tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78743615881064788962024-02-02T04:08:41.426-06:00From Pickles To PetuniasAnd everything in between!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-84920715700855492017-02-02T17:30:00.000-06:002017-02-02T17:30:15.302-06:00Fillable Pan = Ding Dong Cake!<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not a big fan of prepared "snack cakes" really, but I LOVE a good Ding Dong on occasion. So, when I was asked by Taste of Home to do a Volunteer Field Editor's review of the Baker's Advantage Fillables 2-Piece Non-Stick Round Cake Pan, I knew exactly what I was going to make first...a Ding Dong cake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The directions were easy to follow and the pan worked better than I expected. Although it was a little tricky to clean (because of the indents) the first time, I learned to soak it a few minutes and then cleanup was easy, breezy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a chocolate cake, filled it with whipped vanilla frosting, and
then topped it with a chocolate ganache. Voila...a Ding Dong cake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The fam loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Everyone should own a pan like this...</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Advantage-Fillables-2-Piece-Non-Stick/dp/B01BGQ9P8O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486058744&sr=8-1&keywords=fillables+cake+pan" target="_blank">HERE</a> to get a pan of your own - there are different shapes to choose from, too.</span> The possibilities are almost endless. You could fill the cake with M&Ms, jams, & etc. You can even use the bottom, non-indented pan to make tarts. </span><span style="font-size: large;">How fun is that! </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Eat, pray, love,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Brigette</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-71470089588419679192016-09-20T12:30:00.000-05:002016-09-20T12:30:01.153-05:00Review of Farberware Spiraletti...Fruit & Vegetable SlicerA few weeks ago I was notified by Taste of Home that a kitchen gadget was being sent to me for an honest Volunteer Field Editor review of the product. Shortly after being notified, the Farberware Spiraletti showed up at my door. How fun is that?!<br />
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Because it was a crazy week with work and kids when it came, I had to wait before I could set it up and play with it...I mean use it and provide my honest review. (I LOVE kitchen gadgets...it always seems like I get to play when I get a new one.)<br />
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Finally the time came, and I could try out the Farberware Spiraletti. (Who else hears VegoMatic 3000 in their head when they say the real name? Ok, maybe it's just me.)<br />
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I got it out and set it up, which was very easy...it comes setup essentially. I quickly realized it was designed more for left-handed people if placed with the cutting blades and what appeared to be the "front" facing towards me.<br />
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So I just turned it around, stuck it to the counter (with the amazingly strong suction cups that are on the bottom for stability - which is a huge plus in my opinion), peeled a sweet potato, put in the Thick Spiral blade (green), put the sweet potato into position, started cranking with my right hand and using the Push Handle with my left (takes a little coordination, but easy to figure out quickly), and abracadabra...beautiful, orange spirally ribbons of sweet potato...SUCCESS!<br />
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I actually couldn't believe how easy and fast it all went once I got in my spiralizing groove. I have used a handheld version in the past, and while I have had success with it as well, it is very messy and very time consuming. It's also very picky about what it will spiralize and what it won't.<br />
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Aren't those orange ribbons of sweet potato gorgeous? I think they are real beauts. I did zucchini with the green and orange blades as well and had the same success.<br />
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Now let's talk about cleanup. It cleans up like a champ. I essentially rinsed each part, dunked them in soapy water, rinsed
again, and let air dry. Done!<br />
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So, in a nut shell...I loved it...I will use it over and over again...I will give it a great review...and...I will be giving it as a birthday gift to my sister (ssshhhh...don't tell her).<br />
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And I think you should give it as a gift, too! (Here's an Amazon.com link to make it easier for you... https://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Spiraletti-Spiral-Vegetable-Colored/dp/B0176B90JW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474390745&sr=8-1&keywords=faberware+spiraletti)<br />
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<i>Eat, pray, love,</i><br />
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<i>Brigette</i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-38652797626801339472016-09-16T12:30:00.000-05:002016-09-16T12:30:03.523-05:00Simple & Delicious Cookbook Binder...meets Thursday night!It's been a super busy week...work has been jammed packed with meetings, an employee resigning, demanding clients, & the list goes on & on. The Littles have had a busy schedule as well with our caseworker's monthly home visit (we have 2 foster daughters), Little #2 turning 3, newly turned 3 year old's well-being checkup, etc. And, the hubs starts his new position on Friday.<br />
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So there I sat on Thursday night with no dinner plans...to the <i>Taste of Home</i> <u><b>Simple & Delicious Cookbook Binder</b></u> I go!<br />
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I pull out the list of possibilities I made when I first got the cookbook and immediately find the one...<i><b>Quick Chicken & Wild Rice Soup</b></i>...the word "Quick" sealed the deal. And a bonus...I can do it in my Tupperware microwave pressure cooker (this bad boy is a whole other post...if you've never heard of it, go check it out...it's worth every single dime) - making Quick even Quicker. The recipe calls for a stove top prep., but I've learned soups do fabulous in the pressure cooker so I know it will be fine. Not to mention, the chicken can be frozen and still come out cooked perfectly after only 30 mins...which mine was, because of lack of planning...again.<br />
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So everybody went into the pool (even the rice - uncooked), the lid went on, and 30 mins. later...fabulous, yummy <b><i>Quick Chicken & Wild Rice Soup</i></b>! It was definitely simple & very delicious. The flavors all melded together and became a lightly creamy and rich tasting soup. Very satisfying and filling. This one will for sure be added to my, What the heck's for dinner tonight? list. It is a 5-star winner in my book! (The only adjustment I made was adding corn. We're a love some corn in our chicken soup kind of family.)<br />
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Just another reason - or should I say, another recipe - as to why everyone needs this new cookbook. <br />
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Until next time... <br />
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<i>Eat, pray, love,</i><br />
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<i>Brigette</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: Links to buy this amazing cookbook...Simple & Delicious Cookbook Binder...can be found in the previous post. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-22081628809727017472016-09-13T12:03:00.001-05:002016-09-13T12:26:23.883-05:00Simple & Delicous Cookbook Binder...OMGoodness!I'm back...and hopefully back for good...it's been a lonnnng time, but I was given a great opportunity from Taste of Home and had to get back in the saddle again...so, here goes..blog on... <br />
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It all started a couple of weeks ago when I received this amazing new cookbook from Taste of Home (TOH) in the mail. It's called Simple & Delicious Cookbook, and it's a binder chucked full (1,314 recipes full!) of yummy and easy recipes. My first thought was...oops...I must ordered it and totally forgot. Then, upon checking Facebook, I found out that I had received a message from the Volunteer Food Editor's (VFE) illustrious mentor & leader, Susan, informing me that I had been chosen to review said cookbook. My next thought was...Score!<br />
