tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63686645840730147402024-02-07T10:17:41.421-08:00Otter HillOtter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-84911193729572733462013-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-05T06:00:02.151-08:0010% Tuesday: Fast Forward to FebruaryIs it just me or did January fly by?! My husband and I have made good progress in reaching our <em>10% Less</em> resolution. Our goal was to get rid of ten items every day (for a total of 310 for the month of January) and we moved 544 items on to a better place. There was plenty of opportunity in my closet! <br />
<br />
During the month of February, I'll focus on the bathrooms, guest rooms and linen / storage closets. Again, there's plenty of opportunity to reduce and slim down. I'll also be focusing on my personal 10% reduction plan - losing 13 pounds this year (5 pounds in February). Fat Tuesday is not going to help - I simply can't resist those once a year Polish Pączkis available on Fat Tuesday. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80I5ybYs3A47gO1QaGYN9k-vIg5HcchAgeunYnawOV1HXKN6GBDNAaYQT7BCl0uPujcHuHxqir0fNowXZGz4Q-foe9M07eRXX7pHtNDi0LbxGJpeCHZSbBDr2plTPgUB4sv50pM-0fIY/s1600/grandmas-paczki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80I5ybYs3A47gO1QaGYN9k-vIg5HcchAgeunYnawOV1HXKN6GBDNAaYQT7BCl0uPujcHuHxqir0fNowXZGz4Q-foe9M07eRXX7pHtNDi0LbxGJpeCHZSbBDr2plTPgUB4sv50pM-0fIY/s1600/grandmas-paczki.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Now these are no ordinary jelly donut. The dough is sweeter and lighter (and with a hint of brandy), and the jelly (super delicious) is stuffed into the dough to make the little ladies extra chubby. I was first introduced to Pączkis when I worked in Detroit during the late '80s. Detroit has a strong Polish community and these were among my favorite treats (pierogies being a close second). When I moved to the Pacific Northwest, no one seemed to know about them <em>(how could that be?!).</em> Then one day I talked to the right person who now makes them for the bakery in his Seattle markets. I'll be first in line next Tuesday to indulge in what is now a tradition for me.<br />
<br />
If you are not so lucky to have a Polish bakery close by, you might try making your own. You can find a good recipe <a href="http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/Paczki.htm">here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
How are you doing on your New Year's Resolution? Still motivated? Or perhaps you've already met your goal - good for you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-81370380614607488562013-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-15T06:00:05.902-08:0010% Tuesday: Pulling the skeletons out of the closetThis first month of my 2013 <em>10% Less</em> Resolution focuses on our bedroom and closets as well as Christmas decorations and books. I wanted to start with the bedroom and closet because there is plenty of opportunity to purge (at least in my portion of the closet) and I like the bedroom to be a peaceful sanctuary. It can only be at peace if it isn't cluttered with things I don't wear, items stuffed under the bed and shoes from a day gone long by. With my husband's help, we also widdled down the Christmas decorations. It was a perfect opportunity as the tree and decorations were being put into storage. <br />
<br />
Without much effort, we were able to easily get rid of over a month's worth of items - take a look at the tally in the sidebar! We filled the car to the roof and headed to Goodwill. I have to admit - it is a much better feeling to purge, purge, purge than it is to pay the credit card bill at the end of the month :)<br />
<br />
I'm keeping a Goodwill box in the closet for the time being as I continue to thin out my wardrobe. I've also started a box to take to a consignment shop. I've turned all of the hangers around so that I can keep track of which items I'm wearing and which items are just taking up space. In six months, those hangers that haven't yet been touched will be strictly evaluated and likely sent to the consignment shop.<br />
<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;"><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/115334440428535113_7Wwa4sng_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://modern-eve.com/">http://modern-eve.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other helpful Closet Organizing websites:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274691/spring-cleaning-closets-and-drawers/@center/277002/spring-cleaning"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Martha Stewart's Guide to Cleaning Out Closets and Drawers</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><br />
<a href="http://thinksimplenow.com/productivity/cleaning-out-your-life-one-closet-at-a-time/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cleaning Out Your Life: One Closet at a Time</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_4419751_basic-closet-cleaning-tips.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Basic Closet Cleaning Tips</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<em>'If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you better take it out and teach it to dance.'</em> - George Bernard Shaw<br />
<br />
Enjoy your week!<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-13812576797717399372013-01-12T19:30:00.001-08:002013-01-12T19:38:18.629-08:00Make it Monday #99 - Repeats and RainbowsThis week's Papertrey Ink design challenge was to create a card using one of the color palettes provided. I used color scheme #4 - hibiscus burst, summer sunrise, simply chartreuse, blueberry sky, winter wisteria.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2ez1CXx2BfkqWNb3IU7bRnX7MV2xvlx3DWQ4HBVNLXHw9B0ETKci2Sb4r5BzQ8iMCtQt_2ZrKVsF04XqlG8Zu88gWNdCMDnNwcdaLS5W0Gz23PKTcKivK2xFymNv4c7_Pcqf3VGET2c/s640/blogger-image-876611014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2ez1CXx2BfkqWNb3IU7bRnX7MV2xvlx3DWQ4HBVNLXHw9B0ETKci2Sb4r5BzQ8iMCtQt_2ZrKVsF04XqlG8Zu88gWNdCMDnNwcdaLS5W0Gz23PKTcKivK2xFymNv4c7_Pcqf3VGET2c/s320/blogger-image-876611014.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxHNYdV_O-sGXfQNLgFqxGTxK7LfPC8BaCXpTTeRE7QQ2C_689rz8IppF6k8Hsjh4Zvn427wUAA6kPLvMB26V89WmpHjFo1saiKqL41e2zFADIcdd22IVSA9OedLwwJFBMeLc6inG1uM/s640/blogger-image--1907997550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxHNYdV_O-sGXfQNLgFqxGTxK7LfPC8BaCXpTTeRE7QQ2C_689rz8IppF6k8Hsjh4Zvn427wUAA6kPLvMB26V89WmpHjFo1saiKqL41e2zFADIcdd22IVSA9OedLwwJFBMeLc6inG1uM/s320/blogger-image--1907997550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a few other little beauties for the Operation Write Home basket ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxKQ-gGGf29TmoeWxVKpwpoevdp43-EijNZ_heTfPYin_1inJoGBmbMW5p0p5HmNfPQfPJ2NTalfdKmC5d47uCEe9l7CDmlWanY4DHVOzU7UZ1XvzMRVCa3__bZH_dODAJ6mdVKQXzQ/s640/blogger-image--566836618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxKQ-gGGf29TmoeWxVKpwpoevdp43-EijNZ_heTfPYin_1inJoGBmbMW5p0p5HmNfPQfPJ2NTalfdKmC5d47uCEe9l7CDmlWanY4DHVOzU7UZ1XvzMRVCa3__bZH_dODAJ6mdVKQXzQ/s320/blogger-image--566836618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Plain white cardstock cuttlebug-embossed with Happy Birthday<br />
sentiments and embellished with a little banner.<br />
Right: Plain white cardstock with scrap bits and a simple ribbon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclc-jtBNtyBL2hg-r2rIddxB6csgScen_wd9SOmA2ob4-dOppjMb2fJNtMnE230w8fGzftPDBS4LnWGG4r4YB6dOctsphGrTDKwZu4SV4PkkuA3lg2-xWV6NRZKMO5u2sDuMOBsdUcY/s640/blogger-image-1179076814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclc-jtBNtyBL2hg-r2rIddxB6csgScen_wd9SOmA2ob4-dOppjMb2fJNtMnE230w8fGzftPDBS4LnWGG4r4YB6dOctsphGrTDKwZu4SV4PkkuA3lg2-xWV6NRZKMO5u2sDuMOBsdUcY/s320/blogger-image-1179076814.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I recently got a cool Seattle Space Needle die and had to find a use for it.<br />
I cut out images from an old calendar showing images from around Seattle.<br />
Scraps of paper used to create a ribbon-like effect for balance.<br />
I like the one on the left a little more and will probably use this design again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Have a fun weekend! Who's rooting for the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday? <br />
<br />
<br />
DebbieOtter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-90877744721820315382013-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-08T06:00:07.234-08:0010% Tuesday: Game OnLast Tuesday, I shared with you my goal to reduce the things that clutter my life by ten percent. Now, ten percent may not be measured strictly per se, but rather in the abstract sense. I simply want to end 2013 with less stuff than I started with. After much thought, I put together two strategies to help reach my goal.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Strategy #1</strong></span> - Clear out ten items per day for the first 90 days, and then ten items per week through the end of 2013. This comes out to <strong><em>1300</em></strong> items to either recycle to Goodwill or other favored recipient, use up (and not restock) or toss out. Necessary food items and hygiene products don't count. Electronic clutter (files, photos, links, pins) does count.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Strategy #2</span></strong> - Reduce my Body Mass Index by ten percent. As it turns out, I need to lose<strong><em> 13</em></strong> pounds to lose 10% of my BMI. <br />
<br />
I've placed a scoreboard on the blog sideline so you can see how much progress I'm making. You can see I've made some great progress to clearing out already! Each month, I'll be focusing a pre-specified area of the house. January is all about the bedroom and the clothes closets throughout the house. It's hard to believe that my closet is bigger than my childhood bedroom, and yet there is not enough room to store all of my things! I think there is a reality show looming.<br />
<br />
Here are the game rules I'll play by as I whittle away at that ominous<strong><em><span style="color: red;"> ten percent</span></em></strong>. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Game Rules:</strong></span></u><br />
<br />
1. Banking points is allowed (if I clear out more than the allotted count, then the extra is banked towards another day).<br />
