tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89946430640086382792024-03-28T04:30:31.978-05:00Cynfully WonderfulCynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-20056981437797157052022-02-03T19:53:00.002-06:002022-02-03T19:53:46.365-06:00What I am keeping from the Pandemic<p style="text-align: center;">It has been a long couple of years my friends.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Twists and Turns, Ups and Downs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am not sure our lives will ever be what they were, but gradually we are all trying to get back to 'normal' if we even know what that means. Every person, every family has to make the decision based on what they are comfortable with. As I have said for 2 years, who we to judge what makes someone else comfortable?</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have picked up some habits that I am keeping. I always thought my life was 'too much' before. I was always running from here to there, we need this, we have to that. We used the pandemic to simplify.</p><p style="text-align: center;">A few months before the pandemic started, I was in the car for 2 hours a day. We had just moved into our new house, and it was far (especially in the winter) from my house. One hour each way. Looking for ways to put some more time into my schedule, I started doing grocery pickup. Now, let me say this, there have been alot of improvements to the grocery pickup process since March of 2020, but even back then I loved it. It keeps me focused on what we need, I can add stuff while I am working in the kitchen and it keeps me on budget. The problem started when everyone started to use it. Instead of taking 20 minutes to swing by the store and have my groceries loaded up, it was taking 45 minutes to an hour. I know, but I could have shopped in that amount of time, so it defeated the whole purpose. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now I have my groceries delivered. I am not ashamed. I love putting away my groceries in my jammies on a Saturday morning (especially in the winter) and still have all the perks. Does it cost alittle more, yes it does, but for me the convivence and time back in my schedule it is worth it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> I talked earlier about how we used the pandemic to simplify. No longer I am stopping every night on the way home for this or that. Do we really need it? Is there something we can use instead? Do we have to grape jelly with breakfast or will the strawberry we have work? When you can't run to the store every night, it really makes you think about why you did it anyway. Not every dinner needs to be perfect. I could just wear one of the 5 other pairs of black shoes I have instead of stopping to see what they have at TJ Maxx. This brought up alot of "you don't have to be perfect" feelings for me, who would have guessed? Honestly, it's freeing. I was never perfect all the time anyway and then I would just feel bad about myself and now, there are days it creeps back in, but I feel much better about myself.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Keeping it simple.</p><p style="text-align: center;">That is the main thing that I am keeping from the pandemic. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">XO,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Cyn</p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-35617072365263600392021-02-14T20:35:00.004-06:002021-02-14T20:35:48.686-06:00King Coffee Cake<p style="text-align: center;"> I was looking for something cute to take into work for Mardi Gras this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's my favorite coffee cake all dressed up for Fat Tuesday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4X1v5QV6CbdO-iq05QzCoPBcv6nleaAVNODH5HmE_fXFKWbPU0xQ2wGc9DjtKmv7_7-IiHv3zAgoupffmA5bE2Wc-OYRyQgTqeuqAJ42ej2G4OtMRVkdWeaXeKd3u-5JX1u4nRkDm-9/s2048/2021-02-14_18-22-26_891.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4X1v5QV6CbdO-iq05QzCoPBcv6nleaAVNODH5HmE_fXFKWbPU0xQ2wGc9DjtKmv7_7-IiHv3zAgoupffmA5bE2Wc-OYRyQgTqeuqAJ42ej2G4OtMRVkdWeaXeKd3u-5JX1u4nRkDm-9/s320/2021-02-14_18-22-26_891.heic" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Start by combining the following in medium bowl.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 1/4 cups flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 TBSP of baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 tsp of baking soda</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 tsp of salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">In a small bowl, mix together, set aside.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cups brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 TBSP of butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 tsp of cinnamon</p><p style="text-align: center;">Using a bundt pan, spray it with non stick spray and lightly flour it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 350.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In your stand mixer bowl, mix together on medium the following.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of softened butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 cups of sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once combined, add 3 eggs one at a time, and 1 tsp of vanilla.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Next, add 1/3 of the flour, than 1/2 cup of sour cream, alternating, until all the flour is used and you have added 1 1/2 cups of sour cream.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add 1/2 of the batter to the bundt pan, next add the cinnamon mixture as a filling and top with the remaining batter.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bake for 50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once it comes out of the oven remove it from the pan, but using a wire rack on top of the pan, then flip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJzbCqsuCBTGhFmePq_XBBYajMACilA3iMjOs6COyVaLbRsTuXvp3qQ1iQJJO_rKt0_BrBqz_KKmxN4l7SBYPUnM44Sj6awXw0hU-2WY0_lm2p8MzfezWwLJqL11oijL5TkgxwEIbzm5c/s2048/2021-02-14_12-43-04_415.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJzbCqsuCBTGhFmePq_XBBYajMACilA3iMjOs6COyVaLbRsTuXvp3qQ1iQJJO_rKt0_BrBqz_KKmxN4l7SBYPUnM44Sj6awXw0hU-2WY0_lm2p8MzfezWwLJqL11oijL5TkgxwEIbzm5c/s320/2021-02-14_12-43-04_415.heic" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let it cool.</p><p style="text-align: center;">To make the icing, combine the following in your stand mixer bowl:</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups of powered sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 TBSP of half and half or milk</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp of vanilla</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mix until it's pourable.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Drizzle the cake with icing and then, cover in colored sugar sprinkles. Let the icing dry.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-23988695763612728362021-02-14T15:35:00.001-06:002021-02-14T15:35:14.033-06:005 Small Ways you can help the planet<p style="text-align: center;">Nobody can save the earth on their own. It really takes a group effort.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Below are the some easy at home tips that we use at our house, that help us to feel like we are part of the solution and less of a part of the problem.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Reduce your Use of Paper Products.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I belong to a couple of online cooking groups (one one to help with my <a href="https://tinyurl.com/5czfkt2e" target="_blank">Ninja Problem</a>) and I cannot get over how many people serve dinner every night on paper plates. We don't even eat off of paper when we have take out. Also, every time I have to buy them for something I am blown away buy how much they cost. By limiting their use you can also save a ton of money.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWQxfh_AGUpNZcm2VfHR6TPyjRlTnxrVavpqFEpKypmBXbvDs0pYQB3Wq8MUBZeiyKeF5HcxNX17ayX1MiSBBx9p3q_noOmItaT04Ut043FtChvSXT812KJr7oieKyFL1Jm5edVtJx7Yp/s2048/towels.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWQxfh_AGUpNZcm2VfHR6TPyjRlTnxrVavpqFEpKypmBXbvDs0pYQB3Wq8MUBZeiyKeF5HcxNX17ayX1MiSBBx9p3q_noOmItaT04Ut043FtChvSXT812KJr7oieKyFL1Jm5edVtJx7Yp/s320/towels.heic" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">The same goes for paper towels, now, we do have paper towels at our house, but we have been working on the same 6 pack since before the pandemic started in March. What we use instead are dishtowels. I have probably have every dishtowel that I have bought as an adult and we use those as placements, napkins to wipe up spills, dry our hands, and dry dishes. I keep a clothes basket in my kitchen and do a load every week, like I would anyway, but now I have a full load.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Paper Napkins. We have them, we typically only use them when we have guests, we use cloth napkins at home, they go in with the towels, it works out great.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Start Recycling, or get better at it.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Alot of us are already recycling and that is great. I would suggest every now and then checking your waste management companies website to see what they are accepting to make sure you are compliant and that you are recycling all that you can.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If your waste company does not offer curbside recycling, check with your city or county to see if there is a drop off. Our waste company does not pick up styrofoam, so we have a box in our garage where we collect it and then once every 6 months are so (we never have very much) to the county and recycle it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We also added compost to our routine this year, we are lucky that our waste company picks it up, and it really reduces the amount of trash that we throw out each week. It's just one more can that needs to go out each week. We compost everything from coffee grounds and filters, to pizza boxes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Start Using Recycled Bags</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">My biggest issue with curbside grocery pick up is the bags. First of all they use a ton of them, and there is no option to use your own bags. Since, we really like all the other benefits of grocery pickup we have learned to live with the bags, we just collect them and then recycle the at the store once a month or store. </p><p style="text-align: center;">When we actually go into the grocery store, we use shop and scan, where we scan our groceries as we shop and put them right into the recycle bags. We are starting to use this option more and more.</p><p style="text-align: center;">They can be easily made by using a old shirt or there are plenty available for purchase at the store.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>4. Use reusable Coffee Cups and Water Bottles.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I make my coffee at home every morning. It saves me money and time. I have a couple of different usable mugs. I also have several water bottles that I fill up before I leave the house and refill on the go as needed. This cuts down on paper coffee cups and bottled water bottles. These can go along with saving the earth and the budget.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz6G0yMi6v7G56ZCbtA6qj-NvBO3w1OouhrN-rVRzvuxAdNvOLh5jGnDlMj-lHO-6VhhbuJWTtnZLRthGSEBfoo-jWWPz_cCtEuoDEjrK8RvNK3P3MFz9cSodjowiMQs0jdKqI5k4nJPv/s960/Cyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz6G0yMi6v7G56ZCbtA6qj-NvBO3w1OouhrN-rVRzvuxAdNvOLh5jGnDlMj-lHO-6VhhbuJWTtnZLRthGSEBfoo-jWWPz_cCtEuoDEjrK8RvNK3P3MFz9cSodjowiMQs0jdKqI5k4nJPv/s320/Cyn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Reuse what you can.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Rethink things before you throw something out </p><p style="text-align: center;">Old shirts and sweats that are not longer nice enough to wear or donate, can be cut into squares and used as dust clothes and to clean the bathroom.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I also use jars to freeze garlic and peppers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">What are some ways that you reuse products at your house?</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-1842181140836173022021-02-07T20:02:00.005-06:002021-02-07T20:02:57.995-06:00Texas Sheet Cake<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">This week is Hubs Birthday and he requested this for his cake. Now it's not really a cake, not really brownies, it is somewhere in the delicious middle. It is so easy to make and it's baked and frosted in under an hour. This is a win, win, win.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDNhNqv9HgY-PAvc7bsenCC6sYdHCuWUuVofkr0TCFTyEYokWd35BgrmtDAyyVi4dRrXI1DFAPgh_b7pukPGkHqYSOjiA9Wp2PF9f-7Kx6FjIvkmhw8iL96wfjcdiLFSFqSfFwRvv3ApP/s2048/TSC+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDNhNqv9HgY-PAvc7bsenCC6sYdHCuWUuVofkr0TCFTyEYokWd35BgrmtDAyyVi4dRrXI1DFAPgh_b7pukPGkHqYSOjiA9Wp2PF9f-7Kx6FjIvkmhw8iL96wfjcdiLFSFqSfFwRvv3ApP/s320/TSC+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's get started. First, coat a 15 x 10 sheet pan with non stick spray and heat your oven to <b>375.