tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50352080801292813802024-02-07T12:05:43.774-08:00Home With CynthiaCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-42251950760962689662016-08-20T21:08:00.000-07:002016-08-20T21:08:01.413-07:00Um... ok, so it's been awhile.<br />
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Again.<br />
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I have a good excuse this time - it was my last few semesters of college (3.75 gpa, whoo hoo!), and immediately after graduation, I moved!<br />
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And it wasn't your every-day, run of the mill local move. Nope, not this girl. I packed everything I could in and on the car, and took off for Colorado.<br />
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I went from this..<br />
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To this...</div>
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Elevation of 600 feet, to 6,000 feet. </div>
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I've been here for three months now, and it's taken about that long to get really acclimated to the higher altitude. Lasts weekend I was up around 10,000 feet, and it didn't bother me much at all.</div>
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Why Colorado?</div>
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Why, indeed!</div>
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The Colorado photos were taken by me on various road trips. There will be many more as Autumn turns the aspens to gold, and the first flakes of snow dust the mountaintops. Stay tuned!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-610716134936658302015-03-08T12:24:00.000-07:002015-03-08T12:24:02.671-07:00On making macarons....I found myself needing a project. Not a short-term, done in a few hours type of work. I wanted something that would build on itself, a <i>skill</i>. Hmm.... French cooking! (How do I come up with this stuff?)<br />
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In researching and planning my vacation to Europe, I came across several mentions of this delightful French cookie called a macaron. Not a macaroon, mind you, which is a delightfully chewy coconut cookie. <i> Non! </i> These are light-as-air creations, pretty as can be. And I have never (until a few weeks ago) had one, yet knew I had to make them! So I hustled down to the local Central Market, and purchased two from the patisserie. They were scrumptious! At $1.89 each, and no bigger than a half-dollar, they had better be... and that's where the challenge began.<br />
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Macarons have a bad reputation.<br />
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They get their bad rep because it's been said they are very difficult, temperamental - <i>caprecieux</i>, if you will. Recipes conflict each other across the board - let the egg whites rest for 24 hours, it doesn't matter. Don't make them on a rainy/hot/cold day, it doesn't matter. It's enough to make you throw your hands up in the air and exclaim <i>Mon Dieu</i>! What have I gotten myself into?<br />
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All my research led me to a delightful blog called Brave Tart - a talented young baker named Stella created this blog, and it is famous for its section on macarons. See the recipe <a href="http://bravetart.com/recipes/Macarons" target="_blank">HERE</a>. She has several pages on just how to create this <i>fanastique </i>French favorite.<br />
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I gave it a whirl myself, and now I'm hooked. Let me tell you my story about how I made macarons...<br />
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First, the ingredients!<br />
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Don't mind the orange, I thought I would be able to make two different batches. I made one kind, almond cookie with raspberry jam filling.</div>
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Measure carefully! I found a nifty little kitchen scale at the thrift store for $2. Go by weight, not volume. Factors such as humidity, or how a product was stored, can affect volume. This is the almond flour (also called almond meal). I found this little gravy ladle is perfect for scooping stuff out of a bag and into the measuring cup.</div>
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Same with the sugar - weight, not volume.</div>
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The instructions said to blend the sugar and almond together with a rubber spatula. Ok, I had a big one... somewhere... but I could only find this little one! I have since remedied that problem!</div>
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More measuring... I want to find a piece of plastic to glue to the top of the scale, the little base is just not big enough! I have to be very careful, or it will tip over. Don't ask how I know this.</div>
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This is why you add eggs to a bowl first, not the batch of ingredients!</div>
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Set a timer! A lot of recipes call for a stand mixer, but I don't have one (yet). Hand-held electric beaters work fine. You will do this for quite some time, at least 9 minutes. Just when you think the egg whites and sugar won't come together, they do! Be patient!</div>
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This is after 9 minutes of beating on high, and adding the gel color. Don't use the liquid, it'll just not work. Gel colors are $1.79 at WalMart, and a little goes a long, long way!</div>
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Finally! Very stiff peaks is the goal!</div>
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Folding in the almond/sugar mixture. Keep folding, not beating. You want it to be lava-like, where it will hold a shape, and not run all over. I think I didn't fold enough, and that was a problem later on.</div>
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Ok, so my piping technique needs work. Next time I'm going to use a cheat-sheet - a sheet of parchment with circles drawn on it underneath, so each cookie is the same size. Also, see the tops? My meringue was just a little too stiff. A few more folds would have corrected this.</div>
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Not bad for a first-time try. The cracks could have been solved by letting the pan rest for 20 minutes before baking.</div>
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With a schmear of raspberry preserves!</div>
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They may not have looked perfect, but they sure tasted good! And they're even better the next day!</div>
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So much for my first try at macarons. I'm going to try again, and this time I want to try blood orange, with blood orange buttercream filling. </div>
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What is the most challenging recipe you've ever attempted?</div>
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-46165133626093495832015-01-09T15:51:00.000-08:002015-01-09T15:58:55.153-08:00It's cold outside. <br />
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No, really. To us Texans, 35 is cold. Anything below freezing, and we hunker down inside by the fire. My son is in Minnesota. Right now, anything above freezing is shorts and t-shirt weather.<br />
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Then again, along about August, if it falls below 90, we throw an extra blanket on the bed, and get out a jacket!<br />
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Winter weather means winter food. And winter food, to me, is easy food. Stew, soup, chili - dump it in a pot, and in an hour or so, you have a hearty and delicious meal. And because all that stewing can tenderize a not-so-tender cut of meat, it can be very economical as well. So I thought I'd post some photos and - well, not a recipe per se, but more of a "how-I-did-it" in case anyone wants to try their hand at making these yummy concoctions!<br />