2. Necessary food items and hygiene products don't count. Electronic clutter does. <br />
3. Touch every single item in my house this year.<br />
4. One thing in - one thing out. Purchasing items is permitted, but for every item brought into the home - one must leave. Same goes for gifts received.<br />
5. Deal with it when it comes in the door or arrives in my inbox.<br />
6. Ruthlessly deal with piles and stash. <br />
7. If I don't love it, have a use for it or if it doesn't inspire me, out it goes.<br />
8. If I haven't worn it within six months or it doesn't fit, bye-bye.<br />
9. Unsubscribe to catalogs and store emails.<br />
10. Shop only with a specific purpose in mind. Stick to the shopping list.<br />
11. Use what is on-hand and in reserve first before buying new.<br />
12. Implement a trial period if I'm not sure about an item.<br />
13. Keep score. Emply SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound).<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say that my husband and my Maggie are in on the game too! Maggie is having so much fun ripping the stuffing out of her toys thereby making it that much easier to send 'em to the trash. <br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtap4JBxrLBCPr7_zHYrs33KtmqdGUMTunFQalimYGWmm32RPpRFTLQWAUxTL7ucmJesywVrw_h-FQ7heVgSiVw7dVzKVQXrnIQOgNBNTBN24sLvK6mvuF6juOQV7QDsu1ogm6718lx0/s640/blogger-image--1263374017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtap4JBxrLBCPr7_zHYrs33KtmqdGUMTunFQalimYGWmm32RPpRFTLQWAUxTL7ucmJesywVrw_h-FQ7heVgSiVw7dVzKVQXrnIQOgNBNTBN24sLvK6mvuF6juOQV7QDsu1ogm6718lx0/s320/blogger-image--1263374017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My helpful husband working on widdling down the library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Wishing you well towards reaching your new year's resolution!<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a> <br />
<br />Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-91145103261657888162013-01-05T16:43:00.000-08:002013-01-07T14:39:40.786-08:00Make it Monday Challenge #98: Chalkboards<br />
This week's <a href="http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/12/make-it-monday-98.html">Make It Monday challenge with Papertrey Ink</a> involves a technique to making cards look like chalkboards. I really love this effect and my husband especially loved the cards I made. He actually did a double take to see how it was done. He said, "You're really getting good!" ... warmed my heart and scored him some points :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlWaLdgOMNr7moeIIVgydkdMvQ0n6Z7I9NCdcXHY1O8TtzS5x5ZLPX6mMv_dijIEnGJVlkxlkJuTamGEXoMl6Nh75p7NMrL09_iM1P1FGyvE4Bo0FUtXQiyZZEA9AgX1UkNnshtULPfo/s640/blogger-image-617056671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlWaLdgOMNr7moeIIVgydkdMvQ0n6Z7I9NCdcXHY1O8TtzS5x5ZLPX6mMv_dijIEnGJVlkxlkJuTamGEXoMl6Nh75p7NMrL09_iM1P1FGyvE4Bo0FUtXQiyZZEA9AgX1UkNnshtULPfo/s640/blogger-image-617056671.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I liked the way it turned out - so I made two. Both are destined for the <a href="http://operationwritehome.org/">Operation Write Home</a> basket (only 48 more to go to meet my 2013 goal). I have a few more ideas using this technique so I might hide away in my studio a wee bit longer.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhi6KfC6Rhc0EINWTdV9NQ8Mc-nPEx58cl3m_JU4_7qLz_oZvLpKLl-YSpr7-fuVfjbcqeRPq-ZM5e_jWXIiQJ3pETOqnV-uuYgxsdvMpZXelsbqrp3w1oAqErOPbIwjhfz4Iy7QdsXg/s640/blogger-image--1908432179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhi6KfC6Rhc0EINWTdV9NQ8Mc-nPEx58cl3m_JU4_7qLz_oZvLpKLl-YSpr7-fuVfjbcqeRPq-ZM5e_jWXIiQJ3pETOqnV-uuYgxsdvMpZXelsbqrp3w1oAqErOPbIwjhfz4Iy7QdsXg/s320/blogger-image--1908432179.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papertrey Ink Stamps: Beautiful Blessings, Button Boutique and Winterberry<br />
Button and felt (the best in town!) also from Papertrey Ink.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't send out many Christmas cards this year - just ran out of time. Instead I opted to send out some 2013 calendars. I made couple different versions. The original inspiration came from one of the Papertrey Ink designers but I can't seem to find the link (sorry).<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIbXI-2tjS1Bqj4WgQAQ2fEpVcO1kX06AqxnNczOBcqdRTrU8iGF7D-CU36iRTeLB3pKJN6BPVqFggRvPmiPtaSLwphwxELEPq8Fvhn_C_yu2La7_UeLdELorj1jqhyphenhyphenOcXE6Yt_otX9Y/s640/blogger-image--627077478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIbXI-2tjS1Bqj4WgQAQ2fEpVcO1kX06AqxnNczOBcqdRTrU8iGF7D-CU36iRTeLB3pKJN6BPVqFggRvPmiPtaSLwphwxELEPq8Fvhn_C_yu2La7_UeLdELorj1jqhyphenhyphenOcXE6Yt_otX9Y/s320/blogger-image--627077478.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love the colors aqua and coral together! Buttons and bows - can't go wrong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZBniUQ8LWtvq8k68E6eadEIlVOigQ-ISugpujJblXGenJmcJheNDEB6QPJtBe8_JOMTLvEQvw5vyyMWG5tq2f4HrbC-7roAVc_tZ604_TVb-ZmmiG-RxLdfBoY3mG6D1rv7ElYrV8w4/s640/blogger-image--1782956654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZBniUQ8LWtvq8k68E6eadEIlVOigQ-ISugpujJblXGenJmcJheNDEB6QPJtBe8_JOMTLvEQvw5vyyMWG5tq2f4HrbC-7roAVc_tZ604_TVb-ZmmiG-RxLdfBoY3mG6D1rv7ElYrV8w4/s320/blogger-image--1782956654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother-in-law was so delighted when she received her new year's surprise in the mail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 510px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 653px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDIa15Ty8uK3NrxYPlSUDqKguJ-PQOS2-tSTo4poDNVAB8e-shviJKewqyDz7vdRl4mL9TMbGzKW8EtU30iT00COd0ewt6E8C___uGqVeH8Iskgc2_wRIc4g_ok7vjCunY94B3jwFtvc/s640/blogger-image-530862241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDIa15Ty8uK3NrxYPlSUDqKguJ-PQOS2-tSTo4poDNVAB8e-shviJKewqyDz7vdRl4mL9TMbGzKW8EtU30iT00COd0ewt6E8C___uGqVeH8Iskgc2_wRIc4g_ok7vjCunY94B3jwFtvc/s320/blogger-image-530862241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet little girl is headed for another <a href="http://sendlovetoday.org/">Send Love Today</a> sweet 16 in Johnstown, PA <br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hope you had a great start to the new year! </span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Deb</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-4872358820813268772013-01-01T17:59:00.001-08:002013-01-01T17:59:47.333-08:002013 - The Year of Less!<br />
Another year arrived at our doorstep this morning and it promises to be a good one. 'How do I know?', you ask. I know because it was a gloriously sunny day here in the Pacific Northwest - not a cloud in the sky. And it screamed out loud, "2013 Has Arrived!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFnrXyoxA89u9EypkLjrhyj49BmZVPS-aDnweHHG-_3gLGbxs9_VCpdTw9hdq2X3O8FGEB2JGUhwYmGT96cra4QTE4vPJQRtYWSiYRxSDb8pO4ILhyYlgjmyT6_vzZ65gyn80ZmYy8kU/s1600/Mount+Ranier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFnrXyoxA89u9EypkLjrhyj49BmZVPS-aDnweHHG-_3gLGbxs9_VCpdTw9hdq2X3O8FGEB2JGUhwYmGT96cra4QTE4vPJQRtYWSiYRxSDb8pO4ILhyYlgjmyT6_vzZ65gyn80ZmYy8kU/s320/Mount+Ranier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With the dawning of another year, comes more resolutions. I've been thinking about what my new year's resolution has been for a while now - and I declare 2013 will be <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">'The Year of Less'</span></em>. Ten Percent Less to be more precise. <br />
<br />
A few weeks back during a bible study, I read about the seven deadly sins. You know them, I'm sure - Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. For some reason, the ugly head of gluttony seemed to strike a chord. Images of Jabba the Hutt in Star Wars and the Fat People in Wall-e came to mind, and with these images I looked around my lovely home and wondered if I have been unknowingly committing a deadly sin. If you look into the closets, under the bed and behind the cabinet doors you will see the evidence of a gluttonous life. My feeble attempt to satiate my desires with clothes, shoes, sparkly bobbles and things that are oh so sweet. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaAYM1wXInIfzcxJ_A-cOluRrPDFF9p4K4bLim5TdG815Zfq8ecz3LBylU2LayVeq_eU4LnN_x8wy6KyV500in8CpD_gPhDZA7LIfKRrkvYr4CE66VohgKbYu-tX6EAo66B27riPLQcA/s1600/Jabba+the+hutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaAYM1wXInIfzcxJ_A-cOluRrPDFF9p4K4bLim5TdG815Zfq8ecz3LBylU2LayVeq_eU4LnN_x8wy6KyV500in8CpD_gPhDZA7LIfKRrkvYr4CE66VohgKbYu-tX6EAo66B27riPLQcA/s1600/Jabba+the+hutt.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ur_q1lIu7uQkSnIfT4kYh5i_Cv0XHsyqixsqOF0sN7NTO2FJRwMtUGVINCu9vMP_O9l1roklt286bQ7oLL8N3cM5LUHPbf8naIGORrwi_2fJH3J12QaTNA6nCgA6Qv8555g9slgpsjE/s1600/wall-e-it-begins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ur_q1lIu7uQkSnIfT4kYh5i_Cv0XHsyqixsqOF0sN7NTO2FJRwMtUGVINCu9vMP_O9l1roklt286bQ7oLL8N3cM5LUHPbf8naIGORrwi_2fJH3J12QaTNA6nCgA6Qv8555g9slgpsjE/s320/wall-e-it-begins.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://weknowmemes.com/2011/12/it-begins-wall-e/">http://weknowmemes.com/2011/12/it-begins-wall-e/</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Well, now that I recognize the sin I have been rolling in, I must make a change and so it will be. I have put together a plan to reduce the things that clutter my life by ten percent. In so doing, I look forward to seeing how God fills my life with abundance and joy!<br />
<br />
I hope you'll share your new year's resolution and the progress you are making. Tune in next Tuesday ('Ten-Percent Tuesday') to see read about how I'm doing. Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” - Socrates</span></em><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a><br />
Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-74432900657366685762012-06-24T21:37:00.000-07:002012-06-24T21:38:34.679-07:00PTI Blog Hop June 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrJLA7eKERVDBkGjXahKQIw7rdPj_VvZ1StqcLLOnGJehoEewBkw0anPbcjcFyO_OHTBNNjk3qEHTWRpQkrimrhHZgn71BUNHdZgt5cd3sUz0SdXKT1PvL4TcNmV_Z_LZJQ_CwNr4ELo/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrJLA7eKERVDBkGjXahKQIw7rdPj_VvZ1StqcLLOnGJehoEewBkw0anPbcjcFyO_OHTBNNjk3qEHTWRpQkrimrhHZgn71BUNHdZgt5cd3sUz0SdXKT1PvL4TcNmV_Z_LZJQ_CwNr4ELo/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This month's Blog Hop is all about floral, ruffles and pleats.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDc9eRC4RkJWGjl7B2vdPPg64t5eT_7LCihckzDx1C2sJap_J95APV745g7dyrfl148-bbc5Wfcz_sWSHTvSXJyEwzET7ISlhaGXVHLo8acajTQESRFhyphenhyphenG_bO1LhvhT5JRPT9Io4A3pM/s1600/Blog+Hop+June2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDc9eRC4RkJWGjl7B2vdPPg64t5eT_7LCihckzDx1C2sJap_J95APV745g7dyrfl148-bbc5Wfcz_sWSHTvSXJyEwzET7ISlhaGXVHLo8acajTQESRFhyphenhyphenG_bO1LhvhT5JRPT9Io4A3pM/s320/Blog+Hop+June2012.png" width="247" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my take on the challenge - a little ditty for the Operation Write Home basket. The photo is not very good. Using white ink I stamped the flowers randomly on golden harvest cardstock, and then stiched a zig-zag border. If this card wasn't destined for OWH, I would have glittered the lace doiley for an extra special touch. I didn't think any sentiment was necessary.<br />
<br />
</div>
<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/AVvXsEiAHINhgL9PanZ1rCU8gSFPqHP5zeLi2lJvzh2ZXuWbeobLN-56ChkRGfhhToqYS2oo7p1JtsVS7MCTi_DzpDJhxWsy0eK8uDfUHenyUr4tRbjtfxY6MJXN7VAA0-0RQbqAtvUNUoJ0i_o/s640/blogger-image-2042977171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHINhgL9PanZ1rCU8gSFPqHP5zeLi2lJvzh2ZXuWbeobLN-56ChkRGfhhToqYS2oo7p1JtsVS7MCTi_DzpDJhxWsy0eK8uDfUHenyUr4tRbjtfxY6MJXN7VAA0-0RQbqAtvUNUoJ0i_o/s400/blogger-image-2042977171.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papertrey Ink Stamps: Flower Fusion #4 and #6<br />
Scalloped Border die, Lace doiley die,<br />
Button, Ink and cardstock also from Papertrey Ink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-10307998014304515442012-06-24T21:23:00.001-07:002012-06-29T21:20:33.930-07:00Make It Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmJpiKgb6P-n0732yJtjIWScjx4DkHyt_b6jfAmzBgz-fEMWru7uUEyDHO-NAw7QU7vhyhsbHEpHdoHRAVCZ9z_ifI5FwwsIexbXCDNax2rWTfYxhdl_m5nBX5K4kNPF-M2b0hOnSU2w/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmJpiKgb6P-n0732yJtjIWScjx4DkHyt_b6jfAmzBgz-fEMWru7uUEyDHO-NAw7QU7vhyhsbHEpHdoHRAVCZ9z_ifI5FwwsIexbXCDNax2rWTfYxhdl_m5nBX5K4kNPF-M2b0hOnSU2w/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week's challenge: embellishments</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's my take on the challenge - a little something for a dear cousin on her birthday. Using a framed out sentiment for the main theme, I embellished the card with a butterfly to make the card "pop".</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-mzYzbhVauP-EYOVPeBvpQBol06rG8jQ3hCRVN2KFQQESRLtk5_clG37dGFrAYd0ffL6poWCQRnh21lxIOg_bFnxyeOi__aMeAuROTbZS6yj6fAF7kzyJ6vY5wC89cDBuumHvyvR5aU/s640/blogger-image--1763728435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-mzYzbhVauP-EYOVPeBvpQBol06rG8jQ3hCRVN2KFQQESRLtk5_clG37dGFrAYd0ffL6poWCQRnh21lxIOg_bFnxyeOi__aMeAuROTbZS6yj6fAF7kzyJ6vY5wC89cDBuumHvyvR5aU/s400/blogger-image--1763728435.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papertrey Ink Stamps: Flower Fusion #4 and #6, Signature Series: Butterfly<br />
Ink and cardstock also from PTI.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-33677834168865177552012-06-09T12:28:00.003-07:002012-06-09T12:28:57.117-07:00Make It Monday #69<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y9_nQd2k_KtBjMz5EM8NCbki7yKMqI0hNV-kxiKV3wRISGkbMSPy2J4H1KAsRGWbe8Ox3X29En64lQ4V5290PrzqbH8OnAeFiYLYURzvzVQ_x32U_sRgh-nyGshNdcGR6rYh4bacX-4/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y9_nQd2k_KtBjMz5EM8NCbki7yKMqI0hNV-kxiKV3wRISGkbMSPy2J4H1KAsRGWbe8Ox3X29En64lQ4V5290PrzqbH8OnAeFiYLYURzvzVQ_x32U_sRgh-nyGshNdcGR6rYh4bacX-4/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
This week's design challenge from Papertrey Ink is to make something based on one of the Inspirational Sketches provided by Nicole Heady.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCFuyEQLiOj6AmviZkbW808LfeyOWbbG1-CHTPlCfQKKiWJ5hvVEn4ihiHetb4VtWpUK_dafL73_F77-cDIcbqEcCmpOcztx3hoAKyJ9ZaPpp7TlUidFt5pNY5VUy_2pkVi7ya3aaMM/s1600/PTI+Inspiration+Sketch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCFuyEQLiOj6AmviZkbW808LfeyOWbbG1-CHTPlCfQKKiWJ5hvVEn4ihiHetb4VtWpUK_dafL73_F77-cDIcbqEcCmpOcztx3hoAKyJ9ZaPpp7TlUidFt5pNY5VUy_2pkVi7ya3aaMM/s320/PTI+Inspiration+Sketch.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent a few hours of the morning making two cards - one for my current <a href="http://www.sendlovetoday.org/">Send Love Today</a> assignment and then second for a sweet young lady graduating from high school today. I particularly like this layout and will likely use it often in the future. I think it has the feel of opening up a gift and getting a glimps of a little treat.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXDfLQwjq3YTofkT63o6WpVFZzh8TNO8gJErQLi5vn0YT4Ve6Z006LO73NUYqQWIBauIkicW0AzI0Z1F2VUQWrWivxJwHKoqAbv2GjtUZBYNwyvC9-g_4uikIAUb405WZhEnrvsQ74J0/s1600/Send+Love+Today.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXDfLQwjq3YTofkT63o6WpVFZzh8TNO8gJErQLi5vn0YT4Ve6Z006LO73NUYqQWIBauIkicW0AzI0Z1F2VUQWrWivxJwHKoqAbv2GjtUZBYNwyvC9-g_4uikIAUb405WZhEnrvsQ74J0/s320/Send+Love+Today.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PTI Supplies: Pink patterns 6x6 paper, berry sorbet satin ribbon<br />
PTI Stampsets: Beautiful blessings and Background Basics Medallions<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Low1s28Lzk5G6y-UMFlJnfJjokjsGQKQ5zOAuNBt3dEfoWwnu1wfUFkZxkZ1Cf79oJTAbSFjLUd9f4xglxQHRMM16Luj5uNbW0SzeUCjrXxHI_tL5wo80Vqv_QCEKBHgOFOAH_elbQE/s1600/Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Low1s28Lzk5G6y-UMFlJnfJjokjsGQKQ5zOAuNBt3dEfoWwnu1wfUFkZxkZ1Cf79oJTAbSFjLUd9f4xglxQHRMM16Luj5uNbW0SzeUCjrXxHI_tL5wo80Vqv_QCEKBHgOFOAH_elbQE/s320/Invitation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the Graduation Invitation - my secondary inspiration source.<br />
School colors: Navy blue and silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiP8dBiG7wQpuY_zmK-8aTEqRGAxhs7ypHvvNh_4LejktX_u2ldXgYr94YA5q6DDEAWfRVk1EB9PrJZ-RN4NOYYJ3wbnrzHPiClyOWih-AtXZ2x7rIVhaYSV6KsNqB8QtgBw_xEQu_PXdI/s1600/Grad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8dBiG7wQpuY_zmK-8aTEqRGAxhs7ypHvvNh_4LejktX_u2ldXgYr94YA5q6DDEAWfRVk1EB9PrJZ-RN4NOYYJ3wbnrzHPiClyOWih-AtXZ2x7rIVhaYSV6KsNqB8QtgBw_xEQu_PXdI/s320/Grad.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used two-sided piece of paper for the top sheet. I rolled back the paper and<br />
secured it with brads. This really gave the card a three-dimensional feeling -<br />
almost like opening a gift. Did you notice that the emblem was cut out from the invitation? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Today the sun was shining through the clouds and really warmed up the Island. One comes to not take the sun for granted in the Pacific Northwest, and each time you are lucky to feel its warm kiss on your cheek it's a small miracle in an otherwise ordinary day.<br />
<br />
Wishing all of you experience a miracle each and every day of this coming week,<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a><br />Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-71747888060917115382012-06-02T20:27:00.000-07:002012-06-02T20:38:16.180-07:00Make-It-Monday #68 and a Birthday Wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6dFqPKWhZcfecQ1L_jA50uuT-dhQuPPkx5-PR6i0Dk9jl7AHlWtxeuA-72yIBkBZW3oJ_F3H6um0vGxRAtl8m-8zfxQ-_k_y7VbAVbYb3vO_WkmCqkbwcYCx-HRbJxE2GZ67kciCH8g/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6dFqPKWhZcfecQ1L_jA50uuT-dhQuPPkx5-PR6i0Dk9jl7AHlWtxeuA-72yIBkBZW3oJ_F3H6um0vGxRAtl8m-8zfxQ-_k_y7VbAVbYb3vO_WkmCqkbwcYCx-HRbJxE2GZ67kciCH8g/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
This week's design challenge from Papertrey Ink is to make a Pocket Card based in the sample from Heather Nicoles. I always love Heather's cards - great colors and design mixes.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbskYRKOqvPr6ntDKuED_Svd444lJ8uMTjNe4Nt8F4IUoIDPo48aXwzQ-xG4UGXxzizYWKeQcuT74fIcCjEqY1biEgc90xVB8LSUbtB333xrEFEapfhkpIK0TQOWORn53mrL60w-J9noM/s1600/Pocketcard+sample.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbskYRKOqvPr6ntDKuED_Svd444lJ8uMTjNe4Nt8F4IUoIDPo48aXwzQ-xG4UGXxzizYWKeQcuT74fIcCjEqY1biEgc90xVB8LSUbtB333xrEFEapfhkpIK0TQOWORn53mrL60w-J9noM/s320/Pocketcard+sample.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket Card Samples by Heather Nicoles<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I decided to make two different cards. One for my sweet mama for her birthday and the other for my current <a href="http://www.sendlovetoday.org/">Send Love Today</a> assignment.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Oufmik_XVK56A5jckjhMq6XCXZkVODvagIgJacFs3_ila1ZFaRvbuTD6ccm_F8OWwM35fAeGiH8EDij5hA12Xp_vt7vaN_qqxoYDva3sDXeBwaSbJuZSfB7WuYnYNnMDiQkfv2epucs/s1600/Pockethello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Oufmik_XVK56A5jckjhMq6XCXZkVODvagIgJacFs3_ila1ZFaRvbuTD6ccm_F8OWwM35fAeGiH8EDij5hA12Xp_vt7vaN_qqxoYDva3sDXeBwaSbJuZSfB7WuYnYNnMDiQkfv2epucs/s320/Pockethello.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little note is tucked inside this pocket card to wish my<br />
Send Love Today assignment a week full of warm hugs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEg_qpZY69Gf4jEguMmZ6KuG2cp_hOcT0mWZVlLVOWHzF1kL85T0ABX0_dF1izqhAxG98m3F3xuXutZpUYnkQaxUeO-wABbz4Ku7vc1mUc8yBONgqm3HRBVx274mLjgmSXWBXx0Xy6x4k4w/s1600/Celebrate+Pocket+card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qpZY69Gf4jEguMmZ6KuG2cp_hOcT0mWZVlLVOWHzF1kL85T0ABX0_dF1izqhAxG98m3F3xuXutZpUYnkQaxUeO-wABbz4Ku7vc1mUc8yBONgqm3HRBVx274mLjgmSXWBXx0Xy6x4k4w/s400/Celebrate+Pocket+card.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pocket card is a pretty means to present a gift card to my sweet mama.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet mama!!</span></em></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC0lf0nQfBsdmFUIsUYwk43u-GiZdeKSsaO-v3StWQ4fVNCdbvr7Klk-muMSt-CIFVmKSJpnJxok67Ey_xj5DGXkhfWCb-rF0emq1z2vOcCv1mtoE4H_tPb4dfj_MOJ_3qXu6WD5Skg0/s1600/At+the+marina+060212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC0lf0nQfBsdmFUIsUYwk43u-GiZdeKSsaO-v3StWQ4fVNCdbvr7Klk-muMSt-CIFVmKSJpnJxok67Ey_xj5DGXkhfWCb-rF0emq1z2vOcCv1mtoE4H_tPb4dfj_MOJ_3qXu6WD5Skg0/s320/At+the+marina+060212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the Dockside Grill at the John Wayne Marina in Sequim, WA<br />
(Yes - those are the magnificant Olympic Mountains in the background.)<br />
<br />