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a medium bowl, Mix together:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cups of flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cups of sugar </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp of salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp of baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a large saucepan, over low heat, combine until smooth:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup of butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup of water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remove that from the heat and add the flour mixture to the cocoa mixture. Stirring until smooth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoUErQHo6uhM1URgwfF_uMaanwooZ5DtEZ0rfYRJXpWH1pB8bAr9Wp45vy32lbJBnoTj9gHKqXvM7LthAHv8aYwbBgIF4Imm3t3yiRCXmh1-9q8Iqf5yndi9A8WpK_555fZ3-t1uvmEkL/s2048/2021-02-06_11-21-27_668+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoUErQHo6uhM1URgwfF_uMaanwooZ5DtEZ0rfYRJXpWH1pB8bAr9Wp45vy32lbJBnoTj9gHKqXvM7LthAHv8aYwbBgIF4Imm3t3yiRCXmh1-9q8Iqf5yndi9A8WpK_555fZ3-t1uvmEkL/s320/2021-02-06_11-21-27_668+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add 2 eggs, one at time, stirring well, until combined. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The final step for the batter is to add 1/2 cup of sour cream and stir until well incorporated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour into the jelly roll pan, making sure the batter is evenly distributed (it will be bubbly).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurANAbvxAyk_WbAE3Ye-JPeCMToMXhhj2wLljuJnSpSYXSak3T7qpY_60TX0AE6ZpFrPu9udy0kMqZJ3-gYJEDxKsuRHhGvz3pzKBDhDkKCvOjsSn_kVr0QlMfk6qJJfTEpSQNU7SAbZS/s2048/2021-02-06_11-29-33_886.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurANAbvxAyk_WbAE3Ye-JPeCMToMXhhj2wLljuJnSpSYXSak3T7qpY_60TX0AE6ZpFrPu9udy0kMqZJ3-gYJEDxKsuRHhGvz3pzKBDhDkKCvOjsSn_kVr0QlMfk6qJJfTEpSQNU7SAbZS/s320/2021-02-06_11-29-33_886.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will bake quick, check it at 20 mins, it might need up 25 mins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While that is in the oven, you will need to start the frosting, because (best part) you are going to pour it over the hot cake. What?!??!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In another medium saucepan, combine until smooth:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup of butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 tbsp of milk (1/4 of cup + one tbsp)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxf5gvtqU-FsBYGjUP4BQcFd-Saco3AjRs4W1lUHdNUZ4Fh7XTOZLdagKQ3KecrcvEQgYOuAOKpkPrJDKjPThRBb8lTGcz7P6E1zdm2e4On0cyuqeUb5TcVHPLiZQOGeGL9eqXc6Q1toQ/s2048/2021-02-06_11-35-33_265.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxf5gvtqU-FsBYGjUP4BQcFd-Saco3AjRs4W1lUHdNUZ4Fh7XTOZLdagKQ3KecrcvEQgYOuAOKpkPrJDKjPThRBb8lTGcz7P6E1zdm2e4On0cyuqeUb5TcVHPLiZQOGeGL9eqXc6Q1toQ/s320/2021-02-06_11-35-33_265.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While that is on the stove, add to your stand mixer bowl, or medium mixing bowl -4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add chocolate mixture and mix until smooth and creamy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Immediately after removing the cake, pour the frosting over the cake and spread it until it is even.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACIX3UBqZPPPX3oMjqMi8odfSCYIzRa4H3Ouqy5r7PuG4rVhUlvFGO1MG9E36r9W2El7d2v0BKiU_ZJCkm-ndZuuvf56yAdxhBTEWjIEf9XGj8CAqLWawHmE1RTkV_1Z-RMthGt90mOOt/s2048/2021-02-06_11-53-48_304.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACIX3UBqZPPPX3oMjqMi8odfSCYIzRa4H3Ouqy5r7PuG4rVhUlvFGO1MG9E36r9W2El7d2v0BKiU_ZJCkm-ndZuuvf56yAdxhBTEWjIEf9XGj8CAqLWawHmE1RTkV_1Z-RMthGt90mOOt/s320/2021-02-06_11-53-48_304.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put mine in the frig for a couple of hours, but it can cool on the counter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We like it chilled, but I would also suggest room temperature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, I would recommend serving it with a big glass of milk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-71404820706774576192021-02-01T20:17:00.001-06:002021-02-01T20:20:44.681-06:00I Want to Love My Ninja Foodi<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> I want to love my Ninja Foodi, I really do.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I see all of these things that people make, and I think I can do that.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then I read the recipe and I think, I should just do this in the oven or on the stovetop.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For example, we have been a baked potato kick lately at my house and I thought, I bet I can do this in the Ninja. I looked it up and realized that in the same amount of time I could do them in the oven. Also, the oven method requires zero clean up. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfSHJTG4ao8sLkGe9X1Zyo2Gw7L4qgFX4aND-Bz32xxDzaBrZD_cem1MRsuDWMxqfL5glFjfwZq27N3aarjpuJAIIFvi6THksBPKe1x4aDnJwPymkUrKRZByokZPaITLi5zW6qpdBy3vX/s2048/2021-01-27_19-56-42_251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfSHJTG4ao8sLkGe9X1Zyo2Gw7L4qgFX4aND-Bz32xxDzaBrZD_cem1MRsuDWMxqfL5glFjfwZq27N3aarjpuJAIIFvi6THksBPKe1x4aDnJwPymkUrKRZByokZPaITLi5zW6qpdBy3vX/s320/2021-01-27_19-56-42_251.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Why would I use the Ninja?<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is my other complaint. I have tried a couple of times to cook frozen chicken breasts so that I could shred them and make a <a href="https://tinyurl.com/8469wymm">potpie</a> or a <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y2d5chvo" target="_blank">casserole</a>. The chicken comes out either raw in the middle or tough and dry, no in between. It's very frustrating, so I just plan and throw in the crockpot, where I know it will come out like I want it to.</p><div style="text-align: center;">The only thing that has worked consistently, is my potatoes and hard boiled eggs for potato salad. I have a $200 potato salad maker.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please help me! Send me your favorite recipes and I will put together a few posts showing everyone how to love their Ninja. Send them to me at cyndi@cynfullywonderful.com or drop me a line on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CynfullyWonderfu" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-37465304435107785282021-01-10T10:59:00.000-06:002021-01-10T10:59:01.962-06:002021: Keeping Up the Balance<p style="text-align: center;"> Remember in February last year when we were still felt comfortable at the grocery store, and we could still go to the movies? Remember staying at the office late and then have to run a couple of errands on the way home, and then make dinner and clean up?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do we even miss those days anymore?</p><p style="text-align: center;">If 2020 did anything for me it help me set my priorities. It wasn't important to stop at the grocery store to buy parley to garnish a Tuesday night dinner. That seems silly now. Having time to linger over that dinner and enjoy some catch up time was way more important. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In that spirit, as you know I don't do resolutions, I set goals for the new year, and the most important goals is to continue to tap until creating that balance. It's weird because I miss my family, and it has been terrible not seeing anyone since June. But, at the same time I feel like I'm accomplishing goals that I have always wanted to. I feel happy in a terrible situation. It's a strange situation.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Other goals that I have set for my self this year includes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Reading More. I miss books. I will try to read books, other than cookbooks. If you have any suggestions, please let me reach out, I like historical non-fiction.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Take better care of my skin. My sensitive skin is struggling with all the hand sanitizer. I am implementing a skin care routine, effective immediately. </p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Realistic Goal Setting. For example, I'm not going to believe that I can wash, dry, fold and put away 3 loads of laundry on a Monday night. </p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Delegate More. I have a habit of thinking that no one can do something as good as I can. I have discovered through this pandemic, that it does not matter how the towels are folded, only that they are clean, and put away. I am going to embrace this!</p><p style="text-align: center;">That is really it. I feel like 2021 will be very similar to 2020 only in reverse. We will start to go back to the way things were in February 2020, only we need to hold on to the changes that made us happy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">xo ~ Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-28951270648122481742021-01-10T09:51:00.003-06:002021-01-10T09:51:38.494-06:00How to Contact your elected officials<p style="text-align: center;"> Since Wednesday we have all had very very strong opinions.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is the deal, if you follow me on Twitter (@cyndic88) you know what I think.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This post is not about picking a side or expressing my opinion. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It's about how you feel and letting your elected officials know what where you stand.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, how you do that. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You call them, and/or you can email them.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Social media has been blowing up since Wednesday, there is no way that you tweet or facebook post will get to them.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let's say you don't know who or how to contact them. <a href="https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials" target="_blank">USA.gov</a> has you covered.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am of the opinion that you can contact any member of Congress that you want to. You may on have directly voted (or not voted for them) but they still represent you. Especially if they hold a leadership position.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Here are some of my tips:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Start off strong. I am a constituent of the district that you represent. </p><p style="text-align: center;">**if you are not a constituent, start off with, "I am contacting you as a United States Citizen of which you represent as a member of Congress"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Express your feelings. I suggest starting with that section with "The events in Washington DC on Wednesday, January 6th have effected me in the following ways...."</p><p style="text-align: center;">**If they have done something in the public forum that has upset you, this where you describe that action, how declare your support or lack of support. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Tell them what you want them to do. Be polite, but really outline it for them what you expect.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Remind them you are watching their actions on the floor, in the votes, on their social media and their public comments.</p><p style="text-align: center;">When you call them. You will get a staff member, tell them you are a constituent and you would like to speak to XX regarding the events of Wednesday, January 6th. They will ask you to leave a message. Be prepared (write it out) with what you want to say.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know that everyone is upset. Honestly, that needs to be channeled into action. But, it needs to be done in a constructive manner. Choose your words wisely, be polite (it's the more flies with honey theory), and do not be afraid to tell them how you feel.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I will leave you with one last thought. If your elected officials have issued statements and you agree with their positions. Send them a letter of support, this is just as important as if you disagree with their position.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, yes you can contact the Vice-President. <a href="https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/ContactingOfficials/President" target="_blank">Here is how</a>, his email is not really floating about. But this page will give you a physical address, and more importantly a phone number.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As always, if you have any questions, please let me know at cyndi@cynfullywonderful.com</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-28026547855409717042021-01-05T19:41:00.002-06:002021-01-10T12:18:49.399-06:00Buckeye Brownie Bites<p style="text-align: center;"> Just in time for nervous snacking during the National Championship game!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltU_LXIMUzS1L-jPg2-Ke3IzQZtxpunq93Kw5RrdrrTtCXKIisrw4ODKLuWkpNA3qC1vJueG3kav9UAtBvXMO5lv_U-i_xVMx7CpTxp28IYNP_Bciniz0ROWHY6prpaQFhHdUdZFXFY2s/s1894/Brownie+Bites+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1894" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltU_LXIMUzS1L-jPg2-Ke3IzQZtxpunq93Kw5RrdrrTtCXKIisrw4ODKLuWkpNA3qC1vJueG3kav9UAtBvXMO5lv_U-i_xVMx7CpTxp28IYNP_Bciniz0ROWHY6prpaQFhHdUdZFXFY2s/s320/Brownie+Bites+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">These delicious peanut butter and chocolate treats, are easy, and you probably have everything in your kitchen already to make them.