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Recently I had a nasty cold. That calls for the old standby, chicken soup. Jewish penicillin if you will. Chicken breast, corn, green beans, carrots, a bay leaf or two, and broth, with some parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it cook. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBNbKl-bWPmvYFDSgRQS1wxK4nmVoYxQ1SH_DRarZUuJD64QhWTEM6qYawbb3O1cu0YSf8askuiQUqTN5rbfxTChJHfewzUYf2nZDMnLG4JAqBqdbegmlbCpWuiAdCSilOaY3ZBT-Ws4/s1600/chickenrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBNbKl-bWPmvYFDSgRQS1wxK4nmVoYxQ1SH_DRarZUuJD64QhWTEM6qYawbb3O1cu0YSf8askuiQUqTN5rbfxTChJHfewzUYf2nZDMnLG4JAqBqdbegmlbCpWuiAdCSilOaY3ZBT-Ws4/s1600/chickenrice.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I get a hankering for beef stew, but even stew beef is pricey these days. Nothing wrong with burger stew! Brown the burger, add carrots, potatoes, onions, whatever other veggies, bay, and seasoning. Not the best photo, but you get the idea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqGQ3Ydqz0_JjWQzkwrHpKN13stXsBzEpxIaOLN6JOGvsFb1vh_bKoPMUfjRE8WFQtFDpM5l3XqIKjqZpD-ac9p1daXv4usDaYGgSs3VhzM83TZmyxdQEu14ikhVZ9xarv6AyMVsI1V4/s1600/burgerstew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqGQ3Ydqz0_JjWQzkwrHpKN13stXsBzEpxIaOLN6JOGvsFb1vh_bKoPMUfjRE8WFQtFDpM5l3XqIKjqZpD-ac9p1daXv4usDaYGgSs3VhzM83TZmyxdQEu14ikhVZ9xarv6AyMVsI1V4/s1600/burgerstew.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
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Tonight's creation is turkey chowder. The local grocer had turkeys for $,49 an pound - such a steal! So the wings, thighs, and legs went to simmer with bay, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Once the meat was falling off the bone, I scooped it out, and separated it, being sure to save some for the pups, and I drained the stock into a large bowl. Chop up about a half pound of lean bacon, potatoes, carrots, onion... whatever else you like, I added corn and green beans - then 1.5 cups of half and half, and enough stock to cover. A little parsley and pepper, then let that pot of goodness simmer until the potatoes are done. Winter goodness! </div>
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Sometimes if it seems a little thin, I'll add a slurry of cornstarch and water, and let that bubble up for a few minutes, Not much - just enough to give it a little extra "body."</div>
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Finally, you can't talk about hearty winter food without mentioning a big bowl of red. Good ol' chili. Whether you make it from scratch, or cheat a little and doctor up a can of Wolf Brand (more ground beef, cumin, garlic, onion, and spicy to your taste), there's nothing like it on a cold evening. Add shredded cheddar and a big dollop of sour cream, and let your saltine cracker dive in!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO4DMzOS0Z3BL4sl-bqCc16U0GRaD0SKMziiC_BxVs30sdbDpM1xoTwiOg8Z9uSBKX1r7Lp22UxyO7PbrxUy2P7TxUfCyMQDTLh3Xov0wgUlxr3Nj9zfWFKRwufEEKQHAv6tknDnOaNU/s1600/chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO4DMzOS0Z3BL4sl-bqCc16U0GRaD0SKMziiC_BxVs30sdbDpM1xoTwiOg8Z9uSBKX1r7Lp22UxyO7PbrxUy2P7TxUfCyMQDTLh3Xov0wgUlxr3Nj9zfWFKRwufEEKQHAv6tknDnOaNU/s1600/chili.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's your favorite winter meal?</div>
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-54396827158065907112014-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:002014-12-05T21:34:10.541-08:00Sewing....and a pattern reviewI have been on the hunt for the perfect tunic pattern for months - nay, years! I love the look of a soft tunic with coordinating leggings. I can wear the look to work and you know what? It's the closest thing to being in my pajamas, and still looking presentable! <br />
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So when I glanced at the New Look pattern rack at my local Walmart a few weeks ago, lo and behold, New Look 6323 jumped up and said "Hey! Here I am!" Since wally world discounts patterns, for $2.99 it was worth a shot.<br />
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The cut of this tunic is simple, it flows nicely over the body - like love, it covers a multitude of sins! (1Peter 4:8) The pattern works well with any knit fabric - I've made three of them so far, with a 4th waiting to be cut out in the morning! I made size XL as the pattern runs, and it fits more like a 1x. The arms are a little long, but I like it that way, and better too long than not enough! It takes less than two hours to create a top. I've made the leggings out of a heavier cotton/poly/spandex blend - they fit more like a pant than a super-snug legging, but that's ok too. <br />
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Here's the pattern...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAuf8sj_T-j6r5m38XA8T-w4LRopVG_-j_1vJ-FRdZ902I2gCh2yUhBmbKnHA-PG6PR_AJbkh6di_H7LvarJ1QG0YqPmKquL4YK2JIq6Ykvet1Xp-kvJKeH6kllxIZmhzyhLGXIsEMMk/s1600/pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAuf8sj_T-j6r5m38XA8T-w4LRopVG_-j_1vJ-FRdZ902I2gCh2yUhBmbKnHA-PG6PR_AJbkh6di_H7LvarJ1QG0YqPmKquL4YK2JIq6Ykvet1Xp-kvJKeH6kllxIZmhzyhLGXIsEMMk/s1600/pattern.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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The first tunic I made, I used the neckband. Ugh, what a pain that was! And for me, the neckline was a little low. So I changed the neckline to use a facing instead, and raised it about 1.5". I'll make another adjustment on this next one, and that is to bring in the back neckline a little bit, it's kind of wide. All versions so far are the longer hemline, v-neckline, and long sleeves.<br />
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I don't have a photo of the first tunic, and it's in the laundry right now, I'll get one tomorrow...<br />
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The second tunic was made from a kitten-soft silvery gray and black velour - not a whole lot of stretch to it, and because of that the arms are a little snug. Looks incredible with black leggings and boots. A silvery gray scarf finishes the look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIkAEgbLhvXDgm1wJ_dqDcxMrAN3z3r61scAZY59XPuA3Q6xMBfSTfGpwg-oFTRvAUgq4NdKsVDjiHwVUrhqvf6w5U6TetIE8dBjNkNxGoQuucIjdilX7J1sxdJkW6W0xR7bN9uACNho/s1600/silvervelour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIkAEgbLhvXDgm1wJ_dqDcxMrAN3z3r61scAZY59XPuA3Q6xMBfSTfGpwg-oFTRvAUgq4NdKsVDjiHwVUrhqvf6w5U6TetIE8dBjNkNxGoQuucIjdilX7J1sxdJkW6W0xR7bN9uACNho/s1600/silvervelour.jpg" height="320" width="182" /></a></div>
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Oh and look, I made earrings to match! Dark gray, light gray, and white pearls, and crystal AB beads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACCNbqUxnlPj0qVCOadpQhqWOxlz3bYjsoId_FUnaBYJ_LnhqYvczMb7nfXLJCnZdozVOh1bFzNLE5oFt8232g89FsRMCl-AQqFEQ5h_C03v5zBHLw0v7kz7rkMmmuOxbAEIXNiJI8dY/s1600/silverpearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACCNbqUxnlPj0qVCOadpQhqWOxlz3bYjsoId_FUnaBYJ_LnhqYvczMb7nfXLJCnZdozVOh1bFzNLE5oFt8232g89FsRMCl-AQqFEQ5h_C03v5zBHLw0v7kz7rkMmmuOxbAEIXNiJI8dY/s1600/silverpearls.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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Next is a delightful rayon/poly blend, sooo soft (I have this thing for softness!) and very stretchy. Found it on sale at Joann's for like $5 a yard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwQ1t4ym-_FySvl5bZ-o2GcoWfR_BMlt0PoPGfKTuEYDx9ybKjwXSNUiWP5jCHFa1_w4JqTGEcpToYqmoPPAxey0rlzQxkX2TQjvWBZo7z65XkZoayqErIrsQczW3_aolJNh5Geuz3DA/s1600/floral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwQ1t4ym-_FySvl5bZ-o2GcoWfR_BMlt0PoPGfKTuEYDx9ybKjwXSNUiWP5jCHFa1_w4JqTGEcpToYqmoPPAxey0rlzQxkX2TQjvWBZo7z65XkZoayqErIrsQczW3_aolJNh5Geuz3DA/s1600/floral.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></div>
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And yes I made matching earrings, but no photo... I'll edit in the morning. I also made the leggings out of a heavier knit that matches the darkest purple. I could also wear this with gray, black, or dark olive. And I have enough of the print fabric left over for an infinity scarf!</div>