No whales today, but lots of fishing boats to entertain us while dining.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-VaGKvj9mX2FkBaKaXUMHSBZoFA1mdTdlIlM3cq4_KVOhRSPQTP7vp0pD0F7RJIThYPtVv2MP7PHKG-VQ3SvXzHWKWv7PV3SSOCb_EeFMac_jla1wREB8cHtkhQ-PjSEWURZdUIAVgg/s1600/Birthday+Cocoa+060212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-VaGKvj9mX2FkBaKaXUMHSBZoFA1mdTdlIlM3cq4_KVOhRSPQTP7vp0pD0F7RJIThYPtVv2MP7PHKG-VQ3SvXzHWKWv7PV3SSOCb_EeFMac_jla1wREB8cHtkhQ-PjSEWURZdUIAVgg/s320/Birthday+Cocoa+060212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing better than a hand-crafted hot cocoa with real chocolate and <br />
whipped cream to celebrate a birthday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Wishing everyone a week full of God's warm hugs,<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-10942305001160005932012-05-25T10:06:00.002-07:002012-05-25T10:06:46.147-07:00PTI Make It Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TEqoFZ96-8R-HGgcdUBUsJ6n5gOYIsTG7v8u-4GWBxLUoUeRbp2fE-uWxhoOcRUDIk9Y3TOOZQWPzMu4HYhyNhyphenhyphenRElDU3vf2S9hvwutver0EjVL25Q4XI0xE98vMLwbtJWFq3LQ6ULc/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TEqoFZ96-8R-HGgcdUBUsJ6n5gOYIsTG7v8u-4GWBxLUoUeRbp2fE-uWxhoOcRUDIk9Y3TOOZQWPzMu4HYhyNhyphenhyphenRElDU3vf2S9hvwutver0EjVL25Q4XI0xE98vMLwbtJWFq3LQ6ULc/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
This week's Make It Monday challenge from Papertrey Ink is to create something mixing paper patterns. Betsy Veldman presented her method of selecting various paper patterns and color combinations when creating projects. I liked her layout so much that I used it to create my own version.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tldY4QnX8STAJ6hnJgH_zMW595hKZjr_3dqkFYRVl3TQr3e4fxeJui37U2Z7t0jo4Hh5iMuOkrmursIJPvkoFR4n-aekBZDjUjlk7NWArQ3yqLAXVmKL39fUn3VhP9HOnI_neego44/s1600/scraps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tldY4QnX8STAJ6hnJgH_zMW595hKZjr_3dqkFYRVl3TQr3e4fxeJui37U2Z7t0jo4Hh5iMuOkrmursIJPvkoFR4n-aekBZDjUjlk7NWArQ3yqLAXVmKL39fUn3VhP9HOnI_neego44/s320/scraps.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betsy's examples for the project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX0QTD7BqZaTG1esNh2wArBrw8QzB2hJmsvY-2WuyD6l48tFF1nkS1n3YysL2r2kVWLKH-jzkbdRSG3JYw8Qr7jxSm1y4ds5b2gRActO0KffMSoS9zZ-B6yPnL-q4b8_jmNcG_0wP-z4/s640/blogger-image-792164993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX0QTD7BqZaTG1esNh2wArBrw8QzB2hJmsvY-2WuyD6l48tFF1nkS1n3YysL2r2kVWLKH-jzkbdRSG3JYw8Qr7jxSm1y4ds5b2gRActO0KffMSoS9zZ-B6yPnL-q4b8_jmNcG_0wP-z4/s400/blogger-image-792164993.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My take on Betsy's layout. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-56596169208211515092012-05-25T09:17:00.000-07:002012-05-25T09:17:10.384-07:00PTI blog hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMsx07q0B9s9BhF82WFDFQJ-tEa7GFCtEac_7JOkaMHS3c9gwOzUUjK39hfAFEp3d6HeHIPtSF7o9xdI3Q4_vS5iCSR0NYEWE9AgH7N2mvDX4m74l3FUaav9IN8wlAAb9CXBzk-5dpi4/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMsx07q0B9s9BhF82WFDFQJ-tEa7GFCtEac_7JOkaMHS3c9gwOzUUjK39hfAFEp3d6HeHIPtSF7o9xdI3Q4_vS5iCSR0NYEWE9AgH7N2mvDX4m74l3FUaav9IN8wlAAb9CXBzk-5dpi4/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop challenge is to create something based on this inspiring photo - Bright greens with bold black & white patterns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqQHOAvep8LlcBLERrBh-EOZO2s06lbdfBK8C-MAmImmZskPBp9RL15NWgA18xgXpFsmATqTpY3t2lXiwTI7yz8nEvLNgMeDC_8hmyC5VjzAspszyIoTu-wCutjFVXFTTW697xtf1MbM/s1600/blog+hop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqQHOAvep8LlcBLERrBh-EOZO2s06lbdfBK8C-MAmImmZskPBp9RL15NWgA18xgXpFsmATqTpY3t2lXiwTI7yz8nEvLNgMeDC_8hmyC5VjzAspszyIoTu-wCutjFVXFTTW697xtf1MbM/s320/blog+hop.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuM7NMLZj7flwqIggaJCKpNoam3KTkIbajPDJ6ubMAlC4vUEE0-xFiTqsJf06WSpkIiMW5JkqzJKpkOC-TRN0yA0RLDzMnUf_GW7-mIXLl5Mi9spMiCWaM0tezG4QjxEUDmDRbKp-dj4/s640/blogger-image-95409313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuM7NMLZj7flwqIggaJCKpNoam3KTkIbajPDJ6ubMAlC4vUEE0-xFiTqsJf06WSpkIiMW5JkqzJKpkOC-TRN0yA0RLDzMnUf_GW7-mIXLl5Mi9spMiCWaM0tezG4QjxEUDmDRbKp-dj4/s400/blogger-image-95409313.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my creation - destined for my Send Love Today assignment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-58945767567775542232012-05-12T19:55:00.001-07:002012-05-12T20:26:54.483-07:00Scrappy Bits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY-umfgRDFbnEhIiNzyBUVuEasdDiHNwR1OFfIKdlJA7WCPdSdBLVipGvp4kPT45d6T8gSPZJWMdI-Hfp7CmDPL3iqI2CcpyeqQzN6I4vKe3n1b7gsr69pdQPxbUQiq0N-PlKvfDyhuk/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY-umfgRDFbnEhIiNzyBUVuEasdDiHNwR1OFfIKdlJA7WCPdSdBLVipGvp4kPT45d6T8gSPZJWMdI-Hfp7CmDPL3iqI2CcpyeqQzN6I4vKe3n1b7gsr69pdQPxbUQiq0N-PlKvfDyhuk/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
Another Make It Monday challenge from Papertrey Ink. This week the challenge is to make something using paper scraps for the background. Well, let me tell you - have I got scraps! I don't throw out any of the beautiful bits and pieces left over from a project - be it paper, fabric, felt, ribbon ... You get the idea. I think I get this habit from generations of savers. My grandfather, orphaned during the Great Depression, saved every nut and bolt in baby food jars. If you needed anything, go ask Pap Pap and rest assured he'd have it or something that would do just fine. <br />
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ27epCzO5k5jQAtUZ0MYCejNOlXNNWkWhCjh3BZaJec3we5hEuCgCB2LZ0syXeU0ZcROYMgKw5aEAdyFsBmyqCVOhdoT3A0WKbTVjt7Ht3T1RdpyB48XW1BpT6n2kAKJPtVdh3CxWDBg/s640/blogger-image-1569692617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ27epCzO5k5jQAtUZ0MYCejNOlXNNWkWhCjh3BZaJec3we5hEuCgCB2LZ0syXeU0ZcROYMgKw5aEAdyFsBmyqCVOhdoT3A0WKbTVjt7Ht3T1RdpyB48XW1BpT6n2kAKJPtVdh3CxWDBg/s400/blogger-image-1569692617.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet thing is destined for my Send Love Today assignment.<br />
I plan to tuck a packet of lotion in the card as a special treat.<br />
<br />
All paper (except the white card) is from my scrap collection.<br />
Papertrey Ink Stamps: Tagged Sentiments<br />
Other Papertrey Ink Products: cardstock, ink, felt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I often incorporate scraps into my cards. It's really easy with so many lovely border punches, die cuts and such. The challenge is in storing the scraps so they don't get lost or end up all over the place. I have found the simplest way to store scrap paper is in a binder. I place the scraps in plastic paper protectors organized by color. Pieces of felt and buttons are likewise stirred in jars organized by color. Ribbon is stored on little spools in a plastic organizer and fabric bits are stored in baskets. I don't throw anything away until it's nearly a speck.<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KCCF7-iXtxFfrL3WumgPmk2J9RIZXEqqSD9TyeJYAKEGKwQas4OR7o1as-oZy7murUH6TXskSZLUKVzxwoQl6UJMHKJSq2kUQLDe5UanNR6vmW4gJ5vukRhXlVwvqtQO8mYwYrxr3IU/s640/blogger-image-1711521554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KCCF7-iXtxFfrL3WumgPmk2J9RIZXEqqSD9TyeJYAKEGKwQas4OR7o1as-oZy7murUH6TXskSZLUKVzxwoQl6UJMHKJSq2kUQLDe5UanNR6vmW4gJ5vukRhXlVwvqtQO8mYwYrxr3IU/s320/blogger-image-1711521554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 3-ring binder with plastic protector sleeves provides an<br />
inexpensive and easy way to organzie left over paper scraps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-b1ThccRaUrJhfUmhhI_FChcppo9zVIEHP9kWAR8Lrs4i4aiRR6aw_ty20v-nUev_f8TQ38MegTGBhZqY9s0cN6He38XtBx0B_qin4vwemmX2oPeiVQZg97qcRhl6z0YYpyXQsDKvjA/s640/blogger-image-1575066947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-b1ThccRaUrJhfUmhhI_FChcppo9zVIEHP9kWAR8Lrs4i4aiRR6aw_ty20v-nUev_f8TQ38MegTGBhZqY9s0cN6He38XtBx0B_qin4vwemmX2oPeiVQZg97qcRhl6z0YYpyXQsDKvjA/s320/blogger-image-1575066947.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little scraps become itty-bitty adornments in future projects.<br />
I often use Glossy Accents or fine glitter to make the die cuts extra special.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjo7G74CcyYEsz3qM3QORIlweP2ltMeLLJ3OeoqMmw1oaH8kFXQfPrstnF_f3X-sSdS43m92w4nWsmz841HzyguujWNLycqvQfamLG5gN6Zf5WdZBek7HjBtx_ltyiZlPGVknXp0dvEh0g/s640/blogger-image-925094049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7G74CcyYEsz3qM3QORIlweP2ltMeLLJ3OeoqMmw1oaH8kFXQfPrstnF_f3X-sSdS43m92w4nWsmz841HzyguujWNLycqvQfamLG5gN6Zf5WdZBek7HjBtx_ltyiZlPGVknXp0dvEh0g/s320/blogger-image-925094049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-cut die cutouts from paper scraps just waiting for a project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEhQMmtBXMaEbd5pG1-2bCInLks-6n43Vgfcafq9oUz_y4Yl1ME3eMip-xhnX14ZciijPTcgxrlDr-I_su66RIl-2GxnXCqVVNvu09ONWErcEMj8ZOjUNzMJ5IIpCAn15iJpeGBRRE0z1M8/s640/blogger-image--961359654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMmtBXMaEbd5pG1-2bCInLks-6n43Vgfcafq9oUz_y4Yl1ME3eMip-xhnX14ZciijPTcgxrlDr-I_su66RIl-2GxnXCqVVNvu09ONWErcEMj8ZOjUNzMJ5IIpCAn15iJpeGBRRE0z1M8/s320/blogger-image--961359654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap bits used to make little gift boxes, cupcakes and other special<br />
finds in this birthday menagerie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stop back tomorrow to see what this collection of pink paper scraps turn into for Mother's Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEj1fafN9kmRDRjLBg5O0Ix75qMTy1pj_Ne8BtwkgFpdZFqbKd9-CEgZ7EGKN8Mjq25ksnDUOll5IG105X4DrshqDgRWlQYEsd9Bq8ku2iMO6E9VRUf5Tf2_Pv3kdxuQqrLjsAGHmT1_JwI/s640/blogger-image-973828187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fafN9kmRDRjLBg5O0Ix75qMTy1pj_Ne8BtwkgFpdZFqbKd9-CEgZ7EGKN8Mjq25ksnDUOll5IG105X4DrshqDgRWlQYEsd9Bq8ku2iMO6E9VRUf5Tf2_Pv3kdxuQqrLjsAGHmT1_JwI/s320/blogger-image-973828187.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any guesses what these bits of scrap paper and ribbon will become?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-36555356386616645472012-05-05T20:31:00.000-07:002012-05-05T20:31:14.747-07:00Make it Monday Color Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglctOxkpaDTGJO1dXa_2DrWN4aIVjzZoaokw3Sp4z9s7txog1sPOkPTsCEfD58w4fwYpQlbb_fiq7Piz3eMkFDm312rtT85fX-NcvXBNWaCeRaB6vw5fTJ5G8IyTSvoz-vPkmlBY-kHvA/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglctOxkpaDTGJO1dXa_2DrWN4aIVjzZoaokw3Sp4z9s7txog1sPOkPTsCEfD58w4fwYpQlbb_fiq7Piz3eMkFDm312rtT85fX-NcvXBNWaCeRaB6vw5fTJ5G8IyTSvoz-vPkmlBY-kHvA/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
