tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13439745014841188702024-03-13T23:05:38.247-07:00From This TableNow let us from this table rise renewed in body, mind, and soul;Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-64486182464887264782014-07-25T11:50:00.000-07:002014-07-25T11:50:13.523-07:00DIY cake hack with cherries from WSCSA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiF90zVn42Q/U9KkxD-OxEI/AAAAAAAAANM/6m1sBoqa0SY/s1600/cherry+cake+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiF90zVn42Q/U9KkxD-OxEI/AAAAAAAAANM/6m1sBoqa0SY/s1600/cherry+cake+.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I'm not typically a cake eater.<br />
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Cakes these days are all about the decoration and less about the taste. As long as it looks good in a photo people are less concerned with what they're actually eating, which is why I usually opt for pie. </div>
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None-the-less, I was in the mood for something light and fluffy last week so thought I'd give cake a go. </div>
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I wanted to incorporate some of my fruit share from <a href="http://www.washingtonsquarecsa.com/" target="_blank">Washington Square CSA</a> because four pounds of super ripe cherries is a lot for anyone to get through in a week. Instead of searching for an established recipe I decided to wing it and make some tweaks to my classic white cake recipe. Here's what I came up with:</div>
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<b>Cherry Almond Olive Oil Cake</b> (I'm working on a better name...)<br />
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Basically I made the following additions and adjustments to what was a pretty standard white/vanilla cake recipe that makes two 9" round cakes or two dozen cupcakes. </div>
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<li>substitute liquid with unsweetened Almond Milk (approx. 1 cup)</li>
<li>substitute vegetable oil with a bright floral extra virgin olive oil (approx. 1/4 cup)</li>
<li>add zest from one lemon</li>
<li>add 1/8 tsp almond extract</li>
<li>add pinch salt </li>
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after batter is well blended, gently fold in the following:<br />
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<li>add 1/2 cup crushed or sliced raw almonds</li>
<li>add 1 lb. pitted and chopped cherries, including reserved juice</li>
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Bake according to your original recipe instructions. Cake may require an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven to be fully set due to the added moisture from the cherries. You can tell if your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. </div>
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Remember to cool completely before frosting! (if you're frosting... I was too lazy)<br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-60234306393931409392014-05-30T13:32:00.004-07:002014-05-30T13:32:52.651-07:00Late Spring at the Barn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few weeks back I took a stroll around the new property with my mom. My parents moved in during the worst of the winter storms in January and hadn't taken the time to really explore the yard yet. Obviously they come and go everyday and they've seen the whole thing, but there still hadn't been a <i>"stop and smell the roses"</i> moment. Until now.<br />
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Here is the first look. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3K0w170EkY/U4jMb8e_59I/AAAAAAAAALg/57eBI-GjrhU/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3K0w170EkY/U4jMb8e_59I/AAAAAAAAALg/57eBI-GjrhU/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a><br /><i>* we were warned - the river floods veeerrrrrry often</i></div>
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<i>* the daffodils don't seem to mind the extra water</i></div>
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Spring is here.<br />
Allergies are upon us.<br />
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Every nook and cranny of Rock Center has blossomed overnight with tulips and the like thanks to the lovely Rockefellas. I'm taking this change in season to heart and digging deep for the courage make some changes and take some chances. I'm going for the whole inner renewal thing, and I could not be more excited!</div>
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For a long time, Easter meant tending the spring garden with my mother, an excuse to eat my weight in chocolate, and so. much. egg salad.</div>
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As I grew older, my family grew larger, and the roles changed a bit. I was the one filling the eggs with treasure and rallying the troops for the hunt on Easter morning with my grandparents.</div>
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The years flew by and all of a sudden the young'ins aren't so young anymore. No one is looking for the Easter Bunny and no one really wants their eggs smothered in dyes either, so Easter means something different yet again.</div>
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This Easter marks the first family holiday in the barn. This new house became their home the second my parents laid eyes on it one year ago. It was an uphill battle to make it their own, but someone was on their side and I can't imagine a better "fresh start" for my family. Dreams are becoming reality, little by little. The sweet, end-of-summer bonfires that will be had here. The lazy August days by the pool. The eggs, plucked from the coup-to-be that will become breakfast, and lunch and maybe even dessert. I get the sense that through this fresh start we are really just coming back to ourselves, and I for one can't wait to see what happens next!</div>
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<img alt="Hello little guy!" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/c58bb341deddedd8fd988f1587f7b23d/tumblr_n3ctljAoGS1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-45440565083947796222014-03-18T18:35:00.004-07:002014-03-18T18:39:24.063-07:00Black & Blueberry Bourbon Crumble Pie and the New Music Bake Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeAzdcf0ohI/UydgH0QuelI/AAAAAAAAAFs/muOXfhkpHsY/s1600/small+apple+pie+gif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeAzdcf0ohI/UydgH0QuelI/AAAAAAAAAFs/muOXfhkpHsY/s1600/small+apple+pie+gif.gif" height="320" width="240" /></a>Sunday marked the annual New Music Bake Sale, one of my favorite musical events of the season. Everyone brought their A-game this year - there was some serious baking going on in Brooklyn last week! I sampled <a href="http://innovoxmusic.org/" target="_blank">chicken empanadas</a>, <a href="http://www.tenthintervention.com/" target="_blank">gluten-free goat cheese and tangerine tarts</a>, <a href="http://angelicanegron.com/" target="_blank">coconut jelly shooters</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonsquarewinds.org/" target="_blank">killer meatballs</a>, and probably <a href="http://www.dotdotdotmusic.net/" target="_blank">the best <i>"feed"</i></a> i've ever tasted. </div>
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For <a href="http://www.ensembleetal.com/" target="_blank">Ensemble, Et Al.</a>'s table, I made a few pies to accompany Charlie's outstanding mango salsa. I also brewed up an iced batch of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueladyteashop" target="_blank">Blue Lady Tea</a>'s <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91624888/organic-ceylon-black-tea-loose-leaf-tea?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">organic ceylon</a>, but I promise that's not nearly as exciting as the pie I'm about to share with you:<br />
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This pie is sinfully delicious - jam packed with flavor - just boozy enough to feel scandalous - i want to eat it every day!!! The best part is I made it up and I'm going to give away my recipe right here. Because sharing is caring :-)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6cQ8t1F1hI/UyjwSOhdt2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/q-Ul5lk2sPE/s1600/bake+sale+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6cQ8t1F1hI/UyjwSOhdt2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/q-Ul5lk2sPE/s1600/bake+sale+table.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Black & Blueberry Bourbon Crumble Pie</b></u></div>
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<b>For the crumble:</b></div>
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1/2 cup rolled oats</div>
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour</div>
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1/4 cup packed muscovado sugar</div>
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1/4 cup sliced raw almonds</div>
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1/2 tsp kosher salt</div>
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2/3 cup chilled unsalted butter, diced into 1/2-inch cubes</div>
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<b>For the Filling:</b></div>
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1 9-inch pie crust (that's a secret for another time...)</div>
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1/4 cup dried blueberries</div>
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1/4 cup bourbon</div>
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two 6 oz. boxes of fresh blueberries</div>
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one 6 oz. box of fresh blackberries</div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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juice from half a lemon (about two TBSP)</div>
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zest from a whole lemon</div>
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3 TBSP cornstarch</div>
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<b>Crumble</b> - combine all but butter in a medium bowl, and then incorporate butter with fingertips until a crumbly meal forms. Chill at least 15 minutes before baking. </div>
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<b>Pie </b>- preheat oven to 350*F</div>
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-In a small bowl, combine dried blueberries and bourbon</div>