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Another pattern I'm working with is Vogue 8691. I'm using a black and turquoise lace over a solid turquoise knit. I'm a little bogged down with this, as it's like making 2 shirts... but that's another post!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RcplJanxCBBNHKoxe-EG_3Neg4_ZjpUuh1dGTr6vb9goXCxHT1p9MvNzIxAf6pMF24gHg4Q6jtiuDPHgM31fgSZHD5q2J-dEFNLMJGw-LlZ_pqeqUorRO8E7mIunp0f74CUrXQgY8CE/s1600/vogue+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RcplJanxCBBNHKoxe-EG_3Neg4_ZjpUuh1dGTr6vb9goXCxHT1p9MvNzIxAf6pMF24gHg4Q6jtiuDPHgM31fgSZHD5q2J-dEFNLMJGw-LlZ_pqeqUorRO8E7mIunp0f74CUrXQgY8CE/s1600/vogue+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have another fabric upstairs in the sewing room that is just itching to be cut out in the New Look pattern - but that's still another blog post!</div>
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I'll leave you with these words of wisdom - measure <strike>twice</strike> three times, cut once! The first set of measurements are your own. The second set of measurements are the pattern - measure edge to edge and remove seam allowance from each piece - so if underarm to underarm on the front pattern piece is 22", and you want a half-inch seam allowance, that will have a finished width of 21". The third set of measurements are the actual garment measurements. Patterns don't always run true to their size chart, so measure, measure, measure!</div>
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What pattern is your favorite, that you make time and time again?</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-9857533600893866182014-11-08T09:17:00.001-08:002014-11-08T09:41:51.200-08:00In the sewing room...So I've started doing a little of what might be called "selfish sewing" - that means I'm making something just for me, not for someone else, for sale, whatever. And it's nothing fancy, but I'm pretty pleased with the results.<br />
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Doing some window shopping on Net-a-Porter, I came across this shirt, and really liked the idea of the ruffle peeking out from the bottom. <br />
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Not so much the price tag! I think it was around $50 or so, and I just can't see that. So the creative juices started flowing, and here's what I started with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86qSgETbuSlgqROV48yOWhyphenhypheniKuiIY3X7w4wjcpZB5KNGYt4I9xGIhpA5H8BCu2dpMoLH_Pt7lZmqrj2VO4UJpdkLwHtsAqbUPhz9JVVon1E1w7YXtcAeIBGTOWqAf2r3vvMGYJ4z8Wjw/s1600/shirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86qSgETbuSlgqROV48yOWhyphenhypheniKuiIY3X7w4wjcpZB5KNGYt4I9xGIhpA5H8BCu2dpMoLH_Pt7lZmqrj2VO4UJpdkLwHtsAqbUPhz9JVVon1E1w7YXtcAeIBGTOWqAf2r3vvMGYJ4z8Wjw/s1600/shirt1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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A length of pretty chiffon and a thrifted long-sleeve tee. Chiffon I think was less than $5 a yard, and the tee was $2. So I'm in it for $7 so far.</div>
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My first step is to measure the hem of the tee. Remember, it stretches, and you'll use that stretch later. After measuring, I added about 12" to the number, allowing 6" of stretch for front and 6" for the back. You'll see why.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg3ExZJEP6wpBeVA-_E2RWRXa0BxWZLwWYb0yLv18wyH5g0lquj6KumxagGJyFe2LFgfwl6G4xRCkuL07PzhMSA3fWfYdGjeezuQtAIZXwlr_2CBq3bexspZgleYteOzUTxyiBmJB6gM/s1600/shirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg3ExZJEP6wpBeVA-_E2RWRXa0BxWZLwWYb0yLv18wyH5g0lquj6KumxagGJyFe2LFgfwl6G4xRCkuL07PzhMSA3fWfYdGjeezuQtAIZXwlr_2CBq3bexspZgleYteOzUTxyiBmJB6gM/s1600/shirt2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I figured I wanted about 3" of print showing under the shirt. I could have gone wider, this was just a number I thought would work nicely. Take in to account the inch or so from the bottom of the tee to the hem stitching, and a tiny bit that will be serged off. Cut a band DOUBLE that. So 3" to show, and 1"-ish for hem, and I cut an 8" wide section of chiffon. You can tear it also, that way you are straight on the grain. (Note - depending on your yardage, you may need to sew two pieces together to make one long band, that's what I had to do. Just make sure the pieces are even for front and back.)</div>
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Then fold it in half, WRONG sides together! You can press it if you like. Pin together. Notice the seam line, this was because my length of chiffon wasn't long enough to go around <strike>my wide butt</strike> the hem of the tee. Just make sure they're two equal lengths for front and back, you'll see in a sec.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv3TFgkZvS8e7gltKN900TnUVU-UNUQwEspmj8C0jWu2YOClfgpioxDIt7N-z5HyjL88KgOl76D2-AGGtDHwTysHabOZoYvZG0OXE1JQIdyX_4psstSD8Od54jkk5kIRA5AngHxhvQZU/s1600/shirt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv3TFgkZvS8e7gltKN900TnUVU-UNUQwEspmj8C0jWu2YOClfgpioxDIt7N-z5HyjL88KgOl76D2-AGGtDHwTysHabOZoYvZG0OXE1JQIdyX_4psstSD8Od54jkk5kIRA5AngHxhvQZU/s1600/shirt4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Handy with a serger? Then you can probably skip pins. If not, remember to REMOVE the pins before you get to the mechanism!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGhgzrBqAYS8l1dhvRQxaNAesPvf9k0UOuM1fnZigPi9xgHoEu12KrPK3cLunT3RRbRAE5Hj4gXmGtKvKbUvXM93UI0RrG7n6JEw2ZZd3aPAvEICl-wYuYa3GHUBdqUu-i8tIBg6XXk/s1600/shirt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGhgzrBqAYS8l1dhvRQxaNAesPvf9k0UOuM1fnZigPi9xgHoEu12KrPK3cLunT3RRbRAE5Hj4gXmGtKvKbUvXM93UI0RrG7n6JEw2ZZd3aPAvEICl-wYuYa3GHUBdqUu-i8tIBg6XXk/s1600/shirt5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now it's time to pin! Place the serged edge along the hem on the inside of the tee. If you used two sections of chiffon, make sure seams meet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd94O18Xze_YazI1_Mp-mVZQoCKECcKWaV3rjCfw4IsiJ_vSxvcELD72kUFlZV8Tbx54wL37bn3Os0pm1o6PHpzbBEjxF0SK1wfCRheLe3uDnOPmTzoE7Z_ZHSlmpbl-AFuyn48N0_v8/s1600/shirt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd94O18Xze_YazI1_Mp-mVZQoCKECcKWaV3rjCfw4IsiJ_vSxvcELD72kUFlZV8Tbx54wL37bn3Os0pm1o6PHpzbBEjxF0SK1wfCRheLe3uDnOPmTzoE7Z_ZHSlmpbl-AFuyn48N0_v8/s1600/shirt6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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You will have more band than tee. The way I did this was 1) pin each side seam. Stretch to where the tee is the same as the band and 2) pin the center. Then 3) pin halfway between the side and center... and so on.</div>
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Clear as mud? Lookey here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj973QO9dELTLwmQLamVtg6aQp9LdCyaI90w8nLiSwmdOeNe7SWh07R-8rZ1s1gmkYrhGc9dv6cNVT2CxP6-8QPfaFhbTCRtZpVX2RwgGxlGAr6aIkdHNtjDpMyrzfKVZHtLrKJOIaDZMQ/s1600/shirt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj973QO9dELTLwmQLamVtg6aQp9LdCyaI90w8nLiSwmdOeNe7SWh07R-8rZ1s1gmkYrhGc9dv6cNVT2CxP6-8QPfaFhbTCRtZpVX2RwgGxlGAr6aIkdHNtjDpMyrzfKVZHtLrKJOIaDZMQ/s1600/shirt7.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you sew the band, you're going to gently stretch the tee to take up the slack. And this is easy, because you have the twin-needle hem stitching as a guide, just stitch right in the middle of the two. Slowly. Really.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNR_uv7lztQImTwW5Yg5OsWXiACCP2NHa-gZAWA76ZGwY_BlJsp4PRNt7GAHkhYgAsFjLoAwHMvg1fSeyxqAAvV_UcM3B67hiKArCJ8PIP4xhHL7lfPa4lY6ar2e2KkZsxBrf50yFivE/s1600/shirt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNR_uv7lztQImTwW5Yg5OsWXiACCP2NHa-gZAWA76ZGwY_BlJsp4PRNt7GAHkhYgAsFjLoAwHMvg1fSeyxqAAvV_UcM3B67hiKArCJ8PIP4xhHL7lfPa4lY6ar2e2KkZsxBrf50yFivE/s1600/shirt8.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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And that's it! I also made a matching infinity scarf (that's my next tutorial) and wore the outfit to church the next morning. Compliments all around! Any questions, let me know and I'll answer the best I can. Maybe a version in lace next?