tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82487994500567071232023-11-16T05:14:46.431-08:00Four EyesFour Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-32081524948847144072015-05-24T15:42:00.000-07:002015-05-24T15:42:45.102-07:00Strawberry SeasonIt's strawberry season! The first of the summer fruits to grace us each year is finally at its sweetest, juiciest, ripest peak. I have been savoring these few precious, fleeting weeks by eating buckets of strawberries from a local strawberry patch and dreaming up countless ways to prepare them. <br />
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The first of my creations was for Mother's Day. I set out to find a recipe for strawberry cake, but I was disappointed to find that most recipes called for strawberry flavoring, strawberry jello or some other variety of fake or frozen strawberries. I decided to make Ina Garten's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/strawberry-country-cake-recipe.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Country Cake</a>, which is basically a strawberry shortcake. It is a dense (but not heavy) sour cream cake with a hint of lemon zest, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It was incredibly easy to make and it tasted.....delicious!! The cake and whipped cream are the perfect accompaniments to fresh strawberries to bring out their flavor and sweetness. It makes a beautiful-looking cake as well. Everyone at our Mother's Day gathering loved it! I have to say, I've never made a recipe from Ina Garten that I didn't like. She is the queen!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit to my Grandmother's iPhone</span></div>
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Next up was a <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/06/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-improved/" target="_blank">strawberry rhubarb pie</a> from Smitten Kitchen. I had never tasted rhubarb before, but I kept hearing how great it paired with strawberries, and how well it balanced their sweetness and softness. After making it and finally getting a taste, I have to agree. The pie turned out just sweet enough, and the crust recipe was maybe the flakiest and tastiest pie crust I have ever made. Like Ina, I've never made anything by Smitten Kitchen that I didn't like!<br />
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Enjoy the strawberries while they last! </div>
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~Ashley</div>
<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-80873974414577008272015-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-14T08:00:07.926-07:006 GRE Study TipsFor those of us hoping to go to grad school, the GRE is a necessary evil. It is like the SAT on speed. I just took it last week. Not that I aced it or anything, but here are some tips that I used (or wish I had used) to help my score:<br />
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<a href="http://web.stanford.edu/group/sps/PhysGRE.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Courtesy</span></a></div>
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<li><b>Begin studying at least a month in advance, preferably 2 months or earlier!</b> (But if you're like me, the longer you have to complete a task the more you procrastinate). Try to set aside an hour a day or every other day to study, and take one or two practice tests a week. That way you will know what you need to study, and you can track your progress by your weekly test performance.</li>
<li><b>Buy a study guide! </b> The major ones are by Princeton Review and Kaplan, but there are many, many more. I used the Kaplan book. Most of the test prep books you find in the book store will be very helpful as long as they include lots of practice questions and practice tests. These books are great because they familiarize you with the types of questions on the test and how it will be scored. I recommend buying a book with an online component because it often includes extra practice tests that are administered the same way as the real GRE.</li>
<li><b>Keep an ongoing vocabulary list.</b> As you study, you will encounter lots of words you don't know. Write these down and define them, and continue studying them as you go. My list was 4 pages long front and back. Maybe I think too highly of myself, but I didn't realize there were this many words floating around the English language I had never heard of before. I don't know where the GRE finds them! These are not your high school SAT words.</li>
<li><b>As for math: practice, practice, practice. </b> The way the GRE asks math questions is not straightforward...they give you an equation of some kind and two quantities (A and B) and then ask you if one quantity is greater than the other, equal to each other, or cannot be determined. Unfortunately, this requires that all solutions must be parsed out before you can make your answer. For a person as slow in math as me, it required tons of practice to get used to this type of question and to re-familiarize myself with long-forgotten rules and principles. The only way to do this is to grab a test prep book and get to work, and then take as many practice tests as you can tolerate.</li>
<li><b>Utilize ETS.org</b>. ETS is the organization that administers the GRE, and they have lots of useful test prep tools on their website. There are free practice tests, essay prompts, and test tips. I recommend checking them out and using all the resources they have to offer!</li>
<li><b>Don't freak out on test day!</b> I know it's hard not to, but the GRE can always be taken again! (Even though it costs you out the wazoo). As my psych professor used to say, your exam performance does not determine your worth as a person!</li>
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Good luck!!!</div>
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~Ashley<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Comic is from the great website <a href="http://phdcomics.com/comics.php" target="_blank">PhD Comics</a></span></div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-60809497329657544412015-05-13T12:29:00.002-07:002015-05-13T12:29:50.546-07:0030 Days of Yoga with AdrieneI have mixed feelings about yoga. For the most part I love it. Every time I've done it in the past I've left the studio feeling more relaxed, more energized, and more positive. A couple times I even felt like I got an intense workout - like I exercised muscles I had never exercised before. On the other hand, if I'm going to allocate time to fitness, I'd often rather cram as much physical exertion into the hour as I can, and yoga sometimes doesn't cut it. Also, I still feel a little hokey when the class chants "om...." in unison. It makes me feel like more of a suburban white girl than just about anything else.<br />
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Despite my hesitations, I still <i>really</i> want to do yoga. It is very alluring for its graceful instructors, its promise of serenity and strength, and its mysterious roots in eastern religion. Not to mention my doctor recommended I do yoga to rehabilitate my back after a nasty injury. So, to ease into it and hopefully learn a thing or two, I decided to try 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. <br />
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I started yesterday with Day 1. Adriene makes things easy enough for beginners. She speaks in a soothing, encouraging tone and has a playful edge. I appreciated her gentle reminders to stay present instead of allowing your mind to race ahead to the next posture. The session is thirty minutes long, and while I thought I would be bored initially, I slid into an almost meditative state in which I felt very calm and time passed quickly. By the end, I felt relaxed and loose and positive.<br />
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Over the next 30 days I will give a weekly update with my observations of any changes or effects I notice from the program.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">~Ashley </span>Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-8499694944033473592015-05-09T21:22:00.000-07:002015-05-11T11:35:21.270-07:00Summer Rolls RestaurantA friend and I were looking for a place to eat some lunch. We weren't sure where to go, and I wasn't feeling anything too heavy or greasy. Fortunately, he had the brilliant idea to suggest some spring rolls! Although he said the place was a little far and a little pricey, the idea sounded perfect so away we went!<br />
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We ordered two things at the restaurant, and the first thing was a dish called banh beo. It consisted of small plates of steamed rice cake, topped with dried chopped shrimp, scallions, and croutons. We poured fish sauce on top, and scooped it out of the dish with a spoon. It was a little bit salty for my taste. We couldn't figure out what it was that was salty, but it was still delicious! The fish sauce added a little bit of sweetness to the savory dish.</div>
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As we were working through the banh beo, our spring rolls arrived! The rice paper came with hot water for soaking, so that it would become pliable for the rolls. The plate of veggies consisted of lettuce, cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, chives, and Asian basil. The meat came grilled and skewered, and everything was ready to be assembled!</div>
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We dipped the rice paper in the water, and assembled a little bit of all the veggies on top and added some meat as well. I remembered a YouTube video I watched on spring rolls (linked <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CaadFo3sw0" target="_blank">here</a>), where the girl instructs the viewers to roll "gently but tightly, the way you hug your sweetheart." Unfortunately I don't have any photos of the finished rolls because this was a hands on process, but the spring rolls were fresh, light, and incredibly appetizing! I would definitely recommend this restaurant, and would return for another visit :)</div>
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~Tiffany</div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-2304557860085274982015-04-27T16:23:00.001-07:002015-04-27T16:23:57.061-07:00Bread Baking: No-Knead Multi-Grain BreadThis recipe comes from Sonja and Alex of <a href="http://www.acouplecooks.com/2014/06/multi-grain-artisan-no-knead-bread/" target="_blank">A Couple Cooks</a>, who adapted it from Zoe Francois's cookbook <i>The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.</i> It is a great find because not only is it delicious, it is incredibly easy to make <i>and</i> it's got some nutritional value. I stopped buying store-bought bread a while back because of the long list of strange ingredients. It's nice to be in control of what goes into my bread...at least then I know I won't be eating lots of added sugars, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. Homemade also just tastes better...and it's not too bad to look at on my kitchen counter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-80vZPTNBt4tusnYajjiD9PGA5MkOnc1BSUvi8FEpgOdIN2ceBK5r5XoF80m_I9NU9X3EG2uDlkeoDu5T5JH0L3mBqhxb8KCTqvq0Oc6FVklRZnLy3TIhr0xiDO8uAL5rM-jA07nSA0/s1600/IMG_8651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-80vZPTNBt4tusnYajjiD9PGA5MkOnc1BSUvi8FEpgOdIN2ceBK5r5XoF80m_I9NU9X3EG2uDlkeoDu5T5JH0L3mBqhxb8KCTqvq0Oc6FVklRZnLy3TIhr0xiDO8uAL5rM-jA07nSA0/s1600/IMG_8651.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started by soaking rolled oats, quinoa, and chia seeds in water. The recipe calls for sunflower seeds instead of chia, but the sunflower seeds in my pantry mysteriously disappeared before I had the chance to use them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G85OonR_DUcMdUwNj_6WsNp-W9sKT3aAUGCtl8s8T-W9UeOeIgVImul0TgDX_inkNykwwQ_GFUkB4QL-cHdbtHKsgdR6yClbosFMySQ3zsxBjyMidYGoKrFVd2eOoNsoPIr4MkcEqc8/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G85OonR_DUcMdUwNj_6WsNp-W9sKT3aAUGCtl8s8T-W9UeOeIgVImul0TgDX_inkNykwwQ_GFUkB4QL-cHdbtHKsgdR6yClbosFMySQ3zsxBjyMidYGoKrFVd2eOoNsoPIr4MkcEqc8/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dough consists of all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rye flour, the grains, water, salt, and yeast. Basically I just threw it all in the mixer bowl and let it go until the dough was just formed. I was careful not to over-mix so the bread would be tender and fluffy. It really is the easiest thing in the world..no kneading necessary. It's a piece of cake! Easy as pie! Why are there no bread puns?! </div>
