tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513676898017552642024-03-05T16:08:27.711-05:00Simply SweetA tasty place where treats and health meet.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351367689801755264.post-37380409334694623522011-03-08T20:59:00.001-05:002011-03-08T21:02:35.287-05:00House Hunting and Road Trip Eats<span style="color: #444444;">Well hi! It's been awhile, I know. The past few days have flown by and I haven't had much food/health related content to share with you, aside from two great</span> <a href="http://diane-simplysweet.blogspot.com/p/workout-log.html">workouts</a>. <span style="color: #444444;">The major time hog? House hunting! Justin and I have been seriously looking at houses the past few days. It's exciting and unnerving at the same time. On one hand, it's such a thrill to think that we are <em>finally </em>going to have our a space to call our own and to make it completely ours. On the other hand, it's a daunting responsibility; we are actually going to have to pay for, fix up and maintain this place. I'm definitely more excited that apprehensive, it's just that all of these emotions are hitting me all at once. I'm sure many of you know what I mean.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5FzsIsb8UsAuhyphenhyphenzr2KNO8fXH0G9Z8-kk4nvleIHvkAGtwGc6PQgC0iHedPcRUZ6MoQv_mzGM11OifsHaGEq7OvZe7rThw5nAdq_dASe7Lgzi00Vq2dyn7uepa2-q60j28WjCTxpsdWM/s1600/pb+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5FzsIsb8UsAuhyphenhyphenzr2KNO8fXH0G9Z8-kk4nvleIHvkAGtwGc6PQgC0iHedPcRUZ6MoQv_mzGM11OifsHaGEq7OvZe7rThw5nAdq_dASe7Lgzi00Vq2dyn7uepa2-q60j28WjCTxpsdWM/s400/pb+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need a new house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Surprisingly, the house that we are most seriously considering is one that I <u>hated</u> when we looked at it online. It's pretty small and dated, but it's a very charming space and I think it could be perfect for the two of us and PB. It needs a lot of cosmetic work, but luckily Justin, his family and friends and my Dad are all very handy. The best feature, in my opinion, is that the entire kitchen needs to be re-done. Which means that I would have the opportunity to create my dream kitchen! (Within reason, of course). I'll share the details as the process moves along. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Also, today is 7 months until our wedding! Eek! So much to do! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Today I drove back to Ohio from Philly. The trip is tedious but luckily a simple drive. So I thought I would share with you my "road trip eats". I tried to keep them healthy and filling so that I wouldn't be tempted by Cinnabon and venti Frappucinos!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKgaDjoH5pESyoVjZuIxQiVFhJNDvISt6vZYMkGHuiRmtWfQrUv-5KkWHExXIa6axvd_UpYZtVF1p3OqdkamWGXnh8VznsY8jT2mZJ5_bDu16VhqjIKd0Oq0Qw9tmlpAgZz7f3_8iW-w/s1600/march+8+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKgaDjoH5pESyoVjZuIxQiVFhJNDvISt6vZYMkGHuiRmtWfQrUv-5KkWHExXIa6axvd_UpYZtVF1p3OqdkamWGXnh8VznsY8jT2mZJ5_bDu16VhqjIKd0Oq0Qw9tmlpAgZz7f3_8iW-w/s320/march+8+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving=not so much fun</td></tr>
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Breakfast</span></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJz5kd2D3-TXWjSjQ5NSWOV7tM1YTNDpc6MuhDzUhyphenhyphenegMFuaIFRoaXpvs6ZDDjpdxJZQ_gWmg021GDfxB0MPluYUm22oLQjGWB5I_9bBDVe3OWLVZA6znHjI6nVXABqYw5Y7d3EWaLkY/s1600/march+8+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJz5kd2D3-TXWjSjQ5NSWOV7tM1YTNDpc6MuhDzUhyphenhyphenegMFuaIFRoaXpvs6ZDDjpdxJZQ_gWmg021GDfxB0MPluYUm22oLQjGWB5I_9bBDVe3OWLVZA6znHjI6nVXABqYw5Y7d3EWaLkY/s400/march+8+001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444;">I wanted to make sure to get lots of protein from my breakfast so that I would stay full until I had the opportunity to stop and eat lunch. I had a Chobani fat free greek yogurt with some cheesecake flavored Jello pudding mix stirred in and topped it with some frozen blueberries. This treat is one of my favorite breakfast/snack options. Though the picture shows a banana, I decided to save that for lunch and had a small palmful of nuts instead. Yum! This meal had lots of staying power.</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Lunch:</span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Oftentimes when I am driving back and forth from Ohio to Philly, I find that I don't want to sit down at a rest stop and eat lunch. I would rather have something that I can eat while driving so that I don't waste time. Today was one of those days, so I stopped at Wawa for the makings of a healthy and portable lunch.