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq3WHMJKUhmdLZw4Nf_hfmTGXucjkoinkxBcDV3LvbyUYDg549NkVGvboU5n3qFQSK0Jgyw1r9wU2NiQpUDIF_3bg2qCROtgu2KhovTKIGuZTqX_bBA34gESUtZ84TkH61ah9bd0BvtA/s1600/shirt9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq3WHMJKUhmdLZw4Nf_hfmTGXucjkoinkxBcDV3LvbyUYDg549NkVGvboU5n3qFQSK0Jgyw1r9wU2NiQpUDIF_3bg2qCROtgu2KhovTKIGuZTqX_bBA34gESUtZ84TkH61ah9bd0BvtA/s1600/shirt9.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7iHbiUmyVLvwkV6GWaguk59TNN-3q6x84lPyy3PuRRde7Yo9COt4vUVJG4n8yAWr7fmRf3yAcQ-LriLxGBGNVJ2GDz6iDDY40aQ72huVqFngvR8udXl3J_0F-qozcEJDg7wlyXHr5Mg/s1600/inspiration1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7iHbiUmyVLvwkV6GWaguk59TNN-3q6x84lPyy3PuRRde7Yo9COt4vUVJG4n8yAWr7fmRf3yAcQ-LriLxGBGNVJ2GDz6iDDY40aQ72huVqFngvR8udXl3J_0F-qozcEJDg7wlyXHr5Mg/s1600/inspiration1.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-80840502651489994042014-07-20T12:52:00.001-07:002014-07-20T13:06:20.460-07:00Refinishing furniture... not as easy as it looks!So I have some nice furniture pieces that I obtained many years ago - very nice quality. But after kids, dogs, country life... it all took a toll on the lovely finish. So to go along with my French Country feel, I decided to paint and then wipe stain on it for an antique-y vibe.<br />
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Other bloggers make it look EASY. It's NOT. It takes time, and lots of it. I spent at least 8 hours on this one piece. That doesn't include the trips to Hobby Lobby for the fixture, or Home Depot for the drill bit. And it was hard work! But I think it paid off. <br />
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I followed this blog entry, over at <a href="http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2011/01/how-i-glaze-furniture.html">Sweet Pickins - How I Glaze Furniture</a>. The one thing I did differently is not put the stain in the glaze, I just wiped the stain on the cabinet. I have a matching coffee table to work on as well, and I'll definitely add the glaze. You have to work really fast with just stain.<br />
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Let's have some pictures!<br />
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This is the cabinet/side table/end table/whateveryouwannacallit before - sorry for the bad photos, they're all from my phone... and choosing a piece with beaded board in the front and back was probably not the best choice for a first-time project, but I'm happy with it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrv0wYMKdmIIiSLV0sRIp8FluOWiGEHXCj6ocw109tLqNpaf7vOj3p5U5MJHmT6HU6cK0ReCGSuVErOR3T7tiVboApKXVBBjUJ09SNEGFKO8AQJUHMDRKET_JnsMZg_PZeQKqw9fxYjM/s1600/startcabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrv0wYMKdmIIiSLV0sRIp8FluOWiGEHXCj6ocw109tLqNpaf7vOj3p5U5MJHmT6HU6cK0ReCGSuVErOR3T7tiVboApKXVBBjUJ09SNEGFKO8AQJUHMDRKET_JnsMZg_PZeQKqw9fxYjM/s1600/startcabinet.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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Let's do a light sanding, although the paint I used, Behr Premium Plus, really didn't require it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvjrJLlUQDe2D6OsXEdtFqShwCuD6thYVzscjrv97qiHNwTapjqdQk5Xcb0GNIPqGcdjch3zwkT8EE80Kqjcs5FuI3jwukTSsa4cEkrke3vnvnGShqURozOyKXiIGAJUrWyJXHOgCM2M/s1600/sanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvjrJLlUQDe2D6OsXEdtFqShwCuD6thYVzscjrv97qiHNwTapjqdQk5Xcb0GNIPqGcdjch3zwkT8EE80Kqjcs5FuI3jwukTSsa4cEkrke3vnvnGShqURozOyKXiIGAJUrWyJXHOgCM2M/s1600/sanding.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
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After sanding, wipe it down with a damp rage - I used a chunk of an old t-shirt.</div>
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This is the paint color - sort of a light vanilla, called "Innocent."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKkg-6hR6RUEzfNm5KXvvB-KAVbxVehiw95tCp7yrPYpb_EVoptcJ92fHNThIH4ov7gQpNp2_RlzdffXPnWdV8Y0BJYljIXcL3DpRIgjtmr9_MLcFhrIYrrnNyHyo0Bwv8l2t4Lk1bx4/s1600/innocent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKkg-6hR6RUEzfNm5KXvvB-KAVbxVehiw95tCp7yrPYpb_EVoptcJ92fHNThIH4ov7gQpNp2_RlzdffXPnWdV8Y0BJYljIXcL3DpRIgjtmr9_MLcFhrIYrrnNyHyo0Bwv8l2t4Lk1bx4/s1600/innocent.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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Let's get it started!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIXM7FBKKNWn7VbH1CuyHJzZomQ_dwK2wdPb6fNTZD4KitbEJ7H_r5gi3V5zEIN4LfkPrXOaOFptILbREj35v5NobnkyPD7XvHy9AX279j2HIwqwXO7vxkTVnmDCbDsuS8p__4yyFY2c/s1600/startpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIXM7FBKKNWn7VbH1CuyHJzZomQ_dwK2wdPb6fNTZD4KitbEJ7H_r5gi3V5zEIN4LfkPrXOaOFptILbREj35v5NobnkyPD7XvHy9AX279j2HIwqwXO7vxkTVnmDCbDsuS8p__4yyFY2c/s1600/startpainting.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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I used two coats. The first coat was not very smooth, kind of blotchy, but that's ok. Second coat pretty much covered everything.</div>
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Now the staining part - no photos, because my hands were in rubber gloves, and I had to work very quickly in the short time between wiping it on and rubbing it off. Hint: Be careful where you sand for distressing. If you sand over the paint, like on a flat part, your stain will catch in there. Be sure you have straight lines! I used Minwax Jacobean - the same stuff I used on the basket from a few weeks ago.</div>
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Here is the difference between painted, and stained.</div>
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Time to add the new fixture - the original was just a plain wooden knob. I think this one adds more character, and it was half off! Also notice how I made sure the stain was kind of "puddled" at the bottom, because that's where dirt and stuff would be if this were an older piece.</div>
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Finally, about 2 pm Sunday afternoon, after starting around 11 Saturday morning, I'm done! I love the hardware, and think it will make a very pretty place for... hmm... not sure. Maybe the tv will go on top of it.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-85738179600432246932014-07-12T20:12:00.000-07:002014-07-12T20:12:23.915-07:00Back from the fabric outlets.......and my feet <i>hurt</i>! I was in and out of every outlet store in Dallas (off Harry Hines and Perth Street) for what seemed like - wait, it <i>was </i>- hours. Finally, at the new location of Wherehouse Fabrics (where Best Fabrics was, til they moved across the street) I found it! A lovely tan-based jacquard with a floral print. And 25% off! As an aside, I found a nice rug for the living room too!<br />
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Here's the rug and soon-to-be curtains.<br />
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I also picked up a few pieces of chiffon - I'm going to try my hand at making some scarves!<br />
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So... yeah, tomorrow I'm going to tackle the curtains. Updates as they happen!<br />
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-55696927886719203212014-07-12T08:35:00.000-07:002014-07-12T08:35:20.538-07:00A quick little project....Here's a quickie project I did over 4th of July weekend. I had a shelf that had been hanging around for <i>years </i>- honestly, like 15 years - and I always thought of doing something with it - but what? <br />
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Since I had painted an old dresser for my bedroom, I decided to paint this shelf the same color. At Home Depot I found some vinyl-covered cup hooks for dirt cheap, added those, and lookey lookey, a new way to display my scarves! Previously, my scarves were hanging in my closet on shower curtain rings, but that never worked well - the rings all slid to one end, and before long, the scarves slid off the rings. This way, they're nicely hanging, and I can see what's there!<br />