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Here it is after rising for a couple hours. At this point I covered the bowl in plastic wrap and stuck it in the fridge to be made the next morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZLTqYUee4V8oyziHmkXLw6SBFlwSU9kcq7AUpK4ZFKKfTKWqWUM9La1Q1czbvZZRngnI7OtwDWf_FT9A05HoPvoVD_yj0rMXfZzAEatwp2nXl8Z2Iw4LXVb3EchppLBW8QCu0ZWcAZQ/s1600/IMG_8733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZLTqYUee4V8oyziHmkXLw6SBFlwSU9kcq7AUpK4ZFKKfTKWqWUM9La1Q1czbvZZRngnI7OtwDWf_FT9A05HoPvoVD_yj0rMXfZzAEatwp2nXl8Z2Iw4LXVb3EchppLBW8QCu0ZWcAZQ/s1600/IMG_8733.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Peeling it out of the bowl in the morning was quite the tactile experience. This isn't the typical smooth bread dough...it formed lots of tiny air pockets which gave it an interesting stretchy-ness and a sponge-like appearance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC9xYf9CyVUkp7PQpKG3XwcqqRYEXSxBrSFkyV_0pxZJEj2BvGMrkyxx3jEFimK7nALfERRQx-Ku_kXP7eLgKrjO1_FxPQXd0lkmFjYYUd4anr9gIdsTUN6EbRlf6pLhxyO3_E6Im7VQ/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC9xYf9CyVUkp7PQpKG3XwcqqRYEXSxBrSFkyV_0pxZJEj2BvGMrkyxx3jEFimK7nALfERRQx-Ku_kXP7eLgKrjO1_FxPQXd0lkmFjYYUd4anr9gIdsTUN6EbRlf6pLhxyO3_E6Im7VQ/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it look like a sea sponge?!</div>
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I divided the dough in half and formed each loaf by tucking the ragged edges underneath to make a smooth ball. Onto the corn-mealed baking sheet to rest for an hour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MKfsqIgJr_aK62X6961jZP46wfPVxDRSwkT2c4gukZerkqz9tZsCTqugvUpIb7WA4KAvfYJPcpG9rj_-tl6CKFG_MNWih1YupWU_ar7SAf5TixogZUChYt9xLrs5HnhuFQf3VjbWeOY/s1600/IMG_8739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MKfsqIgJr_aK62X6961jZP46wfPVxDRSwkT2c4gukZerkqz9tZsCTqugvUpIb7WA4KAvfYJPcpG9rj_-tl6CKFG_MNWih1YupWU_ar7SAf5TixogZUChYt9xLrs5HnhuFQf3VjbWeOY/s1600/IMG_8739.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has risen!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DdTxH8LX0zENALSDaiCauQaBeZcQWNeWvDTBu66njY61NF1KCpkTCejxeou3rg_EOnfjjZeHXqvWEF6qwn2wgrzdXEqNdgw-CKQCvEM2GYl4G3izbAkS5G7tD_LPp7mKykixEsruv64/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DdTxH8LX0zENALSDaiCauQaBeZcQWNeWvDTBu66njY61NF1KCpkTCejxeou3rg_EOnfjjZeHXqvWEF6qwn2wgrzdXEqNdgw-CKQCvEM2GYl4G3izbAkS5G7tD_LPp7mKykixEsruv64/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I floured the tops and cut some slashes with a serrated knife. Quite artist-ique if I do say so myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGFRxqnToDvJxCwYLUcUnpZkTz_ixjcdiTzL3dDkOBQbW2LvR2ZJahs_5KPNltFdkB-lR381DizHtHtR4wiuQgAdsNf0LMuNPmqAb11XdA35-WlGBH_MN5Die_AiTd4GUBkXv-Gcfxxo/s1600/newbread3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGFRxqnToDvJxCwYLUcUnpZkTz_ixjcdiTzL3dDkOBQbW2LvR2ZJahs_5KPNltFdkB-lR381DizHtHtR4wiuQgAdsNf0LMuNPmqAb11XdA35-WlGBH_MN5Die_AiTd4GUBkXv-Gcfxxo/s1600/newbread3.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENdzPiSCgFLsNh1XYtnNA3ZdECHQ1IbCok3cRTtCmjrrUpWGekkqBK2ARM0A1XiuiHyq72hWksE3C8ojf2i38lXR7xqm2TXD2ND944XMcJEocFjwGP8z9KPrLon_PApvQcGYYp64pUe4/s1600/newbread1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENdzPiSCgFLsNh1XYtnNA3ZdECHQ1IbCok3cRTtCmjrrUpWGekkqBK2ARM0A1XiuiHyq72hWksE3C8ojf2i38lXR7xqm2TXD2ND944XMcJEocFjwGP8z9KPrLon_PApvQcGYYp64pUe4/s1600/newbread1.JPG" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP72FXYVbHq459guNHaDrQbQkmZUL6TMAaxfcX4cCnKng8W4qwcScbtnRpDqgzA8QqcPEuxyI_tuKHOaZZkDNgiNYikIMntJLAKWeiCKuSdOWsWLLJUTNWV5VSAdOZolmvz78XyBsOhk/s1600/newbread2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP72FXYVbHq459guNHaDrQbQkmZUL6TMAaxfcX4cCnKng8W4qwcScbtnRpDqgzA8QqcPEuxyI_tuKHOaZZkDNgiNYikIMntJLAKWeiCKuSdOWsWLLJUTNWV5VSAdOZolmvz78XyBsOhk/s1600/newbread2.JPG" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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All finished. This is a hearty bread but it's not so hearty that it's tough or dense. It's got a nice soft texture and a crunchy crust. I eat it with my eggs in the morning, as a sandwich at lunch, and on the side at dinner. I eat it all day! It's that good. Thanks <a href="http://www.acouplecooks.com/" target="_blank">A Couple Cooks!</a></div>
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~Ashley</div>
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Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-23886095465846764492015-04-24T02:52:00.000-07:002015-04-26T10:04:03.569-07:00Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG8b8PTfDcP4mVewB50pDqZ_OYPma0ijvm9xUPBnSXgmcdDGAwV886LjhPR-9RyBBlQ-YujfzsFN3pw8h3V1zT3c13rAChyphenhyphenSoCOynQD9EH1YDOLnZE0CBhlyg1Pc76lyQnu86cCuSxR0/s1600/agerewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG8b8PTfDcP4mVewB50pDqZ_OYPma0ijvm9xUPBnSXgmcdDGAwV886LjhPR-9RyBBlQ-YujfzsFN3pw8h3V1zT3c13rAChyphenhyphenSoCOynQD9EH1YDOLnZE0CBhlyg1Pc76lyQnu86cCuSxR0/s1600/agerewind.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, finally!<br />
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I caved. I have been waiting to get this product so long, that I may or may not have paid too much to get a hold of it. But finally!<br />
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The full name: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup. If you saw the post on the Instant Age Rewind Concealer, you would know that the concealer is what got me interested in the foundation. And I am happy that I decided to try it!<br />
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This foundation is lightweight, medium coverage, and incredibly easy to apply. I don't have too much to say about the merits of it's lasting power, but I would say that this foundation is situationally amazing.<br />
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Time for a story. One day, I was feeling pretty upset and I ended up crying. Unfortunately, I am not a pretty crier! My eyes get swollen, and my nose and the center of my face get pretty red and I look like a hot mess. I wanted to go to the grocery store, but I didn't want to go looking like I had obviously just cried, but I also wasn't particularly in the mood to carefully and meticulously apply my makeup. IN COMES THIS FOUNDATION TO THE RESCUE.<br />
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This foundation took absolutely no time to apply, was ridiculously easy to blend, and covered all the blotchy redness on my face. It <i>erased </i>all the evidence of my tears! It was a miracle worker, a time saver, and was perfect for that moment.<br />
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The finish is definitely not matte, and would maybe be considered between satin and dewy. The applicator makes putting on the product a breeze and is a great time saver. There is a slight chemical smell to the product, but it's nothing too offensive.<br />
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Again, I wouldn't be sure about recommending this for the lasting power. But if you have somewhere you need to be and want to get out of the house in a few minutes and want to even out your skin, this would be a good option!<br />
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Rating: 3.8 out of 5<br />
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~TiffanyFour Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-83278797175018332912015-04-22T14:32:00.000-07:002015-04-22T14:32:48.916-07:00Happy Earth DayIn honor of Earth Day 2015 I thought I'd share some pictures of the flowers I potted a couple days ago!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWqZI_mSHG8wtJyvN6che_vQvc8L3sy38iIEe4b5vsS6znhg83ykwo2zKO_FwsNSJk_HuykEYVWZ5FGgxAwjYMjG2fcOiKixZ3gbcXKPPYXW2RhT4_Y1eMQfUaxM415crUKa-DRw38Zg/s1600/IMG_8581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWqZI_mSHG8wtJyvN6che_vQvc8L3sy38iIEe4b5vsS6znhg83ykwo2zKO_FwsNSJk_HuykEYVWZ5FGgxAwjYMjG2fcOiKixZ3gbcXKPPYXW2RhT4_Y1eMQfUaxM415crUKa-DRw38Zg/s1600/IMG_8581.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Out of the little pot and into the big pot!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WfvWR5mDhm9CKS83DEO5KeZSKoXDJkXUcVVP86Zcp9RTIy4CoytYtnzVvYzUYde9DAoB7YCatBOvOlXPFih_Ts952VBIx4tSio6sk-j5KLspFjPnxPrfTwYDg1wB7X5XJe_yymy1UZA/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WfvWR5mDhm9CKS83DEO5KeZSKoXDJkXUcVVP86Zcp9RTIy4CoytYtnzVvYzUYde9DAoB7YCatBOvOlXPFih_Ts952VBIx4tSio6sk-j5KLspFjPnxPrfTwYDg1wB7X5XJe_yymy1UZA/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My mom always tells me to break up the roots before planting to encourage them to grow into the new planter.</div>
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Two double impatiens and two verbena!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkxYZtiehdWmYkWe33wX6fummfqe8elGU48evc3GHqs2wNfQafGakdbIhqRvyuBE-a-WRIowtdDfDvptEORkVjmWV67ojK1mFMnDFhKCtpDqacQcsNa0vgxQV46kzUQkFhvwdRzU3K9U/s1600/IMG_8594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkxYZtiehdWmYkWe33wX6fummfqe8elGU48evc3GHqs2wNfQafGakdbIhqRvyuBE-a-WRIowtdDfDvptEORkVjmWV67ojK1mFMnDFhKCtpDqacQcsNa0vgxQV46kzUQkFhvwdRzU3K9U/s1600/IMG_8594.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Snipping the beautiful flowers off the newly potted gardenias. Seems so sad but it helps the plant allocate nutrients more efficiently to grow big and strong.</div>
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Happy Earth Day!</div>
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~Ashley</div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-19590022279883849672015-04-20T14:29:00.001-07:002015-04-20T14:30:38.318-07:00Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution vs. CeraVe Hydrating CleanserI am kind of a skincare fanatic. It all started in high school when I had stubborn acne that wouldn't go away no matter what I did. No matter how diligently I washed, moisturized, ate cleanly, drank water, visited the dermatologist, and prayed to the gods of good skin, my angry red bumps just didn't go away. I found it to be the most frustrating thing in the world, as anyone with acne will understand. Once the acne finally started fading, I became obsessed with keeping my skin under control. I knew I never wanted to deal with bad acne again (who does?). So, researching skincare products and reading online reviews became one of my favorite pastimes and I learned a lot about different brands, ingredients, and products in the skincare world. Cleansers are one of those things that are important to get right in your skincare regime, because they must keep your skin clean without stripping it of all its moisture and throwing it off balance. Here's a couple of my favorite cleansers, each at drastically different price points, pitted against one another:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNqU9QoSWX5SvHTNDWf1rjgyxwYJ1v97M-7-7mNvw91Ppni8K3Ybi87ptLs8w4KLCRXQmeTkrR7ixgZzD7VuSsGjQBlJdK0xJ2Y2sziLsOAC-S1_AFbTndYWqhs4rZFH_HPwjs5x3gt8/s1600/essential-cleansing-solution_4-01_590x617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNqU9QoSWX5SvHTNDWf1rjgyxwYJ1v97M-7-7mNvw91Ppni8K3Ybi87ptLs8w4KLCRXQmeTkrR7ixgZzD7VuSsGjQBlJdK0xJ2Y2sziLsOAC-S1_AFbTndYWqhs4rZFH_HPwjs5x3gt8/s1600/essential-cleansing-solution_4-01_590x617.jpg" height="400" width="203" /></a></div>
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Two years ago I stopped using foaming cleansers and switched to Dermalogica's Essential Cleansing Solution. It has a lotion-y consistency rather than a soapy one and since it doesn't get sudsy like most cleansers, it almost feels like it's not cleansing at all. However, it worked wonders for my skin and I found that using a gentler, non-foaming cleanser made my skin softer, more moisturized, and much less oily throughout the day. I also didn't notice any more breakouts than with the foaming cleanser (less actually) so it must do a great job of cleansing as well. I like that the Essential Cleansing Solution doesn't contain any fragrances or dyes, and I like the additions of safflower oil, vitamin C and E for skin conditioning. It's an all-around great cleanser and I have no complaints about it's performance. But that price though...It is very expensive for a cleanser, and it's hard to justify paying $36 for 8oz. of something that is going to be washed down the drain, even if it <i>is</i> really great. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZOKeDLiPEcnI8owpb160AWbD3bKvduYw2HwDbbjViGFk0Cau7Zp0jI0hpcmg2zM_iQ6lBTxOBvFMHhTHKBrRIKacABtMEpHVJSrqzsnoLePDdI2Om67efY4jo81y1pKy2VEsQXzLa5Q/s1600/500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZOKeDLiPEcnI8owpb160AWbD3bKvduYw2HwDbbjViGFk0Cau7Zp0jI0hpcmg2zM_iQ6lBTxOBvFMHhTHKBrRIKacABtMEpHVJSrqzsnoLePDdI2Om67efY4jo81y1pKy2VEsQXzLa5Q/s1600/500.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to try CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser to see if it measured up to Dermalogica. The consistency is kind of like a gel/lotion, and like the Essential Cleansing Solution, it doesn't lather up. It contains ceramides and hyalauronic acid (shoutout to Lisa Eldridge on YouTube for educating me on this ingredient) which help moisturize and protect skin. It also doesn't contain any fragrances or dyes. Check check check. As far as it's performance, I've been using it nearly a month now and it has kept my skin smooth, moisturized, oil-balanced, and clean. Also, it's $12 for a 12oz pump bottle. Not bad.<br />
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So, in conclusion, the Dermalogica and the CeraVe cleanser are equivalent products that do an equivalent job. They are both great, but it is safe to save your money (save lots of money!) and go for the CeraVe!<br />