</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-JNm6nzVMFgrBSz2BY4JJmKbpW2pVQA7xFHyTR6aI3aHzbNiop8vp7mzspqDU_y5g8vrfIdP5ZrOmj3PzrAXpQYNJqbuU_r8fe7IMrmzYON4FX0zdbZ03mOT7mz3BDXyvvJcmxI_XKo/s1600/march+8+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-JNm6nzVMFgrBSz2BY4JJmKbpW2pVQA7xFHyTR6aI3aHzbNiop8vp7mzspqDU_y5g8vrfIdP5ZrOmj3PzrAXpQYNJqbuU_r8fe7IMrmzYON4FX0zdbZ03mOT7mz3BDXyvvJcmxI_XKo/s400/march+8+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;">I picked up some baby carrots (which didn't last until lunch/picture time), a Kashi GoLean bar, two hardboiled eggs (I only ate the whites), a banana and a string cheese. I spread the contents of the meal out over the drive, since I find that boredom in the car leads to hunger! I didn't wind up eating the string cheese because I just wasn't hungry for it. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><u><span style="color: #444444;">Snacks:</span></u></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;">Once I came home I had some fresh strawberries, a few almonds and the tops of the last two</span> <a href="http://diane-simplysweet.blogspot.com/2011/03/if-it-pleases-and-sparkles.html">Peanut Butter Surprise cookies</a>. <span style="color: #444444;">I actually hate when I pick at things like that and plan to try to nix that habit over the course of Lent this year (more on that tomorrow).</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;"><u>Dinner:</u> </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;">I was really hungry by the time dinner rolled around and totally forgot to take any pictures! I made some spaghetti squash with meatballs and marinara. I also had a couple of the ravioli that my parents were eating. A salad was also served on the side. I just recently started eating spaghetti squash and I really enjoy it. I'm thinking the leftovers might make their way into some kind of sweet application tomorrow. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #444444;">Ok, the rest of the night will be spent catching up with my mom and dad and talking to Justin about house-related things. Stay tuned tomorrow- I have an idea for a cool Lent project (or New Year's resolution renewal, if you don't observe Lent). Have a great night!</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351367689801755264.post-57777725810852427372011-03-05T13:54:00.005-05:002011-03-05T14:48:48.207-05:00A Day In The Life...<span style="color: #444444;">Being that this little blog of mine is still a baby, I feel like I'm not 100% sure of what it will be when it's all grown up. My vision is that it will be a hybrid of my two favorite types of blogs: cooking and baking blogs that share well executed recipes and techniques, and healthy living blogs that document the daily lives, meals and workout habits of the blogger. Ultimately, I want to show how I maintain a healthy lifestyle while becoming an accomplished cook. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I've been debating whether or not I want to share my daily meals with you. I think the best way to decide will be to give it a try. So I took pictures of all of my meals and most of my snacks yesterday, and will share them with you today. Here goes!</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u><span style="color: #444444;">Breakfast:</span></u></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vQVTloEo35_nYnf5yVhTurZDXEYsZ6TRdxUoZlSFoiWJFcC06yS2jE1YNvUZ96rDQ5DjqEOEzNb4cppQlLwEh1j7sphpBzjKCkwaCZHCVfsR9Bm-fxA3MYyZ2wQcTQ4p9IevZINZqK4/s1600/march+3+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vQVTloEo35_nYnf5yVhTurZDXEYsZ6TRdxUoZlSFoiWJFcC06yS2jE1YNvUZ96rDQ5DjqEOEzNb4cppQlLwEh1j7sphpBzjKCkwaCZHCVfsR9Bm-fxA3MYyZ2wQcTQ4p9IevZINZqK4/s400/march+3+017.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;">Breakfast was a combination of something old, something new and something blue...All I needed was something borrowed and it could have been a bridal breakfast! I started with an old favorite, Greek Yogurt Mousse, an idea I got from </span><a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Julie</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: blue;">:</span> a plain, non-fat Chobani mixed with a little bit of cheesecake flavored Jello pudding mix. SO delish. I topped it with some frozen blueberries and my something new- Chia seeds. I picked some up the other day after seeing lots of other bloggers try them. They were very good- I really enjoyed the crunchy texture they added to my yogurt. </span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Workout:</span></u><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.musictoday.com/store/bands/1799/product_large/JIAM180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://static.musictoday.com/store/bands/1799/product_large/JIAM180.