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Before painting, I used a spray-paint primer, since the original shelf was stained and I didn't want any bleed-through. Then two quick coats of paint - I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra - it's supposed to have primer built in to the paint, but I'd rather err on the side of caution, and used a Krylon spray primer.<br />
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Here's the final result! Sorry it's just a phone photo.... but you get the drift! It looks crooked, but... yeah, it might be. Hanging around all those years... oh well, <i>I</i> like it.<br />
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I have a few other projects waiting in the wings - refinish another dresser, a coffee table, and an end table, and a door. I was given (or swapped rather!) a 36x80 steel exterior door in exchange for a western-style big decorative hook. Since my scheme is going French country, it just didn't fit, and I knew someone who would love it. The door is going to be my cutting table. All it needs is a little sanding, and a coat or two of glossy spray paint. And the desk, oh yeah, the desk... another find for my sewing room... Lots to do, and limited time. </div>
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Off to be creative....</div>
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-6572657087544353792014-07-05T14:56:00.000-07:002014-07-05T14:59:54.997-07:00Up and Running!Umm... yeah, so it's been awhile. Hey, what's a few years between friends?<br />
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In the past two years I've done a few things. Returned to school - studying for my certification as a paralegal, and lemme tell ya, it ain't easy. Keeping an average above 3.5 though. Yay!<br />
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My son has officially moved out. *sigh* It's hard when the baby birds spread their wings and leave the nest, but it's a good thing. He's involved with <a href="http://heartlandmc.com/">Heartland Master's Commission</a> and will be finishing his third year this fall! Then he'll be looking for a position as a worship leader. <br />
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I think the biggest issue I dealt with in the past two years is breast cancer. Only through God's grace was I diagnosed with a non-invasive type, and only had to have a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous spot, and six weeks of radiation treatment. No chemo! So far, everything is great, and I have my one-year follow up mammogram in August. Ladies, get your mammograms!<br />
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Ok, now - I'm reviving this blog because I'm getting started in a lot of DIY projects. Painting, staining, sewing, all are on my plate for the rest of the summer, so my place of residence can look like a home. So be prepared for (duh duh duhhhhh....) tutorials!<br />
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And here's my first - staining a basket!<br />
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I'm a huuuuge thrifter. I don't think I've bought anything new (well, I got a new car, kind of an "I survived" gift to myself) in ages. I find designer fashion at some great thrift stores for pennies on the dollar. Furniture? Ha. Wait til you see what I'm a-gonna do.<br />
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Today I went shopping for a big basket, because I'm the type who kicks her shoes off right after coming inside. I'm just not a big "shoe-wearer" so off they go. And I needed a better way to keep them together. Off to the local thrift shop, and voila! I found a big basket for all of two bucks! (And some toile and ticking chair cushions, but that's another post!) <br />
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I hated the color, so out came the stain! I used Minwax in Jacobean - it can get really dark with multiple layers, but I just wanted to knock the color down a bit.<br />
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Ok, step one - make sure everything is covered with a plastic drop cloth, because this stuff... uh... stains! You'll also need a cheap brush - you're gonna mess it up digging into all the little crevices, so an expensive brush is not necessary. Finally, a clean rag to wipe down the basket. I used an old t-shirt. Of my son's. And he's not here *sniff*....<br />
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Here is the basket, fresh from the thrift shop. It has that almost orange-ish color that really has no personality.<br />
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I cleaned it out thoroughly, then went to town! The stain is like water - I was really surprised how much I used, about 3/4 of a small can. I guess wicker is dry, and soaks up the stain like a sponge!<br />
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Here's the bottom - I did this part first, then flipped it over and did the other side. You can already see the stain bringing out some nice detail. I only wiped it lightly with the cloth, as I wanted to keep a good bit of the stain on there.<br />
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Remember I said you have to dig in to make sure everything gets stain on it? Smush that brush in there!<br />
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The final product! Sitting on the porch outside, drying. Be sure to let it dry at least overnight in a dry climate, longer in a humid climate.<br />
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What do you think? I like it. I put extra stain along the edges, just for... cuz I liked it.<br />
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Pin it!<br />
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-81316817012528721242012-09-05T18:16:00.000-07:002012-09-05T18:16:06.161-07:00On cleaning house and planning a vacation...<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yeahhhh... if you walked into my apartment this instant, you might not know I was cleaning. But I was - kind of more in a mental way, than a physical way. The physical comes later in the week. But mentally? I'm almost finished.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's a bit of a story in all this...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I spent more than a few years as a seamstress, sewing outfits for gals who showed horses in western classes - and because I liked to offer variety to clients, amassed a <strong>HUGE</strong> fabric collection. "<em>Addicted</em>" might describe my relationship with fabric. But I'm really close to clean. I decided to make one last stab at selling what is in my stash, pulled out my favorites just in case a friend needs a rail shirt, and toss the rest.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, I said toss it. In the dumpster.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It represents a time in my life that was in some ways good - able to be a SAHM while my son was in school from 6th to 10th grade, a way to stay connected to horse showing, and a way to be creative AND get some cash for it all. But it represents a bad time - a cheating husband who is now an ex, a broken leg, other health issues - and I really want that behind me know. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So the best of that time is in a plastic tub in the closet, and if the urge to sew strikes me, then I'll do it. In the meantime, I actually did do some physical cleaning, and found - *gasp* - my grandmother's silver. It isn't the full collection, but it's a good bit of it. The box weighs at least 5 pounds, and the silver is mostly .800 grade. Worth a little cash! And there's a piece or two of sterling as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The pattern isn't very pretty (to me) and I haven't even opened the box in 10 years. I'm taking it for an appraisal tomorrow afternoon, and maybe sell it. Not maybe, <strong>definitely</strong> selling it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What will I do with the cash? I'm going <em>here</em>:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, after many years of working, I am taking a vacation to the delightful town of Breckenridge, Colorado. By myself. I found some great deals, I'm working with a trainer at the fitness center to get ready for the trip, and even found a like-new pair of women's insulated ski pants at the thrift store - the pants new are $150, I paid $6.50. (I love a bargain.