tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21052655823832109142024-03-12T19:53:00.900-05:00Life in The Big CityMy journey through this thing we call life.evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-76666009898639175092012-01-02T19:10:00.000-06:002012-12-17T23:13:54.222-06:00Butterball Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-IXCMo3opE/TwJWhons2GI/AAAAAAAADP0/whvAvmSqd28/s1600/walnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-IXCMo3opE/TwJWhons2GI/AAAAAAAADP0/whvAvmSqd28/s640/walnuts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0Sd5mS2lbc/TwJRpq2K38I/AAAAAAAADPc/GdC4CbKDUPA/s1600/butterball+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0Sd5mS2lbc/TwJRpq2K38I/AAAAAAAADPc/GdC4CbKDUPA/s640/butterball+cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Butterball Cookies</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<ul>
<li>1 Cup Ground Walnuts</li>
<li>2 Cups All Purpose Flour</li>
<li>2 Bars Unsalted Butter</li>
<li>1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp Almond Extract</li>
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Directions:</div>
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<li>Preheat oven to 350. </li>
<li>Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. </li>
<li>Roll into small (1 inch) balls. </li>
<li>Place balls about an inch apart from each other on a baking sheet. </li>
<li>Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.</li>
<li>Let cool for about 5 minutes. </li>
<li>Roll balls in powdered sugar and place in cookie jar.</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc3ed4Overw/TwKFcja3C3I/AAAAAAAADQA/jaeIw8MDXCg/s1600/bb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc3ed4Overw/TwKFcja3C3I/AAAAAAAADQA/jaeIw8MDXCg/s640/bb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-60926859728099709192011-12-01T19:10:00.001-06:002011-12-01T19:44:05.691-06:00DIY Candle Making - Great idea for Christmas gifts!<br />
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We just came back from Thanksgiving in North Carolina with my parents and cousin Pete. While there, we decided to do some crafts. Candle making happened to be one of them. We stopped by Michaels and The Dollar Tree for the necessary things to put it together, and got to work.</div>
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Here is a look at what we did:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0usoulMv4k/TtghQ5UQ_yI/AAAAAAAADBE/q7CQaGPfU4Q/s1600/untitled+shoot-039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0usoulMv4k/TtghQ5UQ_yI/AAAAAAAADBE/q7CQaGPfU4Q/s640/untitled+shoot-039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIzKLJ93KJM/TtghVA0JMgI/AAAAAAAADBw/35T6bElk3o8/s1600/untitled+shoot-055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIzKLJ93KJM/TtghVA0JMgI/AAAAAAAADBw/35T6bElk3o8/s640/untitled+shoot-055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWtq25lwrxo/TtghjypeUeI/AAAAAAAADEE/Tbb3oUuLxEI/s1600/untitled+shoot-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWtq25lwrxo/TtghjypeUeI/AAAAAAAADEE/Tbb3oUuLxEI/s400/untitled+shoot-133.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzqofgeLBi0/Ttghkxmkh_I/AAAAAAAADEQ/Jsb_bSi7dOc/s1600/untitled+shoot-167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzqofgeLBi0/Ttghkxmkh_I/AAAAAAAADEQ/Jsb_bSi7dOc/s400/untitled+shoot-167.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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^My mommy's final product.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8LWdoMNmY0/Ttgim7mrVsI/AAAAAAAADEw/wfuTzThj7Zw/s1600/untitled+shoot-180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8LWdoMNmY0/Ttgim7mrVsI/AAAAAAAADEw/wfuTzThj7Zw/s400/untitled+shoot-180.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWCjjUl7V7g/TtgintXpD5I/AAAAAAAADE4/EGGA2KU61yU/s1600/untitled+shoot-182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWCjjUl7V7g/TtgintXpD5I/AAAAAAAADE4/EGGA2KU61yU/s400/untitled+shoot-182.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
^She is such a cutie!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzpsIQYAWWA/Ttghmg-MzbI/AAAAAAAADEc/cbESusGp1Hg/s1600/untitled+shoot-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzpsIQYAWWA/Ttghmg-MzbI/AAAAAAAADEc/cbESusGp1Hg/s400/untitled+shoot-172.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8n5jyGIzcw/TtghnrKRNoI/AAAAAAAADEk/kAuV_RPtzbs/s1600/untitled+shoot-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8n5jyGIzcw/TtghnrKRNoI/AAAAAAAADEk/kAuV_RPtzbs/s400/untitled+shoot-174.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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^Pete with his final product :)</div>
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<br /></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-35927166313449778152011-04-30T13:39:00.004-05:002011-12-01T19:40:12.319-06:001st Photobooth<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey friends. </div>
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So sorry for the long hiatus.</div>
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It's one of those busy seasons of life.</div>
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You know how that is.</div>
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Just wanted to share with you a recent project of mine.</div>
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There was an event called the Gaming Social at ignite April 23, 2011.</div>
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I was asked to do a photobooth at the event.</div>
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Let me remind you, I am still new to this photography stuff.</div>
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Nonetheless, I agreed.</div>
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You gotta start somewhere, right?</div>
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How else am I gonna learn?</div>
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So, like every pre-shoot I've been doing, I started the research.</div>
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I read any and every article out there about photobooths.</div>
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I joined a photography forum.</div>
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I read articles and threads about:</div>
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How and where to set them up.</div>
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What I need.</div>
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Aperture settings.</div>
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Shutter speed.</div>
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ISO.</div>
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Lighting.</div>
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Lighting.</div>
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The one thing I had no idea about.</div>
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So, I put a list of all the things I wanted for this shoot and all the things they wanted and I went shopping.</div>
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I bought props galore from Party City and a piece of fabric from Joann's for the backdrop.</div>
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Now, from all my research, you don't usually pin a piece of fabric to the wall for this type of thing,</div>
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but if you ever consider doing this, just buy a piece of fabric. </div>
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It works just as well as all the other, more expensive stuff. Just sayin.</div>
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So the day came to try all of these things out. </div>
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The trial.</div>
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I set up some lighting that was there.</div>
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The results were not to my liking.</div>
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Not horrible, but not great.</div>
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I knew I could do better.</div>
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I had to do better.</div>
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After all, this was reflecting my skills as a photographer.</div>
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On I went to do more research. </div>
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This time it was all about lighting.</div>
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In the end I found a great informative article and began the search for local rental shops.</div>
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I went in with Ruben, told them what I was trying to do,<br />
told them what I thought I needed, they helped, and we reserved the stuff.</div>
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The day before the event came.</div>
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We went to pick up all the stuff. </div>
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I was SUPER nervous.</div>
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They taught me how everything worked.</div>
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Saturday, April 23, 2011 arrived.</div>
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No more trials. This was the real thing.</div>
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The results?</div>
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I would say for my first, ever photobooth shoot,</div>
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it was a success. </div>
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Here are some photos from that night:<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FevieOanta%2Falbumid%2F5599637858203099553%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed><br />
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<b><a href="http://facebook.com/ignitenetwork">facebook.com/ignitenetwork</a></b></div>
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<br /></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-2712624065529681112011-04-07T23:48:00.002-05:002011-12-01T19:41:52.948-06:00Not Everyone Likes What You Like<div style="text-align: center;">
So recently, I have been attempting to learn more and more about photography. </div>
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Today I'm going to talk to you specifically about one thing I discovered.</div>
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I worked so hard on specific pictures that I fell in love with.</div>
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Those very photos turned out to be the ones that were liked <b>least </b>by the photographed persons.</div>
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I, of course, told myself to stop trying to take pictures cause I'm clearly not good.</div>
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My friend Joel was there the first time this happened to me.</div>
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He explained that this should be expected and is common. </div>
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People look that themselves, not the photo as a whole.</div>
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Then I remembered that I did the same thing.</div>
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When I got my pictures back from my wedding, I looked at myself.</div>
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I didn't care about composition, exposure, clarity, colors, anything really.</div>
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I just cared about how I looked. </div>
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Now I look at photos very differently.</div>
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I try to keep in mind that "<i>Not everyone likes what I like</i>", </div>
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and that's ok.</div>
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Just because someone doesn't like the way their ear looks in one of my pictures </div>
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doesn't mean it isn't a good picture :)</div>
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I press on.</div>
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Here are some recent just-because-I-was-there shots:</div>
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(Believe it or not, there was no posing for any of these shots. </div>
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I was just at the right place at the right time.)</div>
