tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88237728652665462302024-03-13T13:12:46.235-04:00Whispers Of GreenA journey through motherhood...Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-69833720780734272742013-09-28T23:22:00.003-04:002013-09-28T23:22:53.721-04:00Tired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t seem to hold on to what I want anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything just keeps slipping through the
cracks, washing away just before it settles into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve changed my perceptions, altered my path,
and still I watch as it fades into oblivion as it reaches my grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I take from this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I keep believing when nothing seems to
ever be within my reach?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a lesson,
an experience needed to replace mistakes of the past?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m okay with it, if that’s what it is, but I
need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to redefine my
expectations and let go of what I thought was possible to be okay with what
actually is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to find happiness in
this life and I can’t do that if I don’t know the limitations of my
capabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need clarity to move me
into another state of consciousness, a center to rebuild from so that I may
find peace within its core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t keep
going at this the way that I have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m strong, but not that strong, and a lifetime of the constant battle
just to stay above the waterline has me weaker than I ever thought I’d be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need time to regroup, time to rebuild, and time
to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to leave this
life feeling as though I never really lived it, because up to this point it’s
always been about survival and getting to the next day, it’s never been about
joy or simply taking it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
tired, and I know that just saying that is selfish, but for once I need it to be
about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this once, that’s all that
I’m asking…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-61857497578339034712013-03-27T12:44:00.000-04:002013-03-27T12:44:39.717-04:00Party Girl!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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OK, so that particular phrase and all that you automatically imagine when you hear it does not exactly descibe me, but it does sort of fitn with what I've been oing for Raine's class this year. I volunteered at the beginning of the school year to put together several of their seasonal celebrations and thus far have done four. Here are a few pictures of each minus the valentines one (I forgot the camera that day)...<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-13YHxSOSmdI/TX47qGuIi5I/AAAAAAAAB0U/RMwq8ezQXPQ/s1600/Halloween+Party+2010+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vqpPxbq537I/TX47b-mGPdI/AAAAAAAAB0M/e5X8S_Qjyns/s1600/Halloween+Party+2010+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vqpPxbq537I/TX47b-mGPdI/AAAAAAAAB0M/e5X8S_Qjyns/s640/Halloween+Party+2010+006.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-koBxYdb4br4/TX47g540z9I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/bWSc7iWxsZY/s1600/Halloween+Party+2010+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-koBxYdb4br4/TX47g540z9I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/bWSc7iWxsZY/s640/Halloween+Party+2010+007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Halloween</strong></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a799JFAxvMg/TX477sgeuYI/AAAAAAAAB0g/7HR2l7Nd04c/s1600/Christmas+2010+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a799JFAxvMg/TX477sgeuYI/AAAAAAAAB0g/7HR2l7Nd04c/s640/Christmas+2010+041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7UbrKqq65M/TX473NakNvI/AAAAAAAAB0c/2818QpO_Z7Q/s1600/Christmas+2010+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7UbrKqq65M/TX473NakNvI/AAAAAAAAB0c/2818QpO_Z7Q/s640/Christmas+2010+045.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rKY8CT_Ap54/TX47_nhpKWI/AAAAAAAAB0k/S2utZuxxCdo/s1600/Christmas+2010+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rKY8CT_Ap54/TX47_nhpKWI/AAAAAAAAB0k/S2utZuxxCdo/s640/Christmas+2010+018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-fUfRkYypo/TX47yy9N0TI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/rXLZD0SZzs8/s1600/Christmas+2010+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-fUfRkYypo/TX47yy9N0TI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/rXLZD0SZzs8/s640/Christmas+2010+019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Christmas</strong></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-63875070502038197162012-12-20T08:02:00.002-05:002012-12-20T08:02:34.760-05:00To Scotland as Promised...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Cowboy Cookies<br />
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Ingredients<br />
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Vegetable oil cooking spray<br />
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2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
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1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
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1 teaspoon salt<br />
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
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1 stick unsalted butter, softened<br />
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1/2 cup vegetable shortening (i use organic)<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
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3/4 cup light-brown sugar<br />
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2 large eggs<br />
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
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1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats<br />
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6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)<br />
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3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves<br />
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1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut<br />