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ok, they're 2 sizes too small, but I have 5 months, and a training program, to whip me into shape!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So that's what I've been doing lately. And school started, so it's early American History and Intermediate Algebra up the wazoo.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now, if I can just quit daydreaming about that ski trip...</span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-12988387320860347342012-08-18T17:29:00.000-07:002012-08-18T17:29:26.512-07:00Pinterest recipes - some good, some bad...<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today has been one of those wonderful, rainy, thunder-storm days that you just never get enough of... expecially in the summer, in Texas. A cool front - imagine that! - is making its way south, and I for one am very glad for it. I hate the heat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I've made a few recipes from Pinterest. Some came out really good, others - not so much. There was a lemon cookie making the rounds some weeks ago, and it came out nothing like the picture. Epic fail. I mean it tasted ok, but... it just wasn't right.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I tried the chicken/ziti/spinach bake recipe. Made a few changes, and it turned out YUMMY. The original recipe is </span><a href="http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com/2010/06/chicken-spinach-pasta-bake.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - and it's a good recipe, I'm sure, but I've detailed my changes below. I cooked the whole meal on the stovetop, as I didn't want to heat up the kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial;">This recipe is a keeper.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish I took pictures during the creation of the dish, but you'll have to settle for the final product.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original recipe calls for olive oil and diced onions, baked - I used regular vegetable oil, and cooked the onions until translucent on the stove. Instead of describing edits, I'll just list the recipe below While it may look like a lot of ingredients, it really isn't, you probably have most of them on hand.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ziti Chicken Spinach Stuff</strong> (yeah, real creative.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and I actually used penne rigatoni, not ziti. You could use shells, rotini, any cute shape, I suppose.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This makes 2 generous servings, 4 if you have small kids.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ziti/rigatoni/whatever pasta shape you prefer</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooked shredded chicken - I used about 2 cups, maybe more</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup chopped sweet onion</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 package cream cheese</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Italian herbs (dried are fine)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t. chopped fresh garlic, or 1 t. garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A splash of wine</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinach - either a package of frozen whole leaf thawed, or about 7 oz of fresh</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small can of diced tomatoes, or about 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and cracked pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mozzarella cheese, shredded</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix the cream cheese with the herbs and garlic. Use however much or little you like, I used about 2 T of an Italian mix, and about 2 T of wine. Mix it up really well, so the flavors can intermingle.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook pasta according to package. I used about half of a box. And I didn't cook it until it was mushy, I left some texture to it, because it would get further cooking down the line.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saute a cup of chopped sweet onions in 1 T of oil. While the onions are cooking, thoroughly rinse and take the stems off the fresh spinach, or squeeze as much water as possible out of the frozen.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drain cooked pasta. Put it in a larger pot with all the other stuff, and stir. Over medium heat, let everything get nice and hot, and if using fresh spinach, let it wilt a little bit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plate it up, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there you go! Easy, tasty, and nutritious.</span></div>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-47140794744118852862012-07-14T08:32:00.001-07:002012-07-14T08:33:16.638-07:00I've been BUSY!<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, I know it's been awhile, but I've been... <em>busy</em>. I know, we're all busy - but I'm really really busy. Working full time, going to school at night, two dogs, and life in general - busy! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this summer I made the awful mistake of taking an algebra class - normally it's 12 weeks, but summer is two sessions of 6 weeks each. Beat me up <em>royally</em>. I mean, up til 1, 2 in the morning with homework. But - I passed, and with a B no less! Not bad for an old broad who hasn't had a math class in over 30 years, huh? I came to my senses however, and for the second half of summer, it's art appreciation. SO much easier!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana;">I've actually come to really like a painting we've had a look at, and might purchase the print. It's a little more "modern" than what I usually like - usually I like "pretty" things - but there's something about this particular piece of art that I really like. There is a passion in it that... well, you take a look. Klimt's "The Kiss."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxfmv6hVmt24ERFC9Xtq8iPpQzJ711wCNzvWdW62e-sQrAU1TFRIE7piDCXhl2fGLGvC11rQJOu3eWTBS8KdszaB8i1r7CbhZbXlfEJ56xGVnrxheUE8va71adri4nWray9TRKGh5iM/s1600/thekiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxfmv6hVmt24ERFC9Xtq8iPpQzJ711wCNzvWdW62e-sQrAU1TFRIE7piDCXhl2fGLGvC11rQJOu3eWTBS8KdszaB8i1r7CbhZbXlfEJ56xGVnrxheUE8va71adri4nWray9TRKGh5iM/s1600/thekiss.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana;">A month or so ago I had some spare time (rare!) and decided to take some of the bland beige out of my apartment. I really like where I live, and intend to stay here for some time. I have a short wall on which is the fireplace, and it needed something. So I hiked it down to Lowes for some sage green paint, and what else did I find? Translucent pearl glaze! The wall is painted green, and I ragged on the glaze. It has a really nice look, and changes depending on the light that hits it. Now I just need something to go on it. That's next month. Here ya go.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over Labor Day weekend I'm going to paint a long wall in my bedroom plum, and mix the same glaze in with the paint for a different look. Ragging a 9x14 wall is too much work!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to mention a few blogs that I visit... you might like them as well.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you love nail color, you will love this gal, She posts often, almost daily, and gives honest reviews of the products she tries - </span><a href="http://www.thepolishaddict.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thepolishaddict.com</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you love nail color AND nail care, this is the blog for you. She explains the science behind the product, kind of like how Alton Brown is to cooking, she is to nail polish. </span><a href="http://loodieloodieloodie.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://loodieloodieloodie.