tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91166216622365313622024-03-04T22:21:30.364-08:00the friendliest flowermary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-20147106398090011402013-01-11T07:03:00.000-08:002013-01-11T07:03:53.068-08:00my favorite new arrivals from the gap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCl08TxC_QFQHzKLSK0OGsc55EvLKjeTZpt90Rd8CvPaXB60ONSMDDjRxDelIxX6SsQORAetfYwj_OHG-pWBBDtlAXWZcuRt1y3mnkOdQtmJIC9gY06GZEpe76oEtnKn3smrh15fblCU/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCl08TxC_QFQHzKLSK0OGsc55EvLKjeTZpt90Rd8CvPaXB60ONSMDDjRxDelIxX6SsQORAetfYwj_OHG-pWBBDtlAXWZcuRt1y3mnkOdQtmJIC9gY06GZEpe76oEtnKn3smrh15fblCU/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I have a confession, I want everything that Gap has for the springtime. All the pastels, the florals all of it. I haven't really been into the Gap until this year. They've had some great sales and they've really drawn me in. So without further ado my favorite items from the Gap as of late. All can be found at this <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=8792" target="_blank">page</a>. </div>
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First and my most favorite, these driving moccasins in cobalt blue. I have been lusting after them for a good month and still need to bite the bullet and buy them. I'm not quite sure how I'd style them which is mainly the reason I havent purchased them yet, any suggestions?</div>
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Second this gorgeous dress. I think the color is so pretty and could be styled in a few different ways. Then there is this pretty striped cardigan, who doesn't love stripes? Plus it looks so warm! This tote is so pretty in all the colors and I tend to lean towards the same style of bags (oversized totes). While I do love patterns (mainly stripes/polka dots) I don't own anything floral. This shirt has convinced me its worth it to make the leap and try out a new pattern. </div>
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My mom has the next shirt in this color and after she bought it, I immediately regretted not buying it for myself. Along with cobalt blue, this color has become my new favorite color. Next this pretty little shirt, the color is called azalea and it just looks so comfy without looking sloppy. Last are these socks, I usually stick to black or white socks but am slowly stepping out of my comfort zone and have been buying lots of striped/polka dot/ animal print socks. I really love bees as well. </div>
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What are some of your favorite pieces for spring? Is there anything you've had your eye on for spring that you just have to have? </div>
<br />mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-58333621310835435372012-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:002012-12-21T08:11:37.091-08:00My Wish ListYes, I realize Christmas is just 4 days away and I already have my Christmas present (4 new tires for my car) which I desperately needed. It's still fun to put together a wish list of things I would ask for or start thinking about purchasing for myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXwXWTZ1nR7VmSun_OL1tx3K0fC10fPv13moOqj_orfbv5r3iYiHfYNhbIFFYRJdqYSqdhG2xsBnk7ReSYuwoO76XMG_NfCdIBUF2MYx3sM1n0r8mPVFktO5b3ohyphenhyphenQMSOSXXmLEqZSbQ/s1600/wish+list.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXwXWTZ1nR7VmSun_OL1tx3K0fC10fPv13moOqj_orfbv5r3iYiHfYNhbIFFYRJdqYSqdhG2xsBnk7ReSYuwoO76XMG_NfCdIBUF2MYx3sM1n0r8mPVFktO5b3ohyphenhyphenQMSOSXXmLEqZSbQ/s320/wish+list.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. Sugar lip tint. 2. An Everlasting Meal (a book I've been meaning to read) 3. Boyfriend Jeans from the Gap. 4. A monogrammed sweatshirt. 5. Moto boots, I just recently realized I have no black flat boots. 6. A pretty Kate Spade purse. 7. Pretty driving loafers in my new fave shade of blue also from the Gap. 8. Finally some pretty dainty jewelry like this scalloped bangle from Kate Spade. </div>
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Now that I've shared my dream wish list this year, I want to know what is one item you really dream about getting for Christmas?mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-56919491767489517512012-11-26T06:30:00.000-08:002012-11-27T05:18:09.253-08:00A personal pleaI think I am one of the few people that has not started listening to Christmas music, gotten my Christmas tree, or done anything to start decorating for Christmas. Truth is our Thanksgiving decorations are up and will be up for another week. I hate how there is a push to spend as little time as possible on Thanksgiving and rush into christmas themed activities. There is still a whole week left in November, lets continue to celebrate the current season before jumping into the next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ne4na8BpxrGXApmFhGquwmilaV2FO72O4NjiF3Ali8smLqEzFChI4uylm4QXxN4PO940s2hyJKBNdJuHOsxqGciVEWiTpx56hSIUoQYhUNR2A78Ir8shAwrvHNPKc5Hjuk5m1BDToM/s1600/Diptic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ne4na8BpxrGXApmFhGquwmilaV2FO72O4NjiF3Ali8smLqEzFChI4uylm4QXxN4PO940s2hyJKBNdJuHOsxqGciVEWiTpx56hSIUoQYhUNR2A78Ir8shAwrvHNPKc5Hjuk5m1BDToM/s320/Diptic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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butternut squash before and after roasting </div>
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One way we can do this is making these <a href="http://foodloveswriting.com/2012/09/28/butternut-squash-spelt-biscuits/" target="_blank">biscuits</a>. I made them quite a few weeks ago, when we were experiencing Hurrican Sandy and there was nothing else I could do. They are unpretentious and still totally delicious. Hot out of the oven with a dab of butter, I ate a few too many this way before even letting my family know I had made them. When you go to the blog to check out the recipe, make sure to stick around a bit and look at the wonderfulness that is <a href="http://foodloveswriting.com/" target="_blank">Food Loves Writing</a>. Reading Shanna's blog has made me want to try things I would never even consider eating ( I'm talking about this <a href="http://foodloveswriting.com/2012/11/09/speedy-chicken-tikka-masala-dairy-free-gluten-free/" target="_blank">speedy chicken tikka masala</a>) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5yheI9xStHiPgtuGngt5k6kSzgktGpAJ1xDQzIt92nlY0R6Mw1tA0vVO36aa4CtQZ8WMGzdDXl3-enqLsrgeUfqsSs7zVDuUdT7j5y3UIiatOETmPqbBhlh7Ag_9sah_j9FywcdXuUU/s1600/3dbdc2b4220a11e29a0d22000a9f1320_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5yheI9xStHiPgtuGngt5k6kSzgktGpAJ1xDQzIt92nlY0R6Mw1tA0vVO36aa4CtQZ8WMGzdDXl3-enqLsrgeUfqsSs7zVDuUdT7j5y3UIiatOETmPqbBhlh7Ag_9sah_j9FywcdXuUU/s320/3dbdc2b4220a11e29a0d22000a9f1320_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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cutting biscuits </div>
