dressing, toss lightly and serve. </span></div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
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</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="text-align: center;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">I topped with a little feta cheese when serving...and that really made me a happy camper!</span></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-80322493462906560912012-03-21T19:44:00.000-07:002012-03-21T19:44:00.538-07:00Stuffed Bell PeppersThis post is well overdue because this is a super tasty dinner that I should have posted immediately after cooking the first time! I've always wanted to try stuffed bell peppers but thought I didn't have the time or skills to make them...<strong>WRONG</strong>, these were both delicious and simple! I found a great <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/stuffed-peppers-my-way/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=stuffed%20bell%20peppers%20my%20way&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">recipe</a> and tweaked it only slightly. <em>Hope you enjoy!</em><br />
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1 cup water<br />
1/2 cup uncooked Arborio rice<br />
<div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 bell peppers, halved and seeded</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 tablespoon olive oil</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 garlic cloves, minced</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/2 onion, chopped</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/4 cup of chopped mushrooms</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 teaspoon dried basil</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 teaspoon salt</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 pinch ground black pepper</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 tomato, diced</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Start the party by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Now, work on the rice. Bring your water to a boil, stir in the rice then reduce heat and cover. Just simmer for about 20 minutes. I must admit, I had to do this part twice. <em>Rice is my Achilles' heel!</em></div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Take your bell pepper halves and place them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and skin starts to brown a bit.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETBsJYrMzw5kxD_nitJJlqa_z6Lr2MAi_A1flfGNkxKNrbAKsMtYqF3wV0mvJ9-Is-LvSWcII6QGYK7Rd6A0bu8P_SLatSPF6vIBEVKt9ndPRb02KLebiUaBXl8B5FhD4csPXUxeC119d/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETBsJYrMzw5kxD_nitJJlqa_z6Lr2MAi_A1flfGNkxKNrbAKsMtYqF3wV0mvJ9-Is-LvSWcII6QGYK7Rd6A0bu8P_SLatSPF6vIBEVKt9ndPRb02KLebiUaBXl8B5FhD4csPXUxeC119d/s640/DSC_0716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">While your peppers are rockin', heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium/high heat. Cook your garlic, onions, mushrooms, basil, Italian seasoning and salt/pepper for 2-3 minutes.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aLNXa0U5hWSJ9WSAO-MAyXvURUea2ODtp38U1IGYclZS6t80DxkxRBUK1T5AY7pJ0rdrC9MwTsJHB0M9jUDiHe1pAwm9LaLG-ugzEtdgfZBS6AaFUw5ZJ3Prrs6erVx39ZMfZGhU2jOr/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aLNXa0U5hWSJ9WSAO-MAyXvURUea2ODtp38U1IGYclZS6t80DxkxRBUK1T5AY7pJ0rdrC9MwTsJHB0M9jUDiHe1pAwm9LaLG-ugzEtdgfZBS6AaFUw5ZJ3Prrs6erVx39ZMfZGhU2jOr/s640/DSC_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Then, stir in your tomato and cook for 5 additional minutes.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU-JnmjRacmFSDLZenWrZ5lFbSuUczoi-heA3vxZgECFoH6QWfA2xMEnV0Rfqoc97VJsnCEE5CKaojPv3BLmVWunQw0nhLE2zwj49kKAt2UjI62F9w8OqDgLdzKTLvzYwHymlZO-0UK3r/s1600/DSC_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU-JnmjRacmFSDLZenWrZ5lFbSuUczoi-heA3vxZgECFoH6QWfA2xMEnV0Rfqoc97VJsnCEE5CKaojPv3BLmVWunQw0nhLE2zwj49kKAt2UjI62F9w8OqDgLdzKTLvzYwHymlZO-0UK3r/s640/DSC_0718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Spoon in your cooked rice and stir until heated through.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfwkxZ5FkC82-Ek_NPrcp9k1gif4eON-3CGj0MlpA2pStwcxgBXQWRBfQDMy5ERD7UdK2oPmmHAPzICyaDMpEYGISt-nc7aR3NQibDdYppy3jLj94-LTNIiS5VXDDT9FD8kEnFvj-xr78/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfwkxZ5FkC82-Ek_NPrcp9k1gif4eON-3CGj0MlpA2pStwcxgBXQWRBfQDMy5ERD7UdK2oPmmHAPzICyaDMpEYGISt-nc7aR3NQibDdYppy3jLj94-LTNIiS5VXDDT9FD8kEnFvj-xr78/s640/DSC_0719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Remove from heat and mix in the feta cheese before scooping heaping spoonfuls into your pepper halves.</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn7cSw8Mo3NvtrHEuOO8l_748chPIbjZesVOdjYbLhyQhOJE6cd621EvOIWR1Xr5FX_God8f89V8pJeKEaSSOi13DDUmjN_GnH6JQ6yD0Fz-qJl9fZ1Vbgt22-YJGXBYszl216NoiptWd/s1600/DSC_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn7cSw8Mo3NvtrHEuOO8l_748chPIbjZesVOdjYbLhyQhOJE6cd621EvOIWR1Xr5FX_God8f89V8pJeKEaSSOi13DDUmjN_GnH6JQ6yD0Fz-qJl9fZ1Vbgt22-YJGXBYszl216NoiptWd/s640/DSC_0720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve immediately. </span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aHM26XQj7IG_9MIDKNz1otX7JPPMtteka3UPAdjZ3AbI_C2r0FZAxGmJkcAxifdduE9PVepw1A9cf_AexfOxEjzr4wGr-2h-FXQi3lio4J1XSE-RPx3vuYkW43Rid_WoiilBjzNj1VHv/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aHM26XQj7IG_9MIDKNz1otX7JPPMtteka3UPAdjZ3AbI_C2r0FZAxGmJkcAxifdduE9PVepw1A9cf_AexfOxEjzr4wGr-2h-FXQi3lio4J1XSE-RPx3vuYkW43Rid_WoiilBjzNj1VHv/s640/DSC_0722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-58741063361785481232012-03-11T17:58:00.000-07:002012-03-11T17:58:37.526-07:00Veggie QuesadillasAnytime I have family over for dinner, I always have that brief panic attack...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<em>"What am I going to feed them???"</em></div><br />
This last family visit we decided on Veggie Quesadillas...they are super easy to make and easy to custom so everyone ends up happy! <em>Enjoy!</em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Veggie Quesadillas</u></strong></div><br />
A couple tablespoons of olive oil<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 red onion, sliced<br />
1 green bell pepper, sliced<br />