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<br /></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-38353498078769768442011-03-26T21:53:00.000-05:002011-03-26T21:53:47.462-05:00Honey Dijon Salmon - Failed Attempt<div style="text-align: center;">I just want to let you know beforehand that, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not including this recipe with these photos.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The reason I'm not including it is because it wasn't good enough.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided I don't want to post recipes unless I absolutely love the recipe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think this was a recipe-gone-wrong because I kind of guessed with a lot of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was meant for grilling, but it's freezing outside so that was not an option.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also didn't include the asparagus or Worcestershire sauce.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also,for some reason I read corn <b>meal</b> instead of cornstarch..</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yea, I know. Way to go, Evie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anywho, if you want to try it the way it was meant to be, click <b><a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/honey-dijon-salmon-and-asparagus/Detail.aspx">here</a>.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">We used couscous as our side. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That part actually came out delicious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here it is, my failed attempt at honey dijon salmon:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">First, I thawed the frozen salmon filets.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aoIHBOpVsgU/TY6jm95uA7I/AAAAAAAABf4/DrBlZno8MWE/s1600/untitled+shoot-044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aoIHBOpVsgU/TY6jm95uA7I/AAAAAAAABf4/DrBlZno8MWE/s320/untitled+shoot-044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I made the sauce.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I chopped up some walnuts.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kcbEtLCWqzo/TY6jzNuCXXI/AAAAAAAABgI/z9-5iPqMpyQ/s1600/untitled+shoot-068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kcbEtLCWqzo/TY6jzNuCXXI/AAAAAAAABgI/z9-5iPqMpyQ/s320/untitled+shoot-068.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I got some foil out and put it all together.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OP3Kg9NOsEw/TY6j_hjKZII/AAAAAAAABgU/xJlkiSJPT-s/s1600/untitled+shoot-085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OP3Kg9NOsEw/TY6j_hjKZII/AAAAAAAABgU/xJlkiSJPT-s/s320/untitled+shoot-085.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, Ruben made some couscous.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9MqPIfDkYEg/TY6kCRukttI/AAAAAAAABgY/7NBpQUptMb8/s1600/untitled+shoot-086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9MqPIfDkYEg/TY6kCRukttI/AAAAAAAABgY/7NBpQUptMb8/s320/untitled+shoot-086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g97cDGGQdGk/TY6kFKH1uRI/AAAAAAAABgc/1-5a_T3N-EQ/s1600/untitled+shoot-092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g97cDGGQdGk/TY6kFKH1uRI/AAAAAAAABgc/1-5a_T3N-EQ/s320/untitled+shoot-092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, we ate it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIco_GY3Rfs/TY6kIcEDYkI/AAAAAAAABgg/JpROl4ZUheQ/s1600/untitled+shoot-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIco_GY3Rfs/TY6kIcEDYkI/AAAAAAAABgg/JpROl4ZUheQ/s320/untitled+shoot-100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled. It wasn't as good as it may sound or look. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, the couscous was.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll try it again another time and if it comes out better I'll let you know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend!</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-32339603171688470842011-03-20T14:02:00.000-05:002011-03-20T14:02:28.581-05:00It's not the Way that is Should be<div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, we made friends with some of the guys who live across the back alley behind us. The main friend we made is named KD. I wanted to hug him as soon as I met him (he looks like he's a really good hugger), but I didn't cause that would have been super weird of me. We let them borrow some tools to install their new system. They worked hard for 3 days and we caught up with him every time we came home. When they were done he looked like a little kid with a new toy. He was super excited to use his new system he and his friends have worked so hard to install. They spent the last day thoroughly cleaning the old van to make it look as perfect as possible. I told him I liked the blue lights he has on the new radio/mini tv he installed and he said he might put some in the back. I told him he had to cause it would look awesome. He doesn't have them yet, but assured me he was going to get them. When Ruben mentioned how hard they have been working on this the past few days KD responded with, "you know, <b>just trying to stay out of trouble</b>." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you know where I live, you know that it's not the best neighborhood in Chicago. I was so encouraged to meet this young guy who is breaking the chains. Breaking this cycle of a life that is not productive, but instead very painful and destructive. He is a hard worker and so are his friends. They give me hope. Hope that the next generation of this neighborhood and neighborhoods alike will break the cycle. Will see there is another way. Will stop the violence and increase the peace. I hope that the younger ones will see there is another way. I know that we are living here for a reason. I hope that we can do something to help. I hope that we can be what we need to be here for our neighbors. Likewise, I hope they can be what they need to be for us. We can help each other learn and grow in so many beautiful ways. We can work together to do something great here. I hope to still be here <i>when</i> (<u>not if</u>) something great happens.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are too many words to explain how heavy my heart has been for the people in my neighborhood. I want to help. I want to love. I want to serve. I want to provide a way out, but<b> I don't know how, yet</b>. Thankfully, I believe in a God who does.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really liked this song when I heard it. You may not like it, and that's ok. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Since it's my blog, I wanted to share it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CUZ9bhHqlq4" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jahaziel - In My Neighbourhood</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Everyday another gun gets manufactured</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Another man's blasted</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Some blame gangster rappers</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I ain't trying to say gangster rap's the problem</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But it don't solve them and it keeps on revolving</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And nothing won't change lest we change</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And if you wanna see change then be changed</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And rearrange your thought pattern towards action</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cos if we do nothing then nothing what's gonna happen</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As for this thing we call rapping</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Time to use in it's true power and give the youth power</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cos death and life is found in the power of the tongue<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">and it's not in the barrel of a gun</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm shocked at how has become</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Every coward's got a gun and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">They're letting shots shower in the slum</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Young soldier's bling for gun culture</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">They the one's dying<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Who's flying the guns over?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It ain't the way that I would wish it, but it's just the way it is…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not the way it should be, but it's just the way they live…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm waving a white flag</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Trying to make somebody aware and be like<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">'Dag, how did we get here?'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cos by this time next year another young buck<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Loses the chance to breathe fresh air</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">That's why I make tracks trying to catch your attention</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Praying that my raps don't fall on death ears</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">For sure, the real cure is prevention</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And we don't need to see a mother shed tears</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">How many funerals do we need?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">How many families grieve and crying</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Their son was too young to leave them</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And some claim it's a catch 22</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Either get jacked by a crew or pack a 22</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And that's exactly what many do</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">That's why so many of our youth never see 22</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Now what we gonna do about it</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As for me I'm a stand up on the roof and shout it<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm a tell the truth about it<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It ain't the way that I would wish it, but it's just the way it is…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not the way it should be, but it's just the way they live…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">See the words that I speak are sincere<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's death that men fear</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I know that life I've been there</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">If it wasn't for the fact God filled me</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd probably still be</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Sticking up shops and robbing jewellery</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Licking shots at the judge and jury</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">'cause they don't understand</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Why a brother got a gun in his hand</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm a young man confined by limited chances</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In a system that's run by political gangsters</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I see their gangster tactics</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">They got us paying taxes like it's a protection racquet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But still, I'm the one who gets labelled as the thug they hate</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">For distributing them drugs they make</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Man, I thought that it was much too late<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I've gone too far</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But God's love was just too great</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I drew faith from the bible pages</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And truth loosed my mind out of iron cages</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Listen…</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It ain't the way that I would wish it, but it's just the way it is…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It ain't the way it should be, but it's just the way they live…</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In My Neighbourhood</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><i><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It's time for us to fight back with Peace man</i></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fight back man, by the Grace</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And Let me hear you say</span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Silence the violence</span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Increase the peace</span></i></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Silence the violence</span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Increase the peace</span></i></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Silence the violence</span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Increase the peace</span></i></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One life, one love</span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One life, one love</span></i></span></div></span></i>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-28077431669933307892011-03-17T22:01:00.000-05:002011-03-17T22:01:22.428-05:00Leftover Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'n not sure if this happens to you, but recently we have been having leftover coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We make the same amount every morning, but sometimes Ruben doesn't have any.