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-In a large bowl, combine fresh berries, sugar, lemon zest and juice until sugar appears syrupy</div>
-Roll out pastry dough, set in 9-inch pie dish and place in freezer<br />
-Add bourbon/berry mixture to fresh berries<br />
-Incorporate cornstarch into berry mixture just before you're ready to bake<br />
-Pour berry mixture into prepared pie crust and top with chilled crumble<br />
-Bake until crumble appears golden brown (approx 45-60min)<br />
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<i>*let cool at least two hours before serving so the filling can set</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJwlZl2RSUg/UyjTR1IVV_I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Mz8FuAb9Cj0/s1600/berries+post+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfCxUcG8XYs/UyjTPRLGZRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/FJtrbAFCbhk/s1600/berries+pre+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfCxUcG8XYs/UyjTPRLGZRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/FJtrbAFCbhk/s1600/berries+pre+mix.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJwlZl2RSUg/UyjTR1IVV_I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Mz8FuAb9Cj0/s1600/berries+post+mix.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJwlZl2RSUg/UyjTR1IVV_I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Mz8FuAb9Cj0/s1600/berries+post+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJwlZl2RSUg/UyjTR1IVV_I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Mz8FuAb9Cj0/s1600/berries+post+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-km8S9ZpZyks/UyjT223a8yI/AAAAAAAAAGU/c1_2QvM7xy8/s1600/pie+pre+bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-km8S9ZpZyks/UyjT223a8yI/AAAAAAAAAGU/c1_2QvM7xy8/s1600/pie+pre+bake.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfCxUcG8XYs/UyjTPRLGZRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/FJtrbAFCbhk/s1600/berries+pre+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfCxUcG8XYs/UyjTPRLGZRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/FJtrbAFCbhk/s1600/berries+pre+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuNaTSuHfDY/UyjxCL_KCuI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Jugii52eYlg/s1600/pie+and+bourbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuNaTSuHfDY/UyjxCL_KCuI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Jugii52eYlg/s1600/pie+and+bourbon.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-87313117764073061682014-03-12T11:57:00.000-07:002014-03-12T11:57:58.348-07:00Happy Hump Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today I dream of spring, and all the lovely things I'll be doing out of doors very soon...<br />
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<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/12b2fccb258783139a62bace6bc6e827/tumblr_n2c5xg7Gku1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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<u>A few links for your perusal:</u><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.polypong.com/" target="_blank">Poly pong</a> </b>deserves a spot at all gaming bars starting now!<br />
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Since losing my butterprint Pyrex bowl I've been heartbroken. <a href="http://www.bourbonandboots.com/store/products/vintage-turquoise-amish-butterprint-pyrex-flour-sack-tea-towel/" target="_blank"><b>This<i> </i></b></a>helps fill the void.<br />
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My two <a href="http://gothamist.com/2014/03/10/ottos_taco_buffalo_taco.php" target="_blank"><b>favorite snack foods</b></a> have joined forces. I can die happy now.<br />
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There was once a time when <a href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/these-old-selfies-dating-back-to-the-1800s-will-blow-your-mind/story-e6frfro0-1226741497253" target="_blank"><b>selfies </b></a>were not ironic.<br />
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I have a nagging feeling that my coffee will taste better if I get <a href="http://www.bourbonandboots.com/store/products/antique-coffee-grinder-with-drawer/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=List%2C%20PRIMARY&utm_campaign=B%26B%20Daily%20Product%20Email%20V2" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a>.<br />
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I can't believe it's not <b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/europe-parmesan-back-seeks-change-22864606?utm_source=Daily+Skimm&utm_campaign=56dc1f41e1-daily_skimm&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_74efee6205-56dc1f41e1-23545397" target="_blank">Parmesan</a></b>!<br />
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and lastly -<br />
If you like cupcakes and bacon and Brooklyn and new music, <a href="http://newmusicbakesale.org/" target="_blank"><b>go here </b></a>this Sunday.<br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-46137731660620758502014-03-10T15:18:00.000-07:002014-03-10T15:21:48.090-07:00The end is where we start from {TS Elliot}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">I had the honor of attending the wedding of two lovely friends this past weekend in Bruceville, TX. </span></div>
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This special couple radiates warmth and kindness in everything they do. The whole weekend designed around free wheeling fun intensified the close knit sense of community, even though those in attendance traveled far and wide to get there.<br />
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This being my first jaunt in the land of bluebonnets, I call it a success.<br />
The photo journal below gives you a look through my eyes at what was truly an enchanting weekend :-)<br />
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<img alt="The beautiful #newlyweds #natalieandross #latergram (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/45c1c3bbc3828153308199e93bd630a4/tumblr_n28qjgrdYS1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br />
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<img alt="Hello Lone Star" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/38262c1c2fdd42a4b00be9b1754fb080/tumblr_n2306wjWwE1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="#stairwaytoheaven #natalieandross (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/a184f7b9e8e45b91d0e49ee42bc88747/tumblr_n252fcA9JF1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
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<img alt="#natalieandross ❤ (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d5b8ebde7b3c84a2dde88f67e07d1645/tumblr_n252ciHA5q1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br />
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<img alt="You are made of stars. #natalieandross (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9b0344134a9d4e87304304c9f6869981/tumblr_n252jrACyA1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="A thousand times yes. #texas #bbq" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/c2689f42a800d12a3f410568b8c62dd8/tumblr_n2502tHFXQ1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="#natalieandross (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/cc31984f46b76072c82724cb2957196f/tumblr_n252n6wj8N1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br />
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<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9c6fb9a6f2edb9b634ec68248c1bd35d/tumblr_n28oheKhxT1rpz3mmo3_500.jpg" height="200" width="199" /> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9340c08feeae142ad7cb00192f035133/tumblr_n28oheKhxT1rpz3mmo1_1280.jpg" height="200" width="199" /><br />
<img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/d5d462d2e945767d3986e5aa7f7d8028/tumblr_n28oheKhxT1rpz3mmo4_1280.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/b1995e2bf8977b0287da475981780e3c/tumblr_n28oheKhxT1rpz3mmo2_1280.jpg" height="200" width="199" /><br />
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<img alt="To the happy couple, #MazelTov #natalieandross (at URJ Greene Family Camp)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/86841325a92fa172b61bdc3a7e08c864/tumblr_n26kmoUAmI1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-88077672879695169562014-03-04T12:22:00.000-08:002014-03-04T12:22:19.088-08:00Back to Basics: weekending at the barn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past weekend was spent back at the homestead celebrating Dad's birthday and praying that the predicted storm would skip us just this once (luckily it did <i>not </i>live up to expectations). Mom and I worked on our tea room and I'm excited to say that <span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueladyteashop" target="_blank">Blue Lady Tea </a></b></span>will be up and running again in no time with an even larger selection and helpful recipes, too! Dad lead us on an inaugural hike through <span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://franklintwpnj.org/home/showdocument?id=1330" target="_blank">Griggstown Preserve </a></b></span>and Hunting Grounds - don't worry, no hunting allowed on Sundays - Jeff and I built a pretty epic fire, and I tried out the fancy built in griddle on Mom's stove with steak from <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://limafamilyfarms.com/" target="_blank"><b>this</b> </a></span>awesome farm.<br />
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A good weekend all around.<br />
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<img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/3846b109a87621e713a5f849cc8743e1/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo1_250.jpg" /> <img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/c162d9cd37994c08eafdcfbca3b8c198/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo2_250.jpg" /><br />
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ALPACAS!!!<br />
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<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/5d2b156e72e494acb940922d168bf1f9/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo7_250.jpg" /> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/c0895be344892cbe702cdf575fd316ef/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo6_250.jpg" /><br />
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MORE ALPACAS!!!!!!!<br />