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Once I got the Littles to bed that night, I began perusing the cookbook making a list of possible recipes to try and review. I only made it half way through the book and already had chosen 2 pages of options. Boy is my family going to eat good this next month. :)<br />
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Not only are there a ton of fabulous recipes, the binder is organized by categories with a summary of recipe names and pics on the back of each tabbed title page. How easy is that?! You decide what type of recipe you'd like to make, go to that category and choose away. Not only have they packed this awesome cookbook with tons of recipes, they have included several pictures of the completed recipes. Buyer beware...you will drool on this cookbook...however, the pages clean up nicely...smart move TOH, smart move!<br />
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But wait...there's more...not only do you get 1,314 recipes with the purchase of this fabtabulous cookbook, you also get a card in the front the of the book that once completed and returned to TOH you get a FULL year's subscription to Taste of Home magazine. You heard me right...a FULL year of TOH...why would you not get this cookbook?! I know, MIND.BLOWN.<br />
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For the next couple of weeks I will be posting reviews of my top recipe picks. For my first review I chose to make the Avocado Bean Dip from page 47. How could you go wrong with a hummus-guacamole-ish dip, right? And it did not disappoint.<br />
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It was fast, easy and tastes amazing. This will definitely be a go-to dip for parties, get togethers and just plain old Wednesdays. And as a bonus...it's actually pretty good for you. Beans, avocado, lime, spices...eat it with tortilla chips or fresh veggies and you have a great snack packed full of healthy fats and lots of protein. The kids (& the hubs) won't even know it's good for them.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF9HfauJMrHIpRRluOyyXrhuXVasNMtJ7LnldGQUSH7KELaGsKO4Oqev7kJ7X4yAAcMo88ilFTLVrEnQBzcpybBce4vAcg69qRHjDBLbX-B2DBm9HTKFmB4YRdp589_gBQdfa-8XsIla3/s1600/dipangle.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF9HfauJMrHIpRRluOyyXrhuXVasNMtJ7LnldGQUSH7KELaGsKO4Oqev7kJ7X4yAAcMo88ilFTLVrEnQBzcpybBce4vAcg69qRHjDBLbX-B2DBm9HTKFmB4YRdp589_gBQdfa-8XsIla3/s200/dipangle.jpg.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7i5_I9k0oMKfJ7EphhZd1-JSe4GFzHXtQNXkH3nqWDNBooQ_VjUsy94KfWXpUNZ9xCcvWdLw3W_KWc_cycVRkMAJTXmJhM-ms_LY-LU2dVqxMQwzgXZPnWFNAODyscHLoNlbrfJKl6pI/s1600/diptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7i5_I9k0oMKfJ7EphhZd1-JSe4GFzHXtQNXkH3nqWDNBooQ_VjUsy94KfWXpUNZ9xCcvWdLw3W_KWc_cycVRkMAJTXmJhM-ms_LY-LU2dVqxMQwzgXZPnWFNAODyscHLoNlbrfJKl6pI/s200/diptop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
My first recipe will definitely be getting 5-stars from me and will become a part of my dip line-up for years to come.<br />
<br />
I know what you must be thinking by now..."How do I get my own copy of this amazing cookbook that I'm sure to not be able to live without AND my FULL year of TOH magazine?"<br />
<br />
It's simple...follow one of these links...You're welcome! ;)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/quick-easy/Delicious.html" target="_blank">Simple & Delicious Cookbook Binder - tasteofhome.com</a><br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Home-Simple-Delicious-Cookbook/dp/1617655503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473784968&sr=8-1&keywords=simple+%26+delicious+cookbook" target="_blank">Simple & Delicious Cookbook Binder - amazon.com</a><br />
<br />
Well, that's about it for this post. I'll be back soon with another incredible recipe to share. Have a great day!<br />
<br />
<i>Eat, pray, love,</i><br />
<br />
<i>Brigette </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-32016678059792366712013-12-02T17:30:00.000-06:002013-12-11T11:17:04.456-06:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://frompicklestopetunias.blogspot.com/2012/12/toh-holiday-card-swap.html">TOH - Holiday Card Swap!</a></span>
</h3>
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Hi from chickluvs2cook!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
It's Taste of Home Christmas card time again...and I absolutely love getting all of your cards & recipes in the mail each day! I
can hardly wait to start trying them. This is my 5th
year to participate in this card swap, and I have been waiting anxiously
for it to start.<br />
<br />
If you have found your way here you
have probably received my Christmas postcard. I send postcards
because I think they are fun and an easy way to mail Christmas wishes
to a lot of people (they also can be saved and used as a recipe
card.). All I have to do then is direct the receiver to my blog and
they can get all of my info here. So, here goes...<br />
<br />
I still live in Yorkville, IL, which is a suburb of Chicago and is located in what they
consider the Fox Valley area. I am married to a great guy named
Mike and we have a 4 year old puppy named Kiki that we adopted
from a shelter. We don't have kids of our own, but love spending time
with our nieces and nephews. They range in age from 8 yrs. old to 26
yrs. old ~ 5 boys and 2 girls. We travel a lot to see them b/c they
live in IL, IN, KS, AR and now Thailand (for awhile - we haven't been to see him...yet).<br />
<br />
My husband & I have been truly blessed with amazing families and fabulous friends. They all bring so much happiness and joy to our lives. We are extremely lucky to have family that are also our very close friends, and friends that feel like family.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am the General Manager of an
environmental consulting firm located in Geneva, IL and enjoy my job
(most of the time). It keeps me busy that's for sure. My husband of nine years was recently laid-off from his job yet again (2
years ago he was laid-off from his job of 14 years & had only been
with this new company for a little over a year). So, he is on the job
hunt again but has been fortunate to find a very nice part-time job to
help with the bills while he is searching. We feel very blessed that I
have a good job and we are able to make it until he is gainfully
employed again. The right job is out there...it just the timing thing
that frustrates us at times. But we are confident that it will happen
when the time is right and that we will be just fine until then. Our
God is a good & gracious God!<br />
<br />
As for hobbies, the
main one is cooking...everything and anything about cooking. I collect
cookbooks, watch the FoodNetwork every chance I get, and love to try
and develop new recipes. I have even won a couple of local contests
and aspire to winning a big one one day. I have been cooking since I
was little and would help my grandmother in the kitchen. She taught
me so much in our 16 years together.<br />
<br />
I was actually just notified that one of my recipes is being considered for publication in Simple & Delicious in the Summer of 2014. WooHoo...that's a big dream of mine...& it might just happen! I'll keep you all posted on that big news. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
If you like great community
cookbooks, you need to check out the one I helped compile and publish
for a local women's club that I am a member of here in Yorkville -
<a href="http://www.yorkvillejwc.com/">www.yorkvillejwc.com</a>. We had it published a few years ago, but still have some and sell them at any of our big events. They are still really popular and contain a ton of really awesome recipes. I
have really enjoyed being a part of this group of amazing women all
working for the betterment of our community. Even with all of the hard work
we do to raise funds and give of our time we still manage to have a
great time, and I have made some wonderful life-long friends. <br />
<br />
<br />
My other hobby (like I
need one more thing to do) is photography. I take pictures of
everything...I'm kind of the family historian shall we say via photos. I find it
so amazing to capture a moment in time and have it to look back on
whenever I want to remember or relive the memory. I take literally hundreds of pictures a year and love being able to go back and relieve a year when the mood hits me.<br />
