tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20816938949862331252024-03-13T16:53:12.436-05:00A Farmhouse Revisited: The May FamilyJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-55352750920027928372012-03-22T17:42:00.000-05:002012-06-20T00:11:20.505-05:00Vist with Family (CT) - September 2011<span style="font-family: inherit;">Part III of our</span> Connecticut journey was a stay at Lynette's and Steve's house. It was perfect because we were able to visit with Lynette, Steve, Nanna, Aunt Tessie and Uncle Walter, Mark & Beth, Therese and Chris and all the kids - so great to have a mini family reunion!<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5722835785790755713%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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And on top of that we were <i>finally</i> able to see Lynette & Steve's house - believe me, I've been frothing at the mouth to see what they did in terms of renovating their ranch. Steve is a general contractor, and if I could do a "plug" for his work...I must tell you if you are in the CT area, you should hire him. As you can see in the pictures above in the kitchen and the family room, he's one talented guy! When I saw their kitchen I just wanted to pass out: vaulted ceiling, beautiful cabinets and granite galore! A total cooks kitchen. Steve's company is Space Builder's Inc. <strong><span style="color: black;">(</span></strong><a href="http://spacebldrs.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">www.spacebldrs.com</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: black;">)</span></strong>. He even was patient with me with the onslaught of remodeling questions I threw his way!<br />
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Our visit was so relaxing: great accommodations, wonderful visit with family, fabulous food by Lynette, Nanna and Steve, and to top it off I was able to get my "dog fix" in by hanging out with Buddy, Lucy and Finster - I, unbeknownst to Lynette, Steve and Larry, was trying to figure out how I could "sneak" the dogs into our car without anyone noticing - oh how I wish Jack (our cat) would accept a canine roommate! I thought I took more pictures, especially of family, but I was so busy enjoying the visit that I forgot to take pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -oz-background-origin: padding; border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-34000022125474979392012-03-22T16:18:00.000-05:002013-03-03T22:08:49.517-06:00Visit with Sill and Terry - September 2011Part II of our trip out East was a visit with Sil and Terry, whom we love so much I wish we could "kidnap"/bribe to live in IL so we'd see them all the time! :) But if that's not feasible, a visit with them in CT will just have to do.<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5702057019418207425%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed> <br />
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We had an action packed 1 night visit with Sil and Terry: a great brunch at the Great River Golf Club, a walk on the beach (oh how I miss the beach!) and a trip to the Orange Country Fair <b>(<a href="http://orangectfair.com/">http://orangectfair.com/</a>)</b>. I love fairs...really, what's not to love about piglet races, tractor pull racing, corn dogs and a beautiful day in Connecticut! <br />
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Of course in staying at Sil & Terry's house we were treated to a gourmet meals - a seafood pasta dinner and a yummy breakfast - both would rival a bed and breakfast. Although our trip was way too short, we had a wonderful time. Upon leaving their driveway we already missed Sil & Terry. <br />
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Can't wait to visit again. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-23562252017562345632012-01-25T16:11:00.001-06:002012-03-22T16:13:45.465-05:00Visit with Scott and Gwen - September 2011<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701671981698685217%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed> In mid-September Larry and I made a whirlwind trip to New Jersey, Connecticut and New York, to visit family and friends. We managed to get everything in but it was sooo whirlwind it was too quick - wish we could have stayed longer.<br />
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Our first leg of the trip was a stop in Edgewater, NJ (next to the GW bridge and across the Hudson from NYC) to visit Scott and Gwen. We love visiting with the "Sgwotts" and especially when we are able to trek into NYC and explore, eat and just soak in the city.<br />
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We spent 2 nights with Scott and Gwen. Friday night we managed to swing a trip to <strong><span style="color: black;">La Vecchia Napoli</span></strong> (<a href="http://www.lavecchianapoli.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">www.lavecchianapoli.com</span></strong></a>) in Edgewater, NJ. <br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotos-g46408-d874897-La_Vecchia_Napoli-Edgewater_New_Jersey.html"><img alt="Photos of La Vecchia Napoli, Edgewater" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/13/5e/2f/restaurant.jpg" /></a><br />
This photo of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g46408-d874897-Reviews-La_Vecchia_Napoli-Edgewater_New_Jersey.html">La Vecchia Napoli</a> is courtesy of TripAdvisor<br />
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Scott and Gwen are regulars at this fabulous little Italian restaurant. The owners are so nice and you just feel that you are at home - fabulous food. I always order Linguine and Clams - best in the city! :)<br />
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Saturday we drove into NYC for the day. We managed to find a parking lot that wasn't ridiculous (I guess by NYC standards) and just walked around and took in the sites.<br />
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One stop was<strong><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Eataly</span></strong> (<a href="http://www.eatalyny.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">www.eatalyny.com</span></strong></a>), which is located down by the Flat Iron building. It's this amazing food market - just beautiful. Although, I will say it was too crammed with people, which I know is a good thing, but definitely hard to work your way through with all these people. <br />
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Since it was lunch time, we went up to the roof of Eataly to <strong>Birreria</strong> (<a href="http://eatalyny.com/eat/birreria"><strong><span style="color: black;">http://eatalyny.com/eat/birreria</span></strong></a>), a restaurant and brewery. It was really nice to be on the roof, taking in the sun and enjoying the people watching. <br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotos-g60763-d2004713-Eataly-New_York_City_New_York.html"><img alt="Photos of Eataly, New York City" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/33/cc/6b/eataly-15th-floor-beer.jpg" /></a><br />
This photo of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g60763-d2004713-Reviews-Eataly-New_York_City_New_York.html">Eataly</a> is courtesy of TripAdvisor<br />
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Unfortunately, the cheese and meat plate and salads we ordered were really pricey. Maybe, by NYC standards it's OK, but for us it seemed a lot of money for not that much food. But it was very tasty.<br />
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As we headed into evening we went to one of our favorite restaurants - <span style="color: black;"><strong>La Palapa</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.lapalapa.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">www.lapalapa.com</span></strong></a>)- which we always try to go to when we're in town. Great Mexican food. Unfortunately, without fail, I always fill up on their fabulous guac and chips before my entree (grilled shrimp) arrives - and then I'm completely stuffed!<br />
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The visit with Scott and Gwen was way too short...but were on our way to CT to visit friends and family for part 2 of our trip.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-12110805382700526602012-01-25T11:38:00.003-06:002012-01-26T15:17:13.644-06:00Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade - July 2011<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701619712012662465%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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I will fully admit that I am a latent parade-phile. It must be me being incredibly shy as a kid and walking in Redding, CT's parade as a Girl Scout - I vividly remember wanting to break free of the line and run to higher ground towards "freedom."<br />
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So I've been avoiding parades like the plague...until we moved to Crystal Lake. They are practically unavoidable since the parade route is smack in front of our house. So...I've learned to embrace and even enjoy the parades. Hey, as long as I don't have to be in them, I can "safely" enjoy them from the sidelines, or in our case our front porch.<br />
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This year Larry and I decided to once again host a little BBQ after the parade. We thought we had a "brilliant" plan to set things up in the front yard and avoid the mosquitoes in the back. And our plan would have worked had we not made one MAJOR error - I'll get to that in a minute...<br />
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The plan was for my parents, Hope and Greg and their kids and Bill and June (family) to stop by after the parade if they could make it.<br />
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In the beginning of the parade a guy stopped by and asked us if he could leave his bike in our driveway during the parade. We didn't even give it a thought and said yes.<br />
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The parade came and went and we started to get ready for the BBQ.<br />
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Well, Mr. Bike Man returned for his bike and since it was really hot out, Larry and I thought it would be nice to ask if he wanted a beer.<br />
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Well.....1 hour later...alhough it felt like eternity...Mr. Bike Man was still there! He wasn't talking to anyone, just texted away to someone, not budging. We started to get a bit nervous and trying to figure out what to do. Even some of our guests thought he was a friend...we couldn't explain anything until he left, which wasn't happening.<br />
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So finally, we decided to pack up the food, as a hint, and that <i>finally</i> worked.<br />