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Throwing it away makes me feel sad and slightly guilty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remembered I had those<a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/03/glass-bottles.html"> <b>glass bottles</b></a> I showed you a few days ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I pulled one out, poured in the coffee, and put it in the<i> fridge</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enjoyed it later that evening with a <a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/03/mini-banana-nut-muffins.html"><b>mini muffin</b></a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was perfectly chilled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you ever have this issue, try it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6eNQ6s9Vcgs/TYLFwquEFzI/AAAAAAAABPI/GTfoFY1nQA0/s1600/untitled+shoot-056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6eNQ6s9Vcgs/TYLFwquEFzI/AAAAAAAABPI/GTfoFY1nQA0/s320/untitled+shoot-056.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPbCBSuLJRg/TYLFzG5PhfI/AAAAAAAABPM/2ofC_gew3ns/s1600/untitled+shoot-057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPbCBSuLJRg/TYLFzG5PhfI/AAAAAAAABPM/2ofC_gew3ns/s320/untitled+shoot-057.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GQWzDr03GTI/TYLGEf0YqDI/AAAAAAAABPg/rIisL4flMKc/s1600/untitled+shoot-062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GQWzDr03GTI/TYLGEf0YqDI/AAAAAAAABPg/rIisL4flMKc/s320/untitled+shoot-062.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GvYCVYG08_E/TYLGO2Whe2I/AAAAAAAABPs/1MQP5tMTt8M/s1600/untitled+shoot-065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GvYCVYG08_E/TYLGO2Whe2I/AAAAAAAABPs/1MQP5tMTt8M/s320/untitled+shoot-065.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-49773865136262622152011-03-15T14:22:00.002-05:002011-03-15T14:31:49.849-05:00Mini Banana-Nut Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok so, remember how I'm obsessed with All- Purpose baking mix right now?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5gB9dZhCJ8M/TX-5CTRrZWI/AAAAAAAABPA/M3rMdWUjrcE/s1600/untitled+shoot-084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5gB9dZhCJ8M/TX-5CTRrZWI/AAAAAAAABPA/M3rMdWUjrcE/s320/untitled+shoot-084.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I had some bananas that were nearing their end:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-29ziaqMpOJI/TX-4_BGaR3I/AAAAAAAABO8/_81dyHGjaEM/s1600/untitled+shoot-082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-29ziaqMpOJI/TX-4_BGaR3I/AAAAAAAABO8/_81dyHGjaEM/s320/untitled+shoot-082.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew that if I didn't act fast, they would be gone forever,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I would be out of some delicious banana bread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I did what any normal banana bread lover would do, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and got to mixing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kUTirxSp_Bs/TX-47gGlr6I/AAAAAAAABO4/Svp2AxvcR4E/s1600/untitled+shoot-081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kUTirxSp_Bs/TX-47gGlr6I/AAAAAAAABO4/Svp2AxvcR4E/s320/untitled+shoot-081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5FmB8iYbg/TX-5Gc7CNFI/AAAAAAAABPE/aRGROWUnP3g/s1600/untitled+shoot-085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5FmB8iYbg/TX-5Gc7CNFI/AAAAAAAABPE/aRGROWUnP3g/s320/untitled+shoot-085.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BsU83Qx8ErM/TX-4on8l4MI/AAAAAAAABOc/eM2ACjN5bUM/s1600/untitled+shoot-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BsU83Qx8ErM/TX-4on8l4MI/AAAAAAAABOc/eM2ACjN5bUM/s320/untitled+shoot-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I keep forgetting to buy a loaf pan, and because I don't have a muffin pan,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a cupcake pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KVJeby2cmMU/TX-4st_A13I/AAAAAAAABOk/3xl0n8xn9Ig/s1600/untitled+shoot-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KVJeby2cmMU/TX-4st_A13I/AAAAAAAABOk/3xl0n8xn9Ig/s320/untitled+shoot-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The original recipe says to bake for 50min, but since these are smaller, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I only baked for 20min like I usually do for cupcakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKsVs7d7lt0/TX-4vbcOYwI/AAAAAAAABOo/vM4AFxLSDoo/s1600/untitled+shoot-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKsVs7d7lt0/TX-4vbcOYwI/AAAAAAAABOo/vM4AFxLSDoo/s320/untitled+shoot-009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was actually perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are my mini banana-nut muffins:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zp9bb3ekXnM/TX-44GxBZII/AAAAAAAABO0/6jNXW20vOSY/s1600/untitled+shoot-040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zp9bb3ekXnM/TX-44GxBZII/AAAAAAAABO0/6jNXW20vOSY/s320/untitled+shoot-040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-19587214753576039132011-03-13T13:53:00.000-05:002011-03-13T13:53:54.527-05:00Chandelier<div style="text-align: center;">We desperately need a chandelier above our dining table.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One day (maybe when my cousin Pete comes to visit), </div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to make this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</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://www.re-nest.com/uimages/re-nest/030911_rg_DIYMasonJarChandelier_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.re-nest.com/uimages/re-nest/030911_rg_DIYMasonJarChandelier_01.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">re-nest.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">It seems pretty simple, and looks awesome.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To see how, visit --> <b><a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/the-handmade-home/diy-mason-jar-chandeliers-easy-combo-with-great-results-141109">re-nest - DIY Mason Jar Chandelier</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really love all the things you can do with a mason jar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>--> <a href="http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/inspiration/stupendous-mason-jar-lighting-garden-to-kitchen-141237">Here</a></b> are some more lighting ideas. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm especially fond of the mason jar fixture. I might do that one too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you are all enjoying one hour less of sleep :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week has been pretty bad for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think my body is falling apart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily, I'm on spring break.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully next week will be better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-24906676254355659292011-03-12T16:58:00.003-06:002011-03-15T14:32:04.425-05:00Glass Bottles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently, I have collected some glass bottles and jars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finished mineral water, peanut butter, and pickles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I refuse to throw them away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took off all the labels and stored them for future use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was thinking to use them for decor, or as vases for flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I remembered I had some lemonade mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I made lemonade:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZhXWEkqBDKg/TXvz1xM1s1I/AAAAAAAABNo/CN-x06VdFRk/s1600/untitled+shoot-018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZhXWEkqBDKg/TXvz1xM1s1I/AAAAAAAABNo/CN-x06VdFRk/s320/untitled+shoot-018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0FA83XlO9dg/TXvz6PNx70I/AAAAAAAABNw/n58agknWzN8/s1600/untitled+shoot-055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0FA83XlO9dg/TXvz6PNx70I/AAAAAAAABNw/n58agknWzN8/s320/untitled+shoot-055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f2kowdwSCQQ/TXvz4fX972I/AAAAAAAABNs/dBhgF7ZKiyE/s1600/untitled+shoot-045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mv5aWQgWSTE/TXv0BYGPZVI/AAAAAAAABN4/KrJnsmX-28g/s1600/untitled+shoot-061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mv5aWQgWSTE/TXv0BYGPZVI/AAAAAAAABN4/KrJnsmX-28g/s320/untitled+shoot-061.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGABwroNWA0/TXv0FHqbKgI/AAAAAAAABN8/bj3HYEwQENk/s1600/untitled+shoot-062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGABwroNWA0/TXv0FHqbKgI/AAAAAAAABN8/bj3HYEwQENk/s320/untitled+shoot-062.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dn67Yhi6RtE/TXv0JNu_CEI/AAAAAAAABOA/s8OCzjWa3PA/s1600/untitled+shoot-063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dn67Yhi6RtE/TXv0JNu_CEI/AAAAAAAABOA/s8OCzjWa3PA/s320/untitled+shoot-063.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tWD9p5N-4U/TXv0NV3iK1I/AAAAAAAABOE/oT3IxYMoKVk/s1600/untitled+shoot-064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tWD9p5N-4U/TXv0NV3iK1I/AAAAAAAABOE/oT3IxYMoKVk/s320/untitled+shoot-064.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1_Ktg6b1pgM/TXv0RzzNkmI/AAAAAAAABOI/JCZriFl4OGo/s1600/untitled+shoot-065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1_Ktg6b1pgM/TXv0RzzNkmI/AAAAAAAABOI/JCZriFl4OGo/s320/untitled+shoot-065.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_oFY7-PXTs0/TXv0V-9uQuI/AAAAAAAABOM/Nu-_XBiILl4/s1600/untitled+shoot-066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_oFY7-PXTs0/TXv0V-9uQuI/AAAAAAAABOM/Nu-_XBiILl4/s320/untitled+shoot-066.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ecf_EGSu_Kg/TXv0ZGn8zUI/AAAAAAAABOQ/4979gnJd-MU/s1600/untitled+shoot-076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ecf_EGSu_Kg/TXv0ZGn8zUI/AAAAAAAABOQ/4979gnJd-MU/s320/untitled+shoot-076.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're planning to make <a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/02/veggie-quesadillas.html">Veggie Quesadillas</a> again tonight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty excited.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you are all having a fantastic Saturday!</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-88369402974243116642011-03-06T14:04:00.004-06:002011-03-15T14:32:35.417-05:00BiscuitsThis morning I woke up thinking of when I was little.<br />
<br />
My mom used to take us to McDonald's for breakfast sometimes.<br />
I was a picky little eater.<br />
I would ask for a plain biscuit and some grape jam.<br />
<br />
I don't even have words to describe what my brain remembers of this biscuit/jam mixture. It's weird how memories from when you were little stick with you. This morning, I decided I wanted to recreate my delicious breakfast treat.<br />
<br />
So friends, this morning I had biscuits with some grape jelly, butter, and eggs.<br />
Yum.<br />
<br />
I was not disappointed.<br />
Did I mention how ridiculously <b>EASY</b> it is to make these biscuits??<br />
<br />
All you need is some basic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bisquick-All-Purpose-Baking-Mix-Weight/dp/B0013FPVP0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1299440705&sr=8-2">All-Purpose Baking Mix</a> (Sara Lee, Bisquick, Aldi, etc.) and milk.<br />
<br />
That's right.<br />
Just the mix and milk.<br />
2 1/4 cup of the all-purpose baking mix<br />
1/4 milk<br />
That's it!<br />
<br />
The box also includes a bunch of easy recipes like pancakes, biscuits, shortcakes, muffins, waffles, banana bread, etc. All the recipes are just as easy to make. They just include a few more ingredients.<br />
<br />
When I discovered this mix a year ago, my life was changed.<br />
I know, it's sad that I only discovered it a year ago, but hey.<br />
Better late than never, right?<br />
<br />
Anyways, the recipe:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 450. Place mix and milk into mixing bowl. Stir ingredients together into soft dough. Turn out of bowl onto surface lightly dusted with baking mix. Fold dough (knead) three or four times (do not knead excessively).<br />