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~AshleyFour Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-37463305773489740602015-04-19T08:42:00.001-07:002015-04-19T08:42:52.727-07:00A Birthday Cake Experiment: 8 Layer Peanut Butter and Chocolate CakeLast year for his 25th birthday I baked my brother this delicious <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/" target="_blank">chocolate and peanut butter cake</a> from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a>. It was quite well-received and touted "the best cake ever" (thanks Deb!) so when his 26th birthday rolled around last week I knew I had to deliver. I didn't want to bake the same cake again, but I knew it would be hard to top last year's. After some brainstorming I settled apprehensively on an 8-layer chocolate and peanut butter cake with chocolate ganache filling and peanut butter buttercream (if you haven't noticed, peanut butter and chocolate is the flavor du jour). This is definitely the tallest and most complicated cake I have ever made, but taking it step by step made it not too hard, even for me. Here's how it went down:<br />
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First things first I made the ganache recipe from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/chocolate-ganache-cake-105133" target="_blank">this cake</a> with Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate. I left it in the fridge to set up while I did the rest of my baking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiSpZEkmUCFhxYE9ZxDiRhQl0UfBh1twONG6JjxXOyEogKWiiWLJfIaMPReL49zxSbGOzxSUGtctau9cqRFygXSu091IiRtpGGMhVLCBRKPIn33fTTNITKj6HjvUFjSuMHRxGCBDaWYo/s1600/IMG_8551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiSpZEkmUCFhxYE9ZxDiRhQl0UfBh1twONG6JjxXOyEogKWiiWLJfIaMPReL49zxSbGOzxSUGtctau9cqRFygXSu091IiRtpGGMhVLCBRKPIn33fTTNITKj6HjvUFjSuMHRxGCBDaWYo/s1600/IMG_8551.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I baked <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/hersheys-chocolate-cake-with-frosting-113914" target="_blank">this recipe</a> of chocolate cake which is actually the same recipe from the back of the Hershey's cocoa box. It is a kind of odd recipe involving boiling water and a super-thin batter but the cake comes out beautifully moist (sorry if you hate that word) and rich-but-not-too-rich. It's also not too sweet. Perfect! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b0Q-HPshZ6U1bpeQX4bFLR5MQegV1utLYTnIOdZP-QZwqcQDBXH-_QHFkpzBuNB3L3Sn3RTdfnGWCwh2LsVJA-h62McQJoK4zHkoJnM7dVeK8r7ZMWifKJcHzb6AugGM9KKeT6CLThI/s1600/IMG_8555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b0Q-HPshZ6U1bpeQX4bFLR5MQegV1utLYTnIOdZP-QZwqcQDBXH-_QHFkpzBuNB3L3Sn3RTdfnGWCwh2LsVJA-h62McQJoK4zHkoJnM7dVeK8r7ZMWifKJcHzb6AugGM9KKeT6CLThI/s1600/IMG_8555.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I turned them out onto a rack to cool while I baked the peanut butter cake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2K9eEn7b_ok00mrxsLsH4FFiu7niRdY0xOhTgYFyb2M5S-Qz2HSmWcLAE3d5WN_-G5i61Fuzy8M4PXGZpf94mq-wbPnrbfq40f9C4WVLmu4yHD4VTpX0Csnvpu3PjfDN9EvNZER0oZU/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2K9eEn7b_ok00mrxsLsH4FFiu7niRdY0xOhTgYFyb2M5S-Qz2HSmWcLAE3d5WN_-G5i61Fuzy8M4PXGZpf94mq-wbPnrbfq40f9C4WVLmu4yHD4VTpX0Csnvpu3PjfDN9EvNZER0oZU/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8H8ETMtbOnK7p5W1_gaOgsTQHzlp3E2qr1y4ICplTScOU1FEGLVVWwWgfabSXxkam93XK6_dXwsTUlxHXRwkMkFwSRNEUB2MujacoyzKASP9j6KBqZjcYzdtnCGPeqjwhIfDII2cyaI/s1600/pbcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8H8ETMtbOnK7p5W1_gaOgsTQHzlp3E2qr1y4ICplTScOU1FEGLVVWwWgfabSXxkam93XK6_dXwsTUlxHXRwkMkFwSRNEUB2MujacoyzKASP9j6KBqZjcYzdtnCGPeqjwhIfDII2cyaI/s1600/pbcakes.JPG" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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This peanut butter cake. I found the <a href="http://www.daringgourmet.com/2013/04/19/killer-peanut-butter-cake/" target="_blank">recipe</a> on The Daring Gourmet and boy am I glad I did. It tastes like a giant peanut butter cookie!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpvlAw2CUEAQYx30na1dR68iLfEwhZIjwiQv2EyxdUb6Pwrdm53T7daVN855s-kFAXo5bUxYKy0biND3iiG8diUmrQ4yv-0SHRvetuLeVR-uUaVHQzxd7L-KcYEtDWMsGoEN3PuPBJHI/s1600/IMG_8560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpvlAw2CUEAQYx30na1dR68iLfEwhZIjwiQv2EyxdUb6Pwrdm53T7daVN855s-kFAXo5bUxYKy0biND3iiG8diUmrQ4yv-0SHRvetuLeVR-uUaVHQzxd7L-KcYEtDWMsGoEN3PuPBJHI/s1600/IMG_8560.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next step. I used my Wilton cake leveler to trim the domed tops of the cake layers and slice the layers in half. I must say it works really well, but only when the pre-determined height settings fit your needs. When they didn't, I had to use a large bread knife. No big deal though. I began with a chocolate layer on a swiveling cake plate with strips of parchment tucked under the edges. The ganache set up a bit too hard in the fridge to be spreadable so I portioned off enough for the layer in a bowl and microwaved it for 5 seconds. This got it to a perfectly spreadable consistency so I used my small offset spatula to cover the layer in ganache. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qL04uoAIIMnfafoXMpjCBGwT2wN2YZDXvsbr7A4s_nTvPo4azjew9erIE1CMwFqgyZVR-X2AcN2qcWo4JbUtZrQlrnvpfEmAAYQC1lE4FzcZLCkGIHnEd28eWIGPE3vdLGnWhbvOXQ8/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qL04uoAIIMnfafoXMpjCBGwT2wN2YZDXvsbr7A4s_nTvPo4azjew9erIE1CMwFqgyZVR-X2AcN2qcWo4JbUtZrQlrnvpfEmAAYQC1lE4FzcZLCkGIHnEd28eWIGPE3vdLGnWhbvOXQ8/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtZas3t0zw3_5xNmgSteSwxjHQmte0PDBPOj5K3tkOk0uwDu04OWU7iYAXNknbE6quBZ_m7S2WuucSkdKcj9WGBkWA4Ca_Ryx6Cc3vFOBCAnjk5FgUWiWO1cx7oJ7WFxc4QSf2vk3EA/s1600/IMG_8564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtZas3t0zw3_5xNmgSteSwxjHQmte0PDBPOj5K3tkOk0uwDu04OWU7iYAXNknbE6quBZ_m7S2WuucSkdKcj9WGBkWA4Ca_Ryx6Cc3vFOBCAnjk5FgUWiWO1cx7oJ7WFxc4QSf2vk3EA/s1600/IMG_8564.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Up it goes! This took awhile, not gonna lie. I tried to get the layers as flat and as uniform as possible. Experience has taught me that sloping and uneven cake layers just don't look as pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2hQEub2NGwVIK92q8S8xQYjIG6gOch0VP66JKH5Y0Go998ikohCiMzAP8Nae-e_Hd7Rc1uLP76COxGAC_pU-8RwuDvUR-UhZiDuP2-0YuN4L-bIxjv4MdtAIN0z4u8MJAc3qj8Nz9a4/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2hQEub2NGwVIK92q8S8xQYjIG6gOch0VP66JKH5Y0Go998ikohCiMzAP8Nae-e_Hd7Rc1uLP76COxGAC_pU-8RwuDvUR-UhZiDuP2-0YuN4L-bIxjv4MdtAIN0z4u8MJAc3qj8Nz9a4/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the cake is built! Now bed time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPbAMc7t386Y01fcKLdEALVXoiqXBi8npeQzbCJ8IncFlvktLwkK4o7QhHjKngRYg7uzi1LfPrzkCdu4jMmd4NR5dcdLh5H_tHcq68PiPADC9VAuxERNt0AnsVlEQtKNmQh_Z-WtXfFs/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPbAMc7t386Y01fcKLdEALVXoiqXBi8npeQzbCJ8IncFlvktLwkK4o7QhHjKngRYg7uzi1LfPrzkCdu4jMmd4NR5dcdLh5H_tHcq68PiPADC9VAuxERNt0AnsVlEQtKNmQh_Z-WtXfFs/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next morning and the cake is ready to be iced.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh6AZqVAvc8sku6ZDoWUxTppUtBVmxBWqJ3aafxZRIMhO9Y2gYxj5KbXlCExjQMy8dZnQ6gmo8Mp4y3k3YgaqS1hsIJkFSPG5oNoP47a1l4f7iqdiHRDwk6Jo9xdv_p6pd8zWhoqZyFg/s1600/IMG_8569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh6AZqVAvc8sku6ZDoWUxTppUtBVmxBWqJ3aafxZRIMhO9Y2gYxj5KbXlCExjQMy8dZnQ6gmo8Mp4y3k3YgaqS1hsIJkFSPG5oNoP47a1l4f7iqdiHRDwk6Jo9xdv_p6pd8zWhoqZyFg/s1600/IMG_8569.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's my peanut butter buttercream looking a bit like cement but tasting delicious. I used Wilton's <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Peanut-Butter-Buttercream-Icing#reviews" target="_blank">recipe</a> and I loved it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqCHC1h9FuTuy31u8Rd0UfmQc8AxCV_PtgtTa456yLL8LPQUOBZ511LndwC3IbLTBpL_XIV9BNuKSPvKZR5JRKYG3ielvvXFmj-aY-arDVoqGBeT8yThyphenhyphenm_gPggty0QANHyoe7p5Jz5Q/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqCHC1h9FuTuy31u8Rd0UfmQc8AxCV_PtgtTa456yLL8LPQUOBZ511LndwC3IbLTBpL_XIV9BNuKSPvKZR5JRKYG3ielvvXFmj-aY-arDVoqGBeT8yThyphenhyphenm_gPggty0QANHyoe7p5Jz5Q/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This might've been the hardest part of making this cake - trying not to catch many crumbs in the icing and making sure it went on evenly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWEdYkj0NHwQeyWGNCWSKuDWnIT9Nzz5Dp5Fym9gLil-_6nCDJ3qTheGObC0LbThzU8DR5Xkv0O51yFJLEOeipVLTiKQIlL4TroOdMBaYRDnnJNJr5sfJqSg9T0JKWMYrcOlJe5SFCP4/s1600/finishedcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWEdYkj0NHwQeyWGNCWSKuDWnIT9Nzz5Dp5Fym9gLil-_6nCDJ3qTheGObC0LbThzU8DR5Xkv0O51yFJLEOeipVLTiKQIlL4TroOdMBaYRDnnJNJr5sfJqSg9T0JKWMYrcOlJe5SFCP4/s1600/finishedcake.JPG" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVro_a2o15CF2UNPu5BDIDW7JJJeQiETTdZZtIyjx57bnzVnMeHHH_UrZBENEVBuwrzj5nEw4Oon5y0Bq5VjWLiUqv6WYzA6vLxVQo0ECAkBMco1qzTr2NxFxiDXumDNAVELvs_U6neI/s1600/finishedcake2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVro_a2o15CF2UNPu5BDIDW7JJJeQiETTdZZtIyjx57bnzVnMeHHH_UrZBENEVBuwrzj5nEw4Oon5y0Bq5VjWLiUqv6WYzA6vLxVQo0ECAkBMco1qzTr2NxFxiDXumDNAVELvs_U6neI/s1600/finishedcake2.JPG" height="564" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje74hCnt_x8AsAHL2E7n-z2J3ad2-C_fg-jIOYTPLE_uucC6GByUvOuD9JGU2d_XheFm62JRkunbB4Dr_tb3APm4MWldknyrqxOE3PfMtxNLc_7S244pMudU4Z2KX3SbIs41QGH3lmhJI/s1600/IMG_8575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje74hCnt_x8AsAHL2E7n-z2J3ad2-C_fg-jIOYTPLE_uucC6GByUvOuD9JGU2d_XheFm62JRkunbB4Dr_tb3APm4MWldknyrqxOE3PfMtxNLc_7S244pMudU4Z2KX3SbIs41QGH3lmhJI/s1600/IMG_8575.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ta da! The icing had a light, whipped texture so the finished look was a bit...rustic, but I loved how it looked nonetheless!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP4qCnut_IHXdNK0McfKtYE0kO0RE493bjX94lHLgd7vw0RUi1zNaTmVhvWSSx9GT4IrRlKJW9CFilOxiuBWYfhunoe32GkcQb1feLkOCzFIDlyk5kIlSam6gYNmgUrAOTg74OwL66vo/s1600/zachandcindi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP4qCnut_IHXdNK0McfKtYE0kO0RE493bjX94lHLgd7vw0RUi1zNaTmVhvWSSx9GT4IrRlKJW9CFilOxiuBWYfhunoe32GkcQb1feLkOCzFIDlyk5kIlSam6gYNmgUrAOTg74OwL66vo/s1600/zachandcindi.JPG" height="526" width="640" /></a></div>
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Party time! Here's the birthday boy and lovely Cindi with his cake. (Excuse the candles...never buy sparklers from Target).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwpttAywkEx83_zKExrdQuLZsP0WVsRkGji8EjBXRRsI3IIW7raLN_uoaq1BnussXV_8OZAV3PSUMvb40gXQ9bspa_rJNriHs6pZy7uY2QEVBHIqs4IXXqKiKiHO5gTLE8fLStJw9HRs/s1600/IMG_8596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwpttAywkEx83_zKExrdQuLZsP0WVsRkGji8EjBXRRsI3IIW7raLN_uoaq1BnussXV_8OZAV3PSUMvb40gXQ9bspa_rJNriHs6pZy7uY2QEVBHIqs4IXXqKiKiHO5gTLE8fLStJw9HRs/s1600/IMG_8596.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The first slice!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku3IgJ_ok1-gdb_Li6HQCxgvVmNvZ7XtDjgayAOMZwJ0Oh1jdzkGKZ0gR2RjbH_S42o1qqKG6m9_dPRBiUy2jAQ_Nt9RuM6NTKDuK14N5jQ9zaleBTsRI-0uIIDGDMV1t8Ej_R4VIGaw/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku3IgJ_ok1-gdb_Li6HQCxgvVmNvZ7XtDjgayAOMZwJ0Oh1jdzkGKZ0gR2RjbH_S42o1qqKG6m9_dPRBiUy2jAQ_Nt9RuM6NTKDuK14N5jQ9zaleBTsRI-0uIIDGDMV1t8Ej_R4VIGaw/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We did a number on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3iJHgYlH94avDH2xF1P8tJ5Piy4vixHhh8bskT_E9xixaaRnWExuMgr-_pyFPA_mwLUYnPHHEF_5dCH6BkoFn2lYyG5PIFw7IsMN9d1CcKkurwBwDRtF0KHbo6Blwcz01yOhnESWJOE/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3iJHgYlH94avDH2xF1P8tJ5Piy4vixHhh8bskT_E9xixaaRnWExuMgr-_pyFPA_mwLUYnPHHEF_5dCH6BkoFn2lYyG5PIFw7IsMN9d1CcKkurwBwDRtF0KHbo6Blwcz01yOhnESWJOE/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we even got to take a few slices home! </div>
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This birthday cake experiment was a success!</div>
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~Ashley</div>
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Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-88128774616205948482015-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:002015-04-14T09:34:05.737-07:00Noisy NeighborsI know this video has been making the rounds (I first saw it on <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Cup of Jo</a>), but it made me laugh so much I had to share it here. Everyone who has had noisy neighbors will understand!<br />
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"Be well"<br />