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jillianmichaels.shop.sportstoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=14308_39474&pc=JIAM180"><span style="color: blue;">Source</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;">I was surprisingly sore after Thursdays abs and yoga workout. I didn't think the abs video was that tough while I was doing it, but my core was in serious pain today. So I decided to forego my initial plan of more intense cardio and did the </span><a href="http://www.exercisetv.tv/store/p-2898-jillian-michaels-extreme-shred-6-pack.aspx"><span style="color: #444444;">Jillian Michaels Six Week Six Pack Level 1</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> workout that was OnDemand. It was a decent workout- the second circuit repeating the moves was definitely more challenging because it was at double speed. I would have liked for it to be a little more vigorous overall. I generally love Jillian Michaels' workouts, so I think I would like level two much better. </span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Lunch:</span></u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhcRxy7-TCdL3rmsL2JcMHT76PehEa3gwVylNfk-vFmSFMN3ISyCAPHGhyphenhyphenjx6EsgdnUg1qUoe-T_Y4u3POgFGbOV6_w_ndkm0vphPZ4cZPrNHFo72lqWyUfQAEXofG7YlMdd7NUtkcR0/s1600/march+3+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhcRxy7-TCdL3rmsL2JcMHT76PehEa3gwVylNfk-vFmSFMN3ISyCAPHGhyphenhyphenjx6EsgdnUg1qUoe-T_Y4u3POgFGbOV6_w_ndkm0vphPZ4cZPrNHFo72lqWyUfQAEXofG7YlMdd7NUtkcR0/s400/march+3+019.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;">I had some Chinese takeout Thursday night, so I reheated some of what was left. I had steamed chicken and vegetables with about 1/2 cup of brown rice and a little brown sauce, which I ordered on the side and put on myself. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of veggies in the mix- there were carrots, snow peas, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms and onions. I finished it off with an apple (not pictured), which was a bit of a disappointment- lots of brown spots and very little flavor. Is it time for summer produce yet?! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MgvI49GFqk3E7pz54eHImkPGsyqMXTKx3Ak6jd682wPwxZhO8HEAWdKPO_GfceYCO3F0Bpeq6P4ZWAtfo9oRaz0eZANXA45PcIWMM2Gi06YhomaBCI3dgGCTx3DwizLYdNVo7vUZLiI/s1600/march+3+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MgvI49GFqk3E7pz54eHImkPGsyqMXTKx3Ak6jd682wPwxZhO8HEAWdKPO_GfceYCO3F0Bpeq6P4ZWAtfo9oRaz0eZANXA45PcIWMM2Gi06YhomaBCI3dgGCTx3DwizLYdNVo7vUZLiI/s320/march+3+003.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;">Dessert was much more enjoyable :-)</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Snacks:</span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I haven't mentioned this yet, but I am currently counting Weight Watcher's points in an effort to lose a few of the winter pounds that have crept up on me. About 4-5 years ago, I lost over 30 pounds while loosely following the program. It works for me because it's pretty flexible and I can typically work in whatever foods I want as long as I'm smart about it. However, one food that I do stay away from because of its high point value is peanut butter. It's a bit sad, because I love peanut butter, but I have serious portion control issues with it. Enter this guy: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Occ_dKrqHFtQ7Y26JcWYBPYXFm5Yk6t4TeN-LJo29Ym-1LAYY4PyGtr-16OQvusQ01t4b-9ToP3r4aX2dAP_Cwq3Cik8D0HikQmcM3hCsWYVUGkLOSwXC69TlwABKW92v2Uht8WtFuE/s1600/march+3+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Occ_dKrqHFtQ7Y26JcWYBPYXFm5Yk6t4TeN-LJo29Ym-1LAYY4PyGtr-16OQvusQ01t4b-9ToP3r4aX2dAP_Cwq3Cik8D0HikQmcM3hCsWYVUGkLOSwXC69TlwABKW92v2Uht8WtFuE/s320/march+3+001.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><span style="color: #444444;">I bought a couple of these at the store the other day and I love them! Perfect portion control. I may or may not have eaten it straight out of the packet.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">A little later I had a handful of dried cranberries because I was craving something sweet.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdWYDhGe8I9PBkqJTNnRhIOrQMNpHgap6LUdl4leaoGFQSCk0iY4ztxMMtvdaD2Nlbzzr-YZbyTxInsAyPgEwRjB-Ak1ExugCuEbzWf2Aa8mzH-rT0ECBH7j-wi038Vhf_u__McpUsgs/s1600/march+3+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdWYDhGe8I9PBkqJTNnRhIOrQMNpHgap6LUdl4leaoGFQSCk0iY4ztxMMtvdaD2Nlbzzr-YZbyTxInsAyPgEwRjB-Ak1ExugCuEbzWf2Aa8mzH-rT0ECBH7j-wi038Vhf_u__McpUsgs/s320/march+3+004.