Roll or pat dough to desired thickness (about 1/2-inch). Cut with 2 1/2-inch floured biscuit cutter (I substituted one of my glasses because I don't have biscuit cutters) and place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.<br />
Makes 8-10 biscuits.<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b><br />
The opening of my glass was 2 1/2 inches, like the recipe called for. When I make these again I am probably going to make them bigger. It depends what you use them for. We are going to use them for egg sandwiches next time. At this size, the egg doesn't fit properly. If they are just a side to your meal, then this size is perfect.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Fact: </b><br />
This is actually the same mix you would use to make those delicious <a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/02/red-lobster-fix.html">Cheddar Biscuits</a> I told you guys I wanted to make. I haven't made those yet, but don't worry I haven't forgotten.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-6UvrGVmQQ/TXPfaz8MEwI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Y4Sb_K_AJ44/s1600/untitled+shoot-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-6UvrGVmQQ/TXPfaz8MEwI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Y4Sb_K_AJ44/s320/untitled+shoot-008.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6dGr0o2t1Z8/TXPfcUBa_vI/AAAAAAAABNU/M5_ax3xp-bg/s1600/untitled+shoot-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6dGr0o2t1Z8/TXPfcUBa_vI/AAAAAAAABNU/M5_ax3xp-bg/s320/untitled+shoot-010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NTmxD6Smg6s/TXPffa60wjI/AAAAAAAABNg/lgRZ4npgPX4/s1600/untitled+shoot-028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NTmxD6Smg6s/TXPffa60wjI/AAAAAAAABNg/lgRZ4npgPX4/s320/untitled+shoot-028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8bAo4KgofU/TXPfgVfSnqI/AAAAAAAABNk/ydC2WarE3xY/s1600/untitled+shoot-039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8bAo4KgofU/TXPfgVfSnqI/AAAAAAAABNk/ydC2WarE3xY/s320/untitled+shoot-039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-64556250342370350092011-03-02T19:18:00.007-06:002011-03-12T17:55:53.339-06:00Barb<div style="text-align: center;">*Note: This is my longest post to date. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I would really appreciate if you read the whole thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks in advance for your time.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="250" src="http://www.4shared.com/embed/25276855/986ad91a" width="420"></embed><br />
<br />
Here is a song to play while you read.</div><div style="text-align: center;">.........................................................................................................................</div>As some of you know, I went to Florida this weekend for a wedding.<br />
<br />
The wedding was in every way beautiful. Straight out of a magazine.<br />
<br />
Seriously. Gorgeous.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, March 1st arrived with my time to come back to Chicago.<br />
I woke up expecting a typical last day in Florida.<br />
As the day progressed, I experienced just the opposite.<br />
<br />
I will never forget Tuesday, March 1, 2011.<br />
<br />
Let me explain:<br />
<br />
So I get to the airport at 7pm thinking I have just enough time to check in and wait a while before my 8:05pm flight. Well, it just so happens that Southwest Airlines decided to make a huge change to their rewards program this same Tuesday. This upgrade caused their online system to crash. They also had what they describe as an unrelated issue with the systems in many big airports, including Fort Lauderdale. Because of all this, they had to do everything manually. The problem to me wasn't this system crash and unbelievable inconvenience. I had a major issue with how people were being treated. It was just <b>not </b>ok.You can read more about it <a href="http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2011/03/southwest-recovering-from-2-glitches-that-snarled-flights.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
So I finally get my hand written boarding pass and go towards security. I end up standing in the same spot in the security line for about 40 min. During this time they have those passengers with printed boarding passes from home go through. However, those with handwritten passes, like me, had to stay put till they could figure out what to do with us. So from my understanding, they pretty much had no idea who was supposed to be on what flight and where the planes were. The system was <b>completely</b> down. We just stood there. Luckily, I am a social person, otherwise I may have gone mad. So I start talking to all the people around me and come to the conclusion that most of us are supposed to be on the same flight. What I don't understand is why they would allow those with the printed boarding passes through. They ended up boarding flights and having them leave without multiple passengers with hand written passes. They were stuck. Some with no place to go. From what they were saying they were not going to reimburse or provide hotel. It was messed up. Thankfully, they announced that they could go ahead and continue with security. They also let us know that they would be holding the flights to Chicago for us.<br />
<br />
This is when I met<b> Barb</b>. After showing my ID and what looked like a joke boarding pass, I was instructed to go to the line farthest right. Behind me was a woman who I later found out was named <b>Barb</b>. So, because I'm Evie, I started talking to her. In minutes I was speechless, tearful, and incredibly saddened all at once. Barb started to explain her day to me. Earlier, this very same day, Barb was in Chicago. She was with her mother in the hospital while she was having surgery. Her mother was moved and was now in recovery. The doctor said she was doing very well and should be fine and able to go home the next day. Because Barb has kids and husband at home who needed her and because she knew her mother would be going home the next day, she got on the 12pm flight back to Florida. <b>Moments </b>after landing in Florida, she received <b>multiple </b>messages saying that she needed to get on the first flight back because her mother was about to <b>die</b>.<br />
<br />
At this point. I couldn't breath and tried with everything in my to hold back the tears.<br />
<br />
<b>This can't be happening. This is not fair. This isn't real. Why???</b><br />
All of these thoughts ran through my mind as I'm sure they ran through hers.<br />
<br />
3 hours ago she is fine and ready to go home.<br />
3 hours later a priest is calling about last rights.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, if today was a bad day for anyone in this airport, it was Barb.<br />
<br />
I found myself getting angry and frustrated with passengers who were complaining about getting home 2 hrs late. Passengers complaining about things that were in every way <b>less</b> significant than what Barb was going through at this very moment. I wished so badly that someone somehow would get her to Chicago as soon as possible in some private jet or helicopter. Whatever it would take to get back to that hospital and see her mother.<br />
<br />
Because all of these things happened with the system being down, they were doing security very thoroughly. Pat downs that seemed incredibly inappropriate and bag checks that went through<b> every single item </b>in depth. When it was my turn to have my bag checked, they ran the swab through my bag and put it in this machine that checked for any explosives.<br />
<br />
You won't believe what happened next.<br />
<br />
That's right. Something, somewhere in <b>my</b> bag, made the alarm go off.<br />
So here I am totally clueless as to what is going on, staring at this machine that is blinking "EXPLOSIVES" in red. Because they aren't used to doing things manually, the man checking my bag freaked out. They were all so young. None of them were around when they checked bags like this. <b>No one knew what to do</b>. You would think, it being 2011 and all, that they would have a pretty good <b>plan B</b> if anything like this were to happen. Well they didn't. Luckily, there was a man there whose name I don't remember. Older. He looked through my bag and mentioned that "sometimes the machine does this" then sent me on my way. Well, by this time, I was the <b>last</b> one to board. I get to the gate I was assigned and try to speak to the man to let me on the plane and he is on the phone totally disregarding my existence. Like I said, these employees were rude in every way. Whether they spoke to you or acted like you were a wall, they managed to perfectly define <b>rude</b>. So he finally get's off the phone and asks me "what I want". Well, sir, I want to get on that plane. He looks at my ticket and says my plane <b>isn't leaving yet</b>. I said well, where are all the people who I was supposed to be flying with?<br />
<br />
Remember? I met them earlier when we were waiting.<br />
We all confirmed we bought tickets for the same flight.<br />
<br />
To add to the complications of the day, I find out that I have been incorrectly placed on <b>another</b> flight. All the people I had seen earlier were boarded on their plane and ready to go home. I turned around and looked at the group waiting in their seats. I knew no one. Usually, I wouldn't mind because I never know anyone I'm flying with, but this was different. I was actually looking forward to flying with all those people I talked to earlier..<br />
<br />
Then I saw her.<br />
<b>Barb</b>.<br />
<br />
I immediately re-played everything she had told me 15 minutes prior.<br />
I wanted to cry again, but knew I couldn't.<br />
Why would a stranger cry over some person she doesn't even know?<br />
<br />
I ask her how she is doing and she updates me on what is going on, repeatedly saying she just wants to be there already. I listen but have no words to give for comfort. My mouth does the same thing it did earlier. It just hangs there. Open and wordless. <b>"It's just not supposed to be like this"</b>. I keep hearing those words replay in my head.<br />
<br />
An announcer comes on (the rude one I tried to talk to from before) and lets us know that because of weather, they are going to have to delay the flight even more. Barb, having been there just that morning, assures us that this information is totally incorrect because this afternoon when she left "it was a beautiful day". Sure enough about 10 minutes later, that same rude man gets on the speaker and announces that it was actually because everything is so backed up in Chicago and then let us know that the delay was extended to 40 min.<br />
<br />
Really? Weather? Is that the best you could do to try and cover up the fact that you guys are still at fault?<br />
<br />
Barb's face said it all. I felt like I was feeling everything she was thinking.<br />
No one said anything.<br />
<br />
I went to call Ruben to let him know what was going on, when suddenly the rude guy gets back on and tells us that we can actually start boarding <b>now</b>. I hung up immediately and got in line to board the plane.<br />
<br />
Being one of the last of only 30 people to board this flight, I was able to see everyone as I headed to my usual seat in the back of the plane. I saw Barb in a row alone and decided to continue to the back, thinking that she would probably want be alone. I asked her how she was doing and she said she would be ok, and that she was going to try to fall asleep. I smiled, said ok, and went to a seat 3 rows from the back.<br />
<br />
On my way to my seat I saw another woman who had heard Barb's story had made her way to the back as well. I told her how I was feeling and she agreed that she could not believe it. She said that she told Barb she would be praying for her. I was pleased to hear that I wasn't alone and found comfort in the now 2 people of this 30 praying for our new friend Barb.<br />
<br />
As soon as I sat down, I decided I had to sleep the whole flight. For some reason Barb's story wouldn't stop running through my head. The plane took off and I switched between all three seats in my row to try to find a comfortable place to fall asleep. It was <b>useless</b>. I moved around as if ants were all over me. I could not sit still for a second. My mind was racing. I told myself to just try and read, but couldn't do that either. Then, I made a plan. I decided I had to talk to Barb.<br />
<br />
Seeing as how I am literally 3 rows away from the bathroom in the back of the plane, it would have definitely been weird for me to walk all the way in front of the plane to use the restroom. Regardless, as soon as the seatbelt sign went off, I waited for someone to go to the bathroom behind me and I got up and went forward. I used the restroom in the front of the plane and then headed back to the aisle being careful to look to my left because I remembered that's where she would be.<br />
<br />
I spotted her. She has obviously been crying. My heart broke.<br />