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<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/24c937909f381a53233228d72769a83a/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo5_250.jpg" /> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0e8a9705b56135b39ff4391db75d0a0b/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo8_250.jpg" /><br />
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<img alt="Can I put in a request to facilities and have one of these installed, please?" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/5a5ca184114757dcc37383e34bd67568/tumblr_n1x82oRZvg1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/48003d666efe93ea2e7503306a07d3c1/tumblr_n1xcpoJJ3x1rpz3mmo2_250.jpg" /> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/1663d308d362612b86f08d47f891d8bb/tumblr_n1xc4eEut21rpz3mmo4_250.jpg" /><br />
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Also, if i was the sort of person that could afford to have a vacation cottage, <span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://www.callawayhenderson.com/eng/rentals/detail/313-l-557-rc3wck/stone-cottage-franklin-township-princeton-nj-08540#/eng/rentals/detail/313-l-557-rc3wck/stone-cottage-franklin-township-princeton-nj-08540" target="_blank">this </a></b></span>would be it:<br />
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<img height="480" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0043488e43a4f87962d4242f209e0e51/tumblr_n1xcpoJJ3x1rpz3mmo1_1280.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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The cats co-habitated nicely. Well, as nice as can be when you put a 6-month-old little rascal with an old man who's favorite past time is sunbathing.<br />
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<img height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9f8541fecc26c3e813e9bf67245280e3/tumblr_n1xcpoJJ3x1rpz3mmo5_1280.jpg" width="480" /><br />
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Looking forward to more adventures once the remaining snow finally bids us farewell and we can take advantage of the canoe rentals down the road.<br />
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Happy Tuesday! <3</div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-54746200567243426332014-02-11T11:46:00.001-08:002014-02-11T11:46:08.377-08:00some love letters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Snow,<br />
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I know you've been getting a bad rap lately from disgruntled city folk who just don't appreciate you. They find your soft white blankets irritating and and your plush hills cumbersome. I am here to tell you that they're wrong. Snow, you are beautiful and lovely! I feel like a little girl on Christmas morning every time I wake up and you are there. I marvel at your expansiveness, and get a thrill when my cheeks blush at the cool air that accompanies you. I have always been a winter baby, and I always will be -<br />
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Forever yours,<br />
Jacqueline<br />
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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, but sort of in the same vein<br />
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We all know <a href="http://fromthistable.blogspot.com/2013/02/lucky-in-love.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a> is upon us. Hallmark sees a bump in their sales along with any chocolate purveyor, and if you're beau is so inclined he might give you some <i>frosting</i>, too.<br />
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I've never really been a fan of the whole <i>"this is the day that I buy my guy a gift because I'm supposed to" </i>but I <b>am </b>a sucker for any occasion to send my friends little notes of sweet nothings. I actually planned ahead this year and found this great book of vintage pop-out valentines, and Taco helped me write them :-)<br />
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I had to show everyone because they're so adorable, and I wish that I had thought to order extra books because there are just not enough. All the valentines in the world wouldn't really be enough to tell my friends and family how much I love them, but I'm going to try anyway. And come one - who doesn't like getting mail (when it's not bills)?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuGRcTnIiJQ/Uvp2ZlsdbfI/AAAAAAAAAFY/x5OBSY3shYI/s1600/letter+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuGRcTnIiJQ/Uvp2ZlsdbfI/AAAAAAAAAFY/x5OBSY3shYI/s1600/letter+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppcT_zFogYw/Uvp2W_s1UEI/AAAAAAAAAFE/0jkcVLwNIQY/s1600/letter+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppcT_zFogYw/Uvp2W_s1UEI/AAAAAAAAAFE/0jkcVLwNIQY/s1600/letter+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCgAH9PUdPs/Uvp2XD67a7I/AAAAAAAAAFA/Z2XYOohQDCs/s1600/letter+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCgAH9PUdPs/Uvp2XD67a7I/AAAAAAAAAFA/Z2XYOohQDCs/s1600/letter+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-72794623146854348062014-01-31T15:04:00.002-08:002014-01-31T15:04:59.210-08:00January day dreams and the year of the horse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just had the sudden urge to go visit Wyoming.<br />
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Super random, I know, but I saw this photo of the Grand Tetons and immediately felt sad that the majority of my day is spend in front of a computer screen. Maybe a spring road trip is in the works...<br />
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I mean seriously, look at that view:<br />
<img src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-wyoming/GrandTeton-600.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/wy-mainpage.html" target="_blank">photo cred: Jon Sullivan at legendsofamerica.com</a></span></div>
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On a completely different note, Happy Lunar New Year!</div>
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I feel so lucky that I get to adopt this holiday with Jeff and his fam - sooo looking forward to family dinner!</div>
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If only I had the time, I would make some <a href="http://shanghaiist.com/2014/01/22/absolutely_adorable_elderly_artist.php" target="_blank">steamed bun art just like this awesome lady</a>!</div>
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Happy Friday everyone :-)</div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-40578841785303175122014-01-15T18:28:00.001-08:002014-01-15T18:28:18.479-08:00THIS IS NOT A REAL POST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://instagram.com/p/jNoA87mwAt/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s linear; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #111111; display: block; float: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.9; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="#Drunk" height="320" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/bbf23ed8141f95f78ffac4d07b65ca0a/tumblr_mzh2qpOHxw1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;" width="320" /></a><br />
I had drinks after work today.<br />
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So what did I do when I got off the train? Go binge shopping for snacks of course!<br />
$20 at my corner bodega just got me a pint of cookie dough ice cream, a pack of Sam Smith Cider, and a box of Life cereal. Not quite a good deal but money well spent none-the-less.<br />
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Not that you were particularly interested... but it is what it is.<br />
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Happy Hump Day!<br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-74750756108450826632014-01-09T15:40:00.000-08:002014-01-09T15:40:03.587-08:00An Experiment: One foot in front of the other<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I resolve to not make any resolutions about exercising. ever.<br />
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I'm the first one to admit that I'm not in spectacular shape. I'm not obese or anything, but I'm also not what you would call "fit". (Can't imagine why, as I always eat my veggies and I stay hydrated with a few coffees a day and plenty of craft beer...)<br />
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A coworker friend of mine convinced me to sign up for this <a href="http://classtivity.com/" target="_blank">classivity </a>thing with her, and it was cheap enough that I said, "what the H-E-double-hockey-sticks". Fifty dollars later I found myself sifting through a list of classes: candlelight yoga, bollywood-cardio, stretching basics, krav maga, michael jackson dance combo, muay thai, AND the list gets even better. The gist is you get to try out ten different studios in New York that would otherwise be completely unaffordable for $5 each over the course of one month.<br />
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I am loving it. Don't get me wrong, exercise definitely hurts. But you know that whole "push through the pain" thing? It's actually been working! And doing this with a friend makes it seem more like a social activity and disguises what I'm actually trying to do - get ripped. Changing it up every day also helps, as each class we take is so completely different from the next I can't get bored. I know I've only got 30 days, and I know that if I want to keep this up I'll have to develop some sort of a routine, but I like the spontaneity that I've been feeling these past two weeks and I think I will do much better if I just keep looking for new fun things to try instead of signing my life - and paycheck - away to one boring gym.<br />
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So to celebrate two weeks of physical exertion, I bought myself a cookie with lunch. Completely counter-productive, but also completely deserved. Well, I think so...<br />
