tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66172127478991464082023-11-16T02:32:53.471-08:00Honey CrustAuthor Jaclyn Douma - food blog - Our First Year: Cost Effective Recipes from the Home of Newlyweds CookbookJackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-6040759088502071832013-05-12T18:11:00.002-07:002013-05-12T18:11:52.598-07:00Hank's Beach Ball Birthday Bash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend we celebrated my son's 2nd birthday with a Beach Ball Birthday Bash! If you have been following me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear" target="_blank">facebook</a> you'll know the struggles I was having trying to find beach ball party themed decorations. In my head I pictured this being an easy peasy theme - just go into any store: Target, Walmart, Party City, Hobby Lobby, Joann's, etc and grab all the supplies I needed: Swimsuits, plates, decor, scrapbook paper, material and ribbon - NOPE! Nada! Zippo! Seriously?????<br />
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I was flabbergasted - YES FLABBERGASTED that I was unable to find anything - not even a t-shirt! Maybe I was a month too early for "summer themed" party items ....at least that's what I told myself. But alas - I found a few items, which not all stores carried. I had to go to a specific Hobby Lobby and a specific Dollar Tree in order to find a few items. (ie: cupcake toppers, napkins, gift bag) The rest I had to get creative and make! (Party City did have a few beach ball items and then Actual Beach Balls too!)<br />
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<b>Invitations</b>: I had seen on pinterest an idea where they had an invitation printed on a balloon and then when you blew it up you could see all the details. I thought that was such a fantastic idea and wanted to do that on a beach ball. I loved the invites but two things I learned:<br />
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(1) The mini beach balls I ordered off Amazon that I thought would all be beach ball colored (red, yellow, blue) actually came as a variety pack - including ones that were yellow with happy faces !! AHHH! Good thing I ordered extra<br />
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(2) Shipping was horrendous! I weighed them and stamped them accordingly (just two stamps a piece) BUT! They were returned to me stating they needed an additional $1.60 on each!!!! (WHAT??? OVER TWO DOLLARS TO SHIP MY INVITES?????) I went down to the post office and they stated because they didn't sit flat that they had to be considered a package not an envelope....I almost cried (ok, I actually did tear up when trying to discuss this with the postal office) and unwillingly ended up paying the additional money to ship them :-( .... it was not a fun day, but I figured it would be more money for me to recreate a new invite and reship them........ <i>still not happy about that situation</i><br />
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<b>Beach Ball plate decor: </b>This idea came to me while strolling the aisles of Target. I saw stacks of colored plates and while being discouraged that I still couldn't find any beach ball decor I thought how cute it would be to cut the plates and create my own "vintage" looking beach ball decor. I cut half-moons out of each of the plates and then glued them accordingly on a full plate. Then added a white circle to the top and voila! Beach Ball decorations. I ended up using them as garland, hanging them with fishing line. (To pierce the plates I used a thumbtack and then fished the line through)<br />
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<b>Beach Ball<i> </i>Foam Balls: </b>This idea I snatched up from <i>PINTERST: </i><a href="http://www.studiodiy.com/2012/07/31/diy-beach-ball-garland/" target="_blank">From Studio DIY</a>. I glued these to wooden skewers and used as decor, as well as sliced a potion of three of them, slide in a label (for dessert, drinks and pizza) then placed them in a cup filled with brown sugar. <br />
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<b>Beach Ball Desserts: </b>The cake and cupcakes I made. For the cake I baked a round cake using a cake mold, then frosted it with homemade buttercream and decorated with red, yellow, blue & white m&m's.<br />
Cupcakes were also homemade and then topped with homemade buttercream colored with <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2013/03/duffs-baking-supplies/" target="_blank"><b>Duff's Color Gel's</b></a> (<i>which I HIGHLY recommend) </i>and topped with a little brown sugar for sand and a cupcake topper from Hobby Lobby. <br />
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The cookies - ----- SERIOUSLY??!! THOSE COOKIES WERE SOOOOO STINKIN CUTE!!! My mom surprised me with them from a lady in her town. All mom did was show her one picture of Hank in his shirt and she went from there. They are A-MAZ-ING! And she just does them for a hobby! So happy to have had them at Hanks Party.<br />
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<b>Kids shirts: </b>Once again, I couldn't not find ANYTHING with a beach ball on it ---- At that point I would have even made the kids where sweatshirts if I found one with a beach ball on it! Crazy. So I ended up deciding I'd just paint shirts for the kids myself.<br />
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<b>Jello Pool: </b>Made blue jello and then topped off with little candies that looked like beach balls. I was inspired by a few jello cakes I've seen with Teddy Graham's floating in the pool.<br />
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<b>Lollypops: </b>I printed off some beach balls and taped them to lollypops for the kiddos.<br />
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<b>Ice Cream: </b>My parents own <a href="http://www.chaparral-icecream.com/" target="_blank">an ice cream parlor</a> in Wickenburg, AZ and it's only fitting that we ALWAYS have homemade ice cream at any event. Well! My mom and dad created adorable beach ball ice cream's that we included with each cupcake. So super cute! <br />
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<b>Punch: </b>For the punch I chose red punch, blue koolaid and yellow lemonade. Each had a themed pool tag on them that I created with the names of: Sunburnt Punch (Red) , Pool Water (Blue) , Don't Pee In The Pool (Yellow) and an alcoholic one titled: "No Lifeguard On Duty." <br />
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<b>Fruit Push Up Pops: </b>Made fruit push up pops using the themed colors of blue, red and yellow. (Pineapple, blackberries and strawberries).<br />
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<b>Little Extra's: </b>We had a ton of beach balls all around the pool and house. I also blew up a little floaty tube, filled the center with sand and then placed mini sunblocks in them for the kiddos. Bought blue flannel material that resembled pool water for our table cloths. Oh yes, took a garage sale sign from Dollar Tree and recreated it into the "Pool Time" sign. I also used a beach ball from a gift bag I bought from Dollar Tree as a decor on the sign. Used my easel from IKEA to create a welcome sign with facts about Hank on it. (Saw that idea on Pinterest) And I think that covers it all.<br />
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Enjoy the pics! <br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-87979236281866787982013-04-24T10:30:00.000-07:002013-04-24T10:30:02.227-07:00Live FishAbout a week ago I was outside grabbing something from my car when our neighbor asked, "<i>Would you like some Bass?</i>" Being a bit of a fish eater, and knowing that my brother was here too I said, "<i>Yes, definitely!</i>" <br />
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Now let me give you a little back-story: My neighbor has mentioned on occasion that her husband and his friend love to fish. In fact, their friend is a professional bass fisherman and travels all around the country to compete. So when she offered some fish, I knew it would be FRESH!<br />
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But how fresh?<br />
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How about a bag full of FRESH LIVE FISH!???!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! (<i>yes, that was my reaction when it wiggled in the bag!</i>) <br />
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So here I am....a bag full of live fish....knowing my husband wont be touching them.....as I walk inside, holding the bag ever so cautiously....I say, "<i>Hey bro, have you ever filleted a fish before?</i>", his reply, "<i>ya once, why?</i>"...... "<i>GREAT!!! Here you go</i>".....wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle.....<br />
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Ya...when he said "only once" he really meant it! We used youtube.com for a video and away we went......<br />
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Uncle scares niece with fish. Fish gets uncle back....who's laughing now???<br />
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What have we learned here? When someone asks if you'd like some fish....ASK MORE QUESTIONS. Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-41064125506802427732013-04-22T09:30:00.000-07:002013-04-22T09:30:00.981-07:00Planning Hanks 2nd BirthdayMy baby boy is turning two this year and I swear to you it feels like I was JUST PLANNING his first! <i>Seriously! </i>(check out pics from <a href="http://www.karaspartyideas.com/2012/05/race-car-1st-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Hanks First party on Kara's Party Ideas</a> ) <br />
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This year, since we are in our new home with a pool, I thought it only fitting we plan some sort of swim party....so of course BEACH BALLS came to mind. Right?! A beach ball is a signature representation for summer....RIGHT?!! YOU WOULD THINK!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Ball Party</td></tr>
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Well besides "actual" beach balls I am at a complete lost at finding ANYTHING beach ball related....no material, no crafting paper, no ribbon, no clothing....nothin.....zip, zilch.....zippo! Seriously flabbergasted.....So where does that leave me? Changing my (<i>I mean Hank's)</i> theme? NO WAY JOSE!!! </div>