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3/4 cup dried tart cherries<br />
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Directions <br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment, and spray parchment. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl.<br />
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2. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.<br />
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3. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.) 4. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.<br />
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5. Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks. Let cool<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-47637172068541697132012-10-28T16:50:00.002-04:002012-10-28T16:50:37.515-04:00A little bit of kitchen witchery to get you through the storm...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-A-8MWtGl4/UI2aYRpV-PI/AAAAAAAACtg/9HysXJ4nZDE/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-A-8MWtGl4/UI2aYRpV-PI/AAAAAAAACtg/9HysXJ4nZDE/s640/011.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Worried about the upcoming frankenstorm and the power
outages that may result from it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well
here are a few kitchen tricks to keep your food from spoiling and your family
well fed should that pesky electrical magick go out...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Frozen Assets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the power is still on, take a few empty 1-1.5 gallon
water jugs (with secure tops), fill them up with water and freeze them before
the storm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These helpful little guys can
then be distributed through your freezer and refrigerator when the time comes
to buy you 1-2 extra days before your food goes bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that your refrigerator and freezers
are insulated much like a cooler and if you limit opening and closing them too
often and add in these giant and free! Cooling sources they can buy you precious
time and keep the temps from rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make sure to keep those easy to spoil foods/beverages towards the back
and near to the ice jugs for added safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Creative Kitchen Witchery even in the Dark!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We've still got the power today ladies and gentlemen, so I
encourage you to use it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get in your
kitchens and fire up those ovens, stovetops, and rice cookers!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the best of today by creating some easy
throw together meals that are best served hot, cold, or even at room temp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that with a little forethought and
creativity you won't have to survive on cereal and dry goods when the lights go
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus a home cooked meal from mom's
kitchen by candlelight can be a fun and memorable affair for the whole family
and will give those little ones in the house that might be a bit afraid by all
the wild wind and rain going on outside the perfect distraction of homey loving
comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few things that can
be prepared to ahead of time to last the duration and use up some of those easy
to spoil foods…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rice-Cook up several cups of brown rice, put it into gallon
size Ziploc baggies and throw it in the frig for later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is great at room temp and when paired
with the roasted veggies and marinated chicken I’m about to suggest makes and
filling yummy meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roast those Veggies- Turn that oven up to 425 and pull out
you cookie sheets! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrots and Sweet
Potatoes can be roughly chopped, tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, brown
sugar and cinnamon to make a mouth wateringly sweet and tummy warming (cinnamon)
treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cauliflower just needs a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and
your choice of spices to get you through those tough times!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit of curry powder added if it’s in your
families taste is a great way to heat you up on a dark and cold night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brussel Sprouts or Cabbage tossed in oil, lightly salted
and peppered, and maybe even paired with a bit of turkey bacon is a great bit
to eat and can easily be added to the already steamed rice for a hearty meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Potatoes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need I say
more, the possibilities are endless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eggs-Quiche anyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Use up those eggs by baking off a couple quiches and using up some of
the extras from your frig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
wonderful at any temp and just get better in flavor as the days go on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken-Marinate several chicken breast and broil them off
to use in sandwiches, rice dishes, or even use up the lettuce quick salads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can never go wrong or find a lack of
creative dishes to accompany a simple tasty chicken breast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waffles and Pancake- Silly as it may sound these are easy to
make ahead of time and when served cold with cut up fruit from the melting ice
box can be just what the doctor ordered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Granola, Pies, and Cookies- Don’t forget the sweets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who says you can’t have desert when the
lights go out, in my opinion that is the very best time ;)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake them off and stock that pantry, nothing
is ever quiet so terrible when you add a little bit of sugar!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The list can go on forever, just remember to have a little
fun with the kids and bring them into all the preparations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It keeps the nerves down and gives everyone a
sense of “being ready” and it sure does help not having to worry about what to