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Maybe you will fall in love with Food Loves Writing as much as I have and check out her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YNAP6S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009YNAP6S&linkCode=as2&tag=foolovwri04-20" target="_blank">ebook</a>. I bought it a few weekends ago and read it in one sitting, I just couldn't tear myself away. But most of all I hope you appreciate the end of the Fall season with these butternut squash biscuits. </div>
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* I ended up using all purpose flour because it was all I had and they tasted just fine </div>
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** you could also try using different squashes or different flours such as whole wheat. </div>
mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-13161100004386893462012-08-07T07:12:00.003-07:002012-08-07T07:12:35.593-07:00bits and piecesHere are some bits and pieces of my current life. Courtesy of instagram. I know I say it all the time but I'm really gonna try and blog more regularly. For now enjoy these lovely collages I've made of my favorite pictures currently from instagram.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUAe3N9Quilo6zJmZXbF_TsCjh0fUeGsiSgbQovJ4JVFGy9m3FxLlrE3JB6frSqgfIBLbZGa-EAGIi8Nc16AYAAn4gtCyFJ3E9_CqFqzd7tNg6n7LxU3vVr8zZjX9B6zmuNGEc5rdGo/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUAe3N9Quilo6zJmZXbF_TsCjh0fUeGsiSgbQovJ4JVFGy9m3FxLlrE3JB6frSqgfIBLbZGa-EAGIi8Nc16AYAAn4gtCyFJ3E9_CqFqzd7tNg6n7LxU3vVr8zZjX9B6zmuNGEc5rdGo/s400/collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> My new favorite sandwich , peaches put up and a peach and blackberry pie I made and then devoured. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp8nM_xjt8NEmP5sLLfhdWIzzEwZS8ddb3A8aMlaHr05r-zSemeuZwm2YQEk7pEh7IUf5UvWxldItVnKu9buq8tgWE7a8hS4RCovhGgXh12LY3stIMcl6n_0d8LEWtpo28yraJhS4Bq8/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp8nM_xjt8NEmP5sLLfhdWIzzEwZS8ddb3A8aMlaHr05r-zSemeuZwm2YQEk7pEh7IUf5UvWxldItVnKu9buq8tgWE7a8hS4RCovhGgXh12LY3stIMcl6n_0d8LEWtpo28yraJhS4Bq8/s400/collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Current songs on repeat and a favorite read </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnYafVQhnTsgdYNIoUn4VYxaHG_G5CsHqfYld1KoczIX80RPxIgECC31JOcC4lNVFRWiUv7l5cGyPsrIqSzJF1hReFRwyj-YSVyxm8DAlH39yNJJEVnqzK5YC_6F-d1zh-TKVTl73hic/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnYafVQhnTsgdYNIoUn4VYxaHG_G5CsHqfYld1KoczIX80RPxIgECC31JOcC4lNVFRWiUv7l5cGyPsrIqSzJF1hReFRwyj-YSVyxm8DAlH39yNJJEVnqzK5YC_6F-d1zh-TKVTl73hic/s400/collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The little boy I babysit reading in his corner, my cousins new puppy, and old photos instagrammed </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5RwcGE6edpXZz_4FSIiAXe0QOETXM3ezl3i6W18GrTW6AyJkuHrU7S9-oR8DIpK__TPCU659myXHC6CAus3FFZt6TvC2rrIcR48JeKvgHyP3i6bz0bbS8LT8debh9ElhNtYvkMesF3k/s1600/collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5RwcGE6edpXZz_4FSIiAXe0QOETXM3ezl3i6W18GrTW6AyJkuHrU7S9-oR8DIpK__TPCU659myXHC6CAus3FFZt6TvC2rrIcR48JeKvgHyP3i6bz0bbS8LT8debh9ElhNtYvkMesF3k/s400/collage4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shorts that finally fit again, a mess on my bed and my favorite shorts from the gap </div>
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This summer has totally gotten away from me. Hopefully I can make the best of the rest of it. I have a trip to visit my friend planned and the Jimmy Buffett concert before school starts. Before then lets hope I can squeeze in some fun crafts and baking projects. Hope all of you readers have been enjoying your summer! </div>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-85128737125988132332012-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T18:16:56.762-07:00The One Where I Discuss My Obsession Nora EphronI can remember the first time I saw You've Got Mail. I was probably in the 1st or 2nd grade and anytime I went over to my very best friend at the times house it would be a guarantee we would at some point between the Mary Kate and Ashley movie marathons take a break for some quality time with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. I was obsessed, the movie was perfect even in my 8 year old eyes. Years passed, I stopped being friends with that girl and I was gifted You've Got Mail for Christmas. Immediately I was once again entranced by those three words "You've Got Mail". Looking back, it's silly to think at such a young age I loved that movie, but I feel as if her movies are timeless. They could happen anytime and I wish sometimes they would happen to me. Eventually I went to college and one of the few things I gained from my freshmen roommate besides an addiction to anything Grey's Anatomy/Shonda Rhimes was an introduction to Ephron's other works, When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. Yes yes I know it took me forever to branch out and incidentally I saw Julie&Julia that same year (fate maybe?? jk). But really I may have a record for the number of times I've seen You've Got Mail and frequently quote it as I watch. So I thought what better way to share my love for Nora Ephron and what turned into a love for Meg Ryan then sharing some of my favorite quotes from the movies. Enjoy!<br />
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Let's start with my favorite You've Got Mail quotes and work our way down.<br />
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"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school
supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I
knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its
charms. "<br />
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Joe Fox: You know, sometimes I wonder...<br />
Kathleen Kelly: What?<br />
Joe
Fox: Well... if I hadn't been Fox Books and you hadn't been The Shop
Around the Corner, and you and I had just, well... met...<br />
Kathleen Kelly: I know.<br />
Joe
Fox: Yeah. I would have asked for your number, and I wouldn't have been
able to wait twenty-four hours before calling you and saying, "Hey, how
about... oh, how about some coffee or, you know, drinks or dinner or a
movie... for as long as we both shall live?"<br />
Kathleen Kelly: Joe...<br />
Joe
Fox: And you and I would have never been at war. And the only thing
we'd fight about would be which video to rent on a Saturday night.<br />
Kathleen Kelly: Well, who fights about that?<br />
Joe Fox: Well, some people. Not us.<br />
Kathleen Kelly: We would never.<br />
Joe Fox: If only. <br />
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"What will NY152 say today, I wonder. I turn on my computer. I wait
impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my
chest until I hear three little words: You've got mail. I hear nothing.
Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own
heart. I have mail. From you."<br />
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Now a few from When Harry Met Sally<br />
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"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes
you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little
crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love
that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on
my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to
before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's
not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you
realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want
the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."<br />
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Sally Albright:
Well, if you must know, it was because he was very jealous, and I had these days of the week underpants.</div>
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Harry Burns: Ehhhh. I'm sorry. I need the judges ruling on this. "Days of the weeks underpants"?<br />
Sally Albright: Yes. They had the days of the week on them, and I thought they were sort of funny. And then one day Sheldon says to me, "You never wear Sunday." It was all suspicious. Where was Sunday? Where had I left Sunday? And I told him, and he didn't believe me. <br />Harry Burns: What?</div>
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Sally Albright: They don't make Sunday.<br />Harry Burns: Why not?<br />Sally Albright: Because of God.<br /><br />
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"I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest
of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as
soon as possible."<br />
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and the quote that inspired the name of my blog and probably my love for daisies<br />
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"Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower"<br />
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I don't know about all of you but my plans for the weekend include cuddling up in a blanket watching these two great movies. <br />mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-35727118973208836072012-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:002012-06-26T06:20:01.549-07:00instagram updateJust a few pictures from my instagram. Lately I've been babysitting, potty training, shopping even though I told myself I was on a shopping hiatus and attempting to organize/clean the mess I call my room. Somehow my normal neat and OCD tendencies stop right before I enter my room, so if anyone has any ideas to help that would be great.<br />
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new favorite essie color; cascade cool and my obsession with old navy continues</div>
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the world's prettiest package from <a href="http://smittenandswell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a>. She is awesome and you need to check her blog out ASAP</div>
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The most creative ice cream flavors ever in this book, I have about half flagged to try. </div>
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Zucchini pancakes, we have zucchini growing like crazy in our garden</div>
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Meatless monday, cucumber tomato salad and sauteed corn </div>
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Tomorrow I'm taking the kiddos to visit our friends that live near LBI and then Thursday I'm going with my mom and grandmom on her casino trip to Atlantic City. It should be a pretty interesting week. </div>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-42807783259177215942012-06-22T06:28:00.002-07:002012-06-22T06:28:56.894-07:00Dinner, A Love Story<br />
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Last week, I went to the library on a whim and struck gold. I had seen a few people talk about this book and instantly knew I had to pick it up and I was so so glad I did. While the other books where kinda underwhelming this one stood out in my mind. I can not wait to buy it and have it as my own. All of you should go out and get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Story-begins-family-table/dp/0062080903/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340370740&sr=8-1&keywords=dinner+a+love+story" target="_blank">Dinner: A Love Story. </a><br />
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The author used to work for Real Simple, which is part of the reason why I love her so much. The book is organized, has great information, tips and advice on how to get dinner on the table every night. What I think my favorite part is, is the stories that go along with each of the sections. It starts out with meals Jenny and her husband cooked together when it was just the two of them and it continues with meals they cooked as their family grew. It's a food memoir and cookbook all in one which I absolutely love. <br />
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The recipe that hooked me immediately was her lazy bolognese sauce.So simple and fast to throw together, not to complicated and clear directions any one could follow. After reading the recipe I knew it was one I had to try right away. <br />