<br />
I asked her how she was holding up.<br />
I then immediately felt stupid and thought to myself "How do you think she's holding up, Evie? Her mom is dying.."<br />
<br />
She held up her little cup of wine, smiled, and said she was going to be ok.<br />
I asked her if I could sit with her.<br />
She agreed, but you could tell she was apprehensive.<br />
I am, of course, a complete stranger..<br />
<br />
I sat down, and before we knew it, 3 hrs later, they were announcing that we are beginning to descend into Chicago. In this 3 hours I heard the in's and out's of Barb's past 2 years. I think she noticed at some points that I was trying desperately to pretend I wasn't so incredibly affected by her story.<br />
<br />
<b>This can't be happening. This is not fair. This isn't real. Why???</b><br />
These thoughts ran through my head all over again, but this time it meant more.<br />
<br />
I was attached. I am attached.<br />
I am hurt and hurting for her and all that her family has gone through in these past 2 years.<br />
<br />
I told her I was and will be praying for her multiple times throughout our conversation.<br />
I ended our time together asking if I could hug her. She said yes.<br />
I squeezed that woman with all I had. I didn't want to let go.<br />
I wanted to tell her that <b>everything was going to be ok, </b><br />
<b></b>but she and I both knew I couldn't.<br />
She thanked me for keeping her mind off of things and smiled.<br />
She has a really sweet, genuine smile that reminds me so much of my mom's.<br />
<br />
I went back to my seat before they turned the seatbelt sign back on and prayed and cried and prayed harder. When we finally landed I looked for her, but she was no where to be found. I worried and then told myself to stop it. I went to baggage claim and secretly looked in every direction for her, but still nothing. Then, out of nowhere, she walked towards me. She was waiting for her bags too. We talked a little and then the woman in the back of the plane found her way to us too. Barb said nothing of her mother and both of us were to scared to ask. The last thing we knew is that they were trying to stabilize her before doing an emergency surgery to try and save her.<br />
<br />
We got our bags all one right after the other, and then walked out together to wait for our rides. We talked about the weather, where we live, and how far the drives will be. Nothing too serious. Everything in me wanted to ask if she had heard anything, but I knew it would hurt too bad.<br />
<br />
I saw Ruben pulling up and told them he was here. I hugged both of them goodbye. Not any of those sissy hugs either. I gave them<b> real,</b> <b>I love you</b> kinda hugs. They reciprocated. Then I told them how it's not every day you hug the people you just flew with. We laughed, and I left.<br />
<br />
I broke down as soon as I got in the car. Let's just say Ruben was a little confused.<br />
<br />
Why is this woman affecting me so much?<br />
Why is her story imprinted in my brain?<br />
Why do I feel so connected to her?<br />
<br />
I still don't know the answers to these questions.<br />
I still have no idea if her mom made it.<br />
I never will.<br />
<br />
The only thing I know is her name.<br />
<br />
Her story really touched me.<br />
I wanted to share it with you all so that I could ask you to do something with me.<br />
<br />
<b>Pray.</b><br />
<br />
I feel like I know so much and yet so little.<br />
What I do know is what I shared in this post.<br />
Her name is Barb. Her mother's name is Philis.<br />
<br />
I ask that you join with me in prayer for Philis, Barb, and their family.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your time, and thanks in advance for your prayer.evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-40518193785976772902011-02-22T13:22:00.003-06:002011-03-15T14:33:01.268-05:00Red Lobster FixFirst of all, if you have never been to <a href="http://www.redlobster.com/">Red Lobster</a>, <b>go</b>. Right <b>now</b>.<br />
<br />
Let me explain.<br />
<br />
Even if you go there for this one thing, I highly recommend going.<br />
<br />
If you've been there before, you probably know what this post is about.<br />
<br />
That's right. Their unbelievably, delicious<b> biscuits</b>.<br />
You know, the garlic cheddar ones?<br />
The ones that you can eat 32895 of in one sitting because they're <b><i>that</i></b> good?<br />
The ones that you become immediately addicted to while in the process of taking your first bite? <b>True story</b>. They really are that good. I would never lie to you.<br />
<br />
The only problem is if you were to really eat 32895 of these biscuits, you would gain about the same amount of pounds as a result.<br />
<br />
Well, guess what?<br />
While I was looking through <b><a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Gina's Skinny Recipes</a>, </b>I saw them.<br />
The beautiful <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/garlic-cheddar-biscuits.html#comments"><b>Garlic Cheddar Biscuits</b></a> calling my name.<br />
<br />
What's so great about these is that they're a<b> low-fat</b> alternative,<br />
and I'm guessing they are still as incredibly<b> delicious</b>.<br />
Of course I'm judging solely by the photos on <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Gina's blog</a>.<br />
<br />
I plan on making these biscuits soon, if not tonight.<br />
I mean, just look at them:<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="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_BizpeaUzxq8/TWG-8U9s3zI/AAAAAAAACvA/cutjdIyNvKg/s800/garlicky-cheese-biscuits-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_BizpeaUzxq8/TWG-8U9s3zI/AAAAAAAACvA/cutjdIyNvKg/s320/garlicky-cheese-biscuits-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">skinnytaste.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll let you know how they turn out.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I figured if I posted a blog about it beforehand, it would give me incentive to actually follow through with making them sooner than later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're interested in making them too, just follow the recipe <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/garlic-cheddar-biscuits.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Tuesday!</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-89674138414354515012011-02-20T12:04:00.003-06:002011-03-15T14:36:34.243-05:00Breakfast BurritosIf you stopped by yesterday, you know that I made <b>way</b> too much of an incredible veggie quesadilla meal. I mentioned in that <a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/02/veggie-quesadillas.html">blog</a> that we would be using the leftovers for breakfast.<br />
<br />
Well, we did it.<br />
<br />
My expectations for the outcome were very high considering the <a href="http://evanghelina.blogspot.com/2011/02/veggie-quesadillas.html">original</a> was so <b>delicious</b>. I am happy to tell you that in no way were my hopes crushed.<br />
<br />
They were <b>so</b> good!<br />
With these, Ruben just added eggs and cheese to the left over filling and scrambled.<br />
(Ruben is the designated breakfast maker in our home)<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Yum</b>.<br />
<br />
So again, I used my phone for the photos.<br />
Here they are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncAnAgZfVss/TWFVeANb46I/AAAAAAAABK8/Pn9-wUrzAkM/s1600/IMAG0019-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncAnAgZfVss/TWFVeANb46I/AAAAAAAABK8/Pn9-wUrzAkM/s320/IMAG0019-1.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJf5q3z_pjM/TWFVe3cIrvI/AAAAAAAABLA/32XUmKWt_LM/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJf5q3z_pjM/TWFVe3cIrvI/AAAAAAAABLA/32XUmKWt_LM/s320/IMAG0020.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhCX-hgznBI/TWFVfqQ2KBI/AAAAAAAABLE/c9_xXvWgyhc/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhCX-hgznBI/TWFVfqQ2KBI/AAAAAAAABLE/c9_xXvWgyhc/s320/IMAG0023.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />
Let me know if you try it.<br />
I would love to hear what you think!evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-64057811630928905612011-02-19T21:03:00.001-06:002011-02-19T22:09:03.550-06:00Veggie QuesadillasI have been wanting to make quesadillas for quite some time now, but keep forgetting about it. Well, today I thought about it. I had left over tortillas and cheese and thought it would be good for some boring cheese quesadillas. Little did I know, my fridge/pantry had all the ingredients for the <b>most delicious</b> veggie quesadillas we've ever dreamed of (yes, I realize it may sound like a slight over exaggeration, but rest assured it is <b>not</b>). It doesn't hurt that they are <b>ridiculously easy</b> to prepare.<br />
<br />
So I was looking in the fridge, and I see cheese, red pepper, onion, garlic, and tortillas.<br />
Then, I looked in the pantry and I found cans of black beans and corn.<br />
<br />
Well, you can probably guess that this is what our meal consisted of.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyways, I looked online and found a recipe that included <b>all of these things</b>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/bean-quesadillas/Detail.aspx">original recipe</a> has some extra things and slight alterations, if you're interested.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The thing is, what I didn't notice until after making this, is that the recipe was enough for <b><i>12 servings</i></b>. That's right. <b>12</b>. I didn't see the option where you could change it to whatever serving size you want.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Needless to say, we have some left over :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
On his way home, Ruben picked up some sour cream and guacamole.<br />
I know, it would have been cool if I made <i>everything</i>, but I didn't have any avocados.<br />
<br />
So before I share the recipe,<br />
I just want to make sure you are aware of the serving size :)<br />
That would be 12.<br />
<br />
<div class="ingredients" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h3 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ingredients</h3><ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Pam Original Cooking Spray</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">1 onion, finely diced</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">1 red bell pepper, chopped</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">1 (15 ounce) can corn, rinsed and drained</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">12 (12 inch) flour tortillas</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese</li>
</ul></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 300px;"></div><div class="directions" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h3 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Directions</h3><ol style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat, spray with Pam, and saute the onion and garlic until soft. Mix in beans, bell pepper, and corn; cook until heated through.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Spread 6 tortillas with equal amounts of the bean and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with equal amounts of the Cheddar cheese, and top with the remaining tortillas to form quesadillas.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and spray with Pam. Place quesadillas in the skillet and cook, turning once, until cheese is melted and both sides are lightly browned.</span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I took the pictures with my phone, but you get the idea:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC9--08Vaw0/TWB7SN4j9BI/AAAAAAAABDY/lWriIQsheCk/s1600/IMAG0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC9--08Vaw0/TWB7SN4j9BI/AAAAAAAABDY/lWriIQsheCk/s320/IMAG0013.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/-pl8VMnDdMDk/TWB7Te630vI/AAAAAAAABDg/LodHdr3gjqU/s1600/IMAG0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl8VMnDdMDk/TWB7Te630vI/AAAAAAAABDg/LodHdr3gjqU/s320/IMAG0015.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had taco tortillas, not burrito ones.</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRc9mRcE96o/TWB7ShCWNnI/AAAAAAAABDc/u_EGsjRhgqM/s1600/IMAG0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRc9mRcE96o/TWB7ShCWNnI/AAAAAAAABDc/u_EGsjRhgqM/s320/IMAG0014.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So they turned out a smaller (6in vs 12in).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0atm9ZwIsg/TWB7TsJKq9I/AAAAAAAABDk/zX98sSv4Yg0/s1600/IMAG0016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0atm9ZwIsg/TWB7TsJKq9I/AAAAAAAABDk/zX98sSv4Yg0/s320/IMAG0016-1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCaaieEXUrI/TWB7T1q3eBI/AAAAAAAABDo/7cxn6UBeLr0/s1600/IMAG0017-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCaaieEXUrI/TWB7T1q3eBI/AAAAAAAABDo/7cxn6UBeLr0/s320/IMAG0017-1.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added chips, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I'll be honest, this meal was seriously, unexpectedly incredible and <b>so </b>easy!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Try it. You'll see.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I plan to use the left overs for breakfast tacos tomorrow.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I'll let you know how it goes.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></div></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-50752235998488634392011-02-17T17:30:00.001-06:002011-03-12T17:53:29.443-06:00Life of Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y6ztZpTRjY/TV2vNoxeCoI/AAAAAAAABDU/n6zYBonuWRU/s1600/The_Four_Seasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y6ztZpTRjY/TV2vNoxeCoI/AAAAAAAABDU/n6zYBonuWRU/s320/The_Four_Seasons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This week I've thought a lot about my life over the past year.<br />