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This is what you will need.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Brownie Mix</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup of sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup of cocoa</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp of salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp of baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 eggs</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of vegetable oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp of vanilla</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Frosting</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 butter softened</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup peanut butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 TBSP of heavy cream</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup of powdered sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">(See I told you had everything!)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mix all the brownie ingredients together. Fill your mini muffin cups up about 3/4 of the way. It will make 24. Bake at 350 for about 15-18 mins, you will want to keep an eye on them and take them out when they are firm to the touch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eh7wvotR4rKhL9xi1r4-__F_4IjNakTogmRglY-Zo8MxjGxuX5NeZ3-US9WCZEnJvmEsNrqLDrorOQBh1IjbNGyKOONjfBbXIskjBq4ajgA_M3KdY-3zJ5aTprBI8UbDodX6vXtdzz7f/s2048/Brownie+Bites+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eh7wvotR4rKhL9xi1r4-__F_4IjNakTogmRglY-Zo8MxjGxuX5NeZ3-US9WCZEnJvmEsNrqLDrorOQBh1IjbNGyKOONjfBbXIskjBq4ajgA_M3KdY-3zJ5aTprBI8UbDodX6vXtdzz7f/s320/Brownie+Bites+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Let the brownies cool completely.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In your mixer, or with your mixer, mix all the frosting ingredients together until smooth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdHI-ZUHYohOwwpvP8eE5nuR4ZIivzVPSU9hLFwEwcIhFVI12iYRu-InfTAycMyIxdpkGJtyPexSF53I04FDCnOlTXmJmJQ2FD4xmGDgRRNtUzjhyKOMEIE4Dg8eCvVd5emHpnwR11AMw/s2048/Brownie+Bites+3.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdHI-ZUHYohOwwpvP8eE5nuR4ZIivzVPSU9hLFwEwcIhFVI12iYRu-InfTAycMyIxdpkGJtyPexSF53I04FDCnOlTXmJmJQ2FD4xmGDgRRNtUzjhyKOMEIE4Dg8eCvVd5emHpnwR11AMw/s320/Brownie+Bites+3.heic" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I used a star tip to plop the frosting on to the brownie. Honestly, you can just frost them, that would be just as good!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy and Go Buckeyes!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo ~ Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-3853656816890848712021-01-03T15:29:00.001-06:002021-01-03T15:29:18.669-06:00Get Rid of the Clutter<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy New Year!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">2021 is starting out with a Bang!</p><p style="text-align: center;">My Buckeyes are going to play for the National Championship, our Christmas presents have all arrived, and the Browns made the playoffs - we are headed up!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Like everyone else I have spent most of the Holidays watching TV, some good, some awful, some interesting.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier in December, I watched a documentary on Netflix called Minimalism. It was these 2 guys who call themselves <a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/" target="_blank">The Minimalists</a> (they have a website and a podcast too) and they talk about how less stuff, equals more joy. Now I can buy into that alittle bit. Having less stuff means less to manage or clean or repair. I don't know that I am all in. But, that documentary got me thinking about all the stuff in my house that I don't use, and don't want. I am going to use January to try and get rid of some of this stuff.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The last documentary featuring this pair (also on Netflix) is called The Minimalists: Less is Now. I thought that the first documentary was better, but it's okay. Spoiler Alert: it ends with a challenge. It's a simple challenge, take one month and for every day get rid of the number of items of that day. For example, get rid of 1 item on the first, 15 items on the 15th. So by the end of the month, you are getting rid of 30/31 items in one day. To me, that is a bit much. I'm not sure I have that much I am ready to part with. Now you don't have to throw it away, you can sell it, donate it, or recycle it, whatever seems appropriate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZlxWm2o6l5Z7du95q4hcQvUEIonIPAAQMMOSQPpfiDpRv5rUi78s7Uw2PK5-oARne61Ar-JDraIKB0zHp-ijByHYdDi2NIAPd7zCylFj3-pVxMcI8A5jZmoreK0JMAWScR1kDdMinoYW/s2048/clutter.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZlxWm2o6l5Z7du95q4hcQvUEIonIPAAQMMOSQPpfiDpRv5rUi78s7Uw2PK5-oARne61Ar-JDraIKB0zHp-ijByHYdDi2NIAPd7zCylFj3-pVxMcI8A5jZmoreK0JMAWScR1kDdMinoYW/s320/clutter.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">In the spirit of this challenge I will be getting rid of one item per day (maybe more, depends) in the month of January. I will post my progress on Instagram (@cwonderful2018) and on twitter (@cyndic88) everyday. I created a donate box, and at the end of the month I will sort it out and figure out what can go to the animal shelter, and what will go to the <a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope this inspires you to clean out the clutter in 2021.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope that it inspires you to </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-73521472568949406242020-12-27T13:04:00.007-06:002020-12-27T19:02:03.606-06:00The Great British Baking Show Viewing Guide<p style="text-align: center;"> Over the past couple of weeks I have been catching up on The Great British Baking Show, all the seasons are on Netflix. I seem to be watching them in reverse order, starting with the latest season and working my way back. I am not sure what it is about that show but I love it. I love all the crazy looking things they make, it is also inspiring me alittle bit in the kitchen. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It can however be alittle it confusing. I thought that I would put together a viewing a guide, that includes a vocabulary section.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How it works.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">It starts with 12 contestants. Each week one will get eliminated.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Every week (episode) has a different theme. Mostly, it's bread or cake. Sometimes it is so way out like vegetarian of Italian week. </p><p style="text-align: center;">There are 3 rounds or 'bakes' every week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/y7vf8xp2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hfMY-ps9rNFcQB16vtSh55R6JPjdnxLuQXXCdSrHoNGpCJGUpS8OHGPPyixUM7q96LrT3EEKd6wvVyLyPukxNZ6KfCg4wJLcSuUjm1CShmhOkNA_cIPv1Xz2kjKz7P2caii26BS_KnIL/s320/Ginger+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Signature: based on the theme of the week, they bake something they designed and have been able to practice all week.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Technical: They don't know what this one will be. The judges assign it and contestants are given a recipe with amounts and steps missing.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Showstopper: Also based on the theme of the week, again the contestants are allowed to design and practice the bake.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Let's talk about the judges. </b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Paul Hollywood, I don't know if that is his real name, and he appears to get some satisfaction from making the contestants squirm. But, then sometimes he hugs them. He's kinda hard to read, but so far he is my favorite.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Prue Leith, I really don't like her. I was with her until she claimed that the prop chocolate babka that they baked, was better than one she had in NYC. Doubtful. Then she said that if cannoli a contestant made was available on the streets in Sicily she would be happy. I question her judging ability. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I cannot wait to get to the Mary Berry seasons. More to come.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/y3ynueyx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJB4uwmoHKntdXh2Q5i9aKePuQY4hxhy-bzGXUC4wZb1Kdww9t5Q-_Qvyr-T-KgB-DXe0rY07Bdg6oT-hehYhTGf35uJSe3H9YkYFBLbaZdWxro3hB0COPApGBViYuWK2cdtIKz7LpMXD/s320/Finished.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Hosts.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Noel and Sandi are my favorite. Still unsure about Matt. I understand earlier episodes have different hosts, so I will update you when I get there.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>Vocabulary.</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Stody: heavy, rich texture</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sponge: a very light cake</p><p style="text-align: center;">Genoise Sponge: a very light cake as well, used in layer cakes</p><p style="text-align: center;">cornflour: cornstarch</p><p style="text-align: center;">rough puff: puff pastry, make with small pieces of butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">Italian meringue: dense meringue, alittle sweeter, used in frosting</p><p style="text-align: center;">dodgy: low quality </p><p style="text-align: center;">proving: proofing the dough, </p><p style="text-align: center;">choux buns: very similar to cream puffs</p><p style="text-align: center;">caster sugar: powdered sugar </p><p style="text-align: center;">baking paper: parchment </p><p style="text-align: center;">strong flour: bread flour</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The further I get into the more I will add to this post. If I missed something, let me know I will update it!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-63765928833912635902020-12-23T21:16:00.003-06:002020-12-23T21:16:50.113-06:00Gingerbread Cake Roll<p style="text-align: center;"> I have had a thing for gingerbread this year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-4QLXNV2YhFsf3I5X1ggd6567LlurM-oC5UEG9uEtZ1cEfJVblFFOQUr2BV9HjOHmKz8EGCeQaD1Lgb2YGjUPO_xemrLjdYLAOzKPjOpy2lUgTfyFzsyqXTkKsMTjARe5P5NfzgYPfYt/s2048/Ginger+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-4QLXNV2YhFsf3I5X1ggd6567LlurM-oC5UEG9uEtZ1cEfJVblFFOQUr2BV9HjOHmKz8EGCeQaD1Lgb2YGjUPO_xemrLjdYLAOzKPjOpy2lUgTfyFzsyqXTkKsMTjARe5P5NfzgYPfYt/s320/Ginger+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have also been into cake rolls. I think that I am watching to much of The Great British Baking Show. I made a pumpkin roll at Thanksgiving and now at Christmas a gingerbread cake roll. I am also planning on spending Christmas Eve day making a yule log. Who knows what is going on.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I looked at alot of recipes when deciding to make this and I will tell you none of them contained items that I had in my pantry. In the days of not wanting to risk my life for mascarpone cheese. I decided to improvise. I really liked the filing I used for the pumpkin roll so I decided to make the gingerbread cake, with the pumpkin roll filling. It worked!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I used a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/gingerbread-cake-roll-4553203">Food Network</a> recipe for the cake.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Cake</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup of flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp each ground cinnamon, all spice and ginger</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp baking soda</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"> 1/4 tsp each ground nutmeg and cloves</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 room temperature eggs</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 Tbsp of melted butter, cooled</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of molasses</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">powdered sugar for dusting</p><p style="text-align: center;">**Warning, you are going to have to separate the eggs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Preheat the oven to 375 and spray and then line with parchment a 11x17 sheet pan, dust the top of the parchment with powdered sugar.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. You will need 3 bowls, one large, one medium and the bowl for your stand mixer.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3. In the large bowl add the molasses, butter and egg yolks, combine.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4. In the medium bowl, combine the flour, all the spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5. In your stand mixer bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar, beat using your whisk attachment until peaks form.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture stir until combined.</p><p style="text-align: center;">7. Add the egg whites, working in batches, gentle fold this into the mixture. </p><p style="text-align: center;">8. Pour onto the sheet pan and spread the mixture evenly. Bake 8-10 minutes until the cake gentle springs back.