This week's Papertrey Ink Make It Monday Challenge is to make something using the color inspiration sheet provided. I chose to make the (near) same card that Nicole Heady made but using a different color palette.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf0X_8MeJKdT1ciKZj0ruTluuyfv0IUgmfta0VaBK0FxMzvRu22I6sxJot5zVYNyl72tYkEmoNh7jx7-ubZdQDp0jtmfoBYGzfohm_hpcA9gwnXbXEPLq__YD2zrYHhIk_mVyHTCuVIM/s1600/6a00d8341c64e753ef016765e3b95a970b-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf0X_8MeJKdT1ciKZj0ruTluuyfv0IUgmfta0VaBK0FxMzvRu22I6sxJot5zVYNyl72tYkEmoNh7jx7-ubZdQDp0jtmfoBYGzfohm_hpcA9gwnXbXEPLq__YD2zrYHhIk_mVyHTCuVIM/s320/6a00d8341c64e753ef016765e3b95a970b-450wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole Heady's Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnun8gkuO7CfVAmt8-9pWeE48NK4lF-2I-bfWOI6R6k9o7eLY49-ccygvCaLuNu1H210BAW3_lz-sesZdI0mMeDmwbGIUwnPlXns_TzeBMvR5V6B1hmghCP2nCHJI-8-JmM8poljcmdU/s1600/In.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnun8gkuO7CfVAmt8-9pWeE48NK4lF-2I-bfWOI6R6k9o7eLY49-ccygvCaLuNu1H210BAW3_lz-sesZdI0mMeDmwbGIUwnPlXns_TzeBMvR5V6B1hmghCP2nCHJI-8-JmM8poljcmdU/s320/In.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEjlIqYgoIUGC6tTeWV4D74-5cnd4Z5K1gnbyLR0acCO2NPBh6iWNOsQCF4z2qcKgqXVzdmAXmVbiQc8RMOQBy6ENfUa0MxtF-UrM_4TxplmNoFyPO5l3rB_TkL3xZkz9vwEgtsR_2cin6s/s1600/Make+It+Monday+050512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIqYgoIUGC6tTeWV4D74-5cnd4Z5K1gnbyLR0acCO2NPBh6iWNOsQCF4z2qcKgqXVzdmAXmVbiQc8RMOQBy6ENfUa0MxtF-UrM_4TxplmNoFyPO5l3rB_TkL3xZkz9vwEgtsR_2cin6s/s320/Make+It+Monday+050512.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of Nicole's card using a different color palette.<br />
<br />
All PTI product used to create this card.<br />
PTI Stamp Sets Used: Flower Fusion 12, Background Basics Medaliion,<br />
Tiny Treats Birthdays, Tagged Sentiments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isn't it interesting how a simple change, like a different color palette, can make a card look completely different? This one is destined for a my new <a href="http://www.sendlovetoday.org/">Send Love Today</a> assignment - a 40 year old woman with glioblastoma brain cancer. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em>A RECIPE IN REVIEW</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Source Recipe: </em><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/338434/arroz-con-pollo"><span style="color: red;">http://www.marthastewart.com/338434/arroz-con-pollo</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp1cttqpENjTyBU8G6g2beHZ1-WzfUa6dKeFqvectcTnt0On7ADT563v7dq0xx8X_McMUYVlWMFd45EshxZRUZRXY77Es3nYtt87weGLotuwkf22r8Sqd7srtUXRmBPNK0UZdxZWljcc/s1600/cincodemayo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp1cttqpENjTyBU8G6g2beHZ1-WzfUa6dKeFqvectcTnt0On7ADT563v7dq0xx8X_McMUYVlWMFd45EshxZRUZRXY77Es3nYtt87weGLotuwkf22r8Sqd7srtUXRmBPNK0UZdxZWljcc/s1600/cincodemayo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo I made Arroz Con Pollo to satisfy my mother's craving for saffron rice. There are many different ways to make this simple Chicken with Rice dish. Today I used a recipe from Martha Stewart Living. It was a very easy dish to make and relatively inexpensive. Saffron can be pricey, but you need only use a pinch (altough I used three pinches). This recipe is very traditional with the strong Spanish undertones of saffron. For more color, you may want to place pimientos on the top. I give this recipe a "two thumbs up" given that the pan was empty at the end of dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLKmBvlFrStEGo_CQgGWswOsVOEZ-hHMkV3pg0X8_MMLEf8Lf8NwoiA-7PeARijaKan6ogXRhMs1hMiAXgeOWHO-nVhOa-NcMSaL8zsu9QCCIL0KFfO7XIRaQ1Dy6FAt7oTU_2nBuZMQ/s1600/Arroz+con+Pollo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLKmBvlFrStEGo_CQgGWswOsVOEZ-hHMkV3pg0X8_MMLEf8Lf8NwoiA-7PeARijaKan6ogXRhMs1hMiAXgeOWHO-nVhOa-NcMSaL8zsu9QCCIL0KFfO7XIRaQ1Dy6FAt7oTU_2nBuZMQ/s400/Arroz+con+Pollo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
Arroz Con Pollo</h2>
<div class="item-list">
<ul class="content-multigroup-group-ingredient">
<li class="ingredient first"> 1 cup dry white wine</li>
<li class="ingredient"> Pinch of saffron</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 6 chicken thighs (6 ounces each)</li>
<li class="ingredient"> Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 1 large onion, finely chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 2 tablespoons minced garlic (2 to 3 cloves)</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 1 large tomato, diced</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 2 dried bay leaves</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 4 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock, plus more if needed</li>
<li class="ingredient"> 3 cups short-grain rice, preferably Valencia </li>
<li class="ingredient last"> 1 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ingredient last">
</div>
<div class="step first">
Combine wine and saffron; let stand until ready to use. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large braiser or heavy-bottomed, straight-sided saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, skin side down, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip, and cook until golden brown, 2 minutes; transfer to a plate.</div>
<div class="step">
</div>
<div class="step">
Reduce heat to medium, and cook onion and garlic, stirring often, until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add tomato, and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Stir in wine-saffron mixture, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and the bay leaves. Cook until wine is almost completely evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Add chicken, stock, rice, and olives; bring to a simmer.</div>
<div class="step">
<br /></div>
<div class="step">
Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, stirring halfway through, until rice is tender, about 45 minutes. (If rice is not done, add more stock, cup at a time.) Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.</div>
<div class="step">
<br /></div>
<div class="step">
<br /></div>
<div class="step">
Enjoy your week! - Debbie</div>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-82184271636412302062012-04-29T15:03:00.001-07:002012-04-29T16:28:19.045-07:00Weekend MusingsNot much dabbling in my craft studio, but I did manage to squeak out a pair of cards for this week's Papertrey Ink Make It Monday challenge - glitter accents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguttcUIw8yDEeFiNKj8GHmbbyta7XyBA6H3pl8RLfdK5EbF0RaX0yCcYDTptYqe9cfjMf8sgDDlxnEWr0LWQgcPRImuGGvjc43WQyGYI2ErtI57PkWN3ehEXabAVk4l8xdEJ9m3poPIOM/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguttcUIw8yDEeFiNKj8GHmbbyta7XyBA6H3pl8RLfdK5EbF0RaX0yCcYDTptYqe9cfjMf8sgDDlxnEWr0LWQgcPRImuGGvjc43WQyGYI2ErtI57PkWN3ehEXabAVk4l8xdEJ9m3poPIOM/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf9ZzY5y071-LMh6sFhkgwBQsf8Or7hyDMnEsK5_c-y-BzjIwyY_Al5GJkyeLIKUDwX9iGAZ7yibdRLyQlJVNl0XFL9sfYaZWfHT4U_JwiT7V0MbgYf4nXPkqqLA6zh1jJgJ39Mlu6qQ/s640/blogger-image--1399949520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf9ZzY5y071-LMh6sFhkgwBQsf8Or7hyDMnEsK5_c-y-BzjIwyY_Al5GJkyeLIKUDwX9iGAZ7yibdRLyQlJVNl0XFL9sfYaZWfHT4U_JwiT7V0MbgYf4nXPkqqLA6zh1jJgJ39Mlu6qQ/s320/blogger-image--1399949520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<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/AVvXsEgWUS9fs6Q7VGd25uFycRG8WihI_uOt8o3zZIHw2IFHhP8im2MNAWGcPYZrANUDaJQs76GEuaZL2z2XOZb5UdJYHGR3lS-TNKqNXKBSgLQvPIuD8YSCXe-FDnYJIL3vDzeduzSyWodlDso/s640/blogger-image-595978281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUS9fs6Q7VGd25uFycRG8WihI_uOt8o3zZIHw2IFHhP8im2MNAWGcPYZrANUDaJQs76GEuaZL2z2XOZb5UdJYHGR3lS-TNKqNXKBSgLQvPIuD8YSCXe-FDnYJIL3vDzeduzSyWodlDso/s320/blogger-image-595978281.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two simple birthday cards with glittered ribbons on the gift boxes. <br />
I think the bottom card with the finer grit glitter turned out nicer.<br />
PTI Stamp Sets and Dies: Make A Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>A RECIPE IN REVIEW</strong></em></span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Oatmeal - Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies</span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">Recipe Source: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/oatmeal-flax-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/oatmeal-flax-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/index.html</a></span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think everyone has a personal preference for chocolate chip cookies. Some like them chubby, others like them flat. Some like them chewy, others like them hard for dunking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />This month's Food Network Magazine featured a chocolate chip cookie recipe with oatmeal and flaxseed. You could almost call it a healthy cookie :) This cookie is very flat and crisp (but not hard). I found it perfect for dunking in a glass of cold milk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEhz3OkPEqdysL4inkfSZPaKh_t6Hxuc7x0PmfVv8OIZ6X6Dvtp5Q1LBwa1wp5R8WglPANHJtaLNrZgohW30fdtF6G3NDg4spHF0pRnSC8vNy89Matt2sBlgkuO2aajXwjmNRIEHAgOnCJY/s640/blogger-image-1916911464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3OkPEqdysL4inkfSZPaKh_t6Hxuc7x0PmfVv8OIZ6X6Dvtp5Q1LBwa1wp5R8WglPANHJtaLNrZgohW30fdtF6G3NDg4spHF0pRnSC8vNy89Matt2sBlgkuO2aajXwjmNRIEHAgOnCJY/s320/blogger-image-1916911464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cookie tin is destined for my mom & dad.<br />
I did keep a few for my wonderful hubby to snack on late at night.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-82566437298460044522012-03-31T19:50:00.003-07:002012-04-01T19:59:36.022-07:00Make it Monday: Computer SentimentsThis week's Make It Monday challenge is to print sentiments from your computer and then die cut them. Erin Lincoln has a wonderful video tutorial if you want to learn her tricks for perfect placement (http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/03/make-it-monday-59-computer-generated-sentiments-on-die-cuts.html ). This will definitely become a frequently used technique for the Operation Write Home cards I make.<br />
<br />
For this week's challenge, I simply used a Happy Easter sentiment.<br />