<br />
This my my 2nd winter and 5th season since being here.<br />
<br />
I've seen the beauty of creation changing continuously.<br />
It's been freezing and deathly hot.<br />
Snowy and sunny.<br />
Cloudy and rainy.<br />
Windy and calm.<br />
Happy and sad.<br />
Laughing and crying.<br />
Anxious and content.<br />
Excited and worried.<br />
<br />
It's interesting how life works.<br />
It's a consistent season change.<br />
Not matter what the season, it will change.<br />
<br />
Take Summer for instance, everyone loves it.<br />
People are outside, the beach is full, people seem happier overall.<br />
<br />
Then there's Winter. Sad and gloomy.<br />
People stay inside and take part in community less.<br />
<br />
Spring and Fall seem to be pretty pleasurable for all.<br />
You can still go outside, but have just enough time cuddling with blankets.<br />
<br />
What's sad and exciting simultaneously is that - all of these seasons pass.<br />
They come and go. They come back and leave again.<br />
Sometimes for longer or shorter periods with better or worse times in between.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until someone from school gave me this metaphor that I considered it at all.<br />
<br />
She said something like this:<br />
"Think about it. Who likes Winter? Sure, some days are fun, but really - most people <i><b>hate it</b></i>. When you are going through it, it seems <i><b>never-ending</b></i>. Everything aggravates you. Your face feels cut with cold. You never seem warm enough. If someone tells you 'It will be over soon', you blankly stare at them thinking about how almost <b><i>impossibl</i></b><i><b>e</b></i> it is to see the day and focus on how miserable you are <i><b>right now</b></i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Then it arrives</b>. Spring. It's amazing really. You forget about the <b><i>torture </i></b>you felt all Winter, and can think only of how <b><i>incredible</i></b> it feels to take part in this <b><i>new season</i></b>. It seems worth it to have to go through such an awful, miserable, depressing season if it means you get to experience a beautiful, happy one sooner than you thought."<br />
<br />
Right now I'm right in the middle of winter.<br />
Both physically and mentally.<br />
It feels like it's never-ending.<br />
I feel like Spring is so far away.<br />
I long for the day the sun comes shining through the clouds,<br />
telling me a new season has come.<br />
<br />
I also know that I have to go through Winter to get to Spring.<br />
And I know that even though Winter is a tough season, there are still beautiful things that come with it. Just like there are ugly things that come with the easy seasons.<br />
<br />
Here's praying for new seasons to come soon, and to learning how to see the beauty in the not-so-pretty things in life.evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-8117562653300425122011-02-05T16:03:00.003-06:002011-03-12T17:54:30.304-06:00After Blizzard RegretsOk ready for this?<br />
I was part of the 2011Crazy Big Deal Huge Blizzard in Chicago.<br />
Also, let me remind you that I own a camera.<br />
<br />
Who in their right mind would be part of one of the biggest natural disasters so far in 2011and NOT take photos?<br />
It's a no -brainer. This is prime time for photo taking.<br />
<br />
Duh.<br />
<br />
Are you putting 2 and 2 together?<br />
Well,<br />
Don't.<br />
<br />
That's right.<br />
I had the opportunity to take some of the most beautiful photos yet. Everything smooth white. All things covered with this beautiful, cold stuff.<br />
<br />
So, how did the pictures come out Evie?!?<br />
Well friends, they didn't.<br />
I sat inside like a chicken in the warmth of my home.<br />
<br />
Pathetic, I know. Sadly though, it's true.<br />
Here are the few I captured from my window:<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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3GAHeM48I/AAAAAAAABBs/7acwcJMNxOo/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3GAHeM48I/AAAAAAAABBs/7acwcJMNxOo/s320/IMG_1806.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To be honest, from the pictures I've been seeing, this is nothing compared to some other areas.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3ETCqqt-I/AAAAAAAABBk/efbdmEA3ZGA/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3ETCqqt-I/AAAAAAAABBk/efbdmEA3ZGA/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The digging begins</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3D5MUjWpI/AAAAAAAABBg/QmKv2eDR3Hc/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3D5MUjWpI/AAAAAAAABBg/QmKv2eDR3Hc/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently, once you've worked most of the day digging out your car, <br />
you are allowed to claim it with chairs until you return. Makes sense.</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3Gl43jIrI/AAAAAAAABBw/sRCwdSZfLP0/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3Gl43jIrI/AAAAAAAABBw/sRCwdSZfLP0/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbors dug through and found our sidewalk!</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3Eu0xApgI/AAAAAAAABBo/Tgdd0NoRYnc/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TU3Eu0xApgI/AAAAAAAABBo/Tgdd0NoRYnc/s320/IMG_1882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the digging, this is a view of the sidewalk and some dug out cars in front of our building. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't worry, my plan is to go out tomorrow and take pictures of the remaining mounds of snow around the city. I'll let you know how it goes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Super Bowl Weekend!!</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-9747252276182999782011-02-04T15:41:00.005-06:002011-03-12T18:10:20.983-06:00Nature + AwesomeOk, so lately I have been into nature.<br />
I have been noticing new things about trees, bushes, grass (or lack thereof), etc.<br />
Like I mentioned before, I am just now, 25 yrs later, getting the opportunity to experience seasons.<br />
<br />
I love them.<br />
<br />
Sure, it's COLD. Freezing actually.<br />
And yes, I miss the warm Florida sun.<br />
But honestly, I don't think I would go back.<br />
It's just too AWESOME.<br />
<br />
Awesome is a word I use A LOT.<br />
Not sure if you all noticed.<br />
But I think this word is one of the most often used in my vocabulary.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><u>awe·some</u> [aw-suh m] - adjective</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b>1. inspiring awe: an awesome sight.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b>2. showing or characterized by awe.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b>3. Slang. very impressive : That new white convertible is totally awesome.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
I really think that this work best describes the things I think are awesome. I have used every definition of this word when describing awesomeness.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think God is awesome.<br />
I think Ruben is awesome.<br />
I think family is awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think friends are awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think creation is awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think food is awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think photography is awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think art is awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think acts of love and service are awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sure, I may need to broaden my vocabulary a bit, but I just wanted to let everyone know that when I say something is awesome it might be because of my limited vocabulary, OR it could because I really mean it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'll leave you with some nature photos I took recently:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TUxw8BLYQpI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Yp4GCzVQmLU/s1600/sktr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TUxw8BLYQpI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Yp4GCzVQmLU/s320/sktr.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TUxxBkLODCI/AAAAAAAABBU/bI0-2NA_wqU/s1600/branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TUxxBkLODCI/AAAAAAAABBU/bI0-2NA_wqU/s320/branches.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Have a great weekend!</div><div><br />
</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-71400743343091515052011-01-16T16:12:00.005-06:002011-03-15T14:33:48.897-05:00Hot dogs for Breakfast<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ok so this morning Ruben and I were like, "What should we make today so we can have something different?"</span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
<div>So Ruben was like, "Let's make scrambled eggs and bagels."</div><div><br />
</div><div>And I was like, "What if we use the hot dogs we just bought too?"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ruben was like, "Hot dogs with eggs? That actually sounds good.. I used to eat that when I was little."</div><div><br />
</div><div>I was like, "AWESOME! Let's do it!"</div><div><br />
</div><div>THEN, I was like, "Should we use hot dog buns instead of bagels?"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ruben was like, "Good idea!"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then, Ruben was like, "Oh! I'm gonna melt cheese on top of my eggs, do you want it on yours too?"</div><div><br />
</div><div>And I was like, "OHHH!! WHAT IF WE MELT THE CHEESE ON THE BUNS FIRST AND THEN PUT THE EGGS ON IT!!?!"</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, that's what we did, and it was AMAZING!!!!</div><div><br />
</div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You can't tell that the hot dog buns were stuffed with the egg/cheese/ hot dog mixture cause I took the pictures too late, but you have to believe me that it was SOOOO GGOOOODDDD!!!!! </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I will make sure to take photos before eating almost the entire thing next time :)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TTNpE78_OqI/AAAAAAAAA08/y25F_iWyriU/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TTNpE78_OqI/AAAAAAAAA08/y25F_iWyriU/s320/IMG_1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TTNpJEPu65I/AAAAAAAAA1A/7cZQJ34DfgM/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TTNpJEPu65I/AAAAAAAAA1A/7cZQJ34DfgM/s320/IMG_1432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>2 Hebrew National hot dogs (seriously, the best brand I've ever had)</div><div>6 eggs</div><div>4 slices American cheese (the real kind, not the processed cheese food slices)</div><div>2 hot dog buns (we had pretty big ones with sesame seeds on top)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Directions:</div><div>Cut the hot dogs into small pieces. Fry them until you are pleased. I prefer mine almost burnt. :) Once your hot dogs are how you want them, add in the eggs. Wait till they cook a little before you scramble them in the pan. Meanwhile, get your buns ready by putting 2 slices of cheese on each bun and microwaving them for 40 seconds each so that they cheese is perfectly melted. Finally, add your egg/hot dog mixture to your buns and enjoy!</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-9488659632546804152011-01-12T20:30:00.002-06:002011-03-15T18:42:16.933-05:00How to Coffee PressUm, Evie.. You already had a post entitled coffee.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. Don't fret though (as if you were really worried..)!<br />
<br />
This coffee post is not dedicated to my profession of love for this delightful caffeinated beverage.<br />
It is, however, dedicated to me showing you how I do my thing with our coffee press.<br />
<br />
Ok so, a little background:<br />
-I broke our old coffee press.<br />
-Ruben surprised me with another one.<br />
Complete with travel press.<br />
-We no longer use our coffee machine, ever.<br />
-I have coffee daily. Yum.<br />
<br />
Phew. Now that that's out of the way, I'll get to the process of how I go about making this yummy drink.<br />
<br />
Things I use:<br />
+Filtered water<br />