<br />
Well, that is about it for me. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Brigette Schroeder (TOH BB - chickluvs2cook)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-70221255538194349052013-07-24T23:18:00.001-05:002013-07-24T23:18:27.732-05:00Almost...Mr. & Mrs. StewartWe're heading to Denver tomorrow to celebrate Mike's sister Annette's wedding. I'm so excited I could just about burst! She's marrying an amazing man named Peter Stewart. They truly are a perfect match(.com)! (That's how they met. 😉) <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/24/2835.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/24/s_2835.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We are so blessed to be able to share in their very special day...and enjoy getting to know our new "family" members from Canada over these next few days. <br /><br />Can't wait to tell you all about it next week!<br /><br />Eat, pray, love,<br /><br />Brigette<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-53667885957620204552013-06-11T12:03:00.002-05:002013-06-11T12:03:33.889-05:00Groupon!Those of you that know me...know I love a good deal or a coupon for dinner or movies or whatever. One of my favorite "coupon" sites is Groupon. They have deals for so many things and we have really been able to enjoy some fun things and eat a some new places, because I got a great deal on Groupon. <br />
<br />
So...if you like a good deal and like to try new things...check out the link below for Groupon...& have some fun!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cscript%20type=%27text/javascript%27%20src=%27http://groupon.com/javascripts/common/widget.js%27%3E%3C/script%3E%3Cscript%20type=%27text/javascript%27%3Enew%20GRPN.Widget(%7B%22referral_code%22:%22%22%7D).render();%3C/script%3E" target="_blank">Check out Groupon...click here!</a><br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<i>Brigette</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: There is also a Groupon button to the right, if link doesn't get you to where you want to be.</span><i> </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-52210471338469059152013-06-01T22:26:00.001-05:002013-06-02T11:01:09.757-05:00I'm too excited to sleep!My all time favorite Disney commercial is the one of the little boy telling his sister the night before they go to Disney..."I'm too excited to sleep!" Boy do I know how he feels. In just a few short hours we will be leaving for Disney World...& "I'm too excited to sleep!"<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/01/2205.jpg"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/01/s_2205.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
<br />
Tomorrow we leave to go to Disney World with the McAfees. I think I may be just as excited as the boys...and I've been there before. Of the 6 of us going (4 adults & 2 kids), I'm the only one that has been there before. Grant it it was 21 years ago & without kids, but it was magical. I can only imagine how much better it will be this time...through the eyes of my nephews. <br />
<br />
Until next time...from the most magical place on earth no less!<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
BrigetteUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-24228791697670836972013-05-30T17:30:00.000-05:002013-06-02T11:01:48.131-05:00Taste of Home...Field Editor!<br />
I'm a happy camper...I found out that I have been selected to remain a Field Editor for Taste of Home magazine. At the beginning of the year, they decided to wipe the slate clean and put all of us (1000+ the USA, Canada & Europe) at point zero and have us all re-apply for the position.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-J2dz6gOTblR_A_sUVRxaDWVK3cNXq7W42Qs_Pr0WbksqAs0ELzdJWcIVcAOav_ifyS2Hzc-_keyEMWXtPlC1P9RjM6_wmOMTmUplZcWc-ztc_E7lU_GD_k8xSaOilY7cgmz6FSnUYsN/s1600/TOH_logo_2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-J2dz6gOTblR_A_sUVRxaDWVK3cNXq7W42Qs_Pr0WbksqAs0ELzdJWcIVcAOav_ifyS2Hzc-_keyEMWXtPlC1P9RjM6_wmOMTmUplZcWc-ztc_E7lU_GD_k8xSaOilY7cgmz6FSnUYsN/s1600/TOH_logo_2012.png" /></a><br />
<br />
They included more strict guidelines and made it a little more challenging this time around. They also cut the number allowed in 1/2, so they would now have around 500 total. Well...I'm very happy to say I made the cut, and I so look forward to representing in my new and expanded capacity! Ok, enough tooting my own horn. ;)<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<i>Brigette</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-90020095553921463642013-04-16T17:32:00.001-05:002013-04-16T17:32:40.297-05:00Spring!Spring has finally sprung...despite the cooler temps still! <br /><br />As I was driving home from an errand today - I decided to take the back way & see how things were looking out at Silver Springs State Park - I noticed the timbered area in front of the Farnsworth House had daffodils up & blooming all over. It was such a welcomed site after such a long & dreary winter. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/16/1817.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/16/s_1817.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This also means that fresh summer veggies won't be that far off now. I can hardly wait for the cook outs & farmers markets!<br /><br />Eat, pray, love,<br /><br />Brigette<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-40701728326069579212013-01-22T21:38:00.001-06:002013-01-22T21:48:57.381-06:00Testing...1, 2, 3...testing...Getting ready to start some major recipe development & testing. Mike is in for quite a ride!<br />After four yrs. of being a Field Editor (FE) for Taste of Home magazine, I have to reapply for the position. They are changing some requirements and standards, but I see that as a good thing. There is also a waiting list for others wanting to become FEs, and they feel it's only fair to give them a chance to serve as well.<br /><br />So wish me luck and say a little prayer...I really want to be selected again. I've really enjoyed my time as a FE and would love to continue as one. Especially now that I have finally stepped down from so much responsibility with the Yorkville Jr. Women's Club and have the time to be more involved as a FE. I'll keep you posted!<br /><br />Ciao!<br /><br />Brigette<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-84894540716303107552012-12-03T17:30:00.000-06:002012-12-05T12:10:34.048-06:00TOH - Holiday Card Swap!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz_6pph1F85PXI9SXox92XtG5WB397one2lMzfFkWFwDtnknTwP_hus0von_jIAxOT1zgQ80v2MvLof87ij935ktZFIHytjxb1WN566V6GoP-WiiZDH-_T6QBT0bO4v7-Sk2BxjknjkwU/s1600/stunning-pastel-winter-christmas-decorated-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz_6pph1F85PXI9SXox92XtG5WB397one2lMzfFkWFwDtnknTwP_hus0von_jIAxOT1zgQ80v2MvLof87ij935ktZFIHytjxb1WN566V6GoP-WiiZDH-_T6QBT0bO4v7-Sk2BxjknjkwU/s200/stunning-pastel-winter-christmas-decorated-cookies.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Cookies at Blow Out Party -The Blog.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi from chickluvs2cook!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
It's Christmas card time again...and I absolutely love getting all of your cards & recipes in the mail each day! I
can hardly wait to start trying them. This is my 4th
year to participate in this card swap, and I have been waiting anxiously
for it to start.<br />
<br />
If you have found your way here you
have probably received my Christmas postcard. I send postcards
because I think they are fun and an easy way to mail Christmas wishes
to a lot of people (they also can be saved and used as a recipe
card.). All I have to do then is direct the receiver to my blog and
they can get all of my info here. So, here goes...<br />
<br />
I
live in Yorkville, IL, which is a suburb of Chicago and in what they
consider the Fox Valley area. I am married to an incredible man named
Mike and we have a 4 year old puppy named Kiki that we adopted
from a shelter. We don't have kids of our own, but love spending time
with our nieces and nephews. They range in age from 7 yrs. old to 25
yrs. old ~ 5 boys and 2 girls. We travel a lot to see them b/c they
live in IL, IN, KS and AR (at least the younger ones - the older ones
actually come to us).<br />
<br />
I am the General Manager of an
environmental consulting firm located in Geneva, IL and enjoy my job
(most of the time). But I really love my "part-time" job...selling
Wildtree products (<a href="http://www.mywildtree/brigette">www.mywildtree/brigette</a>)!