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~AshleyFour Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-80317431563162115002015-04-13T09:39:00.000-07:002015-04-13T09:39:12.482-07:00Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuWiM0fVyYC_tdDQx88sCmONy75R46P8tt6asSbYlJ9hvhKLJiSOBlV6iSPhGD-_UqZ6_LUB_dKfXEjxRV9wp8Zj87p23xJT7vs1O56lhIf5g2XIHm60ggJh0harAAe8tVM1S0x29_fs/s1600/IMG_8368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuWiM0fVyYC_tdDQx88sCmONy75R46P8tt6asSbYlJ9hvhKLJiSOBlV6iSPhGD-_UqZ6_LUB_dKfXEjxRV9wp8Zj87p23xJT7vs1O56lhIf5g2XIHm60ggJh0harAAe8tVM1S0x29_fs/s1600/IMG_8368.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I was looking for something gentle to remove my makeup when I bought this cleansing oil. It seems like most makeup removers on the market are so harsh as they sting your eyes and dry out your skin, and the gentler ones like Bioderma just take a little too much time/effort/product to do a proper job. Well here comes Philosophy Purity Made Simple to the rescue! It is gentle AND effective at removing all my makeup in one fell swoop.<br />
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This magical oil has lots of ingredients, many of which I do not recognize, which is slightly scary, but it appears to be a mix of different oils plus water and some kind of emulsifier. The oil is very thin and will run all over the place if you're not careful. The technique to this stuff is to pour a little into one palm, dampen the fingertips of the opposite hand, and then use your fingertips to massage the oil in circular motions around your dry face and over your eyes. I probably massage for about a minute before I rinse it off with warm water. The great thing about this oil is that is takes off ALL my makeup the first time! It leaves not a trace on my skin or eyes. It has easily removed tough mascaras, waterproof eyeliners, foundations, BB creams, you name it. It does sometimes get in my eyes and blur my vision until I can rinse it out (because it is oil, but that really scared me the first time), which is unfortunate, but it doesn't sting or irritate them and leave them red like lots of makeup removers. I always follow this cleansing oil with my normal facial cleanser because I don't like the slightly oily film it leaves behind and I want to make sure my skin is completely clean. With this method, I never saw an increase in breakouts and I think this oil helped keep my skin moisturized through the dry winter months.<br />
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I paid $18 for mine back in autumn but I just checked Ulta's website and it looks like they're selling it for $25. It is quite pricey but mine has lasted me a long time. I'm not sure if the ingredients are quite worth that cost. My next endeavor is to try a pure oil like coconut or jojoba to see if they do as good a job at removing my makeup for a fraction of the money. I hope so....<br />
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Overall, I highly recommend the Philosophy cleansing oil for its makeup removing power if you are willing to shell out the cash, but check back in the future for my report on purer and cheaper oils! <br />
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~AshleyFour Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-15579576964825403712015-04-12T15:27:00.000-07:002015-04-13T12:25:45.581-07:00Double Take: Four Eyes Reviews Maybelline Instant Age Rewind ConcealerHere's our take on the concealer everyone on YouTube raves about, full name: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer with Goji Berry & Haloxyl. Phew!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApxFB1b-VJ9gIzboPO2tO1ANcsPVtPw0R_7ds8HGGKrASTvuA1IylJAoi2aetnszv7JsjzqDGnfgnFZndwSBA78LEKmUnH1PDYsZrbhAiP28Ir-B26U5fdErZ6RcTJ1tEMtVUgRlBEs4/s1600/instant-age-rewind-the-eraser-eye_pack-shot-crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApxFB1b-VJ9gIzboPO2tO1ANcsPVtPw0R_7ds8HGGKrASTvuA1IylJAoi2aetnszv7JsjzqDGnfgnFZndwSBA78LEKmUnH1PDYsZrbhAiP28Ir-B26U5fdErZ6RcTJ1tEMtVUgRlBEs4/s1600/instant-age-rewind-the-eraser-eye_pack-shot-crop.png" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Ashley </b><br />
Concealer might be my most important makeup item, and it is definitely the hardest to find a good one. I've been loyal to the Amazing Cosmetics concealer for 3 years now for the great coverage it provides, but I've become increasingly dissatisfied with the dull finish it leaves and the cakiness and creasing after a few hours of wear. Also the exorbitant price. But as a makeup snob, I've never found a drugstore concealer up to par so I was skeptical of this Maybelline one before I bought it, even with all its hype. I'm so happy I made the leap though because it did not disappoint, and now I have a great concealer for less than 1/4 the price of my old one! Yay!! <br />
I bought mine in the color 'Light' at Ulta for...was it $7? I can't remember, but it was in the $5-$8 range. It comes with a fuzzy sponge applicator on top and you wind the product to distribute it through the applicator. I'm not a fan of the applicator I have to say, because every time I swiped it under my eyes the concealer got all in my bottom lashes and it applied too much. Not a major problem though, because I can use my finger to dab the product from the applicator onto my skin. The coverage is good enough to cover my dark circles and any redness in my skin. The finish is somewhere between luminous and matte. That's to say it doesn't look wet and shiny and it doesn't look dry and cakey; it strikes a nice natural-looking balance. I've found it to fade only slightly throughout a long day of wear and it doesn't crease at all on me. I love it!<br />
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<b>P.S.</b> What on earth is goji berry and haloxyl? I looked them up and found that <a href="http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/goji-berries" target="_blank">goji berries</a> are full of antioxidants and vitamin A which are great for skin, and <a href="https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/haloxyl.html" target="_blank">haloxyl</a> is a man-made compound that is supposed to remove dark pigments from skin and reduce the appearance of broken capillaries over time. I can't speak to their benefits in this concealer because I don't know if there is even enough to make a difference. I can say I haven't seen a change in the short time I've been using it. I wish beauty product's skincare benefits always lived up to their claims but sadly that is not usually the case so I don't expect to see much of a change in the skin around my eyes. At least it's nice to know they tried!<br />
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<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Tiffany</b><br />
This concealer is a wonderful product from the drugstore. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer is incredibly blendable which is something I absolutely love! It also does not crease on me or settle into fine lines, and it looks very natural. Many people also love the Maybelline Fit Me concealer for the under eye area, but I think the Instant Age Rewind does a better job of looking natural.<br />
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Another positive point on this concealer for me is the packaging. I love the sponge applicator! It is incredibly soft and spreads the makeup quickly and evenly across the areas where I need it. It makes my makeup application so fast and easy when I have places to be! The way I apply it is I swipe it under my eyes, and blend it with my Sephora Airbrush Concealer brush. 10 seconds: done!</div>
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This concealer also does a great job of brightening the under eye area. For me, it cancels out the darkness which can drag down my eyes and make me look tired. It makes me look fresh and awake, without looking like I have on makeup!</div>
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Another thing I like about this concealer is the wear. It doesn't settle into fine lines during the day or come off patchy, or do any other sketchy things that makeup can do. It fades a bit after a while, but in a natural way, which is a check plus in my book! (The natural, not the fading :3)</div>
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One negative about this concealer though is that if you apply it directly onto dry spots, it will accentuate them on your skin. So if you have a dry under eye area, I can't recommend this in good conscience (unless you have some magic techniques to make it work, then you do you boo).</div>
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Rating: 4/5</div>
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I would definitely repurchase this product, and it has actually gotten me interested in the foundation. I have been wanting to pick it up for the last week and a half and have checked several places and it's always out of stock in my color! So unfortunate, but if I can ever get my hands on it, I might write a post! Let us know with comments or suggestions whatever you are interested in :) </div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-79398793375188943382015-04-12T11:47:00.004-07:002015-04-12T19:09:55.434-07:00A Good DayYesterday was one of those days that made me happy to be alive. The trees were budding, the air was warm, the sky was blue, and I felt happier and springier than I have in a while! I decided to brave the dog park with my Jack Russell Terrier- a feared feat by the owners of this feisty little breed-but I am glad I did! There was nobody else there so my two little dogs ran like crazy chasing birds, tennis balls, and me until we were all dirty and worn out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn5xs1Y5vnQP5XPljI8iMj6hEiJLwwTBbNXduck4SPlMGXX5ChRnoOuE4hBVfNX0r7J3DmrXVtoNOXFb7Eu06qSCuE0FPtHIy3ZCWu_LdKdut5zohEQi0J5UGpjAK7bd1sVijiITScqg/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn5xs1Y5vnQP5XPljI8iMj6hEiJLwwTBbNXduck4SPlMGXX5ChRnoOuE4hBVfNX0r7J3DmrXVtoNOXFb7Eu06qSCuE0FPtHIy3ZCWu_LdKdut5zohEQi0J5UGpjAK7bd1sVijiITScqg/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So much dirt!</div>
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Then we took an excursion to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/kabab-je-rotisserie-and-grille-matthews" target="_blank">Kabob Je Rotisserie and Grille</a> for a feast of falafel, hummus, fattoush, mujaddara, tabouleh, and pita. Without exaggerating, it was the best Lebanese/Mediterranean food I'd ever had! I stuffed myself and very happily carried home a plate full of leftovers. The staff was nice enough to allow the dogs on the patio and even brought them a dish of water! They were stunningly well-behaved and drew lots of compliments. I felt so proud.<br />
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The day continued with a trip to the garden store with my mom (the expert gardener) where I picked up some salmon-colored double impatiens and white verbena, which will be potted as soon as the threat of frost goes away. These flower names are too technical for me...I prefer to call them pink and white flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kHMenwxyVAN_4zZhF_BgX0ifjrULKdhugMEDRKxzG9wVfewtUMLffVALVR47bbFbVfKzIpMKRvJCpQKhuNSDS0P4_uU2VPxY-qdLgApek_dciHu77VDLbI0cIuoYGEa3tFQxiog6vi8/s1600/IMG_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kHMenwxyVAN_4zZhF_BgX0ifjrULKdhugMEDRKxzG9wVfewtUMLffVALVR47bbFbVfKzIpMKRvJCpQKhuNSDS0P4_uU2VPxY-qdLgApek_dciHu77VDLbI0cIuoYGEa3tFQxiog6vi8/s1600/IMG_8357.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd94O-IKD2j4mb5sHC8u_sLATJm7Ur_au1mXU4fg5nrbH1D3dzirktffQ_p1J2xW1r9FG0cLr0gpmc5XVslB3XTVFNFvGEGYf1PiVLYCZxHAwsxlZ_Oe6valko_sI7tygK80vVVeITt2c/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd94O-IKD2j4mb5sHC8u_sLATJm7Ur_au1mXU4fg5nrbH1D3dzirktffQ_p1J2xW1r9FG0cLr0gpmc5XVslB3XTVFNFvGEGYf1PiVLYCZxHAwsxlZ_Oe6valko_sI7tygK80vVVeITt2c/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ended my day with a slice of lemon cake and a mug of earl gray tea. <br />
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Sometimes it's nice to forget about your big deadlines and demands and just focus on the little things. It really is the little things like a spring morning in the park, a good meal, pretty flowers, and a cup of tea which make it all worthwhile.<br />
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~Ashley Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-90052218757771618362015-04-10T04:09:00.001-07:002015-04-12T15:17:07.990-07:00Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNCbJjolhZQSCGZMwq9NRBGYQ_U212d0iK8fPpYQUmE9-bO_OHFpPrlvb7NDVCWWRy1lGdrr2KBLiKBFhjnf3b6BfWqRjom4GjhQ3AgUCmMhfRoXUYl_N5Y6yvRCNyc0L1EnKLDSPUb0/s640/blogger-image-1366824955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNCbJjolhZQSCGZMwq9NRBGYQ_U212d0iK8fPpYQUmE9-bO_OHFpPrlvb7NDVCWWRy1lGdrr2KBLiKBFhjnf3b6BfWqRjom4GjhQ3AgUCmMhfRoXUYl_N5Y6yvRCNyc0L1EnKLDSPUb0/s640/blogger-image-1366824955.jpg" /></a></div>
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This "bronzer" has been a recent favorite of mine! And by recent, I mean that I have been wearing it almost daily over the last several weeks--none of that first impressions nonsense! The word bronzer is in quotes because unless you were the color of a sheet of paper, this product would have no bronzing effect (it looks darker in this particular picture than in real life). However, this powder works beautifully as a subtle highlighter.</div>