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><u><span style="color: #444444;">Dinner:</span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Justin and I decided it was time to try something new last night. He'd always wanted to try </span><a href="http://www.bayponyinnpa.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">The Bay Pony Inn</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, so we made reservations and headed out. I enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio and a piece of bread while Justin enjoyed some clam chowder. For my entree I ordered the scallop and spinach salad.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnTO3_YBRXjr_q1MlzFasJeR9gHF3XP3B2lWboWe21Bl87ZTnZt6f-MxZijk0Sn3GMKwAXNMYN1-cYeYz4pcxzOLMpvAPCa4aSJYKeZhia9WCVGGNkUq2AyWAw8NevQfdI8Bln8asmug/s1600/march+3+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnTO3_YBRXjr_q1MlzFasJeR9gHF3XP3B2lWboWe21Bl87ZTnZt6f-MxZijk0Sn3GMKwAXNMYN1-cYeYz4pcxzOLMpvAPCa4aSJYKeZhia9WCVGGNkUq2AyWAw8NevQfdI8Bln8asmug/s400/march+3+021.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><span style="color: #444444;">The scallops were cooked to perfection but, to be honest, the salad felt like it was lacking something, especially for the price. It was begging for some goat cheese and toasted almonds. Luckily I ordered a side of sweet potato fries, which more than compensated for anything the salad was lacking. Am I the only one incapable of passing up sweet potato fries???</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc13Rj4NHyg-s1_Qw82vmIhRsWgmTxvwCNSf7GW_jpA1jplpo-0MsqoGFY_-CM5auOtQg_1zmEnvDH6YmaiZl6i0ckgahYLvpnTT9aUnLtdI7Etmby2Y16ZUOLInDv13nOzVCdqqSuS0/s1600/march+3+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc13Rj4NHyg-s1_Qw82vmIhRsWgmTxvwCNSf7GW_jpA1jplpo-0MsqoGFY_-CM5auOtQg_1zmEnvDH6YmaiZl6i0ckgahYLvpnTT9aUnLtdI7Etmby2Y16ZUOLInDv13nOzVCdqqSuS0/s400/march+3+022.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #444444;">I ate about half at the restaurant and the other half when we got home for a late night snack. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">After dinner we headed out to </span><a href="http://www.hotelfiesole.net/home.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hotel Fiesole</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> for a couple of drinks. I LOVE this place and am thinking it would be a nice place for us to stay on our wedding night! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">We ended the night at Joe's Spring Mount Hotel, a little bar up the street from Justin's parents' house. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29GhNnNhVPRj1Zkle7yINNqfMrvsfAdGEcEMWEoVdsDbxZnQa3U_FlZFjL0DS4b13OjPGD3VAKpXvIkuHMdHlxdnbFyM_XQqMOoJ7zOxFwkQTQfndwEA3eWuEuwOJ2LX1rT7A4IjHRuA/s1600/Dec+finale+578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29GhNnNhVPRj1Zkle7yINNqfMrvsfAdGEcEMWEoVdsDbxZnQa3U_FlZFjL0DS4b13OjPGD3VAKpXvIkuHMdHlxdnbFyM_XQqMOoJ7zOxFwkQTQfndwEA3eWuEuwOJ2LX1rT7A4IjHRuA/s400/Dec+finale+578.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Clearly this was taken in the fall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"> Justin and I both love this bar. He actually plays the song "I Love This Bar" on the jukebox every time we go in. We are getting married at a church right up the street and the owners have been gracious enough to allow us to take some wedding party pictures on the front porch. I think it will be tres cute. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">We met up with Justin's friend Chris and hung out for a little while. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n8a36Q4WClZijfp_1Px3YO4sneO5XDaMdQ2Omdz7k23o7QguUnngkfSqSWrG6t1SRNgRfRgthFXnpNeK2Z4DTK82vjzO-DvvkPeyzmkr-sV3P8IIdpXMZowtayJbucxsoxsnuUK_SSY/s1600/march+3+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n8a36Q4WClZijfp_1Px3YO4sneO5XDaMdQ2Omdz7k23o7QguUnngkfSqSWrG6t1SRNgRfRgthFXnpNeK2Z4DTK82vjzO-DvvkPeyzmkr-sV3P8IIdpXMZowtayJbucxsoxsnuUK_SSY/s400/march+3+014.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cute Couple!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Then we came home, hung out with this little knucklehead and called it a night! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZJ2RxEvQFJnVCxClokgdefksNL-dIMhJDb56bT_ENEVTtqJyCg68ZDj7HQ458w90dERR3LrdLJPxeq9YFydW049gBhmL76QcyqTbKSFLWHRce-IOEpz-nCiA-OswQRXEFaRkfRxEa2Y/s1600/Dec_24_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="266" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZJ2RxEvQFJnVCxClokgdefksNL-dIMhJDb56bT_ENEVTtqJyCg68ZDj7HQ458w90dERR3LrdLJPxeq9YFydW049gBhmL76QcyqTbKSFLWHRce-IOEpz-nCiA-OswQRXEFaRkfRxEa2Y/s400/Dec_24_013.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">So there you are, a day in my life!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Happy Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>I'm Asking:</b> What are your plans for the weekend?</span><br />