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It leaves me to CRAFTING, CUTTING, PAINTING, and having a good old time, cluttering up the house....</div>
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Right now this is what our home looks like.....times like 13 and the colors of red, blue & yellow continue to flutter in :-) </div>
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Wanted to give y'all a sneak peek of some of the goodies for Hank's 2nd Beach Ball Birthday Blast!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Ball Plate Garland </td></tr>
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My big helper Ali with all my projects :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Ball Foam Ball Decoration</td></tr>
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-81868384840839562142013-04-18T15:50:00.000-07:002013-04-18T15:50:14.634-07:00#MyAmazingMom Sweepstakes with World MarketThis past week I had the {fun} and great opportunity to write up a post on <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2013/04/my-amazing-mom-sweepstakes-with-world-market/" target="_blank">Sugar Loco</a> about <b>#MyAmazingMom</b> . <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/home.do" target="_blank">World Market</a> is hosting a sweepstakes paired with several bloggers telling America why their mom is amazing!<br />
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You MOST DEFINITELY need to check out my write up on Sugar Loco's website which you can see <b><a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2013/04/my-amazing-mom-sweepstakes-with-world-market/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. <br />
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But before then, lets check out a few pics from my experience :-)<br />
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SHOPPING AT WORLD MARKET<br />
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Check out these cute finds the moment I walked in the store....<br />
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Playing around with napkin rings to top off my apothecary jar....<br />
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And yes....Heaven on a shelf....love these jams<br />
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So to see my entire article, skip on over to Sugar Loco and read up on my blurb.<br />
<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2013/04/my-amazing-mom-sweepstakes-with-world-market/" target="_blank"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2013/04/my-amazing-mom-sweepstakes-with-world-market/" target="_blank"><b>SUGAR LOCO WORLD MARKET POST</b></a>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-11145839562055451832012-12-06T08:45:00.001-08:002012-12-06T08:45:23.834-08:00Throwback Thursday: Advent Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND :-) </b>Thanks everyone who's been requesting this one<br />
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Original Post: December 1, 2011<br />
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You've all probably heard a handful of people say comments like<i> "Remember the Reason for the Season"</i> or <i>"Keep Christ in Christmas"</i> or something along these lines.<br />
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As
a mother now of two little ones I am raised with the responsibility of
teaching my children the true beauty of this season and the amazing gift
and sacrifice our Father in heaven has done for us. He gave his Son,
his very own, so that we all could be saved. I'm sure for many of you,
this doesn't come into true retrospect until you have children of your
own, as it did for me.<br />
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Well, as you've been following
my blog, you know that although my main purpose is to focus on food and
DIY, I just can't help myself but let you in on my world and what goes
on in this house.<br />
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I've been dying to have an Advent
Calendar for years now, but whenever I muster up the excitement to go to
the store to purchase one, I always leave empty handed because....<i>seriously</i>
.... this girl ain't about to spend $30 on a little box Advent Calendar
that I look at and say, "I could make that", when in reality I still <i>haven't made one! </i>But still...I COULD!<br />
<br />
Any-who,
my daughter is about to turn two and is really just at the beginning of
the excitement for Christmas. I want to make sure she is filled with
the joy of this season; Christmas music, presents, hot cocoa- <i>even if we do have to crank up the air conditioner here in AZ just to put on comfy pj's and bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa!</i> But at the very same time, I want to teach her the reasons we gift give and praise the Lord for his blessings upon us.<br />
<br />
I decided, what better way to share the story of Christmas but through our Advent Calendar...<i>that yes, I made</i>, and am looking forward to making it year after year.<br />
<br />
As
a child I remember getting little chocolates each day we opened the
door to our Advent Calendar. There really wasn't any meaning in the
calendar, other than the fact that I got a piece of chocolate and we
were one day closer to Christmas. But really I want to make it our
tradition to have the story of the birth of Jesus Christ each day our
children open up their little envelope...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/2011%20Nov/?action=view&current=adventcalendar.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/2011%20Nov/adventcalendar.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
In
each envelope I included one to two verses from the bible along with a
little piece of chocolate to enjoy. I decided to secretly hang all of
the verses on my little tree to take a photo for everyone to see, before
placing them in their envelopes sealed with a kiss! I absolutely love
the way they turned out and can't wait for my husband to come home
tonight for him and the kids to open Day 1's envelope!<br />
<br />
Have you made your own Advent Calendar? If so post some pictures on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear">facebook</a>. I can't wait to see them. <br />
<br />
Below I've listed the verses that are included in each envelope. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<i>Dec
1: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be
with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel -
Isaiah 7:14</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 2: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be
ruler over Israel, whose origins are from the old, from ancient times. -
Micah 5:2</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 3: A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the
way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God"
- Isaiah 40:3</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 4: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son - Hosea 11:1</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 5: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they
came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit -
Matthew 1:18</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 6: But after he had considered this, an angel of the
Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not
be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in
her is from the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 1:20</i><br />
<br />
<i>Dec
7: She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins. - Matthew 1:21</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 8: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had
said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel" - which means "God with
us". - Matthew 1:22-23</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 9: When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the
Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no
union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name
Jesus. - Matthew 1: 24-25</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 10: And there were shepherds living out in the fields
nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they
were terrified. - Luke 2:8-9</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 11: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I
bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -
Luke 2:10</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 12: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 13: This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. - Luke 2:12</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 14: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." - Luke
2:13-14</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b><i>For Dec 15-Dec 24, I continued with verses praising God's sweet love for us</i></b><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec15: Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 16: God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 17: Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears
my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be
condemned." - John 5:24</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 18: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer - Romans 12:12</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 19: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 20: The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. - Psalm 126:3</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 21: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! - Philippians 4:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 22: May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted." -
Psalm 70:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 23: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! - Psalm 32: 11</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dec 24: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth Worship
the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. - Psalm 100:
1-2</i>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-8604535549294483122012-10-23T10:29:00.001-07:002012-10-23T10:29:07.449-07:00Phoenix Magazine - Reader's Choice Best Author AwardOn Sunday as I was taking the kids into our church nursery, already a bit stressed about how the morning had gone (<i>spending over 40 minutes trying to get my daughter to eat her breakfast, changing my son twice before loading both in the car, pouring my coffee and rushing off to church that is literally 2 minutes away that we always seem to be late for) </i>when all of a sudden I was greeted with a smile from my daughters favorite nursery volunteer, David. (<i>we tend to call him "favorite david")</i><br />
<br />
David proceeds to say, "Hey I read about you in the Phoenix Magazine."<br />
<i></i><br />
<i>Looking around - <b>"Who me?"</b></i><br />
<br />
"Ya, in the Phoenix Best Of - you were named <b>Best Author</b> - Congratulations."<br />
<br />
<i>"WHAT???!!! Me?? HOLY SMOKES!! Really?? Are you sure?"</i><br />
<br />
"Ya, you're Lora Roberts right? Just Kidding - no no, I know who you are, ya, you won best author. I saw it in the magazine"<br />
<br />
Rushing off to the Lobby - Quickly calling my mom, "MOM! This guy at church just said he saw me in the Phoenix Magazine - QUICK - GO GET ONE!<br />
<br />
Low and behold - Jaclyn Douma has won the 2012 Reader's Choice Award for Best Author in the Phoenix Magazine!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZWdtIhL1z1j1ZAH9coP4Tvwmx58MgTJ6YqZVMXfVCidi3eIET-fBu_G2lfOYlVEPyrrkxK401pO38_wW_ViceR5rpNKeiR7uuw1ipfs4y9VWWyNs4walHjuGR-_SWErPqK4aeh8VmZM/s1600/PHM1112_Cover0_ct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZWdtIhL1z1j1ZAH9coP4Tvwmx58MgTJ6YqZVMXfVCidi3eIET-fBu_G2lfOYlVEPyrrkxK401pO38_wW_ViceR5rpNKeiR7uuw1ipfs4y9VWWyNs4walHjuGR-_SWErPqK4aeh8VmZM/s320/PHM1112_Cover0_ct.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the direct link: <a href="http://www.phoenixmag.com/best-of-the-valley/media/reader">http://www.phoenixmag.com/best-of-the-valley/media/reader</a><br />
<br />
But quick - go grab yourself a copy - I'm on page 125!<br />
<br />
Tell your friends too - you know cuz you know the "Best Author" and all.<br />
<br />
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VOTED!! <br />
<br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear </a><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.a-sugarnspice-life.com/">http://www.a-sugarnspice-life.com/</a><br />
Sugar Loco:<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/?s=jaclyn+douma" target="_blank"> http://www.sugarloco.com/?s=jaclyn+douma</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-77245234817927688912012-10-09T21:17:00.000-07:002012-10-09T21:17:49.677-07:00My daughter was born a baker...or maybe just a sugar-holicMy daughter is by far my most favorite little girl in the world! She has brought me ridiculous amounts of joy and laughter while challenging me every day to be a better person and mother. <i>(i.e. driving me bonkers by making obscene request like her water not being cold enough or not giving her enough room on the couch....oh the joys...learning to be patient is an every day lesson....I'm learning...)</i><br />
<br />
Well, lately I've been noticing more and more that this child is destined to be a baker! (<i>That or have a personal baker that comes in every day and prepares anything her heart desires........kinda like a "mom")</i><br />
<br />
Whenever I bake I have always included her in every part of the process....even since she has just an infant...<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/ali1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
....and I LOVE IT! She loves stirring the batter, rolling out the dough and on numerous occasions has come flying into the kitchen the moment she hears the electric mixer shut off!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/good-moms-let-you-lick-the-beaters.jpg" /><br />
<br />
(only joking......)<br />
<br />
Well the inspiration of this blog was from a few little conversations I've had with little Miss Aliyah lately.<br />
<br />
<b>Conversation on Sunday:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Ali: Mama, I'm getting Hungry</i><br />
<i>Me: I brought you a banana...</i><br />
<i>Ali: I think I need some chocolate.... </i><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/ali2.jpg" width="400" />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/ali4.jpg" width="400" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conversation Today:</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Ali: Mama I'm getting hungry</i><br />
<i>Me: Well that's good, I'll make you lunch...</i><br />
<i>Ali (said in a very toddler type way): I DON'T WANT LUNCH - I want butter!</i><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/ali3.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Between the Chocolate and the Butter you can see where one would reasonably assume that this child is destined to be a baker! <br />
<br />
I love you <i>sweet </i>Aliyah Joy!<br />
<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-10880266884975400042012-10-04T11:30:00.000-07:002012-10-04T11:30:00.321-07:00Throw-back Thursday: Three Little Pumpkins<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/41093_463791145700_7700694_n_zpsd36e8c0b.jpg" width="320" />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://passion2crave.blogspot.com/2011/10/woo-hoo-wednesday-three-little-pumpkins.html" target="_blank"><b>First Published: Wednesday, October 5, 2011</b></a><br />
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Woo-Hoo Wednesday: Three Little Pumpkins...
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07429-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
In light of the beautiful month of October, I would like to dedicate this months posts to all highlight a little bit of fall. <i>You
may be asking yourself, "but why was yesterday's post about measuring
flour?" And I have the answer -- because I didn't realize it was October
already! Remember the sleep deprivation? </i> So from here on out we'll be focusing on OCTOBER!! <br />
<br />
I absolutely love the month of October. First off, it hosts one of my
very favorite holidays, Halloween. But mostly because I get to start
transforming the house to feel like fall. I say <i>feel </i>because
really, here in Arizona we don't necessarily get the changing of the
seasons....we get BLAZING HOT YOU THINK YOUR SKIN IS GOING TO MELT
OFF....and then we get the most beautiful weather you can imagine. Which
this morning, as I type today's post, I am enjoying the "beautiful"
part. Our french doors are open, windows all cracked, letting in the
cool breeze of <i>fall</i>.<br />
<br />
I wanted to take a minute to talk about Three Little Pumpkins. Our home
is actually covered in decorations from floor to ceiling, that i have
been collecting since I was little. (<i>I seriously had a shed that I
purchased when I was about 16 to store all of my *future* home
decorations...I know my dad LOVED that one). </i>Anyways, since I do my
best to focus on cost effectiveness; shopping the discount stores,
decorating with family heirlooms and always walking to the sale section,
I wanted to show you 10 different ways you could arrange a centerpiece
using just Three Little Pumpkins and some common pieces you may have
around your home. As you will see, I used the same three pumpkins, the
same strip of material, and same table for each of the pictures. What's
so great about these ideas is realistically, you could change up your
decorations all throughout the month (and even into the month of
November) for no extra spending. Change it up and your friends will
notice it each time they come to your home or even just rearrange for
yourself. It's so fun and will keep you smiling all day long with just a
few bucks from the grocery store.<br />
<br />
#1<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07430-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
Using a green goblet that I have in my cupboard, I flipped it over and
placed one pumpkin on the base of the cup. Then positioned the other two
against the cup.<br />
<br />
#2<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="331" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07434-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Using one of my very favorite glass bowls, I displayed the pumpkins
bunched together. If you wanted to spend a few extra bucks, pick up some
flowers and position them throughout the display. (That or "shop" your
home, I'm sure you have some extra foliage that will make it look like
you brought the outside, in)<br />
<br />
#3<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07437-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
If you take two glass bowls you can arrange your pumpkins in a number of ways, just have fun with it!<br />
<br />
#4<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07438-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
I absolutely love candles, especially right now with the glow of all of
my autumn decor. Place a few votive candles along with your pumpkins to
make a long centerpiece down a table, over a mantle or in your entry
way.<br />
<br />
#5<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07440-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
By taking a few votive holders I was able to make a three piece
centerpiece that I have fallen in love with! These cracked glass votives
are at the top of my favorites list and can be found at pretty much any
local craft store.<br />
<br />
#6<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07441-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
Pedestals are also some of the favorite pieces that I own. I then paired
it with a rice filled vase and voila! Beautiful centerpiece once
again.<br />
<br />
#7<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07445-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
I'm sure you've all seen hurricanes filled with pumpkins, squash or any
other holiday decor. I think this would be so cute paired with little
white pumpkins as well.<i> But remember, we're sticking with the Three Little Pumpkins!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<br />
#8<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07447-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
Decorating with dried beans, noodles and rice have become a new
obsession of mine and I think they compliment the fall decor so nicely.