1 red bell pepper, sliced<br />
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced<br />
<div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1 can whole kernel corn, drained</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">6 (8 inch) flour tortillas</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">Salsa, Sour Cream, etc. for topping</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">First, pre-heat your oven 400 degrees. While that is going, heat up your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your garlic, onion, bell peppers and mushrooms. Let that party cook until tender...</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQujsBjt5k6f4aR4tizzkvZ50jbMRUCT3i5eZxB1JwWtEusw1nFif6y_wyWi1sdFLLK3qs7X0PGBALhRu9HnqeRsIBYZXUBf9TObE0t3PCIzJqnRMGsV_cCLilFHlfRe7Y1MrCUk9XPf-u/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQujsBjt5k6f4aR4tizzkvZ50jbMRUCT3i5eZxB1JwWtEusw1nFif6y_wyWi1sdFLLK3qs7X0PGBALhRu9HnqeRsIBYZXUBf9TObE0t3PCIzJqnRMGsV_cCLilFHlfRe7Y1MrCUk9XPf-u/s400/DSC_0494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, add your corn with a little salt and pepper (to taste) for 2-3 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dSfZ8GA2WlHCZOR6XEfFvxHk3_OVm7q6VYTlvPO9ib8KXC0yMa7RN1SGHKaHiMJ3zzE9fC27aJBxBgVLUHW-FTnXUa5qaVSmU_sAAuh_bi6QGGEljMVCj1-LNHc6NgIC6kA5e009nRa1/s1600/DSC_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dSfZ8GA2WlHCZOR6XEfFvxHk3_OVm7q6VYTlvPO9ib8KXC0yMa7RN1SGHKaHiMJ3zzE9fC27aJBxBgVLUHW-FTnXUa5qaVSmU_sAAuh_bi6QGGEljMVCj1-LNHc6NgIC6kA5e009nRa1/s400/DSC_0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have your tortillas ready to be stuffed on a baking sheet. With a slotted spoon, scoop your veggie mixture onto one side of the tortillas. Sprinkle with your Mexican cheese and then fold over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjYvH6yaR34lF6dCKZcKF0akldZtnThIyHkQkAH1-D8TqeveTYlQmF8KnAwj3_bYs57MFpMv6ivrMglok9ViWnS_gV478-7E3CJwhCRLGU5WihMAyYSrU9N0f9V_zodMLrJw_NBmyLjRV/s1600/DSC_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjYvH6yaR34lF6dCKZcKF0akldZtnThIyHkQkAH1-D8TqeveTYlQmF8KnAwj3_bYs57MFpMv6ivrMglok9ViWnS_gV478-7E3CJwhCRLGU5WihMAyYSrU9N0f9V_zodMLrJw_NBmyLjRV/s400/DSC_0497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I'm a short-order cook, I had to do one just onion and cheese...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIz_BSOJlC7kouH0ssoejNRPuQ70ssSZzjoSMWgvp-oIFZclfRovIuHa1ETpg_D_CcDsE3wd9rC0qCqgc4ueh_qr5R4eX-szi98zn1T67ZGl5ljqPLDXHHAExpkbqO_C3GoJSElPqXeA9/s1600/DSC_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIz_BSOJlC7kouH0ssoejNRPuQ70ssSZzjoSMWgvp-oIFZclfRovIuHa1ETpg_D_CcDsE3wd9rC0qCqgc4ueh_qr5R4eX-szi98zn1T67ZGl5ljqPLDXHHAExpkbqO_C3GoJSElPqXeA9/s400/DSC_0498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden. Serve with some tasty salsa or a dollop of sour cream or whatever you think would be tasty...<em>Yum!!!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMqcC9KKZp0b96vJ2qRKe-SMOxX1-18g_abVv2rJeK8tdbjPA4QH4oSDV97XHrR7rqFYR815-nKgg5qqA-A9DoNxs5qg2s_DqfM3fSMlCGa2RdEYvEvzJpma_mknuU-an40RhDOm-E3io/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMqcC9KKZp0b96vJ2qRKe-SMOxX1-18g_abVv2rJeK8tdbjPA4QH4oSDV97XHrR7rqFYR815-nKgg5qqA-A9DoNxs5qg2s_DqfM3fSMlCGa2RdEYvEvzJpma_mknuU-an40RhDOm-E3io/s400/DSC_0500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z4l6uWnsEQujGfoKMzBSkJWcLMU3MDovLfw6-AwJSdjrTBPmDYOzOWf4mgI_EoZk6B5FWo59V6YK2vV2gWfHJE7Zk37ibB285Y3HKvHb6M6lw6jGwmhgxcBMYZg90Ip4Rhe0WeCLpp9a/s1600/DSC_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z4l6uWnsEQujGfoKMzBSkJWcLMU3MDovLfw6-AwJSdjrTBPmDYOzOWf4mgI_EoZk6B5FWo59V6YK2vV2gWfHJE7Zk37ibB285Y3HKvHb6M6lw6jGwmhgxcBMYZg90Ip4Rhe0WeCLpp9a/s400/DSC_0504.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnzQ5gHan4hGScFP5rK89C7rIpwKlCgVsZ1CBJbHI_Nn-rqbnUbU8mO__HWjYW03FO4ErYNtJ5fzgcwvLrkHIr_ULH2u8clsxtYCwaGN3mTahQLVg5pqV_nIPp7nUOK0F-2EpQG5EFkNu/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnzQ5gHan4hGScFP5rK89C7rIpwKlCgVsZ1CBJbHI_Nn-rqbnUbU8mO__HWjYW03FO4ErYNtJ5fzgcwvLrkHIr_ULH2u8clsxtYCwaGN3mTahQLVg5pqV_nIPp7nUOK0F-2EpQG5EFkNu/s400/DSC_0505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><em>Yay...happy camper</em>!</span></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-54733695315953246722012-03-10T20:40:00.001-08:002012-03-10T20:41:18.582-08:00Henry Homebrewing {Part 2}Although a little over due, here are the photos from the second step to our first homebrew...<em>bottling</em>! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-5NIx-gAbq1hlX_Yu6U2W_pOuqpU4jmK6J5jKBWg12LFpOfQaNrBP_wVIS7o_8iGrmPdSwXNqs5DSaz80CdCP-bsc3UBh4TI3v95B7mujmwfCbVoSs8Jjw5ImAYx8IDD1GiCBID2Dz35/s1600/DSC_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-5NIx-gAbq1hlX_Yu6U2W_pOuqpU4jmK6J5jKBWg12LFpOfQaNrBP_wVIS7o_8iGrmPdSwXNqs5DSaz80CdCP-bsc3UBh4TI3v95B7mujmwfCbVoSs8Jjw5ImAYx8IDD1GiCBID2Dz35/s400/DSC_0669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2IQWH8GUVbfNH4uLh1YdQPGfuJHQlETykvZETC__yEDNXCLKWiStSCoIxKZ8cYW37GFuzKCsLjPoH_odlN01ZuEhG7Gw00q7GgjXvtxKlqw47IVv_NFJITFRGpPj8qoUfmQakCoLxE16/s1600/DSC_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2IQWH8GUVbfNH4uLh1YdQPGfuJHQlETykvZETC__yEDNXCLKWiStSCoIxKZ8cYW37GFuzKCsLjPoH_odlN01ZuEhG7Gw00q7GgjXvtxKlqw47IVv_NFJITFRGpPj8qoUfmQakCoLxE16/s400/DSC_0671.JPG" width="400" /></a></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;">Thanks so much to Blake and Brennan for helping out with this crazy process! We'll see how it all tastes next weekend...can't wait!</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-41421081955148306032012-03-03T08:39:00.000-08:002012-03-03T08:39:13.737-08:00Veggie CassouletThis week I wanted to try some new things so I went to my <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/" target="_blank">Epicurious</a> App on my phone for some inspiration! <i>I just love that little app!</i> I found quite a few new things to try and decided to start with this really simple but extremely tasty <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Veggie-Cassoulet-240810" target="_blank">Veggie Cassoulet</a>. I tweaked it a little to fit what I had on hand that evening but I think you'll enjoy!<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Veggie Cassoulet</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>A couple tablespoons of olive oil <i>(enough to sautee some veggies!)</i></div><div>2 yellow squash (chopped) <i>(it calls for zucchini...but mix it up...both are tasty!)</i></div><div>2 celery stalks (chopped)</div><div>1 onion (chopped)</div><div>6 cloves garlic (sliced)</div><div>1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (drained)</div><div>2 cans Great Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)</div><div>A couple tablespoons dried thyme</div><div>2 dried bay leaves</div><div>Salt/Pepper to taste</div><div><br />