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For fun makeup looks, check out </span><a href="http://thebeautifullifeofthegirlnextdoor.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://thebeautifullifeofthegirlnextdoor.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span> She creates some awesome looks for eyes. A little far out for this old dame, but I can be inspired...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can't have a list of blogs without food! I've listed the urls of the particular recipes I love - if you want to delve further into their blogs, feel free!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, I love cranberries. These are heavenly. </span><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/12/cranberry-bliss-bars.html"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/12/cranberry-bliss-bars.html</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chocolate and mint. *thud!* </span><a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2011/02/grasshopper-brownie-bars.html"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2011/02/grasshopper-brownie-bars.html</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love a good bialy. </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/bialys/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/bialys/</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have bunches more that I follow, that's enough for now. See all y'all later!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span></span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-1660396758337676132012-03-12T19:44:00.004-07:002012-03-12T19:46:12.521-07:00Great way to waste a few... hours???Yeah, hours. I spent, oh, five hours this weekend creating "sets" on Polyvore (<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">www.polyvore.com</a>) and publishing them to Pinterest.<br />
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What is Polyvore? According to the website, Polyvore is "<em>the web's largest community of tastemakers where people can discover their style and set trends around the world. Trendseekers and shoppers alike come to Polyvore to discover the hottest brands, products, trends and looks."</em><br />
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Basically, you drag and drop all kinds of fashion bits onto a scene, add some background stuff, and there you go. They're really popular on Pinterest. You can even clip stuff you see on other sites to use in your set.<br />
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Here are a few I've created.<br />
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Summer Love - the most recent, took about 30 minutes or so to do. Once you get the hang of how to do all its, it's pretty easy. You have to title these things....<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/summer_love/set?.embedder=3268219&.svc=copypaste&id=45274690"><img alt="Summer Love" border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/45274690/id/67OjitcESNW2KaRjKsJOZg/size/y.jpg" title="Summer Love" width="600" /></a></div></div><br />
<small><span style="font-size: small;">Really kinda nice how the guy's orange boardies match the suits above. As if that's what you're noticing!</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">Another one, I titled it Easter Sunday. Funny how we come up with all these dumb titles. I'd wear this if I were skinny enough...</span> <br />
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<small><div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/easter_sunday/set?.embedder=3268219&.svc=copypaste&id=45267924"><img alt="Easter Sunday" border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/45267924/id/WbsB2OTnRSug54JiZ4Dg9A/size/y.jpg" title="Easter Sunday" width="600" /></a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/easter_sunday/set?.embedder=3268219&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=45267924">Easter Sunday</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><small></small></small>Yeah, I'm a conservative old biddy.... but dang, I love those shoes!<br />
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Now this one I really liked. I can totally see myself wearing this, and snuggling by the fire... um, with my dogs. Yeah, that's all I have to snuggle with, and since it was 80 degrees today, there isn't much snuggle-weather left til next November! Oh well....<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bein_all_girly_cute_to/set?.embedder=3268219&.svc=copypaste&id=45207058"><img alt="Bein' all girly cute to snuggle by the fire...." border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/45207058/id/TiYjDf_9QUi86HycgMjF3w/size/y.jpg" title="Bein' all girly cute to snuggle by the fire...." width="600" /></a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bein_all_girly_cute_to/set?.embedder=3268219&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=45207058">Bein' all girly cute to snuggle by the fire....</a> by <a href="http://shezatexaszipper.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3268219&amp;.svc=copypaste">shezatexaszipper</a></small></div><br />
<small><span style="font-size: small;">So that is what Polyvore is all about. Head on over there and make a few sets for yourself, it's lots of fun.... and incredible time user-upper!</span></small><br />
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</small>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-73097516461467143722012-02-20T11:15:00.000-08:002012-02-20T11:15:48.428-08:00Happy Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, etc., etc., etc....So in honor of this festive week, I decided to make that good old Louisiana classic, red beans and rice, with sausage. Nothing fancy, in fact it's nice and hearty for a chilly February evening. And if you have leftovers, it's even better the next day.<br />
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I'll add I'm home today with a horrible chest cold. And to anyone else who has the galloping crud, well... it's awful, isn't it!?! <br />
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Oh! One more thought - if anyone recognizes this dishware pattern, and has some they'd like to get rid of, let me know! I purchased it from Target about 15 years ago, and have since lost a few pieces, and would love to replenish it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zAbUXo7aUnLNfWSAU4WFMSNqoq6tqM8AEOaYO6ok9lmzwkPlCwQkjbwCHmaCGfSTI_KUJuF-XRmkQMFWcx6Q1zei1t-dwQmN9rfxM09vSH5Kos15BfUqS68rGDtElcUZJlgU_gSs-8E/s1600/redbeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zAbUXo7aUnLNfWSAU4WFMSNqoq6tqM8AEOaYO6ok9lmzwkPlCwQkjbwCHmaCGfSTI_KUJuF-XRmkQMFWcx6Q1zei1t-dwQmN9rfxM09vSH5Kos15BfUqS68rGDtElcUZJlgU_gSs-8E/s1600/redbeans.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Picture quality isn't so great - snapped it with my phone!)</span></div><br />
Anyway, here's how I make this yummy, easy, hearty, add adjective here, dish. I would add one word of caution - check the ingredients on your can of kidney beans, as some contain quite a bit of sugar! I prefer the red beans from Aldi, you get more "bean" taste, and not "sweet" like in other giant superstore brands.<br />
<br />
Redbeans, rice and sausage<br />
<br />
1/2 yellow onion, diced<br />
1/2 tsp. minced garlic<br />
2 ribs celery, sliced<br />
2 Tbsp cooking oil<br />
1 can red kidney beans<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
cooked rice<br />
sausage - I used keilbasa, sliced and fried up separately<br />
<br />
Optional - tabasco, jalepeno, or other pain-inducing food items.<br />
<br />
In a 2 qt. saucepan over medium high heat, add oil, onion, garlic, and celery. Cook this until the onion is translucent and a little limp. Dump in the can of beans, including liquid. Turn heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring a few times. You can add a few drops of hot sauce, however I don't care for it, so this is a pretty mild version<br />
<br />
In the meantime, cook your rice - remember the 2:1 ratio, 2 cups of water to 1 cup of dry rice.<br />
<br />