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Note to self...it's nice to be nice...but maybe next time we need to set some parameters or give someone a to go drink!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-49541387640213149282012-01-24T18:03:00.001-06:002012-01-25T11:04:36.846-06:00Cruise to Mexico - June 2011<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701335972212379473%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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The four of us arrived at the Port of New Orleans on time and ready for our new adventure. Gwen and Scott had already been cruising, but Larry and I were newbies. <br />
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I will say that if you are planning on going on a cruise, if you can afford it, go for a suite. Not only is the room a very nice size, all the suites get speedy boarding and departure privileges - I tell you this is the way to travel!<br />
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I honestly think I would have had a mini nervous breakdown if we had to wait in line - I swear the lines went on forever for the regular boarding.<br />
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The cruise itself was an experience and I definitely would want to do it again, but maybe next time not on Carnival. It's not that it was bad, it's just that it was a little too 20s-something partying - not really our speed.<br />
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The room was nice and big, but I'm still trying to figure out how Carnival can say it was recently updated - it looked kind of tired to me.<br />
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Unfortunately on the first night Scott started to feel ill and subsequently came down with a bad bacterial infection for the whole cruise. But I will say despite the fact that he didn't feel well, he was a real trooper and came out for dinner etc.<br />
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We mainly hung out on our balcony because, honestly, the areas where you would want to go to, the pool, miniature golf, etc., were incredibly stuffed with people. <br />
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My only other complaint is that we booked a cruise with only one stop. We did this on purpose because we weren't sure we'd like cruising, but it seemed kind of goofy to go all the way down to Mexico, stop at a port for 6 hours and then head back! <br />
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Our one port was Puerta Maya, Mexico. I believe were we actually docked was a few miles away from the actual town. The port had this carefully crafted tourist area, where you could really only see what they wanted you to see - it was surrounded by walls blocking your view of the actual town. After debarking Larry and I managed to walk off site and get a look of town - definitely a hard-hit area. Hopefully tourism helps keep some of the money in the town itself, because it was definitely a poor area.<br />
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The tourist area was just that. People were a bit too pushy for my taste for you to buy something. I was actually really looking forward to going to the jewelry shops because they had Tanzanite (my favorite), but it just seemed like a rip off. It could have been fine, but it just made me too nervous to buy something and then have to worry that I was being ripped off. Although, I did buy some beautiful black pearls for next to nothing.<br />
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The cruise was a great opportunity to de-stress, eat, take in the sun and hang out with Scott and Gwen.<br />
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It was a great time, although we wish Scott wasn't sick. We'll have to have a "makeup" trip for Scott - nothing like having a good excuse to travel! :)<br />
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Here's to our next adventure with the Sgwotts!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-42535740640986255532012-01-24T16:45:00.000-06:002012-01-24T16:45:08.478-06:00New Orleans - June 2011<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701301933353560673%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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For my 40th birthday, Larry surprised me with a cruise. <br />
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We'd never been on one before and I must say despite the fact that we used a travel agent to book the trip...it still was a daunting process to decide where we were going, when etc.<br />
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The "known" factors were we were traveling in June and that we were going with Scott and Gwen, our travel buddies whom we always have a fabulous time with.<br />
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So after going round and round of where we were going to go, we decided to go to the Western Caribbean. What sealed the deal was that we'd be leaving out of New Orleans - a favorite of ours. Larry, Scott and I had been there, but not Gwen. So we thought, "Let's kill two birds with one stone" - go to New Orleans for a couple of nights and then the cruise. Perfect plan.<br />
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It was a perfect plan until IL down to LA was hit rain and it began to flood! Apparently I was very naive about flooding, because I thought "OK, if floods and then it takes a day or two to subside." Well, it apparently doesn't. It takes time to crest and then to subside, leaving, unfortunately potential disaster in its wake.<br />
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So by the time we were ready to drive towards New Orleans, our "half-way point" of Tunica, MS, was under water! We love Tunica. It's this amazing town with casinos, literally in the middle of cotton fields. It's about 20 miles south of Memphis and a great little junket if you are passing through or want to try your hand at lady luck.<br />
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So Tunica was out and we decided to to go via Nashville - slightly out of the way, but since we love Nashville, we were game. We decided to stay in Franklin, TN again since we had such a nice time there in the Spring. That's what Larry and I love to do - find little cities and towns on our trips - it makes for new adventures and the promise of finding potential great restaurants and shopping!<br />
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So despite our serpentine route to New Orleans, we made it almost on time to meet up with Scott and Gwen.<br />
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It was nice to see that New Orleans was on it's way to recovery from the hurricane, but it seemed a little worse for the wear. But it seems that New Orleans is a rough and tumble kind of place, so I suspect it will bounce back.<br />
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We stayed at the beautiful W Hotel in the French Quarter. As you can see in the slide show above, the hotel has this gorgeous and very private courtyard. Larry and I were trying to figure out how to copy it for our backyard. The appeal other than the fact that it was stunning? No grass or weeds to pull!<br />
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We spent our time in New Orleans pretty much walking around and eating. And despite the fact that it was in the 90s, which I hate, for some odd reason it didn't bother me.<br />
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We made sure Gwen got a good taste of the city with stops on Bourbon Street, Nola (yum!), beignets at the French Market, Jackson Square, pedis for Gwen and I and MORE food! What's not to love.<br />
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It was a great couple of days in New Orleans...now on to the cruise!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-17367049735075026132012-01-24T14:31:00.000-06:002012-01-24T14:31:48.173-06:00Franklin, TN – Our Favorite New Destination - May & June 2011<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5700957760858811089%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCMqDsYWW7Nz6yAE%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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Larry and I have a new favorite get-away destination: Franklin, TN. I’ve been reading about it for some time: it always seems to be written up in Southern Living or the now defunct Cottage Living (sniff, sniff, sob, sob). So I added it to my “Places we need to go to” binder. <br />
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We were there two times recently – once in May and another time in June.<br />
We are huge fans of Nashville, which is about 20 minutes from Franklin, so it’s a great side trip if you’re in Nashville or in my opinion can be a destination in and of itself - it was actually the site of the Battle of Franklin duirng the Civil War (OK, I looked that up, but we have family who went there and knew about the history).<br />
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Franklin offers great shopping for the home and cute boutiques. And you have plenty of fabulous dining options. <br />
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The town is just darling – if we lived in the area I could see us living in Franklin and commuting to Nashville for work. It’s has a great small town feel with, yet has plenty to offer.<br />
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I can see why magazines have showcased this town – it’s a little piece of heaven, with gorgeous homes, yummy places to eat and will certainly satisfy your shopping fix.<br />
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If you have time, you should also visit Leiper’s Fork – about 8 miles away from Franklin. It’s a beautiful drive from Franklin to Leiper’s Fork: rolling hills, horse farms, stunning old homes – my kind of area!<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701296439252537217%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
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Although we quickly visited Leiper’s Fork – OK, I was starved and even a cute little town couldn’t dissuade me from finding food! – we were able to, albeit it very quickly, see it’s charm. It’s literally a ½ block of artisan shops and restaurants. There was the original Puckett's which we tried at their restaurant in Nashville (it’s also in Franklin) – and it just looked like a great place to have beer, BBQ and relax in the country while listening to music.<br />