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I picked this up at my local Walgreens on sale for $2.50 (AMAZING) but the regular price is closer to $3.50. And for the makeup world, $3.50 is incredibly affordable!</div>
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This bronzer gives the most beautiful glow to the skin in sunlight! I like wearing makeup that doesn't look very obvious, which is why I love this product. There aren't any chunks of glitter or obvious shimmer, and I don't feel self conscious going out into the bright California sun. I feel that natural light is very unforgiving if you have overdone makeup, but I always feel safe with this highlighter!</div>
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Reserve Your Cabana doesn't come across as strongly as some other products (ex. Nars Albatross), but some days I don't want all of that. For days I go to work or if I will be outside, I want a pretty product that I can quickly swipe on without being particularly careful, and will leave me with a healthy looking glow (and not like a disco ball). For this purpose, and for this price, I believe this product cannot be beat!</div>
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S/N The name of the bronzer is just too cute, does it make anyone else crave a holiday at the beach??</div>
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Rating: 4.5/5</div>
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Edit: here is a picture where you can see how light this product actually is! </div>
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<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-16115954750821446792015-04-08T09:14:00.001-07:002015-04-08T09:14:04.811-07:00Easter in the MountainsLast weekend I had a great time with my family in the North Carolina mountains. We rented a little house called Serenade Cove and spent four days hiking, picnicking, shopping, and relaxing. Here are a few pictures of our adventures:<br />
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Our house was only a few minutes from the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, so we didn't have to travel far to see Looking Glass Falls.</div>
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This might be my favorite picture from the trip. It captures her exuberance so well! She was so excited to go hiking that she actually squealed as we were descending the steps to the falls. <3</div>
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Moore Cove Falls, Pisgah National Forest</div>
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There's Looking Glass Rock in the distance</div>
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Hooker Falls, Dupont State Forest</div>
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Triple Falls, Dupont State Forest</div>
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There's my dad flying a kite on Max Patch, a beautiful bald on the Appalachian Trail. It's a little out of the way on a long, winding forestry road but the 360 views of the blue ridges is completely worth it. There were lots of picnickers there on Easter Sunday and it's always a good place to meet interesting people passing through on the Appalachian Trail. </div>
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Skinny Dip Falls is a hidden gem on the Mountain to Sea trail. It is about a .5 mile hike from mile post 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaNW4_FbPX4-d9KmrW-497F13jnnIdjhLtBvcQEj9YJhW1FxUh8OLqV4E_CoTWhZFxcYx-CTrcMw8XRhQpEG_L0bHPMQxY94GmU8hTNGucOyMPzD3M02Lpfz-LdkdxwPrzi0aDybDxX0/s1600/IMG_8272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaNW4_FbPX4-d9KmrW-497F13jnnIdjhLtBvcQEj9YJhW1FxUh8OLqV4E_CoTWhZFxcYx-CTrcMw8XRhQpEG_L0bHPMQxY94GmU8hTNGucOyMPzD3M02Lpfz-LdkdxwPrzi0aDybDxX0/s1600/IMG_8272.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's me crouching(?) on the rock. It's a popular jumping rock/water hole in the summertime (hence the name Skinny Dip Falls) but it was a little too cold for that in early April!</div>
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~Ashley</div>
<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-79193170325054942982015-04-04T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-13T08:10:17.482-07:00Quote and Thoughts<div style="text-align: center;">
Thoughts on a quote by our bro, the good man Teddy R. :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7g6D0egWckMcVUxK-FWDae2lzKTKNV0V8QjvxIi38R1PHBOMpbTa9htG8YvVt-q6x326-mqtIgANs_AJ-bko0sQGD44MJAxaV5mL50WLxAxBBWOXsMM9jsD-_jZhdxjOALGYfh7VqEE/s1600/troosevelt-398v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7g6D0egWckMcVUxK-FWDae2lzKTKNV0V8QjvxIi38R1PHBOMpbTa9htG8YvVt-q6x326-mqtIgANs_AJ-bko0sQGD44MJAxaV5mL50WLxAxBBWOXsMM9jsD-_jZhdxjOALGYfh7VqEE/s1600/troosevelt-398v.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 19.0399990081787px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Teddy Roosevelt at Glacier Point, Yosemite Ntl. Park <a href="http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/holiday/2007/photoessay/nationalparks/" target="_blank">(Image Courtesy)</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.0399990081787px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.</span></span></div>
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There is so much in this speech to be appreciated, but I wanted to focus on the last few lines. I think there are many quotes to be considered on the merit of trying and putting forth effort, but this one in particular spoke to me! </div>
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I really appreciate that Teddy recognized that there is something to be said about a person who endeavors for great things, even in the face of failure. I know that personally I am impressed when someone achieves something great, but I am not impressed when someone gives something a shot and doesn't make it. For some reason, I had looked at that failure as a negative thing. However, this speech shows great wisdom by illustrating the value of effort. </div>
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These words demonstrate a counter intuitive concept--failure itself can be a great thing. And although that may be hard to wrap my head around, this is a practical thing in many ways! Trying for something great sets you apart from the many people that never gave it a shot. And when I talked about this quote with Ashley, she also pointed out that trying is useful because there is so much you learn when you try!</div>
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So the moral of this post is that trying for something and failing is not bad. Repeat: trying for something and failing is not bad. Because if you get it, you have achieved. And if you don't, you were one of the people brave enough to try and that is an achievement in itself, and you have also learned! Thanks Teddy for your wisdom <3</div>
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Tiffany</div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-56219806775254691732015-04-03T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-03T12:00:02.317-07:00North Carolina Lemon PieOne of the perks of being at home with my parents is getting to peruse their issues of Cook's Country magazine. Often they highlight regional delicacies from around the country, but one in this year's March/April issue struck close to home. It featured a lemon pie made famous in Atlantic Beach, NC and by chef Bill Smith at Crook's Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC. I must have been living under a rock during the four years I spent as a college student in Chapel Hill because I never once tasted or even heard of this pie. Thankfully, one year after my graduation, I was finally enlightened by the perfection that is a saltine cracker crust, sour lemon custard, and vanilla whipped cream. It is an incredible combination of salty, sour, and sweet that cements it in first place as my favorite pie ever. No kidding! It blows every lemon merengue pie I've ever had out of the water!<br />
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Saltine crackers don't seem like the obvious choice for a dessert, but they are perfectly balanced with the other flavors in this pie. I don't think anything sweeter or sugarier would work.</div>
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6 ounces of crackers is about a sleeve and a half.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4AUtO3PXZr2Tj808tlZ0WDAlqYayigDaqIC5jR_Sk2QZhdLLGz7ur4mh4anqlU-fAOpPrCPhhKqqIjRUvV1UO3TSVMSrHDWFDUtXQi-nhodSDZPH-wdT-kxrXtcg5OgkhTzv7gXafdQ/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4AUtO3PXZr2Tj808tlZ0WDAlqYayigDaqIC5jR_Sk2QZhdLLGz7ur4mh4anqlU-fAOpPrCPhhKqqIjRUvV1UO3TSVMSrHDWFDUtXQi-nhodSDZPH-wdT-kxrXtcg5OgkhTzv7gXafdQ/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One tip for getting corn syrup (or any sticky liquid) out of a measuring cup: spray it with cooking oil first!</div>
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I'm in love with this pie plate I got for Christmas!</div>
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Slicing the butter first always helps it melt faster.</div>
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A food processor makes this crust super quick. I used the same 1/4 cup I measured my corn syrup in to press the crust around the pie plate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerxwYN1Jv4H8ammfZV99Vw4oOVg1xsY0SwLtDR0QIqm6LSkK1RmM_NspkuLBEshqRiB54BKH3Y8ua6TnUv20jGzak-6zNwhHwakyn4hHiydmzT5tJmByeanEWRoflAc6PMDvZe0NEtOs/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerxwYN1Jv4H8ammfZV99Vw4oOVg1xsY0SwLtDR0QIqm6LSkK1RmM_NspkuLBEshqRiB54BKH3Y8ua6TnUv20jGzak-6zNwhHwakyn4hHiydmzT5tJmByeanEWRoflAc6PMDvZe0NEtOs/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJsKs_wsvBqoZcAOb9qI3jjBuRhFeifc9WVXV-aGbefiMNF1jfi5F_-2KvjVLG-uAhMGEdZBtphjfyzwqbmVJiHXlEUqRZ_kWrgX9y1REbYLQMflQyO0y-8QnZhkTl8X6QTcx72H2uf4/s1600/lemonpies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJsKs_wsvBqoZcAOb9qI3jjBuRhFeifc9WVXV-aGbefiMNF1jfi5F_-2KvjVLG-uAhMGEdZBtphjfyzwqbmVJiHXlEUqRZ_kWrgX9y1REbYLQMflQyO0y-8QnZhkTl8X6QTcx72H2uf4/s1600/lemonpies.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sides of the crust shrank down when I baked it, but it leveled perfectly with the amount of lemon custard. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxy9cvHEItHh9PjBeeSMhh-9R5PIvXW_eckSLQB4cmXzalSa2g3FVAoD3xV9msYiranwH7x-7iCxtf2hyXMPQ9BkdxL6ofOtl1Qt5F4HVML8g37cbOFr4P4X_7trfa7nnvjPMNbrasmY/s1600/lemoncream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxy9cvHEItHh9PjBeeSMhh-9R5PIvXW_eckSLQB4cmXzalSa2g3FVAoD3xV9msYiranwH7x-7iCxtf2hyXMPQ9BkdxL6ofOtl1Qt5F4HVML8g37cbOFr4P4X_7trfa7nnvjPMNbrasmY/s1600/lemoncream.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLWwYPq9whgQMql64dMZYhryR4VHyBLeo-QuOtoxFv-QdDbBEhWrailF3rzLUGeBfxAZir2U_Zw5g4Xa_EYTlSTITeLGuBBu_K2g_qW0Yza7D2Jr8peuy_eROc6dmuWj3ei8BNc10fCc/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLWwYPq9whgQMql64dMZYhryR4VHyBLeo-QuOtoxFv-QdDbBEhWrailF3rzLUGeBfxAZir2U_Zw5g4Xa_EYTlSTITeLGuBBu_K2g_qW0Yza7D2Jr8peuy_eROc6dmuWj3ei8BNc10fCc/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I left a little of the lemon custard exposed when I topped it with whipped cream.</div>
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Delicious!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>North Carolina Lemon Pie</b></span></div>
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<b>Adapted from Cook's Country Magazine</b></div>
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<b>For the crust:</b></div>
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6 oz. Saltine Crackers</div>
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10 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted</div>
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1/4 cup light corn syrup</div>
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1/8 tsp. salt</div>
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<b>For the filling:</b></div>
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4 egg yolks</div>
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1 15 oz. can sweetened condensed milk</div>
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1 Tbsp lemon zest & 1/2 cup lemon juice (I used 2 lemons)</div>
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1/4 cup heavy cream</div>
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1/8 tsp salt</div>
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<b>For the whipped cream</b></div>
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1/2 cup heavy whipping cream</div>
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2 tsp sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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Pulse the crackers and salt in the food processor 15 times until they form coarse crumbs. Add the melted butter and corn syrup, pulse 15 more times until the texture of oatmeal. Dump into greased pie plate and use the back of a flat measuring cup or glass to spread around and up the edges evenly. Bake at 350 fahrenheit for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. </div>