Search your pantry for your favorite noodles and some rice and you'll be
adding those little accents that everyone will be talking about.<br />
<br />
#9<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07453-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
If you have a small easel, decorating with plates is a great way to spruce up your kitchen table.<br />
<br />
#10<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC07454-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
And last but not least: Decorating with OATMEAL! I love love love it!
I'm thinking these might make it to the Thanksgiving table next month! <br />
<br />
I hope I was able to give you a little inspiration for fall. Remember,
it's ok to take some decorations down (pictures, figurines, etc) and put
them in your closet for a few months. De-clutter and then Redecorate!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-53297996361256684102012-10-03T11:30:00.000-07:002012-10-03T11:30:01.739-07:00Chocolate Raspberry TrufflesHave y'all had or made the famous Oreo Truffles? So simple right?<br />
<br />
Well, for those of you who haven't, here's the recipe, right on the Kraft website: Click <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />
Oreo, Cream Cheese, Chocolate Chips - <i>Vwa-La</i> - Oreo Truffle!<br />
No baking, no cooling, just refrigerate and Enjoy! <br />
<br />
Now, what if I told you they get better? And after I tell you how to make them better, I'll tell you they get ....E-V-E-N......B-E-T-T-E-R! Yep, true story.<br />
<br />
Here's the better:<br />
<br />
Did you know there are mint and peanut butter flavored Oreos?? Did you realize that if you substitute the regular Oreos in the recipe then you've got two new flavors?<br />
<br />
Better right?<br />
<br />
Ok, It get's better part:<br />
<br />
THEY MAKE BERRY FLAVORED OREO'S AND YOU CAN TOTALLY PUT RASPBERRIES ON TOP AND THEY ARE SO <b>SUPER DUPER STINKIN CUTE</b> AND <b>RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS</b><br />
<br />
There I said it. I said I'd show you something better - and I did! Wam-Bam-Thank You- Ma'am<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/IMG_4461%201_zpseb439c51.jpg" width="266" /><br />
<br />
Seek out the pink package. Follow the recipe for Oreo Truffles (found pretty much all over the internet). Then top with half a raspberry and Enjoy! Seriously, so delicious<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/PicMonkey%20Collage_zps6f6c3d45.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
** Note: For dipping chocolate I usually use chocolate chips with a little oil or use melting chocolates**<br />
<br />
**Also, if you refrigerate the Oreo's and cream cheese mixture before dipping in chocolate they form into balls better when dipping in warmed chocolate** Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-24364481149756002382012-10-02T10:00:00.000-07:002012-10-02T10:00:03.245-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Skillet Stew {By Karen}<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="40" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/heyjaclyn.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
Guess what I cooked up tonight? It's a special "<b>Karen Creation</b>" & I call it Skillet Stew! It is the hubs FAVORITE meal. I can't remember exactly how I came up with it, but I've been making it since shortly after we got married. I know it started with a recipe for some kind of stew & I didn't have everything it needed so I improvised. Improvised meals are sometimes the <i>BEST</i>, don't you think?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/0619121905-1_zpsbb3aacb3.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
The cool thing about this recipe is that it only takes 45 minutes or so & the most effort you put into it is to chop up some potatoes! It is such a hearty, relatively healthy & easy meal, but it will make the biggest meat lover HAPPY!<br />
<br />
So here it is...<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/0619121845-1_zps151144a9.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
<u><b>Karen's Skillet Stew</b></u><br />
<br />
1lb ground beef<br />
2 potatoes, <i>peeled & cut into chunks</i><br />
1 1/4 cups Beef Broth<br />
Frozen mixed veggies, <i>no exact quantity, whatever your family likes and will eat </i><br />
1 can creamed corn<br />
<br />
Brown the ground beef, season with salt & pepper, garlic & cumin. Add potatoes & beef broth to skillet. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. Add frozen veggies and creamed corn. Heat on med-high until completely hot (<i>to cook the veggies, since they're frozen & all, hah!</i>)<br />
<br />
That's it! My hubby loves this stew with corn bread or a nice French bread slice - so easy & delicious. Hearty, warm & cozy.<br />
<br />
Have fun with it & I hope your reader's enjoy it too!<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.passion2crave.blogspot.com/2012/05/honey-crusts-newest-addition.html" target="_blank"><i>All About Karen </i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-27781513542932866822012-09-27T11:00:00.000-07:002012-09-27T11:00:04.466-07:00Throw-Back Thursday: I just couldn't help myself<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/41093_463791145700_7700694_n_zpsd36e8c0b.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://passion2crave.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-just-couldnt-help-myself.html" target="_blank"><b> First Published:Saturday, August 13th, 2011</b></a><br />
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
I just couldn't help myself
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
I just couldn't help myself....but I baked a few more shortcakes this
morning!!! So delicious. My excuse was that we were out of milk (1%) and
THAT'S WHY I had to make something else for breakfast, rather than
sipping down the usual Carnation Instant Breakfast.....But really I was
craving the deliciousness of fruit accompanied by sweet biscuits and
fluffy whipped cream.<br />
<br />
We didn't have any strawberries this morning, so I opened up some
peaches and vwa-la!