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**sorry, no pictures today, my hands have been holed up in my sleeping bag coat for the past few days hiding from the vortex</div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-29951510041350810582014-01-06T15:01:00.000-08:002014-01-06T15:01:42.855-08:00GOODBYE BLUE MONDAY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Better late than never #newyear #newrules #resolutions" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d072dfa73ab7f7ca73166177493ae469/tumblr_myzuumbY7j1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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AND one more... learn how to spell 'lose'</div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-76556137946294688322014-01-02T10:48:00.000-08:002014-01-02T10:48:33.902-08:002013 through rose colored glasses (aka Instagram filters)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Did you know that there's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JazzAgeLawnParty" target="_blank">1920's themed, booze fueled dance party</a> every summer on Governor's Island? Well you should.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/de368f45c4119bf508d5c60255f7f286/tumblr_mohntsWoJY1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/5632688bc71ee09ed740e37e43dd7a35/tumblr_mrp8exBfrj1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/2773f90442bdb5082f17115e1751dfd4/tumblr_mrp8i49u5V1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/34adee52e0358deab8374f1155267c06/tumblr_mrp7euD9jC1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br /></span><br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Proud to say I joined my first ever <a href="http://www.washingtonsquarecsa.com/" target="_blank">CSA</a> in 2013. This will most definitely be repeated in 2014.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/6c7e4eedf71d9b5cb04ca70c11f2baa6/tumblr_moo84wbzrM1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/1539a3696c1301eb5f79ea550fa1fc41/tumblr_mv3p0oIJFO1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/eba220bcd477ff5d338ce77ab53d2be0/tumblr_mp0ntdhUt31rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><br />
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<br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Jeff's family grew a bit this year when Ken asked Lisa to marry him. We were all thrilled, and I got to cater the engagement party along with the lovely Michelle and Winnie!</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/0efcc42c4ea261b338a478e77a90ee08/tumblr_mp0t5nkWju1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/3ac8f8e60a5e95abf89120c3f3205fbb/tumblr_mq4u7pqdOQ1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/53d5f3dd0ce9449ad0a11c659fe7f1da/tumblr_mq4ug4eJ0T1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">2013 marked a quarter century for me. It also ended with lots of finite changes, as I packed up my childhood bedroom and developed a new found love of old barns (parents are moving into a converted barn from the 1800's in T minus 19 days!)</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/fd3bfea4686ed1477ad025f26a18f8fa/tumblr_mki0n8xZAa1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/2cc0c210bec9bfb9c879bf87aa5d4194/tumblr_mp2l1bqGBe1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/51738cdfa2d6e2bed284b7e62364f5d6/tumblr_mp2l81lefW1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This next one's quite simple, I am thankful for my friends. You guys are rad!<img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/5b0cba63a89b4d11979ed31006956c49/tumblr_mrr08ngpD81rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/54914bb626849598ad389a96f254977d/tumblr_mti3ndb5rO1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br /><img height="400" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/60640a4d210d45ba899c7c2b3e2d7dc4/tumblr_mxur5rbjzY1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I don't care. I love it.<br /><img height="400" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/751a7416a23760c0a135747692a1fee9/tumblr_mtfxxp54dw1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The joys of <a href="http://www.cecicelanyc.com/" target="_blank">Ceci-Cela</a>. How did I ever live without you! <br />This real-live <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/arts/design/banksy-makes-new-york-his-gallery-for-a-month.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Banksy </a>piece popped up in my hood during his <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/arts/design/banksy-makes-new-york-his-gallery-for-a-month.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Fall Residency in NY</a></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/c56bcead75169b4c3f0e37cc5f903443/tumblr_mqz68xPZOI1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/dd0fd82638b4a0f2afda78b14d611bdd/tumblr_mun4b8Qx6M1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></span><br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Jeff and I became the proud parents of this little guy in September! <br />He has since tripled in size. We named him Taco, because we <i>really </i>like tacos.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/8f1d6f6e5d9ead6b0c387378c7af1b27/tumblr_mtyvo55O6d1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/861393f9c1e0bd590bc190ad79abca63/tumblr_my5yciHpZO1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Blonde for a day :-) I let my inner Dolly flag fly for Halloween and it was great!</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/8332e6d6be3ef20f58ee7f90fd845b2c/tumblr_mvkbczNzqN1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Happy New Year everyone! </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Enjoy the peace and serenity that comes with the end of the holiday season and take comfort in the fact that we're all turning another page together. </span></div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-57731358031891048342013-12-11T14:55:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:55:45.017-08:00Oh Great Mystery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="#Happyholidays everyone! Getting into the #spirit of things this week 🎄#diy #vintage #ornament #wreath" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2fa0f197d0c28ed2df942576649038ea/tumblr_mxm1mml0Uo1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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I've had a lot on my mind lately, and I've had a hard time getting out my fleeting, fragmented thoughts. Certain things I thought I'd forgotten about always seems to come into focus once the shimmer of holiday lights fill the sky. Really there's nothing of great importance, just the same age-old ennui I seem to get this time of year. Must be lack of vitamin D.<br />
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This carol always seems to help though, so I thought I'd share:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hs9-Sxf9j4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hs9-Sxf9j4</a><br />
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<dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>In the bleak mid-winter</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Frosty wind made moan,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Earth stood hard as iron,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Water like a stone;</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i style="line-height: 1.5em;">Snow had fallen, snow on snow,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Snow on snow,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>In the bleak mid-winter</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Long ago.</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><br /></i></dd></dl>
<dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Heaven cannot hold Him</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Nor earth sustain;</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Heav'n and earth shall flee away</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>When He comes to reign:</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i style="line-height: 1.5em;">In the bleak mid-winter</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>A stable-place sufficed</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>The Lord God Almighty,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Jesus Christ.</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><br /></i></dd></dl>
<dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Enough for Him, whom cherubim</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Worship night and day,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>A breastful of milk</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>And a mangerful of hay;</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i style="line-height: 1.5em;">Enough for Him, whom angels</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Fall down before,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>The ox and ass and camel</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Which adore.</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><br /></i></dd></dl>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Angels and archangels</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>May have gathered there,</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Cherubim and seraphim</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Thronged the air,</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>But only His mother</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>In her maiden bliss,</i></dd><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><i> Worshiped </i></span></span><i style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em;">the Beloved</i><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>With a kiss.</i></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><br /></i></dd></dl>
<dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>What can I give Him,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>Poor as I am?</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>If I were a shepherd</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>I would bring a lamb,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><b>If I were a wise man</b></i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i><b>I would do my part,</b></i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i style="line-height: 1.5em;"><b>Yet what I can I give Him,</b></i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i style="line-height: 1.5em;"><b>Give my heart.</b></i></dd></dl>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-71136095812127548862013-11-21T13:34:00.000-08:002013-11-21T13:34:30.330-08:00Things I'm excited about right now:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/564584_10151854019194359_1265398891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/564584_10151854019194359_1265398891_n.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="#quince #tart done" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/9c13c43f4f040d800e4673f02703af94/tumblr_mvvm7speN81rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/564584_10151854019194359_1265398891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Is it weird that I think #train stations are #romantic? #latergram" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0708cb65f1ac2fe57f22b0e45bce4cf0/tumblr_mwmrkyvC1k1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="#ontheroad again (at I-78 west)" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/326aa2b220c0f4e68cd0773c5497cec8/tumblr_mrc0anOkFG1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/11/downton-abbey-christmas-special-2013-what-will-happen-during-the-festive-edition-of-the-stately-show-4178915/" target="_blank"><b>Downton Abbey Christmas Special </b></a>- somebody get me a <a href="http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/10/downton-abbey-finale-which-dashing-suitor-should-lady-mary-choose-4181029/" target="_blank">sexy farmer</a> please. Just kidding, my city boy is <b><a href="http://www.jeffengpercussion.com/#!about/c240r" target="_blank">pretty awesome</a></b>, but I wouldn't say no to a few chickens... <div>
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<a href="http://food52.com/recipes/24694-quince-tarte-tatin" target="_blank"><b>Quince</b></a> - I know I'm late to this party, but they make seriously good pie!</div>
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<a href="http://sunday-suppers.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sunday Suppers</b></a> - does that not look like the coooolest place to work? I'll be hosting my own friendly supper this Sunday, a <i>Feastival </i>if you will, to practice for Thanksgiving and because do you really ever need a good reason to be merry with friends? No, you do not. </div>
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<b>Also... the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/cPH3tnmwIy/" target="_blank">NJ Turnpike</a></b> - Typically I am not a fan, but something about driving home for the holidays with Jeff and Taco and a car full of gifts for everyone makes me feel all warn and fuzzy. I am such a winter baby. Actually they all sound good right about now - trains, plains, automobiles, you name it! </div>
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<i>Not exciting, but worth mentioning:</i></div>
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One of my guitar strings snapped a little while ago and I'm embarrassed to say I've never replaced them (owned the thing for a few years) so someone tell me what to buy!! </div>
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That's all for now :-)</div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-42294886106861412032013-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:002013-11-01T11:58:40.905-07:00My Grown Up Halloween<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I did not buy any candy for Halloween this year.<br />
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I also didn't work very hard on my costume either (I got very lucky and found everything I needed at a rummage sale earlier in the month). I did however, attempt making caramel for the first time (pictured above). When I need a recipe for something sweet I typically start with <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/01/how-to-make-the/" target="_blank">David Lebovitz</a>. He tells lovely stories about his life as an expat in Paris.<br />
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Caramel is tricky, and a bit dangerous if you're not careful, so I was nervous (especially since baby Taco was weaving around my feet throughout the process, and I did not want him to get accidentally spilled or stepped on). I should not have doubted Mr. Lebovitz, though, because the recipe worked perfectly.<br />
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Not really being sure what I would use the caramel for I decided to keep it simple and just let it harden in a baking sheet instead of turning it into some sort of fancy sauce or toffee. I scattered a few crushed pecans and some chia seeds to add texture and I'm pretty happy with the result.<br />
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Instead of the typical rager one might attend for Halloween while still in college, my friends and I had a pretty tame night wandering around the east village drinking pumpkin beer :-)<br />
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The best costume I saw was a man disguised as a bush. </div>
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And here's Dolly - </div>
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<img alt="Say hello to #DollyParton #happyhalloween" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8332e6d6be3ef20f58ee7f90fd845b2c/tumblr_mvkbczNzqN1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div>
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<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">...workin' 9 to 5 oh what a way to make a living...</span></div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-52116134606659094782013-10-25T14:30:00.003-07:002013-10-25T14:30:21.074-07:00Apple of my Eye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/401227_4282482263505_757656633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/401227_4282482263505_757656633_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another family recipe for you. </div>
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I made an apple pie last week just for fun (also to celebrate Boss Appreciation Day, and also because I had a plethora of apples from my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/washingtonsquareCSA" target="_blank">weekly fruit share</a>). </div>
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This is one of those recipes that I've got memorized thanks to making it with my mom a zillion times growing up, which she originally learned from her mom (and <a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/perfect-apple-pie/1fc2b60f-0a4f-441e-ad93-8bbd00fe5334" target="_blank">Pillsbury </a>). The crust recipe is all <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/carla-hall-pie-crust" target="_blank">Carla </a>though.</div>
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It's a hand-me-down that I'm very grateful for!</div>
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<b>First, the crust </b>- if you follow the directions it's seriously fool proof. </div>
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<li>2 cups sifted All Purpose flour, plus more for dusting</li>
<li>8 oz. butter, chilled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces (two sticks) </li>
<li>1 TBSP sugar (sometimes I use honey or agave) </li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/3 cup water</li>
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Dice the <b>butter </b>then wrap it back up and put it in the freezer for a few minutes along with the paddle for your standing mixer. In a small bowl, stir the <b>salt </b>and <b>sugar </b>with the <b>water </b>until fully dissolved, then add to freezer to chill. Once the butter is chilled and firm add it to your standing mixer and cut with the <b>flour </b>for about 45 seconds on a medium-low speed. Add the water solution all at once and run the mixer on medium until the dough forms. This should not take more than a minute to come together. With floured hands form dough into two round discs, wrap in wax paper and set aside to chill in the fridge. </div>
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<b>Now for the filling:</b></div>
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<li>6 cups (or more) peeled sliced apples*</li>
<li>1/2-2/3 cup sugar (to your taste)</li>
<li>2 TBSP lemon juice</li>
<li>1 & 1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>dash salt</li>
<li>2 TBSP flour, divided</li>
<li>2 TBSP butter</li>
<li>1/4 cup milk </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I like to use mostly granny smith because I looooove the tartness, but go ahead and blend whatever apples you like!</span></div>
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Preheat the oven to 425*F</div>
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In a large bowl, toss <b>apples </b>with <b>sugar </b>and <b>lemon juice</b> and let stand 5 minutes for sugar to dissolve. Add <b>cinnamon</b>, <b>nutmeg</b>, <b>salt</b>, and 1 TBSP <b>flour</b>, toss to combine. Taste and feel free to mess with my measurements if you want a little more or less of something. But don't skip the flour or your pie will be soup. </div>
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Once the filling is prepared, roll out one crust disc on a lightly floured surface to approximately 14" diameter, no less than 1/4" thickness. Place in 9 inch glass pie dish, trim edges and return to freezer. Roll out second disc and set aside. Remove pie dish from freezer and fill with prepared apples. Spread the remaining 1 TBSP <b>flour </b>evenly over apple filling and dot with little chunks of the 2 TBSP <b>butter</b>. With a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of <b>milk </b>around the edge of the crust. Set your second crust in place on top of the apple filling and crimp the edges to seal. Slice a few slits for steam to escape and brush the whole crust with the remaining milk. </div>
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Bake the pie in the middle rack for 40-45 minutes, or until juice begins to bubble through your slits!</div>
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Have fun with it! Everyone loves pie :-) </div>