do next…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope these little tidbits help and wish you all a safe and
well fed journey through the storm!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-91816319287202786172012-10-12T16:35:00.001-04:002012-10-12T16:35:46.519-04:00Gifts from the kitchen...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quNzpspiqio/UHh9DUvZoVI/AAAAAAAACsc/uJncppjxF3o/s1600/IPhone+2+124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quNzpspiqio/UHh9DUvZoVI/AAAAAAAACsc/uJncppjxF3o/s640/IPhone+2+124.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Someone had a birthday this week and is a big lover of all things pie, especially the fruit filled kind. I decided last minute to surprise her with a heart shaped lemon apple raspberry walnut struesel tart! Whoo what a mouthful that is! I popped out of bed at 4am and had it in the car and cooling by 7. I wrapped it up as soon as I got to work and had it on her desk waiting by the time she got in! She shared it with a few of her coworkers but made sure to keep the biggest piece for herself, as a baker this is absolutely the best kind of compliment!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74-RJMzJves/UHh-mm1mUfI/AAAAAAAACsk/OSlvDLJtr6Q/s1600/IPhone+2+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74-RJMzJves/UHh-mm1mUfI/AAAAAAAACsk/OSlvDLJtr6Q/s640/IPhone+2+122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-70191973702456303072012-10-12T16:25:00.001-04:002012-10-12T16:25:17.896-04:00Crossroads Gallery's Grand Reopening...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fairy Tale Endings was hired to cater <a href="http://www.crossroadsgallery.com/">Crossroads Gallery's</a> Grand Reopening a few weekends ago and with the celebration being held on the autumn eqinox, I couldn't help but go with a harvest theme. So with visions of apples and pumpkins and warm cookies filling my head, I was off to the kitchen to create my mini bites fall heaven! Here's what I came up with...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-II1-L1k7WMw/UHh6r7NXRhI/AAAAAAAACsE/2kBvrrF-KmA/s1600/IPhone+2+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-II1-L1k7WMw/UHh6r7NXRhI/AAAAAAAACsE/2kBvrrF-KmA/s640/IPhone+2+111.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A sweetened pumpkin cream cheese fip with fresh lemon juice (no browning) covered apples straight from the orchard.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLLt-VB7nTo/UHh7PHjU3wI/AAAAAAAACsM/jnR03FWU9lo/s1600/IPhone+2+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLLt-VB7nTo/UHh7PHjU3wI/AAAAAAAACsM/jnR03FWU9lo/s640/IPhone+2+112.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mini Apple Struesel and Pumpkin Pie Bites, if you look closely you can see that the pumpkin ones are actually in the shape of pumpkins(there's always room for a little whimsy:)!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DK6Gq6asZE/UHh7yNXqkhI/AAAAAAAACsU/qA0haSZOVPQ/s1600/IPhone+2+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DK6Gq6asZE/UHh7yNXqkhI/AAAAAAAACsU/qA0haSZOVPQ/s640/IPhone+2+113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And last but certainly not least my famous cowboy cookies, jam packed with dried cherries, chocolate, coconut, pecans, oats, and more...Everything went well and all the goodies consumed with rave reviews, so chalk this one up as another Happily Ever After for Fairy Tale Endings...</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-62904757001638350952012-10-12T16:07:00.001-04:002012-10-12T16:07:33.642-04:00From the Kitchen...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0A8UsXKuWho/UCpfODcLdTI/AAAAAAAACpg/sgQ4gClkGVY/s1600/IPhone+2+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0A8UsXKuWho/UCpfODcLdTI/AAAAAAAACpg/sgQ4gClkGVY/s640/IPhone+2+087.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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The grand opening of Trader Joes in our area was this past week(much longer now since I failed to publish this ;) and as a foodie I found myself inexplicitly drawn there within days of its' doors opening for business. I have been wating years for one to open around here! The customer service was supperb as to be expected and the selection as varried as I remember. I found myself picking up a few delicasies and oldtime favorites but what really took my breath away was the unbelievable beautiful blueberries they had on hand! The cost 6.99 for quarts and were some of the biggest blueberries that I have ever seen. I only regret that I didn't buy out the lot to freeze for later! I do so hope that they get these in often. After staring at them for a few days and arguing with myself on the best way to use them, I decided that half would be for fresh consumption and the other for some decident baked good that I'd come up with to honor them. Above are the homemade tini lemon blueberry pie tartlets with a sweetened cream cheese topping. They came out really good and absolutely paid homage to those gorgeous berries...</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-9679537537578250742012-10-12T16:03:00.001-04:002012-10-12T16:03:39.846-04:00Late Summer Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Cake came out beautiful and was just what the birthday girl wanted...A rich raspberry cheesecake with a lemon icing!</div>
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The day was absolutely beautiful and food a definate crowd pleaser! I thought for sure that I had made way too much and at the end of the evening there wasn't a bite in site!</div>
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Even the chickens were in a celebratory mood! LOL</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-61565547793839168752012-08-24T08:35:00.003-04:002012-08-24T08:35:14.056-04:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-14733077315752390252012-08-13T11:38:00.000-04:002012-08-13T11:57:42.765-04:00Lughnasadh Celebrations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And July becomes August. Summer slips away with the twilight on Lughnasadh, the eve of August and the Celtic autumn. Summer meets its moment of truth - seed becomes fruit - and fruit becomes the harvest of Lughnasadh. ~ C. Austin<br />