Breakfast.....................................................and
afternoon snack...............and possibly even before bed.<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/DSC06389-1.jpg" width="299" /><br />
<br />
I think next time I want to heat up some berries to put over top;
blueberries, raspberries, boysenberries....I think I'm salivating as I
type..my goodness<br />
<br />
<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-38965564071817809742012-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:002012-09-26T10:00:00.386-07:00Love Me Some ChipsI absolutely <span style="font-size: x-small;">love</span> love <b>LOVE </b>homemade tortilla chips. Especially <i>flour </i>tortilla chips. Seriously, you know how you can just sit there and munch munch munch on a bag of chips? Can you imagine how it is with homemade ones? WOWZA!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/3_zps4996a2f3.jpg" width="266" /><br />
<br />
They really are simple to make. <i>Scouts Honor</i>. Here's How Simple:<br />
<br />
Decide whether you'll be having flour or corn chips, or both like we do! Before slicing your tortillas go ahead and heat up some vegetable or canola oil in a pot. <i>(Size pending how many chips you will be making).</i> Vegetable oil will give you more crispness, canola oil will be slightly healthier and still give a great taste. (<i>We usually use canola oil.)</i> Fill pot about a 1/3 to 1/2 the way full. You want to make sure tortillas have enough room to "float" and crisp up, without touch bottom of pot.<br />
<br />
While oil is heating, cut tortillas with large knife into "chip size." They can be triangles, rectangles, whatever fits your fancy.<br />
<br />
<i>OOOO...totally just had a great idea....if making for a fun occasion using a cookie cutter, like a star or heart....ooooo I so wanna do this!!! </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/1_zps08d7ffd9.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Once tortillas are cut, sample oil to see if it is hot enough. Take one cut tortilla and dip into oil just slightly. If it starts to bubble than you're good-to-go.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/2_zps1f8828c6.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Toss in about 6-10 sliced tortillas (depending on size of pot). Using a large metal spatula with holes, I use my "Skimmer" you can flip the tortillas as they become crisp. Chips take about 60-80 seconds to crisp.<br />
<br />
Remove from oil and place on a plate with paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and try to resist until they cool!<br />
<br />
Serve with your fav salsa....Mmm....Mmm...Mmm!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-89814636450178025032012-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:002012-09-25T10:00:06.629-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Old Fashioned Pancakes {By Karen}<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="40" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/heyjaclyn.jpg" width="200" />
<br />
<br />
Guess what my <b>HUBBY </b>cooked up this morning? Pancakes...from <i>SCRATCH!</i> He really is the best husband in the entire world (<i>in my opinion anyways)</i> & let me sleep in this morning. I was woken up to a kiss & a "<i>Honey, I made pancakes.</i>"<br />
<br />
This made me wonder because I knew we were out of <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/bisquick/default" target="_blank">Bisquick</a>...<i>Hah!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i>
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/0621120801a-1.jpg" width="254" /><br />
<br />
When I finally hauled myself from the bed I was really curious just how he'd made pancakes. This awesome husband of mine GOOGLE'D "<i><b>pancakes</b></i>" (duh?? LOL) & found this recipe for<br />
<br />
<b>"Good Old Fashioned Pancakes" on allrecipes.com</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="162" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/0621120801-1.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Now, the hubs is a little different from me when it comes to trying a new recipe for the first time. When <i><b>I </b></i>try a new recipe, I like to follow the recipe to the letter and if I like it, I'll change it up a bit, <i>personalize it if you will</i>, the next time around. Not my husband. No, he gets a recipe & is like "I want to do things MY WAY!" right from the get-go. Drives me insane! But, this time, his little changes worked so well - these pancakes were perfect!<br />
<br />
Here's the link to the recipe...<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Good-Old-Fashioned-Pancakes/Detail.aspx?prop24=etaf">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Good-Old-Fashioned-Pancakes/Detail.aspx?prop24=etaf</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="44" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/karens%20tiphubby_zps89cfa383.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Hubby added:<br />
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-an extra egg<br />
-an extra half tablespoon of sugar<br />
-a splash of vanilla<br />
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Am I the luckiest lady ever?? Not only is my husband thoughtful & caring but he's also a great cook! (<i>like me! HA!)....</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.passion2crave.blogspot.com/2012/05/honey-crusts-newest-addition.html" target="_blank"><i>All About Karen</i></a> </i><br />
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<i> </i> Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-39485281279601864872012-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:00:01.816-07:00Throw-Back Thursday: Chicken Cacci-what?<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/41093_463791145700_7700694_n_zpsd36e8c0b.jpg" width="320" />
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<b><a href="http://passion2crave.blogspot.com/2011/09/weekend-wrap-chicken-cacci-what.html" target="_blank">First Published: Saturday, September 24, 2011</a></b><br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Weekend Wrap: Chicken Cacci-what?
</h3>
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Chicken Cacciatore --- what is it?<br />
<br />
For some reason, I was caught up on the fact that Chicken Cacciatore was
a dish made with a red sauce, but then mixed with green olives and some
sort of peppers, along with chicken. Do not ask me where I dreamed that
up from. So any time I ever saw the name of this recipe I always
flipped on to the next page in the cookbook, as I knew my husband would<i><s> freak out</s></i> not care for this if it was served for dinner.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I'm not sure how it was brought up in topic, but I
remember my mom saying, "Why not make Chicken Cacciatore?" I looked at
her in disbelief that she thought I would make that for the family. She
then proceeded to say that she use to make it all the time and that my
brother loves it.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No recollection here?<br />
</i><br />
I tried explaining this dish that I had apparently dreamed up and she
said all she would do is throw spaghetti sauce and chicken in a crock
pot and it made an amazing dinner.<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to my first question: What is Chicken Cacciatore?<br />
<br />
According to Wikipedia, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacciatore">Cacciatore</a>
means "hunter" in Italian. When referring it to a cooking style it
means that you cook it "hunting style"; with tomatoes, onions, bell
peppers, herbs and mushrooms. (<i>Apparently I wasn't so off base with my dreamed up Chicken Cacciatore now was I?</i>)<br />
<br />
I then skimmed through a Google search of Chicken Cacciatore and not one
recipe was alike. All made with different ingredients, looking amazing
in their own unique ways. (<i>I love recipes! They are so based on ones interpretation of a meal</i>).<br />
<br />
Well, I went ahead and made OUR VERSION of Chicken Cacciatore and let me
tell you, WE ARE HOOKED! I am so in love with this meal.<br />
<br />
And guess what? I'm even sharing my recipe! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Can you believe that?</i><br />
<br />
Little insider tip to our new guilty pleasure. My husband and I took the
chicken cooked in tomato sauce, scooped it on to pieces of crispy
garlic bread, topped it with mozzarella cheese, and sunk our teeth into
the savory flavors of each amazing bite. You seriously need to try this!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="307" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/ckcac.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Chicken Cacciatore:<br />
<br />
3 cans tomato sauce (15 oz. cans)<br />
2 cans tomato paste (6 oz. cans)<br />
1 Tablespoon Garlic<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons Seasoning Salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon Oregano<br />
1/4 teaspoon Cumin<br />
2 teaspoons Roasted Garlic<br />
3-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients, excluding chicken, in a medium sized Crock Pot.