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</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351367689801755264.post-189672888388488192011-03-03T09:35:00.003-05:002011-03-05T14:20:20.115-05:00If It Pleases and Sparkles...<span style="color: #444444;">I'm not a big South Park fan, but Justin loves it, so I watch it frequently. Usually I just tolerate it and fall asleep, but last night's episode spoke to me. The girls in the class formed a very official List Making Committee, and in order for a motion to be considered by the committee, it had to "please and sparkle" with the members. If it did, they would approve it by responding "sunshine!". I think it's a brilliant way to determine whether or not something is acceptable.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">So, one thing that pleases and sparkles with me?? This guy! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULoLD90w7FJwtXoLEgjGjUfW1-D07i8Qzyc3rIAD5tMdAsGgTHDm6e53GwFOf2CCQFDOZBoXRCzlNWm5IWYUEmDudsteMAOvVSmL6H70moNon4O_EzDypsXK2tQ2Lvpi6el2PWjYCYhM/s1600/march+3+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULoLD90w7FJwtXoLEgjGjUfW1-D07i8Qzyc3rIAD5tMdAsGgTHDm6e53GwFOf2CCQFDOZBoXRCzlNWm5IWYUEmDudsteMAOvVSmL6H70moNon4O_EzDypsXK2tQ2Lvpi6el2PWjYCYhM/s320/march+3+013.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">We've been engaged since Christmas but I still spend a good 15-20 minutes a day gazing at its' beauty. Sunshine!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Something else that pleases and sparkles? Peanut butter. And chocolate. And marshmallows and candy. So it should be no surprise that these <strong>Peanut Butter Suprise Cookies</strong> get a "Sunshine!" vote from me. I'm pretty sure they'll gain your approval, as well. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_EJtBMOFNmA8UXMD7Q7ZTSvLULdZ7ohJ2KzEWADett2VgxS9VgCPudn-owRXUi1Z2QQJEZQGp_jXOiIV7eBiWbneN-hXCBSpvPsvMkMS3PKcpd4s-Bm7gKjoqnzxBBa1LjLSlqGR-cs/s1600/march+3+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_EJtBMOFNmA8UXMD7Q7ZTSvLULdZ7ohJ2KzEWADett2VgxS9VgCPudn-owRXUi1Z2QQJEZQGp_jXOiIV7eBiWbneN-hXCBSpvPsvMkMS3PKcpd4s-Bm7gKjoqnzxBBa1LjLSlqGR-cs/s320/march+3+011.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">There are a couple of things you should know about this recipe. One, they are insanely adorable and delicious. Two, the original recipe states that you will get 24 cookies with a little bit of dough leftover. I easily get 36 out of one recipe. So, plan ahead if you only have two mini muffin pans, like me. I doubled the recipe and baked them in several batches, making sure to let the cookies cool <em>completely</em> before removing them from the tins. Once they were all baked, I then made the ganache and drizzled it over all of the cookies at once, then topped with mini M&M's. They take a little time but are so worth it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr0F4R07PNgr-NMJ-TxPO0U4mMtXhoxGRU1GAVODyMQe1DlvYFoTA7EDPRVibgeSHt4yYwVgwcoIGtmzxlxdndKDdB9LRjL5ijzr_zum4yInTAlHNyROSdZ6e0gWBc8pdVhm-ibDGRu0/s1600/march+3+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr0F4R07PNgr-NMJ-TxPO0U4mMtXhoxGRU1GAVODyMQe1DlvYFoTA7EDPRVibgeSHt4yYwVgwcoIGtmzxlxdndKDdB9LRjL5ijzr_zum4yInTAlHNyROSdZ6e0gWBc8pdVhm-ibDGRu0/s320/march+3+010.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #444444;">Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies</span></u></strong><br />
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</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Ingredients:</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2 cups creamy peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 1/2 cups white sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">36 Reese's mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Mini marshmallows</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Mini M&M's candy</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate (chips or chopped)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1/2 cup heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2 Tbsp sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2Tbsp water</span><br />
