tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91509769316526024362024-03-14T03:53:15.040-05:00Sunshine HandbagsSometimes Interesting Things Happen to a Stay-at-Home Mom Who SewsRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-49832315160967636782011-10-05T07:43:00.001-05:002011-10-05T13:55:49.241-05:00An Apple a Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32bAz_OVxxsFAL_-iYinmIaC2Qw61Y830xVT_XiFEDtzKn9hBf3HhyphenhyphenGizV0F0ImRKfEPvZgu5QEIs-0xu0yk1G6EVDJZHc4Irga0vU18lIa33gqXfoi3GQw-46fwjfBKwIPoVgp7z6ap-/s1600/P1010326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32bAz_OVxxsFAL_-iYinmIaC2Qw61Y830xVT_XiFEDtzKn9hBf3HhyphenhyphenGizV0F0ImRKfEPvZgu5QEIs-0xu0yk1G6EVDJZHc4Irga0vU18lIa33gqXfoi3GQw-46fwjfBKwIPoVgp7z6ap-/s400/P1010326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Like I'm sure many of you, we went apple picking last weekend. The weather was perfect, the orchard at <a href="http://www.theappleberryfarm.com/">Appleberry Farm</a> was very nice and the apples were plentiful, just as long as you didn't want any McIntosh, those trees were picked clean! We brought home several varieties I'd never had before- NW Greening, Connell Red and Ida Red. We also purchased a few heirloom apples that were already picked. My favorite was the Harralson, which tasted like an apple mixed with an orange - so amazing! We baked a pie as soon as we got home (okay, I baked the pie), and it was one of the best pies I've ever made, according to Steve. We have 2 bags of apples left so I'm going to try making and freezing a couple more pies. Apparently they come out of the freezer and into the oven just fine, although I've never tried it before. I hope it works!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83mJawdk6M8S-o6F3FR8HuQIY7IwpC0q7FUr50rFL4b4NhxO60xFfG9JKDL_bpicOcHp32vZgvV5_NH3nAMPgwZ0mJvV0JaMy2hq1WpLC6-0R8w-5kcoH_nmnhpHUuPB5HeU44MaUG9hs/s1600/P1010318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83mJawdk6M8S-o6F3FR8HuQIY7IwpC0q7FUr50rFL4b4NhxO60xFfG9JKDL_bpicOcHp32vZgvV5_NH3nAMPgwZ0mJvV0JaMy2hq1WpLC6-0R8w-5kcoH_nmnhpHUuPB5HeU44MaUG9hs/s320/P1010318.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anyone got a bow and arrow?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYldFWGOxnVi1hIr17SIwio_qKTl7hjrvrQcrSZ-jlFJczNfr81UrRcnnukBWu8QIRPxrZSevz-blMS5GTOS1LxA3GhSkyTXYlUI2qTlmzqLq-iBQ06l3OkJF-GSy42nSjOW00tyIIOoi/s1600/P1010327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYldFWGOxnVi1hIr17SIwio_qKTl7hjrvrQcrSZ-jlFJczNfr81UrRcnnukBWu8QIRPxrZSevz-blMS5GTOS1LxA3GhSkyTXYlUI2qTlmzqLq-iBQ06l3OkJF-GSy42nSjOW00tyIIOoi/s320/P1010327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this apple looks like a butt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5PLDzeLZPq3cQdYOOKp6UIWyWPt0B7PAN367GuthTaf67XkF0AlBTZN06djeRg6ECMTlJI5cUhAKLDZ0m2-ZUUFdsnFsjHbjOebRAqnYGro0c6PJ0zz6grlD-NIaBlPTOK3K-lhmj09a/s1600/P1010330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5PLDzeLZPq3cQdYOOKp6UIWyWPt0B7PAN367GuthTaf67XkF0AlBTZN06djeRg6ECMTlJI5cUhAKLDZ0m2-ZUUFdsnFsjHbjOebRAqnYGro0c6PJ0zz6grlD-NIaBlPTOK3K-lhmj09a/s320/P1010330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a child, he was only allowed to pick MacIntosh apples...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvgaYenvjn5-1RnP7W44h1UgFzYEmDMnb52FADrZH-6PfbPaIJgobch6oe1N7E4Mkp9SrveCgaQ9n1kY-9RPi7_aQT27Q9V7c_iZxC20xyoVChZkWyasA21xFQf46WrOJTMVFkbZ5dpW4/s1600/P1010331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvgaYenvjn5-1RnP7W44h1UgFzYEmDMnb52FADrZH-6PfbPaIJgobch6oe1N7E4Mkp9SrveCgaQ9n1kY-9RPi7_aQT27Q9V7c_iZxC20xyoVChZkWyasA21xFQf46WrOJTMVFkbZ5dpW4/s320/P1010331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">of course, Evan ate off all the caramel and threw the apple in the trash!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiF1zg-EvF2ObNiY61FrNPV7X7xAUkWMKyb-1GODV4yP_-zzk2UmGIQLe0u0YRE-4MpU5hOp0XdzYrMjPp1-fhMwjBCqKoFAD8rHw8ZafLLrYuSlOJw3th-W1U4fogEwJdA-A0S9G1EjW/s1600/P1010335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiF1zg-EvF2ObNiY61FrNPV7X7xAUkWMKyb-1GODV4yP_-zzk2UmGIQLe0u0YRE-4MpU5hOp0XdzYrMjPp1-fhMwjBCqKoFAD8rHw8ZafLLrYuSlOJw3th-W1U4fogEwJdA-A0S9G1EjW/s320/P1010335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-10112764049492320532011-09-17T11:26:00.004-05:002011-09-17T11:26:44.371-05:00Ruffles, again.I know this seems a bit redundant, but I cannot get my mind off ruffles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZidv_RpO_Xu3h3S51Gs1VhFcj3kD_G9sz1KwIb2cM-Ys398D8ffY5NcG7M2fC3VpI5efu6Q-jbDCOZxJ6Qfocrk_MpRkImvAsp4WBe_ZqIEHkY1aguPX2PRhjt54YDtOrGqHwI8QpAUUB/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZidv_RpO_Xu3h3S51Gs1VhFcj3kD_G9sz1KwIb2cM-Ys398D8ffY5NcG7M2fC3VpI5efu6Q-jbDCOZxJ6Qfocrk_MpRkImvAsp4WBe_ZqIEHkY1aguPX2PRhjt54YDtOrGqHwI8QpAUUB/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-91977252726519200042011-09-09T09:26:00.000-05:002011-09-09T09:26:12.743-05:00It's a girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-urIknNADuV_BOXtG28hqdpMAF4ozxIJziLZ7pbfx6YE8PCpwMUbo7Sp6M-I5D7sULwB7nyYBlih2eJsw3Ri68zGoQaU6GrrWYM0Nl8kPMqyWmIEksxTj-zvh_WCg7GKKQk0vtC7LIAe/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-urIknNADuV_BOXtG28hqdpMAF4ozxIJziLZ7pbfx6YE8PCpwMUbo7Sp6M-I5D7sULwB7nyYBlih2eJsw3Ri68zGoQaU6GrrWYM0Nl8kPMqyWmIEksxTj-zvh_WCg7GKKQk0vtC7LIAe/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A girl-y bag, that is. And I love it! It's my very favorite thing I've made, ever. It will be in the shop soon, as soon as my darn camera battery charges and I can finish taking it's picture!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-44881890671695211122011-09-05T22:25:00.006-05:002011-09-06T15:38:39.091-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs9pkd9AM4Q9MCqmkoxmgJVuCOeCmQuixAiSQ73iV94ItkRAKKiR2ra6teLKBF2yu4Q7zpE_xvGeowm-iVrQAwctI8EuVker_L1SCGLJbI43xp0sOQipttrxbySHUYdWjbl0Em5K3MRd2/s1600/fall+floral+wallet+w%253A+palette+copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs9pkd9AM4Q9MCqmkoxmgJVuCOeCmQuixAiSQ73iV94ItkRAKKiR2ra6teLKBF2yu4Q7zpE_xvGeowm-iVrQAwctI8EuVker_L1SCGLJbI43xp0sOQipttrxbySHUYdWjbl0Em5K3MRd2/s320/fall+floral+wallet+w%253A+palette+copy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm trying something new today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been insanely jealous of <a href="http://www.design-seeds.com/">Design Seeds</a> and how she makes her breathtaking photos with matching palettes of color. I've searched the internet high and low and can find a few people who do something similar (but never as nice), but I was really having trouble finding out how to make one of these things.