tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46376273647651524842024-03-13T11:29:37.139-06:00Regan's RamblingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-79645278596025759622014-03-17T06:00:00.000-06:002014-03-17T06:00:05.090-06:00Sometimes I Just Eat<div dir="ltr">
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I've been too busy eating to write anything. No, really...it's true.<br />
My birthday was on Monday and those who love me know how much I love to eat so they arrange ample opportunities for me to do so. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHvHRJGbtBs/UyVAvicSlyI/AAAAAAAAKxY/fPE6F_28h2E/s1600/Edited+Boil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHvHRJGbtBs/UyVAvicSlyI/AAAAAAAAKxY/fPE6F_28h2E/s1600/Edited+Boil.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Shrimp Boil on Sunday night</i></span></div>
It all started Saturday night when Cara took me to Chuy's and we overindulged on the creamy jalapeno dip. Then Sunday my parents took Ciana and me to Texas Roadhouse before Ciana left for a mission trip. That evening we had a shrimp boil for my official family birthday dinner and we burned our tongues off on the spicy but delicious shrimp, potatoes, asparagus, corn, sausage, and mushrooms.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3SK2Cbsh0l0/UyVDORHeP2I/AAAAAAAAKxs/k35E_FKTiSA/s1600/PicsArt_1394950555667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3SK2Cbsh0l0/UyVDORHeP2I/AAAAAAAAKxs/k35E_FKTiSA/s1600/PicsArt_1394950555667.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Philly Cheeseburger from Lankford Grocer and the remnants of my ice cream!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9HHuAqCHT0/UyVArsmvx5I/AAAAAAAAKxE/eXItAmzt7Dk/s1600/Edited+Me+and+Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9HHuAqCHT0/UyVArsmvx5I/AAAAAAAAKxE/eXItAmzt7Dk/s1600/Edited+Me+and+Mom.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Me and Mom at Lankford Grocer...it was a beautiful day!</i></span></div>
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My birthday started off with my student bringing me my favorite drink from Starbucks (so sweet!), then my parents took me to lunch at Lankford Grocer in Houston and we had some seriously great burgers. We followed that up with ice cream at Amy's Ice Cream. Then we rolled over and died. Ok, not really but we felt like it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6EyIkihwzU/UyVDNiAsqRI/AAAAAAAAKxo/7V8h42jVCRU/s1600/PicsArt_1394950653401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6EyIkihwzU/UyVDNiAsqRI/AAAAAAAAKxo/7V8h42jVCRU/s1600/PicsArt_1394950653401.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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That night, I went to dinner with my Aunt Cindy. We've shared a birthday for 28 years and have never celebrated just the two of us. So to remedy that, this year we decided to try out <a href="http://eatatallo.com/" target="_blank">Allo</a>, a French bistro and it was fantastic. We had such a fun time!<br />
The birthday glutton-fest continued on Tuesday when Lyndsey and the babies and I met up with Katie and Eve for brunch. It was so fun to see Cash and Eve interacting! The festivities finally ended that evening when Ashley and Marsha made one of my favorite meals and we played Nertz for a couple of fun-filled hours. I think as energetically as we play card games we probably burned a few calories off!</div>
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All in all it a standout birthday. Good food, good friends, and a wonderful family make it easier to face drawing closer to the ever-dreaded 30!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-61698997143669451722014-03-07T12:55:00.001-06:002014-03-07T12:55:38.608-06:00Friday Failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuTkPY4d5tg/UxoV3X8X6rI/AAAAAAAAKco/_AuIAoLPiMU/s1600/Edited+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuTkPY4d5tg/UxoV3X8X6rI/AAAAAAAAKco/_AuIAoLPiMU/s1600/Edited+Eggs.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
I attempted to make an Eggs Benedict dish today to post on Monday. As you can see above, the hollandaise separated and it was a complete failure! Oh well, I guess that's a hazard of food blogging.<div>
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Thankfully, my brother is kind and will eat Eggs Benedict no matter how bad it is! </div>
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Have a great Friday!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-36622903096026640082014-03-05T12:03:00.000-06:002014-03-05T12:03:02.893-06:00Wordless Wednesday - Prince Edward Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHWbj_Hx6As/UxdlKMwiAAI/AAAAAAAAKVU/Th_l6JGexY4/s1600/Us+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHWbj_Hx6As/UxdlKMwiAAI/AAAAAAAAKVU/Th_l6JGexY4/s1600/Us+Edited.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFZZKYna5uU/UxdlO6G5BaI/AAAAAAAAKVg/livnB7SlqBo/s1600/Edited+Lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFZZKYna5uU/UxdlO6G5BaI/AAAAAAAAKVg/livnB7SlqBo/s1600/Edited+Lobster.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJvMheCBgus/UxdlOhtFNlI/AAAAAAAAKVk/lYlNIk_QVAA/s1600/Edited+Me+New+Glasgow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJvMheCBgus/UxdlOhtFNlI/AAAAAAAAKVk/lYlNIk_QVAA/s1600/Edited+Me+New+Glasgow.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKD3Jy6mEY/UxdmdHp3jrI/AAAAAAAAKV4/ELB2L6XItwc/s1600/Edited+Suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKD3Jy6mEY/UxdmdHp3jrI/AAAAAAAAKV4/ELB2L6XItwc/s1600/Edited+Suit.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdTFmkm9JJk/Uxdmpkq_5KI/AAAAAAAAKWI/yMNju-iXd8s/s1600/Edited+Lobster+Pot+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdTFmkm9JJk/Uxdmpkq_5KI/AAAAAAAAKWI/yMNju-iXd8s/s1600/Edited+Lobster+Pot+Pie.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-79878005062354333672014-03-03T08:00:00.000-06:002014-03-05T12:17:59.393-06:00Macaroni & Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIgLbELD6Us/UwojqdQu5AI/AAAAAAAAJe4/4Wi0F5S9anI/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIgLbELD6Us/UwojqdQu5AI/AAAAAAAAJe4/4Wi0F5S9anI/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I once remarked that Paula Deen could quite possibly be my soul mate. Anyone who loves butter and the South the way she does will always have a special place in my heart. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYsJ9oof3WQ/Uwok8K84CYI/AAAAAAAAJfE/Bdq3nCL-hD0/s1600/Edited+Lady+&+Sons+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYsJ9oof3WQ/Uwok8K84CYI/AAAAAAAAJfE/Bdq3nCL-hD0/s1600/Edited+Lady+&+Sons+Plate.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My plate at the Lady & Sons in 2011</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've been fortunate enough to eat at her restaurant, The Lady and Sons, three times. Each time, the Mac & Cheese was one of the highlights from the buffet. <i>And that's saying something</i>. The buffet is filled with fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, grits, fried fish, and more. Not to mention the biscuits and johnny cakes served at the table. It was all delicious. And totally healthy</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">. Totally.