</div><div>First things first, set your oven to 400 degrees. </div><div><br />
</div><div>While that is heating up, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook your squash<i> (or zucchini)</i>, celery, onion and salt/pepper until soft...which is roughly 8 minutes. Mix in your garlic and cook another minute or so. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>While your veggie party is simmering, go ahead and drain your tomatoes and dump them into your baking dish. Next, drain and rinse your beans. The original recipe calls for you to reserve your bean liquid...but that freaks me out a bit. I always drain and rinse my canned beans...<i>but that's just me!</i> Once those are ready dump them into your baking dish as well with 1/4 cup of water.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Once your veggies are done cooking, add those to your baking dish and combine with your thyme. Lastly, plop your bay leaves right on top!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRjOdgM_aEdD3BCjneDThyjOfLqVxoYY7Ljd5CdAfBMGSq2vHJsfeLgeqTvAjxQ2pPf2yt2TTJrr3UPtA8djts0K-l4zcPTDiPLrMASyLusCNHOsPd2k2JKlS8KiKJHp_mqtFbQDSe2dl/s1600/DSC_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRjOdgM_aEdD3BCjneDThyjOfLqVxoYY7Ljd5CdAfBMGSq2vHJsfeLgeqTvAjxQ2pPf2yt2TTJrr3UPtA8djts0K-l4zcPTDiPLrMASyLusCNHOsPd2k2JKlS8KiKJHp_mqtFbQDSe2dl/s400/DSC_0488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Bake until golden which is approximately 30 minutes. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>Isn't this a pretty, colorful dish! Remove your bay leaves and serve! </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tastes great with some warm toasty bread!</i></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-26629241310164817602012-02-25T17:42:00.001-08:002012-02-25T17:45:06.454-08:00Henry Homebrewing {Part 1}Well, Chris finally cracked open his Christmas present...a homebrewing kit. <em>I know, I know...what was I thinking?</em> But, after watching <em>{and documenting}</em> the process today, I have to say that I'm pretty intrigued.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Check out Chris brewing his first dry stout...</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, it's doing it's thing in a dark and cool part of our home for the next week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a <em>beer girl</em> myself, I'm excited to see what happens next!</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-37276002664402305752012-02-14T18:52:00.000-08:002012-02-14T18:55:05.312-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">I said in an earlier post that Christmas with a child is just the greatest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Well...</em> I can now confirm that <strong><em>EVERY</em></strong> holiday with a child is just the greatest!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We didn't want to make too much of a fuss over Valentine's Day. <br />
So, this morning we simply exchanged cards and gave Lily just a little something extra. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She also had a fun little prize from GranZee and Pops! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Now, Lily isn't thrilled about doing anything extra in the morning...but she powered through!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GranZee made her little t-shirt special for today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OWL always love you! <em>How stinkin' cute is that!?!</em></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;"><em>Oh..and</em>, the finished <a href="http://www.theleafygreen.org/2012/02/valentine-button-pretzels.html" target="_blank">Valentine Pretzel Buttons</a> for her classroom...</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;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Hope you all had a fabulous day!</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Happy Valentine's Day!</em></span></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-82616343418204972652012-02-13T20:53:00.000-08:002012-02-13T20:53:22.301-08:00Valentine Button Pretzels<div style="text-align: center;">I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day....<em>but whatever,</em> we are celebrating anyway! </div><br />
I decided <strong><em>today</em></strong> that we wanted to bring something for Lily's teachers, so I needed something quick and easy...<em>yet impressive</em>... to make. Of course, I ran to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BlissbyRachel" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and I found just that!<br />
<br />
These <a href="http://griffithsrated.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentine-prezel-buttons.html" target="_blank">Valentine Pretzel Buttons</a> might be the easiest thing I've ever <em>"baked"!</em> As I said earlier, I found them on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BlissbyRachel" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> thanks to the blog <a href="http://griffithsrated.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">G*Rated</a>. Great site! <em>Enjoy!</em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://griffithsrated.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentine-prezel-buttons.html" target="_blank">Valentine Pretzel Buttons</a></div><br />
<u>You'll need:</u><br />
-square pretzels<br />
-Hersey Hugs <em>(regular Kisses would work, but I don't think they would be as cute!)</em><br />