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finally found one gal who says she uses <a href="http://www.aviary.com/">Aviary</a> to upload a photo and make her palette. So, I went to Aviary, uploaded my photo into the Toucan Color Editor, made my lovely palette and it was really fun and easy. But then I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get my photo and my palette together in such a nice way as they do. I was hoping it would just magically happen, that there would be a button at the bottom of my palette that said "put these two lovely things together and it will look great" but there wasn't.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I figured that it has something to do with my nemesis, Photoshop. I actually have never used Photoshop (haven't wanted to fork over all that money for it) so I've been trying to teach myself to use Gimp, which is like photoshop, only free. I gotta tell you, it's a struggle. I use it so infrequently that each time I try it, I have to relearn everything and it takes me forever.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As it happens, Aviary also has a free Photoshop thing called Pheonix, and my first impression is that it's a little easier than Gimp. That doesn't mean that it didn't take me, oh, about 4 hours to come up with that picture you see at the top. It's nowhere near as pretty as Jessica's pictures, but that's ok. It's the best I can do for now. I definitely owe a special thanks to my friend Kelly for her smarts! Once I finally got the hang of it I couldn't stop and I've been changing all of the main photos in my <a href="http://www.sunshinehandbags.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> shop. Take a look and give me some feedback - Do you like them or not?</span>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-35994559251254358832011-09-04T10:15:00.001-05:002011-09-04T10:17:01.333-05:00New Day, New BagI've been toying with the idea of a bag with ruffles for some time. I want something flirty and feminine, without all the straight lines most of my bags have. This is my first attempt and I'm really happy with it. I just took the basic shape of the Meredith bag, added the ruffles and took out the stiff lining that gives the original bag it's structure. The result is a slouchy, casual bag with a girly attitude. I just might add ruffles to every bag I have!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3dmD-VEUI0YSMJ2ot7-XZR263c9OHXBMiO1JNkGybdS1L1I16zT4BZ0viVQqpF_YaDQKPSLU6q1OaHly6sik0qoMQXGIBB0_HmtyfRGbgwjwgJJkNvm-z21B-_UbRX6gjj3qCmonL8ah/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3dmD-VEUI0YSMJ2ot7-XZR263c9OHXBMiO1JNkGybdS1L1I16zT4BZ0viVQqpF_YaDQKPSLU6q1OaHly6sik0qoMQXGIBB0_HmtyfRGbgwjwgJJkNvm-z21B-_UbRX6gjj3qCmonL8ah/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-38685296632168697752011-08-26T11:13:00.002-05:002011-08-26T11:15:28.326-05:00Can anything really be this good?<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139309990/" target="_blank"><img 629'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/139309990_1CItJJ1V_c.jpg" width="355 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/how-to_red_velvet_strawberry_s.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">blog.craftzine.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/susanbeyer/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Susan</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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I grew up with Red Velvet Cake. It was THE birthday cake in our house. From Scratch. There was no such thing as boxed Red Velvet Cake when I was young. The recipe calls for <u>two bottles of red food coloring</u> - how decadent can you get? The cake actually plays with your head and your taste buds, because even though the cake is made with cocoa, your brain can't really wrap itself around the notion that the flavor of chocolate is coming from something so completely red.<br />
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Another lovely thing about scratch red velvet cake is the buttermilk. Hands down, there is no better cake of any kind than one that has buttermilk in the ingredients. The version in a box just misses the mark here - you don't get that yummy buttermilk smoothness and bit of tang out of the box. I really believe it's the key ingredient in a true red velvet cake. Well, except for the frosting, and I will go to my grave defending authentic Red Velvet Cake Frosting, and it IS NOT made with cream cheese.<br />
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Don't misunderstand me, I L-O-V-E cream cheese frosting - on cinnamon rolls and carrot cake, but it does not belong on red velvet cake. True southern recipes call for a delicious, slippery, subtle white frosting that must be cooked first, then beaten to the end of oblivion. That is what I'm talkin' about! I really find it almost impossible to enjoy a piece of red velvet if it has any other frosting.<br />
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There is one exception, however. That cake up there in the picture? That cake is frosted with whipped cream - and that's ok - because it is a "strawberry shortcake red velvet cake" and that is different. You put whipped cream on strawberry shortcake, so I'm in complete agreement that it goes perfectly with that breathtakingly gorgeous creation. I really want a piece of that cake. How do you even slice that cake? How would you get it to the plate in one piece? It really wouldn't matter, I'd eat that cake in whatever condition it was set in front of me. And I know I would love it, whipped cream and all.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<div id="recipe_title" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 180%/normal Helvetica; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Red Velvet Cake </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>(no, not like the one in the picture - you have to click <a href="http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/2011/04/red-velvet-strawberry-shortcake.html">here</a> to get that recipe!)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<div id="recipe_title" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 180%/normal Helvetica; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><br />