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygz5hZEe1co/UwomwzKjDeI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/bMzYYjc6VoA/s1600/Edited+Us+and+Paula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygz5hZEe1co/UwomwzKjDeI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/bMzYYjc6VoA/s1600/Edited+Us+and+Paula.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me, Paula, and Ashley in 2011</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our second visit, I purchased a set of recipe cards that included The Lady's Cheesy Mac. I've made it several times since and it was a big hit at the Southern Miss baby shower we threw for my sister when she was pregnant with Rosalie. I cut it in little squares and served it in cute muffin liners. Everyone loved it. Now, this Mac & Cheese is one of Cash's favorite foods. He ate three servings just the other day!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJxh55Ur8nk/Uwo84kIOYJI/AAAAAAAAJfg/bz8Wiim5eSA/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJxh55Ur8nk/Uwo84kIOYJI/AAAAAAAAJfg/bz8Wiim5eSA/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+2.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've adapted the recipe just slightly because my family prefers a creamier Mac & Cheese than what Paula serves. I think mine is actually less healthy than the original...what does that say about me? </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xqogt5yAD4/Uwo9jmT6enI/AAAAAAAAJfo/P_aOEF2Olbc/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xqogt5yAD4/Uwo9jmT6enI/AAAAAAAAJfo/P_aOEF2Olbc/s1600/Edited+Mac&Cheese+3.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Macoroni & Cheese</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Source: <a href="http://regansramblings.blogspot.com/">RegansRamblings.blogspot.com</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/the_ladys_cheesy_mac/" target="_blank">The Lady and Sons</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 (1 lb) package elbow macaroni</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¾ c. sour cream</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 ½ c. half & half</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ tsp. nutmeg</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 ½ tsp. salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ tsp. pepper</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5cd3543c-5fc3-2d56-4bc3-fd774a203689"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Instructions:</b><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Stir in the butter and top with 3 c. of the shredded cheese. Mix together the eggs, sour cream, half & half, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix into the pasta and cheese until the cheese sauce forms. Pour into a buttered 9” x 13” baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-67671019912529427592014-02-28T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-28T08:00:03.951-06:00Friday FavoritesIt's Friday! The meaning of Friday as lessened a little for me since I started working Saturdays but I still rejoice for the rest of you!<br />
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A few of my favorites this week...<br />
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<a href="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/homeimages/sherlock-s3-umbrella-ss-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/homeimages/sherlock-s3-umbrella-ss-01.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <i><a href="http://pbs.org/" target="_blank">pbs.org</a></i></span></div>
Sherlock...I can't get enough. Ciana and I have binge watched the first two seasons and we just finished the second of the current season. I want to be friends with Dr. and Mrs. Watson.<br />
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<a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/29347077_085_b?$product410x615$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/29347077_085_b?$product410x615$" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <i><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-sweaters/29347077.jsp">Anthropologie.com</a></i></span></div>
This <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-sweaters/29347077.jsp" target="_blank">sweater</a>. Hopefully winter will last long enough to justify it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Essie-Cocktails-Coconuts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Essie-Cocktails-Coconuts1.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source:<i> <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/nails/essie-resort-2014-2/" target="_blank">Makeup & Beauty Blog</a></i></span></div>
Essie's Cocktails and Coconuts...because I don't have enough neutral nail polishes in my life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/white-pizza-spinach-bacon-I-howsweeteats.com-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.howsweeteats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/white-pizza-spinach-bacon-I-howsweeteats.com-4.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <i>How <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/white-pizza-spinach-bacon-I-howsweeteats.com-4.jpg" target="_blank">Sweet Eats Blog</a></i></span><br />
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This Spinach and Bacon Pizza was great. Cara made it for our Super Bowl commercial viewing party and I've been craving it again ever since.<br />
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<a href="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA5LzEyLzVkL3Byb2NyYXN0aW5hLjlhZTFjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/bccd4e75/557/procrastination_mashable_20px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA5LzEyLzVkL3Byb2NyYXN0aW5hLjlhZTFjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/bccd4e75/557/procrastination_mashable_20px.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <i><a href="http://mashable.com/2013/09/13/procrastinators-comic/" target="_blank">Mashable.com</a></i></span></div>
Well, this couldn't be any more accurate. Unfortunately I am all twelve of the above characters wrapped up in one, totally unproductive, mess.</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-361331829756291392014-02-26T15:12:00.000-06:002014-02-26T15:21:46.760-06:00Works for Me Wednesday- PB&J<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbyU662fQy4/UwpUAvXUffI/AAAAAAAAJf8/VEOPRVDKPd8/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbyU662fQy4/UwpUAvXUffI/AAAAAAAAJf8/VEOPRVDKPd8/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Please forgive the over-Instagrammed photo...I got carried away and lost the original!</i></span></div>