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August 1st marked the celtic/pagan sabbath of Lughnasadh or Lammas and with it the celebrations of this years first harvest. Though I was a bit under the weather this year I took a few hours out of my crazy schedule to gather with friends, pausing from the breakneck pace of this life to give acknowledged yet again the turning of the wheel. It is important not only that I remember to give thanks to mother earth as she cycles through the very seasons that bring us life, but also to make sure my daughter knows to recognize the changes of energy and bounty that each turn of the wheel brings. It is so simple to light a candle and tell again the story of how each sabbath has been celebrated since, what seems to me, the dawn of time, to sing and sway to a rhythm that emits from the earth and centers in each soul that stops to truly listen. I want to make sure that Raine "feels" the changes of each season throughout this life and is able to tie them to the changes of her body as she grows and moves through the seasons of her life, to know that we are all connected with everyone and everything around us, and to gather her strength from that knowledge and her connection to self and spirit. <br />
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As part of this celebration it is custom for everyone to bring a dish created from spoils of the first harvest, corn, bread, squash, fresh fruit and herbs are just a few of the things that can be found in abundance this time of year. It is a way to not only acknowledge what we have to be grateful for but to really experience and find joy in this time of year and all that the summer has to offer. I chose to make two dishes, one savory and one sweet as I believe there should be balance in all things, life especially. My first dish was as basic as you can get, a roasted corn bathed in a sauce of rosemary, orange and lime(zest & juice), butter, salt and pepper, which is bright and bold and while still keeping the base flavor of the corn, adds an entirely unexpected and delightful difference.<br />
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For my sweet addition I wanted a more decedent and complex dish, with a full and heavy flavor, that when served at the end of the evening could settle depply into the palate and drift it's partakers off into vivid dreams of places and times long past. I chose a simple Scottish cheesecake, rich in cream and eggs, and cheese, full bodied on its' own but swoon worthy when stuffed and topped with fresh raspberries and a homemade raspberry sauce. It was my first attempt at a cheesecake of any kind and I must say it was good!<br />
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The evening was filled with magick and a sense of remembrance and peace and I am lucky to have shared it with like minded friends and a lovely daughter that I shall most certainly keep :)<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-35290446235694637202012-08-13T10:41:00.000-04:002012-08-13T10:41:00.172-04:00Fairy Tale Endings 1st Garden Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
July 29th was a huge milestone for Fairy Tale Endings as I was hired to fully cater a friends mother's 70th surprise birthday party. The guest list included 20 or so friends and family members and was to take place at Lis's beautiful house. I was able to come up with a menu that both incorporated the wide variety of palates and integrate into the dishes a very garden look and feel. So without further ado, here's the food porn that I know you all are waiting for...<br />
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English Cucumber Bites with a Herbed Cream Cheese</div>
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Edible Bouquet - Veggies </div>
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Fragrant Fruit Salad</div>
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Edible Bouquets - Phyllo & Parmesan Wrapped Asparagus </div>
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Bits & Bites - Baby Onion & Asparagus Quiche</div>
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Bits & Bites - Brie, Brown Sugar & Pecan Bites</div>
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Entrees - Mini Roasted Turkey, Brie, Lettuce, Apple & Homemade Cranberry Mayo Croissant Sandwiches</div>
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Entrees - Mini Grilled Chicken, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Spinach & Homemade Pesto Mayo Croissant Sandwiches</div>
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Dessert - Stuffed Strawberries</div>
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Dessert - Four Layer Vanilla Cake with Lemon Strawberry Filling and Whipped Cream Frosting</div>
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And if that isn't enough for you ;) here are some of the full view shots...</div>
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Well that's all for now and I sincerely hope that it made you all hungry...:)</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-22100108879063057932012-06-24T11:41:00.001-04:002012-06-24T11:41:11.091-04:00Duanesburg Elementary and Crowdtap's Madagascar Movie Night Extravaganza!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it's official! I recently got the opportunity to host my first ever <a href="http://crowdtap.com/">Crowdtap</a> Party! Thanks to the makers of the Awesome Madagascar movies, I was invited to throw a launch party for the newest edition</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-9285754881087590442012-05-25T08:41:00.001-04:002012-05-25T08:41:37.654-04:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div>
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<br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-54029684005509878952012-05-25T08:35:00.001-04:002012-05-25T08:35:40.186-04:00What a beautiful day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Silkie checking out the new flower & pumpkins bed.</div>
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Silkie and the girls enjoying the sun in the newly tall field grass! How many chickens can you spot?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7Xhn2JM_vc/T79yFFmD05I/AAAAAAAAChQ/WZWmmQ4affk/s1600/IPhone+1+1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7Xhn2JM_vc/T79yFFmD05I/AAAAAAAAChQ/WZWmmQ4affk/s640/IPhone+1+1336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever watchful of his ladies...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crQPo48dLQ8/T79yj-bGrmI/AAAAAAAAChg/aR94INEFsTA/s1600/IPhone+1+1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crQPo48dLQ8/T79yj-bGrmI/AAAAAAAAChg/aR94INEFsTA/s640/IPhone+1+1333.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, this cat and these chickens go together like peas and carrots! You will often find them all together on a sunny day, rolling in the dirt together, checking out the bushes, and having a grand old time!