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<div id="recipe_ingredients" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div id="section_header" style="font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">Ingredients:</span></div><div id="section_header" style="font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div id="section_header" style="font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">For the Cake:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>2</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>Tbsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Unsweetened Cocoa Powder</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>2</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>ounces</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Red Food Coloring</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cup</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Buttermilk</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>tsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Salt</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>tsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Vanilla Extract</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>½</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cup</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Shortening</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1 ½</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cups</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">White Sugar</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>2</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement></ingredient_measurement><ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Eggs</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>2 ½</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cups</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">All-Purpose Flour</ingredient_name>, <ingredient_method style="font-style: italic;">sifted</ingredient_method></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1 ½</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>tsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Baking Soda</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>tsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">White Vinegar</ingredient_name></span></div><div id="recipe_ingredients" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><b>For the Frosting:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cup</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Milk</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>5</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>Tbsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">All-Purpose Flour</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cup</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">White Sugar</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>cup</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Butter</ingredient_name></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><ingredient_quantity>1</ingredient_quantity> <ingredient_measurement>tsp</ingredient_measurement> <ingredient_name style="color: #30578c;">Vanilla Extract</ingredient_name></span></div><div id="recipe_directions" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><span id="section_header" style="font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; text-align: left;">Directions:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">1. Grease two 9 inch round pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Set aside.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">2. Combine the buttermilk, salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cocoa mixture. Beat in the buttermilk mixture alternately with the flour, mixing just until incorporated. Stir together baking soda and vinegar, then gently fold into the cake batter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">3. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">4. To Make Icing: In a saucepan, combine the milk and 5 tablespoons flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Set aside to cool completely. Cream together butter, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until light and fluffy, then stir in the cooled milk and flour mixture, beating until icing reaches spreading consistency.</span></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">****If you want to get really fancy, slice each cake layer horizontally to create 4 layers, and put frosting on the top and between the layers only - not on the sides. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-15657572263370795312011-08-24T22:20:00.001-05:002011-08-24T22:22:57.622-05:00<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/136084981/" target="_blank"><img 491'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/136084981_Pn4Tdvzv_c.jpg" width="410 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: center; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/1774604" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">weheartit.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/amy_klumpe/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
I need this for my dog!! Whenever I'm in the kitchen cooking or doing the dishes Sully is under my feet. We have a small rug in front of the sink and he thinks it's a dog bed we put there just for him. I am constantly telling him to get up and move, which he does, for a few seconds, and then he's back again on the rug. I don't really have room in my kitchen for an island, we have the peninsula shape thing going on in there, but with a little tweaking and losing a whole lot of storage space, maybe I could convert the peninsula and convince him to get comfortable in a space like this, instead of under my feet!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-68338762470705662922011-08-20T21:39:00.012-05:002011-08-20T21:51:44.117-05:00Etsy Treasury for the Day <h2 style=" font-size:16px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "><a style=" color:#333333; text-decoration: none; " onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI3NDgzNzV8NjAzNjg4OTI1"> 'A Golden September!' </a> by <a style=" color:#333333; text-decoration: none; " onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dovetailvintage"> dovetailvintage </a> </h2><h2 style=" font-size:16px; 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" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60999185" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Origami stars - Gold - ... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Signoraluna" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Signoraluna </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$17.00 </div></td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="140px" width="140px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77937348" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; 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padding:0px; " src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.259102284.jpg" width="140px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78393284" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> The Golden Flower headb... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlehinLEE" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> littlehinLEE </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$76.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="140px" width="140px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77964238" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.257658016.jpg" width="140px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77964238" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Orange velvet decorativ... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/imali" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> imali </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$10.00 </div></td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="140px" width="140px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40013061" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.262198980.jpg" width="140px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40013061" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Ladies lacy crossing pa... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurimuks" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> laurimuks </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$48.00 </div></td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="140px" width="140px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79219579" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.265074449.jpg" width="140px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79219579" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Carnelian Stud Earrings </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BatizJewelry" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> BatizJewelry </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$34.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="140px" width="140px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76954009" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.254301877.jpg" width="140px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76954009" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Vintage Wood Hoop Chees... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TomLaurus" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> TomLaurus </a> </div><div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:8px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">$24.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style=" color:#B2B2B2; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> by <a href="http://redrowstudio.com">Red Row Studio</a>. </p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-40997739041655763342011-08-18T20:20:00.001-05:002011-08-18T22:19:06.602-05:00Calm Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab7PuEaEpFQyuxpf3jKb8fVX1nUHmepBMXPBU6V15JoVmkSyqn8MhA6OIJ1pVd0ydwrx47sdQqZYKpf_aMKsh1ju1p-S9n3f1s0K_CerU5GYASVozEs8fddPgb4YbfsZDba53Kzq-FMf4/s1600/P1010039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab7PuEaEpFQyuxpf3jKb8fVX1nUHmepBMXPBU6V15JoVmkSyqn8MhA6OIJ1pVd0ydwrx47sdQqZYKpf_aMKsh1ju1p-S9n3f1s0K_CerU5GYASVozEs8fddPgb4YbfsZDba53Kzq-FMf4/s320/P1010039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The weather is (finally) perfect so a friend and I headed out to my favorite local paddling place - Cherokee Marsh - for a lovely morning of kayaking. Spectacular.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-31992276975602940212011-08-16T19:04:00.000-05:002011-08-16T19:06:51.377-05:00It's been a pretty exciting weekEtsy has made some major changes this week that have truly polarized their members.<br />
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For all the details, see this post by the etsy admin staff<br />
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7716/announcements/discuss/8808260/<br />
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I happen to be in the "thrilled with the changes" group, but based on the pages of enraged comments I've been reading in the forums section, I don't believe I'm in the majority. The new changes are a benefit to me because now I have a much better chance of people finding my store and my items.<br />
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And they already have.<br />
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Case in Point - I have been on etsy for a couple years and have never had any item from my shop be included in a treasury (a compilation of twelve to sixteen items created by another etsy member for the sole purpose of making a nice looking collection of etsy items.) There is absolutely no guarantee that inclusion in a treasury will lead to a sale, but it is great shop exposure to the etsy public, especially if the treasury lands on the elusive FRONT PAGE.<br />
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When the new changes were announced, I immediately went to work rewriting my product names and descriptions and re-working my product "tags" according to the instructions and advice given to me. And suddenly, within three days, I've had items included in three treasuries, I've sold one wallet and the visits to my shop have increased dramatically. Yeee-Haaaaaw!!!!<br />
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I don't want to get ahead of myself here, but this could be the start of something really great for me and Sunshine Handbags! I'm so excited!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA3Nzk2NzN8NTc0MjMyMzE2/falling-for-cooler-weather?index=1">Treasury #1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzc4MDQwN3w1NzgxMTg0MDQ/bittersweet-and-maize?index=1">Treasury #2</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTkxNzcwMnw1ODQxNjE5ODY/autumn-spice?index=1">Treasury #3</a><br />
