tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34780767536267711572024-03-13T22:06:21.717-07:00Living with AnnieHOME DECORATING | BAKING | MOVIE MAKING | MUPPETSMsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-61093457963684098422012-12-02T21:53:00.001-08:002012-12-02T21:53:08.048-08:00New Blog & Shop Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.somethinganniemade.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCVMM_edmTP6a5m9yTQthoug8XVncZwHGBJnVyxfCcq2Y-LQx7Ot8PGdsftNOodUdK_67NAup6YpowWLrdi-roeSjxOLibm1gNXSYNk7HzWdZlIKFlPi-zokDJLYmKDTB3livlZ9czVU/s400/Facebook+Page+Cover-2-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi all!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Firstly, thank you so much for following <i>Living with Annie! </i>This blog was a wonderful project I undertook from 2009-2010 and an amazing experience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm delighted to announce that I have begun a new blog and opened a new online store called <b>anniemade</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When you have a moment, I invite you to visit and check us out! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You'll find a lot of the same things you enjoyed about <i>Living with Annie, </i>just kicked up a notch with better photography and more DIY fun. And in our shop, you'll find thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope you come to visit and subscribe! And thanks again for all your support on this crazy journey of life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Find us online at</span><br />
<a href="http://www.somethinganniemade.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.somethinganniemade.com</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Facebook at</span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/somethinganniemade"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.facebook.com/somethinganniemade</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pinterest at</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/anniemadepins"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.pinterest.com/anniemadepins</span></a>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-40149895556127603462011-04-12T18:07:00.000-07:002011-04-12T18:07:19.176-07:00Peeps and Up!<div style="text-align: center;">
A Peep Diorama - I kid you not.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/peeps-diorama-contests--143949"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/peep.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-64881996962614266562011-03-10T16:14:00.000-08:002011-03-10T16:14:29.940-08:00A real-life Up house!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://blog.craftzine.com/NationalGeographicChannel7.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<br />
The amazing folks at National Geographic have managed to float a house using balloons just like the movie, "Up!"<br />
<br />
Check it out- pretty incredible stuff.<br />
<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/03/up-inspired_flying_house.html">http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/03/up-inspired_flying_house.html</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/NationalGeographicChannel7.jpg">http://blog.craftzine.com/NationalGeographicChannel7.jpg</a>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-75282766169717894902011-03-08T21:48:00.000-08:002011-03-08T21:48:19.587-08:00New Wedding Blog - Planning with Annie<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm very excited to announce I'll be shifting gears to a new blog all about wedding planning. Bridal magazines, beautiful blogs, crazy DIY ideas and more are dominating my mind these days so I figured I might as well share them with you. Hop on over if you're so inclined.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://planningwithannie.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj7y9MtHhtmbXtz-RFNRg2suFqKxchxUAzmJjwyqFT9X9U-B46VSN-fMRWxytjdMxJ_9lDrL7gz0p1uCXIQIgWG7Aqes8WvEb68ZrFw-CUX45bkohyphenhyphenUmPPMWWLwDCgC2VuOrMkpJbXK4/s400/wpa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{http://planningwithannie.blogspot.com} </span></div>
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I'll still update LwA from time to time but for the next year or so- my heart's with my fiance and planning our big day! Here's hoping that Gus doesn't mind a year of intense crafting and ensuing craziness.</div>
<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-88747567900616799852011-01-27T14:10:00.000-08:002011-01-27T14:10:26.118-08:00Too good to be trueHi all,<br />
<br />
Lately, I've had so much to celebrate and be grateful for in my life. This past weekend, I've become even more incredibly lucky.<br />
<br />
For those of you who enjoy a great surprise proposal, I invite you to check out what I've been up to lately and the latest in my life via the video below!<br />
<br />
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vl3n7g7Be-U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-33283805615404598012011-01-11T11:30:00.000-08:002011-01-11T11:30:56.512-08:00Cookie Dough... Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5307045770_3334792ff5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5307045770_3334792ff5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scientists have done many important things, admittedly, but their latest discovery is one I wish I'd thought of long ago - </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH DIP! </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the great things about cookie dough - the texture, the flavor, the sinfulness - without all the health hazards of cookie dough - i.e. raw eggs and wheat flour (for Gus)!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stumbled upon</span></span><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/12/15/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-dip/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> this recipe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> while perusing Tastespotting and made my own modifications. Create, enjoy, improve and mangia people! This is some deliciously awesome stuff.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1 pkg of cream cheese (8 oz)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1/4 cup powdered sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1/4 cup big granule white sugar (if you have it, otherwise increase powdered)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 3/4 cup brown sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Any additional mix-ins you'd like!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></span></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Melt butter on medium-low heat in a skillet. Add brown sugar and stir until butter browns and has a nutty aroma (you're creating brown butter). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Set butter and brown sugar aside to cool. Combine cream cheese and remaining white and powdered sugar.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Add butter/brown sugar mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Combine and add chocolate chips/any other mix-ins.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Serve with sliced granny smith apples, graham crackers, or even a bagel! Hey, it's basically Cookie dough cream cheese after all! Nom!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5306433081_ff7c30c8eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5306433081_ff7c30c8eb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-53796752518011919352010-12-30T08:49:00.000-08:002010-12-30T08:49:17.952-08:00Om Nom Pumpkin Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0035.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season! I've got a few treats in store including the news that I now have a blog-worthy DSLR camera to capture all my memorable moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For Christmas Day this year, we managed to make some pretty amazing and somewhat healthy (cough, cough) cookies that were both gluten-free and DELICIOUS. They're very cake-y and moist and stay that way for days on end! The pumpkin flavor isn't too overpowering either. I mixed cinnamon chips in half the batch, chocolate chunks from Ghiradelli in another. Om nom, indeed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here's the recipe if you guys want to make these- I've adapted it slightly from <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/iced-pumpkin-cookies/Detail.aspx">this one at All Recipes</a> and it can be made gluten-free or with regular wheat flour. I didn't make the icing glaze- it didn't need it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another great thing to note- these cookie did not spread when I baked them! So feel free to shape em how you please and they won't get all thin and run into one another all sloppy like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Baking!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div style="border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0pt 0pt; margin: 12px 0pt 4px; padding-top: 8px;">
<span style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.05em; text-transform: uppercase;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="50%"><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
(or gluten-free flour mix that has xantham gum in it)</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div>
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 cup butter, softened</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3/4 cup white sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3/4 cup brown sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
<div style="border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0pt 0pt; margin: 12px 0pt 4px; padding-top: 8px;">
<span style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.05em; text-transform: uppercase;">Directions:</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top">1.</td>
<td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top">Preheat
oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder,
baking soda, cinnamon, spice, and salt; set aside.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top">2.</td>
<td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top">In
a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar.
Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat
until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by
tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top">3.</td>
<td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top">Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/DukeAnnie/Baking/DSC_0038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50%"><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 cup canned pumpkin puree</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3/4 cup of cinnamon chips or chocolate chips (your choice or mix-it-up!) </div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-50422277169999405002010-10-28T09:36:00.000-07:002010-10-28T09:38:56.848-07:00How to: Make your own Bunsen and Beaker<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5116248691_ae871765e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5116248691_ae871765e1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks to everyone for their great comments on our costumes this year! It's definitely been a great Halloween season thus far and I can't wait to make another homemade costume for next year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In the meantime, in case you're wondering how we put these together - here's a quick DIY rundown in case you want to get in touch with your own inner Muppet before this weekend's festivities.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beaker:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Instructions translated from meep meep language)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Supplies:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Head mask)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 24" tall piece of foam that is long enough to be circled around your head like a cylinder and meet itself on the other side (found this at Jo-Ann Fabric)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Needle and thread</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 yard of flesh colored fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 large styrofoam ball</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 2 smaller styrofoam balls (identical)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Blash mesh fabric (about 12"x12")</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Orange felt (large enough to cover the large styrofoam ball)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Glue gun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Black sharpie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- X-acto knife</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Orange tissue paper (found at Party City)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Body)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Tie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Dress shirt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Slacks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Furry gloves</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Lab Coat (found at Party City)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Instructions:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Begin to make your head mask by sewing the tall piece of foam into a cylinder. I just did a loose stitch all the way up (so the mask can give and take a little when you slide it on and off but it's still snug.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Once your foam is sewed into a cylinder, slide the mask on, stitched side facing the back/center of your head and have a friend help you mark the eye holes on the mask with a sharpie. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Slide the mask off and draw the beaker mouth shape around the eye holes (ensuring you'll be able to see through the mask!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4. Carefully, slice the shape out of the foam using an x-acto knife (the foam should cut cleanly and quickly).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5. Using a glue gun, cover the cylinder in the flesh fabric. It helps to have a friend hold the fabric taught and to roll it the mask over the fabric to secure it. Tuck the extra fabric at the top into the cylinder and secure with hot glue.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Carefully, cut the fabric away that covers the mouth hole. Carefully hot glue the fabric beneath the mask to it makes a clean seam around the mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Cut the black mesh to fit behind the mouth and secure it with hot glue. If you can't see through it yet, don't worry - you can slice holes in it to see better and no one will be able to tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8. For the nose, cover the large styrofoam with orange fleece (using hot glue). When it's covered, secure it with hot glue above Beaker's mouth area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9. For the eyes, use a sharpie to add the eyeballs to the smaller styrofoam balls. Secure the eyes with hot glue directly above his nose.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">10. For the hair, cut a zig zag pattern into layers of tissue paper and affix using hot glue at various lengths. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">11. Complete your outfit with the body materials and you're ready to meep meep meep!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bunsen Honeydew:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Supplies:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Head mask)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- One bouncy ball (Target)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Sponge brush</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Regular brush</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Modge podge with a little bit of water mixed in</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Citron green paint (Michael's)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Stiffened black felt (two pieces)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- X-acto knife</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- White paper torn into small pieces (at least 30 pages)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Black mesh fabric (12" x 12" or less)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Playdoh ($1 at 99-cent store)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 large bowl covered with plastic wrap</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 shallow dish covered with plastic wrap</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Body)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Tie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Dress shirt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Black vest</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Lab coat (Party City)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Green gloves (Target for $1)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Begin by setting the bouncy ball on a bowl covered in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will hold the ball in place for you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Mix modge podge with a bit of water in the shallow dish covered in plastic wrap. Dip pieces of torn white paper (both sides) into the modge podge, slide it against the side of the dish to drain excess, and place on ball. Cover the entire ball with pieces and make sure to get at least two layers of paper on it. Let dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Once dry, use play dough to shape Bunsen's nose and ears. Cover all the new pieces with modge podge and allow to dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4. When dry, paint the entire mask with green paint. Let dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5. Cut glasses frames and glasses sides from the black stiffened felt. (It helps to fold the felt in half to cut even frames, then stick it under something heavy to make it lay flat again). Attach to mask using a hot glue gun. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Slice into the ball and let all the air out</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Draw the shape of Bunsen's mouth then, using an x-acto knife, carefully cut through the paper mache and make sure not to cave in the mask itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Similar to the Beaker mask, attach black mesh to the inside of the mouth with a hot glue gun.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Pair with your body materials and you're ready for the lab!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy costume making all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/5112890745_bdf3235013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/5112890745_bdf3235013.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can do this!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-8860813546238144642010-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:002010-10-28T14:31:49.466-07:00Meep meep meep... meep! The Reveal<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dun dun dun... introducing - straight from Muppet Labs - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bunsen Honeydew and his loyal assistant Beaker!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/5112894921_9c5143fc08_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/5112894921_9c5143fc08_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As you know, I'm a giant Muppet nut and I actually got this idea for a couples costume shortly after last Halloween. It's completely hand-made (aside from the lab coats - thanks Party City). I had a very understanding roommate and very supportive boyfriend to help this costume come to reality. </span><br />
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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;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/5112892619_a9bcb19e59.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">See? He's so understanding.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/5112892619_a9bcb19e59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">We went to our first Halloween party this past weekend and followed it up by going to a California institution - In N Out! Needless to saying, going as Beaker to In N Out is definitely one of the most fun experience I've ever had out here - definitely the most fun I've ever had in a fast food joint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5112893763_0bd2b14f69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5112893763_0bd2b14f69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5112893763_0bd2b14f69.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5113493176_172b42fe50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5113493176_172b42fe50.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I'll post a DIY post later this week on how you too can get in touch with your inner Muppet by making these costumes with simple stuff - foam, paper mache, paint, etc. Stay tuned and til then - happy costume prepping to you and early Happy Halloween!</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5113489542_8bed3ff436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5113489542_8bed3ff436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Linking up to the DIY Show Off!<br /><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/diy-fall-festival-last-minute-halloween.html">Click here to check out the Halloween Link Party</a></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-31559531956356416012010-10-25T17:55:00.000-07:002010-10-25T17:55:34.571-07:00Halloween Costume reveal.. tomorrow!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Gus and I have already had numerous adventures in this year's COUPLES Halloween costumes! For that reason, I'll do the big reveal <strong><em>TOMORROW</em></strong>! Stop by to see Halloween 2010 awesomeness.</div>
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For now, here's another sneaky preview pic!</div>
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<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/5112905533_ff47162dbd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/5112905533_ff47162dbd_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-77556098764333293032010-10-24T21:33:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:33:36.866-07:00A Halloween Cardboard Cemetery<span style="font-size: small;">I hardly ever stop my car to take a second look at something I've driven past. Last week, I simply had to after driving through a local neighborhood and spotting a home with some terrific Halloween DIY-ingenuity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here's a simple project that most anyone can afford - cardboard, black and grey paint, and scissors/box cutters - which can yield surprisingly witty and awesome results. The instructions are pretty self explanatory ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The Creative Cardboard Cemetery</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>bury your favorite fictional (or non-ficitonal) characters on your lawn in time for Halloween</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNMLdRZIfyKIEG3tEV3Kk946SltDi5IkpfCuQuagE-YwZY49GfQUYl8JH2uurgGDg9Zm8N5ohsAu4f0-rz99a4WIgrI1CDbnKimy0TnIsllEAx8-taW4KZpuJTVCT44sLDQKhJwIPUFU/s1600/photo(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNMLdRZIfyKIEG3tEV3Kk946SltDi5IkpfCuQuagE-YwZY49GfQUYl8JH2uurgGDg9Zm8N5ohsAu4f0-rz99a4WIgrI1CDbnKimy0TnIsllEAx8-taW4KZpuJTVCT44sLDQKhJwIPUFU/s400/photo(3).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIOe7x2Y-091oPQQyjiSYpJ1tuqPo5do8d1xOrp-KIGwIHG_tpTjDVSsxVmblyPTYMfeEViiCVHAhRrV3Te0bkIa5SCJ5i5GsGmmvkbj86uQ4MjIWbNgkda9ymqs7LZ_LIqts-Adrhyphenhyphenk/s1600/photo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIOe7x2Y-091oPQQyjiSYpJ1tuqPo5do8d1xOrp-KIGwIHG_tpTjDVSsxVmblyPTYMfeEViiCVHAhRrV3Te0bkIa5SCJ5i5GsGmmvkbj86uQ4MjIWbNgkda9ymqs7LZ_LIqts-Adrhyphenhyphenk/s400/photo(2).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodibnDKD97gYkR3AUUQFSipF5w1IbQ_g8hHpvruejqux7bi9dKy3rRKuzackaKKxypL0X4kJazctHwsH1qwVUnYNM4G1tOu4_Mwkp2muUQNiZ6NUgaipMQtsRYkmLJXd49iOWfu7xlcM/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodibnDKD97gYkR3AUUQFSipF5w1IbQ_g8hHpvruejqux7bi9dKy3rRKuzackaKKxypL0X4kJazctHwsH1qwVUnYNM4G1tOu4_Mwkp2muUQNiZ6NUgaipMQtsRYkmLJXd49iOWfu7xlcM/s400/photo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-61640614244935786612010-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-20T09:37:31.738-07:00Halloween Costume 2010 - Sneak Peek<div style="text-align: center;">
This year, I'm tempted to do more than one sneak peek of my homemade halloween costume(s). Here's a quick look at the early stages of this year's beauty. Stay tuned to the blog for more hints...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm6rLzBrleEZfWEhwwPSq8OPY4UnZ0qzt6e1zgEpYgGy9vllX8HZ5cbw5ifwBWrknMSNdT5Ll-Cmwb5IFcSBrK41xgGSeEZ4iTVLKGXcIaLWJWKmZlThtIUtSFzNt6gQl09K9bngoD_w/s1600/Halloweenteaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm6rLzBrleEZfWEhwwPSq8OPY4UnZ0qzt6e1zgEpYgGy9vllX8HZ5cbw5ifwBWrknMSNdT5Ll-Cmwb5IFcSBrK41xgGSeEZ4iTVLKGXcIaLWJWKmZlThtIUtSFzNt6gQl09K9bngoD_w/s400/Halloweenteaste.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's last year's costume if you want to see:</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://livingwithannie.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-up-costume.html">How to make an Up! Flying House Costume</a></div>