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbtsrniTBEs/T79zsNvvtZI/AAAAAAAAChw/xkHKawf5ZIM/s1600/IPhone+1+1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbtsrniTBEs/T79zsNvvtZI/AAAAAAAAChw/xkHKawf5ZIM/s640/IPhone+1+1327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Communal water dish, Tiger Lily and the girls will even drink at the same time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJOlNxkpxvo/T790GY3S7bI/AAAAAAAACh4/DiBxXpUlaXY/s1600/IPhone+1+1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJOlNxkpxvo/T790GY3S7bI/AAAAAAAACh4/DiBxXpUlaXY/s640/IPhone+1+1331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Penelope very interested in what I'm doing!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4YSlRE8hfE/T790o2_hthI/AAAAAAAACiI/4LNhBEYAZ2c/s1600/IPhone+1+1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" qba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4YSlRE8hfE/T790o2_hthI/AAAAAAAACiI/4LNhBEYAZ2c/s640/IPhone+1+1332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Silkie making sure that I know he's watching me too!</div>
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We spent all day in the sun with our happy chickens and silly cats, the weather was warm and clear with a light breeze to cool us off when into the 80's. It was the first full day off that I've had in weeks and so fully enjoyed! Thanks mother earth, it was the perfect gift at just the right time...</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-65666551865579834052012-05-15T11:58:00.002-04:002012-05-15T11:58:48.701-04:00Mother's Day Weekend in Pictures...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyimRij6wK8/T7J37JstWdI/AAAAAAAACe8/9jdne0qeghc/s1600/IPhone+1+1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyimRij6wK8/T7J37JstWdI/AAAAAAAACe8/9jdne0qeghc/s640/IPhone+1+1316.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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A new recipe tested and Rainebow approved.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfNRYinbinY/T7J4iurVSrI/AAAAAAAACfU/5WQ1n3forx4/s1600/IPhone+1+1312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfNRYinbinY/T7J4iurVSrI/AAAAAAAACfU/5WQ1n3forx4/s640/IPhone+1+1312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My growing girl tried out her hand at a new thing or two... </div>
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Flowers were in abundance and came from all over the land ...</div>
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As chickens where carried by my loving girls hand.</div>
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Sleep and relaxation was obtained for all those that were weary,</div>
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Just as sustenance was delivered to a mother's bedside by my funny breakfast faerie! </div>
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-39395183095961188192012-05-07T12:36:00.001-04:002013-01-13T12:38:42.721-05:00Fairy Tale Ending's First Catering Job!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As some of you may know it has been a dream of mine to open my own catering business that I hope will someday morph into an amazing restaurant/bakery of magickal proportions. A few months ago, to manifest this vision, I decided to order business cards, a banner, and begin advertising a bit (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/FairyTaleEndingsCatering">Fairy Tale Endings Catering</a>), as well as start to amass a collection of serving platters, trays, cake stands, etc., so that should I get a job I have something to put things on ;). Everything was coming along great and I was looking forward to taking a few jobs in the fall, when all of a sudden, out of the sky falls an opportunity to bake weekly for a local shop and a baby shower! Whoosh! Ask and you shall receive is right! Thanks upstairs, I am glad to know you're listening! :)<br />
So without further ado, I am ridiculously pleased to announce that you can now purchase my wholesome muffins at <a href="http://www.crossroadsgallery.com/">Crossroads Gallery</a> in Duanesburg! Here are a few that have been served so far, with many more on the horizon...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QjjOVhb81o/T6f1_qgkmQI/AAAAAAAACdw/DU0-JYUx5WU/s1600/Untitled-1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QjjOVhb81o/T6f1_qgkmQI/AAAAAAAACdw/DU0-JYUx5WU/s400/Untitled-1+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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(Morning Glory Muffins)</div>
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(Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins)</div>
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Also I thought I'd include a few picks from my first ever baby shower contract. I was asked to do a few mini deserts to please the almost mama and here's how they turned out...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9-h81ipcc/T6f3DqmxSBI/AAAAAAAACeA/0KU2Z6StOwQ/s1600/IPhone+1+1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9-h81ipcc/T6f3DqmxSBI/AAAAAAAACeA/0KU2Z6StOwQ/s640/IPhone+1+1290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Full View)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hwcQ9_1faU/T6f3YY0QufI/AAAAAAAACeI/nAyzmeVTtsI/s1600/IPhone+1+1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hwcQ9_1faU/T6f3YY0QufI/AAAAAAAACeI/nAyzmeVTtsI/s640/IPhone+1+1292.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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(Mini Carrot Cakes and Business Cards)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcE5n9tVBIY/T6f3lWlqnOI/AAAAAAAACeQ/CLrrQmgeXHg/s1600/IPhone+1+1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcE5n9tVBIY/T6f3lWlqnOI/AAAAAAAACeQ/CLrrQmgeXHg/s640/IPhone+1+1287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Mini Strawberry Shortcakes)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8JO4YJU3Wo/T6f37t3whbI/AAAAAAAACeY/3wipm_JN780/s1600/IPhone+1+1295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8JO4YJU3Wo/T6f37t3whbI/AAAAAAAACeY/3wipm_JN780/s640/IPhone+1+1295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Close up)</div>
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(Close up)</div>
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I am so very excited to begin this new journey in my life and it just goes to show that Fairy Tales really do come true if only you Believe...</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-70135970080515450582012-05-04T08:57:00.002-04:002012-05-04T08:57:56.147-04:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nap3g4gEI_E/T6PRvgjybrI/AAAAAAAACdk/P6rZ0KSEbHw/s1600/IPhone+1+1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nap3g4gEI_E/T6PRvgjybrI/AAAAAAAACdk/P6rZ0KSEbHw/s640/IPhone+1+1270.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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(THANKS DAD!!! You really rocked this girls world!!!)</div>