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-55472593576987862932011-08-12T16:47:00.000-05:002011-08-12T16:49:56.317-05:00I'm in the mood for School! And Apples!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3CJ6WZRRbI7igb0XDlagolGWXrwv36kifgRtoUKBMBfeJ5N4xGFrq-mjMhjQ-6lWPzri4HAjdumANDVm5usvZIkRdGsL91Fi2BlLfBVs8sA5rTYv6PAd5oPZAfpPuOEvE4QTmI1jgDPB/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3CJ6WZRRbI7igb0XDlagolGWXrwv36kifgRtoUKBMBfeJ5N4xGFrq-mjMhjQ-6lWPzri4HAjdumANDVm5usvZIkRdGsL91Fi2BlLfBVs8sA5rTYv6PAd5oPZAfpPuOEvE4QTmI1jgDPB/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Evan should bring this apple to his teacher on the first day of school, but since he has a 2 out of 3 chance of having a male teacher this year, the odds are pretty good that we're not going to be gifting this bag when September rolls around. I've been holding on to this fabric for at least a year, looking for the perfect mates, since it didn't come with any coordinating prints that I liked. I finally ordered the green leaf print last month and the red/black dot pattern jumped off the wall into my hands at my favorite local quilt store. I'm so happy with the results!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-40528224813151529162011-08-07T10:29:00.000-05:002011-08-07T10:29:57.312-05:00It Must be a Cold Day in HellTo paraphrase Andi's comment when she discovered that I had done the unthinkable - I've become a member of Facebook.<br />
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Almost everyone I know, including my own parents, have a Facebook page. I have managed to be very happy while not being on Facebook. I will admit that I have occasionally felt left out of a conversation because I didn't see what "they" posted on their page last night. But mostly I've been happy to not know every minute detail of peoples lives.<br />
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I also consider myself a fairly private person. I really don't want a bunch of people to know what's going on in my life every day. I am especially not fond of the idea of re-connecting with certain people from my past - you know who you are. I know, I know, I can protect myself from all of that by ignoring their request to be my "friend". But maybe that's the crux of this whole thing - I really dislike the idea of having to ask someone if I can be their friend. It seems so elementary school-yard to me. It also doesn't feel right to deny someone who wants to "friend" me...even if I don't really want to be their friend. What if I bump into them some day and they say, "hey, I wanted to be your friend and you said no, what's up with that?" Awkward!!<br />
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Enough of the reasons why I don't want to be on Facebook, real or imagined. <br />
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Why did I finally cave in? Mostly because I'm looking for more ways to draw people into my Etsy shop. That's probably not the best reason, but it's the real reason. I make a truly beautiful handbag and I want the whole world to own one. The problem is, I am struggling to get people to find Sunshine Handbags. I need to live in a bigger circle in order to market myself to a larger audience, and Facebook could possibly do that for me.<br />
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There is also a little part of me that is intrigued by the idea of finding a few of the people from my past, just to see what they've made of their lives, make sure they're happy and healthy. Maybe I'll have the courage one day to track them down. Maybe they'll find me first.<br />
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Also, Aaron is going to want his own Facebook page, and I have to do the mom thing and eavesdrop on his life and make sure he is making good choices and his friends aren't punks.<br />
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So, I guess I'm jumping feet first into the land of TMI. I really don't want to know that my little sister might be partying a bit too much or that a family had a really successful restroom stop while on vacation, but I guess this all goes with the territory. If you want to be my friend, I'll say yes, and I promise not to bore you with the mundane parts of my life.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-85970294450750502902011-07-24T21:01:00.000-05:002011-07-24T21:05:12.040-05:00One Decaf Easy Vanilla Iced Latte To Go, PleaseLast week I passed along my business card to the Barista at Caribou Coffee who admired the bag I was carrying, and while I was driving home it occurred to me that if this gal is nice enough to take the time to visit my shop, she is going to find absolutely nothing on the shelves.<br />
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How embarrassing!<br />
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Until that moment, I had been doing a really good job living in avoidance mode, not wanting to face the fact that I've been major-ly neglecting both my blog and my etsy shop for months. Yes, I've been busy enjoying the summer and the kids, but there has to be a way to squeeze in a little Sunshine Handbags time, too. So, I decided to try and make it work, and vowed to not get too stressed about the laundry, house cleaning and grocery shopping that will pile up a bit faster than before.<br />
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And wouldn't you know it, not 30 minutes after restocking the shelves, I had a sale!! Hooray for me!! Hooray for my customer!! Hooray for her friend who is getting the bag as a gift!!<br />
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I've added a couple new items this week and I've made some really exciting purchases of some gorgeous fabrics - I can't wait for them to get here!<br />
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So, thank you Barista gal, I owe you one for helping me get my groove back on, so to speak!!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-46397949693438076262011-04-02T17:15:00.000-05:002011-04-02T19:41:40.230-05:00Ahhhhhhhhhhhh<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/niftynoodle/2787491169/" title="Lemon Drop by Niftynoodle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2787491169_d215e7de63.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Lemon Drop"></a><br />
<br />
Goodbye Winter, Hello Lemon Drop Martini!<br />
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3 ounces lemonade concentrate<br />
4 ounces vodka (preferably absolut citron)<br />
1 ounce triple sec<br />
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mix in martini shaker with crushed ice. Pour into martini glasses with sugared rims. (recipe makes 2 generous drinks)Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-60643949634458889462011-02-07T21:02:00.000-06:002011-02-07T21:02:41.148-06:00Let's Give This Thing Another TryYes, I've been gone for a long time. Yes, my Etsy shop sat empty for months. Yes, I have spent too much time in some kind of funk. But now I'm back, my shop is no longer empty and I'm promising to shake off the dust and get back on the horse.<br />