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<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-53808259676715000842010-10-18T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-18T09:11:40.467-07:00Hello apple pie, Goodbye gluten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5053358294_917593fd74_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5053358294_917593fd74_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As you have probably noted by now, I'm trying to do a lot of gluten-free cooking and baking as my sweetheart has developed an allergy to gluten (i.e. wheat) so all delicious things made with wheat flour are off the table. I'm starting to get relatively good at making meals but the big challenge with gluten-free cooking is getting things to taste "chewy." Gluten basically provides that in things like bread, cake, muffins, and it's pretty hard to replicate if you haven't practiced and aren't using the right ingredients.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Gus and I recently got a major yen for apple pie and I decided I was up for the challenge. So we googled, and huzzah, made a delicious gluten-free Apple Pie with a crust that tasted like a sugar cookie!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I urge you to make this, even if you and wheat are BFF. You'll love it.</span><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1720921703"><br /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/awesome-gluten-free-apple-pie-with-crumble-topping-105376"><i>Awesome Gluten-free Apple Pie with Crumb Topping</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>adapted from food.com</i></span><br />
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<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<h2 style="font-weight: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></b></h2>
<h2 style="font-weight: normal;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Pastry Crust Makes Two Crusts</span></i></h2>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour ( Bob's Red Mills All Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Avail at Kroger & online) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup cornstarch </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup sugar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon xanthan gum ( Bob's Red Mills) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">8 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 large eggs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract ( Available online at the Gluten Free Pantry) </span></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Apple Filling</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">4 medium apples, peeled, cored and very thinly sliced. Use mildly sweet to tart very crisp apple ( such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cortlands) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup sugar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg)</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 teaspoon salt </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">Crumble Topping</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup light brown sugar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup gluten-free flour ( See above) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice)</span> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">***Pastry Crust Instructions***.</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">In a mixing bowl stir together the flour, xanthan gum and cornstarch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Then add the sugar, butter, egg and vanilla and mix until combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Remove dough from bowl and knead and fold on a surface dusted with GF flour until well well combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Divide into two pieces and wrap in plastic wrap, place one in the refrigerator to chill and place the other in the freezer for later use.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">--Go ahead and make Apple Filling while the Pastry Crust is chilling.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">After approx 20 minutes, remove dough from refrigerator and roll into a ball.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out on a lightly GF floured surface until it is the thickness of a normal pie crust.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Place crust in a 9 inch glass pie dish that is lightly sprayed with non stick spray.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Using a fork poke a bunch of holes in the sides and bottom of the crust.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">***Apple Filling Instructions***.</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">In a large bowl mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Set aside and let the juices mix.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">***Crumble Topping Instructions***.</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">In small bowl mix together brown sugar, GF flour and cinnamon.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Next mix in the chilled butter and cut it in with a fork or other tool until you have a course crumbly mixture.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">***Assembling your Pie***.</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 400°F.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Spoon apples into your pie crust, mounding in the middle and pouring the sugary juices over top.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Sprinkle your Crumble Topping all over the top (use it all).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Use tin foil to cover edges of crust as it will burn easily.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bake for approximately 35 minutes, topping will be lightly browned and filling will be bubbly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Let cool for at least an hour before serving. </span></li>
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</div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-46531654910470269752010-10-13T18:37:00.000-07:002010-10-13T18:37:20.865-07:00Spotted: A Nursery with Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uC2sMBFhUJg/TFc9GaNfKfI/AAAAAAAAAHc/6KbJssl31-A/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uC2sMBFhUJg/TFc9GaNfKfI/AAAAAAAAAHc/6KbJssl31-A/s640/IMG_0742.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I was giving a friend advice recently about where to find great baby info on the web and realize that I oddly knew of a ton of sites to send her in the direction of - ohdeedoh.com, younghouselove.com, etc. Where did I, 25 year-old with no babies aside from her Pook-a-Looz of Kermit and Fozzie, become a semi-expert on some things? Strange the things that blogging will teach you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Today, I'm happy to show off a great nursery makeover on the blog. These photos are from my friend Erin's nursery. We met in my old position for Disney Feature Animation. Without further adieu, her nursery for her gorgeous baby Alice is below. Hope you enjoy- I was totally inspired!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For more info on Erin's incredible giraffe-inspired transformation, head over to her blog - <a href="http://growingupsenge.blogspot.com/2010/06/spot-on-nursery.html">Growing up Senge</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love the simplicity of the name art. totally gorgeous.</td></tr>