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It’s definitely located off the beaten path – but Larry and I love that and usually find the best food/towns/etc. by traveling the back roads.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-23854534111647459692011-07-17T15:59:00.002-05:002012-01-24T14:13:23.944-06:00Forty/[Insert Age Here] is the New Fabulous! - Februray 5, 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ZIAkq79Oo/Th4f3U2_JLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/UfS8RWrBVpA/s1600/Jill%2527s+Suprise+40+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ZIAkq79Oo/Th4f3U2_JLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/UfS8RWrBVpA/s320/Jill%2527s+Suprise+40+005.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>And to think that I still have some of my baby teeth!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hit 40 in February. I somehow was expecting to feel different on my birthday, gaining some remarkable clarity as I entered this new decade. However, the day was just a day – I didn’t necessarily feel any different except towards the end of the day, really the evening when I seem to ponder life’s great mysteries as I fall asleep, I suddenly was hit with the realization…that <strong>I’M FORTY! </strong><br />
<br />
That declaration then turned into a 5 minute panic: “Get in shape! Do all your unfinished projects! Start using sunscreen! <br />
<br />
Well after I calmed down and vowed to do some if not all of these “projects,” <strong>I did have a moment of clarity about turning 40: while I may not be the most confident all of the time with everything in my life, there is something about the latter part of your 30s and I suspect moving into your later years, that you just accept things that you cannot change and you realize that you just might be fantastic just the way you are, even if it means you aren’t 5’8’’, a size 0 and haven’t won the lottery. </strong><br />
<br />
Larry <strong>HUGELY</strong> surprised me with a party at Duke O’Brien’s in Crystal Lake and later a cruise in June.<br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104744860176880945300%2Falbumid%2F5701235672869064033%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
<br />
It was a wonderful night, although Mom was not able to make due to being under the weather – but we were able to keep her in the loop via a play-by-play by phone.<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone, Family and friends, who came to celebrate – I was completely surprised and had a fabulous time!<br />
<br />
Enjoy the photos!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-81620529311732306512011-07-13T17:30:00.002-05:002011-07-17T13:37:55.883-05:00A Visit from the Fritz Boys - January 16, 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6k8QOhquFn4/Th4aqJLVZ2I/AAAAAAAAAbY/2MmsMzj72JM/s1600/Eric+and+Brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6k8QOhquFn4/Th4aqJLVZ2I/AAAAAAAAAbY/2MmsMzj72JM/s320/Eric+and+Brian.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Eric and Brian</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>In January we had a very quick visit with Eric and Brian. Brian was in the Chicago area with the US Naval Academy Men's Glee Club and we were able to see him perform at a Church in Barrington, IL. The group was truly fabulous. <br />
<br />
Afterwards we were able to chat with Brian before he was whisked away to another singing engagement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT3IW4aI0E8/Th4bcA-zaoI/AAAAAAAAAbc/8_C15eUcBxk/s1600/Group+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT3IW4aI0E8/Th4bcA-zaoI/AAAAAAAAAbc/8_C15eUcBxk/s320/Group+Shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dad, Jill, Eric, Brian, Larry and Mom</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As always, it’s great to see family and we were thrilled that we were able to see this very talented troupe.<br />
<br />
Wish the visit was longer!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-74171515381101737742011-06-08T19:48:00.001-05:002011-06-08T19:52:45.287-05:00To Die For Carrot Cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGXTIEpH6Wg/TfAF_fw11cI/AAAAAAAAAbI/vHjfOF_qtnk/s1600/June+2011+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGXTIEpH6Wg/TfAF_fw11cI/AAAAAAAAAbI/vHjfOF_qtnk/s400/June+2011+033.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Completely worth the ridiculous amount of calories!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For Easter this year I decided to step up my game in bringing dessert to Mom and Dad's. I love to bake and <em>really</em> love carrot cake. After viewing various recipes on allrecipes.com, this is my adaptation of an Easter favorite. Honestly, this is so yummy, I'd suggest making this anytime. Forewarned - this is not a healthy recipe, but well worth the extra calories. Just run around the block about 50 times and you'll be good to go!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Carrot Cake with Decorative Carrots</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Note:</strong> This recipe is entirely soy-free.<br />
Makes 1 two-layered cake. Prep Time: 35 minutes; extra to decorate. Cook Time: approximately 1 hour.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Cake:</strong><br />
4 eggs<br />
3/4 cups Canola Oil<br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
3 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. nutmeg<br />
3 cups grated carrots- <br />
1 cup chopped pecans<br />
<br />
<strong>Cream Cheese Frosting: </strong>1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />
8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened <br />
4 cups confectioner's sugar<br />
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />
2 tsp. milk - I used fat free because that's what I had in the house, but if I had my druthers, I'd recommend whole milk for the extra richness.<br />
1 cup chopped pecans - for when you frost the cake.<br />
. <br />
<strong>Instructions for the Cake:</strong><br />
<ol><li>Preheat the oven 350°F. Grease with some butter and sprinkle with a little flower two 9" round cake pans. <strong>Note:</strong> You can use cooking spray, BUT, they all have soy. So if you are baking with a soy allergy in mind, <strong>PLEASE</strong> read all your food labels; it's amazing how many products have soy.</li>
<li>Using my KitchenAid stand mixer (you can use a large bowl and hand mixer too), beat together the eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add in carrots and mix for several minutes. Add in pecans and mix for several more minutes.</li>
<li>Fold mixture evenly into the 2 cake pans.</li>
<li>Bake in the pre-heated over for 40-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. <strong>Note:</strong> I start checking for "doneness" after 30-35 minutes, depending on your oven. </li>
<li>Let cool in pan and then turn over onto a cool surface/wire rack for further cooling.</li>
</ol><strong>Instructions for the Frosting:</strong><br />
<div></div><div></div><ol><li>Using the stand mixer, combine the butter, cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and milk. Beat until mixture is smooth and creamy - I did this for awhile to get it pretty fluffy. </li>
<li>To Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are cool. I placed one on a nice plate and frosted the top of it and then placed the second cake on top of it. I worked my worked my way around the cake and then smoothed out the frosting around the cake. </li>
<li>Nuts: I literally took small handfuls of the nuts and "smooshed" them gently onto the side of the bottom cake layer - it adds a nice, elegant touch (and tasty too!) to the cake.</li>
</ol><strong>Carrot Instructions:</strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajGgWYQHTgI/TfAUP1TC3kI/AAAAAAAAAbM/xJwlRBQ_1AI/s1600/June+2011+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajGgWYQHTgI/TfAUP1TC3kI/AAAAAAAAAbM/xJwlRBQ_1AI/s1600/June+2011+030.jpg" t8="true" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cute and Yummy!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><ol><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I made some extra frosting and then divide the mixture into 2 bowls using the stand mixture. In one bowl you will need to add green food coloring for the carrot leaves - I ended up putting quite a few drops to get the color I wanted. For the Carrots: Same thing, but instead add yellow and red food coloring.</div></li>
<li>Using a round frosting tip for the carrot shape and a star tip for the leaves, I placed each frosting in a pastry bag with its corresponding tip. </li>
<li>First I made the leaves and worked my way clock-wise around the top of the cake. You may want to try this on a plate first to practice - it seemed to me that it's a matter of the pressure and amount you squeeze out of the bag to achieve the perfect leaf.</li>
<li>For the carrots, I used a round tip and started right under the base of the leaves. Start with a bit of a "bulb" and then pull down with the frosting to make a tail. Again practice makes perfect. </li>
</ol>I will tell you I was a wreck adding the carrots to the cake because if you make a mistake, that's it...fiasco! But all turned out fine. Does Martha Stewart sweat when she does this????<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ELmDgztJQM/TfAW65_0xmI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6e2sKfT6NjE/s1600/June+2011+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ELmDgztJQM/TfAW65_0xmI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6e2sKfT6NjE/s320/June+2011+027.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ready to wow guests</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope you enjoy this cake - it really is delicious.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Source: © 2011 May Family Recipes<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-50082975677431910552011-06-07T19:25:00.003-05:002011-07-17T13:32:18.766-05:00A Lesson from Seinfeld<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>"This was supposed to be the summer of George!" - George Costanza</strong></em></div><br />
When 2011 rolled around, I had in my head that this was going to be the "Year of Jill."<br />
<br />
I was turning 40 in February and, well, my thought was it's time for me to get in shape, embrace the new decade, climb a mountain (not really), blah, blah, blah. Kind of like a New Year's resoultion but longer - which I do every year and...do they ever even last???<br />
<br />
Well as soon as I had this new mantra in mind I then immediately thought "George on Seinfeld declared the 'Summer of George' and you know how well that turned out! <br />
<br />
Well the start of 2011 did in fact start off with some blips and then it was suddenly June - so I'm FINALLY at a point where I can now play catch up with my posts...so bear with me.<br />
<br />