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What went on while I was gone? Well, the holidays sort of ate me alive and finally spit me back out sometime in the middle of January. Too many stories to tell for this small square, I'm just glad I made it out alive. The kids are growing and getting smarter and, in Aaron's case, more teenager-ish (not always a good thing). Steve is back to steady work (whew!). Consulting can be such a dog-eat-dog business. I've been spending a lot of my time in the pool, swimming laps and doing my best Michael Phelps imitation.<br />
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I've also been logging a lot of time with my sewing machine, working on a new bag design. I've filled my shop with the new "Bagllet", which is a small handbag and wallet combo. The wallet is permanently stitched to the outside of the purse, and the strap is long enough to wear across your body. It's the perfect bag to bring on long shopping trips, vacations, any time you need a few essentials but don't want to carry a big, heavy purse. I gifted several to family and friends at Christmas and everyone seemed to love them. I hope everyone else agrees!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I6eKAJSnQh_mPCiadV-jC4OAY-3E_SC_5Gk6YcV2dBKcwnuFneucpunWNgd_n1iKQqibwMiqWN5SS5i9mfzZKZCFcvDHyhztQ3bbPgDuQyCTOm5ATs8LCK6_25aKTCGS2USqdR-9qxxt/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I6eKAJSnQh_mPCiadV-jC4OAY-3E_SC_5Gk6YcV2dBKcwnuFneucpunWNgd_n1iKQqibwMiqWN5SS5i9mfzZKZCFcvDHyhztQ3bbPgDuQyCTOm5ATs8LCK6_25aKTCGS2USqdR-9qxxt/s320/DSC_0719.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM9BZUSLeVoIPTUIT9_pRqlxOmcKGFBPu6XQMSyL48wqmSChKKvhme-tyfOKaOfykJ-UD2Q4fD603L1Cv9HlZd_t_zSkj7RagPCnOyUNFvShTFsHf1Yb6dnE02TDbKgRAQ_Uv5SI62dl7/s1600/DSC_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM9BZUSLeVoIPTUIT9_pRqlxOmcKGFBPu6XQMSyL48wqmSChKKvhme-tyfOKaOfykJ-UD2Q4fD603L1Cv9HlZd_t_zSkj7RagPCnOyUNFvShTFsHf1Yb6dnE02TDbKgRAQ_Uv5SI62dl7/s320/DSC_0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-81051325674463140032010-10-09T18:57:00.000-05:002010-10-09T18:57:30.769-05:00Pumpkin Patch Pickin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu04ZnYBcDboGHQQUvIJ82CoPzfz-3GdsMzmCOd0F3pWquQEMCVjkthazgVUchO8pUcxPy8MTY9AXPt15ZpsChiBHgD1InLbc-YHi-f9jiNeysniYhDKma8xyxiWJSpMtI6kbJTWM5p7ad/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu04ZnYBcDboGHQQUvIJ82CoPzfz-3GdsMzmCOd0F3pWquQEMCVjkthazgVUchO8pUcxPy8MTY9AXPt15ZpsChiBHgD1InLbc-YHi-f9jiNeysniYhDKma8xyxiWJSpMtI6kbJTWM5p7ad/s400/DSC_0324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last weekend there was a tiny bit of a nip in the air so we drove to the outside of town to our favorite pumpkin patch. My kids are almost to the age where this family tradition might not be so meaningful to them, so I'm capturing the moment while they're still happy to be there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo3lNyAFsWr-Vj1Zbr72xcCOYzDcM-iT0qe6Srne1iPNMgiJIDR37v1aS6FZuOiJ9ZLf9wMtFhYrkJDYrdZUhhNHXmG3iupz0xZr4q1YH9wSYxg4XoLprPQwCqP6QGL8HIvyIUCmyRfws/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo3lNyAFsWr-Vj1Zbr72xcCOYzDcM-iT0qe6Srne1iPNMgiJIDR37v1aS6FZuOiJ9ZLf9wMtFhYrkJDYrdZUhhNHXmG3iupz0xZr4q1YH9wSYxg4XoLprPQwCqP6QGL8HIvyIUCmyRfws/s400/DSC_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-56506960121299768122010-10-06T16:30:00.000-05:002010-10-06T16:30:59.069-05:00Kayaking Done Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj3O7PTHHRC2AQsSFZx3BzIkZFYNAvozj6QWtBF5OkznejFv1w_4mCJMZ23sR7f4dGTSSr5jk1Ntpax4RJkQyxFCeoDeUilGXs5GzN0WLZG9eXJ24xznMEcFH4hgwP3UmqYQBo4PglKrn/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj3O7PTHHRC2AQsSFZx3BzIkZFYNAvozj6QWtBF5OkznejFv1w_4mCJMZ23sR7f4dGTSSr5jk1Ntpax4RJkQyxFCeoDeUilGXs5GzN0WLZG9eXJ24xznMEcFH4hgwP3UmqYQBo4PglKrn/s400/DSC_0381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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It just doesn't get any better!<br />
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Mary, Jill and I went on a little adventure in the kayaks this morning. It was a gorgeous Fall day in the Cherokee Marsh - perfect temp, crisp blue sky, calm winds...this is <i>the</i> day I will look back on when it's late February and there are inches upon inches of snow piled at my curb!<br />
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Jill surprised us with a lovely picnic including wine (she knows us so well!), bread and cheese. A little tricky to do in a kayak, but we managed to drift, drink, eat and laugh away the afternoon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyqN7wIk8HMNuNcxKXPYw9czSguG150d862PzEdKgR_U9EoCTrZXVRWPELPyRlmNppGhvUVn09M-DUPa7gGV7LTAhX4fKj5NtUq17vIln8yaev2FshYGB7FJQaM-mjldIZbv1HNhBPOb0/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyqN7wIk8HMNuNcxKXPYw9czSguG150d862PzEdKgR_U9EoCTrZXVRWPELPyRlmNppGhvUVn09M-DUPa7gGV7LTAhX4fKj5NtUq17vIln8yaev2FshYGB7FJQaM-mjldIZbv1HNhBPOb0/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-24980243351210710712010-09-19T10:15:00.000-05:002010-09-19T10:20:55.670-05:00My Little Soccer Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes he looks like this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And sometimes he looks like this (yes, he's on the field, not the sidelines)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">but he's still my little soccer star!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-58038438541296510112010-09-12T21:42:00.000-05:002010-09-12T21:47:47.099-05:00The Farm DinnerTonight, Steve and I, along with our good friends Chris and Mike Hale, were lucky enough to have reservations for the <a href="http://www.sassycowcreamery.com/Index.htm">Sassy Cow Creamery</a> Farm Dinner.<br />
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This spectacular event is held just once a year (see how lucky we are!) and is limited to a mere 27 guests. The adventure began out in the country at the Sassy Cow Farm Store where we met our host, James, one of two brothers who own the farm and dairy. After a lovely cheese tasting, we were treated to a brief but informative tour of the inner workings of the dairy. We then travelled down the road to a freshly mowed hayfield and up a small hill to a beautiful, serene setting right in the middle of the family farm. Three tables under canopies were set with linens and china and glassware, and the view was just magnificent.<br />
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After an impromptu visit from the farm patriarch (who later joined our table for dinner and shared many great stories), we were introduced to Chef Eckles, who provided details of the four-course meal he had prepared. The first course, a butternut cream soup, was a-mazing. Creamy and rich, with crusty bread for dipping, we were all tempted to pick up our bowls and lick them clean. Our second course, a caprese salad with balsamic laced greens, included juicy tomatoes purchased Saturday from the Madison Farmer's Market. Fabulous!<br />