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9. While the cake is hot, cover the cake with a thin, cotton tea towel, and invert another cookie sheet on top of the towel. Flip the sheets over together. Remove the parchment paper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJOzK0zB2jxRNOBe2iNKCMby1ClBax6UfsCUAwy5f7l2ez9SjY8xSkkQ74Ay2E6QOvSTPPTTOOY3_Cy2nl7deNSc6Stj8U43xO6DDyd7oLrG4llv7j7ZXX1XCOfk0m2KsIWp7GvmmQvLk/s2048/Ginger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJOzK0zB2jxRNOBe2iNKCMby1ClBax6UfsCUAwy5f7l2ez9SjY8xSkkQ74Ay2E6QOvSTPPTTOOY3_Cy2nl7deNSc6Stj8U43xO6DDyd7oLrG4llv7j7ZXX1XCOfk0m2KsIWp7GvmmQvLk/s320/Ginger+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">10. Starting at the short end, roll the cake and towel together. Move to a cooling rack, allow the cake to completely cool. </p><p style="text-align: center;">** to speed this up, you can put the cake in the frig.**</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Filling</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">This is a the filling to the <a href="https://www.verybestbaking.com/libbys/recipes/libby-s-pumpkin-roll/">Libby's</a> pumpkin roll.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8 oz package of cream cheese at room temperature</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup of powdered sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">6 TBSP of butter softened</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp vanilla extract</p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Add everything into a large bowl.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Beat until combined</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once your filling is complete, unroll your cake, spread the evenly spread the filling, and then re-roll the cake without the towel. Trim off any uneven ends. Cover in plastic wrap. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYMa91Ns8E5yIohIliC1wdO9ujBpGTzMXnqJMKUzmJev_fktZtqgyThVQqRvt6XwhLAAf_g_ETahyphenhyphenB_w_foj3ZYX2Vlt5Njxj21VrYbDBtDnHCzSP7w51Uv5-ejGaig7aoddm4A64HyIW/s2048/Ginger+4.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYMa91Ns8E5yIohIliC1wdO9ujBpGTzMXnqJMKUzmJev_fktZtqgyThVQqRvt6XwhLAAf_g_ETahyphenhyphenB_w_foj3ZYX2Vlt5Njxj21VrYbDBtDnHCzSP7w51Uv5-ejGaig7aoddm4A64HyIW/s320/Ginger+4.heic" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Pop that in the frig for an hour ( or a day, I also do it a day before), sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-12790089926901600842020-12-22T20:03:00.002-06:002020-12-22T20:03:51.920-06:00Great Holiday Movies and Where to Watch Them<p style="text-align: center;"> Since it's we are all about to be on Christmas break, with no where to go or to be, I thought that I would share with you my favorite Holiday movies and where you can watch them!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <b>National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. </b>This is my all time favorite Christmas movie. If you have AMC you can watch it on demand, or it is available for purchase through Amazon. We bought a copy a few years ago, because I could not go with out it, or watch it on network TV.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JqV260x3uGM" width="320" youtube-src-id="JqV260x3uGM"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. <b>White Christmas.</b> This is where Bing Crosby tap dances with Danny 'Fucking" Kaye. It is on Netflix, and it also has George Clooney's Aunt in it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7S-IidmcSN8" width="320" youtube-src-id="7S-IidmcSN8"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">3. <b>A Christmas Story. </b>This movie reminds me of my Grandma, she would howl with laughter at the Chinese restaurant scene. You can find in on demand through TNT.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xTq20prt0K8" width="320" youtube-src-id="xTq20prt0K8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <b>Bridget Jones Diary. </b>Yes it is a Christmas Movie! You can find on Hulu or Starz!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ppXzXbshR7A" width="320" youtube-src-id="ppXzXbshR7A"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <b>Holidate. </b>This is a new one this year, and I love it. On Netflix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hxaaAoI57fk" width="320" youtube-src-id="hxaaAoI57fk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. <b>How the Grinch Stole Christmas. </b>On Netflix. I usually do not like alot of Jim Carrey, but for some reason I love this movie. Maybe because of Cindy (or Cyndi) Lou-Who?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BlcYd_arZYE" width="320" youtube-src-id="BlcYd_arZYE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. <b>The Christmas Ornament. </b>The only Hallmark movie to make the list. It's sad and sweet. Swoon...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wab6fJuoI9k" width="320" youtube-src-id="wab6fJuoI9k"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That should get you started. Any suggestions on ones I should add?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-49645215726980376502020-12-20T15:08:00.006-06:002020-12-20T15:12:24.084-06:00How to get the best Customer Service this Holiday season<p style="text-align: center;"> I have worked in customer service and account management for a long time. The Holiday season, is not my favorite. People are most certainly not jolly this time of year, and I can say I have taken some of the worst calls of my career in the days leading up to and after December 25th.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In the spirit of making life alittle easier for those who are still answering those calls, and for you. I thought that I would offer up some tips on how you can get what you need without losing your cool with the trained professional on the other end of the line, whose job it is to know more about the product you bought than you.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1. This is the worst. The phone rings and you answer in your best Customer Service voice and say "How can I help you?" and you are meant with, "I hope you can help me." Stop right there. That is demeaning to say to the agent on the phone. Realize this, it is their whole job, I mean the way they feed their kids, to help you. That is a sure fire way to make sure the agent will not go out of their way for you. That call is by the book all the way. So please stop doing that.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Read the instruction manual. It will save you so much time. It will also stop you from feeling like a idiot when the agent asks you what step you are on. Literally we trained agents to work off the instruction manual that came with the product and it solved 95% of problems customers had.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Keep your receipt. If you do need a part or a replacement you will need your receipt. Even if your Momma's cousin's neighbor gave you it, you will need the receipt. </p><p style="text-align: center;">**As a side note, unless you have purchased directly from the manufacturer, there is a 75% chance the agent cannot 'look it up' - especially if you have purchased from Amazon.**</p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Know your warranty. Alot of times there is nothing an agent can do if you call in 120 days into a 60 day warranty, even if you say "we just put it together" - how do we know that?</p><p style="text-align: center;">**How to avoid this - even if you are not going to use it right away, open the box, make sure all the parts are there, plug in it, and makes sure everything works and is not damaged. This is worth it on high ticket items.**</p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Send an email. This is a much faster and easier way to resolve issues, that waiting on hold for an agent. In the email describe the problem, include a copy of your receipt, pictures of any issues (if possible) and your address in case they need to send you any parts. Most requests that come in like this will be resolved in one interaction. Using the chat function on the web site will also work.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Work with the agent. Most companies will not overnight to you a part on Christmas Eve. It's not going to happen. Spare us the my kids are going to be some disappointed you are not going to have UPS delivery to our house on Christmas morning speech. This is how this works. How much you paid vs. the estimated cost of expediated delivery. They will get it to you as soon as they can. If it is that important of a gift, open it right away and put in together, just in case.</p><p style="text-align: center;">7. I will write a bad review about your company on line. Don't be this person. Don't. Because the retailer will call the manufacturer about it, they will pull the tape of your un-responsible request and then the retailer will remove your post. That is the beauty of the recorded for training purposes message. So don't waste people's time. </p><p style="text-align: center;">8. I will return it. That only really works for items over $100. That is the number that matters. Most likely you will get a "I'm sorry you feel that way, please let us know what we can do to help you in the future." </p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Do not accept deliveries that are damaged. If you come home to it damaged, take pictures and contact the manufacturer. More than likely they are going to have you contact the carrier and open a claim, because once it leaves their dock, there is not much they can do about it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Request Signature Required. Especially for high ticket items. Most retailers will replace some items, but again, is it about the dollar value. These policies keep changing so if you have any concerns, request a signature. It is easier to stand in line at Fedex to get your package than try and get it replaced.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Remember these are my experiences, and I do not speak for all agents or companies, some are alittle better, so are alittle worse. The biggest thing I want to communicate is this. Be Nice, and be prepared. Remember the agent, doesn't make the policies, they just enforce it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a fun and safe Holiday season!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">xo~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-78622929441130536432020-12-06T13:22:00.000-06:002020-12-06T13:22:10.241-06:00Back to the Office<p style="text-align: center;">Sorry that I have been alittle missing in action lately. I am back in the office, and that is requiring me to commute, and time to get ready in the mornings, so it's adding alittle time to my day. The first couple of weeks were alittle exhausting if I am being honest. Some of it, is that I started a new job, so training and all of that is taking up my energy. I think I have finally gotten into a new routine. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIpuhj1FFVI-SZdlSKa0R9NbgkH3chCMs70b6fgnoLbUemDBWtwBpyVTFx_Mlf6iGOH2Jr_boo1BJGv0-3hxtTVi4u_qE7e460ocXFt40-PeA4KWDzVJDwL9jHb37BXDX-O3vo6ZIi5nf/s2048/work+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIpuhj1FFVI-SZdlSKa0R9NbgkH3chCMs70b6fgnoLbUemDBWtwBpyVTFx_Mlf6iGOH2Jr_boo1BJGv0-3hxtTVi4u_qE7e460ocXFt40-PeA4KWDzVJDwL9jHb37BXDX-O3vo6ZIi5nf/s320/work+1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am lucky, I joined a small company with a huge building, that had just been remodeled, and they prepared for growth. Some people have there own sections, we are definitively properly social distanced. Being back in the office is very different. One has to wonder if this the wave of the future?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Masks are required if in any of the common areas.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Meetings requiring more than 2 people are still happening over zoom.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Many tables have been removed from the lunch room, and there is only one person to a table. We are encouraged to eat at our desks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">No potlucks, no company lunches, no happy hours.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Nobody really drops by anybody's desk to visit. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We have a very nice man who walks around a couple of times a day wiping down handles and door knobs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know that some people are back to work and some people are not. I am glad to be back in the office. I was not terribly disciplined when I was working from home. Yes, I took a shower every morning, and put on clean yoga pants, and I got my work done. But, I also drank too much coffee, and ate too many cookies, and sometimes I would walk from my office to my bed at 5:00 and take a nap with the cats.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now that I am back in the office, I am wearing real pants, drinking more water, getting more steps. It has been good for the entire household. I know I am lucky, not kids to worry about online school, just me and Hubs to think about, so I understand it is easier for me to go back. Right now it is not for everyone and who knows when it will be.