Glad to be back!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-2847040693954299372010-12-20T22:25:00.002-06:002011-06-08T18:25:45.018-05:00Red Velvet Holiday Cupcakes...Yum! - December 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAgB80Za-I/AAAAAAAAAXM/TaVmGxR7FT4/s1600/Cupcakes+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAgB80Za-I/AAAAAAAAAXM/TaVmGxR7FT4/s320/Cupcakes+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Red Velvet Cupcakes with Holly</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the holidays this year I thought I'd amp up my attempt at "Martha Stewartness" and make some holiday cupcakes. Cupcakes, just make me happy because they are these little works of compact art and yummy to boot!<br />
<br />
I got the design idea from an office neighbor (thanks Misty!) who brought in these beautiful chocolate cupcakes with "holly leaves" on top of them. Honestly, when I saw them, I was just giddy, because I knew I would have to try to make them. And a big thanks to Misty for lending me the very cool holly leaf gum press.<br />
<br />
Here's my interpretation of them with a Red Velvet Cupcake - perfect for the holiday season!<br />
<br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Red Velvet Cupcakes with Holly Leaves and Berries</strong></span></div><br />
<div>Makes 30 (1 cupcake) servings. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes</div><br />
<div><strong>Cupcake Ingredients</strong></div><br />
2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder <br />
1 teaspoon baking soda <br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened - yikes, I know...these aren't exactly healthy...but they are worth it!<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup sour cream <br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1 bottle (1 ounce) McCormick® Red Food Color<br />
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract<br />
<br />
Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows) <br />
<br />
<strong>Instructions</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAhSv9EWDI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/iCc-TE60f9I/s1600/Cupcakes+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAhSv9EWDI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/iCc-TE60f9I/s320/Cupcakes+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mix the Dry Ingredients</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAh6hEsM5I/AAAAAAAAAXU/vr221Ywo7SA/s1600/Cupcakes+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAh6hEsM5I/AAAAAAAAAXU/vr221Ywo7SA/s320/Cupcakes+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Beat in Eggs</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAiK3iTcLI/AAAAAAAAAXY/3KJ6tv38iEs/s1600/Cupcakes+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAiK3iTcLI/AAAAAAAAAXY/3KJ6tv38iEs/s320/Cupcakes+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Add the Sour Cream</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAon99zwmI/AAAAAAAAAYI/X34ergmsuy4/s1600/Cupcakes+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAon99zwmI/AAAAAAAAAYI/X34ergmsuy4/s320/Cupcakes+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mix in the Red Food Coloring</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>4. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not over beat. <br />
<br />
5. Spoon batter into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAia_yI98I/AAAAAAAAAXg/9bPvT9Gf3kw/s1600/Cupcakes+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAia_yI98I/AAAAAAAAAXg/9bPvT9Gf3kw/s320/Cupcakes+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Be Careful to Not Fill Too High!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>6. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAitkW4dzI/AAAAAAAAAXo/n8KCR7j0vEw/s1600/Cupcakes+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAitkW4dzI/AAAAAAAAAXo/n8KCR7j0vEw/s320/Cupcakes+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ready for Frosting</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>6. Frost with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div><strong>Instructions</strong><br />
<br />
Beat 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar until smooth.<br />
<br />
Note: I used a frosting decorating bag - I sooo recommend this - it makes your cupcakes look pretty darn professional. This was my first try at it and after a few missteps, I was a cupcake decorating addict!</div><br />
<div><em>Source</em>: McCormick®. Nutritional Information (Per Serving) : Calories: 272; Fat: 12 g; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Cholesterol: 63 mg; Sodium: 178 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Protein: 3 g</div><br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Fondant Holly Leaves and Berries</strong></span></div><br />
<div>Note: You can make these ahead and put in the refrigerator to set.</div><br />
What you'll need:<br />
<ul><li>Green fondant </li>
<li>Red fondant</li>
<li>Edible sparkle dust</li>
<li>Fondant roller</li>
<li>Holly leaf cookie cutter/sugar press</li>
</ul><strong>Instructions</strong><br />
<br />
1. For the holly leaves: Place the green fondant on a cookie sheet or hard, clean surface. Use a fondant roller to roll out the fondant to the desired thickness. <em>Hint:</em> don't make it too thin or the "leaf" will be to flimsy to work with and it may break.<br />
<br />
2. For the berries: Do the same above with the red fondant and roll 3 little balls for each holly leaf.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAlTyBRe_I/AAAAAAAAAXs/cTn4N34JKYk/s1600/Cupcakes+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAlTyBRe_I/AAAAAAAAAXs/cTn4N34JKYk/s320/Cupcakes+009.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Red Fondant (Rolled Out)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAl7b2kHgI/AAAAAAAAAYA/o96l2zJEXrk/s1600/Cupcakes+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAl7b2kHgI/AAAAAAAAAYA/o96l2zJEXrk/s320/Cupcakes+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Holly Berries</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. To assemble the holly leaves and berries: Gently press the 3 holly berries above so that they stick together.<br />
<br />
4. Take a small amount of the frosting and put a it on the center of the holly leaf. <br />
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5. Place the berries on top of the frosting so that it is "glued" to the holly leaf.<br />
<br />
6. Voila! Pretty realistic and festive holly leaves with berries!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAnHZ2DP6I/AAAAAAAAAYE/IRsWzOcWKB8/s1600/Cupcakes+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAnHZ2DP6I/AAAAAAAAAYE/IRsWzOcWKB8/s320/Cupcakes+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Holly Leaves with Berries</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>7. With the frosting, holly leaves, berries and final cupcake, I did everything via an "assembly line" - just makes it easy.<br />
<strong></strong> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAp3lgy39I/AAAAAAAAAYM/v4As7s60zbw/s1600/Cupcakes+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAp3lgy39I/AAAAAAAAAYM/v4As7s60zbw/s320/Cupcakes+014.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cupcakes...Cupcakes...Cupcakes Everywhere...Oh My!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>8. To give the cupcake a little extra holiday "sparkle", I sprinkled edible gold sparkle dust over each cupcake.<br />
<br />
So the final cupcake, I think came out pretty darn good...don't you think?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAqf4KKVOI/AAAAAAAAAYU/NBFUcB2Q1wU/s1600/Cupcakes+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TRAqf4KKVOI/AAAAAAAAAYU/NBFUcB2Q1wU/s320/Cupcakes+018.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Festive Holiday Treat...Yum!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-27214451097182154362010-12-20T21:27:00.003-06:002010-12-20T23:18:56.804-06:00Blue Spoon Cafe...Post Thanksgiving Trip to Madison, WI – 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmVeH3jopI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YgF8M9Em7Ls/s1600/Winter+2010+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmVeH3jopI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YgF8M9Em7Ls/s320/Winter+2010+069.jpg" width="240" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Culver's Blue Spoon Cafe</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Friday we went to Madison, WI for the weekend - our favorite nearby getaway. We actually stay in Middleton, which is about 5-10 minutes away from downtown Madison and has a cute downtown. And if you are a mustard connoisseur, it is home to the National Mustard Museum<strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.mustardmuseum.com/"><strong>www.mustardmuseum.com</strong></a><strong>) </strong>- strange but true...and heck, what's not to love about mustard!<br />
<br />
Last year while staying in Middleton, purely by accident, we found a great cafe: <strong>The Blue Spoon Cafe</strong> <strong>(</strong><a href="http://www.bluespooncafe.com/"><strong>www.bluespooncafe.com</strong></a><strong>)</strong>. Interestingly enough, it's owned by Culver's, but is not fast food - we just loved it.<br />
<br />
We loved it so much on our trip last year, that we went to their other location in Prairie du Sac, WI - another cute downtown and headquarters to Culver's Restaurants <strong>(</strong><a href="http://www.culvers.com/"><strong>www.culvers.com</strong></a><strong>).</strong> The funny thing is that while we were there, I wanted to see the headquarters building. So we drove up to the building, apparently their brand new headquarters building, and we, OK, me, peaked in the window. Suddenly, someone came to the door and invited us in - it was actually the owners of Culver's - Craig and Lea Culver - and they were there on a Saturday, decorating for Christmas! They were so nice and gave us a tour of their new facility - Larry and I got such a kick out of it!<br />
<br />
But I digress...<br />
<br />
So this year we were quite excited to go to Middleton and go the Blue Spoon Cafe, only to find that it was permanently closed. I was completely thrown because it was so yummy (custard pancakes!) and packed with people. <br />
<br />
The good news is that the Prairie du Sac location remains open and just celebrated its 10th anniversary.<br />
<br />
Apparently the Blue Spoon Cafe is a test concept cafe and I hope they consider branching out to other locations...say Illinois :), because it's really, really good. And I hope they re-open in the Madison area, because it fits the area to a "T" - great food, artsy and just plain cozy.<br />
<br />