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</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Instructions:</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1. Preheat oven to 350. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2. Put peanut butter, brown and white sugars, and eggs into bowl of stand mixer. Mix until well combined.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">3. Spray mini mufin tins with nonstick spray. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">4. Divide cookie dough among the wells in the muffin tins. Make an indentation with your fingers, allowing space in the center of each dough ball for a peanut butter cup. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">5. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the tops of the cookies are set and slightly brown. Remove from oven.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">6. Place a peanut butter cup in each cookie, pressing down so the top is even with the pan. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">7. Top each cookie with 3-4 marshmallows. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">8. Return cookies to the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffy. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">9. Once cookies are cooled, remove from muffin tins and place on baking sheet lined with wax paper. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">10. Prepare the ganache: Put chocolate in a bowl. Bring the cream, sugar and water to a boil. Pour cream mixture over chocolate and allow to sit for 30 seconds. Stir the mixture until chocolate is melted and ganache is smooth. Allow to sit for a few minutes to thicken up.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">11. Drizzle ganache over each cookie. Top each cookie with mini M&M's. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #444444;">Makes approx. 36 cookies</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Source: </span><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2009/02/06/peanut-butter-cup-surprise-cookies/"><span style="color: #444444;">Annie's Eats</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><strong>I'm asking:</strong> What pleases and sparkles with you??? Springtime? Chocolate? Broccoli?</span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351367689801755264.post-22832775665341246482011-03-02T13:16:00.002-05:002011-03-05T14:24:08.634-05:00Chicken Tortellini Soup<span style="color: #444444;">So, here's a little back story for you: Until Justin and I find a house (or until I get a job near Philly), I split my time between Ohio, at my parents' house, and Pennsylvania, at Justin's parents' house. Clearly with all of these parents around I am very well behaved and rarely get into trouble. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Right now I'm at Justin's house and I don't do too much cooking while I'm here for a variety of reasons- mostly I don't want to get in the way! So that puts me in a little bit of a pickle, considering that I am starting a food blog and all. (Speaking of pickles- bread and butter all the way!) So what I'm going to do is share a recipe that I know by heart-Chicken Tortellini Soup. It's very simple and very delicious. It's one of Justin's favs and my Mom says it's what she'll miss most about me when I move out (slight exaggeration- I hope). I'm a little embarrassed to own up to using the Cream of Chicken canned soup, but it really does add more substance to the broth. If you are morally opposed to using it, by all means leave it out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Oh, and one other thing. I don't have a picture of the finished product. Trust me when I tell you it's lovely. But just so you have something nice to look at, here is a picture of PB, Justin's (and soon to be my) cat. He loves chicken and would totally love this soup. Isn't he the cutest?!?!?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEueaK_-VqconlTahnRRSUMENbmjhmCP5Y7i1vBWxlAJaxRf9_L7hqbSi81bDrXZ7twQC9pISQZSM1Wxuc9QZ-1xnYjt1k_FdhAUGyp1qYGjUKDuPKcaI1-WTZ2h9u_79IM5CKMeJRyHI/s1600/nov_25_144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEueaK_-VqconlTahnRRSUMENbmjhmCP5Y7i1vBWxlAJaxRf9_L7hqbSi81bDrXZ7twQC9pISQZSM1Wxuc9QZ-1xnYjt1k_FdhAUGyp1qYGjUKDuPKcaI1-WTZ2h9u_79IM5CKMeJRyHI/s400/nov_25_144.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">When you wish upon a star....