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">Kristen's</a> Works for Me Wednesday to talk about what works for me when I travel. When Cara, Jennifer and I went to Canada in the summer of 2012 we made every effort to keep costs as low as possible. One of the ways we did that was by eating sandwiches for lunch almost every day. By packing things for breakfasts and lunches we were able to splurge on dinners and still keep costs down. We splurged on things like lobster, by the way!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJQDZQTK_JA/Uw5akq8p_SI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/nynYIuC5oug/s1600/EditedUs+with+Lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJQDZQTK_JA/Uw5akq8p_SI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/nynYIuC5oug/s1600/EditedUs+with+Lobster.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Our Waitress wasn't the best photographer but the food was awesome!</i></span></div>
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We stuck to peanut butter and jelly most days because we didn't have to worry about keeping lunch meat and cheese cold. As uninteresting as a good ol' fashion PB&J might sound, it's amazing how your surroundings can influence the taste of something. We would eat lunch on the beach each day and our PB&J, chips, fruit, and water might as well have been a gourmet meal for as much as we enjoyed ourselves. Keeping it simple...it works for me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-6178297130081933072014-02-24T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-24T08:25:41.422-06:00Chicken Pasties<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9rhyyUPtNw/UwmDmobt5kI/AAAAAAAAJc0/WyUAIetlOAQ/s1600/Edited+Pastie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9rhyyUPtNw/UwmDmobt5kI/AAAAAAAAJc0/WyUAIetlOAQ/s1600/Edited+Pastie+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I go any further, I want to keep you from making the same embarrassing mistake I did. When referring to a savory hand-pie that is popular in the UK, pasty is pronounced past-y, not paste-y. You’re welcome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve visited the UK twice and both times I ate more than my fair share of pasties. Pasties come with fillings like chicken and veggie, chicken curry, beef and mushrooms, pork and apples, and many more. My favorite was the chicken and veggie. It was a hand-held chicken pot pie...what’s not to like?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTgCeta8djE/UwYZYQ_nf8I/AAAAAAAAJNA/YQUrx_iZDZg/s1600/Chatsworth+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTgCeta8djE/UwYZYQ_nf8I/AAAAAAAAJNA/YQUrx_iZDZg/s1600/Chatsworth+Edited.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I ate my most memorable chicken pasty the day Cara and I visited Chatsworth House. Chatsworth was used as Mr. Darcy's Pemberley in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. My obsession with Jane Austen began in elementary school when I caught part of the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice on PBS one night. You know, the Colin Firth version. <i>Go ahead and take a second...sigh. </i>I even joined an online Austen community when I was 14 and I still visit <a href="http://www.pemberley.com/" target="_blank">Pemberley</a> almost daily. Needless to say, when I had the opportunity to explore "Pemberley" for myself I was more than a little excited. The house and grounds were <i>spectacular. </i>It was everything I'd imagined and more. Chatsworth has such a rich history ranging from scandalous Georgiana Cavendish, the 5th Duchess of Devonshire to the inspiring, Elvis loving, Dowager Duchess, Deborah Cavendish.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q76bijltZO4/UwYuKY772LI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/hFkhtqVamws/s1600/Chatsworth+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q76bijltZO4/UwYuKY772LI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/hFkhtqVamws/s1600/Chatsworth+Collage.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see from the outdoor pictures we visited on a cold, cloudy day. After we explored the grounds we were more than ready for something warm and yummy to eat. Chatsworth has </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a restaurant and small snack shops for hungry guests. It was at one of these snack shops that Cara and I each ordered a chicken pasty. It was the perfect thing. It was simple and warm and flaky and completely delicious. The best part? They kept our hands warm as we ate them! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-J3OgV9-wI/UwmF3CqhUDI/AAAAAAAAJdA/KA0vG7vScAY/s1600/Edited+Pastie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-J3OgV9-wI/UwmF3CqhUDI/AAAAAAAAJdA/KA0vG7vScAY/s1600/Edited+Pastie+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipe below is just my basic chicken pot pie recipe wrapped in delicious flaky pie dough. I used a dough recipe from </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/11/pie-crust-102-all-butter-really-flaky-pie-dough/" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and it is FANTASTIC. So buttery. So flaky. So perfect. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD0JdKbBU2o/UwmF4i0mhJI/AAAAAAAAJdI/Kjf1Xj6FOF4/s1600/Edited+Pastie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD0JdKbBU2o/UwmF4i0mhJI/AAAAAAAAJdI/Kjf1Xj6FOF4/s1600/Edited+Pastie+3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Chicken Pasties</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Source: RegansRamblings.blogspot.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serves 6-8</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ medium yellow onion, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 carrots, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 celery stalks, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 large red potatoes, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 Tbsp butter, divided</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tbsp olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ (12 oz) bag of frozen peas </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 Tbsp flour</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ cups chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ tsp nutmeg</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tbsp chopped parsley</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">salt</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pepper</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 batch <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/11/pie-crust-102-all-butter-really-flaky-pie-dough/" target="_blank">All Butter Pie Crust Dough</a> from Smitten Kitchen</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 egg</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tbsp water</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5cd3543c-5d19-2268-b2dc-0c596e8e9852"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring the chopped potatoes to a boil in salted water and cook until </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">just</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fork tender. Meanwhile, saute the onions, carrots, and celery in 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil until tender. When the potatoes are done, drain them and add to the sauted vegetables. Add the chicken and remaining 3 Tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and mix everything together. Cook for a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Mix in the chicken broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture has thickened to a “pot pie” consistancy. Remove from heat and place in refrigerator to chill, at least one hour. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When mixture is chilled, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and roll out half of your pie crust dough out to approximately ⅛”. Using a 6” biscuit cutter (or bowl, if you’re cool like me.) cut out 7 rounds. Roll each circle a little more then put ⅓ c. of the filling on half of each circle. Wet your fingers with a little cold water and dampen the edges of half of the circle then fold over and seal close to the filling. You can either use a fork to seal it or use the method I prefer. Simply press down firmly to seal the dough, then starting at one end, fold the edges up and over to create a twisted edge look. After filling and sealing all the pies, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to re-chill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Repeat with second half of dough. Whisk together the egg and 1 Tbsp. of water to make an egg wash. Remove the pies from the freezer and brush liberally with the egg wash. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Remove immediately to cooling racks then serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: You will probably have filling left over...it's delicious eaten on it's own or you can make more dough for additional pasties or a great chicken pot pie.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-57419536707729167392014-02-19T22:37:00.000-06:002014-02-20T08:40:34.215-06:00THAT Bolognese.<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-3d7f059f-4919-f486-ba05-ca3f0d5f6237" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Kerry and I began planning our “Grand Adventure” I was particularly excited about the food. I mean, I’m pretty sure bread and pasta fall straight from Heaven and onto European plates. There will be many future posts featuring our dining experiences from that incredible trip but for now I want to focus on THAT Spaghetti Bolognese.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After researching many options for our vacation we finally settled on a Mediterranean cruise on the Costa Pacifica (pronounced KOS-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TA</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> PA-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CHI-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FIKA, if you want to sound Italian). Costa is an Italian cruise line made up of ships with Italian crews...these crews include Italian chefs. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amen.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIjyEIIIXX0/UwWI_Xp7bxI/AAAAAAAAJMI/YvNkDwxptxI/s1600/20131101_183426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIjyEIIIXX0/UwWI_Xp7bxI/AAAAAAAAJMI/YvNkDwxptxI/s1600/20131101_183426.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me and Kerry before dinner.</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, keep in mind that neither Kerry or I had ever traveled on a cruise ship before so we had no point of reference for the dinner experience. Seven courses. Every night. Multiple choices for each course. It was exhausting...in the best possible way, of course. While the choices for each course would change every night, the menu included a few items that were always available. The Spaghetti Bolognese was among these. Kerry ordered it on the first night in place of the offered pasta course. (This was before we realized we were free to order multiple choices for each course. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No judgement please!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) As she took her first bite I immediately regretted my (perfectly delicious) pasta choice. She went on about how fantastic the bolognese tasted and, with the help of some bread, left nary a drop in her bowl. I was green with envy. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next night I was sure to correct my mistake and ordered the bolognese for my first course as quickly as I could. Then, because dinner service is painfully slow, I waited at least 15 minutes for it to arrive. I barely allowed our waiter, Jerry, to sprinkle fresh parmesan on top before I began twirling a bite onto my fork. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mercy.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It was amazing. The pasta was perfectly al dente and had been lightly tossed in the sauce before being topped with a liberal portion of bolognese. It really was more of a ragu than a sauce. There was no pooling of tomato sauce to be seen...it was as if the ground meat and velvety tomatoes had melded into one. I could taste the meat, tomato, and parmesan equally. No one thing tried to outshine the other. They just worked together.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a35yOYNlogc/UwT-19PqnqI/AAAAAAAAJKo/1G5X16NUnlE/s1600/20131109_123302%5B1%5D_Snapseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a35yOYNlogc/UwT-19PqnqI/AAAAAAAAJKo/1G5X16NUnlE/s1600/20131109_123302%5B1%5D_Snapseed.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>THAT Bolognese on the final night of our cruise.</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m sure, after all my going on and on, you've assumed that I ordered the Bolognese a few more times before we disembarked. But you’re probably giving me more credit that I’m due. You see, I actually ordered it </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">every </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">night. And for lunch a couple of times. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yeah. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can hear you asking, “But didn't you get tired of it?” Nope. I could eat a vat of it this very minute. It’s just one of those dishes that is eternally comforting and will now forever remind me of sailing around the Mediterranean with a dear friend.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Understandably, it was vital that I recreate this memorable Bolognese. I researched recipes for weeks after our return before I became a little gun-shy about trying it. What if it was terrible? What if it was just okay? Would it ruin the memory?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You see, this was not my first travel related memory with Bolognese. In 2004, My mom and I traveled to Great Britain to celebrate my 18th birthday and high school graduation. While we were in London we found a small tea house a short distance from our hotel. It was darling and we had our first real English tea there. We also had Spaghetti Bolognese for dinner. It was so good that we had it again the next night. (As you can see, when I find something I like, I stop looking for anything else!) We talked about that Bolognese long after we returned home...it was just that good.