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A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div>
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-30824539719910485072012-03-30T11:51:00.000-04:002012-03-30T11:51:59.035-04:00{this moment} ~ Chores with Chickens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RA4QsZBNLI/T3Snyt-g-5I/AAAAAAAACc8/_hwxMrBIYHg/s1600/IPhone+1+1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RA4QsZBNLI/T3Snyt-g-5I/AAAAAAAACc8/_hwxMrBIYHg/s640/IPhone+1+1230.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny0RhZoWlME/T3SoZQ-TMBI/AAAAAAAACdU/6XUa9Nk5-IM/s1600/IPhone+1+1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny0RhZoWlME/T3SoZQ-TMBI/AAAAAAAACdU/6XUa9Nk5-IM/s640/IPhone+1+1231.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-19226965307268028962012-03-29T11:21:00.001-04:002012-03-29T14:24:18.411-04:00Leprechaun Magick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Each year our household is graced with a visit from a wee little Irishman that goes by the name of Lucky. He usually shows up sometime around St. Patrick's Day, wreaking havoc through our home and leaving goodies behind to endear our hearts. This year was no different, though he came a day late just to trip us up I think! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrDAMrKrjeE/T3RjbjTKonI/AAAAAAAACZY/MOQ2WpZetYs/s1600/IPhone+1+1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrDAMrKrjeE/T3RjbjTKonI/AAAAAAAACZY/MOQ2WpZetYs/s640/IPhone+1+1198.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Upon waking up on the morning of the 18th, we were quick to discover that our faces were covered in green leprechaun kisses and a wild Irish light up headband had been placed on Raine's head sometime during the night! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtB8OI7LfL4/T3RkoI0gssI/AAAAAAAACZg/YIqz1p9S9E4/s1600/IPhone+1+1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtB8OI7LfL4/T3RkoI0gssI/AAAAAAAACZg/YIqz1p9S9E4/s640/IPhone+1+1186.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a quick glance out Raine's bedroom window, we notices a trail of golden coins and shamrocks leading down the stairs and out to the chicken coop! We threw on a robe and ran down to see what that trickster had done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3n-2l8T_rk/T3RlUroiPdI/AAAAAAAACZo/gkKzMLP-2K8/s1600/IPhone+1+1194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3n-2l8T_rk/T3RlUroiPdI/AAAAAAAACZo/gkKzMLP-2K8/s640/IPhone+1+1194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>What a funny shock it was to find that Lucky had taken all of our regular chicken eggs and replaced them with green ones, and they weren't even hard boiled, we found that out the hard way ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRpuxh10IUY/T3Rlzt9IFkI/AAAAAAAACZw/0uyUpCmfL8Q/s1600/IPhone+1+1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRpuxh10IUY/T3Rlzt9IFkI/AAAAAAAACZw/0uyUpCmfL8Q/s640/IPhone+1+1190.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>Though the real shock came as we opened the coop door to find our rooster Silkie had been dyed green to match! Oh glory be, the poor little devil must have messed with the wrong leprechaun! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjCcbfOjrJ4/T3RnPj_zFsI/AAAAAAAACaA/ZOGAoQAkXEo/s1600/IPhone+1+1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjCcbfOjrJ4/T3RnPj_zFsI/AAAAAAAACaA/ZOGAoQAkXEo/s640/IPhone+1+1208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Now you'd think that the madness would have stopped here, but as we left the coop to go back to the house, we noticed that my brand new green car had been driven onto the lawn and covered in graffiti! As you can image I was outraged, that the little trickster would dare to drive my car and sure hoped that green paint would come off! How does a tiny leprechaun even reach the gas pedal I ask you? Well as you can see, he is quite the artist, drawing tiny shamrocks all over the windows and putting the phrase, "leprechaun lightning" across the back, whatever that means! I just hope he didn't go joy riding!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6GY8hJLDUY/T3Roy7aZ63I/AAAAAAAACaQ/Pug9BeSKaRw/s1600/IPhone+1+1189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6GY8hJLDUY/T3Roy7aZ63I/AAAAAAAACaQ/Pug9BeSKaRw/s640/IPhone+1+1189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzGYzFPOYYg/T3Rp8oV1lCI/AAAAAAAACao/xiGodoh4Qug/s1600/IPhone+1+1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzGYzFPOYYg/T3Rp8oV1lCI/AAAAAAAACao/xiGodoh4Qug/s640/IPhone+1+1207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll tell you the best part was driving down the road later, looking out the windshield through a giant green smiley face with freckles, and enduring the many crazy looks from fellow drivers while on the way to the car wash! If I ever catch that Lucky, he is in big trouble!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qA8te9T4TYQ/T3R3CYyhw6I/AAAAAAAACaw/fYUBn9SsYo4/s1600/IPhone+1+1183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qA8te9T4TYQ/T3R3CYyhw6I/AAAAAAAACaw/fYUBn9SsYo4/s640/IPhone+1+1183.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After running back into the house to check for any other mischief managed, we found another trail or coins and shamrocks leading us to the living room where we were greeted with this sight...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxHHTcmbeEk/T3R4QCCgBTI/AAAAAAAACbI/0n_CfA1FoEI/s1600/IPhone+1+1199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxHHTcmbeEk/T3R4QCCgBTI/AAAAAAAACbI/0n_CfA1FoEI/s640/IPhone+1+1199.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsHuZfmYN44/T3R4aKs4MvI/AAAAAAAACbQ/N3UY8lGG0Vs/s1600/IPhone+1+1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsHuZfmYN44/T3R4aKs4MvI/AAAAAAAACbQ/N3UY8lGG0Vs/s640/IPhone+1+1182.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbl0GwkgyqM/T3SotzgV2zI/AAAAAAAACdc/r84prH4-n8s/s1600/IPhone+1+1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbl0GwkgyqM/T3SotzgV2zI/AAAAAAAACdc/r84prH4-n8s/s640/IPhone+1+1204.