So if you are in the Prairie du Sac area, go to the Blue Spoon Cafe for breakfast or lunch - you'll be in for a real treat!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-32710280975041585852010-12-15T22:25:00.001-06:002010-12-15T22:27:55.379-06:00Thanksgiving - 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmLekn4iuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/aZp9yXQHbDs/s1600/Winter+2010+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmLekn4iuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/aZp9yXQHbDs/s320/Winter+2010+061.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ready for the Big Feast!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once again Larry and I hosted Thanksgiving for Mom, Dad, Eric and Ma May - six people, and a heck of a lot of food...leftovers here we come!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMcjrkl8I/AAAAAAAAAWs/kxUV3MCikCU/s1600/Winter+2010+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMcjrkl8I/AAAAAAAAAWs/kxUV3MCikCU/s320/Winter+2010+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>All Set and Ready for Company</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Somehow the stars aligned on Thanksgiving for me - it was a breeze and so relaxing. I have one hyphenated word of advice on how to do that: <strong>pre-planning.</strong><br />
<br />
I cleaned the house the weekend before and shopped for food, and set the table, made the pumpkin pie, gravy stock, and stuffing on Wednesday - just reheated them up the next day!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMXjTeIOI/AAAAAAAAAWo/mWil_Z0e6iQ/s1600/Winter+2010+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMXjTeIOI/AAAAAAAAAWo/mWil_Z0e6iQ/s320/Winter+2010+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Festive Fall Pumpkin Pie<br />
(need to use a crust protector next time, though)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Thursday, I got up, had a leisurely breakfast, popped the turkey in the oven, and cut out the pieces of cheese with cookie cutters for a nice presentation for the cheese and crackers - <strong><em>soooo easy to do</em></strong>, and it looks really nice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMngZmjMI/AAAAAAAAAW0/ffNxomE2mM8/s1600/Winter+2010+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMngZmjMI/AAAAAAAAAW0/ffNxomE2mM8/s320/Winter+2010+054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cheese and Cracker Appetizer</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMhlnPY0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/rMo1BMr4PhU/s1600/Winter+2010+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMhlnPY0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/rMo1BMr4PhU/s320/Winter+2010+051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Use Leaf Cookie Cutters for a Fall-Inspired Look</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mom and I divided up between the two of us the menu - so it was nice that she was doing the sides and I had my things to do - it just made it easy all the way around.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I actually had so much time, I really didn't know what to do with myself...a nap perhaps?<br />
<br />
While the guys watched football....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMs3UaXOI/AAAAAAAAAW4/YZjPKWacIsc/s1600/Winter+2010+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMs3UaXOI/AAAAAAAAAW4/YZjPKWacIsc/s320/Winter+2010+057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dad, Eric and Larry</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>...the ladies chatted.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMxdK5t5I/AAAAAAAAAW8/1780gGMUwFQ/s1600/Winter+2010+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmMxdK5t5I/AAAAAAAAAW8/1780gGMUwFQ/s320/Winter+2010+058.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mom and Ma</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmM4l3fVhI/AAAAAAAAAXA/yLQSJIsSib4/s1600/Winter+2010+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQmM4l3fVhI/AAAAAAAAAXA/yLQSJIsSib4/s320/Winter+2010+059.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dad and Me</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My only last minute prep was to make the gravy (using the stock and drippings from the turkey), brush the rolls with olive oil and herbs and heat up and reheat my made-ahead items.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The turkey came out perfect (I just realized I didn't take a picture!) and all was well with the world. </div><br />
The only "bad" thing that day was the temperature just tanked - it was frigid by the time everyone left - that's our lovely weather in Illinois!<br />
<br />
It was just a lovely day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-42417219341103618462010-12-13T22:21:00.007-06:002011-01-17T18:40:48.076-06:00Fall/Thanksgiving Decorating - 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbpoypxTAI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/LHo-0YMKrI4/s1600/Winter+2010+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbpoypxTAI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/LHo-0YMKrI4/s320/Winter+2010+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Outside Fall Display...A Little Worse for the Wear</strong> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I think I mentioned in an earlier post that fall took me by storm - we had so much going on that I felt like I was on a wave, with no way of getting off...so I just went along for the ride.<br />
<br />
Fall is my favorite season - hands down. I love the earthy colors, the sun (typically) is always shining, and when it gets a little brisk, you can put on a cozy sweater, stomp on the crackling leaves, smell the crisp air, just enjoying the outside. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQboiMOLZcI/AAAAAAAAAWI/6ISXlJKOFM4/s1600/Winter+2010+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQboiMOLZcI/AAAAAAAAAWI/6ISXlJKOFM4/s320/Winter+2010+040.jpg" width="240" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Living Room</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love to decorate inside and outside the house - unfortunately, this year's photos of the outside are post-first frost - sorry folks, this outside shot (above) looks a little sad...<br />
<br />
At least the inside of the house is climate-controlled, so you get a better idea of what I did. To follow is a breakown of my fall decorating projects for the fall/Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Living Room Mantle</span></strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbpICd6PoI/AAAAAAAAAWM/y-bTaIh_umQ/s1600/Winter+2010+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbpICd6PoI/AAAAAAAAAWM/y-bTaIh_umQ/s320/Winter+2010+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Living Room Mantle</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the mantle, I like to use either things found in the backyard or just natural stuff in general - I'm not a big fan of artificial items, but I will say nowadays there are some things I've seen at Michael's or Hobby Lobby that look pretty darn realistic - so to each his/her own.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Urns</strong></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbrL7YknAI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kwYU48uvNLw/s1600/Winter+2010+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbrL7YknAI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kwYU48uvNLw/s320/Winter+2010+027.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Urn Display</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I picked up these black urns at Michael's a few years ago - much cheaper than antique ones! Depending on the season, I switch out what's in them. <br />
<br />
For this year, I have branches, Chinese Lanterns (real - love these!) and feathers. As I said, I really like to keep things natural looking/use natural pieces. I was hoping to find some new lanterns this year, but no one had real ones in the area, which was a pity, because fresh ones are very vibrant in their orange color - these are actually from a farmers market in Cambridge, WI, that I picked up a few seasons ago and just try to use until they disintegrate...<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wheat Swag</span></strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbrw_jRAuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/3ktGGcZna5M/s1600/Winter+2010+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbrw_jRAuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/3ktGGcZna5M/s320/Winter+2010+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Black-Bearded Wheat Swag</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just love this wheat swag - it was so simple to do and took me about three minutes to do. Just take a small bunch of wheat (I use the black-bearded kind because it was a little more dimension with the black than just the plain wheat), secure with a rubber band right beneath the base of the wheat and fan out. I then make a bow to cover the rubber band. Fall-colored ribbons accent the wheat for a warm glow.</div><br />
Voila! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mantle Hurricanes</strong></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbszAv--7I/AAAAAAAAAWc/VGmIEmSrekg/s1600/Winter+2010+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbszAv--7I/AAAAAAAAAWc/VGmIEmSrekg/s320/Winter+2010+030.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Glass Hurricane with Hazlenuts</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the candle arrangement, I used 3 glass hurricanes with ivory candles. I recommend having grouppings of anything in odd numbers - a good trick/tip that designers always seem to recommend - and I have to say, it completely works better visually.<br />
<br />
The candles are unscented Chapel candles by Tag, Ltd - love these! Tag sells to places like Crate & Barrel and we are very lucky in the Chicago area to have 2 Tag outlets! These candles are excellent: great slow burn, no drip, and a really nice glow.<br />
<br />
For the fall/Thanksgiving, I usually add nuts - here I used hazlenuts. Nuts are inexpensive, natural and add a very warm touch to the display.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Front Door</strong></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQa_wjwpLgI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/qQ3tm7RhlkI/s1600/Winter+2010+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQa_wjwpLgI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/qQ3tm7RhlkI/s320/Winter+2010+046.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shaved Wood Wreath</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For quite awhile I've been using a grouping of Indian corn with a bow - this looks really lovely and is a very quick and easy display. <br />
<br />
But since we were going to the Country Living Fair in Ohio in the fall, I thought maybe I'd find something new for the door. And I hit the jackpot, because this is perfect - its natural (wood shavings) and is a great warm and toasty rust. Plus it's great for both fall, Halloween and takes you right through Thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