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-56854322325616009812013-10-24T13:40:00.000-07:002013-10-24T13:41:13.528-07:00Tiramisu For You!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIEjtngldmE/URKnYN-dpmI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wjVRNej5KOw/s1600/tiramisu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIEjtngldmE/URKnYN-dpmI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wjVRNej5KOw/s1600/tiramisu.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone needs a good <b>pick me up</b>* now and again. This user friendly tiramisu recipe will do just that, especially when paired with a good strong <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">caffè latte</span>! </span>While we may no longer agree about all of the aspects of this recipe, I did originally get it from my <a href="http://fromthistable.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-nonnas-birthday-cake.html" target="_blank">Nonna</a>. Mine always winds up with a bit more booze in it than hers does ;-)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">*</span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Quite literally actually, the term </span><i style="font-size: small;">tiramisu </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">actually means "pick-me-up" or "to lift up") </span></span><br />
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<img alt="Made #tiramisu last #weekend (step one)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/76ec384ab5f78aa662387788be89a629/tumblr_mv3ppmsnkQ1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="#tiramisu #recipe coming soon" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/154a23846db915445f4e6ffcf3f9267c/tumblr_mv3py37pdV1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the custard:</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 eggs, separated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup & 2 tsp sugar, separated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2/3 cup heavy cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 TBSP vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 lb. Mascarpone cheese</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the rest:</span></b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 or 3 cups espresso, brought to room temp</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">as much dark liquor that you're comfortable with (lol I usually use 1 cup of brandy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">dash salt (trust me)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 & 1/2 packs of lady fingers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">cocoa powder for dusting</span></li>
</ul>
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Set up your <b>espresso </b>to brew while preparing the custard. </div>
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In a medium pot whisk the <b>yolks </b>with the <b>3/4 cup</b> <b>sugar</b>, add the <b>cream </b>and bring to a low boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add <b>vanilla</b>. Fold <b>mascarpone </b>into egg mixture in three or four parts, whisk until smooth and set aside.</div>
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Whip <b>egg whites</b> with <b>2 tsp sugar</b> until soft peaks form, then fold into custard so that there are no visible streaks. </div>
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Add your <b>liquor </b>of choice, <b>vanilla</b>, and <b>salt </b>to your espresso in a shallow bowl (for dipping) and stir to combine. </div>
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In a 10x10" deep pan alternate layers of <b>lady fingers</b> (quickly dipped in espresso mixture) and custard. You should be able to get three full layers, ending with custard. Refrigerate, and dust with <b>cocoa powder</b> just before serving. </div>
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Enjoy!<br />
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I had a "You've Got Mail" moment this afternoon at Starbucks ordering my coffee. You know there's something wrong when you're embarrassed by how ridiculous your order sounds out loud -<br />
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<i>"tall and dirty chocolate chai latte for Jacqueline!" </i></div>
<br />
What I <b>thought </b>I ordered was a small chai with an espresso shot. Of course I was asked to clarify if I wanted it with milk or if I wanted <b>real </b>tea - umm.... somehow I wound up saying yes to the brand new chocolate chai they were featuring and the rest is really not that important. I will have to order red eyes all next week to make up for that ridiculousness.<br />
<br />
Anywayyyyy - here is the reason I've got Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan on the brain:<br />
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<img alt="Aren&#8217;t #daisies just the happiest flower? Thanks @mmchuck&#160;!!!! #you&#8217;vegotmail" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/16e7753f65c80004f298b442804aa840/tumblr_mszt7jrfTG1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
My lovely boyfriend, bless his heart, has endured "You've Got Mail" far too many times than he probably cares to admit. It is my favorite movie. And as such, I watch it every time I'm sick enough to stay in bed, or if I get bored of whatever's on TV that week, or whenever I feel like I'm falling out of love with New York.<br />
<br />
In this movie, Meg Ryan proclaims that Daisies are the friendliest flower - and I agree! They do a damn good job of brightening up a room :-) Jeffrey remembered this, and surprised me with a bunch for our anniversary last night! He gets an A++++ for that!<br />
<br />
It has officially been three years since we dove into this thing head first, so to celebrate we splurged on a super tasty, <a href="http://aocnyc.com/">super french</a> din<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">ner last night in the </span>West Village. We ate snails and lots of delicious meat and we shared a<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> c<span style="line-height: 1.2em;">rème brûlée that was absolutely perfect. </span></span><br />
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I hate to be that girl that turns to mush but seriously - I feel very lucky.<br />I feel like I'm slowly becoming the best version of myself, and it's got a lot to do with this wonderful guy I get to spend my days with <3<br />
<br />
In other words...<br />
Jeff you complete me<br />
<img alt="So far so good &lt;3 @mmchuck happy anniversary :-)" height="320" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a3d58f7a0acb77317fc62035c9c16e20/tumblr_mszqijBboX1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-31881079808432154622013-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:002013-09-02T09:03:05.291-07:00Salmon Salad Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">let's all pretend that it's no big deal to give up pasta.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">I made a decision last weekend that in order to feel remotely comfortable putting on a bathing suit for the last (and first) time in NYC this summer I would have to cut out all delicious things for a week until Labor Day. This was a silly decision, made on a whim, and I didn't even make it a whole week. But none-the-less, I did get to try out a new great recipe that was tasty <i><b>and </b></i>healthy :-)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">I've read about countless spice rubs before and always seem to opt for a wet marinade but I figured that most marinades would add unnecessary sugar. Instead I toasted some spices and ground them in my lovely (but often unused) mortar and pestle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My Spice Blend included:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese Five Spice Powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fennel Seed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Sesame Seeds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sea Salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crushed Red Pepper </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dried Shallot</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">With a tablespoon of olive oil I rubbed the spices into the salmon and let it rest in the fridge for about an hour. Right before I was ready to sear it, I chopped a few peppers and tomatoes and made a quick salad dressing.</span><br />
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<img alt="Last night&#8217;s five spice rubbed #salmon - #recipe on the blog tomorrow" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/adc7be9cdb345cd4b1b8e7e1a4a22dc4/tumblr_ms7pu7RZJd1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Tomatoes are cheery little buggers!" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8b0c6e136eb4e8411000208054ab6ab9/tumblr_ms7pivlw3R1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dressing: (all approximate measurements here)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup Rice Vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Tablespoon Chinkiang Black Vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon honey</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">sea salt and </span><span style="color: #1f497d;">fresh ground black papper, to taste</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and <span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">voilà</span></span></b><br />
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Dinner!<br />
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<img alt="Five-spice rubbed #salmon salad with chinkiang vinegar dressing" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/176c79c078e2bad46219af1f8417ad8a/tumblr_ms85hyP1Yu1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-29078963125428407702013-08-26T15:16:00.000-07:002013-08-26T15:16:07.356-07:00Canning craziness / the most productive birthday ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="This is what #breakfast should be always - toast with velvety #ricotta cheese, #cinnamon and #homemade #strawberry #jam :-) minus the paper plates :-/" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/f9b41be28f516c0b17282f8b0fe0a6d4/tumblr_ms38upOIp01rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="It&#8217;s #canning season!! #sundayfunday (at Martinsville)" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/6160b142a55ccdc4580d27b0bf4fa1d7/tumblr_ms3ptrUN611rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="Busy #canning" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0ee773e0413100a6010f869bc6e024b6/tumblr_ms3q1c1Avt1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="Putting summer into jars :-) #canning #tomatoes" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/6dfe8ecd13b4eee74cac89913d878086/tumblr_ms3py77TUS1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="These #peppers are like #fire in your mouth - and we&#8217;re #making #salsa with them!! (at Martinsville)" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e79e52580800386b72c4dc7c32710cb4/tumblr_ms3q5jyPqG1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="#Peach and #pepper #jam anyone? (at Martinsville)" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e421084309280523496f27fdbd1e39f2/tumblr_ms3q9nvi3k1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="This is a yummy zucchini chip that @crusso59 made -#madebymom #betterthankalechips :-p" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/db7843b99140efd9fd824697fbc47e80/tumblr_ms3ql9OXGg1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="All in a days work :-) #canning with @crusso59 (at Martinsville)" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0218fce891a1a4bf52d39a39c0196332/tumblr_ms3uz50zcK1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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My lovely mother will be one year older tomorrow, but we decided to celebrate early with a weekend <i>jam </i>packed with canning experiments!! (see what I did there? hehehe)<br />