</span></em></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">Chicken Tortellini Soup</span></u><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><em>Ingredients:</em> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1-2 Tbsp. olive oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 cup chopped onion</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2 garlic cloves</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 cup chopped carrots </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">6 cups chicken stock (Usually I use one 1 quart box of stock and one can low sodium broth)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 can low fat/low sodium cream of chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2-3 cups cooked, chopped chicken</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 box frozen spinach, thawed and liquid removed</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1-2 cups frozen tortellini</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving</span><br />
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</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Instructions:</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1. In large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">2. Add onions, garlic and carrot and cook until soft and the onions are translucent, 3-5 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">3. Add white wine. Allow to cook down for about a minute.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">4. Add chicken stock, cream of chicken soup and chicken and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">5. Cover and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes (or longer if you need more time).</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">6. About 10 minutes prior to serving, add in the spinach and the tortellini. Make sure the tortellini is heated through before serving. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">7. Top with Parmesan or Romano cheese, if desired. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #444444;">Serves 6-8</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">**Note- If you will not be using all of the soup in one sitting, I would only put in as much of the tortellini as you will eat at one time. It tends to soak up all of the broth if you store it in the fridge with the rest of the soup.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Ok, time for a workout! I think today I'll do Jillian Michaels' No More Trouble Zones- it's tough but doesn't make me want to cry. Have a great afternoon!</span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351367689801755264.post-62349432417218302492011-03-02T11:19:00.003-05:002011-03-06T09:09:43.921-05:00First Post and Welcome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32JyUBXKRoN4XTlTIkFxS-iTPkC_z0gjrtyL30172tWqzNFqnson2FsdJDY6vgngyw2rtp4B4B4v9xotXiKnCQ34UcQ9-iULK2k8wmFYGk7eulOpMeloWgXhA56PN2B468XWc8sUHdM/s1600/march+3+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32JyUBXKRoN4XTlTIkFxS-iTPkC_z0gjrtyL30172tWqzNFqnson2FsdJDY6vgngyw2rtp4B4B4v9xotXiKnCQ34UcQ9-iULK2k8wmFYGk7eulOpMeloWgXhA56PN2B468XWc8sUHdM/s320/march+3+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Hi guys! Welcome to my blog. I've been wanting to start one for a while now, and now is as good a time as any, right? I guess I should introduce myself and talk about what I want this blog to be. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I'm Diane, an engaged 20 something beginning the process of moving from Northeastern Ohio, my home state, to Southeastern Pennsylvania to be with my fiancé, Justin. We are looking for houses now, so hopefully we will be moved in by the time we get married in October. I'm currently an unemployed attorney, as I've had a bit of trouble (understatement!!) finding my first job. I am hoping that my upcoming move will bring with it some new possibilities. I'm always open to suggestions for job search tactics, so if you have some, feel free to share!</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #444444;">What I Hope This Blog Will Be:</span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> I LOVE to cook and bake, and am excited to use this blog to share my adventures in the kitchen. I am constantly amazed by the skill and creativity of the food blogging community and am eager to become a part of that. I also have a great interest in health, fitness and overall wellness, so I hope this blog will be a way to balance these two related (and sometimes opposing) interests. Finally, I hope this blog will be a place to share our lives in a positive way. I'll let you know what's going on in my world, what's working for me and what's not, and I hope you'll do the same.</span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13188835795626083858noreply@blogger.com0