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The main course was a wonderful grass-fed beef tenderloin with boursin cheese, garlic mashed yukon gold potatoes and carrots glazed with Sassy Cow butter. The beef had a wonderful, fresh flavor, the potatoes had just the right combination of chunky and creamy and the carrots were perfectly cooked. And, as if it had not already been a dinner to die for, we finished off the evening with a huge slice of creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, topped with Sassy Cow butter pecan ice cream.<br />
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I am already begging for a place at the table for next year's event, but I truly cannot imagine having a more perfect evening than the one we just had.<br />
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</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-73030330044284244842010-08-18T21:12:00.000-05:002010-08-18T21:12:45.002-05:00Photo Booth Mayhem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys and I were having so much fun with this feature on the mac! I was laughing so hard I almost threw up! I guess it's a good thing it doesn't take much to entertain us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2ExdyCO2mCUGS1-ffXrEmlApwlXJR_G0-fGBpzeRUbEM1_z7vr5PoMnz6qKiduPc8B5z4z1UPr9-ifRljI6sW6K1IrL2ojk6i3OGSF0zcqcwHYBjsOtDz1kGdK1Ulgwywa-Dfn8xIkG-/s1600/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2ExdyCO2mCUGS1-ffXrEmlApwlXJR_G0-fGBpzeRUbEM1_z7vr5PoMnz6qKiduPc8B5z4z1UPr9-ifRljI6sW6K1IrL2ojk6i3OGSF0zcqcwHYBjsOtDz1kGdK1Ulgwywa-Dfn8xIkG-/s320/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H_qaHxNKTI6MPAI9gd0Hi_yMLYjHjY6plWwFmXb5n0VDsyuLGY1qrJ14R280pTj1SLMcB7ZdieV_B4XUTUjRE9q5ktgzDXg36u7CtVA_p8XISdfhoxapYk4fjhFGI0km4sOoHCw-SpuB/s1600/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.47+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H_qaHxNKTI6MPAI9gd0Hi_yMLYjHjY6plWwFmXb5n0VDsyuLGY1qrJ14R280pTj1SLMcB7ZdieV_B4XUTUjRE9q5ktgzDXg36u7CtVA_p8XISdfhoxapYk4fjhFGI0km4sOoHCw-SpuB/s320/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.47+%233.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHACpGM5pGY0gyQT_7Qmy0HntX8M6tsGLUp1sEV6MYwOEkdOplOOvMz1UGH9f0lFnDGa6XBNARw7jUF1IKU7McdbuDmk4adxeDOlVA4KJPpCt7oAH36kJOhMZ7QqY9vh41r4e-Q2cvKJ6U/s1600/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.48+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHACpGM5pGY0gyQT_7Qmy0HntX8M6tsGLUp1sEV6MYwOEkdOplOOvMz1UGH9f0lFnDGa6XBNARw7jUF1IKU7McdbuDmk4adxeDOlVA4KJPpCt7oAH36kJOhMZ7QqY9vh41r4e-Q2cvKJ6U/s320/Photo+on+2010-08-18+at+20.48+%232.jpg" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-72482143086411426412010-08-17T17:25:00.000-05:002010-08-17T17:26:23.159-05:00Cloudy with a Chance of KayakingToday we were lucky enough to find ourselves invited to an afternoon on Mary's pontoon boat. The day wasn't completely cooperating with our plans, giving us a freakishly unseasonal 70 degree temp and clouds threatening rain, but we're tough and we really, really wanted to go for a boat ride.<br />
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The kids had a blast, as usual, and Aaron spent the majority of his time in the kayak, paddling around. He's perfecting the art of eating a chocolate muffin while kayaking and if it ever becomes an olympic event, he's destined for gold.<br />
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The heartwarming moment of the day came when both of my kids squeezed into the one-person craft and paddled around as though they were best friends. And then I was convinced to give it a whirl - what a blast! Mary and I now have plans to do some paddling of our own as soon as the kids start school. A little paddling, a stop for a cocktail, a little more paddling...sounds like the perfect afternoon to me!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq35fC_S3G6LPnRNnk9HJUsxIk18sX7GJTXoHF5pDrT7pD39KfWhvE-Q9IaNGJ1UKrjgbkEr35aLu2VxyWCzJ1GzgQPFPgs5KfbrlQzVa74DA8Spsb1NFN93eAsRy5p1D2Lap9_jPoLKM/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq35fC_S3G6LPnRNnk9HJUsxIk18sX7GJTXoHF5pDrT7pD39KfWhvE-Q9IaNGJ1UKrjgbkEr35aLu2VxyWCzJ1GzgQPFPgs5KfbrlQzVa74DA8Spsb1NFN93eAsRy5p1D2Lap9_jPoLKM/s400/DSC_0183.JPG" width="400" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-15873311262163937082010-08-15T20:57:00.000-05:002010-08-17T17:26:52.503-05:00Our Trip to The HOT Windy City<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6heb85nybs6R9bVvrj_Y_fnoTjayCgzeDyYjd6XY8-6O7-Mfa313ymVZMRMkmFRJCtfVYUJC3THFB_5SNStgVMXCvdWN3Wr5CCt-Zh1IDJkM1-8oOmRGNk5oTTOYQ29m2Q7BToZsPc0R/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6heb85nybs6R9bVvrj_Y_fnoTjayCgzeDyYjd6XY8-6O7-Mfa313ymVZMRMkmFRJCtfVYUJC3THFB_5SNStgVMXCvdWN3Wr5CCt-Zh1IDJkM1-8oOmRGNk5oTTOYQ29m2Q7BToZsPc0R/s320/DSC_0134.JPG" /></a></div><div>We finally managed to get our kids to downtown Chicago for a mini-vacation. We travel to the suburbs a couple times a year to visit family but we've never had time to take the boys to see any of the cool places downtown. Steve found himself with a week off while waiting for his next contract so in a sort of "spur of the moment" whirlwind, we plotted our course, made our reservations, purchased our tickets, kenneled the dog, and (whew!) we were off!</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJQhPvUSA3s43CoAWG6JEC95HL5VnLf56hu7eO9HJ6KjXMvioentX47yTTnggDowNGt-5Qn55v8zzD0mFjsWhrF_vKGiW5sGBRpM-YFXhRSbAUi4lYLOEsQlNFcctPJ-aiskUCI8Fwdoq/s1600/DSC_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJQhPvUSA3s43CoAWG6JEC95HL5VnLf56hu7eO9HJ6KjXMvioentX47yTTnggDowNGt-5Qn55v8zzD0mFjsWhrF_vKGiW5sGBRpM-YFXhRSbAUi4lYLOEsQlNFcctPJ-aiskUCI8Fwdoq/s400/DSC_0088.jpg" width="265" /></a>Obviously, there are so many things to do in Chicago, but we only had 2 1/2 days so we had to plan carefully. Both boys are complete science nuts, they cannot get enough of Mythbusters, so the Museum of Science and Industry was a no-brainer. We had a blast! Tornados, explosions, creepy underground coal mines, fun mind games and a gigantic model train exhibit - it doesn't get much more fun than that! We spent about 6 hours at the museum, they practically had to kick us out at closing time, drove to our hotel, found a yummy place to have dinner and then fell into our beds, completely exhausted.</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5awFQzLG-O2ibbLFuHM_YatqU_PgkM_O6YjzSrKMFZuuquz7cFuXk2hSDJY9fdIIZosUZt75akG9K34StvmeLyFIB0tNPi3qvGDTlp2PRhC-qFL2KL43QS_EiKcX3TowBlvfSzoGaR0_H/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5awFQzLG-O2ibbLFuHM_YatqU_PgkM_O6YjzSrKMFZuuquz7cFuXk2hSDJY9fdIIZosUZt75akG9K34StvmeLyFIB0tNPi3qvGDTlp2PRhC-qFL2KL43QS_EiKcX3TowBlvfSzoGaR0_H/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" /></a>Day two was a trip to<br />