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gYhUDAFRpQ/UwWFZP_mRcI/AAAAAAAAJL8/ghXjnr5B4Nk/s1600/20140219_111938%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gYhUDAFRpQ/UwWFZP_mRcI/AAAAAAAAJL8/ghXjnr5B4Nk/s1600/20140219_111938%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast-forward back to 2013. I eventually gathered my courage and began dicing carrots, onion, and celery into tiny uniform pieces that were soon melting in a pool of sizzling butter. Once they softened I added the ground beef and began the process of turning a group of simple ingredients into a deep, complex, flavorful sauce. After the meat was cooked I stirred in the cream and let it soak into the mixture. Next came the red wine, adding its distinct color and aroma. As soon as the liquids had reduced away to almost nothing, I added the tomatoes, then salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, (one of my favorite staples) and a little sugar to cut the acidity. Oh, and a hunk of Parmesan, mustn't forget that. I then stirred and tasted and anticipated before putting the lid on and letting it just barely simmer for a few hours. It takes time to develop the flavors I was looking for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 11.5px;"><i>Forgive the poor photos...I'd rather cook or eat than spend hours editiing!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, I boiled and drained my pasta and tossed it with a small amount of the sauce. Then I heaped portions into each bowl and ladled plenty of sauce on top before sprinkling them with fresh Parmesan and a little Italian parsley.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNTBu_7i9iM/UwV98iKkz0I/AAAAAAAAJLk/F5WPd53oAsU/s1600/Edited+Bolognese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNTBu_7i9iM/UwV98iKkz0I/AAAAAAAAJLk/F5WPd53oAsU/s1600/Edited+Bolognese.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I took my first bite I knew it wasn't THAT Bolognese from the cruise. It couldn't be. But it was MY Bolognese, infused with my tastes, my experiences, and even my quirks. It wasn't just like I remembered but that’s okay. Memories don’t just have to remain a fixed point in time. They can actually grow and change and evolve as we do. Bolognese no longer simply reminds me of a wonderful vacation, it also brings to mind the joy I have in creating food for my family and friends to enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spaghetti Bolognese</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Source: </span><a href="http://regansramblings.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RegansRamblings.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serves 6-8.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-3d7f059f-4b8a-103b-e21d-b28a0b8dd306" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Large Carrots</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 Celery Stalks</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ Large Yellow Onion</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tablespoons Butter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 lbs Lean Ground Beef</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ c. Half & Half</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ c. Red Wine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 (28 oz.) Can of Crushed Tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 (8 oz.) Can of Tomato Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 to 2 T. Sugar (Depending on Acidity of Tomatoes)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 T. Worcestershire Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 T. Red Wine Vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 oz. Piece of Parmesan Cheese</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 T. Chopped Italian Parsley</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Italian Parsley for garnish</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parmesan for garnish</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ lbs Spaghetti</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instructions:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dice carrots, celery, and onion into similar size pieces. Melt butter over medium heat then add vegetables and saute on medium-high until until they are soft. Create a well in the middle and add the ground beef. Brown the meat and break it down as small as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Mix with the vegetables and continue to cook until most of the grease is gone. Add half & half and cook until it has evaporated. Next, add the wine and reduce by two-thirds. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix in the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer on low for 1-2 hours to develop flavors. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cook spaghetti according to package instructions for al dente. Drain and return to cooking pot. Add 1 to 1 ½ c. of the sauce and toss to coat. Serve and top with extra sauce, Parmesan, and parsley. Enjoy!</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-15781472081911441112011-02-01T13:23:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.579-05:00Blog Challenge Wrap-up#27 (There was no day 27!)<br />
#28 A picture of yourself from a year ago and one from now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TUcaAQPGdpI/AAAAAAAAANQ/mKa9sRxdEMA/s1600/266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TUcaAQPGdpI/AAAAAAAAANQ/mKa9sRxdEMA/s320/266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This is me and Kerry at her wedding last March. Me with my suuuuper short hair. I'm so glad it's growing out now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TUc8BhGNbUI/AAAAAAAAANU/PhwHRdr8KJw/s1600/me2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TUc8BhGNbUI/AAAAAAAAANU/PhwHRdr8KJw/s320/me2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This is me with John Ryan, Maddie, Ryan, and Steffani the day Ryan came home from Afghanistan. It's the most recent pic I have.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">#29 In the past month, what have you learned?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To enumerate the things I learned in January would take far too long so I'll just zero in on one thing. I've learned a little more than I used to know about patience. I'm not saying that I've learned patience because I still have trouble exercising it properly but I do feel more familiar with the concept after this month.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
#30 Your favorite song<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Only-Hope/dp/B000TEBR7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1296588078&sr=8-1">Only Hope</a> by Switchfoot. I don't really have an explanation for why it's my favorite except that it's a lovely song and I inevitably think of the lovely Shane West when I hear it!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-23094251493439923022011-01-26T10:02:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.592-05:00Blog Challenge Day 26#26 What do you think about your friends?<br />
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Ok, some of these questions are just lame.<br />