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<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-11989323435165910642010-10-08T16:29:00.000-07:002010-10-08T16:38:01.463-07:00Extreme Makeover: Your Home Edition<br />
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<a href="http://www.cmt.com/sitewide/assets/img/franchiselogos/extreme_makeover_home_edition-430x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="186" src="http://www.cmt.com/sitewide/assets/img/franchiselogos/extreme_makeover_home_edition-430x250.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://www.cmt.com/sitewide/assets/img/franchiselogos/extreme_makeover_home_edition-430x250.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">source</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Say it with me everyone - Move.. that.. BUS!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, sorry, no bus here to move but did recently discover that along with all the amazing good the show, Extreme Home Makeover does on a regular basis, they're also doing the humble DIY'er good too! Apparently they have a huge gallery of DIY projects from their episodes for you to make in your own home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While some may not tickle your fancy and others don't have extremely detailed instructions, the inspiration alone is worth pointing this online gem out to you guys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the main<a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/do-it-yourself-projects"> link</a> and below are a few of my favorite potential projects. </span><br />
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<a href="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/b16bdefeb537523154ffab35a5907dc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="223" src="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/b16bdefeb537523154ffab35a5907dc2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/do-it-yourself-projects/ThemeGallery/394092"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">source</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Family Collage Wall with Structure</span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/2069da8ccdb959be8bd6783a91b29200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="223" src="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/2069da8ccdb959be8bd6783a91b29200.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/do-it-yourself-projects/ThemeGallery/302160"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">source</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pallet coffee table with pizazz</span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/93b8a37c0197bf6a257eb565b03ed303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="223" src="http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/images/image-util/624x351/93b8a37c0197bf6a257eb565b03ed303.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/do-it-yourself-projects/ThemeGallery/279841"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">source</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Possibly came from Pottery Barn but it didn't cause YOU made it Branch Chandelier</span></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-81436101394265540712010-10-04T20:59:00.000-07:002010-10-04T20:59:14.023-07:00Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes- this post is exactly what you think it is, you lovers of all things chocolate and wafer. My boss is a big fan of the red wrapped treat - KitKat. So much so, that I've stashed away his favorite treat, frozen as he prefers, and he often asks me to grab one for him when the day's just getting too stressful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">His birthday is in about 10 days but he'll be away on a business trip then a vacation. Last Friday was our last opportunity to catch him for the big day and I figured what would be better to celebrate his love and celebrate my one year of blogging with a most delicious KIT KAT CAKE! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">With that my friends, here's how to make your own slice(s) of heaven. This cake was inspired by others I found on the web but hey, I love a great baking opportunity and wanted to pass it along to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ingredients and Supplies:</i><br />- 1 pkg Triple Fudge Chocolate Cake Mix (any chocolate cake mix works, even Gluten-Free)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 8oz tub Real Creamy Cool Whip</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1/4 can of chocolate frosting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 large package of Reese's pieces or your favorite chocolate round candies (M&M's, etc.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Approximately 24 KitKats (regular size)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 long white ribbon - at least 24"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 2 9" round cake pans</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Pam </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Large plate</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Serrated knife </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Directions:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1) Prepare to make and bake cake mix as directed. Divide batter into two Pam-greased 9" in round cake pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2) Bake cakes as directed on your cake mix packaging.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3) After the cakes have cooled, slide one layer onto a large plate. Use a serrated knife to even out the top of the cake if it rose while baking.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4) Top that first layer with approximately 1/3 a tub of cool whip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">5) Slide the second cake layer centered on top of the cool whip and first cake layer - forming a delicious cake sandwich. Yum!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">6) Use the serrated knife again to level off this top layer- this will be your base for the 'barrel' insides where your candy lays. You'll want the cake layers to come up no higher than 2/3 the height of your kit kats. Feel free to open one to use it as a measure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">7) Once your cake sandwich is level, top the second layer with a thin spread of cool whip. This will act as your glue, making sure that the candies stay somewhat on top of your cake when you slice into it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">8) Now, for the Kit Kat border! To "glue" your border to the edges of your cake, use a thin layer of chocolate frosting. Then have a friend (in this case, my sweetheart) help you unwrap 24 kit kats!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">9) Attach the kit kats with the kit kat logo facing outward around the cake, using the frosting to help it stick to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">10) Take your white ribbon (or whatever color ribbon you like) and run it around the middle of your cake - tying a secure but pretty bow at the front.