I have so much fun meeting new people, while helping them feed their families the Wildtree
way...simple.healthy.natural. <br />
<br />
As for hobbies, the
main one is cooking...everything and anything about cooking. I collect
cookbooks, watch the FoodNetwork every chance I get, and love to try
and develop new recipes. I have even won a couple of local contests
and aspire to winning a big one one day. I have been cooking since I
was little and would help my grandmother in the kitchen. She taught
me so much in our 16 years together. <br />
<br />
If you like great community
cookbooks, you need to check out the one I helped compile and publish
for a local women's club that I am a member of here in Yorkville -
<a href="http://www.yorkvillejwc.com/">www.yorkvillejwc.com</a>. I have really enjoyed being a part of this group of amazing women all working for the betterment of community. Even with all of the hard work we do to raise funds and give of our time we still manage to have a great time, and I have made some wonderful life-long friends. <br />
<br />
Something
that my husband and I like to do together is cake decorating...and if
you knew my husband, you'd be even more surprised - he is 6'3" and
football player big, but can decorate a cake like you wouldn't believe.
We have taken the 3 main Wilton classes together and had a blast.
He was laid-off from his corporate job of 14 years at this time last year, and I am happy to report that he was able to find another job in the same field just for another company. Actually a smaller competitor of the large corporation he worked for previously. It has been a true blessing for him to find a job he enjoys with far less stress involved.<br />
<br />
My other hobby (like I
need one more thing to do) is photography. I take pictures of
everything...I'm kind of the family historian shall we say. I find it
so amazing to capture a moment in time and have it to look back on
whenever I want to remember or relive the memory. <br />
<br />
Well, that is about it for me. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Brigette (TOH BB - chickluvs2cook)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-57341500604617355552012-08-31T14:18:00.002-05:002012-08-31T14:18:31.942-05:00I'm back...I'm back...hopefully more frequently!<br />
<br />
It has been far to long since my last post. I really realized how long it had been since my last had snow in the picture & title. Yikes! Time just seem to fly by and then I realize I have posted in forever.<br />
<br />
So, here I am and I'm working on new posts. I'm hoping to have a new one each Friday for all of my adoring fans to enjoy. If there is something you'd like me to cover, please feel free to let me know. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_UAA0PUThn0R9FbeligaIehk5m0ccd9VDcjWVsrT7actfd25JYH55ABrwH0hJWlg8ITKBy0yf9DFtXkrz_96S0kZtKTQGqpHYBeORWRvVuDRyhmrgeXfkj6aX4fMvQWOCbXh6IeLfJpO/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_UAA0PUThn0R9FbeligaIehk5m0ccd9VDcjWVsrT7actfd25JYH55ABrwH0hJWlg8ITKBy0yf9DFtXkrz_96S0kZtKTQGqpHYBeORWRvVuDRyhmrgeXfkj6aX4fMvQWOCbXh6IeLfJpO/s200/flag.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day weekend!!! (See you next Friday!)<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<i>Brigette</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-49093985301576806142012-01-12T17:15:00.000-06:002012-01-12T17:15:00.488-06:00Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!<b><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a fun idea for all of this snow we are getting...yummy!</span></b><br />
<br />
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</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOqxG0Iw3TYwdeEUh5zFjh7tv30CegLKFJl2m6hDm75OAjwvb7ZwTejVolBqf1KAcRa6SCWB8jvT1ZbZEnmyRyUNBk1q-RMh8-ycEWU65Xp5x_XWnSiWlXVGpRn2p9JyhJ39ky9B4sV0V/s1600/snow+ice+cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOqxG0Iw3TYwdeEUh5zFjh7tv30CegLKFJl2m6hDm75OAjwvb7ZwTejVolBqf1KAcRa6SCWB8jvT1ZbZEnmyRyUNBk1q-RMh8-ycEWU65Xp5x_XWnSiWlXVGpRn2p9JyhJ39ky9B4sV0V/s200/snow+ice+cream.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span>SNOW ICE CREAM</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 gallon snow<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
2 cups milk<br />
Directions<br />
<br />
When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl outside to collect the flakes. When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk for the desired consistency. Serve at once.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have fun! </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Eat, pray, love,</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Brigette</span></i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-83612064410086090092012-01-01T08:00:00.002-06:002012-01-01T08:00:06.264-06:00Happy New Year!The new year is here...and I would like to wish you all a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous one! In honor of 2012, I thought I would post something from one of my favorite cookie bloggers...SugarBelle. She does incredible work and has a blog that not only displays her talents, but has resources to teach anyone how to do it, too. How awesome is that?! Below is her 2012 cookie and a link on how you can make it as well. We plan on making them New Year's Day...I'll keep you posted on ours when they are done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/12/happy-new-year-cookies/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPJYocCVcqbbEn7rS6Un1pE1eJLcRQ24EgoJ19PINGwkyyAMh0Tj-heJXzGyNZVMviVdGFH5-Pk4rhKDFwX43gijo7HkGu05yrZg-r6HD384WACR7FPjSucQquYZYs4Qcc1dV-PP27Qbo/s400/2012+cookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<i>Brigette</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-50861934976048395922011-12-02T17:16:00.000-06:002011-12-02T17:16:38.942-06:00Taste of Home Card Swap!Hi from chickluvs2cook!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlCfRy3IMXfYylHlmX-2mQRDhyMYK9CKWwxdIhbubi2W5azpJ2zjZ4nRQa11KuaFYitHtNbrlHfpFu_Gwcv3kTI1IBVqC6tZ5MMe5Nc52Pwph34Eb3Odu3ks6BHx6QAO8Gnr0xA8eIRv/s1600/ChristmasCookies-300x294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlCfRy3IMXfYylHlmX-2mQRDhyMYK9CKWwxdIhbubi2W5azpJ2zjZ4nRQa11KuaFYitHtNbrlHfpFu_Gwcv3kTI1IBVqC6tZ5MMe5Nc52Pwph34Eb3Odu3ks6BHx6QAO8Gnr0xA8eIRv/s200/ChristmasCookies-300x294.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Not my cookies - but I loved the pic.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have so enjoyed getting all of your Christmas cards these past few days...the recipes are awesome, too! I can hardly wait to start trying out some of them. This is my third year to participate in this card swap, and I have been waiting anxiously for it to start.<br />
<br />
If you have found your way here you have probably received my Christmas postcard. I send postcards because I think they are fun and an easy way to mail Christmas wishes to a lot of people (they also can be saved and used as a recipe card.). All I have to do then is direct the receiver to my blog and they can get all of my info here. So, here goes...<br />
<br />
I live in Yorkville, IL, which is a suburb of Chicago and in what they consider the Fox Valley area. I am married to an incredible man named Mike and we have a 2.5 years old puppy named Kiki that we adopted from a shelter. We don't have kids of our own, but love spending time with our nieces and nephews. They range in age from 6 yrs. old to 24 yrs. old ~ 5 boys and 2 girls. We travel a lot to see them b/c they live in IL, IN and AR (at least the younger ones - the older ones actually come to us).<br />
<br />
I am the General Manager of an environmental consulting firm located in Geneva, IL and enjoy my job (most of the time). But I really love my "part-time" jobs...selling lia sophia jewelry (<a href="http://www.liasophia.com/brigette">www.liasophia.com/brigette</a>) and Wildtree products (<a href="http://www.mywildtree/brigette">www.mywildtree/brigette</a>)! I have so much fun meeting new people, while helping them accessorize their busy lives and feed their families the Wildtree way...simple.healthy.natural. <br />
<br />