Once well blended, add Chicken. Cook on high for about 4 hours or until
chicken can easily pull apart.<br />
<br />
Serve over Rigatoni or Spaghetti Noodles. Or like mentioned previously,
try the amazing version of Chicken Cacciatore Cheese Bread! YUMJackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-45178538072051248332012-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:002012-09-19T11:00:01.217-07:00St. Louis Butter CakeA few weeks ago a girlfriend of mine and I were chatting about an upcoming dinner we were planning. Her husband loves loves loves chili & corn bread, and then to come to find out this "non-dessert-craving-man" ("<i>is there really such a thing</i>" you may be asking yourself - yes, yes...there is such a thing of a man.....or dare I say woman....not being a sweet fanatic like myself), well, come to find out he actually really really enjoys Red Velvet Cake. <i>which happens to be one of my favorites too!</i><br />
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So here we were, planning a fabulous meal for her hubby, and mine as well, since he's a big fan of my chili recipe too and then all of a sudden we go off on a tangent about another dessert.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>(Like how I say, "all of a sudden", like ME trailing off onto another subject is uncommon...hah!)</i><br />
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We get on the topic of Butter Cake! Now I have never experienced butter cake, only once had I even heard of it and that was on....oh whats the show called....<i>come on you "so called" sweet lover....</i> oh yes, <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/unique-sweets/index.html" target="_blank">Cooking Channels Unique Sweets</a>.<br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i> </i>She goes on to tell me that one of our local restaurants has this "Butter Cake" that she is absolutely in love with.....craving, dreaming, gotta-have-it type of dessert....She even said she tries her best to offer some <i><strike>OBVIOUS</strike></i> hints to her hubs to pick a slice up for her on his way home from work....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">her "hints" rarely work though....)</span></i><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/IMG_5630_zps1bcae0fc.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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So in the midst of planning our husbands "dream dinner" I decided I would surprise my dear friend with her very own WHOLE butter cake....way more than anyone would ever need to oneself, but all the while fulfilling all fantasy's of this dreamy delight!<br />
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Never eating or making a butter cake before I searched the web for the best foodie blogs around and came across <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a>. I instantly fell in love with her tone of voice in her posts and her photography made my heart smile :-)<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/PicMonkey%20Collage_zpsd02b21f4.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Her recipe for <b>St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake</b> seemed sure to satisfy and oh boy did it! My girlfriend was shocked as I brought over an entire tray, but welcomed it with open arms and fork in hand! I loved that while she was saying, "Seriously, you didn't have to bring this over" .....she grabs a plate for herself...hah! <i>Love Her! </i><br />
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I encourage you to take an afternoon, scroll through <b>Smitten Kitchen</b>'s pics and whip up her recipe for Butter Cake. Her recipe can be found <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/03/st-louis-gooey-butter-cake/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
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Enjoy!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-21569162431051854312012-09-18T13:48:00.000-07:002012-09-18T13:48:32.859-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Chocolate Banana Pudding {By Karen}<br />
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Guess what I made up tonight? It's a chocolate banana pudding! Umm...can you say indulgent? It is loosely based on Paula Deen's recipe for "<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/not-yo-mamas-banana-pudding-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">not yo' mama's banana pudding</a>"<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/0629121744-1.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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I say <i>loosely</i> based because I used store brand vanilla wafers, chocolate pudding & I ended up not having enough whipped cream, hah! My girlfriend brought over dessert last week and it was her version of Paula Deen's banana pudding...with coconut & pineapple for a tropical flavor. Coconut & pineapple are not really my favorite things so I went back to the original recipe & put my own spin on it. It is deeeee-licious lady!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="44" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/karen/karenstip.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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So the link for the original banana recipe is above. Here are my changes...<br />
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-Vanilla wafer cookies to line the bottom of the dish<br />
-Chocolate pudding mix (15 oz package)<br />
-8 oz container of Cool Whip (instead of the 12 it calls for)<br />
-Chocolate syrup drizzled over the top <br />
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ENJOY!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.passion2crave.blogspot.com/2012/05/honey-crusts-newest-addition.html" target="_blank"><i> All About Karen</i></a><br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-16574306314117732112012-08-13T09:54:00.000-07:002012-08-13T09:54:00.184-07:00Sugar Loco Alert!<div style="text-align: center;">
Attention! Attention!</div>
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Plenty of new DESSERT REVIEWS for you to take a look at on <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sugar Loco</b></a>!</div>
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Y'all know my passion for sweets and how awesome is it that I get to taste, sample and devour them as part of my career - <i>pretty "sweet" right? </i></div>
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Stroll on over to <b>Sugar Loco</b> to check out some of my recent reviews like these:</div>
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Sweet Spot:<b> True Food Kitchen </b></div>
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Dessert: Lemon Tart </div>
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Link:<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/08/true-sweet-lovin-food-at-true-food-kitchen-phoenix/"> http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/08/true-sweet-lovin-food-at-true-food-kitchen-phoenix/</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/LemonTart.jpg" width="266" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Perk Eatery </b></div>
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Dessert: Honey Spiced Cake </div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/local-delights-at-perk-eatery-phoenix/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/local-delights-at-perk-eatery-phoenix/</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/spicedhoneycake.jpg" width="266" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Tommy Bahama's </b></div>
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Dessert: Key Lime Pie </div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/04/vacation-is-just-one-dessert-away-phoenix/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/04/vacation-is-just-one-dessert-away-phoenix/</a> </div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/keylimepie-SL.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Royal Street Cafe</b> </div>
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Dessert: Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream</div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/1-ski-resort-offers-sweet-treats-at-royal-street-cafe-park-city/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/1-ski-resort-offers-sweet-treats-at-royal-street-cafe-park-city/</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="256" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/IMG_5301sl.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Postino's </b></div>
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Dessert: Salted Pretzel Sundae</div>
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Link: {soon to be posted}</div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Churn</b> </div>
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Dessert: Homemade Ice Cream (and ice cream sandwiches)</div>
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Link: {soon to be posted}</div>
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Sweet Spot:<b> Honeymoon Sweets </b></div>
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Dessert: Peach Cobbler </div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/06/endless-possibilities-to-fall-in-love-with-honeymoon-sweets-phoenix/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/06/endless-possibilities-to-fall-in-love-with-honeymoon-sweets-phoenix/</a> </div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/IMG_3698sl.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>RA </b></div>
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Dessert: Tempura Fried Cinnamon Gelato</div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/tempura-fried-gelato-at-ra-phoenix/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/tempura-fried-gelato-at-ra-phoenix/</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/cinnamontempuragelatosl.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>Ocean Prime</b> </div>
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Dessert: 10 Layer Carrot Cake </div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/06/10-layers-all-to-yourself-at-ocean-prime/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/06/10-layers-all-to-yourself-at-ocean-prime/</a> </div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="398" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/carrotcake.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sweet Spot: <b>North Fattoria Italiana</b></div>
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Dessert: Affogato</div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/a-little-pick-me-up-at-north-phoenix/">http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/07/a-little-pick-me-up-at-north-phoenix/</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/event%20blog%20photos/Affogato.jpg" width="266" /> </div>
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Like what you see?