<br />
Now, on to decorating the house for Easter. I wonder if I can coax out the sun? - Deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-rHoZ3TXxX32Am45waywqESElgYYJU_-2Zgh5F7N_N41vleub3ux6F1mDRllRerg9AZsw81nrGCcjLkgyz2h63hyphenhyphen-WokTFXQBsuCYo4jeqkf3F-vMX0KFyXSIJpehzAW4QEJIWnjZA0/s640/blogger-image-838079252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-rHoZ3TXxX32Am45waywqESElgYYJU_-2Zgh5F7N_N41vleub3ux6F1mDRllRerg9AZsw81nrGCcjLkgyz2h63hyphenhyphen-WokTFXQBsuCYo4jeqkf3F-vMX0KFyXSIJpehzAW4QEJIWnjZA0/s320/blogger-image-838079252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfSg1l5n1c6VouXl0MhY15G-aB26zbA1AfDFQy1eux-1iS7UmWO0EEwDGH5oIdeGMLHni9P4IE9UjUWYq_vG8B3WUCpzRZM32LDgk-i_hctCFrIlA0CDuKUNN1z-MdoRv8XqXnMsTx0Y/s640/blogger-image--2053565267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfSg1l5n1c6VouXl0MhY15G-aB26zbA1AfDFQy1eux-1iS7UmWO0EEwDGH5oIdeGMLHni9P4IE9UjUWYq_vG8B3WUCpzRZM32LDgk-i_hctCFrIlA0CDuKUNN1z-MdoRv8XqXnMsTx0Y/s320/blogger-image--2053565267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-57390977426420461542012-03-27T11:18:00.001-07:002012-03-27T11:42:20.885-07:00Cheap Eats: Gemelli with ScallopsSo maybe not the <em>cheapest</em> recipe to share, but a reasonable price none-the-less when serving four. You could easily substitute a less expensive fish (like shrimp) or meat (like chicken) in place of the scallops. Scallops were on sale at my local QFC, so I treated the family on Sunday. <br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcoz_j2l27bxhhyktELRg5ZT1EWkquiugmVAcMwHL4jNxE1-2RG3Bhwiwm2LC2xgLLP4qt6kNwdqHeCXV4Jls9ktNyjhq8FPMNAcYxynwvKjM3Jqx5Yfv_UDeyZLauqzVW6Sv3YHkU_E/s1600/Gemelli+with+scallops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcoz_j2l27bxhhyktELRg5ZT1EWkquiugmVAcMwHL4jNxE1-2RG3Bhwiwm2LC2xgLLP4qt6kNwdqHeCXV4Jls9ktNyjhq8FPMNAcYxynwvKjM3Jqx5Yfv_UDeyZLauqzVW6Sv3YHkU_E/s320/Gemelli+with+scallops.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not one bite left at the end of the meal. Very Yummy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2><span style="color: #38761d;">Gemelli with Scallops, Snap Peas and Aspargus</span></h2>(Source: Coastal Living Magazine March 2012)<br />
Recipe can also be found here: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/seared-scallop-gemelli-asparagus-50400000119956/">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/seared-scallop-gemelli-asparagus-50400000119956/</a><br />
(I love myrecipes.com - it's a great website for finding and storing recipes! Try it - you'll like it!)<br />
<h3>Ingredients:<span itemprop="preparation"> </span></h3><ul><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">8 ounces of gemelli</li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 ounces</span><span itemprop="name"> pancetta, chopped</span><span itemprop="preparation"> (I used bacon)</span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">3 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> extra virgin olive oil, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 </span><span itemprop="name"> sweet onion, chopped</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">4 </span><span itemprop="name"> garlic cloves, minced</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 pound</span><span itemprop="name"> asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">8 ounces</span><span itemprop="name"> sugar snap peas</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/3 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> dry vermouth</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> chopped fresh tarragon</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 pound</span><span itemprop="name"> sea scallops</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> salt, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> black pepper, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> unsalted butter</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">3/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div></div>1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions; drain.<br />
<br />
2. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta, and cook 3 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet, and drain on paper towels. Return skillet to cooktop, and add 2 tablespoons oil, onion, and garlic; cook, over medium-high heat, 5 minutes or until onion starts to soften, stirring occasionally. Add asparagus; cook 2 minutes or until bright green. Stir in peas, and cook 2 minutes. Add vermouth; cook 1 minute or until reduced to a glaze. Stir in tarragon and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat.<br />
<br />
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle scallops with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add to skillet, and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned.<br />
<br />
4. Return large skillet to cooktop. Add cooked pasta and 2 tablespoons butter, and cook 1 minute or until butter melts. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in cheese, half of reserved pancetta, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Divide pasta among 4 bowls, top each evenly with scallops, and sprinkle with remaining pancetta.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a quick reference for buying scallops : <a href="http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/fishseafood/p/freshscallops.htm">http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/fishseafood/p/freshscallops.htm</a><br />
<br />
I recommend buying scallops that are not soaked in a phosphate solution. To prepare the scallops before cooking, let them drain well on a paper-towel lined plate (cover scallops on top with paper towel as well) to remove any wetness. This will help ensure a nicely browned scallop after cooking.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-37341270041172927802012-03-25T17:45:00.002-07:002012-04-01T20:01:49.963-07:00Papertrey Ink Blog HopThis month's PTI blog hop challenge: aqua and yellow. Here are just a few of my creations - enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjofftnQNaSrZo0Sm9f5AoGTfaVvBinrsScP6etsMwZqkP3lYyatAgVXvMEovOOs_9lETfNUaWLMSOUPk93mS7PbFyp6HKp0OKEeGW9ikDU2Rc4CI7bGteeVAiPA6YhNMleTQ9CU9A1hg/s640/blogger-image--463304002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjofftnQNaSrZo0Sm9f5AoGTfaVvBinrsScP6etsMwZqkP3lYyatAgVXvMEovOOs_9lETfNUaWLMSOUPk93mS7PbFyp6HKp0OKEeGW9ikDU2Rc4CI7bGteeVAiPA6YhNMleTQ9CU9A1hg/s400/blogger-image--463304002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oqk4jVEQ5xPQ4tvgjM5H-Jla9enYa6SwWWTFlZQVW0jUmhds512DFa4ixjhVwvZP2MpSbZO7Cci4q2Ac3vnM-sVUyKObPWL-ZEX9eecFmNCEwibuggZgt_5RLUrvrAdJbHiKl4zN9us/s640/blogger-image-738324005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oqk4jVEQ5xPQ4tvgjM5H-Jla9enYa6SwWWTFlZQVW0jUmhds512DFa4ixjhVwvZP2MpSbZO7Cci4q2Ac3vnM-sVUyKObPWL-ZEX9eecFmNCEwibuggZgt_5RLUrvrAdJbHiKl4zN9us/s400/blogger-image-738324005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H_cZJCbk9LTiF3in6BV-Q0nvx4VcUAjglJb2tlGoE4_FGxtEecQk0y2XGiMxXCO3JeWwCxHilfVJPXUhDm0_6AMsxwH2Ba5XyZCCvejMhMuUveVobICg2o0Rd4HwHgk7P_fkB1BDUNk/s640/blogger-image-292975938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H_cZJCbk9LTiF3in6BV-Q0nvx4VcUAjglJb2tlGoE4_FGxtEecQk0y2XGiMxXCO3JeWwCxHilfVJPXUhDm0_6AMsxwH2Ba5XyZCCvejMhMuUveVobICg2o0Rd4HwHgk7P_fkB1BDUNk/s400/blogger-image-292975938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-77870551599779930952012-03-18T20:23:00.000-07:002012-03-18T20:23:05.438-07:00Make It Monday - Colored Kissing<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/AVvXsEh4nfD2JDhK3sFNEfi0N9d4LvCArEpHL-pFUi2px3aUF59V999sJq6KKtTCUeu61it-ELIGzesei05v1K9kx2B5r3t1wufXbur5ISv8OYYyn8Te2HLKKciRV-MdVoHTBlhPOUxPLfte_GA/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nfD2JDhK3sFNEfi0N9d4LvCArEpHL-pFUi2px3aUF59V999sJq6KKtTCUeu61it-ELIGzesei05v1K9kx2B5r3t1wufXbur5ISv8OYYyn8Te2HLKKciRV-MdVoHTBlhPOUxPLfte_GA/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenge: Using atleast one papertry ink product, create a card using the colored kissing technique.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Here's my creation, using this week's PTI challenge. This was a new technique for me - kind of neat.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35TCuNREYgomMYo2p8nHJfkZahXmfTuFKn8b2JRtuQKYvRHsVvuz5hG0el1PR5dORARr4r3v9TkQ5hD_ZWVE3liSOzakTiDt-PavdJQ0GzzQBvfzkmefldiOj5A7Aynk3JBKYEz9jZYs/s1600/Make+It+Monday+031812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35TCuNREYgomMYo2p8nHJfkZahXmfTuFKn8b2JRtuQKYvRHsVvuz5hG0el1PR5dORARr4r3v9TkQ5hD_ZWVE3liSOzakTiDt-PavdJQ0GzzQBvfzkmefldiOj5A7Aynk3JBKYEz9jZYs/s320/Make+It+Monday+031812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PTI Products Used: Flower Fusion stamp sets and medallion background stamp; <br />
PTI ink and cardstock - pure poppy and aqua mist; pure poppy twill ribbon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I think this cutie is destined for the <a href="http://www.operationwritehome.org/">Operation Write Home</a> basket. Have you joined the mission yet?!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-7119786662956133172012-02-25T14:57:00.001-08:002012-02-26T16:46:57.252-08:00Papertrey Ink Make It Monday and Blog HopA very special lady is having a birthday in a couple of weeks. I designed a card just for her based on this week's Make It Monday design challenge. Wanting to take it to the next level and make an interactive card, but alas my Mover and Shaker dies have not yet arrived. So I made it an 'interactive' card with a special folding technique I learned some time ago.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2ARIeBydob3F2Brd4g5HJpjfdtwV5O_zDtTQ7HJeRs4d4a3745FLFFbAFXLZfElxZ4LlZ6MnMUe-jshqbLzsmUrQBNcqkRnO96BjRaVJ-zpSimRvK56Uax49eIByzTeRshyphenhyphenf1twEQZU/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2ARIeBydob3F2Brd4g5HJpjfdtwV5O_zDtTQ7HJeRs4d4a3745FLFFbAFXLZfElxZ4LlZ6MnMUe-jshqbLzsmUrQBNcqkRnO96BjRaVJ-zpSimRvK56Uax49eIByzTeRshyphenhyphenf1twEQZU/s1600/Blog+Button+MakeItMondays.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The challenge: Incorporate Glittered Buttons in your project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2oTrtokvdyCZEciNnCC6Bg1PhxmHqe-1_BYQqYiyVYFSf7ibpvP5Aicr953TebqVQuG20iAs2ImIfPmHxh5ytGruIpBo9xXjExBjTrfNVc_asutNoHhIBjvEwoNQdekQDcmO7KrltKs/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2oTrtokvdyCZEciNnCC6Bg1PhxmHqe-1_BYQqYiyVYFSf7ibpvP5Aicr953TebqVQuG20iAs2ImIfPmHxh5ytGruIpBo9xXjExBjTrfNVc_asutNoHhIBjvEwoNQdekQDcmO7KrltKs/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The challenge: <em>This month, it's all about being interactive! Show us how you take your cards to the next level, whether you have received your Movers & Shakers dies, or you're just inspired to create a pop up or swinging card without them. </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKsUitN4h3Zi0HmmU5Q7U_UJLHDyQQggfBZUTBnceRv_3lVAan_a8PLX3Pm-Gu9uI558_45yOgfupZZsfWFtze-ha2Mh7gXs1vMPmvzICCXgQZqZ2l7pqKF9WKNrBPZ4dhyphenhyphen5rhTf-Occ/s1600/100_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKsUitN4h3Zi0HmmU5Q7U_UJLHDyQQggfBZUTBnceRv_3lVAan_a8PLX3Pm-Gu9uI558_45yOgfupZZsfWFtze-ha2Mh7gXs1vMPmvzICCXgQZqZ2l7pqKF9WKNrBPZ4dhyphenhyphen5rhTf-Occ/s320/100_2145.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the card looks like when it is closed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a_bZWT342JURp98JGEc1_mdZXGRwilQpZ640jvwwfIjaDiECURmV2z06mi1h68NLRhJ-LzFlWj7seT33-9omIf-sqs8I2c_cODJUUAEzu6CUzHkfdbXfX-s-wnbZJGYYqZh7w1TmiyY/s1600/100_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a_bZWT342JURp98JGEc1_mdZXGRwilQpZ640jvwwfIjaDiECURmV2z06mi1h68NLRhJ-LzFlWj7seT33-9omIf-sqs8I2c_cODJUUAEzu6CUzHkfdbXfX-s-wnbZJGYYqZh7w1TmiyY/s320/100_2141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the card looks like when it is open.<br />