As for hobbies, the main one is cooking...everything and anything about cooking. I collect cookbooks, watch the FoodNetwork every chance I get, and love to try and develop new recipes. I have even won a couple of local contests and aspire to winning a big one one day. I have been cooking since I was little and would help my grandmother in the kitchen. She taught me so much in our 16 years together. (If you like great community cookbooks, you need to check out the one I helped compile and publish for a local women's club that I am the President of here in Yorkville - <a href="http://www.yorkvillejwc.com/">www.yorkvillejwc.com</a>). =)<br />
<br />
<br />
Something that my husband and I like to do together is cake decorating...and if you knew my husband, you'd be even more surprised - he is 6'3" and football player big, but can decorate a cake like you wouldn't believe. We have taken the 3 main Wilton classes together and had a blast. We even have a little side business for that, too (<a href="http://www.frosted-sweets-treats.com/">www.frosted-sweets-treats.com</a>). He was recently laid-off from his corporate job of 14 years and is going to be working for a new bakery that is opening up in our area as a baker/decorator a few hours a week until he finds gainful employment again (which will be hopefully soon and he'll only be able to work at the bakery on the weekends).<br />
<br />
My other hobby (like I need one more thing to do) is photography. I take pictures of everything...I'm kind of the family historian shall we say. I find it so amazing to capture a moment in time and have it to look back on whenever I want to remember or relive the memory. <br />
<br />
Well, that is about it for me. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Eat, pray, love,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Brigette (TOH BB - chickluvs2cook)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-11000711354793654292011-12-01T20:03:00.000-06:002011-12-01T20:03:25.313-06:00Cookies Across America - Dec. 10th!<div> <style type="text/css">
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</style> <span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_share_tag"></span><div id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_pnlContent"><div class="headerText" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_pnlTitle"><h1 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrTitle">Cookies Across America</h1><h2 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrSubTitle">Making a difference through baking and sharing cookies.</h2></div></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_wpzHeader" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="padding: 0px; width: 100%;"><div id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_wpManager_wp1206333265"><div class="cookies-ameria" id="Gingerbread-banner"><div class="Gingerbread-lft"><div class="toh-logo"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/default.aspx"><img alt="Taste of Home" src="http://images.reimanpub.com/Images/TOH-site/AmericaLandingPage/images/TOH-logo.jpg" title="Taste of Home" /></a></div><div class="allrecipe-logo"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/?src=3812_toh" target="_blank"><img alt="Allrecipes" src="http://images.reimanpub.com/Images/TOH-site/AmericaLandingPage/images/allrecipe-logo.jpg" title="Allrecipes" /></a></div><div class="cookieslogo"><img alt="Cookies America" src="http://images.reimanpub.com/Images/TOH-site/AmericaLandingPage/images/cookies-logo.jpg" title="Cookies America" /></div><h3 class="cookies-headline">Join Taste of Home on December 10 to "bake a difference."</h3><div class="cookies-txt">Cookie lovers unite! Whether it's baking and sharing cookies with the needy or donating cookie ingredients to a food bank, you can make a difference in your community this Christmas.</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CookiesAcrossAmerica" target="_blank">Get Involved <img src="http://images.reimanpub.com/Images/TOH-site/AmericaLandingPage/images/f-icon.jpg" /></a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes/Christmas-Cookie-Exchange">Host a Cookie Exchange Party</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/More-About-Cookies-Across-America">More About Cookies Across America</a> </li>
</ul></div><div class="Gingerbread-rgt"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Recipes/Gingerbread-Boy-Cookies"><img alt="Gingerbread Boy Cookies" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps30241_RDS1997289B06_14_5bC.jpg" title="Gingerbread Boy Cookies" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Recipes/Gingerbread-Boy-Cookies">Gingerbread Boy Cookies</a></div></div></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="padding: 0px; width: 100%;"><div id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_wpManager_wp2022072836"><div id="cookies-recipes"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3bd1/0/0/%2a/e;249319044;0-0;0;72177434;479-175/50;45258640/45276403/1;u=%5BCS%5Dv1%7C276C16EC851D1A83-4000010580009FDC%5BCE%5D;%7Eokv=;sz=175x50;kw=;k=;tile=3;ssngroup=8;u=%5BCS%5Dv1%7C276C16EC851D1A83-4000010580009FDC%5BCE%5D;%7Eaopt=2/0/ff/0;%7Esscs=%3fhttp://www.verybestbaking.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/1105258/1-Nestle_TOH_Logo.jpg" /></a><div class="ad-sponsorship" id="ctl00_ctl00_SponsorshipAd_pnlSponsorship"><div class="AdBlock"><noscript>&lt;a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/rdm.cookiesacrossamerica;sz=175x50;kw=;k=;tile=3;ssngroup=8;u=[CS]v1|276C16EC851D1A83-4000010580009FDC[CE];ord=0?"&gt;&lt;img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/rdm.cookiesacrossamerica;sz=175x50;kw=;k=;tile=3;ssngroup=8;u=[CS]v1|276C16EC851D1A83-4000010580009FDC[CE];ord=0?" style="border-width:0px;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</noscript></div></div><div><div id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_pnlContent"><div class="headerText" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_pnlTitle"><h2 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrSubTitle"><br />
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</h2><h2 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrSubTitle"><span style="font-size: small;">As a Field Editor for Taste of Home, I will be participating on the 10th by baking cookies for the volunteers of Operation Santa that will be sorting toys for the children in need in Kendall Co., IL...I'd love to hear how all of you are also planning to participate. </span></h2><h2 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrSubTitle"><span style="font-size: small;">Eat, pray, love,</span></h2><h2 id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_ctl00_ctlHeader_hdrSubTitle"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Brigette</span></i></h2></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-34111300820257540552011-11-17T12:15:00.003-06:002011-11-17T12:15:00.144-06:00Fingers crossed!<h2><span style="font-size: small;">What an awesome giveaway from <em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/11/16/299-silhouette-cameo-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+skiptomyloublog+%28Skip+To+My+Lou%29" target="_blank">Skip To My Lou</a></em>. I would so love to win one of these...it would make live & entertaining much easier! The possibilities of what could be made are endless. How fun would it be to try to find that end?! It makes my head spin just thinking about it. Wish me luck...fingers crossed! </span></h2><strong>Go and enter as well...if I don't win maybe someone I know will and I can use it, too. ;)</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Eat, pray, love,</strong><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Brigette</strong></em><br />
<h2> </h2><h2><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/11/16/299-silhouette-cameo-giveaway/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to $299 Silhouette Cameo {Giveaway}">$299 Silhouette Cameo {Giveaway}</a></h2><span class="byline">posted by cindylouh on November 16th, 2011 <!-- by cindylouh -->| <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/category/giveaways/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Giveaways">Giveaways</a> | </span><br />