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I like my friends. That's why they're my friends.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-69882864294921564462011-01-25T09:28:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.681-05:00Blog Challenge Day 25#25: What would I find in your bag?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bible. </span>I try not to go anywhere without it. I got my ESV compact Bible last Christmas and it has certainly been around the block. Poor thing, the leather is already creased and some pages are a little crumpled but I think that just gives it character. At least it doesn't smell like skunk anymore...oy vey.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Post-its.</span> My love for Post-it Notes knows no bounds. In college I would leave myself notes stuck all over my room, especially on the back of my door so I couldn't leave my room without seeing them.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pens. </span>What good are Post-its without pens?</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Scripture Memory Spiral. </span>I'm working on memorizing 24 verses of scripture this year with the ladies over at the <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">LPM blog</a> so I always have my spiral with me so I can work on memorizing whenever I have a free moment or two.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lip Balm. </span>Strawberry Carmex to be exact.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hand Sanitizer. </span>Because the world is a yucky germy place. And because Bath & Body Works makes such fun scents.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pony-tail holders. </span>I usually have one on my wrist as well. You can never be too prepared for a hair emergency.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Earphones. </span>So I can listen to Pandora on my phone anytime I want.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My wallet. </span>Bo-ring, but a must have.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-13823562086216892052011-01-25T08:48:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.575-05:00Blog Challenge Day 24#24 A letter to your parents.<br />
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Dear Mom and Dad,<br />
<br />
There's no way I can write a blog post that sufficiently describes my feelings toward you or my gratefulness for you so I'm not even going to try. Hopefully I express how I feel in enough other ways that this post isn't necessary anyway.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-57357255660274332002011-01-24T10:45:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.604-05:00Blog Challenge Day 23#23: Something you crave for a lot.<br />
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When I think crave I automatically think in terms of food so in that vein I'd have to say potatoes. I like potatoes any way I can get them...fried, baked, mashed, au gratin, roasted, in soup, in potato salad, in casseroles, even instant. Potatoes are my ultimate comfort food. If I'm sad or upset my first impulse isn't to run for chocolate but to go get french fries from McDonalds or whip up a quick batch of mashed potatoes with sour cream and cheese.<br />
<br />
The thing is, thanks to an annoyingly wonderful sermon/talk/teaching (whatever you want to call it) by Andy Stanley at Passion 2011 in Atlanta, it's hard for me to think of appetites and craving the same way I used to. Stanley pointed out that our appetites were created by God but distorted by sin. So in other words, God gave me the taste buds I have that send happy chemicals to my brain when I eat potatoes. However my sin distorts that God given happiness when I wallow in a bad mood and eat an entire box of instant mashed potatoes. Obviously our appetite for food isn't the only appetite he spoke about. Here's a link to a blog written by someone who attended the conference and recapped the session if you're interested. <a href="http://joshburns.net/2011/01/03/passion-2011-session-4-andy-stanley/">http://joshburns.net/2011/01/03/passion-2011-session-4-andy-stanley/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-61712774236752292412011-01-22T13:01:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.677-05:00Blog Challenge Day 22#22: Something that makes you different from everyone else.<br />
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I think my extreme clumsiness makes me different from almost everyone I know. Growing up I always wished I could make being klutzy as cute Amanda Bynes did. Alas, it was not to be. The only person I know who's half as clumsy as I am is my sister, Lyndsey...she's a pilot who can't get into a plane without bumping her head on the wing.<br />
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I'm pretty sure my youngest sister, Ciana, got all the coordination Lyndsey and I missed out on. :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-53304313048633932962011-01-21T21:56:00.000-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.600-05:00Blog Challenge Day 21#20: A picture of something that makes you happy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TTpT8_SokTI/AAAAAAAAANI/6q4_q-uqvmM/s1600/352-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TTpT8_SokTI/AAAAAAAAANI/6q4_q-uqvmM/s320/352-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Lyme Park in England...aka Pemberley in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth. I was able to visit here last March and any time I see this picture it just makes me smile.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-21216467511986957282011-01-20T10:12:00.004-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.587-05:00Blog Challenge Day 20#20: Someone you see yourself marrying.<div><br /></div><div>Well since I'm not about to start naming names I think I'll just describe to you my ideal man. Now keep in mind that I'm absolutely aware that my list and God's might not match up exactly...in fact I'm pretty sure He enjoys getting a giggle out of some of my ideas. Anyway, I don't expect to find someone with every one of these qualities but there are a few things that are non-negotiable.</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all he must have an active and growing relationship with Jesus. I won't settle for someone who just attends church on Sundays, I want someone who is taking steps to get to know Jesus better and to tell others about God's grace. I want him to want to discuss the Bible with me. For him to listen when something in my quiet time speaks to me and for him to share his discoveries with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, my ideal guy will have a good relationship with his family. I'm not naive enough to think that his family will be the Waltons but I need to know that whatever issues his family may have, he still loves them unconditionally. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next, he needs to be able to have a good relationship with my family. My family and I are very close and odds are, if they don't like a guy, I won't like him either. That being said, the man I marry must be able to join in my family's quirkiness. We can be a loud bunch. My sisters and I like to sing Disney songs in the car. We're extremely competitive. And stubborn. And always right. These are things my guy will have to be able to join in on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really want a man's man. Now, I don't mean I want him to wear plaid all the time, scratch himself in public, and spit. I mean that I want him to enjoy the outdoors and to know all that stuff about cars that goes right over my head. He needs to know how to use all the power tools required to build bookshelves so my books don't completely take over our home.