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Growing up Italian, I became (spoiled) accustomed to fresh tomato sauce at an early age. Growing up in the North East poses a few issues seeing as the average grocery store tomato selection leaves a lot to be desired. My family solves this problem every August by bottling up all the summer goodies we can, so that we have enough for the whole year.<br />
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We have not once run out.<br />
That's a lot of tomatoes.<br />
Seriously, it takes forever.<br />
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This year was different! We decided to forego the never ending back ache that is washing bushel after bushel of tomatoes in kiddie pools for something new. I mean, we still did two bushels of tomatoes, we're not totally throwing away tradition - but we decided to keep it small this year so that we could attempt some brand new totally exciting recipes!<br />
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Added to the roster this year was the following:<br />
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Roasted garlic and onion salsa<br />
Mango Peach and Jalapeno salsa<br />
Dill Pickles<br />
Pickled Cherry Peppers<br />
Pickled Carrot Spears<br />
Pickled Asparagus<br />
Jalapenos packed in olive oil<br />
Peach Jalapeno Jam<br />
Tomato Basil Jelly*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*this last one bombed - the jelly failed to gel so we were left with sugary tomato juice in a jar. Not sure what to do with that...</span><br />
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We only made a couple jars of each so I'm sure we'll have run out in just a few months, but I'm glad we bucked tradition a bit and learned some new things. I cannot wait for the carrot spears to be fully pickled. I plan on throwing a brunch for their unveiling so I have a good excuse to make bloody Mary's by the pitcher!<br />
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Definitely not a bad way to spend a day in Jersey :-)<br />
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<img alt="I&#8217;m on a train!! Hello New Jersey (at nj transit raritan valley line)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/00b9469018520f9e99f26bbea448d085/tumblr_ms1dan1pWz1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-22401016524609146302013-07-30T14:20:00.000-07:002013-07-30T14:20:29.700-07:00Free and Easy Down The Road I Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Even NY sleeps sometimes :-) #LES" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/540c18da3167eb1e593b5b11cf7274a6/tumblr_mqrd8hDEA81rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Seen in the #LES" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/bc335ad5ccd65c30644ae716d170c2cb/tumblr_mqrd8z2Oj61rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Good morning #vacation :-) finally tackled breakfast at Shopsin&#8217;s #cleanedtheplate with @mmchuck (at Shopsin&#8217;s General Store)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9029c9a51ddeef63a6d4d1e88ca14873/tumblr_mqjtdxDdje1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="#roadtrip #vacation :-) #thegardenstate (at Holland Tunnel)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/bdc91a85cff254116bec3c443291e50e/tumblr_mqjyipvFTP1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="#workit #grillin" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a12b43e341c813b365adad771b8e8a5f/tumblr_mqkmapbLye1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="#GoldenNuggetFlea with @mmchuck" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/832c294bd866aa6a8bb592e9c4a8326c/tumblr_mqrd9daaLR1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="at Golden Nugget Flea Market" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/1c103c7f6ee165767c141f0c76b3048d/tumblr_mqrdbiEQW81rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Seen at the #goldennuggetflea in #lambertville #NJ (at Golden Nugget Flea Market)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/209b8d90729db1635afecd82da80ba77/tumblr_mqrdbaAxHG1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Seen in #NewHope #PA (at New Hope, PA)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/5e243ddd496bc176dc5b4ca70fb75538/tumblr_mqrdae8gw21rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><img alt="at New Hope, PA" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/b39aa4be2be068c4a3941052e8be0328/tumblr_mqrdalipeq1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="at Lambertville, NJ" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/79079e5492ffa7cae91092c87b38d0e5/tumblr_mqrdb2UZnA1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Well hello there! (at New Hope, PA)" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/7ecb58c9cec33423decbcf08d56acd80/tumblr_mqrd9q0WTS1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
<img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/1e937751f31a0f506eb9035e4eed5398/tumblr_mqrdauwpjI1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="at Union Square New Hope, PA" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/02c316265e5dd3d5a435624c149a3e12/tumblr_mqrdbrIbQk1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<br />
1 & 2: Good morning LES! - not for morning people<br />
3: The remnants of a delicious pancake breakfast at Shopsin's General Store in Essex Market<br />
4: On our way to the 'burbs<br />
5: Jeff - Grill Master Extraordinaire<br />
6: Golden Nugget Flea Market!<br />
7 & 8: Some serious looking carvings and a cow without a bell<br />
9 - 12 & 14: In and around New Hope, PA<br />
13: How does Homemade Sunflower Honey Ice Cream sound? I'll tell you. Delicious.<br />
<br />
.......<br />
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And the perfect ending to my long weekend?<br />
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Coffee at Bercli Parc with the boyfriend<br />
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:-)<br />
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<br />
<img alt="A lovely end to a lovely vacation - coffee with @mmchuck before work this morning (at Berkli Parc)" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/44345e33a1077cfd1a9de6bc9dd89519/tumblr_mqrexn2RCM1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-7398477134691021252013-06-21T11:44:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:44:37.955-07:00CSAwesome!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Please forgive me - as I fully intend to gush and be annoyingly happy throughout this entire post. </div>
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Some of you know already, but I joined a CSA. Stands for Community Supported (or shared) Agriculture. Basically - I now pay for all of my veggies for a whole season up front - straight to the farmer to help with upfront production costs. And when the food is all grown up I begin picking up weekly shares :-)</div>
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Well this past Tuesday was my first pick up!!!</div>
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An array of greens I've never seen/heard of, along with some bok choy and garlic scapes...</div>
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<img alt="#washingtonsquarecsa" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6c7e4eedf71d9b5cb04ca70c11f2baa6/tumblr_moo84wbzrM1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
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friendly looking radishes and little baby garlics!!</div>
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<img alt="Picked up my first #csa share yesterday- yummy!!" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/968ed9c65f9a5293c202519cace147c8/tumblr_moo7zhNvf51rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Check out these purple #greens :-) #washingtonsquarecsa" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9e6f2a9b5bf767abae518d22f69fef92/tumblr_moo83e32Gi1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
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Even a little visitor! We had to let him go though. </div>
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He's been released into the <i>wild </i>-aka - whatever green things are left in the pots on our balcony</div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/CeV31I8cCV9lnB3WAlgjWLZe3h6rljFeBe608mvP3eNNYAmsYh4fZqAbLfXtWzSqpeO0PkghKgTB6dBhusGfbRyTiqGnZuChNci9S-RmeJobABzULlnFjvBILmz3BSfKMWyCaCqI5PHGIvL3GdYDYA-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Found a little friend in the boc choi from the #csa" border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/7e9c5beb9393cea014c964e5725479af/tumblr_moo88bu8yN1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Making dinner! #csa" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6171d6f5fb29ddac79275fdfd0332345/tumblr_moo8biog3Y1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
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Dinner consisted of sauteed bok choy with garlic scapes and oyster sauce in broth with won tons :-)</div>
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<img alt="#CSA and I are going to get along just fine :-) #whatsfordinner" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/029e6dd5ebe5aa4190e45df0ebc5715b/tumblr_mom8ywywBV1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /></div>