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">11) Last but not least, pour your bag of Reese's pieces or candies on top of the cake - spreading them out evenly, and filling your brand-new Kit Kat cake bucket :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5053346640_95b07b5095_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5053346640_95b07b5095_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I was blown away by one - how easy this cake was and two- what a big hit it was! We were worried about surprising my boss since his last day in the office had been incredibly stressful. The day was dwindling down to a close when amazingness happened and he turned to me and said simply, 'Annie - Kit Kat.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This was the moment! I raced to the fridge and rounded up the office and presented him with 24 kit kats + a cake. Suffice it to say, it was momentous. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>And that's kinda how I feel returning to blogging. I've been stressed, distracted, pulled away by other interests and lots of new changes - but at the end of the day - well, end of this year- I've realized it's time for a kit kat. Time to cut lose. Time to get creative again. Glad to be back and thanks for all your support thus far - <b>happy one year blogging anniversary to me!</b></i></span><b><br /></b></div>
<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-67146172723987933162010-10-01T14:44:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:44:21.742-07:00In anticipation of my anniversary<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/AVvXsEjRWhFBdzNtqdMGxKcJc1seDcXPKlZSGDJMdMrxa_6up1XnR2MU5Ai0jeVYQ8rBtpcmurN3Mt3QvhQn_E5G92lNazFNVUNaiek32Ns_MWTVErU0ouItDvgjldjrEgmTK8ICbbfpj3Dk8-Y/s400/Photo%2088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWhFBdzNtqdMGxKcJc1seDcXPKlZSGDJMdMrxa_6up1XnR2MU5Ai0jeVYQ8rBtpcmurN3Mt3QvhQn_E5G92lNazFNVUNaiek32Ns_MWTVErU0ouItDvgjldjrEgmTK8ICbbfpj3Dk8-Y/s320/Photo%2088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sup?</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, October 5 will be my one-year blogging anniversary!</strong><br /><br />What better way to celebrate by getting back in the swing of writing regular posts? I've been up to so, so many things including a <span style="font-size: large;">brand new apartment</span> to decorate and lots of other exciting things to update you on.</div>
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Here are some things to look forward in the coming months - </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">New recipes</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">New DIY projects</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">New Roommate (!) who's living with Annie</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">This year's Halloween Costume</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">& more!<br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I'm pumped. I hope you are!</span></em></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-14554452129011575082010-07-02T08:51:00.000-07:002010-07-02T08:51:32.770-07:00Hi there<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDhjJ-DzCpiQ0gm1y-TIHiU3ABEKRJ3i9hEszPJuuE7ionxEh0RyY4x4Xa61qa-5Lltr9gsoh135KJKQoWrNtXcBPyc6c_YCZy28qFBrJOOU7XpY_XvEv7fP2CqQN8fiVvOBnRoKK8fA/s1600/disneyland.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDhjJ-DzCpiQ0gm1y-TIHiU3ABEKRJ3i9hEszPJuuE7ionxEh0RyY4x4Xa61qa-5Lltr9gsoh135KJKQoWrNtXcBPyc6c_YCZy28qFBrJOOU7XpY_XvEv7fP2CqQN8fiVvOBnRoKK8fA/s400/disneyland.bmp" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Gus and I doing field research for work while at Disneyland. Not officially working, but I look to think analyzing the parks as I ride all the rides could potentially help my job. </em></span></div>
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Hi everyone,<br />
<br />Thanks for your patience as I've stepped away from blogging for a few months to focus on my new job. As some of you know, I had been laid off, spent weeks looking, only to land in an even better, more exciting role with the same company (Disney). <br />
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I have a few things in the can to share on the blog soon and will try to post something this holiday weekend or directly after. In the future, I doubt I'll be able to return to my 5-post a week schedule but I'm going to make more regular appearances here.<br />
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Thanks for staying tuned- have a wonderful fourth of July everyone!<br /><br /><em>Annie</em>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-82712105802453491152010-04-29T21:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T21:23:50.287-07:00Friday Reveal: Living Room Loveliness<span style="font-size: small;">Ooooo.. the reveal appears a few hours early! A prize to anyone compulsively checking my blog for the reveal update. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've been hard at work on my living room lately and after months and months of frames sitting in my closet, I finally broke out the hammer and nails!<br /><br />Here's the state of my lovely living room these days, complete with new Calvin Klein table runner ( a steal at $5 from Macy's) and artwork (above the desk) for $20 from Marshall's. Other than that, all other additions were stuff around the house, repurposed or hung up for the first time - hurrah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>A short reminder of a few months ago:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWorbUtLWVeJG1ZqonvMNzOGlPI1PmNs0ZgHPAR7A7JbBVy1c72jWysLsvoS5bAKIMXnqG61jJZCO0p1e8vRFduqhkpj5XpzVX3aMlLJjVApoBWYLIE6das0BjejIJy54xHNenoX-Cddw/s1600/100_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWorbUtLWVeJG1ZqonvMNzOGlPI1PmNs0ZgHPAR7A7JbBVy1c72jWysLsvoS5bAKIMXnqG61jJZCO0p1e8vRFduqhkpj5XpzVX3aMlLJjVApoBWYLIE6das0BjejIJy54xHNenoX-Cddw/s400/100_4241.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuDlrEiRteovy3EqgLI9zPxlFztbxWBA6pBwbBS-_3eyN0TPlEbLqoZEgvPuGvaqE-pCh_rPi39LO15z20iozpgSim_HCTOWY-aulybwaO4swgThULd2jTj-qEZtZtGpn7OFi_lrl3iY/s1600/100_4242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuDlrEiRteovy3EqgLI9zPxlFztbxWBA6pBwbBS-_3eyN0TPlEbLqoZEgvPuGvaqE-pCh_rPi39LO15z20iozpgSim_HCTOWY-aulybwaO4swgThULd2jTj-qEZtZtGpn7OFi_lrl3iY/s400/100_4242.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>and the uber awesome now...</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh315kST5UKzSCuOHqXANZGGTBExHXQpgYj2VscOUOW0YbH0EmAQMHL-ssBR9bDqoi5ttqghIo58si0httXNXafk_7zA7YLSMhSUMYdUfCPINHiGPE-aO9qzZAmdYsQe5VplQY06ftCvDA/s1600/100_5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh315kST5UKzSCuOHqXANZGGTBExHXQpgYj2VscOUOW0YbH0EmAQMHL-ssBR9bDqoi5ttqghIo58si0httXNXafk_7zA7YLSMhSUMYdUfCPINHiGPE-aO9qzZAmdYsQe5VplQY06ftCvDA/s400/100_5323.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM4obHWr0Bt-A5bq0MAt5DltjB8fjMr9Ct9rjbq2eio5FZmumVMvRBRqtcgQvG_snq5O6Majccr75r0xGMKAUgoq3z8POvytyFM8LzNCfCVObKNlIV8B7GpbOtISzNGzHaSyOToJ55wM/s1600/100_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM4obHWr0Bt-A5bq0MAt5DltjB8fjMr9Ct9rjbq2eio5FZmumVMvRBRqtcgQvG_snq5O6Majccr75r0xGMKAUgoq3z8POvytyFM8LzNCfCVObKNlIV8B7GpbOtISzNGzHaSyOToJ55wM/s400/100_5320.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnwd8ShMUgTUc5CyYYMRXkgyeokdg5k4dXTGshzaPCoOEVeelQUfWC0RylpOk0_GVkoo9UY_nRNUpxzWm9V_Ei6PvlRjMWsXNvvEOOLKSTrRb5v4_6ytsUFJLBQXCN6xEBuXD5RFRd8A/s1600/100_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnwd8ShMUgTUc5CyYYMRXkgyeokdg5k4dXTGshzaPCoOEVeelQUfWC0RylpOk0_GVkoo9UY_nRNUpxzWm9V_Ei6PvlRjMWsXNvvEOOLKSTrRb5v4_6ytsUFJLBQXCN6xEBuXD5RFRd8A/s400/100_5344.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qbDkGU2_S7g-ybJQzgqLTv9iJMDyyHxtRGj0R6KyK1bbHYi9pvw5Kn285ERYy1DeEKy1B0Okc-Uz00t9eM1BRP0TpqYqMOxGamR4K8gQCgwgq_z928Y5tX63YYm8S3ovTro_bM1sO2g/s1600/100_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qbDkGU2_S7g-ybJQzgqLTv9iJMDyyHxtRGj0R6KyK1bbHYi9pvw5Kn285ERYy1DeEKy1B0Okc-Uz00t9eM1BRP0TpqYqMOxGamR4K8gQCgwgq_z928Y5tX63YYm8S3ovTro_bM1sO2g/s400/100_5314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Interested in the evolution of the living room?<br /><br />Here's a few posts of what led to this point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://livingwithannie.blogspot.com/2010/04/color-scheming.html">Color Scheming - Choosing the new color scheme from a Pottery Barn pillow </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://livingwithannie.blogspot.com/2010/01/dun-dun-dun-office-space.html">Dun dun dun office space! From design to execution</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://livingwithannie.blogspot.com/2010/01/wall-of-awesome-big-reveal.html">Wall of Awesome - the big reveal! How those stripes got there</a> </span></div>