After awhile, uncover your beans and check the texture by mushing a few against the side of the pot with a spoon. If they're still firm, let them simmer another 10 minute, covered. If they're fairly soft, then mush a few more - this helps with the thickening of the beans. Uncover, stir, and turn the heat up to medium-ish for another 5 or 10 minutes, or until the beans thicken.<br />
<br />
While the beans are in their final boil-down, slice your sausage and fry it up! Just warmed through, or dark and crispy, however you prefer.<br />
<br />
Now plate that bad boy up. I like to put down the rice, then the beans on top, then add sausage. Some like it separated. It's up to you. I like that about food.<br />
<br />
Enjoy this nice, filling, and relatively healthy meal!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-61120581842800164192012-01-22T12:23:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:23:31.033-08:00Dust storm's a-comin'!...or so says NOAA. In north Texas, it's 73 degrees and sunny, but windy, so the windows are all open, and fresh air is blowing in my quaint apartment. Guess this means I'll have to put off cleaning, boo hoo.<br />
<br />
My absolute favorite fruit is now on sale at Central Market. I love Blood Oranges! Been looking for recipes that use them, I'll post some in the next day or two. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt7nW6jfRTNxt5UJM4ml4POys1mt_koAuMHaOyDGSSBAiaUaaW0S9JV8lMJg1JI26N6ZIwPP8vhFVdmhD3wGlQWqQJoBbrv_fTZLgZeywgEV6MT92Gd1zFLHnYWg3EMU1AtrYsl3lySs/s1600/blood-oranges-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt7nW6jfRTNxt5UJM4ml4POys1mt_koAuMHaOyDGSSBAiaUaaW0S9JV8lMJg1JI26N6ZIwPP8vhFVdmhD3wGlQWqQJoBbrv_fTZLgZeywgEV6MT92Gd1zFLHnYWg3EMU1AtrYsl3lySs/s320/blood-oranges-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kind of tangy, definitely orange, but with a rasberry note. I love it in sorbet, juiced, or just sliced and chomped. Don't wear light-colored clothing around these yummy bits of deliciousness, they stain something awful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-20815095762406497122012-01-01T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-01T11:53:31.030-08:00Another year past, and a new one ahead!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4GdfmjQsUkKEYoXUBi1jrdkk5V5p7ZaTSYzIxY1jMTvcpR6GpizosDL8OK1gnB9TnvEHN5-pOoTjgZg7WaGDhPA3mYMe0uB5CL56g1-3tTY_wHrD27WQANn4vSWBKHVty2yRg2__EHE/s1600/hny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4GdfmjQsUkKEYoXUBi1jrdkk5V5p7ZaTSYzIxY1jMTvcpR6GpizosDL8OK1gnB9TnvEHN5-pOoTjgZg7WaGDhPA3mYMe0uB5CL56g1-3tTY_wHrD27WQANn4vSWBKHVty2yRg2__EHE/s320/hny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's celebration. I was in bed, asleep, by 11 p.m. And I'm ok with that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any resolutions? For me, it's the usual eat-better-lose-weight-save-money deal. I'm starting school in a few weeks to finish my degree, and I'm sure excited about that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, do I have to post only my own food stuff, or can I share? All credit will be given appropriately... there are just some things out there that MUST be shared! Like... cinnamon swirl pancakes for one, and cranberry fudge, and... well, just look for yourself. (So much for the weight loss resolution!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, from RecipeGirl.com (see, there's the credit) and the recipe is here: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes">http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ssZ_MuiweR7Bri1jkFkCdQn3oFGJ-WJ4SYeGm3DhNl4_3E9xJZex-duHwPiDtA-gRaEiO9tV8o42eZ_sNoNjhHM93xRyxPy0avG8pXTGvnlBKdMfw91p519H9J956v9K6FJhYIKu5Ck/s1600/cinpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ssZ_MuiweR7Bri1jkFkCdQn3oFGJ-WJ4SYeGm3DhNl4_3E9xJZex-duHwPiDtA-gRaEiO9tV8o42eZ_sNoNjhHM93xRyxPy0avG8pXTGvnlBKdMfw91p519H9J956v9K6FJhYIKu5Ck/s320/cinpan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Cranberry Fudge - from Taste of Home, I love their recipes - nothing too fancy, and just about always good!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3p7zMgbiBlI_xf16l6uF4ootsN4nPaG2uMcT336AjXyRDqWSJGWSII6OkULzprhnDva0gmYfuRAQleZS8pLgQ6C0-hQ-INUicTpUvuPXppmjffQ7WHgGwpJ7mzGHcI9X5URxkiKLotw/s1600/cranf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3p7zMgbiBlI_xf16l6uF4ootsN4nPaG2uMcT336AjXyRDqWSJGWSII6OkULzprhnDva0gmYfuRAQleZS8pLgQ6C0-hQ-INUicTpUvuPXppmjffQ7WHgGwpJ7mzGHcI9X5URxkiKLotw/s1600/cranf.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find the recipe here: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cranberry-Fudge">http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cranberry-Fudge</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, since the cranberries and nuts aren't stirred in until the very end, I would substitute white chocolate chips for the walnuts, or maybe some of the other "Craisin" products. I think they have blueberries. That would be incredible!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to put on one last Christmas CD, and take down the tree. I'd like my living room back again, thanks! Although this tree was indeed a good one, and I'm thankful for it.</span></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035208080129281380.post-76219151524261762572011-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:002011-12-30T17:42:23.618-08:00Here it is....<div style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">My first blog post! Let me wipe away a tear....</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">My intentions for this blog are to offer random musings about my life, the world in general, school, and whatever comes to mind. It will be chock full of "how-to's" for cooking, sewing, crafts, and more.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Right now there is a standard blogspot template background. That will change. All my computers are fried, but in another week or so will quit borrowing my kid's computer, and have my own - with all kinds of cool graphic design programs.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be pictures - if not in a tutorial, then random stuff like, oh - this.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/c5762666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/c5762666.jpg" width="213" /></span></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not sure if they're "oooh!" or "ewww" but they are definitely Uggs!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little bit about me - I'm a 51-year-old single mom whose chick is about to leave the nest! I haven't lived by myself in years, so this will be a lot of fun. I'm about to go back to school to finish my degree, studying web applications and development. My home is in Fort Worth, TX but my dream is to end up in Colorado, someday soon. My politics are conservative, my beliefs are Christian. I welcome everyone at my site, as I believe we are all loved by our Creator. Some things we as humans do, well not so much. But that's a whole 'nuther post!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do love to cook - and unfortunately, love to eat! Luckily, kiddo's friends are a good source of guinea pigs. Nothing like kids away from home to volunteer as taste-testers!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, my dogs. They're like my kids, and have the mentality of 3-year-olds. Texi is on the left, she's a purebred tweener weiner, and Schatzie is on the right, she's half blue heeler and half dachshund. Hmm, does that make her a blue weiner? </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/4d8c560b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/4d8c560b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Schatzie is a very good protector, and guards what she loves!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/aa15a33e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss17/itsbycynthia/aa15a33e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo quality isn't so great, they're phone pictures. Better ones for the future, I promise!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the end of a grueling work week, so as Porky Pig would say, "th-th-th-that's all, folks!"</span></span></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10305644889050804185noreply@blogger.com0