-M&Ms <em>(disclaimer: if you are making them for your kid's class, best to grab peanut FREE)</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTrjE_Wu0Vo0KMH6HdlJvUMqkDZUvOvYeaeGkya1zuNrwaYsM-KktDwmVfHY_P4xaYU-lC4DrKcMnaWxW3xYTGGb16H-28en_wZilu0CLN9uOvmM3jLx9oPmW1tbVdOaOwrYhbHxdIuf8/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTrjE_Wu0Vo0KMH6HdlJvUMqkDZUvOvYeaeGkya1zuNrwaYsM-KktDwmVfHY_P4xaYU-lC4DrKcMnaWxW3xYTGGb16H-28en_wZilu0CLN9uOvmM3jLx9oPmW1tbVdOaOwrYhbHxdIuf8/s400/DSC_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
First, pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees and place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Then, line with your pretzels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bQ9akd5IU5yDGhokoWzVxLEsvm5YnFarl08lt1hMt_ejFUipmypgdUZ24No3mLnNHJdPm5vU8OF19F1bPPPx6TXalhgp5W7ESmv9VKM-hiN-U0VR4921lwjfLaRvUuYnmdAF7SdQzpxi/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bQ9akd5IU5yDGhokoWzVxLEsvm5YnFarl08lt1hMt_ejFUipmypgdUZ24No3mLnNHJdPm5vU8OF19F1bPPPx6TXalhgp5W7ESmv9VKM-hiN-U0VR4921lwjfLaRvUuYnmdAF7SdQzpxi/s400/DSC_0365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, top the pretzels with your Hugs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDons01Is1ScitAnGKzDdVb5MlpCcgvBjP00f-LW0gwDJnUdDt_Vr9_Pryq-VANB-pkKxVjzEquHwDvd8Xefgq6m8gf09bN2yTLL3Ktjf5eVqlBFn6a8oK-a5rMS7vx_7jiU1VKmNR_yW/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDons01Is1ScitAnGKzDdVb5MlpCcgvBjP00f-LW0gwDJnUdDt_Vr9_Pryq-VANB-pkKxVjzEquHwDvd8Xefgq6m8gf09bN2yTLL3Ktjf5eVqlBFn6a8oK-a5rMS7vx_7jiU1VKmNR_yW/s400/DSC_0367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, bake until the Hugs are a bit shiny and soft...which should only be 4-5 minutes. You want the Hugs to still have their shape. When you remove from the oven, carefully stick one of the M&Ms on tops of the Hugs. Barely push it into the Hug...<em>you don't want to smash them all over the place!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1OStegCJhGgboExTJbkq8rrnhXBL5OZNDoZTs7qWkG0VryIYm-FLgmsPmUmSdNP-uDYceOssPRkorYTLwg85x2Kzl2JPjXS4_YBk-P_35JIoMYmNLqiubPZ0agfrTVB1rK-pwBkwHCm6/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1OStegCJhGgboExTJbkq8rrnhXBL5OZNDoZTs7qWkG0VryIYm-FLgmsPmUmSdNP-uDYceOssPRkorYTLwg85x2Kzl2JPjXS4_YBk-P_35JIoMYmNLqiubPZ0agfrTVB1rK-pwBkwHCm6/s400/DSC_0368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, I'll admit...when I was <em>patiently</em> waiting the 4-5 minutes while they baked...and the M&Ms looked like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBFwwukcBuv31A2Q_M6M4dO8coMmflIF_ukCCEdXHKcAZrNYON96n_c_Q7t1GoEx8Z254xeQk5LOdt6BzsWO6r-J6a-OWNTOt2NzT6o9bMlwM5-2TttCeSJb22azfPGGqxt1lfk4i_MyX/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBFwwukcBuv31A2Q_M6M4dO8coMmflIF_ukCCEdXHKcAZrNYON96n_c_Q7t1GoEx8Z254xeQk5LOdt6BzsWO6r-J6a-OWNTOt2NzT6o9bMlwM5-2TttCeSJb22azfPGGqxt1lfk4i_MyX/s400/DSC_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">I snuck a few...<em>shh, don't tell anyone</em>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, let them cool completely and then ENJOY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mine are currently chilling in the fridge overnight. And then tomorrow, I'll toss them in this cute little basket for Lily's classroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09CEQzGK_dHCNTUAyOfRskCo1-vvAzXx_Im5LSiLiPs9ruNkFqNbvH8oRayGkzL8XL_k1Ys1bLfDOVrAPmJz9qnOMad_e71xOZJrsmlNgWm7S5fCum3pS-GnqSzOqUSekTV1R3CE3-sfs/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09CEQzGK_dHCNTUAyOfRskCo1-vvAzXx_Im5LSiLiPs9ruNkFqNbvH8oRayGkzL8XL_k1Ys1bLfDOVrAPmJz9qnOMad_e71xOZJrsmlNgWm7S5fCum3pS-GnqSzOqUSekTV1R3CE3-sfs/s400/DSC_0373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLJHnf5AcwehQrrfaj9jm2Tx1qIbiI85AwlCKkWvzSLGvn1GPgzNXv7qw8BaElNby59mZbhd0k4pwC2lnMOgOACNgmrhF1OldQFOZKE9CoymFoRY6nSusrV_xGSCLFaMiwuhqKoB7dYOj/s1600/DSC_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLJHnf5AcwehQrrfaj9jm2Tx1qIbiI85AwlCKkWvzSLGvn1GPgzNXv7qw8BaElNby59mZbhd0k4pwC2lnMOgOACNgmrhF1OldQFOZKE9CoymFoRY6nSusrV_xGSCLFaMiwuhqKoB7dYOj/s400/DSC_0375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Can't wait! I'll share more pictures tomorrow!</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great Valentine's Day!</span></em></strong></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-10619917871333525072012-02-11T14:47:00.000-08:002012-02-11T14:47:22.753-08:00Addicitve Sweet Potato BurritosLet me preface this post with a little fun tidbit about the Henry's...<em>we LOVE sweet potatoes!</em> <br />
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Seriously, if I see a recipe that has sweet potatoes in it, I'm automatically intrigued and that was certainly the case when I came across this recipe for <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/addictive-sweet-potato-burritos/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos</a> on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes.com</a>!<br />
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This recipe makes a ton of burritos <em>(12)</em> and is fairly easy. We had enough for dinner and lunch the following day. I'm always a fan of meals that can do double-duty...<em>anything to save a little time!</em> Anyway, it was absolutely delicious and I hope you will try it soon! <em>Enjoy!</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/addictive-sweet-potato-burritos/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos</a></div><br />
Here is what you will need:<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon vegetable oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