</div><div><br /></div><div>A sense of humor is a must. Sarcasm is my love language (even if it's not one of the 5 mentioned in the book by Gary Chapman) so it would be good if Mr. Right is fluent in it. I also appreciate a wicked sense of humor. One of my favorite quotes is from the movie <i>Anne of Avonlea</i>, when Anne says, "Well, I wouldn't marry anyone who was really wicked, but I think I'd like it if he could be wicked and wouldn't." That expresses my feelings exactly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been told before that because I have such a strong personality I need someone that will say "Yes, dear." and let me have my way. I disagree...I really think I need someone who won't hesitate to point out when I'm wrong and who isn't afraid to argue with me. Of course he will need to be able to recognize that, at times, saying "Yes, dear." really is the best course of action. :-)</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-6093655990605337332011-01-19T10:56:00.002-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.673-05:00Blog Challenge Day 19#19: Nicknames you have and why you have them.<div><br /></div><div>Ahh nicknames. I've had many, many, many nicknames, several of which made my preteen years miserable. Just FYI, names like Flamingo, Bird Legs, Chicken Legs, and Giraffe don't exactly bolster self-confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the good (or at least well-intentioned) nicknames:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sugar-booger</b>. That one is from my dad. Need I say more? I hope not because I have no idea where he got it but somehow it stuck.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Megan Rowdy</b>. I love this one. Sarah's dad has called me this for as long as I can remember and I liked it so much that I made it my email address. Even though I eventually had to get a grownup email for job applications and the like I still use meganrowdy for twitter.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rogaine</b>. This one was Beth's dad...he thought it was funny. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mama Regan</b>. I'm pretty sure Ashley started this one because of my tendency to play Mom to whoever is around. I'm going to pretend she meant it as a compliment. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sissy</b>. Lyndsey and Brent called me this when we were little, it was so cute!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seeeeeeeeeszter</b>. Lyndsey and I use this for each other now. Other people find it annoying but we think it's endearing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>ReRe</b>. This one is by far my favorite! Ciana started it when she was little and couldn't say Regan. It stuck for a looooong time and I was sad when she stopped using it. When Steffani and Ryan moved back to Texas we were trying to decide what their kids should call me and I remembered ReRe so that's what they call me. I adore hearing "ReRe" from Maddie and John Ryan so it totally makes up for any less that desirable nicknames from the past.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-38313285670434427352011-01-18T14:46:00.002-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.596-05:00Blog Challenge Day 18#18: Plans/Dreams/Goals you have.<div><br /></div><div>Well since it would take about a year and half for me to write all of my plans, dreams, and goals I'll save us all the time and just write about one of each.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plan:</div><div>I plan to travel and see as much of the world as I possibly can while I'm single and mostly responsibility free. This summer I'm planning to go to Prince Edward Island and see all the sites Lucy Maude Montgomery wrote about in her <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Avonlea-Poplars-Rainbow-Ingleside/dp/0553609416/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295385754&sr=8-1">Anne</a></i> books.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dream:</div><div>Nothing too original I'm afraid. I dream of a family of my own with a husband who is a leader I'll love to follow and kids who can see Jesus in us despite our mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal:</div><div>My current goal is to start my own business as a personal historian. I want to use the skills I learned in school and my internship to interview people about their lives and help them preserve their stories for future generations. Right now I'm saving up money for video equipment and reading books on oral history, interview techniques, and videography. Hopefully I'll get this off the ground sometime this year.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-17512131975687904712011-01-17T15:03:00.002-06:002014-08-25T12:50:58.584-05:00Blog Challenge Day 17#17 A person you would like to switch lives with for one day.<div><br /></div><div>I know this is a day late but I was just too tired yesterday to write anything that made sense. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I could switch places with someone for a day I think it would be with the head curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I would love to be able to sit in the chair used by Robert E. Lee when he surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, or just lay my hands on Audie Murphy's Medal of Honor citation, or to set Minnie Pearl's famous hat on my head. I don't know if I could see everything in one day but boy would I try!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and if the curator wasn't available to switch lives with I'd settle for a day as Kate Middleton. :-)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-62524250717876395442011-01-16T16:28:00.003-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.841-05:00Blog Challenge Day 16<div style="text-align: left;">#16 Another picture of yourself</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TTNyYFUnkNI/AAAAAAAAAMc/_BVFXmUiXQk/s320/1986%2BDad%2B%2526%2BRegan.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562915722803777746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /></span></div><div>I couldn't find any other pictures of just me on my computer so I picked this one of my dad and me. Wasn't I cute? i wonder who I was sticking my tongue out at.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-50003967266351629742011-01-15T11:21:00.003-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.833-05:00Blog Challenge Day 15#15 Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs that play.<div><br /></div><div>1.) Mockingbird by Toby Keith</div><div>2.) Lady is a Tramp by the Glee Cast</div><div>3.) Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli</div><div>4.) Fever by Michael Buble</div><div>5.) You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody by George Strait</div><div>6.) Never Been Kissed by Sherrie Austin</div><div>7.) Let My Words Be Few by Matt Redman</div><div>8.) A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella</div><div>9.) Come On Over by Shania Twain</div><div>10.) Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby </div><div><br /></div><div>Eclectic, yes? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-62329792829894711092011-01-14T12:36:00.003-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.837-05:00Blog Challenge Day 14<div>#14 A picture of you and your family</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TTCaGTQuvDI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ple7rzoUldQ/s1600/family%2Bsnow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TTCaGTQuvDI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ple7rzoUldQ/s320/family%2Bsnow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562114972842900530" /></a>This is my family and me last Christmas in Colorado. From left to right, that's Lyndsey, Brent, Ciana, Mom, me, and Dad. We've been able to enjoy two White Christmases in Colorado and hopefully we'll get to again. We all love the snow but funnily enough, none of us ski. We like to snow-mobile and sled but I don't think any of us have the coordination for skiing!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-36295867984363369102011-01-13T22:28:00.003-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.820-05:00Blog Challenge Day 13#13 Write a letter to someone who's hurt you recently.<div><br /></div><div>This challenge is no fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear you,</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hurt because you just don't get it. I think I'm learning things though so maybe the hurt is worth it. Maybe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Me</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-19339892652403534052011-01-12T14:54:00.002-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.816-05:00Blog Challenge Day 12#12 How you found out about Blogger and why you have one.<div><br /></div><div>I think I originally found Blogger sometime back in 2008 when I started to follow my friend <a href="http://http://bethanyleann.blogspot.com/">Bethany's</a> blog and through her's I found <a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/">Angie Smith's</a> blog and then it started to snowball from there. I love blogs. So much so that there are 59 in my Google Reader. That's nuts. I really do enjoy the snapshots they give into other people's lives though. That's probably because I've been nosey my whole life. </div><div><br /></div><div>I blog because I'm a historian at heart and historians live for records. Even records of things that don't seem worth recording. Trust me, when a historian sets out to research a particular era they hope desperately to find diaries or letters that tell the everyday details and not just the big, "historical" events. So I type out summaries and post pictures from birthday parties, sporting events, or just plain old Mondays. Or I post recipes that my family enjoys. Or I just ramble on about whatever strikes me on any given day. Someday hopefully someone will be able to glean at least one tiny tidbit of useful information from these entries that will help them get through a class on "21st Century America" or something of the like.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also blog because I'm slightly narcissistic and want to be able to look back on what I've been up to. :-)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637627364765152484.post-67440252511535711112011-01-11T12:35:00.017-06:002014-08-25T12:52:23.847-05:00Blog Challenge Day 11<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSzh_1Aw_wI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4c8vrHWZYi0/s1600/428.JPG"></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >#11 Another picture of you and your friends.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span >Ok this time I can't just pick one so bear with me!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSzhGkI3MiI/AAAAAAAAALs/J2wPuZJ1s5c/s320/Katie%2Bme%2B%2526sarah.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561067142792032802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is Katie, Sarah, and me at the "Homeschool Cruise" aka prom in 2002. Katie and I met when her family came to Mims, I believe we were in the 4th grade. We have really seen each other at our worst and our best. My hair in this pic being one of the worst of course. :-) Sarah is my oldest friend. We've been friends since I was accidentally placed in the wrong Pre-K class at Mims. (I was tall for my age even then!) My earliest memory of Sarah is the Sunday after I accepted Christ into my heart. I was scared to death as I walked up to stand at the front of the church with my parents and our pastor. Then all of the sudden I see Sarah bouncing up the aisle to stand with me. "I was scared too," she said. And 20 years later we're still friends!</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSzhd5O8BxI/AAAAAAAAAL0/P6mjJwRsZO8/s320/Mom%2527s%2Bcard%2B180.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561067543591651090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span >Bethany and I met in the 1st grade and have somehow managed to stay friends all these years...I don't know how she's put up with me. We share a deep love for Saved By The Bell, Runaway Bride, and Chocolate. Oh and Mak&Cheese! ;-)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSzh_1Aw_wI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4c8vrHWZYi0/s320/428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561068126574018306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><br /></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span >Cara and I have been friends since I graduated High School and joined the college group at West Conroe. This is us on our Grand Adventure to the UK! (We really should have tried to get some better pictures of the two of us!)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSziUn9kIEI/AAAAAAAAAME/mcin5ShXRBk/s320/Meg%2B%2526%2BMe.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561068483848183874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><br /></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span >Megan and I have been friends since I joined the youth group at West Conroe. We've seen each other through some pretty rough times and some pretty great ones!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NW3JXeLTmsE/TSzie64_ObI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Z68R2ZrzgBo/s320/baking%2Bbuddies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561068660727953842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><br /></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" >Ashley and I met at youth camp the summer I was in 8th grade and she was in 11th. Together we led a little girl to the Lord and we've been almost inseparable ever since. This is a picture of us being total baking nerds!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2