<div class="entry"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Thanksgiving is next week! Are you ready? You do know what is next, don't you? Christmas! Are you getting excited for Christmas? I know I am!<br />
To kick off the holiday season count down next week I'm excited to be sharing <em>a week of advent calendars.</em><br />
I {adore} advent calendars and I love finding and even creating new one's.<br />
I have been working on a fun one and I can wait to reveal it to you {cheers}. But first... I want to share with you an amazing giveaway that just <em>might</em> help you create one of my advent calendars next week {stay tuned}.<br />
Get excited readers {squeal}! I’ve arranged for one of you to get a brand spankin’ new and by new, I mean {newly released} Silhouette CAMEO! A lucky reader will receive a <strong>FREE </strong><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=fzA4NVkFySr3Liyrw3xSsQuNon7Pt7jS" target="_blank"><strong>Silhouette CAMEO machine</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=fzA4NVkFySr3Liyrw3xSsQuNon7Pt7jS" target="_blank">.</a> Valued at $299! </strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=fzA4NVkFySr3Liyrw3xSsQuNon7Pt7jS" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20611" height="487" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Cameo.jpg" title="Cameo" width="480" /></a></div> Wait till you see the things you can do with the <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=fzA4NVkFySr3Liyrw3xSsQuNon7Pt7jS" target="_blank">silhouette cameo</a> -from holiday decorations, paper crafts to make your cupcakes the cutest, glass etching, custom vinyl and as if it that isn't amazing enough..... how about temporary tattoos for your kids! Yes, soon you could be making the cutest cards on the block! The options really are endless.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://silhouetteamerica.com/whatcanitdo.aspx"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20606" height="305" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/final-small-silhouette.jpg" title="final small silhouette" width="480" /></a><a href="http://silhouetteamerica.com/whatcanitdo.aspx"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20607" height="174" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sili-2.jpg" title="sili 2" width="480" /></a></div><h2>Exclusive Reader Discount</h2><div>I’ve officially got you hooked up with an exclusive Skip to my Lou reader discount {use code 'Skip') starting <em>on Black Friday and running through the 28th</em> to get an additional discount on your purchase. It's so exclusive and top secret though (and gives you a sizable percentage off the already discounted prices provided by Silhouette), that I can't reveal it until next week. Stay tuned!</div><div><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=fzA4NVkFySr3Liyrw3xSsQuNon7Pt7jS" target="_blank">Click here</a> to make your purchase and save!</div><br />
Simply comment to enter.<br />
<strong>For extra entries: </strong>Please make sure to come back and leave a separate comment for each entry. Five entries max.<br />
2. Tweet about the contest! Feel free to use this sample tweet,<br />
<em></em><em></em>Free Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine, a $299 value from @silhouetteam. Comment to enter! http://bit.ly/vwdJqg Pls RT<br />
or just click this button to Tweet<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="cindyhopper" href="https://twitter.com/share"> Tweet</a><br />
3. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1419934304#%21/pages/Skip-to-my-Lou/45710348090">Skip to my Lou on facebook</a>.<br />
4. Like<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skip-to-my-Lou/45710348090?ref=ts#%21/JustAskHBOC"> </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CraftTestDummies#!/silhouetteamerica"> Silhouette on facebook,</a><br />
5. Like <a href="http://pinterest.com/silhouettepins/">Silhouette on Pinterest.</a><br />
No purchase necessary. US Residents Only. Must be over 18. Giveaway will end on <strong>November 23, 2011 at 12am CST</strong>. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. Winner will be emailed, the winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Cindy Hopper and Silhouette are not responsible for lost or undelivered emails.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-70640076838719406722011-10-31T12:00:00.005-05:002011-10-31T12:00:02.583-05:00Happy Halloween!Today is Halloween...enjoy a little Trick or Treating...and this easy recipe. What better way is there to get everyone's stomachs ready for all that candy then these Mummies?!<br />
<span class="fn" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_microFormatFnIngred" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"> </span>Eat, pray, love,<br />
<span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_cooktimeOuter" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"><span class="cooktime" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_cooktimeFormat" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"> </span><span class="cooktime" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_cooktimeFormat" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;">Briget</span><i>Brigette</i></span><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_cooktimeOuter" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLI1Uef1K0iHVPa1CTnuw1eC0Y_9HLoiWQ_iO7boSSOkxbdTMrxGo06GeTO5JMIS0yxuUF4zVGTqWGWzzb2Xiyqub0rjSC5r9xU07YWDpwjWGi8mivgPH-zTZflj7XWaOr0uATdwBir8F/s1600/TOH+Mummies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLI1Uef1K0iHVPa1CTnuw1eC0Y_9HLoiWQ_iO7boSSOkxbdTMrxGo06GeTO5JMIS0yxuUF4zVGTqWGWzzb2Xiyqub0rjSC5r9xU07YWDpwjWGi8mivgPH-zTZflj7XWaOr0uATdwBir8F/s200/TOH+Mummies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mummies on a Stick</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="ingredient"> </span></span><br />
<ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient"><span class="recipeDetails"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 tube </span><span class="name">(11 ounces) refrigerated breadsticks</span></span></span></li>
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="ingredient">
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><span class="name">10 Popsicle sticks</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><span class="name">10 hot dogs</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><span class="name">Prepared mustard</span></li>
</span></span></ul><span class="recipeDetails"> <span class="instructions"><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Directions</b></span></h2><ul class="directions"><li>Separate dough; roll 10 pieces into 24-in. ropes. Insert a Popsicle stick into each hot dog. Starting at the stick end, wrap one dough rope around each hot dog, leaving 2 in. of the hot dog uncovered at the top for the mummy head. </li>
<li> Place mummies 1 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Place remaining bread sticks on another baking sheet. </li>
<li> Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Add dots of mustard for eyes. Save leftover bread sticks for another use.<b> Yield: </b>10 servings.</li>
</ul></span> <div class="editorNotes"><b><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_lblLighterVersion"></span></b></div><br />
<div class="custComments"><i>(<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_lblRecipe">Originally published as Mummies on a Stick in </span><a href="http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/Holiday/CBK_HOL,default,sc.html?refurl=510" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_hypPub" target="_blank">Taste of Home Halloween Party Food</a></span> </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> , p22) </i> </span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-46776686785763492572011-10-12T18:00:00.002-05:002011-10-12T18:00:03.663-05:00House Cleaning Tips<h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did not write this, but wish I had...I would love to work on getting into a daily or semi-daily routine so that I don't have to panic and spend hours when company is coming or it's just time to do it.</span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">If anyone has any other tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them...please share by commenting to this post.</span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eat, pray, love,</span></h1><h1><i><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Brigette</span></i></h1><h1>How to Clean Your House in 30 Minutes or Less</h1><br />