<br />
Papertrey Ink Supplies used: Cardstock, printed cardstock, buttons, ribbon, Tag-It's Stamp Set</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Won't the birthday girl be tickled when she opens her card?!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-23051093085707693422012-02-25T14:30:00.004-08:002012-02-26T16:47:40.131-08:00Papertrey Ink February 2012 Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvj1BCmYRUpatDs78StdwCWZ0CExALin7EbjzUGZbzhwsrvNSxX6_ImeXnTeZ2TxJHU7WxEQMZLLo-uRvDyysmqCxCh_C0XNlzAzNYcUr6YT0WFaNn16VBTonmrkG1nQT1fyZNgJIlx8/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvj1BCmYRUpatDs78StdwCWZ0CExALin7EbjzUGZbzhwsrvNSxX6_ImeXnTeZ2TxJHU7WxEQMZLLo-uRvDyysmqCxCh_C0XNlzAzNYcUr6YT0WFaNn16VBTonmrkG1nQT1fyZNgJIlx8/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<em>The Challenge: This month, it's all about being interactive! Show us how you take your cards to the next level, whether you have received your Movers & Shakers dies, or you're just inspired to create a pop up or swinging card without them. There are so many options for this theme, and we can't wait to see what you have to share!</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">I'm used this month's PTI Blog Hop 'interactive' challenge to make a little 'gift-card' for my <a href="http://www.sendlovetoday.org/">Send Love Today</a> assignment - a young boy who loves dogs. I often incorporate little "gifts" into the cards, such as baseball collector cards, sweet treats, samples of lotion, guitar picks, and then build a card around the gift. In this particular card, I used Gel Gems with a dog image. I can image the little boy removing the Gel Dog and sticking it to his window. </div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvB51P5GYvFC3JwV6xjrD-YtNl_FLeEN9a4JFAf5PbmOF09TXss7is2TzseBArm-0BcOPWSP4KC7nSvzt8jeODEmCv4MylKAZdOkNMi26D9tR47lfNmutx_z3OOLotMIrK1Des32Pzkg/s1600/100_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvB51P5GYvFC3JwV6xjrD-YtNl_FLeEN9a4JFAf5PbmOF09TXss7is2TzseBArm-0BcOPWSP4KC7nSvzt8jeODEmCv4MylKAZdOkNMi26D9tR47lfNmutx_z3OOLotMIrK1Des32Pzkg/s320/100_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papertrey Ink Supplies used: Prefolded cardstock and envelope. <br />
To make this card, I cut out a window. I glued an old PTI transparency sheet<br />
from one of the PTI stamp sets to the inside of the window and then placed a <br />
sheet of yellow cardstock behind it for the background. The Gel Gems<br />
were stuck to the front of the transparency window for the recipient to peel off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_1uJvrr4eUkIv8tKOMqUG8b0Wf0nejONsTVtvj2swPCFRVR5zvi70YL1phRox70d4n-uA7g9KYtntjiWMVGb1ajSjr_b4_T3lQkYw4PXn1x7AXlZdWrgQQceVf5WU993tIpbTzCx3Ng/s1600/100_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_1uJvrr4eUkIv8tKOMqUG8b0Wf0nejONsTVtvj2swPCFRVR5zvi70YL1phRox70d4n-uA7g9KYtntjiWMVGb1ajSjr_b4_T3lQkYw4PXn1x7AXlZdWrgQQceVf5WU993tIpbTzCx3Ng/s320/100_2147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Have you sent any love today?<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-6396335646611355652011-11-05T14:14:00.000-07:002011-11-05T14:14:00.750-07:00An Apple A Day - Brie, Apple & Arugula Quesadillas<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/AVvXsEg59Jr99j2wGXFpcSqaD2pNZT9AhM6OBGGU-mff3Jv4p8xkTStOUSeL25te273VDsmQEHcWYTS6Mdq77K1Rh__aycIptTZBYpvrlwzXhfAnNGzW44ZdI7cM6Gh2zMC2cwjY29t_GX-8wno/s1600/brie-apple-quesadillas-ck-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59Jr99j2wGXFpcSqaD2pNZT9AhM6OBGGU-mff3Jv4p8xkTStOUSeL25te273VDsmQEHcWYTS6Mdq77K1Rh__aycIptTZBYpvrlwzXhfAnNGzW44ZdI7cM6Gh2zMC2cwjY29t_GX-8wno/s1600/brie-apple-quesadillas-ck-l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Gentyl & Hyers; Styling: Kendra Smoot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I'm still finding ways to use up the bussel of apples collected from our heirloom trees. </span><span style="color: #990000;">Here's what's for dinner tonight served with artisan hard cider from <a href="http://www.finnriver.com/index.php?page=cidery">Finn River Cidery</a>.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Brie, Apple, and Arugula Quesadillas</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">(Source: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/brie-apple-arugula-quesadillas-10000002012792/">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/brie-apple-arugula-quesadillas-10000002012792/</a>)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, </span><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/"><i><b><span itemprop="author"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cooking Light</span></span></b></i></a> </span><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="published">OCTOBER 2010</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard</div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 teaspoons</span><span itemprop="name"> apple cider</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">3 </span><span itemprop="name"> (10-inch) flour tortillas</span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="name"></span><span itemprop="amount">6 ounces</span><span itemprop="name"> Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1 </span><span itemprop="name"> Fuji apple, cored and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 1/2 pound), divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">3 cups</span><span itemprop="name"> arugula, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">3/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> freshly ground black pepper, divided</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><br />
</div><div class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1. Combine mustard and cider in a small bowl; stir well.<br />
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spread each tortilla with about 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture. Place 1 tortilla, mustard side up, in pan. Arrange one-third of cheese slices over half of tortilla; cook 1 minute or until cheese begins to melt. Arrange one-third of apple slices over cheese; top with 1 cup arugula. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Fold tortilla in half; press gently with a spatula. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure twice with remaining 2 tortillas, cheese, apple slices, 2 cups arugula, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges.</div><div class="byline"><div class="author"><br />
</div></div></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-43785158380127650452011-11-04T11:18:00.000-07:002011-11-04T11:18:39.568-07:00An Apple A Day - Baked Apples<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/AVvXsEjsUVOpoyynJnomGHzyE31uEMH2LWyN7DxLZtoaq9nK-RS_PKLdq4_Ln6Z8dV9ati6FoeaB5k5kino8zR9adMHDs0ZAc-unhSnmoicA14wlM6pGwOZzhYhwAgQLLQBTcAeffon757rQLY4/s1600/baked-apples-su-1227803-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUVOpoyynJnomGHzyE31uEMH2LWyN7DxLZtoaq9nK-RS_PKLdq4_Ln6Z8dV9ati6FoeaB5k5kino8zR9adMHDs0ZAc-unhSnmoicA14wlM6pGwOZzhYhwAgQLLQBTcAeffon757rQLY4/s1600/baked-apples-su-1227803-l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dan Goldberg<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;">A healthy dessert to finish a Pacific Northwest cedar-planked salmon.</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-size: large;">Baked Apples with Crisp Topping</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">(Source: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/apple-crisp-baked-apples-10000001227803">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/apple-crisp-baked-apples-10000001227803</a>)</span><br />
<br />
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped medium fine<br />
1/3 cup pecans, chopped medium fine<br />
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom<br />
1/4 cup rolled oats<br />
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes<br />
6 medium Pink Lady or Jazz apples, or other firm baking variety<br />
1 1/2 cups apple cider<br />
<br />
Preparation<br />
<div class="textItems">1. Preheat oven to 350º. In a small bowl combine walnuts, pecans, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and oats. Add butter cubes and toss to combine.<br />
2. Peel the top third of each apple and, using a melon baller, scoop out the stem and enough of the core so that the walls of the apple are about 1/2 in. thick. Take care, however, not to break through the bottom of the apple, or the filling will leak out when baking. Make the hole a bit wider at the top.<br />
3. Using a small spoon or your fingers, generously stuff each apple; mound extra filling on top.<br />
4. Put the filled apples in a 2-qt. baking dish. Pour cider into the pan around the apples, cover the dish with foil, and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake, basting every 15 minutes, for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until apples are easily pierced with a sharp knife (they may split open a bit at the bottom). Serve apples drizzled with the sauce from the pan and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside.</div><br />