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A letter from lucky himself, explaining in rhyme no less the tricks and treats left behind, and that he loved that we read all those traditional Irish stories from his homeland the night before. He gifted us each a pair of green foil wrapped chocolate lips, to match the kisses he left on our faces, and a wacky candy wand of sorts for his favorite freckle faced girl. The chocolate calmed this mother down enough to not get mad at the still to be discovered bathtub filled with green water and matching toilet, oh and we must not forget the milk and cream being treated to the same tint! All's well that ends well, even if the mashed potatoes we ate with our corned beef and cabbage dinner that night was the last joke as I had no other cream to add :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcQ9mQ5TaKU/T3R9WugFg3I/AAAAAAAACbg/rSYP82J1WtA/s1600/DSCF2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcQ9mQ5TaKU/T3R9WugFg3I/AAAAAAAACbg/rSYP82J1WtA/s640/DSCF2373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all had a great St. Patty's Day too!!</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-51922245120193301202012-03-23T07:17:00.001-04:002012-03-23T07:51:17.054-04:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS1dyBWh6XY/T2xjolENxEI/AAAAAAAACZQ/5Q1DLW9Mxhg/s1600/IPhone+1+1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS1dyBWh6XY/T2xjolENxEI/AAAAAAAACZQ/5Q1DLW9Mxhg/s640/IPhone+1+1190.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-20406819571632599102012-03-09T10:56:00.000-05:002012-03-09T10:56:50.856-05:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JC0X45diHM/T1on1_2GAlI/AAAAAAAACYw/p3YXDfSswoM/s1600/IPhone+1+1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JC0X45diHM/T1on1_2GAlI/AAAAAAAACYw/p3YXDfSswoM/s640/IPhone+1+1107.jpg" width="478" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-1213470981194061652012-03-07T11:25:00.000-05:002012-03-07T11:25:14.392-05:00Snow Art!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Are your kids tired of making snowmen and just can't seem to bear the thought of another snowball fight or snow fort? Do they want desperately to do something else that doesn't require barreling down a hill at breakneck speeds? Well then, Ive got just the thing-Snow Art! What's that you say? Here, let me explain...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYjUf8N8uDQ/T1eDYL_Ay_I/AAAAAAAACXg/LmT6bsh3suw/s1600/AC014050l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYjUf8N8uDQ/T1eDYL_Ay_I/AAAAAAAACXg/LmT6bsh3suw/s640/AC014050l.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take some of that crusty old food coloring out of the pantry that you are never going to use, grab a set of squeeze bottles or squirt bottles from the local discount store, add water and presto, you've got endless hours of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etHFSq1eyAc/T1eFyqiw3YI/AAAAAAAACXo/Ychwj9CjhPo/s1600/rainbow_water_by_cris1s-d4f4fcp_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etHFSq1eyAc/T1eFyqiw3YI/AAAAAAAACXo/Ychwj9CjhPo/s640/rainbow_water_by_cris1s-d4f4fcp_large.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Fill each bottle up with water and add a few drops of food dye to give your creative kids a spectrum of lovely color. Squeeze bottles work great for precise lines and drawings and the squirt bottles are great for larger fill in jobs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK9vvmFH7EU/T1eHAO3mYjI/AAAAAAAACXw/_g75xKz6zqA/s1600/IPhone+1+1134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK9vvmFH7EU/T1eHAO3mYjI/AAAAAAAACXw/_g75xKz6zqA/s640/IPhone+1+1134.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sit back and watch as their imaginations run wild with possibility and they bring a world of color and life into your once boringly white yard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHhwjvkCH6M/T1eH_Ls9ThI/AAAAAAAACYA/nm6ErRYKwBc/s1600/IPhone+1+1137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHhwjvkCH6M/T1eH_Ls9ThI/AAAAAAAACYA/nm6ErRYKwBc/s640/IPhone+1+1137.jpg" width="478" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rainbows will appear before your very eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mmD2UAVNC4/T1eJOVHZqZI/AAAAAAAACYY/OndCRrKEPmI/s1600/IPhone+1+1142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mmD2UAVNC4/T1eJOVHZqZI/AAAAAAAACYY/OndCRrKEPmI/s640/IPhone+1+1142.jpg" width="478" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caterpillars will emerge from their cocoons as beautiful butterflies,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN3HMA75Tbk/T1eJxkiskiI/AAAAAAAACYg/C6fYU87Eu1k/s1600/IPhone+1+1138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN3HMA75Tbk/T1eJxkiskiI/AAAAAAAACYg/C6fYU87Eu1k/s640/IPhone+1+1138.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and secret messages will be written for the stars. Even you will want to get in on the action because all the world is a canvas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyhxRZ19f6M/T1eKNTMZZsI/AAAAAAAACYo/g6pHoPVWnbU/s1600/IPhone+1+1143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyhxRZ19f6M/T1eKNTMZZsI/AAAAAAAACYo/g6pHoPVWnbU/s640/IPhone+1+1143.jpg" width="478" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the end of the evening your kids will fall happily into bed, exhausted and dreaming of all of the magickal things that they brought to life that day. This will go on for days and as long as the snow lasts you will have some very busy kiddos, though you may have to talk the neighbors into donating there yards for the sake of art! ;) </div><div align="center"></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-10542744847290064732012-03-03T21:42:00.000-05:002012-03-03T21:42:47.074-05:00A few belated class parties I've done for Raine...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas Party 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWN7JdfOJWc/T1LRXgew4SI/AAAAAAAACWA/KeKYnVHpRJ4/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWN7JdfOJWc/T1LRXgew4SI/AAAAAAAACWA/KeKYnVHpRJ4/s640/IMG_3956.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Full Spread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbYHnKEDC1w/T1LRncL9_UI/AAAAAAAACWI/fHxHoZMX7P4/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbYHnKEDC1w/T1LRncL9_UI/AAAAAAAACWI/fHxHoZMX7P4/s640/IMG_3957.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Forest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUkaOudpkbg/T1LR4mK5Z1I/AAAAAAAACWQ/NO1sK6Cfj90/s1600/IMG_3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUkaOudpkbg/T1LR4mK5Z1I/AAAAAAAACWQ/NO1sK6Cfj90/s640/IMG_3958.JPG" uda="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Candycane Cupcakes</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/-1XamitbCZdU/T1LSI2MKxwI/AAAAAAAACWY/7TWXu3WxuRg/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XamitbCZdU/T1LSI2MKxwI/AAAAAAAACWY/7TWXu3WxuRg/s640/IMG_3959.