Cleaning house can feel like a gargantuan task, especially when you’ve let things slide for a few days too many. But it doesn’t have to be such a time-consuming undertaking. By incorporating these easy tips into your daily routine and prioritizing the areas that have a knack for getting the messiest the quickest, you’ll find that keeping the house in order is as easy as pie. The only drawback is that now you’ll have to figure out what to do with your new-found free time.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.divinecaroline.com/22156/102475-six-things-clean-probably?ordersrc=yash1010cleana" rel="nofollow"> </a><br />
<strong>Kitchen:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Do the dishes or place them in the dishwasher after every meal. (5 minutes)</li>
<li>Wipe down counter tops and stove with an all-purpose cleaner after cooking. (2 minutes)</li>
<li>Wipe up any spills and sweep up any crumbs after eating. (2 minutes)</li>
</ul><strong>Bathroom:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Keep sanitizing wipes under your bathroom sink so you can quickly wipe the countertop after each time you wash your face or brush your teeth. (2 minutes)</li>
<li>Once a week, wipe the toilet and seat rim and clean the toilet bowl. By keeping the cleaning products within reach, you’ll be more likely to reach for them even if you’re not doing a major cleaning <span> </span>(2 minutes)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZExs5qGh69fjefstwszXZ32FxrwP1CPIiyx39wRoxfNVTjlWw5s9aSiZl-B5J-jXgzFL249YjDjPzg5vAqWU3E4HqR6Crg06nEELYnOUt_MZ6FZAYccybV6qaEfOvliuVWm4q25lBYo5y/s1600/cleaning+bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZExs5qGh69fjefstwszXZ32FxrwP1CPIiyx39wRoxfNVTjlWw5s9aSiZl-B5J-jXgzFL249YjDjPzg5vAqWU3E4HqR6Crg06nEELYnOUt_MZ6FZAYccybV6qaEfOvliuVWm4q25lBYo5y/s200/cleaning+bucket.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Bedroom:</strong><br />
<ul><li>If you’ve already started a load of laundry, don’t consider it finished until you fold and put away clean clothes. Doing it right away ensures you’re less likely to have piles of clean clothes on your bed. (5 minutes)</li>
<li>Each morning, clear bedside tables of dishes, books, and reading glasses from the night before. (2 minutes)</li>
<li>Get into the habit of making your bed every morning, the moment you get out of bed. You’ll be happy you made the time when you come home that night. (2 minutes)</li>
</ul><strong><a href="http://www.divinecaroline.com/22156/102475-six-things-clean-probably?ordersrc=yash1010cleana" rel="nofollow"> <strong></strong></a></strong><br />
<strong>Living Room:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Every few days, wipe the tables with a microfiber cloth to pick up dust while you watch TV. (2 minutes)</li>
<li>Break out the Dustbuster to swoop up crumbs on the floor and in the couch cushions. By doing this while you watch TV, you’re integrating the chore into your daily routine, instead of waiting for a deep-cleaning session. (2 minutes)</li>
<li>Before retiring for the evening put away all entertainment gadgets, DVDs, newspapers, and games that have been left out. (4 minutes)</li>
</ul><i>(This came from a post by <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/blog/PQXGOKORGRY37AV2YDZZIDNENA/"><span class="author">DivineCaroline</span></a>, on Mon Oct 10, 2011 - it's not my own, but I thought it was worth sharing.)</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-37139926707319588472011-10-07T18:00:00.005-05:002011-10-07T18:00:03.789-05:00October in The Dells...<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
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We actually had the opportunity to visit The Dells in the beginning of October this year. We usually go the 3rd weekend of the month to celebrate our anniversary. But this year it was the 1st weekend, and oh, how things are different at the beginning vs. the end. You wouldn't think that two weeks would really make that big of a difference, but boy does it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCSEipzr3EroaE-EiDS_3pUclxr2lQ1x7gIhUnNMyV_Ngaw4qW2UambUOu139Ll-VRZxQNc5yXQ0jt7y9F7N0TnI-k_xcVOIeh1w15feQzVeySjLa9z0bMQszKjBhq9bSm4yTS70FNRIV/s1600/100_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCSEipzr3EroaE-EiDS_3pUclxr2lQ1x7gIhUnNMyV_Ngaw4qW2UambUOu139Ll-VRZxQNc5yXQ0jt7y9F7N0TnI-k_xcVOIeh1w15feQzVeySjLa9z0bMQszKjBhq9bSm4yTS70FNRIV/s200/100_1157.JPG" width="200" /></a>The first thing we noticed is that the trees still have leaves and they are starting to transform into the beautiful colors of fall that we all know and love. The other thing that was very apparent is that people were still coming to visit. There were people every where from downtown to the restaurants to the hotels. And...things were still open for these people to come visit.<br />
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One of our favorite experiences in the Dell's to eat at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty (http://www.paulbunyans.com/), but they close for the season the 2nd weekend of October. So this year it was very exciting to drive into the parking lot and see lots of cars and know we were going to get that great, home-style breakfast we love so much. (Isn't it funny what people get a kick out of?!)<br />
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So, if you get a chance to visit the Dell's in the fall...we highly recommend the first or second weekend of October...you won't be disappointed. We are even thinking of changing our visits from now on, too...so you might see us there. ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-54194516713910490902011-09-23T17:30:00.003-05:002011-09-23T17:30:00.554-05:00It's finally Fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2ET6rlVHsnoMOc1rALSZDlQ_UtTVffxK4Ou7SRGdNkkUvyUQnpeunHcKCYNskUcJ2RR9VkI6rbJsGrt8cb3AdYpAXP-RmdidlDwGs0JUTAyLSyRKFGyoVRQKi0I1Pm6y71fB1Y43U0Db/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2ET6rlVHsnoMOc1rALSZDlQ_UtTVffxK4Ou7SRGdNkkUvyUQnpeunHcKCYNskUcJ2RR9VkI6rbJsGrt8cb3AdYpAXP-RmdidlDwGs0JUTAyLSyRKFGyoVRQKi0I1Pm6y71fB1Y43U0Db/s200/fall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's officially (& finally) Fall today...Yay!!! This is my favorite time of year for so many reasons. I love that the weather starts getting cooler, and caramel apples can be found everywhere. I love that the leaves start changing colors, and pumpkins are found outside front doors. And I really love pulling out my Fall recipes.<br />
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In the next few posts I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes that include all of those yummy fall flavors so many people enjoy. If there is a particular one that I make and you would like to see me feature it, just let me know.<br />
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Now go out and enjoy Fall and all it has to offer!<br />
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Eat, pray, love,<br />
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<i>Brigette</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-50130510511025074202011-09-14T17:30:00.002-05:002011-09-14T23:06:59.951-05:00Spa Day...It was a spa day...for Kiki! She was able to enjoy the spa services of the Midwest School of Pet Grooming in Barrington, IL. Thanks to Christy Schroeder (dog groomer extraordinaire (please ignore the incorrect word from the previous version - darn auto spell checker) and Mike's cousin's wife) who is currently enrolled in the school and is able to recruit "models" for the students to groom. Of course we were all over the opportunity to: 1.) help Christy and 2.) to save big time on the cost of grooming (1/2 of what we pay normally).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo_DuZQkO7raWUfqAMDzhaA2ixFHd1-SpKOWtFSrs3x2fH0jEaaKquILpgxU7cjT55G83Q9ub0TlLIIqYOxsRTgg9I5EEkAoFMZzV7X1aHUPtHPaYgUtwE3Atb5KUEcix1mv8-nKDQdmk/s1600/kiki+groomer+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo_DuZQkO7raWUfqAMDzhaA2ixFHd1-SpKOWtFSrs3x2fH0jEaaKquILpgxU7cjT55G83Q9ub0TlLIIqYOxsRTgg9I5EEkAoFMZzV7X1aHUPtHPaYgUtwE3Atb5KUEcix1mv8-nKDQdmk/s200/kiki+groomer+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