The wreath is from Nest (www.nestgr.com) in Grand Rapids, MI.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving Centerpiece and Table Setting</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbPZ3jjURI/AAAAAAAAAVc/eP5thY3lqmY/s1600/Winter+2010+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbPZ3jjURI/AAAAAAAAAVc/eP5thY3lqmY/s320/Winter+2010+019.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thanksgiving Table Setting</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong></strong>For the centerpiece, I just added just updated the Halloween centerpiece: just deleted the blackbirds and added red birch branches.<br />
<br />
The table is our typical "formal" table. This year I also bought some chargers - gold from World Market. The tablecloth is from TJMAXX.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Flower Arrangement</span></strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbvsAd_IXI/AAAAAAAAAWg/SuZ5s82v23g/s1600/Winter+2010+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbvsAd_IXI/AAAAAAAAAWg/SuZ5s82v23g/s320/Winter+2010+045.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Flowers in Pumpkin "Vase"</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was origionally going to have 2 of these "vases" flanking the centerpiece on the dining room table...but one of the pumpkins was horribly, and I mean <strong><em>horribly</em></strong> rotten - I almost vomited when I started to carve it! Do you think Martha Stewart ever deals with these types of decorating pitfalls???<br />
<br />
So I used the non-rotten one and placed it on the living room end table for a little extra fall flair - crisis solved!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-81603612213610006202010-12-13T21:33:00.001-06:002010-12-13T22:45:53.786-06:00Halloween Table Centerpiece - 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4juI_b59aW7WovuMTpkXJep5IVTOFejck7LPEg9jDt-H9iiwgv956dqqeZzGYpDuxGBSPODkzx0_xyv4DpOQEcjEKR1D1VtqhrvCNaLzvv1UTFjTe_n5ZGpk5RLv1Sooc25ZqzuSK_PH/s1600/Winter+2010+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4juI_b59aW7WovuMTpkXJep5IVTOFejck7LPEg9jDt-H9iiwgv956dqqeZzGYpDuxGBSPODkzx0_xyv4DpOQEcjEKR1D1VtqhrvCNaLzvv1UTFjTe_n5ZGpk5RLv1Sooc25ZqzuSK_PH/s320/Winter+2010+009.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Halloween Centerpiece</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish I did a little more decorating for fall/Halloween - but we were quite the tumbleweeds in the fall, so I was a bit sparse in what I did this year.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGsyOgRXMI/AAAAAAAAAT8/t-mF1-gb4FU/s1600/Winter+2010+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGsyOgRXMI/AAAAAAAAAT8/t-mF1-gb4FU/s320/Winter+2010+008.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br />
I did manage to do a little something for the table, which I think came out quite nice for a quick attempt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGs65ChJcI/AAAAAAAAAUA/GbPhdUQ39cA/s1600/Winter+2010+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGs65ChJcI/AAAAAAAAAUA/GbPhdUQ39cA/s320/Winter+2010+010.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Crows Add a Little Drama</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the centerpiece, you'll need the following:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>1 large, glass hurricane vase (I found this at TJMAXX for $9.99!)</li>
<li>Branches (found in our back yard)</li>
<li>Additional dried items: I used dried echinachea centers that I pulled from our garden - they have a "spooky" feel to them - perfect for Halloween!</li>
<li>Black beans - natural, inexpensive and again, great for Halloween! </li>
<li>Black crows - I got from the Perfect Pear, in Crystal Lake - my fabulous go-to-spot for cottage-style decorating. (see my previous posts under "Local Favorites") </li>
</ul>Wish I had a better shots of this - but I thought came out nice, don't you think?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-9301386611579250042010-12-13T21:17:00.004-06:002010-12-14T22:55:21.375-06:00Chicago Marathon...Gwen Rocks! - October 10, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbb9efnuNI/AAAAAAAAAVk/1ygudj8mD1U/s1600/Fall+2010+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbb9efnuNI/AAAAAAAAAVk/1ygudj8mD1U/s320/Fall+2010+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Chicago Marathon - 10.10.10!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The weekend of October 8-10, 2010 was a whirlwind event - it was the Chicago Marathon and Gwen was running in it! <br />
<br />
So on Friday, Saturday and Sunday we spent the weekend with Scott and Gwen, their friend's Lisa, Wendy, Nancy, Wendy and Lisa's husbands Stew and Ron. Lisa, Wendy, Nancy and their friend Sharon was also running in the Marathon - I must admit I felt like a huge sloth! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcK_Ve-TI/AAAAAAAAAVs/ofcbNF7NRj0/s1600/Fall+2010+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcK_Ve-TI/AAAAAAAAAVs/ofcbNF7NRj0/s320/Fall+2010+059.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gwen, Wendy and Lisa</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>During the weekend Larry and I got to experience a marathon expo - at McCormick Place - I don't think I've ever seen anything like it - packed with people really, really excited to run an obscene amount of miles and they were happy about it! Seriously though, the atmosphere was really incredible to see any and everyone coming together from all over the world to accomplish the goal of finishing a marathon - it was really amazing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcOsE_81I/AAAAAAAAAVw/bgwqjND8DJ4/s1600/Fall+2010+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcOsE_81I/AAAAAAAAAVw/bgwqjND8DJ4/s320/Fall+2010+062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sharon, Lisa, Wendy and Gwen at the Expo</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbe51t-pwI/AAAAAAAAAWA/UHGh4QNowsc/s1600/Fall+2010+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbe51t-pwI/AAAAAAAAAWA/UHGh4QNowsc/s320/Fall+2010+055.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can you find Gwen?</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day of the marathon was incredibly exciting - we were so proud of Gwen that she was taking on this huge endeavor. My only "gripe" was that we kept on missing Gwen during the race - FINALLY we found her at mile 13 - and Gwen and Lisa didn't look like they ran 13 miles already - they actually looked giddy - I KNOW I wouldn't look that way...you probably would have to peel me off the street on mile 2!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcR6lEToI/AAAAAAAAAV0/Fu0fmlUz29Y/s1600/Fall+2010+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcR6lEToI/AAAAAAAAAV0/Fu0fmlUz29Y/s320/Fall+2010+063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mid-Marathon</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The fabulous news is that all the ladies finished the race - way to go everyone!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcUmOldZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/LDjqvWI2Db0/s1600/Fall+2010+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcUmOldZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/LDjqvWI2Db0/s320/Fall+2010+067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Post Marathon with Medals!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gwen, of course, looked like she hadn't even run the race yet, she looked so peppy - what gives??? :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcYG0RXyI/AAAAAAAAAV8/hyzAUssJ43c/s1600/Fall+2010+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQbcYG0RXyI/AAAAAAAAAV8/hyzAUssJ43c/s320/Fall+2010+069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gwen and Scott</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gwen, congratulations on your incredible accomplishment - we love you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-83141975107386535172010-12-09T22:03:00.001-06:002010-12-09T22:06:48.520-06:00Fabulous Find #3 - Punched Tin Framed Wall Art (Country Living Fair 2010) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGPtEitddI/AAAAAAAAAT0/4mcbFlLO2TY/s1600/Winter+2010+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQGPtEitddI/AAAAAAAAAT0/4mcbFlLO2TY/s320/Winter+2010+077.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Punched Tin Framed Wall Art</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rounding out my day at the Country Living Fair 2010, I found this great piece at the Great Stuff by Paul Antiques <a href="http://www.greatstuffbypaul.com/"><strong>(www.greatstuffbypaul.com)</strong></a> booth. I loooove this punched tin framed wall art - unfortunately, I don't have a place for it yet...but I will!<br />
<br />
This also was a <strong>hot </strong>item at the fair. I saw someone lugging one around and I had to make a beeline to ask <strong>where</strong> they found it - which, by the way, is no easy task - there were so many vendors I was getting dizzy!<br />
<br />
<strong>Finally</strong> I found it and was the last person to grab this particular half-moon version - although, this is a reproduction, and like the wreath above, I believe these were massed produced - not quite as "real"/homemade cottagey as I'd like - wish things were hand-made still - but, heck, I like this and darn it, I was going to get it!<br />
<br />
Thank goodness I bought this on my way out...because it was quite heavy and awkward to work my way through the crowds, out the gates, through the field to our car - tripping several times because, I will admit...shopping did me in!<br />
<br />
Looking forward to the next CL fair - it's a must see!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-48967894278265159002010-12-08T22:54:00.004-06:002010-12-09T20:16:52.955-06:00Fabulous Find #2 - Rooster Prints (Country Living Fair 2010)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBbEvJQvOI/AAAAAAAAATs/U_Sbh7uXF7s/s1600/Winter+2010+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBbEvJQvOI/AAAAAAAAATs/U_Sbh7uXF7s/s320/Winter+2010+074.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Golden Polish</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong><strong></strong></strong> I am a huge sucker for roosters - always have been, always will be. Not sure <strong><em>why</em></strong>, since I didn't grow up on a farm (but I am a small town girl and ironically I did marry a farm boy), but I quite simply think roosters are just these lovely, regal creatures to just admire.<br />
<br />
So much to my delight...after trapsing through the fair...almost passing out from the heat...I came across <br />