Follow SUGAR LOCO and ME too :-) </div>
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Sugar Loco Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SugarLoco">https://www.facebook.com/SugarLoco</a> </div>
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Our First Year Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear">https://www.facebook.com/ourfirstyear</a>
</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-18772678842350507802012-08-09T11:00:00.000-07:002012-08-09T11:00:01.631-07:00Hey Duff - Nice to meet you.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/duff-goldman/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Duff Goldman</b>,</a> <i>you know</i>, <a href="http://www.charmcitycakes.com/" target="_blank">Ace of Cakes</a> star. Renowned Chef. Ridiculously Awesome Cake Creator & Baker. Die Hard {<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jersey Wearing</span>} <a href="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/" target="_blank">Baltimore Raven</a>'s Fan. <i>Ya - That Guy.</i></div>
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<i>Ya, I met him</i>!</div>
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I had the true privilege of being able to spend the afternoon with Duff Goldman at his newest location called, <a href="http://www.duffscakemix.com/" target="_blank">Duff's Cake Mix</a> in West Hollywood, California through an interview opportunity with <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sugar Loco</b></a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The completely amazing company I write for!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being at <b>Duff's Cake Mix</b> was such a fun experience and joy to see all of the families there having a unique fun-filled afternoon decorating a cake of their very own!</span> </span></div>
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Let me give you a little insight though as to how the beginning of my morning went, prior to arriving in Los Angeles.</div>
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My flight was scheduled to depart from Phoenix at 7:45 am and to arrive in
Burbank, CA at 9:00 am. My completely amazing hubby drops me and my son, Hank off at the airport at 6:40
and away we go through security and on to our gate. We board the plane on time, as usual, and then the fun begins.</div>
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We sit on our plane for about 20
mins when the flight attendant takes a moment to inform us that they are having computer
issues. Hank was doing extremely well, but was definitely getting a little
antsy, which is all anticipated by a 14 month old. I was only a wee bit freaked out since I really only alotted so many yummy treats for my boy and if you have toddlers you know their attention span only last a wee little bit.</div>
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About 15 more minutes pass, when I then see the actual pilot get up in the aisle and announce that
we will be "de-boarding" the plane and will need to wait in the ticketing
area until further things get resolved, <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which yes, I'm happy we exited
because I'd rather be safe than sorry -<i> BUT HELLO</i>!! I have a one year
old and a meeting in LA AT 11:00 AM!!!)</span> So we exit the plane, but I inform
the flight attendant that I need my stroller because I have a carseat,
diaper bag, <strike>crazy-wiggle worm</strike> amazing kid, camera and purse to carry, which I'll be unable to do all on my own. After exiting the plane and chasing Hank around the waiting area, the
ticket counter informs us that our new departure time is 9:00 am <span style="font-size: x-small;">(meaning
we land at 10:30 ish....eek)</span></div>
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Time passes and kids get antsy, but after switching planes and switching gates we finally were off and arrived in Burbank at 11:15 <i>(meeting was at 11 - AHH)</i></div>
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Now, if you've never been to Los Angeles, or any large city for that matter, you may not truly understand the impact TRAFFIC has on a schedule. My meeting was literally only about 10 miles from the airport but traveling through Hollywood, during the summer, now during a lunch hour, took roughly 45 minutes, Eek!</div>
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My mother-in-law was amazing and we did our best to arrive quickly {and in one piece} while she officially got her *first* tour of downtown life! Seeing the stars, the crazy people in costumes and some offly informative billboards, we officially arrived at Duff's
Cake Mix just before Noon.</div>
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<i>Quite the morning right? </i></div>
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My experience with Duff was nothing short of memorable and I am so extremely grateful for the opportunity. Below I've included some pics from our day, but to read more about my day at <b>Duff's Cake Mix</b>, please head on over to <b>Sugar Loco</b> to check out the review: <a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/?p=9031" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/08/sugar-loco-gets-creative-with-duff-goldman-duffs-cake-mix/"><i>http://www.sugarloco.com/2012/08/sugar-loco-gets-creative-with-duff-goldman-duffs-cake-mix/</i></a></div>
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Usually when you think cheese ball, you probably think savory cream cheese that you would be enjoying with some sort of cracker....but imagine if you will, a ball of sweet goodness that you dip with COOKIES!! Yes! Cookies!<br />
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Sounds heavenly right?<br />
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I came across this recipe by <a href="http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/2012/02/red-velvet-cheese-ball/" target="_blank"><b>Taste and Tell</b></a> via <a href="https://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and fell in love. The one thing I did do differently as far as the recipe goes, is I used regular sized chocolate chips and chopped them a bit. And then I also mixed some white chocolate chips into the cheese ball for some added sweetness and flavor. <i>Y'all know about my sweet tooth!</i><br />
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So hop on over to the "<b>Taste and Tell</b>" Blog and check out her recipe. Be sure to stay awhile too, they've got some great stuff. <br />
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<a href="http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/2012/02/red-velvet-cheese-ball/" target="_blank"><b>RED VELVET CHEESE BALL VIA "TASTE AND TELL" - CLICK HERE</b></a><br />
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ENJOY :-)Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-75228199067288112352012-07-31T17:10:00.000-07:002012-07-31T17:10:50.236-07:003rd Annual Tea Party<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="206" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/IMG_44241.jpg" width="400" />
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This year we celebrated my daughter's 3rd Annual <span style="font-size: x-small;">(1/2 Birthday)</span> Tea Party and I must admit that I am getting more and more excited each year to celebrate it with her. Even before I had my beautiful baby girl I knew that I wanted to plan an annual tea party for her since her birthday falls so close to Christmas <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dec. 23rd to be exact)</span>, so when the doctor said, "It's a Girl" the party planning began!<br />
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This year we celebrated at our home and the theme was Windmills & Butterflies. For an activity, we all decorated wooden butterflies with paint pens and they are now framed and hung in Aliyahs room. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIME FOR TEA </b></span><br />
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<b>Our tea party menu included:</b><br />
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Egg Salad Sandwiches on Croissants<br />
Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad<br />
Grapes<br />
Raspberry Oreo Truffles<br />
Lemon Mini's<br />
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<b>and for dessert</b>: Strawberry Shortcake<br />
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For decorations I made several paper windmills out of girly spring paper I found in a booklet at Hobby Lobby. For my windmill tutorial please click <a href="http://passion2crave.blogspot.com/search/label/Wooden%20Dowel" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
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I'm also BIG TIME into wreaths right now, so I featured two for Aliyah's Party. One I simply used a wire wreath that you can get at any local craft store and then stuffed napkins into it creating a beautiful full and colorful decoration for our tea area. And the other I used a wooden wreath that I added the invitation for her party and a windmill. Came out so cute! (In fact I still have the napkin wreath hanging in the kids play room) <br />
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As always, we had such a wonderful time, celebrating with 4 generations over good food, yummy dessert and of course delicious tea!<br />
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Can't wait for next year's festivities.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/teaparty7.jpg" width="400" />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-77125501996842091342012-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:002012-06-19T10:24:00.806-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Baking in High Altitudes<br />
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Guess what I cooked up yesterday?!?! Actually, I baked
it. <i>Them</i>. <strike>Whatever!!</strike> I baked chocolate chip cookies with the twins… I
know, I know, it doesn’t sound like that big of a deal. But it kind of
is considering I live in the desert, at a pretty gosh darn high altitude
<i>(almost 6000 feet above sea level)</i>! It took me MONTHS to figure out how
to adjust my cooking & baking when we moved here – I had no idea
that living at a high altitude would make such a difference to so many
things – even boiling water takes longer!<br />
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Well, I digress, dear cousin.