</p><p style="text-align: center;">What I really struggle with is after work. I feel like the months I spent at home where like a time warp. When we first started isolating, you could go into a store without a mask. I would stop a couple of nights a week at the grocery store for something we needed, or at Target or whatever. Those days are gone. No more retail therapy after a hard day at work. Just straight to the car, and then straight home. This is very good for my wallet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I would love to know if you are back in the office and if so how it is going?</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo ~Cyn </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-6234804470786575312020-11-01T16:25:00.002-06:002020-11-04T09:34:33.446-06:00Snacking Cake<p style="text-align: center;"> It's cold and windy here today.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was time to bake some to warm up the house and the soul.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I originally saw this recipe in one of my Martha Stewart Living magazines.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I love Martha, I really do, but the average kitchen probably doesn't have some of the ingredients that her recipes call for. Being that it was cold and windy, I was not going to head out to the store to pick up some cardamom or safflower oil. Below is my version, if you want to see the original version, click here <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/1551294/spiced-snacking-cake" target="_blank">Spiced Snacking Cake</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvLJ7MzdDBtxnA4PJep6ndwjIQy3zK9Q9xcQP7p6Fsg77AsGZ4Z496_aUviqoSuuzIXjr2rdW7_fBWMPUER93lcVTB2xdfZZplak7KprC_UpP2k7352iN2lfPBD5Mo6Yi01Mb_EUJ5PE_/s2048/Cake+final.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvLJ7MzdDBtxnA4PJep6ndwjIQy3zK9Q9xcQP7p6Fsg77AsGZ4Z496_aUviqoSuuzIXjr2rdW7_fBWMPUER93lcVTB2xdfZZplak7KprC_UpP2k7352iN2lfPBD5Mo6Yi01Mb_EUJ5PE_/s320/Cake+final.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What I used:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Cake:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of vegetable oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 1/4 cups of flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon of baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt *</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 teaspoon of nutmeg</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 large egg, plus one large egg yolk, at room temperature</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of vegetable oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 cups of sour cream</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 1/3 teaspoons vanilla extract</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 tablespoons of whole milk</p><p style="text-align: center;">**I did not have whole milk, so I used 1 1/2 tablespoons of 1% milk, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of half and half)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81pGksUXZL_z1hCORuYqEWIikUFTckiOCjihgWU8I4UDBcEc2ToLMEmpHAfHCtcLsdIgiqjOKn5jGKGrKtlHiguFKl-wzxhb9FzeUB6PpR0f4lz0rG0UWcY_4lEZxDyEPVIvA0Bgk3Q1d/s2048/whole+milk+sub.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81pGksUXZL_z1hCORuYqEWIikUFTckiOCjihgWU8I4UDBcEc2ToLMEmpHAfHCtcLsdIgiqjOKn5jGKGrKtlHiguFKl-wzxhb9FzeUB6PpR0f4lz0rG0UWcY_4lEZxDyEPVIvA0Bgk3Q1d/s320/whole+milk+sub.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Icing:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of powdered sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">Beans from one vanilla bean **</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 tablespoons of half and half</p><p style="text-align: center;">* if you are using table salt, use one 1 full teaspoon</p><p style="text-align: center;">**if you do not have whole vanilla beans, use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How to do it:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Preheat your oven to 350. Get your eggs out of the frig. Using a 9x13 pan, line it with parchment paper, this will make the cake easier to remove.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mix all the dry ingredients, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg into a large bowl.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mix all the wet ingredients, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, milk, together in a medium bowl.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stir together until well mixed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pour mixture into the 9x13pan, and even out the batter and smooth the top.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELO9YvCIlnALCJwEtNW0_o4KCgYJo6ecMKLxMvAOssC97cru3gHQay48QKVo8wmZ27IxOjUO_n26dgw4gPEogBz-rTLo5SKzqYPIixXYcQuPu-ra7XdZxhhU5kt-QVuuF3CiGPtTnIXfR/s2048/2020-11-01_13-42-35_131+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELO9YvCIlnALCJwEtNW0_o4KCgYJo6ecMKLxMvAOssC97cru3gHQay48QKVo8wmZ27IxOjUO_n26dgw4gPEogBz-rTLo5SKzqYPIixXYcQuPu-ra7XdZxhhU5kt-QVuuF3CiGPtTnIXfR/s320/2020-11-01_13-42-35_131+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDczJdMyLmhiKV-rvmwAGNO9TW7qbNqwMMrZkoG2ttlirNXe7Tfe2XeQ3e86w5DuFpjjRgtY8IRB_KeNgQLFOXSYMwYIEMRgCHOoqMg6Q92t9yxuUGdQlq0FCA2GswOaY1hpQ3By8COnp7/s2048/out+of+the+oven.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDczJdMyLmhiKV-rvmwAGNO9TW7qbNqwMMrZkoG2ttlirNXe7Tfe2XeQ3e86w5DuFpjjRgtY8IRB_KeNgQLFOXSYMwYIEMRgCHOoqMg6Q92t9yxuUGdQlq0FCA2GswOaY1hpQ3By8COnp7/s320/out+of+the+oven.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Let it cool for 30-45 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Make the icing, by combining all the ingredients and mixing well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pour over the cake, and spread out evenly.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-90123976078934326532020-10-27T19:29:00.005-05:002020-10-27T19:29:50.484-05:00Homemade <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lIN2R8_04dppcxPcXFlRh0IkyrAW7-dFMVhRtiXuZQe0Jtnvd9rJc9DrUMtLmkVZMtPX2b6CjIvvs2qVlXDwy4iGa78hXJAtPrp5u1uYED-SKTthAKNjbJTCsTfcbhHDyMweM3wcniFy/s2048/Scarves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lIN2R8_04dppcxPcXFlRh0IkyrAW7-dFMVhRtiXuZQe0Jtnvd9rJc9DrUMtLmkVZMtPX2b6CjIvvs2qVlXDwy4iGa78hXJAtPrp5u1uYED-SKTthAKNjbJTCsTfcbhHDyMweM3wcniFy/s320/Scarves.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h8yb5RR90TayOhp6TOafKWXOTXtkXRZTm8LyWmXty-l-DUv2QtPAwmH4lbmye7LdWaGtWXcVP04J2PLYWl2ypTUT-FssIXaljRjSO1h5pNIyznZ3TKpAXtORhuymTyldMv6fRqNNv5CY/s2048/JEAN+WINE+BAG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h8yb5RR90TayOhp6TOafKWXOTXtkXRZTm8LyWmXty-l-DUv2QtPAwmH4lbmye7LdWaGtWXcVP04J2PLYWl2ypTUT-FssIXaljRjSO1h5pNIyznZ3TKpAXtORhuymTyldMv6fRqNNv5CY/s320/JEAN+WINE+BAG.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvZ3YH88FVKt1SwLywv3eTe3MqZ_Pe0gv8_ciaeFP5SIs7LNAXINMIaTniXbBM5k2EUPWZ6lwNFLq0x_ndIFqhP3jdm8vIbWOV5BQM68V5d9YiA7nJ3jJ60koPt7YitIuPrX-gJ9hfaQ0/s2048/pumpkin+wine+glasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvZ3YH88FVKt1SwLywv3eTe3MqZ_Pe0gv8_ciaeFP5SIs7LNAXINMIaTniXbBM5k2EUPWZ6lwNFLq0x_ndIFqhP3jdm8vIbWOV5BQM68V5d9YiA7nJ3jJ60koPt7YitIuPrX-gJ9hfaQ0/s320/pumpkin+wine+glasses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top">We are so happy to announce the launch of Homemade. This is a line of hand crafted items that are great to give as gifts or as a gift to yourself. We were hoping that 2020 would be the year that we launched the line in person in local craft shows. However, as we know, this has been a year that has not gone as planned, so we have decided to launch on-line.<br /><br />We are so excited about our line of scarves, we think that scarves are going to be big this winter, especially long ones that might be used as a convenient face covering for quick trips. <br /><br />In addition to the stock items that we are offering, we also customized items. We can customize scarves by colors, and size. We are also happy to customize the wine glasses and wine bags by color and design. <br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-top: 1px solid rgb(224, 224, 224); min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h3 style="color: #444444; font-size: 22px; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Handmade so you don't have to.</h3><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">We feel like scarves are going to be big this year. Give the gift of a homemade one. Don't worry we won't tell if you don't. </p><ul><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;">Scarves are $20/each and if you order more than one the price drops to $15/each</li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;">Wine glasses are $5, with a set of 4 priced at $20</li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;">Wine bags are $7/each.</li></ul><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Orders can be placed by direct message on Facebook or by email me directly at cyndi@cynfullywonderful.com</p>Please feel free to reach out me with any questions!<br /><br />~Cyn</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-3864541947662004242020-10-24T15:31:00.000-05:002020-11-04T09:34:54.112-06:00Upside Down Apple Spice Cake<p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes this time of year, the just feels cold to me. Like it needs a good warm up. In my opinion, nothing warms up the house like baking a cake.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNovlhmHl6hivRMuDEW1HVPS7Xl2o9yj4cNQTdtG3ZFppM3MX2yMZe6VcejZdD7BnNeTuOut11gimzm_cBneLmA9iY0MPlxu8bhbYaZ_ZXkIiK85MOuiidMAQbNsQ9ElLaezf-um5F-if/s2048/Finished.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNovlhmHl6hivRMuDEW1HVPS7Xl2o9yj4cNQTdtG3ZFppM3MX2yMZe6VcejZdD7BnNeTuOut11gimzm_cBneLmA9iY0MPlxu8bhbYaZ_ZXkIiK85MOuiidMAQbNsQ9ElLaezf-um5F-if/s320/Finished.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This is a really easy one to put together.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I made mine in a cast iron skillet, but this could be make in a regular cake pan by melting the butter before adding it to the pan.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGN7Ruf0ina4fmzNZgX8Yxu-t3BfscKuH9s4LAntQstwdvBd7B9O8oBHwMNtW4cFbHW2gKSD3lDlFBee7gEG8RffCihsLW8rgU4R8pXy0HKGwoDZwJIS-xhlB_RcujShlXW6LOImTQeTN/s2048/ASC+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGN7Ruf0ina4fmzNZgX8Yxu-t3BfscKuH9s4LAntQstwdvBd7B9O8oBHwMNtW4cFbHW2gKSD3lDlFBee7gEG8RffCihsLW8rgU4R8pXy0HKGwoDZwJIS-xhlB_RcujShlXW6LOImTQeTN/s320/ASC+1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What you Need: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Spice Cake Mix</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 Apples, any kind, peeled, cored and sliced</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How you do it:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven based on the mix instructions.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Peel, Core and slice apples</p><p style="text-align: center;">Prepare the cake mix</p><p style="text-align: center;">Melt the butter in the cast iron skillet on the stove.</p><p style="text-align: center;">**Pro Tip: as the butter melts, use a spatula to spread some of the melted butter up the sides of the pan. This will help with removing the cake from the pan**</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the brown sugar to to the butter and spread it out evenly in the pan.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the sliced apples, to the butter and brown sugar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDddyzhLLP1pDsLCRgvj-u8mgxlfgIJNkjJYyukgDV39CL_pqYLxAGy7f7Pktm3CBTP5sDRgxzHBFESgLNkgSvDNax-iMRhJR23tjmF6srT2GCKX2ecLV3EcfICe8ftdfQScMu4gmqnhb/s2048/ASC+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDddyzhLLP1pDsLCRgvj-u8mgxlfgIJNkjJYyukgDV39CL_pqYLxAGy7f7Pktm3CBTP5sDRgxzHBFESgLNkgSvDNax-iMRhJR23tjmF6srT2GCKX2ecLV3EcfICe8ftdfQScMu4gmqnhb/s320/ASC+2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Let the apples cook for 2-3 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pour the prepared cake mix on top of the apple mixture.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bake according to the mix instructions, mine was 350 for 25 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 2 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Invert the cake onto a serving plate and let it cool.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy! It's really good, especially with alittle bit of whipped cream!</p><p style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-90080534927776219332020-10-23T09:41:00.002-05:002020-10-23T12:28:46.996-05:00What to Watch - Fall Edition <p style="text-align: center;"> People it looks like it is going to be a long winter.</p><p style="text-align: center;">They are predicting alot of precipitation (snow) for the Midwest this year. That means this girl will be in the house. I have lived in the Midwest my entire life, and I be really honest, not a super fan of the snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am a fan of sitting in a comfy chair, with a hot chocolate, watching it snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier in the year, I made a <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y5gp4cms">Pandemic Playlist</a>, of shows that I recommended, and I am positive that by now you are looking for something else to watch.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Netflix</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Kim's Convenience - </b>the story of the Kim family and their convenience store, and customers, and friends. It is very funny. The episodes are around 20-22 minutes, so it is perfect to binge, and hard to stop watching. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/upzw0Nq1e-A" width="320" youtube-src-id="upzw0Nq1e-A"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Unsolved Mysteries - </b>This is not your Momma's Unsolved Mysteries, all new cases, 2 seasons are available. I will say I do miss Robert Stack.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Crown - </b>Now is the time to get caught up. Season 4 is going to drop on November 15th. Just a reminder, Diana is coming in Season 4 - get caught up now!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Hulu</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Fargo - </b>It is in it's 4th season, each season is a separate story. It is great and filled with stars. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B_59JFvO6Gg" width="320" youtube-src-id="B_59JFvO6Gg"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>A Wilderness of Error - </b>this is for my true crime fans, it re-examines the Dr. Jeffery MacDonald, you know from the 80's mini-series, Fatal Vision. There is also a accompanying podcast. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Cutthroat Kitchen - </b>this is alittle bit older Food Network show, and it is awesome. Alton Brown is the host and it puts chefs through the best challenges. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Amazon Prime</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">All movies this time, or as I like to call it, something to watch on Thursday night.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Guarding Tess - </b>The life of a former first lady and her secret service detail.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c3S54aU4H44" width="320" youtube-src-id="c3S54aU4H44"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>St. Elmo's Fire - </b>young Rob Lowe, do you need to know anything else?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Planes, Trains and Automobiles - </b>just in time for Thanksgiving. The classic Steve Martian and John Candy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FuZNswuwAxM" width="320" youtube-src-id="FuZNswuwAxM"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, this is the last one I will need to put out, but I'm working a Christmas list just in case!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I tweet alot (<a href="https://twitter.com/cyndic88" target="_blank">@cyndic88</a>) about what I am watching, so follow me for more recommendations!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Stay Safe!</p><p style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-60509183177554774902020-10-20T13:26:00.003-05:002020-10-20T13:26:57.063-05:00Stocking Your Winter Pantry<p style="text-align: center;"> When I was alittle girl, I spent alot of time with my Grandparents, I remember trips to pick strawberries and hours spent on the porch shelling peas. Every summer they had what I thought was the biggest garden in the world. I would watch as my Grandma would can tomatoes, and peas and beans for the winter.</p><p style="text-align: center;">She would send me down the basement, to get a jar of beans from what seemed like the world's scariest fruit cellar. This tradition of stock up for the winter continues in my family. We all have gardens, although none as big as my Grandparents. None of us can our vegetables, but we freeze our tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn. My favorite think to do in the late summer is to make a big batch of vegetable soup to freeze and enjoy in February.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13G1WXfqYs8TuPtDbrDutoYlJoJ-R9qiZd98h1_hp77t7BO6SuOoBKrMpqJEejMexgYALsJId2izdqzkVmxYvjCSAwNEFekdzSbA3YCxB_DUXuN85IBUKeW-PjyODLX1C91dUROiur8OS/s2048/Veggie+Soup.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13G1WXfqYs8TuPtDbrDutoYlJoJ-R9qiZd98h1_hp77t7BO6SuOoBKrMpqJEejMexgYALsJId2izdqzkVmxYvjCSAwNEFekdzSbA3YCxB_DUXuN85IBUKeW-PjyODLX1C91dUROiur8OS/s320/Veggie+Soup.jpeg" /></a></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Because we live in the Midwest, sometimes going to the grocery store can be a major inconvenience. Think 20 degrees and 4 inches of fresh snow. This is why I like to build up my pantry as winter approaches. Now I know that some people would call this hoarding, but buying a couple extra cans of chili beans every now and then is not hoarding. This year, more than ever, it seems like it going to be necessary to have some what of a winter pantry in place. As a second wave is hitting our state, we are less likely to want to make multiple trips to the grocery store over the course of a week. It's nice to know that on a Saturday morning that I can make a pot of soup and some bread with what I have in the house. No need to run to the store.</div><p style="text-align: center;">When we moved into our house, we happy to see that the previous owners had left a set of cabinets in laundry room, and that I have been using for overflow, and it really helpful, expect when I am in the middle of making dinner and I have to run down there really quick.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWu4qH7DuEf1019bu3tAzNMydmtiOetz5AtfODtlaroMhnnaKxWgKqsGfHvfpYR95r439eMLdxi-mGHrZbPmTeBld9SCFnVekFcGt33cYS8025EWANOoDQcUkX6mJ6EAXy8JgUmPNf8vt/s2048/Downstairs+Pantry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWu4qH7DuEf1019bu3tAzNMydmtiOetz5AtfODtlaroMhnnaKxWgKqsGfHvfpYR95r439eMLdxi-mGHrZbPmTeBld9SCFnVekFcGt33cYS8025EWANOoDQcUkX6mJ6EAXy8JgUmPNf8vt/s320/Downstairs+Pantry.jpeg" /></a></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;">To get started on building your pantry, the first step is always to take a quick inventory. This is also a great time to clean out our cupboards and get rid (or donate if they are still before their expiration date). Think about non food items too like foil, and sandwich bags.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I do not make chili in the Spring or the Summer, so I always pick up beans to add to my pantry. Do your cooking patterns change with the weather? Make sure these items are added to the list.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I also pick up evaporated milk, and instant coffee, these will be used in only the most extreme emergency.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I plan for extra staples, item like flour, sugar and butter (the trinity) because I tend to do alot of baking in the winter so I always make sure to have plenty of butter in the freezer and flour and sugar in the pantry.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Going through the freezer is also a good idea. Again, while you are taking an inventory, clean out, and maybe defrost the freezer getting ready for the winter ahead. I like to make sure that I have chicken and ground beef which are the base for alot of dinners.</p><p style="text-align: center;">While you are looking into the pantry, it is also a good idea to look at your household products. Think about toilet paper, toothbrushes, and things like shampoo.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once you have your list, you can shop for the items during your regular shopping for the next couple of weeks. I try to wait for items to go on sale. With items that you are shopping for all the time (ie: cookies) pick an extra one up each time. Make sure to watch the expiration dates on items. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I will still be necessary to go to the store for milk, veggies, and things, but having this well stocked pantry will help cut down on the trips, and the length of time that you will need to linger in the store.</p><p style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-48270228992023840012020-10-03T15:45:00.001-05:002020-10-03T15:45:23.268-05:00Easy (and cute) Halloween Crafts<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">It is officially October! Time to start decorating for Halloween.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Here are 2 really cute and quick crafts that would be a fun project for the family.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Witch Wreath</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">This cost me $4 dollars and 20 minutes of my time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL7obOTX37_VCT3EMqs8JdBcrWC9DlxtXSem9Ah0W_sWRuWd6icFKW0tnc4p3rQWWLV14_fLqUHlZCAbWsDTL9ktrdJxjeYBej9-o32VjO_Od-65dhkX1QLfcPK7JmOn2T0Q8naCalNwy/s2048/Finished+Witch+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL7obOTX37_VCT3EMqs8JdBcrWC9DlxtXSem9Ah0W_sWRuWd6icFKW0tnc4p3rQWWLV14_fLqUHlZCAbWsDTL9ktrdJxjeYBej9-o32VjO_Od-65dhkX1QLfcPK7JmOn2T0Q8naCalNwy/s320/Finished+Witch+1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What you will need:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-6hyphenhyphen00X5lw_iFOhXgApYzKXtNrZ3x-T-lCBXsMlu37oI75Zz8jfcN4B7Qu9kchPXJ2b990CnpjcqYp4hIYM8qspygHe1aTWoCCAs7h8JZkwKqeT3AjP9z1zwkHDEVzNJjL4UzMlEsf8Z/s2048/Witch+Supplies+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-6hyphenhyphen00X5lw_iFOhXgApYzKXtNrZ3x-T-lCBXsMlu37oI75Zz8jfcN4B7Qu9kchPXJ2b990CnpjcqYp4hIYM8qspygHe1aTWoCCAs7h8JZkwKqeT3AjP9z1zwkHDEVzNJjL4UzMlEsf8Z/s320/Witch+Supplies+.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">14" wire wreath</p><p style="text-align: center;">Black plastic table cloth</p><p style="text-align: center;">Witches Legs </p><p style="text-align: center;">Witches Hat</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tacky Glue</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hanging Ribbon</p><p style="text-align: center;">Clothespins or sewing clips</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How to do it:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Start by attaching your hanging ribbon to the wreath, securing it with tacky glue. It is so much easier to do it before you start and then it is a clear marker as to the top of the wreath.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianqVLFT6AfVba-HqfGEoqHNzTN1yA08TaxsyDqrgo6-uE0d4PzgTyHeXiU6Pb2Ar565VSj4wN-bMFpz4f2FzHCaqRAq8Iy9fNDxTz7r8ftkVYdPkRQ_pYUDJ2V55SWFkHN_n3eZFL_g-e/s2048/Hanging+Ribbon+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianqVLFT6AfVba-HqfGEoqHNzTN1yA08TaxsyDqrgo6-uE0d4PzgTyHeXiU6Pb2Ar565VSj4wN-bMFpz4f2FzHCaqRAq8Iy9fNDxTz7r8ftkVYdPkRQ_pYUDJ2V55SWFkHN_n3eZFL_g-e/s320/Hanging+Ribbon+.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Attached the legs. These were originally some kind of doorknob hanging, so I separated them from the ring and the looped them around the wire wreath, attached them with tacky glue, and the secured them in place with sewing clips (you can also use clothespins).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0EWYiC5_crrOrf9dyFfy-2XyDMBn1-12Gt4f7A6hFS4jdcOlOJ89tG0f3_HaPSWIBVGtgkGQrq2U65ku2ZuhGFT6Eu_N9wy4oviSwvZaXgas3rDm3FbpBjt-9w3ROrjzS3J1filkoXUG/s2048/Cape.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0EWYiC5_crrOrf9dyFfy-2XyDMBn1-12Gt4f7A6hFS4jdcOlOJ89tG0f3_HaPSWIBVGtgkGQrq2U65ku2ZuhGFT6Eu_N9wy4oviSwvZaXgas3rDm3FbpBjt-9w3ROrjzS3J1filkoXUG/s320/Cape.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz8j4xVXtuS4LRT8WLvJFMk8emgJPvPc2P_xzWOONEbaWYxga7HZ3A-v7eIGzUVbk0t_Wy9brGFd77QbB1ebSznjTtiGnaXiDHW6IY9h0ONeNAwX5Vq5uWbZi_RdnrmLH5G1e-Rt_UgoE/s2048/Legs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz8j4xVXtuS4LRT8WLvJFMk8emgJPvPc2P_xzWOONEbaWYxga7HZ3A-v7eIGzUVbk0t_Wy9brGFd77QbB1ebSznjTtiGnaXiDHW6IY9h0ONeNAwX5Vq5uWbZi_RdnrmLH5G1e-Rt_UgoE/s320/Legs.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Next is her cape. I used a black plastic tablecloth, I cut off 1/3 of it and then cut a free form wave it. to attach it to the wreath, fold it over the wire wreath and tacky glue itself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiBeBEkgNiOxo49Lje1sZb_7pi1Q6PMK2MYU7nVytqzH-nq2TAZqz4a_D8HUjRwdWpOml7RSGUouu3kL2Ya1LHZDeaVGm8x4Hk5BcABv7QBL8gkpG0U1pEG0OlAIdPxGsXhEGtT86lU2p/s2048/Cape.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiBeBEkgNiOxo49Lje1sZb_7pi1Q6PMK2MYU7nVytqzH-nq2TAZqz4a_D8HUjRwdWpOml7RSGUouu3kL2Ya1LHZDeaVGm8x4Hk5BcABv7QBL8gkpG0U1pEG0OlAIdPxGsXhEGtT86lU2p/s320/Cape.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. The most important part, attach her hat! Line the hat with tacky glue and attach it to the cape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60dhgvba_kso7NQVxwwFtDyJ7AIccHkq7730b7ZLeDCb7WmIpktc9n1QpVAYRy6ZUhOUSzsu_nz8BMaWizkgvKeBJmrREPSqcu6kAojbBvb7Km4wwL7HOIkGaVK_c2QSypGQCeeTHE11F/s2048/Hat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60dhgvba_kso7NQVxwwFtDyJ7AIccHkq7730b7ZLeDCb7WmIpktc9n1QpVAYRy6ZUhOUSzsu_nz8BMaWizkgvKeBJmrREPSqcu6kAojbBvb7Km4wwL7HOIkGaVK_c2QSypGQCeeTHE11F/s320/Hat.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always let projects that require alot of glue to dry for 24 hours, and then I hang them up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIZ65_VF5N051HIYgGagaWfaYmLYrUC-T5sGymJIUQq-KeZVFWOjjysC3GzsRFWaadgn2-DaItZS3TJYro2Of3Q71KxycE8P1hGDc3T-slJGi8YltW9v82nHB5KHhZwnuypllnf9mxPtm/s2048/Finished+Witch+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIZ65_VF5N051HIYgGagaWfaYmLYrUC-T5sGymJIUQq-KeZVFWOjjysC3GzsRFWaadgn2-DaItZS3TJYro2Of3Q71KxycE8P1hGDc3T-slJGi8YltW9v82nHB5KHhZwnuypllnf9mxPtm/s320/Finished+Witch+2.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pumpkin Flowers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are cute just to sit out in your kitchen or living room. The whole project was $5!