Eric N. Fausnacht's Fowl Images <a href="http://www.ericfausnacht.com/"><strong>(www.ericfausnacht.com)</strong></a> booth. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Eric is based in <span style="color: black;">Kintnersville, PA which I believe is near Allentown, PA. He was just lovely to talk to and had all these beautiful original paintings as well as prints for sale . I must have flipped through his baskets of rooster prints for 45 minutes, because 1) I can't make a decision and 2) <strong>they were all stunning! </strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBbIqC5koI/AAAAAAAAATw/HuWI6wcLNJU/s320/Winter+2010+075.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="291" /></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Black Rooster with Black Mask</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBbIqC5koI/AAAAAAAAATw/HuWI6wcLNJU/s1600/Winter+2010+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong></a></div><br />
I settled on 2 prints, which brings to a close Fabulous Find # 2...at $10 for 2 prints - an absolute steal! They are just beautiful.<br />
<br />
My two little gems are going into our shortly-to-be-renovated-bathroom - can't wait to use them!<br />
<br />
Check out Eric's/Fowl Image's website because he's having a sale right now on his prints and you can take a look at his large portfolio of fowl!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><strong></strong></strong></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-16103605907968376352010-12-08T22:23:00.002-06:002010-12-13T18:44:54.859-06:00Fabulous Find #1 - Shaved Wood Wreath (Country Living Fair 2010)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBWaGXOfFI/AAAAAAAAATo/brsHOm6vieU/s1600/Winter+2010+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TQBWaGXOfFI/AAAAAAAAATo/brsHOm6vieU/s320/Winter+2010+046.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shaved Wood Wreath</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well folks, my first fabulous find at the Country Living Fair 2010, was a gorgeous curled shaved wood wreath I stumbled upon not 5 minutes into the fair!<br />
<br />
I was walking around and noticed this one tent with a frenzy of activity - I'm not kidding...it was ridiculous how crowded it was! They had a <b>huge</b> line of people waiting to pay and everyone, <b>and I mean everyone</b>, great natural goodies in their hands: wreaths, twig pumpkins, beaded acorns, corn husk gourds - just fabulous stuff!<br />
<br />
So I worked my way into Nest's <a href="http://www.nestgr.com/"><strong>(www.nestgr.com)</strong></a> tent - if I'm ever in Grand Rapids, MI, I can tell you right now, I will make a beeline for this place!<br />
<br />
I had my eye on two wreaths: a rust-colored one for fall and a green one for Christmas. I'm kicking myself now because I was wavering on the green one and now I think I "need" to buy it - I <strong>wish </strong>I could make a decision a little more quickly than I do - I tend to agonize over purchases and really...is it worth the needless stress???<br />
<br />
And then a "bonus" for my stress level, was that I found out I needed to get in line with the<strong><em> hope</em></strong> that the had enough of them behind the counter! So begrudgingly and with fingers crossed, I got in line, hoping that I wouldn't get to the counter and have them say "Oh, I'm sorry, we're completely sold out of the wreaths."<br />
<br />
Inching along, I could see the wreaths flying out of the line - would there be one for meeee????<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Finally</em></strong>....I reached the counter and...yes!...one medium-sized wood shaved wreath for little 'ole me...and at a bargain (I think) of $35 bucks!<br />
<br />
I've seen that Target currently has some red cone trees made out of similar wood shavings, but I have to say, I think my wreath is a little more solid.<br />
<br />
I think it's fantastic...don't you?!?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-86692119744304363462010-11-30T17:43:00.002-06:002010-12-08T21:56:20.051-06:00Country Living Fair 2010<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMwQXE66OI/AAAAAAAAATg/2KsCHipVPE8/s1600/Fall+2010+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMwQXE66OI/AAAAAAAAATg/2KsCHipVPE8/s320/Fall+2010+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country Living Fair 2010 (Columbus, OH)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'll start this post by saying that I have an amazing husband in Larry. I've been wanting to go to Country Living Magazine's Fair since it first started 5 years ago - but there was always something going on, so I sat miserably by the sidelines and read about it after the fact in the magazine. But not this year!<br />
<br />
Larry's birthday is at the end of September and we typically go away for the festivities. So I thought "Hmmm...away for the weekend...Larry's birthday...why not Ohio and the Country Living Fair! <br />
<br />
Now, I'm a University of Dayton grad and I must say I'm a big fan of the Buckeye State and Columbus in general. So don't you think it would be a great idea? So I posed the idea to Larry and he said why not. Of course, feeling a little guilty that I finagled my way into going to the fair for his birthday weekend. I did look up on the Columbus Convention and Visitor's website to see if there were any "Larry-friendly" events. Well, luck would have it that on the very same property that the CL Fair was being held (the Ohio State Fair ground), there was an Oktoberfest....definitely right up Larry's alley!<br />
<br />
So on the weekend of September 24-26, Larry and I trekked to Columbus for the 2010 Country Living Fair(<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cl-fair/country-living-fair-2010?src=edit&mag=clg&chan=hp&click=HP&link=country-living-fair-2010"><strong>www.countryliving.com (2010 Fair)</strong></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvKaLEjlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/yuuzGGhqYVg/s1600/CL+Montage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvKaLEjlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/yuuzGGhqYVg/s400/CL+Montage+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We headed to the fair on Saturday am - and I will say I was probably frothing at the mouth I was so excited. I wasn't able to sleep the night before because I had visions of all the finds I'd discover. I'm sure Larry thought I was a bit goofy/neurotic/etc. with me poking my head out the window with a grin on my face like some golden retriever with its tongue flappin' in the wind giddy at the wonders of the world (yep, I'm comparing myself to a dog) as we made our way into the fair grounds, cars lined up making their way to the parking area (will we be able to park???).<br />
<br />
Finally we settled in to our space and I lept out of the car, excited and....BAM...I see that everyone (I mean EVERYONE) has these little foldable shopping carts ready and waiting to take the fair by storm. I felt completely dejected because how on earth was I going to carry all my finds???<br />
<br />
Larry didn't seem to comprehend the seriousness of my dilemma and we made our way to the front gate, me looking a little stunned because I was now completely <em>unprepared.</em><br />
<br />
As soon as we made it into the fair I managed to recover - there were all these tents with fabulous finds - I think I started to froth at the mouth again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvSJ0FvGI/AAAAAAAAATE/QXv9WOb1myg/s1600/CL+Montage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvSJ0FvGI/AAAAAAAAATE/QXv9WOb1myg/s400/CL+Montage+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvOlAarfI/AAAAAAAAATA/KyahyY03tHg/s1600/CL+Montage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
Larry took one look at the crowd and headed to the friendlier confines of Oktoberfest, where I know there was beer waiting for him with his name on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvOlAarfI/AAAAAAAAATA/KyahyY03tHg/s1600/CL+Montage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvOlAarfI/AAAAAAAAATA/KyahyY03tHg/s400/CL+Montage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Let me first say, that I reeeaaallly enjoyed the fair. BUT, I swear I almost had a nervous breakdown with the number of people that were milling about - I think I started muttering to myself, that the "early bird" special that CL was offering for early hour entrance was probably a good idea. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMv3TPaxyI/AAAAAAAAATU/TJcqX6FbePo/s1600/Fall+2010+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMv3TPaxyI/AAAAAAAAATU/TJcqX6FbePo/s320/Fall+2010+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Huge Crowds!</strong> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crowds aside, there was anything and everything for people: great vendors, food and design demonstrations, Tanya Nyak of HGTV <strong>(</strong><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/"><strong>www.hgtv.com</strong></a><strong>)</strong> - which try as I might to see her lecture, I for the life of me could not find where she was speaking. Then there was the Country Vet (should have asked him a question about Jack, our cat), tasty food offerings and cute shoportunities galore! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvlkvqEqI/AAAAAAAAATI/DqYUKsX1PsI/s1600/Copy+of+Fall+2010+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvlkvqEqI/AAAAAAAAATI/DqYUKsX1PsI/s320/Copy+of+Fall+2010+027.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Love This Arrangement!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvtG5rjbI/AAAAAAAAATM/DSOtaY20lXc/s1600/Fall+2010+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvtG5rjbI/AAAAAAAAATM/DSOtaY20lXc/s320/Fall+2010+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Benches And Starfish and Beakers...Oh My!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvyeinjkI/AAAAAAAAATQ/4EOhSmguUsY/s1600/Fall+2010+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMvyeinjkI/AAAAAAAAATQ/4EOhSmguUsY/s320/Fall+2010+018.jpg" width="240" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tres Chic!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMv8QoXV4I/AAAAAAAAATY/_Z6JijOlduw/s1600/Fall+2010+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RWu-wsZtTok/TPMv8QoXV4I/AAAAAAAAATY/_Z6JijOlduw/s320/Fall+2010+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Why Not Ride In Country Living Style?</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I truly was in awe of all the fantastic vendors there were and all the had to offer. It was a bit overwhelming, <br />
because you had to make your way through each tent like a sardine in a tin can - and if you had bags with you, well, too bad!<br />
<br />