the Shedd Aquarium located about 2 miles from our hotel, with a lovely lakefront sidewalk to travel there on foot. There was quite a bit of whining coming from our 8 year old, but even in the 90+ degree heat, we managed to get there, wilted but excited. The fish were amazing, especially the coral reef exhibit in the lower level...I could have spent all day down there watching the sharks, starfish and the other colorful creatures from the deep. Aaron loved the Beluga Whales, Evan's favorite was the Puffer Fish. At closing time we headed to the nearest water taxi - we were NOT going to survive the walk back to the hotel! The "Blue Dog" took us on a quick trip across the water to Navy Pier, where we spent time enjoying cold cocktails (italian ice for the boys), experienced Evan's first ferris wheel ride and then wilted some more in the 102 degree heat. Did I mention that it was HOT!!!!! A dinner at Gino's East Pizza (Super Yum!) and a nice walk back to the hotel made for the perfect ending to another great day.<br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ILioIKkIHMJCWOCI6_V5MIf7cvPObxeJsNbW8woBSlvq3gpegShM8gmcJj9fwm1gM1AOxQ0YGB8JwNPfXFeWAXIjbP6nkhKCjNyUGnBGu3ZOt37PfMKI21fxVrRiaoh_B64_MWmbftgq/s1600/DSC_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ILioIKkIHMJCWOCI6_V5MIf7cvPObxeJsNbW8woBSlvq3gpegShM8gmcJj9fwm1gM1AOxQ0YGB8JwNPfXFeWAXIjbP6nkhKCjNyUGnBGu3ZOt37PfMKI21fxVrRiaoh_B64_MWmbftgq/s400/DSC_0158.jpg" width="265" /></a>Aaron was not going to leave Chicago without a trip to the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), so Day three began with car trip across town. We had been warned of the potential for very long lines to ride to the top but I'm happy to say luck was on our side and we practically waltzed right in. I have a really serious fear of elevators, but the trip to the 103rd floor only took about 60 seconds, not even enough time for me to break into a sweat. The big deal about a trip to Willis Tower for Aaron is the opportunity to step out onto the "clear floor" platform they have installed that allows visitors to sort of experience what it might be like to take a step off the edge of the 103rd floor. I actually had no intention of stepping near that thing, but once I was up there I had to try it. Stepping out there really goes against every instinct of self-preservation your body has, I've never had an experience like that in my life. I did not spend more than 60 seconds out there, but I did look down and I did survive without needing to change my undies!</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Our trip home included a stop to see our newest family member, my great-nephew Stuart. He's only 3 months old and looks just like his daddy. So Cute!</div><div><br />
</div><div>And now we're safely home with lots of great memories (and piles of laundry). Our next scheduled adventure is the first day of school in a couple weeks. HOORAY!!!</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-6782263081803687162010-08-07T12:20:00.000-05:002010-08-07T12:30:20.421-05:00The Farmers MarketWe are so fortunate to live in a community that provides such a wide variety of wonderful opportunities during the summer months. The lakes, beaches, outdoor dining, the zoo and my favorite activity of all, the Madison Farmers Market.<br />
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From April to late October, you make your way around the Capitol square, spending a sunny Saturday morning taking in all the delicious smells, the breathtaking colors and the comfort that comes from purchasing locally grown produce, directly supporting the farms and families who grow them.<br />
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Our family has established a routine with stops along the way at our favorite vendors - squeaky cheese curds from Chula Vista, hot and spicy cheese bread from Stella's Bakery, donuts from the Oakhouse Bakery and bison jerky from Cherokee Bison Farm. Depending on the season, we might pick up lovely peppers and tomatoes to make homemade salsa, fresh ears of sweetcorn and maybe a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers for the house.<br />
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I love that my kids can experience the market and have contact with the friendly people who are responsible for providing all of this wonderful food. It's a great family activity for everyone!<br />
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</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-3000575863241759192010-08-02T10:36:00.000-05:002010-08-02T10:36:03.534-05:00Is Your Mama a Llama?My family often refers to me as "the llama". I don't remember when it started, or why, but I have been putting up with it for years. They get a huge kick out of it. Me, not so much.<br />
Why can't I be a giraffe? The long legs would be an answer to many prayers. Instead, I'm a pack animal with mangy hair, prone to spitting when agitated.<br />
While at the zoo this weekend, my loving family thought it would be the perfect setting for a family portrait, maybe even worthy of this year's Christmas card...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PE3L55HYlKf1BSCawnX0VIy6OY61CLTnCgRnj3EcJ-40wheOZHdWzGvHCjNkfG_gpOx2LJ7pielnHTSZiJxioEUl8hoJNayPs27wi_WrpEUTbmUQM9eoOOAFfkD5jSDUGIIADjFg4OI8/s1600/llama+mama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PE3L55HYlKf1BSCawnX0VIy6OY61CLTnCgRnj3EcJ-40wheOZHdWzGvHCjNkfG_gpOx2LJ7pielnHTSZiJxioEUl8hoJNayPs27wi_WrpEUTbmUQM9eoOOAFfkD5jSDUGIIADjFg4OI8/s400/llama+mama.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Dodson Family, 2010</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674150508273053344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150976931652602436.post-56410196788635382702010-07-26T14:39:00.000-05:002010-07-26T14:39:03.229-05:00Concerts on the SquareWe have been enjoying our summertime so much! Can you tell, I've been so busy I haven't even been sharing our good times here!<br />
<br />
I'll promise to catch up before the leaves fall, but for now, here are some pictures of one of my very favorite things about living in Madison...Concerts on the Square. Lovely weather, wonderful music, favorite friends, ridiculously good food - what's not to like?<br />
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