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYndKfWO489ru40qDKaoT5Ep497Q-DxH40yvCwnsjoQ-RfTwh2IHa2gnL0se1YkhVkZ6tvPy9VvSAq_asL88fJbohZxiEkJ6i_x2LhPe3JbykWmia74a7UMzt_maAtP6CbfmTDaX5_rHH/s2048/Finished+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYndKfWO489ru40qDKaoT5Ep497Q-DxH40yvCwnsjoQ-RfTwh2IHa2gnL0se1YkhVkZ6tvPy9VvSAq_asL88fJbohZxiEkJ6i_x2LhPe3JbykWmia74a7UMzt_maAtP6CbfmTDaX5_rHH/s320/Finished+1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What you need:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Floral block</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mini plastic pumpkins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black (plastic) roses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>How to do it:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Cut pieces of floral block to fit in the pumpkins. Make sure that you cut them on covered surface, they make a mess. I find cutting them with a seared knife is the easiest way to cut them. Insert the floral block into the pumpkin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCET4wiNb4bR-YefNWLHYMGOOHquWFEe2Hw7eHBDDwTe_hGzu6xG7jlXOsYNHqIniNXDeOsg915-OIzzom7kWYseURWLi3Yzx4ShDSq_1nuIGoNlFk6Zb0S7AkFk-ZQuRRzCl44LJVJXi/s2048/Flower+block.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCET4wiNb4bR-YefNWLHYMGOOHquWFEe2Hw7eHBDDwTe_hGzu6xG7jlXOsYNHqIniNXDeOsg915-OIzzom7kWYseURWLi3Yzx4ShDSq_1nuIGoNlFk6Zb0S7AkFk-ZQuRRzCl44LJVJXi/s320/Flower+block.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Remove the bloom and leaves from the black roses. Push the bloom into the floral block and insert the leaves around the bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4xm3xVDlv71-aI6hBHaFvw3wFT7jUZZbH8F1gcspVEPebPcYkfzA_oyZb1ON890OO4U0eaVJmcMv2a6Calgx3Hzlmy8-i7A6iTIy-YO3PCa6pgJTOzP_yYIJQYJNZ2JyAl08DMnzaZFI/s2048/Finished+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4xm3xVDlv71-aI6hBHaFvw3wFT7jUZZbH8F1gcspVEPebPcYkfzA_oyZb1ON890OO4U0eaVJmcMv2a6Calgx3Hzlmy8-i7A6iTIy-YO3PCa6pgJTOzP_yYIJQYJNZ2JyAl08DMnzaZFI/s320/Finished+1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Done. Easy. Cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Cyn</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-18264839932023409402020-10-01T10:07:00.001-05:002020-10-01T12:40:02.756-05:00Sneak Peak at October Newsletter<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy October!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Below is a sneak peak at our October Newsletter.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sign-Up today to continue to receive this exclusive content monthly!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #fafafa; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" id="m_-2697000143053010029templateHeader" style="background: none center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-2697000143053010029templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 600px !important; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="m_-2697000143053010029mcnImage CToWUd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgyP_T_CxqaRsUi-kh-ewUhb13cy11G0uw1hZ_jFqLE5Z3fvEgkbGhFEasnhaPEgc8N8zn4K7BY3XNepkjrXzGmrOeFynzSo8jdxv64SMA7Z7E9O4N8TsQlY81MD9FP93UjPpQW94tv2jLwUfyYgknQ2Z0kEUJ2FzHEaMt4b3S1bp3jvN8WsPzS0d7LvePS0916FrsVItuE_BVkHdoXS0N5UdBhhRttMA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 320px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="320" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="center" id="m_-2697000143053010029templateBody" style="background: none center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-2697000143053010029templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 600px !important; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-2697000143053010029mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-2697000143053010029mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h1 style="font-size: 26px; line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">October 2020</h1><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">It is really hard to believe that is already October. This crazy year has at times felt like to was moving at warp speed and at other times crawling at a snails pace.<br /><br />It is hard to believe that the Holidays are right around the corner. It's time to get ready for the holidays, and ready to celebrate the end of this year and the renewed hope of 2021. I have decided that this year, we are going all out for the Holidays, every single one of them, from Halloween to New Year's Day. It is going to be alot of work, but I'm put together some milestones and a massive to-do list to get me there.<br /><br /><strong><u>Holiday Timeline - October - Important Dates and To-Do's</u></strong><br /><br />October 1st - Decorate for Halloween<br />Finish gift list for Christmas<br />Finalize Thanksgiving Plans<br />Finish Christmas Card list and purchase stamps<br />Early Vote or Mail in Ballot<br />Go through Christmas wrapping supplies, make sure you have what you need<br /><br />I haven't done any reviews for you lately, so I wanted to share with you some of these things that are making me happy lately.<br /><br /><img class="CToWUd a6T" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEimxzUJPlWkJnefXzgqaOHJmUd274uJVy5GoqY0IgpJ8hYqVxUIFJrDbxkyii2xXEi5U7XffmxsSbCNriccxzisBAZkUWGySud2zIlwvehbM4sqYzzii5n3BiTFQ2C0tMfkUbKyn1-yyjuef-oDYyPZ4uYB5faBVVvE_lrLssE5yhZJYFWn6M1MFWkN4cT1QZ-QDGte7U3eVOUPTCm5YwYEEm6xiw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 500px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 500px;" tabindex="0" width="500" /><br /><br />1. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.masontops.com/products/regular-mouth-mason-jar-hydration-set&source=gmail&ust=1601481708009000&usg=AFQjCNGtoGDmxZo2QJcHt0Pt-ubrZN3xtw" href="https://www.masontops.com/products/regular-mouth-mason-jar-hydration-set" style="color: #007c89;" target="_blank">MasonTops Glass Water Bottle with Neoprene Cover</a> - I am not good at drinking water, so every now and then a need a new cup to keep it interesting, what I love about this, is keeps the water cold for so long. I use it at night, so my water is cold and I don't need to get out of bed!<br /><br />2. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://terremerecosmetics.com/products/aloe-and-tea-tree-toner&source=gmail&ust=1601481708009000&usg=AFQjCNFPs-GSbYS3zjlX1gnIGEP27_ZnDQ" href="https://terremerecosmetics.com/products/aloe-and-tea-tree-toner" style="color: #007c89;" target="_blank">Terre Mere Aloe and Tea Tree Toner</a><strong> </strong>- I have noticed that my mask has been making the skin on my chin dry out this toner helps to smooth and soothe my skin and gets rid of the dead skin cells. Plus it smells really good.<br /><br />3.<strong> </strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4KQI11/ref%3Ddp-kindle-redirect?_encoding%3DUTF8%26btkr%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1601481708009000&usg=AFQjCNEv-DdInKnlmEEnV-plfEe3xuKZMg" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4KQI11/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" style="color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown</a> - this has been very helpful for me personally, it helps you rewire your thinking and helps you reset prioritizes, and in the middle of a pandemic quarantine, that was exactly what I needed to do<br /><br />4.<strong> </strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RP613HP/ref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1601481708010000&usg=AFQjCNHKkOTmdqkA3LnjfMrbXbqznbr0jA" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RP613HP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" style="color: #007c89;" target="_blank">ThermoPro Instant Read Thermometer</a><strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RP613HP/ref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1601481708010000&usg=AFQjCNHKkOTmdqkA3LnjfMrbXbqznbr0jA" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RP613HP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"> </a> - </strong>this was alittle treat for myself. I have been trying to master bread baking and dough for years and this is helping alot, it also works great with meat too<br /><br />5. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.etsy.com/listing/786872245/wish-for-america-charm-bracelet-or?ga_order%3Dmost_relevant%26ga_search_type%3Dall%26ga_view_type%3Dgallery%26ga_search_query%3Dbracelets%2Bvote%2Bwish%26ref%3Dsr_gallery-1-2%26organic_search_click%3D1%26bes%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1601481708010000&usg=AFQjCNE46NVTslKYG0TSn2qod7f3f6i2fg" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/786872245/wish-for-america-charm-bracelet-or?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=bracelets+vote+wish&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&bes=1" style="color: #007c89;" target="_blank">Wish for America Charm Bracelet</a> - it's a great conversation starter. Remember to vote!<br /><br />I hope that we all have a great October and a very safe and fun Halloween!<br /><br />~Cyn<br /> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-61858705061154594782020-09-29T09:27:00.000-05:002020-11-04T09:35:14.548-06:00Homemade Tortillas and Chicken Tacos<p style="text-align: center;"> While we are all at home, making dinner every night, I have been taking the 'opportunity' to try some new things. For a couple of years, I have been wanting to start cutting back on the processed foods in our diet. Work and busy schedules had always prevented me from really giving it a good try. Now I understand that I will probably not be able to completely cut out all the processed foods in our diet, but I figure I can try and cut out things that make sense and are within my skill set to do.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2LFJWqZ9cIjtELxcjNFkHIB412fcjGyTO0cVoTnzZ2TIDAd2t0CfRo5WcdpKiVvbHgoAjwc-MWkE-QfokxYzG5msFbb-G7V4nVpnxgRpK5s7CFfj9Go3KJSmD_l3VaE1Y_zI9Z_sjMD2/s2048/tortillas+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2LFJWqZ9cIjtELxcjNFkHIB412fcjGyTO0cVoTnzZ2TIDAd2t0CfRo5WcdpKiVvbHgoAjwc-MWkE-QfokxYzG5msFbb-G7V4nVpnxgRpK5s7CFfj9Go3KJSmD_l3VaE1Y_zI9Z_sjMD2/s320/tortillas+1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">This has kinda been my guidebook. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I originally checked this book out of the library, and then realized that I should just buy it, clicked over to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Pantry-Foods-Buying-Making/dp/030788726X/ref=asc_df_030788726X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312167502430&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=362851333431405339&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021523&hvtargid=pla-449479106802&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60258872137&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312167502430&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=362851333431405339&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021523&hvtargid=pla-449479106802">Amazon</a>, and it has paid for itself already. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The first real thing I made was the homemade tortillas.</p><p style="text-align: center;">They are so good and completely worth the effort.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I searched for this online and I could not find, so please see below.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What you will need:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">4 cups of flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 tablespoons nonhydrogenated vegetable shorting or lard (I use the Crisco baking sticks)</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of warm water</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Putting it together:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Cut in the unsalted butter & vegetable shorting. I used a pastry blender, but you can also just use your hands. Work with the dough into you have pea-sized lumps.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the water (slowly) tossing the dough with your hands until have a sticky dough.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Flour your working space and divide the dough into 16 balls (3 inches in diameter)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKD5UCKIhF9aPQCNfwjWcqs46rgPEV5WF4hxfws-Ch32uEvAB5DQGFhiRzy3CA2fXnGlgjGFJcDUQqfx3_ysteJkLNhNRlmxlS-ccDelHA3wEssAs3G9oWuzjEgf3z1Kz7Z3gi79qkZo/s2048/tortillas+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKD5UCKIhF9aPQCNfwjWcqs46rgPEV5WF4hxfws-Ch32uEvAB5DQGFhiRzy3CA2fXnGlgjGFJcDUQqfx3_ysteJkLNhNRlmxlS-ccDelHA3wEssAs3G9oWuzjEgf3z1Kz7Z3gi79qkZo/s320/tortillas+5.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heat a skillet on the stove, I use alittle non-stick olive oil spray, but it can be done dry as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Add some more flour to the counter and begin roll out the each ball to an 8 inch diameter, and the thickness is about 1/16. These takes practice, mine are still alittle odd shaped, but who cares if they are good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working one at time, add the rolled tortilla to the skillet and 'fry' each tortilla until bubbly and brown on each side. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwVx3jwr3F5xXpMNDaMm-2bDyoTYce7HXqyfPJlYbr-iiePlpYAzq5__4qcBwN-mS1NZuQG181bSxIyQd1TVIiwAFCb8DkwUxvCeN5Tf7894mP2d7hw00P7yhoPP3-CiDNdTJEfYahdcn/s2048/tortillas+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwVx3jwr3F5xXpMNDaMm-2bDyoTYce7HXqyfPJlYbr-iiePlpYAzq5__4qcBwN-mS1NZuQG181bSxIyQd1TVIiwAFCb8DkwUxvCeN5Tf7894mP2d7hw00P7yhoPP3-CiDNdTJEfYahdcn/s320/tortillas+4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Serve these right away and freeze any leftovers (if you have any, these go quick at my house) up to 3 months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAe2vBJTY95ezV5pc2NgttzC621Q9G_oo9iemBSbygKkAuoTL_MdrQax2DIqtWikjVKlREDU9JXrcdJWJBEb8tjuUNEzMqsmjQApm0MfA5dYxCiBEqNJf-wWSQwPu6aSjTD_BzAcMuWvi/s2048/tortillas+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAe2vBJTY95ezV5pc2NgttzC621Q9G_oo9iemBSbygKkAuoTL_MdrQax2DIqtWikjVKlREDU9JXrcdJWJBEb8tjuUNEzMqsmjQApm0MfA5dYxCiBEqNJf-wWSQwPu6aSjTD_BzAcMuWvi/s320/tortillas+2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are easy to heat up in the skillet when you need them (or crave one)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got some out of the freezer last night for a super quick dinner with some leftover chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKMHxtXI-qFmtkpaMl0JyaMh5nTAegSMI-IuJXQIAB-_PluEMu-vSuR1fg6uTD2MwKyQpbzGFXA12Asy1dCX4JW7gQ-v4EaKD7UQn8fCGlIOv7qErJktqITfZzUMXUlwASDNZ2wAleSz/s2048/tortillas+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKMHxtXI-qFmtkpaMl0JyaMh5nTAegSMI-IuJXQIAB-_PluEMu-vSuR1fg6uTD2MwKyQpbzGFXA12Asy1dCX4JW7gQ-v4EaKD7UQn8fCGlIOv7qErJktqITfZzUMXUlwASDNZ2wAleSz/s320/tortillas+3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Cyn</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-71922521590810622312020-09-13T11:34:00.000-05:002020-11-04T09:35:25.309-06:00Broccoli Chicken Casserole<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Fall is my favorite season, not just because of college football (although that is a big reason), but the weather is starting to turn colder and then are jeans and sweatshirts. It's the best.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I also feel like I cook alittle bit differently in the fall and winter. In the summer I dread turning on the oven, but it the fall it just feels like it warms the house up, takes the chill off.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My favorite thing to make in the fall and the winter is a casserole. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsZBxjVHa2EYDf4YJbimZpzVuu7XXlJn7ZTnMBB-qm933ujX02p7GVTMdp750LL7AKutnBQcksqXLlDHJdDWX95Dki8vFGmVNsxStXc9ohSnvwrHLH20CS3GbKK7fQKzo2KxlX6fMuwZ1/s2048/Brocc+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsZBxjVHa2EYDf4YJbimZpzVuu7XXlJn7ZTnMBB-qm933ujX02p7GVTMdp750LL7AKutnBQcksqXLlDHJdDWX95Dki8vFGmVNsxStXc9ohSnvwrHLH20CS3GbKK7fQKzo2KxlX6fMuwZ1/s320/Brocc+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">They are quick and easy to put together.</p><p style="text-align: center;">They do not require alot of attention once they are in the oven.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Great use of leftovers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Clean up is easy.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Budget Friendly.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The recipe that I am sharing today is a fan favorite around my family. My Mom made this when we were kids and to me it is the best comfort food in the world. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I make this easier, but using a rotisserie chicken, my Mom has been known to use canned chicken. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Casserole</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups of cooked shredded chicken</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 cups of prepared rice</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 package (12 oz) of frozen broccoli, cooked</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 can (10.5) cream of mushroom soup</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 can of milk</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (this is up to you, how cheesy would you like it?)</p><p style="text-align: center;">That is all, 6 ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry and freezer.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mix it all together in a 9x13 baking dish and cook at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM83Zs_55lQgwE6VgtW4y83NwJmfneHNWZKeWD7J7Fu-wA80DYfcXhGuJBCw-GriraSlHF1U1LvmKkCSaUgc9iPG4eHfK-UN28CWHR_rbLJbcE15GZ90anKcUr2pgra-hBKa5XKQDpItVY/s2048/Brocc+1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM83Zs_55lQgwE6VgtW4y83NwJmfneHNWZKeWD7J7Fu-wA80DYfcXhGuJBCw-GriraSlHF1U1LvmKkCSaUgc9iPG4eHfK-UN28CWHR_rbLJbcE15GZ90anKcUr2pgra-hBKa5XKQDpItVY/s320/Brocc+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>*** Pro Tip: mix together the whole casserole after you add each ingredient, it will make the mixing easier and incorporate the ingredients equally***</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> ~</span>Cyn</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-76294941597886304532020-09-01T09:07:00.000-05:002020-09-01T09:07:33.094-05:00Taco Pocket <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How can you go wrong with meat, cheese and bread?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You cannot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a complete leftover meal. Remnants of a delicious meal of burrito bowls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It took me 10 minutes to put it together and another 10 minutes in the oven.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GPmHvpfYSwxaOtZbupDCqCWHqQHVAa9Lcbab3dwh73VzaL5K_YCGyVa5SjY4nDK_lWcUmvlp2KerCQkqtMwW3lVt8xp_sAupTA6Kfy4rVVaPCJL1eTy-zn0N0drmS6m_IKPV6EO6zSUZ/s2048/Taco+one.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GPmHvpfYSwxaOtZbupDCqCWHqQHVAa9Lcbab3dwh73VzaL5K_YCGyVa5SjY4nDK_lWcUmvlp2KerCQkqtMwW3lVt8xp_sAupTA6Kfy4rVVaPCJL1eTy-zn0N0drmS6m_IKPV6EO6zSUZ/s640/Taco+one.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What you need:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 roll of crescent rolls</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 to 1/2 lb of cooked ground beef</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pico de gallo & sour cream</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Serve with:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cilantro Lime Rice & Black Beans </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simple Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How to Put it Together:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Open crescent rolls, unroll and separate all the triangles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working with 2 triangles at a time, press together the long side of the rolls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2jWw3T8rKQQIKQPR3GtA2H3wT-2iYQUwJfC2_JN-LFpHowcIJOFVU7WUjeREQd9Voq6vq1E1P6J3pZwrgWTUriJTQlFg0CEIkp2yKrIGRi6rfQYL4f1HzfNeOFx6W6aeGqqzQ04HmyjP/s2048/Taco+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2jWw3T8rKQQIKQPR3GtA2H3wT-2iYQUwJfC2_JN-LFpHowcIJOFVU7WUjeREQd9Voq6vq1E1P6J3pZwrgWTUriJTQlFg0CEIkp2yKrIGRi6rfQYL4f1HzfNeOFx6W6aeGqqzQ04HmyjP/s640/Taco+2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Top the triangles with meat and cheese, and fold edges up into a bundle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG75fmkEhLjr7RindEuvlHCLaA5awOyxSA1SQnFxwKCk6LjEehqfblqoqgGoPQjHGCfNcOARrbTHB0_2yjGnwTM7PGjWlmLjErq0zUij_J1NMaGHN6m5JuL90D58NFVU8Fpu1pB4FvH7LM/s2048/Taco+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG75fmkEhLjr7RindEuvlHCLaA5awOyxSA1SQnFxwKCk6LjEehqfblqoqgGoPQjHGCfNcOARrbTHB0_2yjGnwTM7PGjWlmLjErq0zUij_J1NMaGHN6m5JuL90D58NFVU8Fpu1pB4FvH7LM/s640/Taco+4.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a weeknight (Taco Tuesday) meal - they don't have to be pretty, the taste will speak for itself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pop these in the oven at 375 for about 9-10 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0UAcOJBe6_3rNI4D2Ch2UJ-gGrFH-5WPeJf_-1VncdFPKIAMbn8nSrsiH0NQAOPd_Y43H3H8LmwpJQwC46N4tyr8ZbklAAUtTdhtBiZAbl4vfRM4xlip6B0cdp28EwTcvur_HQ7nyjyL/s2048/Taco+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0UAcOJBe6_3rNI4D2Ch2UJ-gGrFH-5WPeJf_-1VncdFPKIAMbn8nSrsiH0NQAOPd_Y43H3H8LmwpJQwC46N4tyr8ZbklAAUtTdhtBiZAbl4vfRM4xlip6B0cdp28EwTcvur_HQ7nyjyL/s640/Taco+3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Top with pico and sour cream, done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner in 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</div>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994643064008638279.post-22249270424476131692020-08-25T09:00:00.000-05:002020-08-25T09:19:25.965-05:00Cherry Tomato and Angel Hair Pasta<p style="text-align: center;"> Is anyone else drowning in little tomatoes?</p><p style="text-align: center;">I should have listen to my Mom. </p><p style="text-align: center;">She said, you gonna get alot, but I was like that's okay I like them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kyAK-0AguTFZ1hhHgl3zE3kp3U-4vFBCcIkXq5KNVDtIG3bkLJQTXpXnZ-cKH4_k7LuivAG82s53gUdc2qM-kk7qKHs2qE6b90udJmiUCyYHt4gb3CSZ8z6vS_-n90ce3WYKBnRjhUNF/s2048/Cherry+Tomato+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kyAK-0AguTFZ1hhHgl3zE3kp3U-4vFBCcIkXq5KNVDtIG3bkLJQTXpXnZ-cKH4_k7LuivAG82s53gUdc2qM-kk7qKHs2qE6b90udJmiUCyYHt4gb3CSZ8z6vS_-n90ce3WYKBnRjhUNF/s640/Cherry+Tomato+1.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This picture was just one day, and from my one little plant I have over 150 tomatoes, and more to pick in the coming days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have already established how smart my Mom is, she also provided a way to use these in a new dish, and it is so easy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What you will need:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Olive Oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">Grape or Cherry Tomatoes</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fresh Garlic</p><p style="text-align: center;">Italian Seasoning</p><p style="text-align: center;">Angel Hair Pasta</p><p style="text-align: center;">Grated Parmesan Cheese</p><p style="text-align: center;">Shrimp or Chicken (optional)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Parsley (for garnish)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqwyvRpCHIfXLLFl5MVp6Qo8-YK6S1tjqCBmsO8cbnII98ude6mn3S352vXj-a97NF-SPlGszlRx6dbyEsi8ccbUsOp8DfWa3Idm3K1wdHGig2ihq3jwVMo7TOBJrzpDCY735RYN7P7qg/s2048/Cherry+Tomato+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqwyvRpCHIfXLLFl5MVp6Qo8-YK6S1tjqCBmsO8cbnII98ude6mn3S352vXj-a97NF-SPlGszlRx6dbyEsi8ccbUsOp8DfWa3Idm3K1wdHGig2ihq3jwVMo7TOBJrzpDCY735RYN7P7qg/s640/Cherry+Tomato+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Heat the oil in a medium size pan. Start the water for your pasta. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the garlic to the oil, saute for about 3 mins.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Add the tomatoes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Start the grill for your Shrimp or Chicken. If you are doing chicken make sure that you cut the chicken into bite size pieces for faster cooking.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO9QYzlvJg7XpXc2m3qoKQSvUgz9gX6tjTu80t5R40drIJovIQGTrDtrdSYjTT2DwTIYR6Il6ZxQuz7yLHrbhgD_xbb-eVIoOywgf0g14nLat7iUxCaHGA5Twx7ASn6TGDOiBO6Iv7nOF/s2048/Cherry+Tomato+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO9QYzlvJg7XpXc2m3qoKQSvUgz9gX6tjTu80t5R40drIJovIQGTrDtrdSYjTT2DwTIYR6Il6ZxQuz7yLHrbhgD_xbb-eVIoOywgf0g14nLat7iUxCaHGA5Twx7ASn6TGDOiBO6Iv7nOF/s640/Cherry+Tomato+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">**Side Note on the the grill, this is a burner size, cast iron grill that I bought on clearance a couple of summers ago. I love this thing, it is really nice when it too hot to grill outside, or if I just need to grill something small, or in the winter when I am craving a grilled hot dog. **</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmvYj9AADmDvUmjfLiApDof3vMa8aNHm46LtRluIboSiQaRNpOW1uP2Su9KmLxJWm57QIWecT7R5mT2GSYmfXcRAPKQmq4kcCVa845W2H37HDB9YEXa1iTZJ-p_KgEWQF0DTNUTn-1_nt/s2048/Cherry+Tomato+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmvYj9AADmDvUmjfLiApDof3vMa8aNHm46LtRluIboSiQaRNpOW1uP2Su9KmLxJWm57QIWecT7R5mT2GSYmfXcRAPKQmq4kcCVa845W2H37HDB9YEXa1iTZJ-p_KgEWQF0DTNUTn-1_nt/s640/Cherry+Tomato+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">By this point the tomatoes will start to roast, split and become soft. I use my potato masher to squeeze them, and get the seeds and juices to mix with the olive oil and garlic. Add your Italian Seasoning to taste.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Turn down the heat on the tomatoes until the pasta and shrimp are done.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once you have drained the pasta, while it is still hot, sprinkle on the parmesan cheese, top with the tomatoes, shrimp and garnish with parsley.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4qANfcPW8q4Ip6fpXdMHLOQPAKJ2Kdm6CKKliqAtEWK0iPIL3KjFRt6VYN9bBpsfu7oniZalSc8tzc4dOxWADEigQJys9AQHLMttLvnZ3o9hksMk0dCfdqB00ulAxIiJ9jOLVVTz6eRb/s2048/Cherry+Tomato+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4qANfcPW8q4Ip6fpXdMHLOQPAKJ2Kdm6CKKliqAtEWK0iPIL3KjFRt6VYN9bBpsfu7oniZalSc8tzc4dOxWADEigQJys9AQHLMttLvnZ3o9hksMk0dCfdqB00ulAxIiJ9jOLVVTz6eRb/s640/Cherry+Tomato+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Delicious. Add a salad (more tomatoes) and you have a perfect, light Summer dish.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: center;">~Cyn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Cynfully Wonderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070893902185350382noreply@blogger.com0