<div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 4 cloves garlic, minced</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 6 cups canned kidney beans, drained</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 cups water</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 3 tablespoons chili powder</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 teaspoons ground cumin</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 4 teaspoons prepared mustard</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 pinch cayenne pepper</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 3 tablespoons soy sauce</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">12 (10 inch) flour tortillas, warmed</div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese</div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">First things first, go ahead and skin, cube and boil your sweet potatoes. When they are good and soft, let them cool, mash away and then set aside. While those are boiling go ahead and prep your ingredients: cut your onion, mince your garlic and drain your beans.</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While that baby is heating up, heat your vegetable oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Saute your onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Then, stir in your beans and give them a little mash. Don't fret it they aren't completely mashed...<em>that is ok!</em> Gradually stir in your water and keep on stove until all is warm. </span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Now, remove from heat and stir in your chili powder, cumin, mustard, pepper and soy sauce.</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">To make your tortillas suitable for burrito makin', warm them about 15 seconds each in a medium skillet over medium heat. After being warmed, they tend to fold and wrap a lot easier!</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Spoon your bean mixture and your mashed sweet potatoes into the warmed tortillas side-by-side and evenly. Top with your shredded cheese before folding up burrito style!</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes or so and then serve! </span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">We topped the burritos with a little sour cream and <em>WOW...tasty!</em></span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJDhkS8z1ONw4zp-A0Qe8il6LqD_d67Zi4q2zzWjThuL4wLiu_uWwh4R39eXxdVntU780A2HKlyQ5CEu9hdzHMKrAiHADfwXWLc-Yy8YXe9Lxr5woV76EQK-iFHA79-eVvkTOAPrIEW1M/s1600/420433_10101080527017225_23402239_63323277_1964571098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJDhkS8z1ONw4zp-A0Qe8il6LqD_d67Zi4q2zzWjThuL4wLiu_uWwh4R39eXxdVntU780A2HKlyQ5CEu9hdzHMKrAiHADfwXWLc-Yy8YXe9Lxr5woV76EQK-iFHA79-eVvkTOAPrIEW1M/s400/420433_10101080527017225_23402239_63323277_1964571098_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><br />
</div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-56665354638908900772012-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:002012-02-09T07:47:46.601-08:00Spinach Enchiladas<div style="text-align: center;">My hiatus from the kitchen has <em>GOT</em> to stop! So, I planned a couple meals for this week and so far, so good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were in the mood for something zesty and these spinach enchiladas were MONEY! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Very easy and very tasty! <em>Enjoy!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spinach-enchiladas/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Spinach Enchiladas</a></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon butter</div>1/2 cup sliced green onions<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach , thawed, drained and squeezed dry<br />
1 cup ricotta cheese<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese<br />
10 (6 inch) corn tortillas<br />
1 (19 ounce) can enchilada sauce <em>(NOTE: we only used a 10 ounce can, and that was just fine for us!)</em><br />
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Preheat the oven to 375 while you chop your onions and mince your garlic. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and then add the garlic and onion. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrFFa16rOhkhraPIcLxxTsLeow9UoCqdkXCq7q6_d6jI3hbqR-CHjssxC3rbEukRpJT-UHu3xqUefbQ_Eco-NCpthtEapXMloa_lbtbsI04gqOYQSb6Z-XKPYPKqfV5dBIjUwdRdAyALp/s1600/onions+and+garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrFFa16rOhkhraPIcLxxTsLeow9UoCqdkXCq7q6_d6jI3hbqR-CHjssxC3rbEukRpJT-UHu3xqUefbQ_Eco-NCpthtEapXMloa_lbtbsI04gqOYQSb6Z-XKPYPKqfV5dBIjUwdRdAyALp/s400/onions+and+garlic.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Cook for a few minutes and then add your spinach when you start to smell that tasty, fragrant garlic and onion. Let the spinach cook for about 5 more minutes and then remove from the heat. <br />
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Mix in the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbIGqT6JoVkymZNNLMiX8rGHr7p4JnY9faGwngvzyJAUOChyphenhyphenCuo7ghnoBuvf7Vm3plXjJWIK4l9TlXwmdOx6UXMYqkgD7lCdcMBss0gj5zJbheba3W5oE-h_LIl2HZ1xtXM_1PppTG67K/s1600/Spinach+Mixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbIGqT6JoVkymZNNLMiX8rGHr7p4JnY9faGwngvzyJAUOChyphenhyphenCuo7ghnoBuvf7Vm3plXjJWIK4l9TlXwmdOx6UXMYqkgD7lCdcMBss0gj5zJbheba3W5oE-h_LIl2HZ1xtXM_1PppTG67K/s400/Spinach+Mixture.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Give it a taste...<em>delicious, right!</em><br />
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In a skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas one at a time until they are flexible, which is about 15 seconds. <br />
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Now, it's time to make your enchiladas! Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place into a 9x13 inch baking dish with the seam side down. Once they are all placed, pour the enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU2S_SI_edNSHyYXjZ0SvhnQU8d8CS71chiO2rkdrKDK1S-kxR2X8WmSZEu3lDgDE-ghyphenhyphenh5rJ93TtslpQKNVkAfZsQbT04J18AdUVqhybBK2PzBSJ-nrcI1iVOUjkjAMv2kv9JYnCp8eZ/s1600/Just+Baked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU2S_SI_edNSHyYXjZ0SvhnQU8d8CS71chiO2rkdrKDK1S-kxR2X8WmSZEu3lDgDE-ghyphenhyphenh5rJ93TtslpQKNVkAfZsQbT04J18AdUVqhybBK2PzBSJ-nrcI1iVOUjkjAMv2kv9JYnCp8eZ/s400/Just+Baked.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Lastly, bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is lightly browned at the edges. Take out and enjoy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I served it with some fiesta rice and <em>yum, yum, yum...</em> it was a hit! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL17d8uw_sJVdyW2GJ7P8Gf8uvd0B0wAapyCPxZNsyWO5YkX7uTbSbEjx9DqeR0va-ScmpexfIkTuKyeec8C3oOdCeFThL3fG06Os7Hwae7CFi3OwAcaEZDCzp-h7SoB4NLlnGO-5jthUT/s1600/Spinach+Enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL17d8uw_sJVdyW2GJ7P8Gf8uvd0B0wAapyCPxZNsyWO5YkX7uTbSbEjx9DqeR0va-ScmpexfIkTuKyeec8C3oOdCeFThL3fG06Os7Hwae7CFi3OwAcaEZDCzp-h7SoB4NLlnGO-5jthUT/s400/Spinach+Enchiladas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-70152193304806356782012-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:002012-02-01T19:15:59.564-08:00Project Update and Chandelier Fun!