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Have a great weekend :)</div>
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<br /></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-42613213524349969722010-04-26T10:25:00.000-07:002010-04-26T10:25:27.587-07:00Friday Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcuBA3_QRchQdSj_Ve9lUpDCU6AyO4d7slT9Qro5pK4VjuXTbgwVfN0l-OC9Pf2uqVgkmHSBfuL4_TbMJ186fe1bLOwhSC92pp3wT31mRXMuEMiGTa_4fK1FSoaZzd05QHUVM6pw4zq8/s1600/100_5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcuBA3_QRchQdSj_Ve9lUpDCU6AyO4d7slT9Qro5pK4VjuXTbgwVfN0l-OC9Pf2uqVgkmHSBfuL4_TbMJ186fe1bLOwhSC92pp3wT31mRXMuEMiGTa_4fK1FSoaZzd05QHUVM6pw4zq8/s400/100_5316.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was a busy decorating bee this weekend. Here's a small sneak peek of what I've been up to in the living room. This is a table runner from Calvin Klein - originally $60 (are you kidding me?) - got it at Macy's for $5! Can't beat that.</div>
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Stay tuned for a Friday reveal of serenity/my newly lovely living room.</div>
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<br /></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-67103173946982326602010-04-23T16:24:00.000-07:002010-04-23T16:24:24.212-07:00A Very Muppet Marriage<br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4536062142_aa14ec0ea5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4536062142_aa14ec0ea5.jpg" tt="true" width="276" /></a></div>
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Spotted these today on a wonderful blog for cupcake bakers, <a href="http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/">Cupcakes take the Cake</a>. Muppet WEDDING cupcakes! I am about dying right now. Kermit and Piggy forever <3</div>
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Check out more, <a href="http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2010/04/muppets-wedding-cupcakes.html">here</a>. Happy weekend!!</div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-59895760145331767862010-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:28:11.071-07:00Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyaXla6FcoK4YHG28Tv1hkkff_S3Mt1MkpAyccrxFRLP6-eXk6LebCcAzQthuhV_2hcZeLnkZU36mfOhuqyCTXtipC4SxNnwVrVoi91zEsbei4r6fdz2qsLgZNbZzfZ19-Eaqc5w3ny4/s1600/100_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyaXla6FcoK4YHG28Tv1hkkff_S3Mt1MkpAyccrxFRLP6-eXk6LebCcAzQthuhV_2hcZeLnkZU36mfOhuqyCTXtipC4SxNnwVrVoi91zEsbei4r6fdz2qsLgZNbZzfZ19-Eaqc5w3ny4/s320/100_4009.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Maybe it was good juju that I posted about looking for a job... as it turns out, I just got a new one! And it's pretty awesome, and I still work for Disney on top of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hope to be back in the swing of blogging soon. Thanks for your patience!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Beautiful Prints for your home... alert:</b> </span><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>'s sponsoring a giveaway featuring a vendor called Vol. 25. I'm totally in love and you will be too - check out <a href="http://www.vol25.typepad.com/">Vol. 25</a> by clicking <a href="http://www.vol25.typepad.com/">here</a>.</span></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-15361982975901936162010-04-12T09:57:00.000-07:002010-04-12T09:57:01.087-07:00Color Scheming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hrifmajIWThoUDyUJNuxKdGMRyDPZ1eFP53pob9g2VJadqMKhFZs4_2XY8H7yvn3KCBjz4S_cJoBQglgzgzf4VcXw9UUQJ2jjrWtcE15Bgcx68G4Yrc_BrIoFgn1FF4dTnukda6Rpnc/s1600/100_5280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hrifmajIWThoUDyUJNuxKdGMRyDPZ1eFP53pob9g2VJadqMKhFZs4_2XY8H7yvn3KCBjz4S_cJoBQglgzgzf4VcXw9UUQJ2jjrWtcE15Bgcx68G4Yrc_BrIoFgn1FF4dTnukda6Rpnc/s400/100_5280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Frustrated by a lack of cohesion with my living room, I've recently turned to a favorite source: <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a> to solve my latest decorating dilemma. I have not been able to decide on any color scheme I truly love! For awhile, it was warm beige, black, white, with pops of red. Snore. I got tired very quickly. I've read that a great place to start for color inspiration is with a rug but I have yet to find a rug I'm truly in love with either (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg). I recently tried to shake things up for Spring<a href="http://livingwithannie.blogspot.com/2010/03/quickfix-living-room-makeover-from.html"> in this post</a> but it wasn't quite right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In pondering this question, I remembered that my bedspread in my bedroom is a print from the 'Barn and I've absolutely loved having it and working with the colors in it. I got to thinking that perhaps I found a print I loved for the living room, I could just use that to guide my color scheme for accessories, pillows, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And that, ladies and jellyspoons, is exactly what I've been up to in the living room. A new color scheme of greys, neutrals, light blues, and small subtle pops of yellow (still adding those). Here's a few befores and the (still in progress) after inspired by <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/sydney-palampore-floral-pillow-covers/?pkey=cpatterned-striped-pillows">Pottery Barn's Sydney Palampore fabric</a>...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">BEFORES</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsmxGD8XNSUYMME-6Y2snRk9akDYIQJ9NNeoIfuMxZGZAuKnVnhj2CGS_dDmsDsz7pecFunSPP2Y81XcwA8ToL1-_BHYskLm0_nJExflG9SY5TEz1LlqmLzLSY1PZScQSKWB5-Qg7TuY/s1600/100_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsmxGD8XNSUYMME-6Y2snRk9akDYIQJ9NNeoIfuMxZGZAuKnVnhj2CGS_dDmsDsz7pecFunSPP2Y81XcwA8ToL1-_BHYskLm0_nJExflG9SY5TEz1LlqmLzLSY1PZScQSKWB5-Qg7TuY/s320/100_4244.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRglRkbff1DHspeXU7X7KR-dd2gh3NtImIutoVxn661wywgCbQxdPTrQzTUlEsnAIc2012slGGS3OugtOE8faacm8fIJq44YtnSjSnmo3XeUQTk2rK-NgdCaKxA7o3kKzG_q2p0lok0m0/s1600/100_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRglRkbff1DHspeXU7X7KR-dd2gh3NtImIutoVxn661wywgCbQxdPTrQzTUlEsnAIc2012slGGS3OugtOE8faacm8fIJq44YtnSjSnmo3XeUQTk2rK-NgdCaKxA7o3kKzG_q2p0lok0m0/s320/100_5157.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirebMWVaNTVXXoQAmBOjZGwtfoo-Qxfr2S-8W5kpHMSS65nThc8UXKo4k3gDpqxqjRkZmQ-78-R7hwPxs6tKqUXQd9cn4RPtJxIKVMQJnQL1XjqRMPhcSvHpUosBfwmHv7BSelH3SDKUo/s1600/100_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirebMWVaNTVXXoQAmBOjZGwtfoo-Qxfr2S-8W5kpHMSS65nThc8UXKo4k3gDpqxqjRkZmQ-78-R7hwPxs6tKqUXQd9cn4RPtJxIKVMQJnQL1XjqRMPhcSvHpUosBfwmHv7BSelH3SDKUo/s400/100_5278.