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas Fairy Fruit Wands</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdNjkyE0r-M/T1LSv1gCX-I/AAAAAAAACWo/rdp6TEGms0I/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdNjkyE0r-M/T1LSv1gCX-I/AAAAAAAACWo/rdp6TEGms0I/s640/IMG_3960.JPG" uda="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fairy Wands Close Up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Halloween Party 2011</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/-KjQFCCjCG7k/T1LUTDA_jEI/AAAAAAAACWw/R2TnWje3_wY/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjQFCCjCG7k/T1LUTDA_jEI/AAAAAAAACWw/R2TnWje3_wY/s640/024.JPG" uda="true" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Full Spread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6mVl0btIHw/T1LUm3T4vXI/AAAAAAAACW4/d-SyltVumFM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6mVl0btIHw/T1LUm3T4vXI/AAAAAAAACW4/d-SyltVumFM/s640/008.JPG" uda="true" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Healthy Witches Brew (Applesause tinted green with festive sprinkles)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8en1CgZ6Ao/T1LVJtHoTEI/AAAAAAAACXA/49azxQujeMM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8en1CgZ6Ao/T1LVJtHoTEI/AAAAAAAACXA/49azxQujeMM/s640/006.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wide View of Witches Brew</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEBpQ-gIFjo/T1LVu7gc3WI/AAAAAAAACXI/MBlPkohPlWQ/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEBpQ-gIFjo/T1LVu7gc3WI/AAAAAAAACXI/MBlPkohPlWQ/s640/013.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monster Munch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mClGC2nRRU/T1LWcHAaAdI/AAAAAAAACXQ/EPbpSKPayqQ/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mClGC2nRRU/T1LWcHAaAdI/AAAAAAAACXQ/EPbpSKPayqQ/s640/020.JPG" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Creepy Cones</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-2804778118204772882012-03-03T19:12:00.000-05:002012-03-03T19:12:37.028-05:00{this moment}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGTUNake8sc/T0-RXUm_txI/AAAAAAAACU4/2DbucUAPtPI/s1600/IPhone+1+1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGTUNake8sc/T0-RXUm_txI/AAAAAAAACU4/2DbucUAPtPI/s640/IPhone+1+1046.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - <a href="http://soulemama.com/">Amanda Soule</a></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07138239407876670163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823772865266546230.post-63099259355357991722012-03-01T10:48:00.000-05:002012-03-01T10:48:07.905-05:00Wisdom, Walks & Waterfalls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9-d0lsC-1o/Twn36JKAQWI/AAAAAAAACOk/aaDvXoZR5Ew/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9-d0lsC-1o/Twn36JKAQWI/AAAAAAAACOk/aaDvXoZR5Ew/s640/054.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months back we had a very special visitor show up for my birthday! He flew in from Washington to spend the week with Raine and I and spoiled us rotten while he was here. We had great week that was blessedly laid back and relaxed, and just what the doctored had ordered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xp5TlZ3pcI/Twn6DND9vdI/AAAAAAAACOs/QChBOU6Enu4/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xp5TlZ3pcI/Twn6DND9vdI/AAAAAAAACOs/QChBOU6Enu4/s640/055.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the things that we tried to do daily was to get out and walk. To set aside moments to simply be together and immerse ourselves in mother natures loveliness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCRK8Is8xRM/T0-SmNRM5VI/AAAAAAAACVA/Q7LtJfagT3k/s1600/IPhone+1+720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCRK8Is8xRM/T0-SmNRM5VI/AAAAAAAACVA/Q7LtJfagT3k/s640/IPhone+1+720.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The place that we chose to visit most often was Christman Sanctuary. Raine and I had discovered it this past summer and have been going ever since. It is a beautiful place not 15 minutes from were we live and so unexpected in it's hidden and quiet presence, that when you come upon the first set of falls it literally takes your breath away every time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmMyfXxZgt4/T0-Tvt1c0ZI/AAAAAAAACVI/_bHbN0pAqHc/s1600/IPhone+1+721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmMyfXxZgt4/T0-Tvt1c0ZI/AAAAAAAACVI/_bHbN0pAqHc/s640/IPhone+1+721.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We knew that dad would feel the same way about it that we do and were very closed mouthed in not telling him what to expect when we took him to s it the first time. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Both Raine and my dad are very nature and animal oriented and have a great bond between them. In person it is fun to watch them interact but I was so very pleased to see it reflect in some of the pictures I took of them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxLX6bt8wyo/T0-U_6j_ScI/AAAAAAAACVQ/MkOnXXEDXIA/s1600/IPhone+1+729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxLX6bt8wyo/T0-U_6j_ScI/AAAAAAAACVQ/MkOnXXEDXIA/s640/IPhone+1+729.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They both take joy in so many of the same things and spoke on a level that needed no words. It was so wonderful to watch the flow of energy between them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPQRRFD5BtY/T0-VxPJMhyI/AAAAAAAACVY/lTIcjTWn5Bs/s1600/IPhone+1+731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPQRRFD5BtY/T0-VxPJMhyI/AAAAAAAACVY/lTIcjTWn5Bs/s640/IPhone+1+731.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think that this may have been my favorite part, that quite understanding between them that has nothing to do with generational gap and seems to span beyond earthly wisdom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA_kklBTEzk/T0-WavBcCEI/AAAAAAAACVg/VjoCfFnycKQ/s1600/IPhone+1+722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA_kklBTEzk/T0-WavBcCEI/AAAAAAAACVg/VjoCfFnycKQ/s640/IPhone+1+722.jpg" uda="true" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a gift in life to have these great connections with those that you love and I can see that this one will last as I am sure it has before, throughout many lifetimes... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh8_sF5wYe8/T0-Wo-yI1HI/AAAAAAAACVo/XsqzFCXuS2k/s1600/IPhone+1+724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh8_sF5wYe8/T0-Wo-yI1HI/AAAAAAAACVo/XsqzFCXuS2k/s640/IPhone+1+724.jpg" uda="true" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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