=) As a mom, chocolate chip cookies are a staple in my baking
repertoire but when we moved to this teeny little mining town in New
Mexico, I really had a hard time making this one work. I finally found
the perfect recipe a couple months ago…. Truly, it’s just the recipe off
the back of the <a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Nestle Toll House </a>bag of chocolate chips, following the
high altitude adjustments. They turn out perfectly every time! I am
hoping that your readers that live in remote high altitude areas, like
mine, might find this helpful….<br />
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I also found this article handy; it talks about measurement adjustments for high altitudes in general. =)<br />
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<b>Baking In High Altitudes: </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?id=18476" target="_blank">http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?id=18476</a><br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/howto/high-altitude-cake-baking/" target="_blank">http://allrecipes.com/howto/high-altitude-cake-baking/</a><br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-31214400665410721402012-06-16T08:35:00.000-07:002012-06-16T08:35:24.239-07:00Book Signing: Zoyo Yogurt<div style="text-align: center;">
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Craving some yogurt? Looking for the best gift in the world?! Stop on by Zoyo Yogurt this afternoon for my <a href="http://www.a-sugarnspice-life.com/" target="_blank">book signing</a> from 1:00 - 3:00 pm</div>
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I'd love to see you!! And Bring your friends by too! Zoyo is located off Chandler and the 10 fwy. Even if you've got my book already I'd love to share a yogurt with you --- <i>maybe you'll remember you </i></div>
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<i>need a gift for a friend! </i></div>
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See you this afternoon. <i> </i></div>
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<br /></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-77282715386642263512012-06-15T10:03:00.000-07:002012-06-15T10:03:00.404-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Chicken and Ratatouille<br />
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Guess what I cooked up the other night?? Chicken & ratatouille pasta! <b><i>Can you say
delicious?!?! </i></b></div>
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The twins have been obsessed with the movie “<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/" target="_blank"><b>Ratatouille</b></a>” lately
so of course we had to try & make it. I looked up ratatouille on
<a href="http://foodnetwork.com/">foodnetwork.com</a> & found this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/round-2-recipe-chicken-and-ratatouille-pasta-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">“Round 2 Recipe – Chicken & Ratatouille Pasta”. </a></div>
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Even though it’s not “traditional” ratatouille, I thought
that Gary & the kids would like it better because of the pasta &
chicken. Since this is a "Round 2 Recipe", there is another recipe within this
one, for a grilled vegetable Panini… then the ratatouille pasta is made from
the leftover vegetables. I didn’t do this because it wasn’t a "Round 2 Recipe" for me. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>{</i></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Jackies note: Great idea by Food Network by the way - adding in additional recipes that you can make with leftover ingredients or meals - good one FN!}</span> </i></div>
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I bought a fresh eggplant, a bag of frozen zucchini & yellow squash
(<i>I couldn’t find fresh yellow squash anywhere for some reason!!)</i>, canned
tomatoes & chopped up a fresh onion. The basil was from the produce
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<i>That’s a lot of <strike>garbleygook</strike> I mean, information up there isn’t it?? </i>This recipe
was very simple; Vicki helped with most of it… everything except the chopping
really. It was simple, healthy &
delicious. It dawned on me when I was chopping up the eggplant that I had never
had it before…. & I loved it! It was sweet! {<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I didn’t know eggplant was
sweet. LOL</span>}</div>
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For the Chicken & Ratatouille Recipe from Food Network Click <b><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/round-2-recipe-chicken-and-ratatouille-pasta-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>,</b> then follow Karen's suggestions. </div>
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This recipe was great with chicken but would
also be yummy with crumbled Italian sausage or smoke sausage!</div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-22200621801501562542012-06-12T11:52:00.001-07:002012-06-12T11:52:16.094-07:00Sonoran Living Live 6/12/12Once again, this morning I had the wonderful opportunity to be on Live TV. It was such an honor to get a call from one of their booking agents to have us (<a href="http://www.sugarloco.com/category/desserts-by-city/phoenix/" target="_blank"><b>SUGAR LOCO</b></a>) featured on their show! (<i>Thanks Susie</i>).<br />
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Today's line up on <a href="http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/sonoran_living/Check-out-these-handmade-local-dessert-favorites" target="_blank">Sonoran Living</a> included desserts from :<br />
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<b>Sugar Jam Cookies </b><br />
<a href="http://sugarjamcookies.com/" target="_blank">sugarjamcookies.com</a> <br />
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<b>Chaparral Homemade Ice Cream </b><br />
<a href="http://www.chaparral-icecream.com/" target="_blank">www.chaparral-icecream.com</a> <br />
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<b>Smart Cookie </b><br />
<a href="http://www.smartcookieaz.com/" target="_blank">www.smartcookieaz.com</a> <br />
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<b>Honeymoon Sweets </b><br />
<a href="http://honeymoonsweets.com/" target="_blank">honeymoonsweets.com</a> <br />
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<b>21 Cakes </b><a href="http://%20www.21cakes.com/" target="_blank"><b> </b><br />www.21cakes.com</a><br />
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If you didn't get a chance to view it live here is the link to the segment: <a href="http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/sonoran_living/Check-out-these-handmade-local-dessert-favorites">http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/sonoran_living/Check-out-these-handmade-local-dessert-favorites</a><br />
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And of course - lotsa pictures!! <br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/jdouma2011/food%20photos/SonoranLiving.jpg" width="400" />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617212747899146408.post-32214920383565949422012-06-10T15:01:00.001-07:002012-06-10T16:33:47.452-07:00Hey Jaclyn: Vicki's Baked Potato Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Guess what I cooked up tonight?? I haven't decided
exactly what to call them yet but I'm thinking something along the lines
of "Vicki's Baked Potato Bites" or "Vicki's Favorite Popped Potatoes".... Vicki {<span style="color: purple;">Karen's daughter - in case you guys didn't know</span>} loved them & she said that they tasted like a
baked potato that had popped open (<i>she loves baked potatoes</i>). Anyways...
they were so simple but so yummy! I had some red potatoes that I'd
purchased last week & not used for some reason so tonight I chopped
them up into bite sized pieces (<i>with the peels on</i>), tossed them in some
vegetable oil & then seasoned them with salt, pepper, garlic, a
little bit of paprika & a little bit of Montreal steak seasoning. I
sprayed a cookie sheet with a little bit of cooking spray (<i>just to be
safe, cause we all know there's nothing worse than stuck-on potatoes!!!</i>)
& baked them @ 375 for about a half an hour or so, until they were <b style="color: purple;">
fork tender</b>. When I took them out of the oven, I sprinkled just enough
shredded cheese to make any kid happy. Yum-o!<br />
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They were so yummy! Perfect side for our grilled hot dogs tonight. The whole family loved them! Give them a try, I'm sure the family will
love them.... =)Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10147257657575624838noreply@blogger.com0