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Whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, zest, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Add lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Pour into baked crust (doesn't need to be cool) and pop back in the oven for 15-18 minutes until set. Let cool on a cooling rack, and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (it's best if left overnight!).</div>
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Use beaters to whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Spread over the chilled pie and enjoy! </div>
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~Ashley</div>
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<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-53994213594051111712015-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-12T12:56:46.384-07:00Corn Fritters with Avocado Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When spring finally rolls around I'm always tired of hot and heavy winter stews and I crave something light and fresh. These fritters with avocado salsa strike a nice balance between light and filling, making them perfect for spring. They're also delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Here's how I made them (recipe at the bottom):</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISiBrb4R0AP6iWMm5cnKDGkbOr9g0-yj88WWOXaNmZDwIbtXXER_l7d2U5UTSFCQKVATgeqLnx5YbHlvObhxBhPU2UyrfKUtEwSuix7FHAuHxaSjdRCZ33zOMv7X4ZMDH3-GQ7phycUs/s1600/IMG_8140.JPG" height="422" width="640" /> </div>
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I diced up some red onion...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaeP2X3lCiz-ORGBGBOZlkFFVFLmR6-dEMr5_N2zl7xN1bkRIv_fwrL7jxgGTlF6Id-GR7jcyrnGJEKGEngkaqC4OouxAIvSo0SGbWBFEnZscedQPk3NSQhDVQYsf6wB8uAvN4rAmDZ0/s1600/IMG_8141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaeP2X3lCiz-ORGBGBOZlkFFVFLmR6-dEMr5_N2zl7xN1bkRIv_fwrL7jxgGTlF6Id-GR7jcyrnGJEKGEngkaqC4OouxAIvSo0SGbWBFEnZscedQPk3NSQhDVQYsf6wB8uAvN4rAmDZ0/s1600/IMG_8141.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and minced a clove of garlic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdpFGr0sbnTLTGVZzOjaMI2l0M-gTm9zXGvOgtCS-9q584Vme87_rnky1xMhR_CaAzVATAIshPWTcr7po11KUsutIg2VsXzsuDQBdz2Y61DqzAXO1lgbw4rWYzfsCBmnNXlGLTO4_ITQ/s1600/IMG_8142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdpFGr0sbnTLTGVZzOjaMI2l0M-gTm9zXGvOgtCS-9q584Vme87_rnky1xMhR_CaAzVATAIshPWTcr7po11KUsutIg2VsXzsuDQBdz2Y61DqzAXO1lgbw4rWYzfsCBmnNXlGLTO4_ITQ/s1600/IMG_8142.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cubed a couple avocados</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgUwjR0lT_sxz-HHqRs52yKxdxNtslaURf517ktjtU4ye8l_qY-9Pb9ZH3hwFWw_U-SLk3cwAs7o2rWZIvIeEONsPonEYJDImuL0OkL_C8GCDCvdgdIq1X42eo2wy3RAVW2S6p15Hh7c/s1600/IMG_8143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgUwjR0lT_sxz-HHqRs52yKxdxNtslaURf517ktjtU4ye8l_qY-9Pb9ZH3hwFWw_U-SLk3cwAs7o2rWZIvIeEONsPonEYJDImuL0OkL_C8GCDCvdgdIq1X42eo2wy3RAVW2S6p15Hh7c/s1600/IMG_8143.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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and I diced a tomato.</div>
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I finely chopped some jalapeño...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIH4XDaxmuR5xeZADe-V7crbvgG2_TIdObPkLhgA1KOzFkZUkJyoTqeoaUKBMNv2lhcCOKK9ysbSMjzGttJB0mhBkUcUG9Kf5U9pYKL_hS2t22xtl7toxTClHhDofgKewxIKiSDNN204/s1600/IMG_8146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIH4XDaxmuR5xeZADe-V7crbvgG2_TIdObPkLhgA1KOzFkZUkJyoTqeoaUKBMNv2lhcCOKK9ysbSMjzGttJB0mhBkUcUG9Kf5U9pYKL_hS2t22xtl7toxTClHhDofgKewxIKiSDNN204/s1600/IMG_8146.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...some cilantro...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMAudvb3p42rbW7HRWYMnAxC_1eI-pBSESqnjZdhu2ElYw99ZB2-X74ahB3XubtR7U2s_aMO_IQe1LpSAYsr8rC2m3CXU-oLIXtGo3NSBRaiN5SCCDlV0K_HaXM5by59ySU_ZwCYbra8/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMAudvb3p42rbW7HRWYMnAxC_1eI-pBSESqnjZdhu2ElYw99ZB2-X74ahB3XubtR7U2s_aMO_IQe1LpSAYsr8rC2m3CXU-oLIXtGo3NSBRaiN5SCCDlV0K_HaXM5by59ySU_ZwCYbra8/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and a scallion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT0_aeywLCEMcXYaGAl4nhUgWoAVUnxJWPZ_9rKc4g0Cp4sV5CkYB1tVfplMJGZ0Y1DGxwxdRHbwYfXGDWqkohrMmd5bkRsFvaKKBmfrfwLnI2-kw4HoplKAprylIYRmNSWQNGP0kZY8/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT0_aeywLCEMcXYaGAl4nhUgWoAVUnxJWPZ_9rKc4g0Cp4sV5CkYB1tVfplMJGZ0Y1DGxwxdRHbwYfXGDWqkohrMmd5bkRsFvaKKBmfrfwLnI2-kw4HoplKAprylIYRmNSWQNGP0kZY8/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added all the ingredients to a bowl and sprinkled over a little salt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WYnUXOK1BOf_IHGksl3BCZcbgHKDCvIaXG20iTIZGONnTehVPgXi8fUusXvmjTB39qYJBxLSNj0dtYQCRmsK6ng30obM60zoCuvQOHEz1AKGVtvJJP5saCO0jqpB96UKhmp1vaXwoXU/s1600/IMG_8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WYnUXOK1BOf_IHGksl3BCZcbgHKDCvIaXG20iTIZGONnTehVPgXi8fUusXvmjTB39qYJBxLSNj0dtYQCRmsK6ng30obM60zoCuvQOHEz1AKGVtvJJP5saCO0jqpB96UKhmp1vaXwoXU/s1600/IMG_8154.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I squeezed in half a lime.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggucal2r8Gp9gW0b5QgVCZGbEgWtl2XxJzjIhNRoh7-stA8KMw6fKvcSNsrzZteFy1G2jh-wzLZ0m3hzcPDcEkqcF0Yo5IqNs77Rn7Z6WEZEyh3fcMcRkxuhMa5z91W-5msQBS2BNN660/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggucal2r8Gp9gW0b5QgVCZGbEgWtl2XxJzjIhNRoh7-stA8KMw6fKvcSNsrzZteFy1G2jh-wzLZ0m3hzcPDcEkqcF0Yo5IqNs77Rn7Z6WEZEyh3fcMcRkxuhMa5z91W-5msQBS2BNN660/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added a little red wine vinegar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSdRsGEYo3K4JLGfC51hMTSvV8ZwPVH3mOhXPDQ70lYDbLOL8KBw6M5jLxvDQLJNMaA2LE910qv5kjdUBZmZi8ypEhK3rFaVtU06lRCzlWVhFYU5aMpUgDF9v5e7kQjFeZMKWTHHrZFw/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSdRsGEYo3K4JLGfC51hMTSvV8ZwPVH3mOhXPDQ70lYDbLOL8KBw6M5jLxvDQLJNMaA2LE910qv5kjdUBZmZi8ypEhK3rFaVtU06lRCzlWVhFYU5aMpUgDF9v5e7kQjFeZMKWTHHrZFw/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally, a drizzle of olive oil.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQVDypbv7CmN-KS50oJK6-x55hqdbMdy2GobDKx68wNxHgujYyWjNKO9JVyjGXeMSPEBCf7cW48m5HJbwek_Zfd0LJTXW-BrLma__I8ofk7DKHkL_uWmXUB1j5eTu2H-noOEaq3stusE/s1600/IMG_8161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQVDypbv7CmN-KS50oJK6-x55hqdbMdy2GobDKx68wNxHgujYyWjNKO9JVyjGXeMSPEBCf7cW48m5HJbwek_Zfd0LJTXW-BrLma__I8ofk7DKHkL_uWmXUB1j5eTu2H-noOEaq3stusE/s1600/IMG_8161.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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All mixed together, here is the avocado salsa!</div>
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...</div>
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Now for the corn fritters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecn716lPcfd3dyg13ES4V0Jsogdee0rxQkR5y8OwQDxO3V2xrPB884dDXpt7fYlcLRiJfc6gD0Cnk4Ch5LdgnMYzUhvan5gi_X9v13DymQM-Sw4rHzFH8ZQiQW6wExZrlVJwQCVDrvGI/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecn716lPcfd3dyg13ES4V0Jsogdee0rxQkR5y8OwQDxO3V2xrPB884dDXpt7fYlcLRiJfc6gD0Cnk4Ch5LdgnMYzUhvan5gi_X9v13DymQM-Sw4rHzFH8ZQiQW6wExZrlVJwQCVDrvGI/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I drained a can of sweet corn and dumped it into a bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv17_TZ8Jm2PyZ7ufhIsAWQi4k0sg8lY3yQGj0sWZ_Jeg7wSxsNojQyV-NwagIwAzwy58AzcG1E6QOKYzKX2cnN1a3JtCrD1WKYvyQLit6HjAHSOwPmJotSCi58InYcJz-RDZWyiTdOa4/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv17_TZ8Jm2PyZ7ufhIsAWQi4k0sg8lY3yQGj0sWZ_Jeg7wSxsNojQyV-NwagIwAzwy58AzcG1E6QOKYzKX2cnN1a3JtCrD1WKYvyQLit6HjAHSOwPmJotSCi58InYcJz-RDZWyiTdOa4/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In went some red onion and scallions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBh-SB8OtqXvsdlF13WRTBJZETCvQwNCnMjT4c40AxXLgCKYYB_cbYxNa2Wb6WQ-SEkpg_252rRhc6Sevhbho3sE8qOA7B4w3FhP7Hmx895twm0hDTSRq2rJmrF1uFowQjyqPKr8Dhso/s1600/IMG_8165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBh-SB8OtqXvsdlF13WRTBJZETCvQwNCnMjT4c40AxXLgCKYYB_cbYxNa2Wb6WQ-SEkpg_252rRhc6Sevhbho3sE8qOA7B4w3FhP7Hmx895twm0hDTSRq2rJmrF1uFowQjyqPKr8Dhso/s1600/IMG_8165.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY8OSzm9apNYOOOARDPuIT54jNxYwf0g9BibuIVnexFT0Yoddd4EhpJgiDwi6jG5CjGdwi-er97d94YIcPhtSJNyEh_mB8ZV3phDCU_yRJWyg6qG-sjwpBcpaHQxzQOm5hALy85lVxLE/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY8OSzm9apNYOOOARDPuIT54jNxYwf0g9BibuIVnexFT0Yoddd4EhpJgiDwi6jG5CjGdwi-er97d94YIcPhtSJNyEh_mB8ZV3phDCU_yRJWyg6qG-sjwpBcpaHQxzQOm5hALy85lVxLE/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I measured in some all purpose flour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9hax2-dCl_MFrazp7U4cmAYjlBqeXrH3h-HRKFcZZbhYZBNxLDHaGXDp_3Yk_HkqliC8ty-mFPJsc40_uA_wY3Ei5Vsp9hCov012dSFZpErZdJojPmOwC0zD1l-hEuxwxupSYJGFk_g/s1600/IMG_8167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9hax2-dCl_MFrazp7U4cmAYjlBqeXrH3h-HRKFcZZbhYZBNxLDHaGXDp_3Yk_HkqliC8ty-mFPJsc40_uA_wY3Ei5Vsp9hCov012dSFZpErZdJojPmOwC0zD1l-hEuxwxupSYJGFk_g/s1600/IMG_8167.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq41tkNgqrmNhY2Ya1cU36RcvvUQxPbG3vyh-b98wa-dJ3IVJCd9QALN6U-cVeSjjvGTziUhU-Tmp6oAkHPOePXk7YbB0YAYExR048e9Uo2foGO9D9rPWuRurypOvhtoD7cVHGBOm2gA/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq41tkNgqrmNhY2Ya1cU36RcvvUQxPbG3vyh-b98wa-dJ3IVJCd9QALN6U-cVeSjjvGTziUhU-Tmp6oAkHPOePXk7YbB0YAYExR048e9Uo2foGO9D9rPWuRurypOvhtoD7cVHGBOm2gA/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I measured in a little cornmeal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2G50-FZr1Q23wF2H1m5xnF7F2x9H6eH3sWm7aeyF45fmVmtSObWJRWfeJkzNGet0C38eNHU8Bl-frN1GnuaqZIQstTPfnJ62eYv0BSbCoNMWVLrRqt4Vh3hmp_tAJpo79q2CJXy8maM/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2G50-FZr1Q23wF2H1m5xnF7F2x9H6eH3sWm7aeyF45fmVmtSObWJRWfeJkzNGet0C38eNHU8Bl-frN1GnuaqZIQstTPfnJ62eYv0BSbCoNMWVLrRqt4Vh3hmp_tAJpo79q2CJXy8maM/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In went some baking powder...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGIMX25B2JQoVy-gmF-Wppo2TQBIdEZN_2C0443YeQAQ-_AijW6JCAXbUXbZxE2o7P4QOCNYhh3oHtYwivLBftFcxpmN9GFnrv9qGICw43VbAr8KNwjhP60SJanDlBcUbgAQmCw7SzT8/s1600/IMG_8171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGIMX25B2JQoVy-gmF-Wppo2TQBIdEZN_2C0443YeQAQ-_AijW6JCAXbUXbZxE2o7P4QOCNYhh3oHtYwivLBftFcxpmN9GFnrv9qGICw43VbAr8KNwjhP60SJanDlBcUbgAQmCw7SzT8/s1600/IMG_8171.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and some baking soda.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rrBTH-UKURNarQCTKukqheSRcq8_xg2RVu5liFXCJl2eiU96tgQgl5BZjbHlFVuUrODha76n-bk3SbSI8cNP24A5RIvdQYblUdcptxKNHbe_nSGyx_2G53tUBdEoj2I6Nv7rveAzH7U/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rrBTH-UKURNarQCTKukqheSRcq8_xg2RVu5liFXCJl2eiU96tgQgl5BZjbHlFVuUrODha76n-bk3SbSI8cNP24A5RIvdQYblUdcptxKNHbe_nSGyx_2G53tUBdEoj2I6Nv7rveAzH7U/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I melted some butter and added it to the bowl with two eggs and milk.</div>
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And I mixed it all up.</div>
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I made 7 fritters from this recipe.</div>
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Into the hot pan with coconut oil.</div>
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I fried them until golden brown on each side.</div>
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Beautiful and so delicious!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Corn Fritters with Avocado Salsa</b></span></div>
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<b>For the Salsa:</b></div>
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2 ripe avocados, cubed</div>
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1 tomato, diced</div>
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1 1/2 Tbsp red onion, finely diced</div>
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1 clove garlic, minced</div>
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1 tsp jalapeño, finely chopped</div>
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1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped</div>
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1 scallion, chopped</div>
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Juice from 1/2 lime</div>
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3 tsp red wine vinegar</div>
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2 tsp olive oil</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.</div>
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<b>For the Fritters:</b></div>
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1 can sweet corn, drained</div>
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1/2 cup red onion, chopped</div>
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2 scallions, chopped</div>
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1 cup all purpose flour</div>