<br />
Other <em><span style="color: #990000;">'An Apple A Day'</span></em> Recipes: <a href="http://otterhill.blogspot.com/2011/10/apple-day-apple-coleslaw-and-pulled.html">Apple Coleslaw and Pulled Pork Tortas</a><br />
<br />
Have you discovered Myrecipes.com yet? If not, check out my previous post<a href="http://otterhill.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-gar-tee-youll-love-this-e-cookbook.html"> here</a>.<br />
<br />
Have you had your apple today?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-70875516371284463672011-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:002011-11-01T13:07:00.464-07:00An Apple A Day - Fresh Apple Cupcakes with Almond Streusel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8kbBXLChDt5LBK2FchD-95euRGoYf8Lspi-11LMbKRvUbbP0C0i7iZJUbiZI9j-jlrO1zmOhPaJCaJtscRAo4OG-Cot8Gv-SiT_ovFwOHNSpKD0BgqJ-4IsfZjxKtL-h-sy_Di2bmIU/s1600/100_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8kbBXLChDt5LBK2FchD-95euRGoYf8Lspi-11LMbKRvUbbP0C0i7iZJUbiZI9j-jlrO1zmOhPaJCaJtscRAo4OG-Cot8Gv-SiT_ovFwOHNSpKD0BgqJ-4IsfZjxKtL-h-sy_Di2bmIU/s320/100_1980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A delicious afternoon delight - just add a cup of tea!</span></div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Amaretto Apple Streusel Cupcakes</span><br />
(Source: Cooking Light Magazine October 2009)<br />
<a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/amaretto-apple-streusel-cupcakes-10000001924729/">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/amaretto-apple-streusel-cupcakes-10000001924729/</a>)<br />
<div class="enterGroceryInfo" id="enterGroceryInfo"></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="name">Cooking spray</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">6 3/4 ounces</span><span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> baking powder</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> salt</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> baking soda</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">3/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> granulated sugar</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> butter, softened</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur)</span><span itemprop="preparation"> (or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract)</span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> vanilla extract</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1 </span><span itemprop="name"> large egg</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> reduced-fat sour cream</span><span itemprop="preparation"> (or yogurt)</span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> 2% reduced-fat milk</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">3/4 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> finely chopped Gala apple</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1 tablespoon</span><span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><br />
</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span>Streusel:</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> brown sugar</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> ground cinnamon</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> butter, chilled</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">2 tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> sliced almonds</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><br />
</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span>Glaze:</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> powdered sugar</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span><span itemprop="amount">4 teaspoons</span><span itemprop="name"> 2% reduced-fat milk</span><span itemprop="preparation"> </span></div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><br />
</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="preparation"></span>Preparation</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1. Preheat oven to 350°.</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2. Place muffin cup liners in 12 muffin cups; coat with cooking spray.</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">3. Weigh or lightly spoon 6.75 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 6.75 ounces flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine granulated sugar, cream cheese, and 1/4 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until well blended. Add amaretto, vanilla, and egg to sugar mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Combine sour cream and 1/4 cup milk in a small bowl; stir with a whisk until well blended. Combine apple and 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl; toss well.</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">4. Add flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with </div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">flour mixture. Beat just until blended. Fold in apple mixture. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">5. To prepare the streusel, combine 2 tablespoons flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal; stir in almonds. Sprinkle streusel evenly over cupcakes. Bake at 350° for 27 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes on a wire rack, and remove the cupcakes from pan.</div><div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">6. To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle glaze over cupcakes.</div><div> </div>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6368664584073014740.post-19029620900509617712011-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:002011-10-31T12:44:57.322-07:00An Apple A Day - Apple Coleslaw and Pulled Pork Tortas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY4g-NuTz8mnl-19fkLlUnW92JlviOA5h4KZ1w7MRoFrv1Z1VBaY0m8NR7VXl_chn6g1KcsLVPbY5Z9A_sw97hrVncepmDMWDXjOVghYHf8Kz6t9f1l8sJkCrnjA3U83R_MvhOfLXJ3s/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY4g-NuTz8mnl-19fkLlUnW92JlviOA5h4KZ1w7MRoFrv1Z1VBaY0m8NR7VXl_chn6g1KcsLVPbY5Z9A_sw97hrVncepmDMWDXjOVghYHf8Kz6t9f1l8sJkCrnjA3U83R_MvhOfLXJ3s/s320/Picture4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #990000;">We are very blessed to have a few heirloom fruit trees on our property - two apple trees, a pear tree and several cherry-plum trees. The critters - big and small - hooved and winged - all love our fruit trees! After a good pruning last year, the apple trees were very fruitful this year. The apples themselves aren't show-piece apples, but they are so tasty and aren't sprayed with any pesticides.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9Rq-BFWmZ33Obxhr4xM-QfzqYhSxv7owjECyIApf_qzKIl5BTz3-_S5RrQ1H0czxwq-PGAJCS1ecp9RQznGNrhI4d0614NcY2GAGiNPK1kTsPTcUhhAorcWahQULfiav8cjoJCBGQi0/s1600/100_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9Rq-BFWmZ33Obxhr4xM-QfzqYhSxv7owjECyIApf_qzKIl5BTz3-_S5RrQ1H0czxwq-PGAJCS1ecp9RQznGNrhI4d0614NcY2GAGiNPK1kTsPTcUhhAorcWahQULfiav8cjoJCBGQi0/s320/100_1941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #990000;">I thought I'd try out some new recipes featuring apples. This past week I made pulled pork served with apple coleslaw and apple cider! Nothing goes better with pork than apples!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDlk8EzKodjUcDHO7YY-Jd4rQq2ycI930HGDQvkfz0Kb4ibfY-UqwccAb37j5Wms5uCrEs8VzTbPOamAU1JVGWka61xe8B_aRYjv3ofr33HRTbivc4mEiBFnLTshFVTIKf1Lbfmxnwns/s1600/100_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDlk8EzKodjUcDHO7YY-Jd4rQq2ycI930HGDQvkfz0Kb4ibfY-UqwccAb37j5Wms5uCrEs8VzTbPOamAU1JVGWka61xe8B_aRYjv3ofr33HRTbivc4mEiBFnLTshFVTIKf1Lbfmxnwns/s320/100_1972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Me1fR9prkcl_XDmRy3_IeVE3Ioi7KnSOU8iRQzQybNn8do5EsdUnkxTmZFokIdUj1z3K723xqqhMvpM0nJaDaA61F7QHAW1poLpmRwYRvd2AA9WSlwr_fa4YHCcO_LDlVnuCA__QixI/s1600/100_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Me1fR9prkcl_XDmRy3_IeVE3Ioi7KnSOU8iRQzQybNn8do5EsdUnkxTmZFokIdUj1z3K723xqqhMvpM0nJaDaA61F7QHAW1poLpmRwYRvd2AA9WSlwr_fa4YHCcO_LDlVnuCA__QixI/s320/100_1975.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy customer eating his third serving!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Apple Coleslaw</span><br />
(Source: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/apple-coleslaw/detail.aspx)">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/apple-coleslaw/detail.aspx)</a><br />
<br />
4 cups shredded cabbage<br />
1 cup shredded carrot<br />
1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and coarsely shredded (I prefer to julienne the apple)<br />
2 tablespoons honey<br />
1 tablespoon brown sugar<br />
2 teaspoons white vinegar<br />
1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional)<br />
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I prefer Miracle Whip)<br />
1 dash salt<br />
1 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Place the shredded cabbage and carrot together in a bowl with the sliced apple, and toss to combine. In a separate bowl, stir together the honey, brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, and mayonnaise until the honey and sugar have dissolved completely. Pour over the salad, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, and toss again. Cover and chill until ready to serve. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork</span><br />
<br />
2 pork shoulder roasts<br />
1-2 cups apple cider<br />
1 bottle of your favorite barbeque sauce<br />
<br />
Put the meat in a slow cooker; pour cider and BBQ sauce over meat. Cover and cook on low until well cooked and the pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours. Note: the actual length of time may vary according to individual slow cooker. Drain well. Shred pork using a fork to pull it apart. Serve on tasty roll.<br />
<br />
More apple delectables on their way later this week! Keep toasty warm with some warm apple cider.<br />
<a href="http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/?action=view&current=BlogSignatureDeb.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd517/dsheffield315/BlogSignatureDeb.png" /></a>Otter Hill Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186452651898660493noreply@blogger.com0