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xjDe4zsGEbcQWgoZdXKgvR3khPeWht2AP0awy6pWKgpP44Sfd9kyYHY-ziYuaXKZrfg3fslNhrC2cX6DsF3NZW9yRs1X5kxlCKbGKkhVzpEi5Lx_xwj2axt4VwGV7z6C2Y8yMkzsfKU/s1600/100_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xjDe4zsGEbcQWgoZdXKgvR3khPeWht2AP0awy6pWKgpP44Sfd9kyYHY-ziYuaXKZrfg3fslNhrC2cX6DsF3NZW9yRs1X5kxlCKbGKkhVzpEi5Lx_xwj2axt4VwGV7z6C2Y8yMkzsfKU/s400/100_5273.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-37029200086509103922010-04-07T16:43:00.000-07:002010-04-07T16:44:42.499-07:00Mmm Spinach and Artichoke Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc0J6vO6xNZQgWz2XYMr_aqFy90fxXkIUO8KFXeKwvkHcSRLW3nRNyOIWgqyuxoPxEf0RVYnXczU_MCjG1T8gSpzE45bESMaqBsBLTE6xWIxHa_Bh07sbgI-ONL2EGazSwG3LnuSN-gs/s1600/100_5233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc0J6vO6xNZQgWz2XYMr_aqFy90fxXkIUO8KFXeKwvkHcSRLW3nRNyOIWgqyuxoPxEf0RVYnXczU_MCjG1T8gSpzE45bESMaqBsBLTE6xWIxHa_Bh07sbgI-ONL2EGazSwG3LnuSN-gs/s400/100_5233.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One of my restaurant faves the past few years has been Spinach & Artichoke Dip. I often get it as a meal instead of an appetizer and it is equally delicious with flatbread, garlic bread, or tortilla chips!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've been meaning to make my own version for Gus and I to enjoy on the cheap (sans giant restaurant bill). So here it is, deliciously cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip for your home table...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8XUmN_hdnfJT2KaQ6VZPHngT4zVFoN3kGJE71bu6yLw-dYMI6nA9M1byU4wAFFp1fGmacahw3Ol1eg0YWaJBKNONVHrgplgQVlRGWxXSmkhUyMnGQ2yPQ5LDhIgumURIHdVER7MDcTQ/s1600/100_5228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8XUmN_hdnfJT2KaQ6VZPHngT4zVFoN3kGJE71bu6yLw-dYMI6nA9M1byU4wAFFp1fGmacahw3Ol1eg0YWaJBKNONVHrgplgQVlRGWxXSmkhUyMnGQ2yPQ5LDhIgumURIHdVER7MDcTQ/s320/100_5228.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- 3 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and chopped finely (fresh can work too)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- 1 10oz. can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped finely<b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- 3/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan<b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Directions:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Preheat the oven to 400F. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Combine spinach, artichokes, mayo, most of the mozzarella, spices<b></b>, and half the parmesan cheese until well blended.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Place dip in greased small glass pan and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Bake until cheese turns golden brown and you can see the dip bubbling.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Serve with chips, croutons, forks.. anything you want! Enjoy!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Author's Note:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Just an FYI to fans who miss my daily posts. I lost my job a few weeks ago and have been interviewing like crazy to find a new one. Since this doesn't leave me much time or resources to blog, I've been writing sporadically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hope to be able to post more regularly again soon. Thanks for stopping by as always!</span></div>
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<br />MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478076753626771157.post-11024162647544121032010-03-30T09:37:00.000-07:002010-03-30T09:38:39.141-07:00Piccata in a Pinch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRhICO2iwp6M-M_0LbTDVVhLxJv2IBk6IhNagxhcVifeDxzdOvanljpFHzxupwSMSd0UkVZuISZOl8rT2q04mK3sfYnIkIkdxWzukNxOFytSGBS0_wvg86ySAGMTr9bqFd02Xb8ZbNqI/s1600/100_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRhICO2iwp6M-M_0LbTDVVhLxJv2IBk6IhNagxhcVifeDxzdOvanljpFHzxupwSMSd0UkVZuISZOl8rT2q04mK3sfYnIkIkdxWzukNxOFytSGBS0_wvg86ySAGMTr9bqFd02Xb8ZbNqI/s400/100_5237.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The other night, Gus and I were hoping to make Chicken Piccata with our trusty Chicken Piccata sauce from Trader Joe's. We were stopped in our tracks when we realized our open bottle of Piccata sauce was wayyyy too old to eat! Solution number two: Trader Joe's Cacciatore Sauce! We had a brand new bottle we'd been meaning to try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We pop that open and my happy smile falls.... I smell red peppers! Aaaahhh, there's a few things I really don't like, especially in tomato sauce - and red peppers is definitely one of those things!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So here we are, chicken with onions and pasta cooking away.. and no sauce!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dun dun dun.. the birth of a new recipe: Piccata in a Pinch! Enjoy this when you're in the mood for a lemony, wine, butter sauce full of deliciousness. Chances are most of this stuff is on hand in your pantry already.. it was in mine thankfully!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5JcmtMu1EzdCdrkzdEmahjim_xIbVcvjCqQ5aLQgGXxWpuKyoor4oW5U0aHXWD5qrhecvzm-L9W9U8XglXlyQ6hXinLqvzJj1RtGW5ZnD-Yc-J_-6X9FogN_7KdseL5GDC33u4x7UJo/s1600/100_5236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5JcmtMu1EzdCdrkzdEmahjim_xIbVcvjCqQ5aLQgGXxWpuKyoor4oW5U0aHXWD5qrhecvzm-L9W9U8XglXlyQ6hXinLqvzJj1RtGW5ZnD-Yc-J_-6X9FogN_7KdseL5GDC33u4x7UJo/s400/100_5236.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Serves 2-3</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 2 large chicken breasts, diced into medium pieces (cooked- We put ours in the crock pot on high for 2 hours when it was originally frozen)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 lb of your choice of pasta, cooked and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 small onion, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 tablespoon olive oil </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 teaspoon garlic gloves</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 2 oz. of cream cheese (reduced fat works great)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1/2 cup Zesty Italian Dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 1 cup of white wine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 2 large pats of butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Dash of basil, parley, salt, and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Directions:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Cook pasta separately while making the chicken with sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Saute onion and garlic with olive oil over medium heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- After a few minutes, add chicken pieces to the mixutre and continue to cook until the chicken browns just a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- In a small bowl, combine italian dressing, lemon juice, cream cheese, wine, butter, and spices. Add this mixture to the saute pan with the chicken.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- Simmer sauce for at least 5 minutes. It should smell awesomely like butter and wine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- To finish, top pasta with sauce and enjoy! Yum!</span>MsAnnieBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848620250745252231noreply@blogger.com1