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Can't wait to see what shows up next week!! </div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2F7e9c5beb9393cea014c964e5725479af%2Ftumblr_moo88bu8yN1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/CeV31I8cCV9lnB3WAlgjWLZe3h6rljFeBe608mvP3eNNYAmsYh4fZqAbLfXtWzSqpeO0PkghKgTB6dBhusGfbRyTiqGnZuChNci9S-RmeJobABzULlnFjvBILmz3BSfKMWyCaCqI5PHGIvL3GdYDYA-1" -->Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-57042527915761539212013-06-10T10:44:00.001-07:002013-06-10T10:44:05.271-07:00An Adventure in the Adirondacks<img alt="Jeff as the #BrawnyPaperTowelMan - #camping in the #Adirondacks" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6df63dc94f9a19d8086324d43ce3362b/tumblr_mnw2dywAqz1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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This post is a long time coming (from Memorial Day Weekend) -<br />
but I couldn't not acknowledge the coolest place I've ever camped!<br />
As you can see, we started off great with the Brawny Paper Towel man as our driver :-)<br />
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We spent a cozy six hours crammed into the minivan watching the sun ebb in and out from behind the clouds. As I'm sure you all remember, the forecast for Memorial Day weekend was not great, but we had our hopes up anyway. Eventually the clouds took over, and gave way to steady rainfall for the rest of the evening.<br />
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With or without the rain - Indian Lake is still a sight to behold. We grabbed a pontoon and hopped over to our little island where a warm fire and some<i> pretty good </i>bourbon awaited us.<br />
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<img alt="#camping in the #adirondacks on #IndianLake" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/de92290481d69e98af2a5fe7ae66ed0e/tumblr_mnw38zIMhd1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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Once we setup camp under the canopy of trees the rain really wasn't so bad.<br />
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<img alt="#camping on #indianlake" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d114fb87289f4c5c8a251ce3dc1552a7/tumblr_mnw318oROZ1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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Day One ended with a roaring fire and some spiked pine needle tea :-) Success.<br />
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Day Two:<br />
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We woke up (still bundled from the frigid temp the night before) to Sun!! While we couldn't really call it warm, the sunshine on our faces made everyone extremely happy. We split up into two groups - one for hiking and one for fishing - and took to the pontoon to explore surrounding islands for the afternoon.<br />
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<img alt="(almost) the whole gang - #camping" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/3061ef3853d1b34bcd9e27dca5b5e840/tumblr_mnw2uqOXQI1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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<img alt="Lisa on the #Pontoon at #indianlake" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0aaaf8db329accb5f545aee8f3724d72/tumblr_mnw30y5hs91rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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When the sun began to set we corralled everyone back onto our own island.<br />
Some continued to fish. All continued to drink into the night :-)<br />
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Day Three:<br />
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Fish! While it definitely wouldn't feed all twelve of us, we were still impressed with the catch!<br />
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<img alt="#Fish for #breakfast anyone? :-)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/9d473714d512b7ea18d336a4d88e9e9b/tumblr_mnw39465CN1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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Monday was warm and beautiful - everything you want on the last day of a trip.<br />
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Even though we spent the morning packing in a hurry to get back to the dock for checkout, we all basked in the warmth as much as we could. Being so bundled up all weekend didn't allow for any tanning, but on Monday we all burnt <i>real </i>fast.<br />
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The last shot I took was from the pontoon pulling away from our little island oasis.<br />
All I can say is that I am already mentally packing for my next trip up this summer!<br />
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<img alt="Our little island on #indianlake" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6776461f2db18c762b0faed50a6fe775/tumblr_mnw38iYZPG1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" />Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343974501484118870.post-11535160126319476322013-05-14T10:08:00.000-07:002013-05-14T10:08:26.186-07:00Where I've GoneFor the past month I have been MIA. I let my blog resolutions slide into the shadow of something big. Something <i><b>really </b></i>big.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* yes, that is the Ryman Auditorium - the Mother Church - on my wall *</span></div>
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MY NEW JOB!!!!</div>
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I recently started working at a super fun Record Company at Rock Center. While it's not quite what I had planned for myself as a college freshman practicing marimba solos, I feel so lucky that I get to surround myself with like minded, creative people every day. </div>
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That being said - this job is hard work :-p</div>
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Long hours, and lots of new skills to learn have not only absorbed most of my writing time - but my cooking dinner/house keeping time as well. Now that I've settled in a bit I want to take the time to fill y'all in on what I've been up to whilst offline. </div>
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I mentioned the VNA Rummage sale in my last post about Gatsby but I didn't really give you the full run down. This rummage sale is epic. With a circus like tent for each "department" you could spend the full three days shopping around and still not really see it all. Most everything is dirt cheep (I once bought an electric organ for $15, and a Burberry rain coat for $20) and I feel it's money well spent considering all proceeds go to benefit the Visiting Nurses Association in Far Hills, NJ.<br />
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I brought boyfriend into the vintage tent and we played a bit of dress up! He looks so rad!<br />
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<img alt="@mmchuck rocking #Levi&#8217;s - on top and bottom :-) (at VNA Rummage Sale)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/f0aa7a75ffc66daf579046f677000d92/tumblr_mmc3op07lc1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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This awesome teapot was in the Kitchen department. Sadly I left it behind though, as I already have too many tea pots. I know how ridiculous that sounds considering I run a small tea business. Real estate in my LES apartment is becoming more and more scarce every day...</div>
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Recently I attended a birthday bash that will go down in history! (my history anyway...)</div>
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To <i>kick </i>it off, we played a game of drunken kick ball on Roosevelt Island. I fell catching the ball and skinned my knee, so now I've got a bad ass tear in my jeans. They look just like I payed for them that way. </div>
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<img alt="A #lovelyday for #kickball :-) (at Roosevelt Island)" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/cfc23ccddfcd9b9ae4a39169e5e3918a/tumblr_mmc3f4zNGO1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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For the Kentucky Derby portion of the party I prepared a Bourbon Pecan Pie.<br />
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Yummmm<br />
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<img alt="Happy #Derby Day - better late then never" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0b34eca0dedfce15ef5f910ed27b1047/tumblr_mmsne1iYcH1rpz3mmo1_500.jpg" /><br />
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The party evolved in to a Cinco De Mayo fiesta and well - pictures from that point on in the night are for my eyes only. Sorry :-p<br />
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One last thing. Record Store Day!! I know it was weeks ago but I had such a great time running around that day that I have to mention it. Boyfriend and I started at J&R to make sure that we'd get all the special releases we wanted before they sold out. Among them were:</div>
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The Avett Brothers and Randy Travis: Music From CMT Crossroads</div>
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Eric Church: Caught In The Act</div>
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Bob Dylan: Wigwam</div>
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Ra Ra Riot: Binary Mind</div>
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The XX: Jamie XX Edits</div>
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We spent some time at Generation Records on Thompson, said our goodbyes to Bleecker Bob's (where I scored a massive Johnny Cash poster), and ended the afternoon at Bleecker Street Records where I grabbed this shot. </div>
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Of course we ran home that night to listen to all of our new music!<br />
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Looking back - I'd say I had a pretty fun month. Lots of exciting things to come as the new job progresses!<br />
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Jacquelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609377823140832681noreply@blogger.com0