<em>Well,</em> I want you all to know that I haven't given up on the <a href="http://www.theleafygreen.org/2012/01/day-2-entry-way.html" target="_blank">31 Day to an Organized Home Challenge</a>. We are still working on our entry way and the hold up, is well, <em>embarrassing!</em> I found this fabulous picture of an entry way must have on <a href="http://pinterest.com/blissbyrachel/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <em>(where else)</em> and I am searching for the perfect piece to re-purpose into something similar. It's taking a little longer to find that I expected...but I've been scouring Craigslist and hope to hit up some local garage sales this weekend. Fingers crossed, I'll be sharing photos of our new entry way soon!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Now, on to a finished project...</em></div><br />
I just love the fun pop of color that a fabulously painted chandelier can bring...so I searched and searched and searched for the perfect chandelier to re-purpose for my dining room. <em>Thank you Craigslist!</em> I'm loving our dining room...but having this new chandelier makes me want to re-paint the walls and finally get around to painting that furniture...<em>one day at a time!</em> Anyway, check it out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbgyCIKv48q8Z-yy6HHoYOEmBc6RUAsVFX01h75jgrjf7f-RTnTraP6KEGrp6q9ytf8SNIT_ps8cKXxZj_NYDbljj-gilL3GwS0p2sfMgZsH-047GTx1fP6_ASIC0dQRP3p8Vq998zTtL/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbgyCIKv48q8Z-yy6HHoYOEmBc6RUAsVFX01h75jgrjf7f-RTnTraP6KEGrp6q9ytf8SNIT_ps8cKXxZj_NYDbljj-gilL3GwS0p2sfMgZsH-047GTx1fP6_ASIC0dQRP3p8Vq998zTtL/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSSTtXeb17bhunsTN32WhyLvGbZFBAST4yJz1OjmPaUscpm_FAykrURFtlMxaakA_hXZo_P0nFkX-g9fQStHt7QQeYxvRC7Zb_SF_0dZF3yFbCh91lidEUxsRKKHVwsSeje2tRo179sUg/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSSTtXeb17bhunsTN32WhyLvGbZFBAST4yJz1OjmPaUscpm_FAykrURFtlMxaakA_hXZo_P0nFkX-g9fQStHt7QQeYxvRC7Zb_SF_0dZF3yFbCh91lidEUxsRKKHVwsSeje2tRo179sUg/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>To complete this project, I simply took the ol' traditional gold chandelier and coated it with a primer. Once that was dry, I did several coats of my turquoise paint and <em>voila...done!</em> This was super simple and I love the way it turned out! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Now...on to the next project!</em></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-53468121304475900742012-01-07T16:08:00.000-08:002012-01-07T16:09:06.472-08:00Oliver's 3rd PAW-ty!We did it again...a birthday party for my puppy! Before you make fun of me...we just invited a bunch of his "friends" to the dog park for a puppy playdate...<em>and it was awesome!</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiv9lh4Hp_V9ELTEEOp6Qv8e2Rs5CkkQbISbQMRWLRr7T5xswCJzh6SkgF7MqIKDl2idmhUj6zNyo3M3PBU3sUeNdVRrvUJEzHqQBukXA8fGZ1h-Bekq85rK9J1gDSH6gNvD-Eza2XNkq/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiv9lh4Hp_V9ELTEEOp6Qv8e2Rs5CkkQbISbQMRWLRr7T5xswCJzh6SkgF7MqIKDl2idmhUj6zNyo3M3PBU3sUeNdVRrvUJEzHqQBukXA8fGZ1h-Bekq85rK9J1gDSH6gNvD-Eza2XNkq/s400/untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, an invite had to be made!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXg2C5JB_JFchFkzRNOa-RNrj_r6revVel4ItTD6Wh_akrM08KKPK-oGicZgyxmO9eBrdMeQSnTM068Oz1279bgh1FRdbWBofiA08DL7TNIuu-d4k-DZO_9Tbk0CuszpTL5DtR2uxAhBr/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXg2C5JB_JFchFkzRNOa-RNrj_r6revVel4ItTD6Wh_akrM08KKPK-oGicZgyxmO9eBrdMeQSnTM068Oz1279bgh1FRdbWBofiA08DL7TNIuu-d4k-DZO_9Tbk0CuszpTL5DtR2uxAhBr/s400/DSC_0251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the humans!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxKkAKTaxe2eJ2Ib3GHZOyYikp9aUDupM_YLoczAHuQc0_cZ4jfolvDs4FGspmkIPaUyCYI48O7wTAmorITRpP0hvX7mM1WcS_bH3OyceD-kXVzSe2yK9mOQHmjVmFKMuODLmyQC4iPkd/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxKkAKTaxe2eJ2Ib3GHZOyYikp9aUDupM_YLoczAHuQc0_cZ4jfolvDs4FGspmkIPaUyCYI48O7wTAmorITRpP0hvX7mM1WcS_bH3OyceD-kXVzSe2yK9mOQHmjVmFKMuODLmyQC4iPkd/s400/DSC_0240.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey Lily and Daddy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGnKqhGermhwn6nxsJCaOmjwNlqsWJkaaOS2iflERF3uhfw_iN6mzUOzbsIGsEqYYUmB0uxCUQ3Vilu2ciwtNDI4fhvqQE82iBMgqvS4T1xSlyq18Ry-KfDXqqcVdt1cAwsd_KE-YcuRZ/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGnKqhGermhwn6nxsJCaOmjwNlqsWJkaaOS2iflERF3uhfw_iN6mzUOzbsIGsEqYYUmB0uxCUQ3Vilu2ciwtNDI4fhvqQE82iBMgqvS4T1xSlyq18Ry-KfDXqqcVdt1cAwsd_KE-YcuRZ/s400/DSC_0283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A very dirty birthday boy! He needs a birthday bath time now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl03HnHfBRgaoH1HM7f1Ax9VoM3ClhQzgiLKeYMkDytCx300yTOUY0rP-gLMGDi_DM8mjHpED2jFkjo3tnZVNiV__086ri1jddwLiBCPVYYLe-eBPmYsHisaymoD3tTPC5YRdeItOFitFG/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl03HnHfBRgaoH1HM7f1Ax9VoM3ClhQzgiLKeYMkDytCx300yTOUY0rP-gLMGDi_DM8mjHpED2jFkjo3tnZVNiV__086ri1jddwLiBCPVYYLe-eBPmYsHisaymoD3tTPC5YRdeItOFitFG/s400/DSC_0246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey Jax!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XL3L5IK9sbwjJCCpV-yoOWY7zi-HQzRmeJUJbU7ZSH5sV1FSg65ASjbgtoVuO6V_2fv-2XPXQpE7O6RrnlF0zo6CDacTsM0qGG2mflvDfJsbM8UlcPz_2YxmmOYsVKcK-LJOh6fjkwMH/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XL3L5IK9sbwjJCCpV-yoOWY7zi-HQzRmeJUJbU7ZSH5sV1FSg65ASjbgtoVuO6V_2fv-2XPXQpE7O6RrnlF0zo6CDacTsM0qGG2mflvDfJsbM8UlcPz_2YxmmOYsVKcK-LJOh6fjkwMH/s400/DSC_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey Abbey and Eleanor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMqRaL0R7bdTo3TSW7bPUaZ2gnr1imt0JLBykKsLFfGBEI0wQyhFtd-OpZjip4Yc8ffrJ3GL0_ROLct11X7uxQQt05h5XkeEFbOefrcf35NfdDmtFf0hmWftcJyr_MPamLh-HQn1nL4xj/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMqRaL0R7bdTo3TSW7bPUaZ2gnr1imt0JLBykKsLFfGBEI0wQyhFtd-OpZjip4Yc8ffrJ3GL0_ROLct11X7uxQQt05h5XkeEFbOefrcf35NfdDmtFf0hmWftcJyr_MPamLh-HQn1nL4xj/s400/DSC_0259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey Rocky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSoJqWGI9POrpR35zJsalfyviRZ2EK8DBpllxf7IMcBvCrOwuKvrXzsuVNu2rtgHQe3u163d7kJyCxFq_gHVEacg-7kz9m8v69x80r0xsP8vDJnCLqX_ioKjgDLf3MKCjLXOZB6txNYpt/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSoJqWGI9POrpR35zJsalfyviRZ2EK8DBpllxf7IMcBvCrOwuKvrXzsuVNu2rtgHQe3u163d7kJyCxFq_gHVEacg-7kz9m8v69x80r0xsP8vDJnCLqX_ioKjgDLf3MKCjLXOZB6txNYpt/s400/DSC_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having fun at the Dog Park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz3sghy-RcnXpxTlWE4CpexneeId-Z6sQZUkZpt3dl93YAX1EbccE49_pYlMx8yL5MkjPmvd9PzkiwBjCibNhv1NNhh21HFLKFASwpHH4Gr-HJTrWXGWuXKDBFV7V6Wxg6UTcnCBCSjtj/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz3sghy-RcnXpxTlWE4CpexneeId-Z6sQZUkZpt3dl93YAX1EbccE49_pYlMx8yL5MkjPmvd9PzkiwBjCibNhv1NNhh21HFLKFASwpHH4Gr-HJTrWXGWuXKDBFV7V6Wxg6UTcnCBCSjtj/s400/DSC_0276.