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Lazy Bolognese from Dinner: A Love Story<br />
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A few glugs of olive oil<br />
1 small onion, chopped<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1 pound ground turkey or beef (we used beef)<br />
1 T tomato paste<br />
1 tsp fennel seeds (we didn't have any so I skipped this)<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
1/4 cup dry wine<br />
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in their juices<br />
dried oregano<br />
1 pound short tubular pasta (ziti, rigatoni, penne)<br />
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Add oil to medium saucepan on medium-low heat and add onion, garlic, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Cook until onion has wilted (about 2 minutes).<br />
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Push onion mixture to side and turn up heat slightly. Add ground meat and break up with fork as it cooks. Once most of pink is gone stir in onion mixture. (make sure to strain out the grease if using beef)<br />
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Add tomato paste, fennel seeds, sugar and wine, stir everything together. Raise heat to medium-high and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in tomatoes and oregano. Bring sauce to a boil and then turn to low heat and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.<br />
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While sauce is simmering, start water for pasta. Toss sauce with pasta and serve. <br />
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Everyone in my family loved this sauce and I can't wait to make it again. Hope you enjoy!mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-79319147573275890282012-06-11T08:26:00.000-07:002012-06-11T08:26:14.813-07:00Summer Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li>Visit the Farmer's Market and my favorite farm stand multiple times </li>
<li>Make popsicles, ice cream, sorbet and whatever else my new ice cream maker can do</li>
<li>Finish Season 2 of Downton Abbey and Sherlock</li>
<li>Bake pies, cookies and lots of bread </li>
<li>Read lots and lots of books, any suggestions of must reads?</li>
<li>Go to the beach </li>
<li>Can something </li>
<li>Visit our favorite u-pick farm </li>
<li>Cook my way through some new cookbooks and my favorite pins </li>
<li>Make lots of fun stuff with my herbs; pesto, tea, mojitos </li>
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What are some must do things for you this summer?mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-24151215476394037782012-06-04T07:04:00.003-07:002012-06-04T07:04:52.011-07:00scenes from my weekend/life from the last 2 monthsSo I have officially won the award for worst blogger ever. Every time I would tell myself I was going to blog I would get distracted by a new recipe, something shiny, a sale at my favorite store. You name it I have every excuse in the book. However I plan to pay you all back for sticking around with a massive post of pictures from instagram (follow me if you have it! mkdub91) and just my life since I've stopped blogging and cheated on blogspot for tumblr. So be prepared for an overload. There's been babysitting, weddings, baking and lots of other fun stuff <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRmXIO00KQTNFRn4bc6hFZLgz-7hchxlwmkx2TfBtCDZ7-_3Ae23GmtNKcnf4Xh7SemDR9aprDjbDbyQIaErWmuUaaHkU7V01jhHaMbhnVV15kJKAH9YrMKIPRSzuM4z-JLEgW5OlT5Y/s1600/1f685834aa6811e1abd612313810100a_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRmXIO00KQTNFRn4bc6hFZLgz-7hchxlwmkx2TfBtCDZ7-_3Ae23GmtNKcnf4Xh7SemDR9aprDjbDbyQIaErWmuUaaHkU7V01jhHaMbhnVV15kJKAH9YrMKIPRSzuM4z-JLEgW5OlT5Y/s320/1f685834aa6811e1abd612313810100a_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the yummiest lemon blueberry scone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQpuXonpJLtBeevCciQXLWOnr210_EP0P4cFu3yyhNUmGxBIB63zQnAo2dyb55z49ceMxDJW0MgTLsMxKPU1dl-lITUQtKrsqmxHAkkGoCicd_hZEFTapeRquvfXNDNERYu22HcSnCec/s1600/28fc89f4adc611e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQpuXonpJLtBeevCciQXLWOnr210_EP0P4cFu3yyhNUmGxBIB63zQnAo2dyb55z49ceMxDJW0MgTLsMxKPU1dl-lITUQtKrsqmxHAkkGoCicd_hZEFTapeRquvfXNDNERYu22HcSnCec/s320/28fc89f4adc611e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">veggies galore from the grill </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3m2ilUtxMWei9zlvYWm4miRnDuyqnrvpUUPMaupOdJ9ZVwytILvTcOS_yqsQAcavdRuWmAKzAehGx-4AusARTCBQf7PuL9EGlLpUGtydR1Cj5wY2YDB5HhndL-V5vk1z_XX3mKxHaZg/s1600/37e64298a1d711e1abb01231382049c1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3m2ilUtxMWei9zlvYWm4miRnDuyqnrvpUUPMaupOdJ9ZVwytILvTcOS_yqsQAcavdRuWmAKzAehGx-4AusARTCBQf7PuL9EGlLpUGtydR1Cj5wY2YDB5HhndL-V5vk1z_XX3mKxHaZg/s320/37e64298a1d711e1abb01231382049c1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prep for my cousins wedding </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PAqWHIGA8yRnT9IOcU9ODbfN1NAmyBk1pcLcVMLcxC9DgfYjyckXqElE_DAqn7NhAE37wHlwcQJTOGsCOB5Y7P0hyflDD4JY3XosDD4l0IrUGDZNv1DTohDP4Ov8rjbcE7qdB-x1dms/s1600/3b7291089c6111e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PAqWHIGA8yRnT9IOcU9ODbfN1NAmyBk1pcLcVMLcxC9DgfYjyckXqElE_DAqn7NhAE37wHlwcQJTOGsCOB5Y7P0hyflDD4JY3XosDD4l0IrUGDZNv1DTohDP4Ov8rjbcE7qdB-x1dms/s320/3b7291089c6111e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">books</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4OhQNk2V36-_PWCS2eCNRJZQO2dX_ci1-HFi0iAgZlYNja4PGyjip3tOpJtjbrBeJbGURRMGf57rXoWuOj4Td5_6fJLG-BMAbFBEG59Bb7_xDcaZACVE6ZpSZCu1ieuXkfSXaGbDL4I/s1600/4ecd1bf4adc011e1b10e123138105d6b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4OhQNk2V36-_PWCS2eCNRJZQO2dX_ci1-HFi0iAgZlYNja4PGyjip3tOpJtjbrBeJbGURRMGf57rXoWuOj4Td5_6fJLG-BMAbFBEG59Bb7_xDcaZACVE6ZpSZCu1ieuXkfSXaGbDL4I/s320/4ecd1bf4adc011e1b10e123138105d6b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">herbs from my garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCIQAmsBa90_QeNcwjhiJChctjMDArMnoV-6Y3J1nHxU_xLGGTLnDV1-7w-UjfnAv3tb0YfmKKYHjVxLCkZKKnCueAQHvkyoYd4zpm0AmMm9vGhRikynJpz60CUmEZcdjvf0R9PDtKQ4/s1600/186cca3097ab11e19dc71231380fe523_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCIQAmsBa90_QeNcwjhiJChctjMDArMnoV-6Y3J1nHxU_xLGGTLnDV1-7w-UjfnAv3tb0YfmKKYHjVxLCkZKKnCueAQHvkyoYd4zpm0AmMm9vGhRikynJpz60CUmEZcdjvf0R9PDtKQ4/s320/186cca3097ab11e19dc71231380fe523_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new wine glass </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wqrNW1uO0FYuwh_AfXJFIj5g0KDKWz3sh8Qea6tbJxNx7xULw4tF-gz-bX2ZJcrfRosT93_DQsEF3tk26a5qv1uk6-kQdcK_jmWOCTiwCuQldpiSF3SIfOnzyrJtUq-IhimiV34qaa4/s1600/971cd1b0a82a11e1a92a1231381b6f02_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wqrNW1uO0FYuwh_AfXJFIj5g0KDKWz3sh8Qea6tbJxNx7xULw4tF-gz-bX2ZJcrfRosT93_DQsEF3tk26a5qv1uk6-kQdcK_jmWOCTiwCuQldpiSF3SIfOnzyrJtUq-IhimiV34qaa4/s320/971cd1b0a82a11e1a92a1231381b6f02_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always wanted to make one of these flag cakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jSfnAcG1_8QWSIygITdhtiUWgZHt-WX6ygOQZKEt3EVdF8zoivYcOCZGo1fDjJUrwDZGgR5rjM9h0zBdZt-biXndr9G3iNwzvplbyY9h5b0x-zj5_EKXOYOUlWC_xgpxhB3WYA7-zco/s1600/tumblr_m4duceKlq01qb2froo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jSfnAcG1_8QWSIygITdhtiUWgZHt-WX6ygOQZKEt3EVdF8zoivYcOCZGo1fDjJUrwDZGgR5rjM9h0zBdZt-biXndr9G3iNwzvplbyY9h5b0x-zj5_EKXOYOUlWC_xgpxhB3WYA7-zco/s320/tumblr_m4duceKlq01qb2froo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the majority of my mom's family at my cousin's wedding </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl3L1moPQuHuHhA19sQBY_mkYvdT2_l-65i8qs5ZJ5gnPYjSab_q32C5pH4P4BkOsi9VsizohTL2gduQLOP1hITO64qULTnbjoFG94jqEz7PTCGaYfskiCVtCksjTK7wOI6V2wdBaF1c/s1600/tumblr_m4e6a4ObTx1qb2froo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl3L1moPQuHuHhA19sQBY_mkYvdT2_l-65i8qs5ZJ5gnPYjSab_q32C5pH4P4BkOsi9VsizohTL2gduQLOP1hITO64qULTnbjoFG94jqEz7PTCGaYfskiCVtCksjTK7wOI6V2wdBaF1c/s320/tumblr_m4e6a4ObTx1qb2froo1_500.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poppyseed chicken aka my latest addiction</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMHKCuYHd-1yzZxPUS91WrXwYgQEWcjlrXibJZKdPKAu9vn8BqX5ucZsrQObvHbJd-MpRtPLu7RXWLoeTMyHyWGesVWTXTEayMobLCk6gG1WYIdjyFtWXyhrSKOQMRoCDKOr63Ua7ALc/s1600/tumblr_m4ufdfMhvm1qb2froo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMHKCuYHd-1yzZxPUS91WrXwYgQEWcjlrXibJZKdPKAu9vn8BqX5ucZsrQObvHbJd-MpRtPLu7RXWLoeTMyHyWGesVWTXTEayMobLCk6gG1WYIdjyFtWXyhrSKOQMRoCDKOr63Ua7ALc/s320/tumblr_m4ufdfMhvm1qb2froo1_500.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">babysitting cuties </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I hope you all stick around and bear with me as I get back into the habit of blogging!<br /><br />mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-39397676655770526052012-04-15T07:04:00.003-07:002012-04-15T07:04:31.405-07:00quote of the week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczPxyL9eNF5Vfn3vDq21TuWNgJWz-UX9MTLLPkYttjFHCdd3BWs5ePzPv0PTXmjephK-vu3TUPRG7OrJ-TE0bXXcfq_Qu5p-seeXAYGXw1SvzkXRXFi83IP4yU_5BYJ12raG2qewrQx8/s1600/tumblr_m242mcVOO31qhpi7bo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczPxyL9eNF5Vfn3vDq21TuWNgJWz-UX9MTLLPkYttjFHCdd3BWs5ePzPv0PTXmjephK-vu3TUPRG7OrJ-TE0bXXcfq_Qu5p-seeXAYGXw1SvzkXRXFi83IP4yU_5BYJ12raG2qewrQx8/s320/tumblr_m242mcVOO31qhpi7bo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ediblegardensla.tumblr.com/post/20648457646/food-a-french-man-told-me-once-is-the-first">via </a></div>
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“Food, a French man told me once, is the first wealth. Grow it right, and you feel insanely rich, no matter what you own.”
-Kristin Kimball</div>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-84031502195760749292012-04-04T12:30:00.000-07:002012-04-04T12:30:00.896-07:00life, lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXovoFoIpSDGGgsHcrieA8IWjrUP8i8YWPQ6R1KNXE6HJtyZsS51Jeoir6ed_eHCu_sYsZUaz8n1DdmBXpmxgSE27eraVBxsxWOASWGzGVe6wyr4ACSwDGXfwMYmIBGcB6S5s4GsRF0UY/s1600/tumblr_lxe3jytWyy1qdoy28o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXovoFoIpSDGGgsHcrieA8IWjrUP8i8YWPQ6R1KNXE6HJtyZsS51Jeoir6ed_eHCu_sYsZUaz8n1DdmBXpmxgSE27eraVBxsxWOASWGzGVe6wyr4ACSwDGXfwMYmIBGcB6S5s4GsRF0UY/s400/tumblr_lxe3jytWyy1qdoy28o1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/on_the_brightside/5677421197/">via </a></div>
It seems spring has finally arrived here and I could not be happier. There have been lots of walks, playing catch in the yard with the kids I babysit, plans for the garden and plants being bought for the garden. I think as much as I love the beginning of all the seasons, Spring is my absolute favorite of all.