+Electric Kettle<br />
+Whole bean coffee<br />
+Grinder<br />
+Plastic spoon<br />
-Creamer (optional)<br />
+Coffee press, of course :)<br />
<br />
Note:<br />
-You don't have to grind your own beans, but it does make it more tasty. Up to you though.<br />
-Same goes for filtered water. Not totally necessary, but will provide a more delightful cup of joe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Let's go on..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step1 : Filtered water. Again, not necessary, but better.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Start the boiling in your kettle.. now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bGns8xbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/FPMb59DLQVw/s1600/untitled+shoot-038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bGns8xbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/FPMb59DLQVw/s320/untitled+shoot-038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 2: Coffee beans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether you are grinding them yourself, or using ground ones, this is where you measure out how much you're putting in your press.Make you <b>coarse</b>ly grind the beans so they don't seep through the press. I use 3-4 scoops depending on how strong I want it that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bBotH8VI/AAAAAAAAAzM/zxrY57rFZv8/s1600/untitled+shoot-023.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bI88wt3I/AAAAAAAAAzY/RJXwpGziFms/s1600/untitled+shoot-060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bI88wt3I/AAAAAAAAAzY/RJXwpGziFms/s320/untitled+shoot-060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bKmIaC_I/AAAAAAAAAzc/AN8KJAhIrog/s1600/untitled+shoot-066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bKmIaC_I/AAAAAAAAAzc/AN8KJAhIrog/s320/untitled+shoot-066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bLzIvjbI/AAAAAAAAAzg/W6Rd_A6SSAM/s1600/untitled+shoot-071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bLzIvjbI/AAAAAAAAAzg/W6Rd_A6SSAM/s320/untitled+shoot-071.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 3: Add water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have done all of this your water should be boiled or close to it. Add the water to press leaving an inch from the top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bO1qvSoI/AAAAAAAAAzo/td3spHigwCs/s1600/untitled+shoot-076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bO1qvSoI/AAAAAAAAAzo/td3spHigwCs/s320/untitled+shoot-076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bSGNao8I/AAAAAAAAAzw/5PYHcgkr34Q/s1600/untitled+shoot-093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bSGNao8I/AAAAAAAAAzw/5PYHcgkr34Q/s320/untitled+shoot-093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 4: Stir.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Use either a plastic or wooden spoon/utensil , but NOT a metal one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bQwUiggI/AAAAAAAAAzs/hd-o_Whi_ck/s1600/untitled+shoot-081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bQwUiggI/AAAAAAAAAzs/hd-o_Whi_ck/s320/untitled+shoot-081.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bTQXEnXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/Z3aVe6voWW8/s1600/untitled+shoot-095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bTQXEnXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/Z3aVe6voWW8/s320/untitled+shoot-095.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 5: Place cap on press.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Make sure you<u><b> do not</b></u> press the plunger down yet!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Set a timer either on your microwave or phone for 4 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">For a stronger cup do 5min. For a weaker cup do 3min. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bUpwVxgI/AAAAAAAAAz4/v95KKrk-G3c/s1600/untitled+shoot-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bUpwVxgI/AAAAAAAAAz4/v95KKrk-G3c/s320/untitled+shoot-100.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 6: Press down, pour and enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;">When your timer goes off your ready to press the plunger down.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do this slowly and evenly until you reach the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bVg5exXI/AAAAAAAAAz8/mE6EKQiyTXM/s1600/untitled+shoot-118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bVg5exXI/AAAAAAAAAz8/mE6EKQiyTXM/s320/untitled+shoot-118.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bW8I4bZI/AAAAAAAAA0A/iwH6w77F66A/s1600/untitled+shoot-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bW8I4bZI/AAAAAAAAA0A/iwH6w77F66A/s320/untitled+shoot-120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bX0WXEvI/AAAAAAAAA0E/ixGW0jUCwcM/s1600/untitled+shoot-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bX0WXEvI/AAAAAAAAA0E/ixGW0jUCwcM/s320/untitled+shoot-122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bZOJYkmI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lXoZjAnuZg0/s1600/untitled+shoot-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bZOJYkmI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lXoZjAnuZg0/s320/untitled+shoot-123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 7(optional): Extra goodies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have completed steps 1-6 you're ready to enjoy your hot delicious beverage. If, however, you're like me and you don't often drink your coffee black, this is when you add in the extra goodies. I prefer French Vanilla creamer, but you can use anything you want. (Whip Cream, Sugar, Milk, etc.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bNYRKybI/AAAAAAAAAzk/PcwBULqryK4/s1600/untitled+shoot-075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5bNYRKybI/AAAAAAAAAzk/PcwBULqryK4/s320/untitled+shoot-075.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also added some cookies I made to the mix. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You can add anything. Get creative. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5batjVCYI/AAAAAAAAA0M/4d3KHpztjd4/s1600/untitled+shoot-131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TS5batjVCYI/AAAAAAAAA0M/4d3KHpztjd4/s320/untitled+shoot-131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you all have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring 2011 semester starts tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll keep you posted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-6056316118374644022011-01-05T19:23:00.001-06:002011-01-05T19:49:25.217-06:00Here We Go AgainThat time is here again.<br />
The beginning of the new semester has arrived.<br />
<br />
My feelings? Dread, Self-Doubt, Fear.<br />
My hope? Anticipation, Confidence, Success.<br />
<br />
I can't explain my dislike for this process of education that I'm going through.<br />
I wish so badly that I loved school.<br />
I wish I loved tests.<br />
I wish I loved studying.<br />
<br />
Instead, I love people.<br />
I want to be with people.<br />
I want to hang out with people.<br />
I want to eat with people.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, my end goal will be working with people.<br />
I'm sure this grad- school thing will be worth it in the end.<br />
<br />
This year, just like everyone else, I plan to start new things and stick to them. Let's see how well I do..<br />
<br />
Here is a list of things I am going to work my hardest to improve on in 2011:<br />
+Cooking.<br />
-Photography.<br />
+Studying AHEAD of time for exams.<br />
-Starting papers BEFORE the night before they are due.<br />
+READING textbooks and even non-school books at the SAME time!<br />
-Looking for the positive in every situation.<br />
+Making as much hand-made decor as possible.<br />
-Getting people gifts for no reason.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TSUY4gMbP1I/AAAAAAAAAL4/PmtiIJrKgdI/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TSUY4gMbP1I/AAAAAAAAAL4/PmtiIJrKgdI/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cocktail I learned to make to start off the New Year! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-81236332567852721052010-11-27T21:29:00.001-06:002011-03-12T17:57:00.155-06:00BreakFor the first time since moving to our new place,<br />
we finally had a break.<br />
Thanks to Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to get away from chaos and relax in North Carolina with family.<br />
<br />
Life has been going non-stop.<br />
<br />
I felt like the little social life I had developed in Chicago was no more. I had no time for anything/anyone except school related assignments.<br />
I really thought I was hitting the point where I was going to have to start from scratch.<br />
Luckily, there are some really amazing people in Chicago and Florida who love the heck out of me and I am so unbelievably grateful for them.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for new friends.<br />
I am thankful for those friends who encouraged me when I was at my lowest points.<br />
I am thankful for my ridiculously amazing family.<br />
I am thankful for my super awesome husband.<br />
I am thankful for the ability to create.<br />
______________________________________________<br />
Because of all the hectic things going on, we haven't gotten a chance to focus on decor for our place.<br />
<br />
I've been eyeing a bunch of things from CB2 that are definitely way too expensive.<br />
<br />
I've had my eye on this sweet abacus that I think would go well with our living room.<br />
<br />
Only problem is that I would want 2 and that's just not going to happen.<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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPG_j164HFI/AAAAAAAAALI/vVtaYTKgvfA/s1600/AbacusAV2S10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPG_j164HFI/AAAAAAAAALI/vVtaYTKgvfA/s320/AbacusAV2S10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cb2.com</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPG_tNYZKeI/AAAAAAAAALM/nzbYe2UshYU/s1600/fortebedstreamerbeddingSC10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPG_tNYZKeI/AAAAAAAAALM/nzbYe2UshYU/s320/fortebedstreamerbeddingSC10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cb2.com</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHAI1SE_VI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ItfI1kts2EE/s1600/lairddeskjoechairFC10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHAI1SE_VI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ItfI1kts2EE/s320/lairddeskjoechairFC10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cb2.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>____________________________________________<br />
I had ideas of one day maybe making one, but with the way life was going, there was just no time for crafts.<br />
<br />
Well, I was talking to my cousin Pete about it, and he said "why don't you make one?"<br />
<br />
I was like, "yea, why don't I make one?"<br />
<br />
This is the perfect time. We are in the mountains, relaxing.<br />
<br />
What better time to do arts and crafts then while in the mountains?<br />
<br />
It just so happens that a Michaels just opened down in Boone.<br />
<br />
So, we picked up some supplies and decided to start the abacus making project.<br />
<br />
I took some photos along the way.<br />
Hope you enjoy:<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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHCmPPQktI/AAAAAAAAALU/AGfaZ_CbqGY/s1600/P1140564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHCmPPQktI/AAAAAAAAALU/AGfaZ_CbqGY/s320/P1140564.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought some wooden beads so I could<br />
choose the colors we would paint them.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDCz_AjDI/AAAAAAAAALY/vHhnLdPIQXU/s1600/P1140558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDCz_AjDI/AAAAAAAAALY/vHhnLdPIQXU/s320/P1140558.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose blue, green, gold, and brown paint<br />
to match our living room.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDXj4OKnI/AAAAAAAAALc/OLURyZXHEVo/s1600/P1140566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDXj4OKnI/AAAAAAAAALc/OLURyZXHEVo/s320/P1140566.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruben , Pete, and I each painted a <br />
different color.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDqTYhQsI/AAAAAAAAALg/zVRr1xh-xEE/s1600/P1140568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHDqTYhQsI/AAAAAAAAALg/zVRr1xh-xEE/s320/P1140568.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought these 24 inch sticks and cut them in half.<br />
Then, we drilled holes every 2 inches so they would fit <br />
the smaller wooden rods we bought. <br />
The smaller wooden rods were 36 inches and I cut three 12 inch rods from each one.<br />