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always at the Mommy's feet...<em>what a Momma's Boy!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2WZOKXQBudIoxdLzPbLABPxd3lRFqtslEKVlZyxhfYyCOyKeJIvdwjtueRM-v3SG5jZYjIOCOCtEnIfro8DPdj8aUqWePBtxels7T68GRMAuwcLpveqF67UBlNw_nk1DzEk7b3L9002t/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2WZOKXQBudIoxdLzPbLABPxd3lRFqtslEKVlZyxhfYyCOyKeJIvdwjtueRM-v3SG5jZYjIOCOCtEnIfro8DPdj8aUqWePBtxels7T68GRMAuwcLpveqF67UBlNw_nk1DzEk7b3L9002t/s400/DSC_0292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our <em>"doggie treat"</em> bags for Ollie's friends!</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;">Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate Oliver's 3rd Birthday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is such a special part of our family and we just got a kick out of watching them all play today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Happy 3rd Birthday Ollie!</strong></span></em></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-11358516351001717062012-01-06T20:04:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:07:35.892-08:00Mommy Lessons {at 8 months}<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Just a few things I've learned so far...</u></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>---This is the greatest pacifier in the entire world. Period. <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/green-sprouts-Silicone-Pacifier-Pack/dp/B002F9MUUM" target="_blank">{Green Sprouts}</a></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb9augIjtO5qvH459GRl46n00Wm4ilXEKy3GRUPzJNVD-h9gCoaev_hYNIqddw4I5jdJ4GUYuOJFAFzqa_2Qt-VRQ_4ewtmKa-Wnx2IZqiTf9oySducxzVTnXCJsRTQj7Ir01laHIuXJB/s1600/Green+Sprouts+Pacifier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb9augIjtO5qvH459GRl46n00Wm4ilXEKy3GRUPzJNVD-h9gCoaev_hYNIqddw4I5jdJ4GUYuOJFAFzqa_2Qt-VRQ_4ewtmKa-Wnx2IZqiTf9oySducxzVTnXCJsRTQj7Ir01laHIuXJB/s400/Green+Sprouts+Pacifier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
---Making baby food is actually pretty easy and incredibly fun! Watching wholesome and colorful fruits and veggies transform into a puree and then seeing Lily enjoy good, natural food is pretty amazing.<br />
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---When another mother gives you awful advice or criticizes how you are raising your child, just smile and nod. It's not worth arguing or disagreeing...<em>trust me</em>...just smile and nod.<br />
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---Very few people actually care about the color, consistency, smell or even the shapes of my baby's bowel movements. Especially my non-parent friends...<em>weird, right?</em><br />
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---All the times I complained before about being tired or needing more sleep...<em>HA!</em> It's amazing how well your body can perform on little to no sleep when you have a beautiful baby smile at you! It's like downing a couple Red Bulls...she smiles and I have the energy to keep going!<br />
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---Christmas with a child is just the greatest! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBrP5dyoojk367nR937h7AQKtyId-L93lzFMBC6FPS53DzmxRHsELozMKPFUbqjwa6tuhtT8oyoKwunmLyyipe_xa2w5K5Tk7ly0nrbpAMUMCoIos2TzrRXwO9kmH6G9rKNPvuDJC0vxI/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBrP5dyoojk367nR937h7AQKtyId-L93lzFMBC6FPS53DzmxRHsELozMKPFUbqjwa6tuhtT8oyoKwunmLyyipe_xa2w5K5Tk7ly0nrbpAMUMCoIos2TzrRXwO9kmH6G9rKNPvuDJC0vxI/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
---There is no parenting debate more intense than the <em>breastfeeding vs. formula feeding</em> frenzy. <em>My goodness! </em>People are not scared to tell you right to your face <strong>EXACTLY</strong> how they feel. <em>It is just bananas!</em> There is no in between. I've been told outright that I'm a bad mother if I stop breastfeeding before Lily is one and then next conversation I'm being told how disgusting it is that I'm still doing it. <em>Avoid this conversation like the plague!</em><br />
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---You can never take enough pictures or videos to satisfy a grandmother that lives 3 hours away.<br />
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---When all else fails, just go with your gut! No book, website or other parent can tell you the right way to love and care for your child. Now, <em>of course there are guidelines,</em> but I've learned to calm down a bit and just go with what feels right.<br />
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---It's not a good idea to make a bet on the baby's gender when going in to the <em>20-whatever</em> week ultrasound. Especially, if betting that child's first Halloween costume...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7VDP3vc0ZFEvE-QynyQrdNtlJ-QTnVTtzlZb0BGpAtbwgdwS-0xLo_6EDhs-hAtwxeBwUDgD8jOPZ8lMWCDbaQDi6KpV4nBT9NZ0USq69CmduhTL3F6xDYgO8vhOiqNhBQja_Tqf9wUQ/s1600/Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7VDP3vc0ZFEvE-QynyQrdNtlJ-QTnVTtzlZb0BGpAtbwgdwS-0xLo_6EDhs-hAtwxeBwUDgD8jOPZ8lMWCDbaQDi6KpV4nBT9NZ0USq69CmduhTL3F6xDYgO8vhOiqNhBQja_Tqf9wUQ/s400/Halloween.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<br />