As you can see from the pic Christy did a great job and Kiki looks fabulous! She was so good she even got a special treat. : )<br />
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Eat, pray, love,<br />
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<i>Brigette</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-49898345758907566092011-08-29T12:10:00.001-05:002011-08-29T12:10:01.014-05:00Shake, Share & Care<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26px;">Things have been a little crazy, busy lately, and I realized it had been a few days since the last post...that's why when I received this email I knew it would be a good to share. I have copied it straight from the email and give Daily Candy all of the credit for this one...but enjoy, it's for a great cause!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26px;">Eat, pray, love,</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26px;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26px;"><i>Brigette</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 26px;">Pink: It's Your Favorite Color</span> <span style="color: #676a6a; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Shake, Share & Care with Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac® mints</em></span> <br />
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="float: left; width: 225px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td align="left" height="165" valign="top"><a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/15" name="EditWellImg"><img alt="Tic Tac!" border="0" height="165" src="http://static.dailycandy.com/resource.jsp?id=95847&name=Tic-Tac-Cancer-Cares-logo.jpg" width="220" /></a></td> <td height="165"><img alt="" height="165" src="http://static.dailycandy.com/i/v4/spacer.gif" width="5" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #474747; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Your mouth won’t be alone in its love for the return of limited-edition <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/16" name="EditWell_1">Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac</a> mints. Originally conceived in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and to support Cancer<em>Care</em>’s mission to help all those affected by cancer, <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/17" name="EditWell_2">Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac mints</a> will captivate your heart and soul, too.<br />
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The Tic Tac brand will once again partner with Cancer<em>Care</em> — a national nonprofit that provides free, professional support services to people with cancer, their loved ones, and their caregivers — through the Shake, Share & Care campaign and has launched the <u><a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/18" name="EditWell_3">Extraordinary Caregiver Contest</a>.</u><br />
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<a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/19" name="EditWell_4"><img align="right" alt="Tic Tac!" border="0" class="img-right" height="105" src="http://static.dailycandy.com/resource.jsp?id=95849&name=380-product.jpg" width="140" /></a>Simply go to the <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/20" name="EditWell_5">Tic Tac USA Facebook page</a> between now and October 3 to submit a nomination for the caregiver you think has most dedicated him/herself to someone affected by cancer. Then check back between November 1 and November 11 to vote for one of the finalist entries. Three extraordinary caregivers will each win $2,500¹ to use toward an extraordinary experience, and the nominators of the three winning entries will each receive a $500 gift card².<br />
</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Tic Tac brand is also donating $100,000 to Cancer<em>Care</em>. Because if there’s one thing that Tic Tac mints knows, it’s that a little support goes a long way.<br />
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<em>Nominate and vote for an <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/21" name="EditWell_6">Extraordinary Caregiver</a> who has dedicated him/herself to those affected by cancer online at <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/22" name="EditWell_7">facebook.com/tictacusa</a>. Look for limited-edition Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac mints in select stores.</em><br />
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Contest open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18+ as of date of entry. Entry period of essay submissions to the contest starts at 12 pm EST on August 26, 2011, and ends at 11:59:59 am EST on October 3, 2011. For Online Voting Period and Official Rules, go to <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/t/click/7/F603917/1616065/23" name="EditWell_8">facebook.com/tictacusa</a>.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">¹<em>Awarded in the form of a check.</em>²<em>Gift card vendor to be selected by Sponsor.</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874361588106478896.post-32978226889641327772011-08-19T15:02:00.000-05:002011-08-19T15:02:26.673-05:00Shake It Up!I've been a fan of Martha Stewart's clever ideas for several years (I have friends that still call me Martha), so when I find a really fun one I have to share it with my peeps. It also involves another thing that I love...eating alfresco (picnics, cookouts, potlucks, and anything that involves getting together with a bunch of friends and family and eating).<br />
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With this little gem of an idea though, the kids get to help with the "work" and enjoy the results. It's homemade whipped cream without a mixer...that's right - no mixer!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcW49OIhtHfzMEFQxM2RpgVqfspocLHX0-sZuk3M1UVP4au2DcBEOHK2jCtShKqtL6gemKF77COveVmsSxk_2tRHVgRssrtFLlQiSUs7QYrjf63nt0Kscoq3fDnptlHWVJfswxrji_HIc/s1600/fruit+cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcW49OIhtHfzMEFQxM2RpgVqfspocLHX0-sZuk3M1UVP4au2DcBEOHK2jCtShKqtL6gemKF77COveVmsSxk_2tRHVgRssrtFLlQiSUs7QYrjf63nt0Kscoq3fDnptlHWVJfswxrji_HIc/s200/fruit+cone.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Shake It Up Whipped Cream </span></span></b></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(my version of the name)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Before you leave for your outing, put 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar in a 1-quart airtight container. You'll "whip" the cream when you're ready to serve it.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <br />
Now here is the fun part! At your outing, kids (big & small) can take turns shaking the container of cream and confectioners' sugar vigorously (two to four minutes), until the mixture is thick and fluffy. Don't shake it too early, or it will deflate before you serve it. Spoon fruit into cones (another awesome idea - no bowls need to serve), and top with a dollop of cream.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">How easy is that?! And you don't have to skip the good stuff just because you're not at home.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Eat, pray, love,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Brigette</i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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As much as I would like to take full credit for this, I can't...read more at Marthastewart.com: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/plan-a-picnic-lunch-with-kids?xsc=eml_msl_2011_08_11&om_rid=Dk1p15&om_mid=_BOQ$GPB8cqHOKJ#slide_9#ixzz1UjOgQ5hC"><span style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">Beach Ideas, Gardening Projects, Vacation Crafts, and Relaxing Ideas - Martha Stewart</span></a> .</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0