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1/2 cup cornmeal</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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2 Tbsp butter, melted</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 Tbsp milk</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form 6-8 fritters. Heat vegetable or coconut oil over medium high heat in a skillet until hot. Add fritters and fry each side 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and serve topped with avocado salsa.</div>
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~Ashley</div>
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<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-81490164568665977342015-03-31T19:26:00.001-07:002015-04-12T12:54:09.550-07:00Santa Monica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the pros of living in California is access to the beautiful beaches. Here is my current favorite--Santa Monica! This area is commercial, fun, and it's absolutely gorgeous. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeana4zD4cwGip9irkd47sBoyeG3_j5aH3mRvgMzetlRnFKOYnxBHo0owvD3vjlGyVb6hyir60GVE-1VRTP8ia-fGL8FGd4nZv3xriMkePY0Rk_ycl5u3nm7FRL5VDKSWzc7XQG7NHvQ/s1600/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeana4zD4cwGip9irkd47sBoyeG3_j5aH3mRvgMzetlRnFKOYnxBHo0owvD3vjlGyVb6hyir60GVE-1VRTP8ia-fGL8FGd4nZv3xriMkePY0Rk_ycl5u3nm7FRL5VDKSWzc7XQG7NHvQ/s1600/a.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of the Santa Monica Pier. There are all sorts of fun things here including a little carnival area and restaurants to eat at. The arcade here is fun too if you want to indulge your inner child!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3YXAqzWnEevLfWkmC6wKe4GCyN7RjPBFQ7xniRGQ7jO4V3EsZXUACOOEFsXng0EFjWSNCrJDQI5dWZKMdBbyY5WCnrKCVpKMd5TqV2-YRY9hEiR1_Dag4vmH8-PH7DvvIsiEDLNKvDQ/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3YXAqzWnEevLfWkmC6wKe4GCyN7RjPBFQ7xniRGQ7jO4V3EsZXUACOOEFsXng0EFjWSNCrJDQI5dWZKMdBbyY5WCnrKCVpKMd5TqV2-YRY9hEiR1_Dag4vmH8-PH7DvvIsiEDLNKvDQ/s1600/b.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking towards the beach from the pier entrance affords you this stunning view. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6ru0VMp2hTGAj4b6MvBH-jUkvZY1-9dw7U9GN55uGoPe3kJOVzo-BSWnBM4EAaQQNFQ5owhbceWXxZ_SHYonNAa_rc1qnKGe3WF2mj6hv47ydT7iWRFwICX_dJ5y57calT6CPvTQSok/s1600/c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6ru0VMp2hTGAj4b6MvBH-jUkvZY1-9dw7U9GN55uGoPe3kJOVzo-BSWnBM4EAaQQNFQ5owhbceWXxZ_SHYonNAa_rc1qnKGe3WF2mj6hv47ydT7iWRFwICX_dJ5y57calT6CPvTQSok/s1600/c.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see fellow beach-goers enjoying the ocean!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OnUY7xWib75u7Prq6iho9PYwdBSqtaxx3MQQ1gGte6lFXafBHSyJF_bR6NewgH-nSavDl6gpNfc1xnkcRtGOopX0EAibADBaUnR8nQhbc0sURZ6xRDRwZx9DKpfaf2UW1Ufte_SrtsM/s1600/d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OnUY7xWib75u7Prq6iho9PYwdBSqtaxx3MQQ1gGte6lFXafBHSyJF_bR6NewgH-nSavDl6gpNfc1xnkcRtGOopX0EAibADBaUnR8nQhbc0sURZ6xRDRwZx9DKpfaf2UW1Ufte_SrtsM/s1600/d.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The setting summer sun is captivating.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHZf-2TYhyphenhyphen8zewqi4fyBbKoSzFzedDYYBpDDFYUwN-uFOCX2P5zjJZ7uJN2UmUmvAG4fbOXognDEsSd3PdZYJPLJ3qf9fSFgmOddem1ZH-dPXXExY3Y0ibENNM-1rar6N0uf6OpU1ooM/s1600/e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHZf-2TYhyphenhyphen8zewqi4fyBbKoSzFzedDYYBpDDFYUwN-uFOCX2P5zjJZ7uJN2UmUmvAG4fbOXognDEsSd3PdZYJPLJ3qf9fSFgmOddem1ZH-dPXXExY3Y0ibENNM-1rar6N0uf6OpU1ooM/s1600/e.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunset colors are just gorgeous.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCXrQDKr2bfmeKnqir-yn-aCWl-ZSWAOosPYxsj9bypAUUykET5Ie21GdFm2m8K3qYuZBnvVEWenV-7OQExYiefOuG-4izTJ_sxiMSwJXJUxZIUq2AKdhOOa_ldC8wNGv3R8CtWtx_2I/s1600/f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCXrQDKr2bfmeKnqir-yn-aCWl-ZSWAOosPYxsj9bypAUUykET5Ie21GdFm2m8K3qYuZBnvVEWenV-7OQExYiefOuG-4izTJ_sxiMSwJXJUxZIUq2AKdhOOa_ldC8wNGv3R8CtWtx_2I/s1600/f.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodnight sun!</td></tr>
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Santa Monica is a place I love to take people when they visit for a day trip :) The beach and the 3rd Street Promenade along with the pier make for a beautiful and enjoyable day. If you visit Southern California, please stop by Santa Monica!</div>
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Tiffany</div>
<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-54300502860360547302015-03-31T19:12:00.002-07:002015-04-12T12:53:34.346-07:00Thairama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi everyone! :) Today's blog post is a restaurant review of a Thai place in Glendale. This cute restaurant has mainly take out orders, but over my sisters spring break we decided to sit in and try a few dishes. And it was definitely a good life decision!</div>
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The restaurant is called Thairama, and the link for anyone who is interested is <a href="http://thairamaglendale.com/">here </a>:)</div>
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The first dish is the pineapple fried rice. This rice is absolutely delicious, and is my favorite! There is curry seasoning, pork, onion, cashews, egg, tomato, and of course--pineapple! A definite must have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-2N5f0PVUhsGjs0Rap0c3Sfq-11BLk713rh3cUBST2kcxTxFlpBA-ajlCPYzGUjdo85K1h6e-mTVnHLtkZbZeiwcp2TN_GG7NR-bUIURqHK4xfzfGzq5DhlEhgcWWk5gK2Nk8NfGKA8/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-2N5f0PVUhsGjs0Rap0c3Sfq-11BLk713rh3cUBST2kcxTxFlpBA-ajlCPYzGUjdo85K1h6e-mTVnHLtkZbZeiwcp2TN_GG7NR-bUIURqHK4xfzfGzq5DhlEhgcWWk5gK2Nk8NfGKA8/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second dish is orange shrimp. The shrimp is crispy and glazed with a slightly sweet sauce, and served over crisp lettuce. Also very good!</div>
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Since we came to a Thai place, we had to order curry :) This is their Panang curry, and it's literally an explosion of flavor. It's making my mouth water just thinking of it! The curry is savory, sweet, spicy, and it has chicken, green and red bell peppers. The taste can be almost overwhelming if you're not used to it, but my sister said, "this is a kind of dish I would crave on a random day," and I definitely agree with that statement.</div>
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Lastly, we ordered lard na which is a noodle dish served with chicken, broccoli, and lots of sauce. This dish is my moms favorite!</div>
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Thairama in Glendale is small and charming, and is very well-suited to takeout. When picking up the dishes, they are always piping hot, and retain their heat well for the trip home. I wouldn't necessarily recommend eating in for a glamorous experience, but I did enjoy going there with my sisters!</div>
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The food here was absolutely delicious with no disappointments in flavor. Thank you Thairama for being awesome! :)</div>
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Tiffany</div>
Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-53375173884327270732015-03-25T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-12T19:08:08.502-07:00Bread Baking: Honey Wheat Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had to pick my last meal on earth, it would definitely include homemade bread with lots of butter. I don't think there is anything better. In a quest to clean up my diet and eliminate weird chemical additives from my food (such as this <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/02/05/subway-fast-food-chemicals-in-food/5236537/">shoe rubber</a>) I have taken up bread-baking as a weekly habit. All kinds of cooking are like therapy to me, but bread-baking is particularly satisfying. After only a few hours in the kitchen (most of it downtime waiting for the bread to rise) you are presented with beautiful loaves that will be a staple of your diet for the next week or two. That is the magic of flour, water, and yeast! This recipe for honey wheat bread produces two crusty brown loaves with soft, fluffy insides. It makes perfect toast in the morning, perfect sandwich bread for lunch, and a perfect snack for anytime. Here's how I make it:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenqLIPUNBfYqgAx_HCNLMWti_Uc7R9iKvBjUfx4Yh9a81lDphz7JA969Z83m4KxftVXO0D6Gdox6wQ3q7P5fu44-UgvGEwEXVB3NFD4DJRIeeM9DkbQZZG_M2YiYYT8T4So6itxCpu7I/s1600/IMG_2113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenqLIPUNBfYqgAx_HCNLMWti_Uc7R9iKvBjUfx4Yh9a81lDphz7JA969Z83m4KxftVXO0D6Gdox6wQ3q7P5fu44-UgvGEwEXVB3NFD4DJRIeeM9DkbQZZG_M2YiYYT8T4So6itxCpu7I/s1600/IMG_2113.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I measured out 3 cups of whole wheat flour and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. I have the best luck with King Arthur brand flour, not sure why, but I think it's because it's made specifically for baking. Dough just seems to rise better with this stuff.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlqc8PZ2E7JHNV7T4kGbssAI5VaY3A-FdvyYf1r2Ie1r3Z6NEs-zspFjFS__y-mI0LJUEFiBKfcaKs2Y03B9mTdb482uQK9ynSN1WvkdKT4nGRgI00p_GrOH_qdPgNIYgj8HslKo38DU/s1600/IMG_2114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlqc8PZ2E7JHNV7T4kGbssAI5VaY3A-FdvyYf1r2Ie1r3Z6NEs-zspFjFS__y-mI0LJUEFiBKfcaKs2Y03B9mTdb482uQK9ynSN1WvkdKT4nGRgI00p_GrOH_qdPgNIYgj8HslKo38DU/s1600/IMG_2114.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipe used up the last of my beloved quart jar of local honey, but it was worth it in the end! I ate this whole jar of honey surprisingly fast. Well, maybe not so surprisingly. I eat honey like Winnie the Pooh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're like me and not a fan of molasses, have no fear because you can't taste it in the finished loaves! It adds a nice depth to the flavor and boosts the sweetness of the honey in the bread.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5011u9M1oTjSmtH5NGxIWgF1S2aI9L34rCu4vFedINLapFn3cJpTypNoZYB-F23op3OaZBKFTLHQ5W2zhIPeB-zghhU13gPToXMcfOpnaDag1WmS4aqRRDLomazaGe5FDJp5-jDO8Jaw/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5011u9M1oTjSmtH5NGxIWgF1S2aI9L34rCu4vFedINLapFn3cJpTypNoZYB-F23op3OaZBKFTLHQ5W2zhIPeB-zghhU13gPToXMcfOpnaDag1WmS4aqRRDLomazaGe5FDJp5-jDO8Jaw/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In goes 4 Tbsp of salted butter!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9-olk6BbdW2cZbubHePlp-8qkLdj1XuEFSF4T-lzOm9-Rn9MM8KgY0QBogTUg0UqqOiqKvYQBFlVWf_y9tzZxOCrk8Mr3_rlM9mM3ctwn8Nb2p_uac-tT1FjCasXO-aDGhqxhVsABkk/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9-olk6BbdW2cZbubHePlp-8qkLdj1XuEFSF4T-lzOm9-Rn9MM8KgY0QBogTUg0UqqOiqKvYQBFlVWf_y9tzZxOCrk8Mr3_rlM9mM3ctwn8Nb2p_uac-tT1FjCasXO-aDGhqxhVsABkk/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp of molasses up next</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkPC580pWHM_AaRkqINqnYiKGKjr_kFxMqDHsmTGoaGLRK5BSYWuTZGSW9t2W-vcrfopcIrv22glrODDKryK0JD1ZghnqNb-9XPy8hQsMqMarYdTKRe7q2goF0Ul146TFTP7qK6LQfBo/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkPC580pWHM_AaRkqINqnYiKGKjr_kFxMqDHsmTGoaGLRK5BSYWuTZGSW9t2W-vcrfopcIrv22glrODDKryK0JD1ZghnqNb-9XPy8hQsMqMarYdTKRe7q2goF0Ul146TFTP7qK6LQfBo/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup of honey joins the pot</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtWSlDJFRLg4LdpvEwwvPn6lJ5O9Rf1y7-ms9NnLPbD1Yyts6-sPnHpxivuAH1IoHIAsP680YopIXQ8uG1HXW2WbOXfQBiDAQp2nUI0JhmfNbtiMhGN89vrwx3AqDyhvygCg6ywKMQFo/s1600/IMG_2118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtWSlDJFRLg4LdpvEwwvPn6lJ5O9Rf1y7-ms9NnLPbD1Yyts6-sPnHpxivuAH1IoHIAsP680YopIXQ8uG1HXW2WbOXfQBiDAQp2nUI0JhmfNbtiMhGN89vrwx3AqDyhvygCg6ywKMQFo/s1600/IMG_2118.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. kosher salt last to arrive</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kVb3zQ_Jh2HEtrRLdHme3qZU4VxzMvFY9GpkOT7p6g0fzdm42RkWtBYr0MCpZx7O5UXyjNAoIUggvOzs1JEx3O4Q7cyyDbXxXIF_3bEJRoMoZLqBPYb8jV9_WYd6T0dbc5M2SI64u9Y/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kVb3zQ_Jh2HEtrRLdHme3qZU4VxzMvFY9GpkOT7p6g0fzdm42RkWtBYr0MCpZx7O5UXyjNAoIUggvOzs1JEx3O4Q7cyyDbXxXIF_3bEJRoMoZLqBPYb8jV9_WYd6T0dbc5M2SI64u9Y/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix 'er up!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aVKKTre8Di_d-VUCxVgeM-089-m9b5W7_eZjHahwNYg4rbFVc9b9vPJX0MakO8XU3VZJuOCr5f7_89yyZKGSjOQw7y43dix9U9eWQns965n6sP1H84cLuil_G5ocrsii1AA6tD1iWC8/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aVKKTre8Di_d-VUCxVgeM-089-m9b5W7_eZjHahwNYg4rbFVc9b9vPJX0MakO8XU3VZJuOCr5f7_89yyZKGSjOQw7y43dix9U9eWQns965n6sP1H84cLuil_G5ocrsii1AA6tD1iWC8/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I set 2 cups of water over the stove and heated it until a candy thermometer read 110 degrees Fahrenheit, no more, no less. I poured the water into a bowl (separate from the honey mixture) and sprinkled 2 & 1/2 tsp active dry yeast on top and let it foam for 10-15 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found heating the water just right to be crucial in getting the yeast to activate. If the water's too cool, the yeast will sink right to the bottom. If the water's too hot, it might be too hot for the yeast to handle. 110 degrees F is just right.