Along with the beginning of spring, comes lots and lots of school work and group projects that take over my life.However I'm trying to not let it totally consume every minute of everyday.<br />
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The past week, I have visited Bethesda, Alexandria and Mount Vernon. I've decided Virginia has some of the prettiest cities and I must move to Alexandria as soon as possible.<br />
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I've made lists and lists of things to cook and bake. Some of my favorites have been these <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2009/01/28/the-last-chocolate-chip-cookie/">cookies</a> which did not last very long in the house, along with a raspberry macaroon bar in class that will make it to the blog sometime next week. I've personally ate at least half the recipe on my own.<br />
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I've become rather obsessed with my treats board on <a href="http://pinterest.com/marykate/treats/">pinterest</a> to an almost unhealthy extent. Over 1000 pins of just food?!?!?!<br />
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Recently I created a wishlist on Amazon and I feel sorry for my soon to be empty bank account as I buy book after book from my wishlist, especially this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miette-Recipes-Franciscos-Charming-Pastry/dp/0811875040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333566955&sr=8-1">pretty book</a> that I could look at for days.
I'm reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333566997&sr=1-1">this</a> book and wondering why it took me so long to get around to reading it.<br />
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Shopping in wegmans has been leaving me broke and giddy all at the same time. I want to try and buy everything in that store!<br />
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Finally I've been registering for classes and come up with a decision I can't make on my own. I have to take either a language or history class for one of my requirements. I can not decide if I want to take french or take the easy way out and take a history class. What would you do?mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-82116283840638020602012-03-28T17:14:00.000-07:002012-03-28T17:14:27.920-07:00resurfacingI can not believe it has been over a month since I last blogged. I did not intentionally take a hiatus, however I enjoyed every second of it. I feel like sometimes people get so caught up in social media and blogging. You know those people, that are all "wait freeze, I need to take fifteen pictures of this moment so in an hour I can blog about it". I try and stop what I'm doing and capture a moment I think all of you would enjoy and in the end I miss out on that moment. So I've been fulfilling one of my resolutions with out even realizing it, I've been living intently, not just doing something, saying something or taking a picture of something so I have something to blog about.
While I was on my unplanned hiatus I cut my hair, turned 21, my sister celebrated her birthday, there were spontaneous dog walks, trips to the park, and lots of time just enjoying whatever was going on at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqZQcV_F-rFcB_XZWWo5evLUHGgpOcH1ZeeJp-U05n5Tlf_X6CwyWV2AYFQ4aflxEwh60sUPMnHzoHCve8Ro_-oubIZex7yOeM4-BhDiuy3j-Uj4LnDnyMp63pZDyzqVXwqBr8_PXsSk/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqZQcV_F-rFcB_XZWWo5evLUHGgpOcH1ZeeJp-U05n5Tlf_X6CwyWV2AYFQ4aflxEwh60sUPMnHzoHCve8Ro_-oubIZex7yOeM4-BhDiuy3j-Uj4LnDnyMp63pZDyzqVXwqBr8_PXsSk/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking the little doggie </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideXLRSLoqfdE4Wle8yySb3XytOjJhsAzS0Il5dqdNXjeM1v_pn3g1N5XW5FMNQNOlFtP9UgxyQ2mGvdAwoCl7eONUHXABpx1INYhhVyRzTp5Tf36ZRvHlvyFiimH630FBobCtyyc9zRg/s1600/tumblr_m1crdqc4S71qb2froo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideXLRSLoqfdE4Wle8yySb3XytOjJhsAzS0Il5dqdNXjeM1v_pn3g1N5XW5FMNQNOlFtP9UgxyQ2mGvdAwoCl7eONUHXABpx1INYhhVyRzTp5Tf36ZRvHlvyFiimH630FBobCtyyc9zRg/s400/tumblr_m1crdqc4S71qb2froo1_500.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">signs of spring in the yard </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkBvcmaN0wLg4mgV4aa8vfGyp5y_PIRvxvI_i0RBm4B_MQbJ3kFS7AIM-4GV-yFCVFcdsw48JucGteRHUhLKTCkmGYd0AFhSiptMiv3EfanXIUvDNBeY-YRcELwlQN3aCUOF9WinNYy4/s1600/Am7gIWxCEAMr_UG.jpg+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkBvcmaN0wLg4mgV4aa8vfGyp5y_PIRvxvI_i0RBm4B_MQbJ3kFS7AIM-4GV-yFCVFcdsw48JucGteRHUhLKTCkmGYd0AFhSiptMiv3EfanXIUvDNBeY-YRcELwlQN3aCUOF9WinNYy4/s400/Am7gIWxCEAMr_UG.jpg+large.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a new cookbook I can not stop looking at </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXuK_kO1SskxvN2k8vfMw2_xTWN1CI011s9UZ50hbQMFPkdUq_anPHyO0OwBgqiItCQBfviUXU0nOGuTiNgL0JRc7qTcYgVhO3BBn-CroHPAhxgUCoRQehhyaHWjRT2X7B5zP5tp2v1w/s1600/tumblr_m0dsh2DDQq1qb2froo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXuK_kO1SskxvN2k8vfMw2_xTWN1CI011s9UZ50hbQMFPkdUq_anPHyO0OwBgqiItCQBfviUXU0nOGuTiNgL0JRc7qTcYgVhO3BBn-CroHPAhxgUCoRQehhyaHWjRT2X7B5zP5tp2v1w/s400/tumblr_m0dsh2DDQq1qb2froo1_500.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a new haircut and a birthday dress that never got worn </td></tr>