---And lastly...never, ever, ever, ever ever say <em>"I'll never do that with my baby!".</em> Because chances are, you'll not only do it but you will depend on it and absolutely LOVE it! <strong>Trust me!</strong>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-3202438385960013762012-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:002012-01-04T19:29:29.404-08:00Day 2: The Entry Way<div style="text-align: center;">To start the journey of our home organization, we begin with the <strong>entry way</strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">According to <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/10/day-two-organized-coat-closet.html" target="_blank">The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking</a>, we should actually be sorting our coat closet...<em>however</em>, recent renovations turned our entry way coat closet into a kitchen pantry..<em>.so there goes that!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, here is what our entry way currently looks like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bODinx28g8M/TwUWVO-9GII/AAAAAAAABtQ/QayT3wE3vPQ/s1600/Entry+Way+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bODinx28g8M/TwUWVO-9GII/AAAAAAAABtQ/QayT3wE3vPQ/s400/Entry+Way+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took this photo while standing right outside our front door. <em>Hey Ollie!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the first impression of our home and I have to say<em>...."eh".</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3S7Ygn9Ws8/TwUWtvD4aHI/AAAAAAAABtc/UwmS7I2mFQw/s1600/Entry+Way+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3S7Ygn9Ws8/TwUWtvD4aHI/AAAAAAAABtc/UwmS7I2mFQw/s400/Entry+Way+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is our front door and all of our mess directly beside it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gmsbj64R5g/TwUW2UtpJ8I/AAAAAAAABto/dbXxCMBjsys/s1600/Entry+Way+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gmsbj64R5g/TwUW2UtpJ8I/AAAAAAAABto/dbXxCMBjsys/s400/Entry+Way+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And lastly, a direct on of our front door.</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;">As you can see, we have quite a lot of work to do! So far, our plans include:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-decluttering the space <em>(including some of the coats, bags, decor and "junk")</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-painting the door and trim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-adding some fun word decor to greet our guests</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-adding a fun rug to the space</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-and a couple of surprises!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Do you have any suggestions to organize our entry way? </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Please share!</em></span></div>Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266474765735548209.post-3354137974106970172012-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:002012-01-03T17:00:43.634-08:00Here we go 2012!<div style="text-align: center;">Well howdy 2012! <em>Boy, did you sneak up on me!</em></div><br />
Now that the craziness of the Fall has come and gone, I'm finally able to sit down at a computer for more than just a few seconds...<em>now, a few minutes!</em><br />
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To welcome 2012, I only set a few goals for myself and my family:<br />
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<strong>1. Get healthy and back in shape!</strong> Thanks to an awesome jogging stroller from Santa, this might not be so difficult! Diet is a dirty word to me so instead of heading down the path purely for weight loss, I've decided to just get healthy, make better decisions and exercise more. <em>Shouldn't be too painful, right!</em><br />
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<strong>2. Continue to breastfeed little Lily until her first birthday.</strong> I know how controversial the <em>breastfeeding vs. formula</em> debate can be, but this seems to be working for us. As hard as it is sometimes, I do enjoy the bonding and I have a fabulous husband that supports me! Lily is going to be 8 months next week <em>(WOW!),</em> so only 4 more months to go!<br />
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<strong>3. More "date" nights!</strong> Chris and I are so in love with our little one and leaving her is never easy...but we haven't gone out just the two of us in such a long time! So, our goal is to have "date" nights once a month! <em>Calling all babysitters!</em><br />
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<strong>4. Promote the heck out of Bliss Events by Rachel!</strong> <a href="http://www.blisseventsbyrachel.com/">Bliss Events by Rachel</a> is my boutique special events firm in South Louisiana specializing in blissfully wonderful weddings and social soirees! Follow my <a href="http://www.blisseventsbyrachel.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and "like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BlissEventsbyRachel" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! =)<br />
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<strong>5. Create an organized and "Pinterst" perfect home!</strong> I've decided to follow <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/10/31-days-to-organized-home-day-one.html" target="_blank">The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking's 31 Days to an Organized Home.</a> But I'm going to give it a little <em>"twist".</em> I not only want to get organized...I want to get "pinterest" perfect! What is "pinterest" perfect? <em>Glad you asked</em>! I love getting inspiration from <a href="http://pinterest.com/blissbyrachel/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for projects, meals, events and home decor. I want to put my creativity to the test and create a space that inspires others...and makes everyone in the Henry family just generally happy! I'm not silly enough to think this will only take 31 days....clearly it will take a lot longer than that...but it will be my guide!<br />
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And, of course, my goal is to blog more than just once a season! Hope you all had a fabulous start to 2012!Rachel Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05099319747109521508noreply@blogger.com0