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcFufHzB6CkS4mTGTXmdjdPqbHsaU9y-gjn1MSDKQIDRqkl8yMJJHVJSu4ex21ujvddDQ5Dx6aWhRmo42vz3IhwzGQrH5qIHfne3fCPuKyXa5NXex_Jq-lG9EnBXnAcblpOK-PdTwI6Q/s1600/IMG_2121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcFufHzB6CkS4mTGTXmdjdPqbHsaU9y-gjn1MSDKQIDRqkl8yMJJHVJSu4ex21ujvddDQ5Dx6aWhRmo42vz3IhwzGQrH5qIHfne3fCPuKyXa5NXex_Jq-lG9EnBXnAcblpOK-PdTwI6Q/s1600/IMG_2121.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I poured the yeast and water into the honey mixture (in the bowl of a mixer) and mixed them to combine. Then, I added the flours and mixed until it formed a dough. Here, I've turned it out onto my floured countertop. I kneaded it for about 3-4 minutes before I achieved a smooth baby's bottom texture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXdRVIJNW37Lz53gypdLhypz2N8jzUmFJDXROyhwcN7ah1Adj5SPKoLyd-vauNkFJxkqw8ukmrkRqdqdb82EQRARfBFQ6MyYWRH07wXREUcjpTw4G2BjcLU2l5TZEwpyTyK1FlDjlnM8/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXdRVIJNW37Lz53gypdLhypz2N8jzUmFJDXROyhwcN7ah1Adj5SPKoLyd-vauNkFJxkqw8ukmrkRqdqdb82EQRARfBFQ6MyYWRH07wXREUcjpTw4G2BjcLU2l5TZEwpyTyK1FlDjlnM8/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once it felt like a baby's bottom, I grabbed a tablespoon of softened butter and rubbed it around my mixer bowl and dropped the dough in. I flipped it over to coat both sides in the butter and keep it from drying out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR4IwQfewYWJY5P8TtaB7pScafFDLuBh9guFT_wlwiLhtdu5WY5Rxx33NDx_Y853rbdjJkx_JsbyLY6PS9a18852AJVMUMr-oJK2chUJRuphjlKWp5g2bM7rCVBCWT_iQZOLH84-nQnc/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR4IwQfewYWJY5P8TtaB7pScafFDLuBh9guFT_wlwiLhtdu5WY5Rxx33NDx_Y853rbdjJkx_JsbyLY6PS9a18852AJVMUMr-oJK2chUJRuphjlKWp5g2bM7rCVBCWT_iQZOLH84-nQnc/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I soaked a dish towel in warm water and wrung it out until it was just damp and covered the bowl. It took an hour for the dough to double in size. I took this time to clean the huge mess I'd managed to create in the kitchen and watch an episode of 19 Kids and Counting on TV (my guilty pleasure heheh).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmaVI14oUcM7eQ_ClbYwQmqNrlnju660JZ-ZvFjgimHrP5j7KKrHEUbaP9KCHIGHUNdTlwtlIe37j6xpH0XtzXZC5JCSpv6G0pMmB3kLbRTVlM-XeM2H351qdTHulplP2NRerDooE7Tg/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmaVI14oUcM7eQ_ClbYwQmqNrlnju660JZ-ZvFjgimHrP5j7KKrHEUbaP9KCHIGHUNdTlwtlIe37j6xpH0XtzXZC5JCSpv6G0pMmB3kLbRTVlM-XeM2H351qdTHulplP2NRerDooE7Tg/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I (literally) punched the risen dough down and let it rest for 5 minutes while I sprayed two loaf pans with vegetable oil. Then, I divided the dough in two and tucked the ragged edges under to form two smooth balls. I let them rise in the loaf pans for an hour. After an hour, the dough filled the loaf pan nicely. I baked them for 35 minutes at 375 degrees F.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jifn4UQCQVXhyphenhyphenQAULK1MltMuUCaF3PTYG063irDQW2zencdmPM8yDFF5kXilQOnol3AL-elmtWySt9Ib_kUYv080bOZt-lI7xU6gTEWHg1a7V2rq1ai77e9WLQ1qhP7vXF0FdjQgjT0/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jifn4UQCQVXhyphenhyphenQAULK1MltMuUCaF3PTYG063irDQW2zencdmPM8yDFF5kXilQOnol3AL-elmtWySt9Ib_kUYv080bOZt-lI7xU6gTEWHg1a7V2rq1ai77e9WLQ1qhP7vXF0FdjQgjT0/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSQhFgtGN38uDtUnB729F4tkwsF9HcPC2I86hgGWmZs348DRQJdBy4Nv9F8jcvEzoADqbRqrQSUkaoObnYvR00YYrpYM2SDQ0-5zSMpybNn9701UxiXa3isjUhR2FypIPhGezaKzqfy8/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSQhFgtGN38uDtUnB729F4tkwsF9HcPC2I86hgGWmZs348DRQJdBy4Nv9F8jcvEzoADqbRqrQSUkaoObnYvR00YYrpYM2SDQ0-5zSMpybNn9701UxiXa3isjUhR2FypIPhGezaKzqfy8/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voila! Beautiful, delicious, (semi) healthy honey wheat bread!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7kVvO-j54nBgTBaCM5nL-jWhNfcFe757EpoISCwtEQz4T40fFfHWQS1O4s1PaiUX8yOzAINbsl3QNWs_2oQTwET5g0nL7Y14CpvP94guZWdb2cZeRCAm1V3un2C22Hcr9fFnShWKPtg/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7kVvO-j54nBgTBaCM5nL-jWhNfcFe757EpoISCwtEQz4T40fFfHWQS1O4s1PaiUX8yOzAINbsl3QNWs_2oQTwET5g0nL7Y14CpvP94guZWdb2cZeRCAm1V3un2C22Hcr9fFnShWKPtg/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 10 minutes I turned them out onto a cooling rack.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-qbZu-2lmir7RsfJ4yGdxzNIrQKKJ_lBNXcFgSMZNljuZWKYVygfE1AUJZuFP10y2x2enZ7850g6ftJoSfgjMBZ-TDDxnMsGPQXh9lc96TKDFCtKMPzeX4gCsGggq8jM3PEuXQKukeM/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-qbZu-2lmir7RsfJ4yGdxzNIrQKKJ_lBNXcFgSMZNljuZWKYVygfE1AUJZuFP10y2x2enZ7850g6ftJoSfgjMBZ-TDDxnMsGPQXh9lc96TKDFCtKMPzeX4gCsGggq8jM3PEuXQKukeM/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I couldn't resist eating a slice or two...or three...before it cooled!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Honey Wheat Bread</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 2 loaves</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tbsp salted butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp molasses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp kosher salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups whole wheat flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups all purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups 110 degree F water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle the yeast onto the warm water in a large bowl. Allow to activate and form a white foam for 10-15 minutes. Mix softened butter, honey, molasses, and salt in the bowl of a mixer. Add activated yeast and flours. Mix until dough forms. Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth. Place in buttered bowl, flip to coat, cover with damp cloth and allow to double in size for an hour. Punch dough down and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Spray two loaf pans. Divide the dough into two balls and tuck under rough edges to form smooth top. Allow dough to rise in loaf pans for an hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake bread for 35 minutes. After 10 minutes cooling in pans on countertop, turn out onto cooling rack and cool completely before storing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Ashley</span></div>
<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8248799450056707123.post-7419456120216649582015-03-21T13:36:00.003-07:002015-04-12T12:51:51.767-07:00Charleston #tbt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to our blog! This is our first post, a throwback to spring break a couple years back. We took a trip to Charleston in March 2013, and it was absolutely beautiful.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SAAEE_cJ5kgDdg3AIiqZK4g1A8x_idaiKz63eZpMlQPgzQ_ZFzUUTNu4TegYDsK3iVVBrTJyCBr5Q1qv5SYFDgSxWA8gWDNKivzVZc79oiNi0-DcSPbOymihk-9JSYGXpos99WnIgG4/s1600/DSC09570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SAAEE_cJ5kgDdg3AIiqZK4g1A8x_idaiKz63eZpMlQPgzQ_ZFzUUTNu4TegYDsK3iVVBrTJyCBr5Q1qv5SYFDgSxWA8gWDNKivzVZc79oiNi0-DcSPbOymihk-9JSYGXpos99WnIgG4/s1600/DSC09570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the bridge we crossed to get into the city</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCR-I7BEX3kN0785-WvfzDbwiTUGYwtW_V2SJ8ansXclPKXV5tom7FYPYsbPbq9wDhbi8ZFdnMVr_uvrY6UUYOGFD42NZgDc8_8d9eKaFx5JAq1oYDDz31HoXaILA8apPuk2pRwH-tHE/s1600/DSC09573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCR-I7BEX3kN0785-WvfzDbwiTUGYwtW_V2SJ8ansXclPKXV5tom7FYPYsbPbq9wDhbi8ZFdnMVr_uvrY6UUYOGFD42NZgDc8_8d9eKaFx5JAq1oYDDz31HoXaILA8apPuk2pRwH-tHE/s1600/DSC09573.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once we got to Charleston, we visited the Savannah Bee Company and bought honey! They have tons of samples and even honeycomb! I got the Acacia honey which to this day is my favorite--it is light in flavor and super delicious, and Ashley got the creamed honey for spreading on toast. Yum!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NGiD8urK_idqE9a_396HTa9mLituHqDQDQ_0QJ7V508ehsk3XB0FaT0DxZuHSdxHUGiXHHOLRu-By3956eIwyXc3_DX3n9S1BYIyFaDO1_CUz8jW81NDbg5uzkmUb1RVKmh0I-UPlT4/s1600/DSC09583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NGiD8urK_idqE9a_396HTa9mLituHqDQDQ_0QJ7V508ehsk3XB0FaT0DxZuHSdxHUGiXHHOLRu-By3956eIwyXc3_DX3n9S1BYIyFaDO1_CUz8jW81NDbg5uzkmUb1RVKmh0I-UPlT4/s1600/DSC09583.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out for the horses in the streets, dey crazy. Just kidding :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacm0rsAOAjyXFY3fYtB7OUQGJ-ew1A-IcKdv4dIUdKW6MLOBimvL3PUFzMAORQcAVofPcl-XDxBkvEuE7lL0lLNLtduLEfBktKWQ_0NLL9vcNCvHMSwhtdTYExyhS9WBO33aNxvcOqHg/s1600/DSC09584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacm0rsAOAjyXFY3fYtB7OUQGJ-ew1A-IcKdv4dIUdKW6MLOBimvL3PUFzMAORQcAVofPcl-XDxBkvEuE7lL0lLNLtduLEfBktKWQ_0NLL9vcNCvHMSwhtdTYExyhS9WBO33aNxvcOqHg/s1600/DSC09584.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Qo0OFr3wFnhOVofLmCc3RpsbIfmCHlNXyubb2b4bLS_zpk0b4P8Idywu64gc-E_LwJn4zJ7xOCtXiizTx_S6gpTILYsAlC7NRGmIEzasc-bGAEJNBrNiysVDP9vzy1fj4nFSlETn6U/s1600/DSC09589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Qo0OFr3wFnhOVofLmCc3RpsbIfmCHlNXyubb2b4bLS_zpk0b4P8Idywu64gc-E_LwJn4zJ7xOCtXiizTx_S6gpTILYsAlC7NRGmIEzasc-bGAEJNBrNiysVDP9vzy1fj4nFSlETn6U/s1600/DSC09589.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The architecture of this city is charming</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XD2q8LQyNRjfIYlPk0H0XlB8i0DWFUVV_gWIEmJOamlsbbdmAYral7K1LXFxsAAnYEmL3WTgrtqBjef9nn8UUAKVCSlVcoEGx424gc0JJhFN34tYnT4q3hvR1V9kbYsXR5EQMIrbRJE/s1600/DSC09593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XD2q8LQyNRjfIYlPk0H0XlB8i0DWFUVV_gWIEmJOamlsbbdmAYral7K1LXFxsAAnYEmL3WTgrtqBjef9nn8UUAKVCSlVcoEGx424gc0JJhFN34tYnT4q3hvR1V9kbYsXR5EQMIrbRJE/s1600/DSC09593.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2LyWcR6S9-_3s6MMpPAfln9_krSOjOqtR660M3hW0ARzSL_DZ3-mMpb3V8r29vLYlYxhEbZAe8v-rvXUXadDwybLkTvNMKun8H_4MBDFD54WUK3behE8ksod5LZXp-jQ1RiZBiRt80w/s1600/DSC09597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2LyWcR6S9-_3s6MMpPAfln9_krSOjOqtR660M3hW0ARzSL_DZ3-mMpb3V8r29vLYlYxhEbZAe8v-rvXUXadDwybLkTvNMKun8H_4MBDFD54WUK3behE8ksod5LZXp-jQ1RiZBiRt80w/s1600/DSC09597.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6TZS8E9COkrkEZZf7_mpVXOqCSBxm2PkxYxYsxmFDhA-tbtgcDo7e7PMlnzjwPvYTHMngFXDcg66VedoaDMCVEnCa914krRxLvVjn-b9bHXbKTZhounZxKC7BXj_Mh0R4SeBVQgemSY/s1600/DSC09609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6TZS8E9COkrkEZZf7_mpVXOqCSBxm2PkxYxYsxmFDhA-tbtgcDo7e7PMlnzjwPvYTHMngFXDcg66VedoaDMCVEnCa914krRxLvVjn-b9bHXbKTZhounZxKC7BXj_Mh0R4SeBVQgemSY/s1600/DSC09609.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX11-AVY_PUIXolu0-ayTvp6wt9OFVrH1HiooAj6B3rAgQG21H3fgIXfoPsGywXghIGOxx15AbuUohRHVNC1WHWv4pvs5xPzu0fQqaDAb0gghE3wyymFkoxX9iLc9Bz5tupDWQdFGXfM/s1600/DSC09611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX11-AVY_PUIXolu0-ayTvp6wt9OFVrH1HiooAj6B3rAgQG21H3fgIXfoPsGywXghIGOxx15AbuUohRHVNC1WHWv4pvs5xPzu0fQqaDAb0gghE3wyymFkoxX9iLc9Bz5tupDWQdFGXfM/s1600/DSC09611.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#cooltree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh460vw7HzS-jXGHmMTtSActU5Qnz9g_efV0vhqwBaEUGegwnPe_MWWVr_28b4QK0tFNulgXZ_yCluxjD4oG7dThKTjEjXhQ_sxzU4bmGOzSNKu_xXpxQXibnkQ7VRHCxyU0yUk9OUl_Uw/s1600/DSC09614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh460vw7HzS-jXGHmMTtSActU5Qnz9g_efV0vhqwBaEUGegwnPe_MWWVr_28b4QK0tFNulgXZ_yCluxjD4oG7dThKTjEjXhQ_sxzU4bmGOzSNKu_xXpxQXibnkQ7VRHCxyU0yUk9OUl_Uw/s1600/DSC09614.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a little alleyway we passed while walking around. These little areas were beautiful and sprinkled throughout the city.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuA1i13cjiRO7_Wh8vquzHCEtEfNNs4L7E9etkM03n2IJA_2wtpPX9q88uxCbtzxHexLA4aQ9JcQXON3wAWOpHnVJNB_2K0dFm8VKv6a6gxrKCjIC5tIe30RzU2ZbGlBxL_YHGaIGKos/s1600/DSC09632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuA1i13cjiRO7_Wh8vquzHCEtEfNNs4L7E9etkM03n2IJA_2wtpPX9q88uxCbtzxHexLA4aQ9JcQXON3wAWOpHnVJNB_2K0dFm8VKv6a6gxrKCjIC5tIe30RzU2ZbGlBxL_YHGaIGKos/s1600/DSC09632.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkXLb-2K2J_zWsGFKe-OuOR0HWsMxL43k7y9yEh491F9vpNK-FdmOZLXL20L5ggm4gRQa5XpIwATMdWl5xlvTjs-B5yi2qJ3qKkph5QCokSjonsM6JSzWGW2bdu6SzU1JLGOldxkt8FU/s1600/DSC09635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkXLb-2K2J_zWsGFKe-OuOR0HWsMxL43k7y9yEh491F9vpNK-FdmOZLXL20L5ggm4gRQa5XpIwATMdWl5xlvTjs-B5yi2qJ3qKkph5QCokSjonsM6JSzWGW2bdu6SzU1JLGOldxkt8FU/s1600/DSC09635.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Wv3GtHpBHRIi6j_hFibpZOfjPKtgRX621X2jetXorBujTx6Vhlg9UEsg9Vo19Yt89GOELmJlIjKllL2EypajMl46FQ_x_LGuCLDsBPcb3aUYwDeURiVpzX9wszXHVvotPilMY5A3Oq4/s1600/DSC09655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Wv3GtHpBHRIi6j_hFibpZOfjPKtgRX621X2jetXorBujTx6Vhlg9UEsg9Vo19Yt89GOELmJlIjKllL2EypajMl46FQ_x_LGuCLDsBPcb3aUYwDeURiVpzX9wszXHVvotPilMY5A3Oq4/s1600/DSC09655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunset as we left--goodbye Charleston! We will forever remember you fondly :)</td></tr>
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Tiffany</div>
<br />Four Eyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064530468659011125noreply@blogger.com0