By the time I made my way through everything (I <em>hope</em> I didn't miss anything) I was about to pass out - who would have thought that shopping could be so<em> exhausting</em>?!? Honestly, I originally thought I'd like to th e3-day pass, but if I did, they'd probably have to carry me out on a stretcher because I actually think I'd spontaneously combust - I'm not kidding! I guess I learned something about myself that day: hot day + lots of people + shopping = equals one hot mess of a Jill!<br />
<br />
Seriously though, this was a fantastic fair and I hope we can venture back next year. And if the stars are alignedd and there is an Oktoberfest again at the same time in Columbus...we just might!<br />
<br />
Next up...my great finds from the fair...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-4407517958091683332010-08-17T22:10:00.003-05:002010-11-30T17:27:44.321-06:00Brewers Game & The Fruitless Search For The Schlitz Brewery - Saturday & Sunday, July 10 & 11, 2010<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2594073385403254726&site=widget-c6.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403254726&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p1/2594073385403254726/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403254726&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p2/2594073385403254726/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403254726&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p4/2594073385403254726/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br />
Larry and I love to get away on weekend trips whenever we can - it's a mini-vacation, not too far away and always hits the spot.<br />
<br />
So we thought it would be fun to go with Mom and Dad to Milwaukee for a Brewers game - I'm sure Dad wished it was a Yankee's game, but we promised a great time in Milwaukee and said he'd love the stadium.<br />
<br />
We hit the road early with breakfast in Richmond, at the International - great breakfast!<br />
<br />
Then we thought we'd drive around Milwaukee - maybe search out a brewery tour.<br />
<br />
Well, let me tell you brewery tours are hard to come by in Milwaukee! We thought we'd try to find the Schlitz Brewery and entrusted our "handy" GPS to send us on our merry way to hops heaven!<br />
<br />
Well folks, after driving around forever with aforementioned "handy" GPS, we ended up in an abandoned lot - no Brewery as far as the eye could see - not even a stinkin' beer can!<br />
<br />
So we pulled into a Walmart and found a guy to ask about the Brewery. Guess what? The Schlitz Brewery is gone and apparently years ago. <br />
<br />
At this point we were all a bit weary of a tour and decided maybe on another trip we'd go on a Miller tour.<br />
<br />
Our stomachs were rumbling so we thought we'd go to a favorite spot of ours: The Historic Third Ward District for lunch. I love this - it's artsy, gorgeous historical buildings, great shops and restaurants and the Public Market.<br />
<br />
We had a quick bite to eat and headed back to the hotel for a nap - yes, I seem to need naps to function at night - sad, but true.<br />
<br />
After the nap we headed to the game. Miller Park is just an awesome sight - whomever was the architect on this really did a fabulous job - and the retractable roof - quite cool!<br />
<br />
Larry got some great tickets for the game (Brewers vs. Pirates) and we had a great time watching the game and eating crap food - OK, it was good crap food, but not the best for you. But who cares! <br />
<br />
And to top off the night the Chorrizo won the sausage race (can't beat that kind of fun!) and the Brewers won - so it was a joyous night in Milwaukee!<br />
<br />
Om Sunday, we were just going to work our way back home, but managed to make a few stops: an RV show we just happened up and a looooong trip to Golfsmith.<br />
<br />
I love RVs. Never really been in one except when I was a kid, but it you put one in front of me I need to explore - the bigger the better - so this show was up my alley; and it was free, so hey, why not?<br />
<br />
The Golfsmith stop happened as we were driving by a shopping center, Larry saw it and the car just miraculously veered towards it...and hour and a half later...Larry was just glowing. I'm not kidding, he was in some golf induced euphoria!<br />
<br />
We had such a nice time this weekend - it was relaxing AND I got my RV fix!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-69992660966466972412010-08-17T18:50:00.002-05:002010-08-17T20:19:07.481-05:00Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade - July 5, 2010<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2594073385403249672&site=widget-08.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403249672&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p1/2594073385403249672/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403249672&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p2/2594073385403249672/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403249672&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p4/2594073385403249672/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br />
This year Crystal Lake's 4th of July Parade was amazing - just guessing, but it looked like a record crowd. The weather was perfect and the crowds came out. Larry and I enjoyed watching the parade on the front porch and lawn - front row seats!<br />
<br />
Enjoy the photos!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-72546685312010001372010-08-16T21:57:00.000-05:002010-08-16T21:57:18.058-05:00Fun with Sil Continues...Dinner at the Mays' - Sunday, June 27, 2010<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2594073385403216699&site=widget-3b.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-3b.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403216699&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-3b.slide.com/p1/2594073385403216699/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403216699&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-3b.slide.com/p2/2594073385403216699/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2594073385403216699&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-3b.slide.com/p4/2594073385403216699/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br />
On Sunday evening Mom, Dad and Sil came over for dinner. Larry and I showed Sil the progress we've made on the house, and we had a wonderful evening catching up, enjoying the great weather and grilling out - beer can chicken, veggies and fruit salad.<br />
<br />
It was such a wonderful weekend with Sil...can't wait to see you again Sil - we love you! :) <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2081693894986233125.post-87445313976753566822010-08-16T18:48:00.003-05:002010-08-16T21:19:54.851-05:00Fabulous Visit with Sil…And One Absurdly Talented Kid – June 26, 2010<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2594073385403211005&site=widget-fd.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-fd.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
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This weekend marked the 5th weekend in a row of activity and I have to tell you…by now I’m running on vapors. But it was worth it…because we had a visit from Sil!!!<br />
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We of course, wished Terry here too, but it was a Ladies’ weekend, which, of course, is always fun.<br />
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Mom had Sil’s visit planned to a “T”: shopping, a play, fabulous food…and of course, lots of fun!<br />
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On Saturday, Carol and I joined Mom and Sill for quite a treat: Seeing Billy Elliott at the Ford Theater (formerly the Oriental Theater) in Chicago.<br />
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I’ve wanted to see this play for awhile, and having it at the Oriental Theater to boot, was an added bonus – if you ever have an opportunity to see a play in Chicago, go see something at this theater (I also saw Wicked here). It is honestly one of the most stunning theaters I have ever been in — so intricate with the details in the architecture and murals — they could not build something like this nowadays — the cost would be exorbitant! Chicago is truly lucky to have such a gem! <br />
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Before the play, we went for a quick lunch at Hub 51<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.hub51chicago.com/"><strong>(www.hub51chicago.com).</strong></a> Thumbs up on my meal, breakfast tacos, and the atmosphere was quite nice – very cozy, dark furnishings etc. – I’d definitely go back.<br />
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I won’t say that much about the play so I don’t give anything away, but I will say in was fantastic. And while everyone in it was fabulous, the boy who played Billy Elliott was incredible – I’m not joking when I say this – my jaw dropped when he performed. A true triple threat: actor, singer, dancer. I felt like such a sloth because this kid, and he was a kid, was amazing. I’m sure he will be a huge star.<br />
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After the play we were standing outside by the marquee and met one on the little girls who was in the play – purely by accident – we just saw her and her family and asked if they’d take a picture of us. We then found out by her parents that we just saw her in the play and she’s also already done Broadway…and she’s eight! Truly a nice family from Indiana and she was very sweet.<br />
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We headed to NOMI <strong><a href="http://www.nomirestaurant.com/gallery/nomi/home.html">(www.nomirestaurant.com)</a></strong> for drinks before we met Brett for dinner at Spiaggia’s. Apparently, NOMI is the hip place to go and celebrities frequent their. We were seated in their wonderful rooftop terrace and I will tell you I felt…very short and…yikes…average. Not that I don’t have confidence in myself, but my gosh, everyone must have been 5’9” and a model! It was a great people watching place and the drinks were quite fabulous! Alas, we didn’t see anyone famous, but there’s always next time!<br />
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Dinner Spaiggia’s<strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.spiaggiarestaurant.com/"><strong>www.spiaggiarestaurant.com</strong></a><strong>)</strong> was the definitely a once and a lifetime experience - it's where the President goes when he's in town. The food was excellent and the service was amazing, although, I will say waaaaay too expensive. But again, a once and a lifetime experience.<br />
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This was an incredible day and I'm so happy it was spent with our wonderful Sil - thanks Sil! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/180/C169F567DBCD787172A45E76E988D876.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09502563653073266765noreply@blogger.com0