The holes on the side also give a nice texture on the side of the abucus.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHEMJOBlpI/AAAAAAAAALk/D5JOzknaznw/s1600/P1140574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHEMJOBlpI/AAAAAAAAALk/D5JOzknaznw/s320/P1140574.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This glue takes FOREVER to dry.</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHEubOFHHI/AAAAAAAAALo/8GOamuWEfJw/s1600/P1140603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHEubOFHHI/AAAAAAAAALo/8GOamuWEfJw/s320/P1140603.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We put the beads on the rods and then squeezed<br />
them into the pre-drilled holes.<br />
(Note: One of the green lines has 9 and one has 11- <br />
we didn't realize until after the project was complete<br />
- it's ok though, it was just a practice run)<br />
Then we tied the wood pieces together so the glue would dry properly.</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHFDGm127I/AAAAAAAAALs/axhoybZQFl4/s1600/P11406321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TPHFDGm127I/AAAAAAAAALs/axhoybZQFl4/s320/P11406321.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product!<br />
Our hand-made mini abucus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was a super fun and fairly simple project.<br />
It is fun to play with too. I plan on making two larger ones for the wall above our sofa when there is time.<br />
This one will probably be on our coffee table for people to play with when they are over. :)<br />
<br />
Thanks to Pete, Ruben, and my mom for help with the project!<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a great week!<br />
Driving back to Chicago tomorrow.<br />
Wish us luck!evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-84800401363698348842010-11-13T20:40:00.001-06:002011-03-12T18:07:47.950-06:00Delightfully Baked ApplesEver since I saw the recipe for <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/delightfully-baked-apples.html">Delightfully Baked Apples</a> from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">gina's skinny recipes</a>, I've wanted to try it out. I thought this would surely happen after we went apple picking in October (for the first time in my life). Unfortunately, it wasn't until I looked at them tonight and saw that they were starting to go bad that I realized it was time for the simple recipe.<br />
<br />
This recipe requires so little. I had all the ingredients for it in my kitchen already.<br />
<br />
My photo didn't come out nearly as beautiful as the one on Gina's<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/delightfully-baked-apples.html"> blog</a>, but I did take a picture.<br />
<br />
I served it with Cool Whip on the side.<br />
I think it would have been better with vanilla ice cream.<br />
<br />
Here it is:<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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TN9ICi1Ct6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/cKWwvYTu0fU/s1600/P11404751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TN9ICi1Ct6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/cKWwvYTu0fU/s320/P11404751.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Delightfully Baked Apples</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 larger apples, cut in half</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tbsp butter, melted</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tbsp brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tbsp flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 tbsp quick oats</div><div style="text-align: left;">pinch of cinnamon</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Instructions:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">º. </span>Cut apples in half and remove core and seeds with a small pairing knife or spoon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon. Spoon on top of the apple halves and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place of a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve warm with fat free whipped cream or low fat ice cream. </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Let me know if you try it out.<br />
I want to hear what you think!<br />
<br />
Hope you are all having a great weekend!evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-77770110854565272642010-11-11T13:53:00.001-06:002011-03-12T17:57:16.103-06:00Positive Happenings<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Due to that fact that school has taken over my life, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I haven't been able to find time for blogging. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">It's the middle of the semester. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">That means papers, exams, and stress levels that are just not healthy. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I have cried more these past two weeks than I have in a while. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I have contemplated dropping out of grad school daily. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Multiple times a day.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I have taken exams that I have studied for so long and </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">still managed to not do well. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I have wanted to smash my computer thro</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">ugh</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">a window after </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">it did not cooperate with me. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Instead of dedicating this post to all things negative, I decided to talk about the positive things that took place these past couple weeks. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">During this time of non-stop anxiety, I have experienced some positive happenings:</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. I found the most perfect hand lotion for me.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. I made cheesecake again, and this time it turned out </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> better than perfect. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. Relationships I have made at school have been </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> strengthened. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. I have experienced genuine love, concern, and care </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> from friends and family. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. I discovered that bacon should be part of every breakfast </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> (minus the overwhelming, lingering </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">smell).</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. I finally have a dresser.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">7. I got a brand new coffee press.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">8. I met our new neighbors who are totally God- sent. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I wanted to take pictures of all of these things and post them.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Unfortunately, my camera battery is dead and I have no idea where the charger is. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I decided to find photos online of as many of the things I wrote as possible and post those :)</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I hope you enjoy some of the things that brought a smile to my face during some of the hardest times.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I'll admit, it doesn't take much to make me happy. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">On the other hand, the same is true for making me sad. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Ok, here they are. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Some positive things from this week:</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_UACSpdI/AAAAAAAAAKU/zDWl61UYCh8/s1600/lotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_UACSpdI/AAAAAAAAAKU/zDWl61UYCh8/s1600/lotion.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aveeno Intensive Hand Cream<br />
AKA <b>BEST</b> LOTION <b>EVER</b>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_bWHt3-I/AAAAAAAAAKY/K9LFtqOlqJU/s1600/no-bake-cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_bWHt3-I/AAAAAAAAAKY/K9LFtqOlqJU/s320/no-bake-cheesecake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> no- bake cheesecake - skinnytaste.com </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_haCPQDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8aEtN8na0SU/s1600/FA7803-Turkey-Bacon-Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_haCPQDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8aEtN8na0SU/s320/FA7803-Turkey-Bacon-Details.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey bacon - Aldi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_olKvr9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/RULnyq_61Ak/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_olKvr9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/RULnyq_61Ak/s1600/dresser.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malm dresser - Ikea</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/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_shaOARI/AAAAAAAAAKk/NfSXY1ho0N4/s1600/coffeepress.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_shaOARI/AAAAAAAAAKk/NfSXY1ho0N4/s320/coffeepress.gif" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome Bodum set - Coffee press and travel press (Costco)<br />
Ruben surprised me with it after ours broke :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_olKvr9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/RULnyq_61Ak/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_wXyjYeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wpwc5o59S4w/s1600/travel+press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tm64yW_zslI/TNw_wXyjYeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wpwc5o59S4w/s320/travel+press.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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</div></div>evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105265582383210914.post-36103656471078315862010-10-30T17:36:00.002-05:002011-03-12T17:54:51.937-06:00PoopThat's right, you read this title correctly - poop.<br />
<br />
You see, I come from a family who is not shy to talk to you about it, and I married someone who comes from a family who is anti- bathroom talk. In my family it was common to hear "be right back, gotta poop." I naturally thought all families were equally as open. Becoming part of a family who tells their children that "girl's poop flowers" was definitely not something I expected. Luckily, they have opened up a little more to the idea of bathroom talk.<br />
<br />
You may be wondering why on earth I would choose to talk about this for an entire blog post..<br />
<br />
Well friends, what if I told you that you could win <b>$50,000</b> by simply talking about your toilet using experience?<br />
<br />
No, this is not a joke.<br />
Thanks to my awesome not-ashamed-to-talk-about-poop cousin, I am now aware of a competition being put on by Charmin. Yes, the toilet paper. It's called Charmin Go Nation Contest, and YOU could win :<br />
<br />
<ul class="bluetext" style="line-height: 16px; margin-left: 2px; padding-left: 13px; text-decoration: none;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King or Queen Grand Prize (1 Prize): <span class="bullet_text" style="text-decoration: none;">$50,000, plus an extended stay in NYC through New Year's Eve!</span></span></li>
<li style="padding-top: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finalist First Prize (5 Prizes): <span class="bullet_text" style="text-decoration: none;">A three-day/two-night trip for two to NYC the week of December 27, 2010, for the finale event at the Charmin Times Square Restrooms (plus $500 spending money)</span></span></li>
<li style="padding-top: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charmin Go Nation Representative Prize (51 Prizes): <span class="bullet_text" style="text-decoration: none;">$500</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
All you have to do is submit a video about why you "enjoy the go" most in America!<br />
<br />
I say it's worth a try.<br />
Let's face it, <b>everybody poops</b>! Why not talk about it?<br />
They have a sample video on the website to give you a better idea of what they are looking for.<br />
There are only 22 days left to submit your video, or you can go to one of the locations and do it in person.<br />
<br />
For more info on how to enter, click <a href="https://www.charmingonation.com/1.3_how_to_enter.html?__utma=1.1221598353.1288476569.1288476569.1288476569.1&__utmb=1.4.10.1288476569&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1288476569.1.1.utmcsr=charmin.com|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/en_US/enjoy-the-go/index.php&__utmv=-&__utmk=92558877">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy Pooping! :)evesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203168028598608424noreply@blogger.com3