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For those of you that hung around and waited for me to return, thank you! I promise to be back more frequently with updates and recipes and just the random posts as usual. Also check out the new banner I created all by myself, it's not the best but I'm proud to see I did it all on my own.mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-62401126184755871672012-02-26T10:10:00.003-08:002012-02-26T10:18:37.412-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-0t3KPsbfzZY4dVHuYzDk9ta3pgXq35ctb4Q7QEqkh0ZvmjkqX_U-w3JjcREZiK-1c-Ly4hoAbCIcUIHN34YwK_iAuUcxs3FllgHwLhytkvopIrxHyRr0olFn_xnRp1f0m7yu4_wYVM/s1600/128352658099564271_0EmC0AK5_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-0t3KPsbfzZY4dVHuYzDk9ta3pgXq35ctb4Q7QEqkh0ZvmjkqX_U-w3JjcREZiK-1c-Ly4hoAbCIcUIHN34YwK_iAuUcxs3FllgHwLhytkvopIrxHyRr0olFn_xnRp1f0m7yu4_wYVM/s400/128352658099564271_0EmC0AK5_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713510408317289522" /></a>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-3067742534773514132012-02-21T06:23:00.000-08:002012-02-21T06:39:48.858-08:00my process<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXFZYtRwLNz11HdSZv4vFRxQySsgqafYtBfaIm5uE-rCAhbPREIt3Estn1FPq8PzrNeXsy0y-u-6p9JdcizyQK5r9Z5hyphenhyphentkuFxlXl-1Xrc5V-jn5uBui3z5FQgqKnYC8qdRAxkxpsdKo/s1600/tumblr_lzjskfSppj1qb2froo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXFZYtRwLNz11HdSZv4vFRxQySsgqafYtBfaIm5uE-rCAhbPREIt3Estn1FPq8PzrNeXsy0y-u-6p9JdcizyQK5r9Z5hyphenhyphentkuFxlXl-1Xrc5V-jn5uBui3z5FQgqKnYC8qdRAxkxpsdKo/s400/tumblr_lzjskfSppj1qb2froo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711595678277001618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I work a few ways when I find a new recipe to try.<br /><br />The long way: First I stare at pictures of it over and over again until I convince myself it's really something I want to make and something I can actually make. I basically look at my <a href="http://pinterest.com/marykate/treats/">treats</a> board on Pintrest for way way too long. Then I graduate to looking and reading the recipe on whatever recipe or magazine it comes from. Once I've decided I definitely want to make it, I buy whatever ingredients I don't have and then they sit in my pantry until I finally work up the nerve to make it. I'm not sure what I'm waiting for, but sometimes you just need the perfect timing.<br /><br />The short way: I see a recent post from my favorite food bloggers and go straight to the store, buy everything I need, go home and make it. I don't think about when I'm going to eat it, who I'm going to share it with or anything else. I just make it. These granola bars was one of these recipes. I just stopped everything, bought what I needed and made them and was so glad I did because they are worth it.<br /><br />Usually the second method I have works out better. Whatever I make in the spur of the moment tastes way better. And sometimes, I've have the ingredients in my kitchen for so long and they're about to go bad so I make what ever it is. Who knows why I wait forever to make it but I just do.<br /><br />So if you've made it this fair along and have read about all of my neurotic ways, I applaud you. And to thank you for taking the time to read about my type A tendencies, I share the best granola bar recipe ever. These are not your typical chewy bar granola bars. They are so so so much better! They are moist, full of flavor and good for you. Late at night when I get the desire to eat a second dinner or leftovers from a late lunch out, I eat these instead. They are the perfect combination of sweet and salty and a good balance. Head over to <a href="http://farm--house.blogspot.com/">Farmhouse</a> to check out the recipe, Laken has some pretty great recipes on her blog and you should check those out as well.<br /><br />Most importantly make these <a href="http://farm--house.blogspot.com/2012/02/dark-days-sweet-simple-granola-bars.html">granola bars</a> and hide them so no one else can eat them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> ** the flaxseed in this recipe should be kept in the refridgerator<br />** if possible buy ground flaxseed, because otherwise you have to use a coffee or spice grinder. We can't digest the nutrients from whole flaxseed, so it has to be ground, but don't skip them just because of it, its worth it to include! </div>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-71358019878601640022012-02-19T10:16:00.000-08:002012-02-19T10:17:53.209-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD093iglvxNfsAjR82DBeycRqVluUwsoqAcdTPTe6-K0kohheMPuXAtdL1B7trjkjPlxoRdG4TI0vnxjVgSKGY46KfBL2uQb6i8ZbD0Z7CuuVEJmnEoT65HWbSjWMXT4uGr53V4yWJ3sg/s1600/128352658099607745_gkw9PlX2_f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD093iglvxNfsAjR82DBeycRqVluUwsoqAcdTPTe6-K0kohheMPuXAtdL1B7trjkjPlxoRdG4TI0vnxjVgSKGY46KfBL2uQb6i8ZbD0Z7CuuVEJmnEoT65HWbSjWMXT4uGr53V4yWJ3sg/s400/128352658099607745_gkw9PlX2_f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710912553432862738" /></a><br /><br /><br />wise words from a wise lady, could not be more fitting for how I am feeling lately.mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-3724214365532011292012-02-15T09:06:00.001-08:002012-02-15T09:18:41.291-08:00an update on school<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgut6gbNqZeqLk1bvRh1nTqwfSxfnhWMZADREku-SCpLqC5lbbQcjkb_XCr0_iRwjK6o_jtRyIBY8mqWUPIDUlUzxnAvuGR6qoMbZ8E38wbbpwwl_J1VHa2QkW9gRDa1lW_iTOqLX35s/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgut6gbNqZeqLk1bvRh1nTqwfSxfnhWMZADREku-SCpLqC5lbbQcjkb_XCr0_iRwjK6o_jtRyIBY8mqWUPIDUlUzxnAvuGR6qoMbZ8E38wbbpwwl_J1VHa2QkW9gRDa1lW_iTOqLX35s/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709412940687815698" /></a><br /><br />I feel like I havent posted a real post in a long time and I am so sorry for that. So much has been going on and school has taken over my life. There is so much I want to share with all of you I just cant find the words or time to express everything thats happening. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjombnR1Vyg4QAgupULPHF4PU4HB63uPhgqvWb7FXFbZBs0sTSCVrd6IUlif7I79FBK3KY-3cJ3okGvzXE010pWiqLQneVXXxqbDNdgkxvOv0_ff0D9BVZAwCDaLX3QMQwF3EaapVR6aw8/s1600/tarts.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjombnR1Vyg4QAgupULPHF4PU4HB63uPhgqvWb7FXFbZBs0sTSCVrd6IUlif7I79FBK3KY-3cJ3okGvzXE010pWiqLQneVXXxqbDNdgkxvOv0_ff0D9BVZAwCDaLX3QMQwF3EaapVR6aw8/s320/tarts.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709411586948256530" /></a><br /><br />My patisserie class is quickly becoming my favorite thing ever. Chef Rita is such a great instructor and one of those people you could spend forever talking to and trying to absorb all the knowledge she has in the pastry field. Every week I look forward to that class, I wish we met more than once a week I enjoy it so much! If I was uncertain about what I was doing in school, she has cleared that up for me. We make such great recipes every week, she shares her personal experiences which makes the class even more interesting. I feel so lucky to have her as an instructor. Honestly I was uncertain if I'd like the sugar work we did in class Monday, but after doing it and making our own pieces out of the sugar it is an interest of mine. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xKhh2rbaZACCmNLGQzJ9uDiIrxZZ1m5lpBGMgiDD5whTU1gQ3Pw1Slp1QEJ-5BYzlOdmWQld48pkaJYHaSxPPjun8AiQKeHDsrFNinrjy1bJy8p9h90zYmxFCyJDaw6p1gdZQju6CyQ/s1600/430110_3133508904304_1462230080_32958380_1877248838_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xKhh2rbaZACCmNLGQzJ9uDiIrxZZ1m5lpBGMgiDD5whTU1gQ3Pw1Slp1QEJ-5BYzlOdmWQld48pkaJYHaSxPPjun8AiQKeHDsrFNinrjy1bJy8p9h90zYmxFCyJDaw6p1gdZQju6CyQ/s320/430110_3133508904304_1462230080_32958380_1877248838_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709411954702399954" /></a><br /><br /><br />I will definitely be sharing more recipes from her in the future. For right now I'll leave you with some pictures of things we've made in class. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nHh2LmtWUYhvGUaBg9-ubwoT4JG1pLDFZam09kcQN54BnpxMaOaxq2bml0tG-udStmd6le4EMSs1m-R95SCiesRhYINfazNlo4TKWicI4ZoPKVwaTFZqonzuVLIRbyvlEBT4I-t1R-w/s1600/tumblr_lya2culVO61qb2froo1_500.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nHh2LmtWUYhvGUaBg9-ubwoT4JG1pLDFZam09kcQN54BnpxMaOaxq2bml0tG-udStmd6le4EMSs1m-R95SCiesRhYINfazNlo4TKWicI4ZoPKVwaTFZqonzuVLIRbyvlEBT4I-t1R-w/s320/tumblr_lya2culVO61qb2froo1_500.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709411959063523586" /></a>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-37312605288987110332012-02-12T06:04:00.000-08:002012-02-12T06:05:56.166-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xx3Vzf1C7mCNbNJSXlIvaAf10himTqKzy0Up0Iz8cDmB5R4ESHAz5R903sjLe7xLQbQaoUdf_a4YGgTk-Wxl5cHaM7WsonrjCMbVCnHt8BnyjbHcnLCu6aylaHH8KHlKiTC84RgXKhE/s1600/tumblr_lvqxmjr7Z91qdok4ro1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xx3Vzf1C7mCNbNJSXlIvaAf10himTqKzy0Up0Iz8cDmB5R4ESHAz5R903sjLe7xLQbQaoUdf_a4YGgTk-Wxl5cHaM7WsonrjCMbVCnHt8BnyjbHcnLCu6aylaHH8KHlKiTC84RgXKhE/s320/tumblr_lvqxmjr7Z91qdok4ro1_500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708250045290808898" /></a>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-69098787583444348002012-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:22:37.866-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF6LGnkbKQindXqy2vDLiGQLUZyFMQUdg0cYMah-FiEXxwXQr9R5unKFTk0NGZj4HOJh6Sjq1wjIU8iqY09Se0mxnUfO5COgnLYEhhgaD12GwR9FdbuaNMefyiK-ZJQuR5NEnzDgOQy4/s1600/tumblr_ly3zl8XOBE1qzpegpo1_r1_500.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF6LGnkbKQindXqy2vDLiGQLUZyFMQUdg0cYMah-FiEXxwXQr9R5unKFTk0NGZj4HOJh6Sjq1wjIU8iqY09Se0mxnUfO5COgnLYEhhgaD12GwR9FdbuaNMefyiK-ZJQuR5NEnzDgOQy4/s320/tumblr_ly3zl8XOBE1qzpegpo1_r1_500.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705703028269064226" /></a>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-30072958810083410372012-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:002012-01-31T07:30:38.769-08:00top 5 tuesday, january favoritesOnce again I'm linking up with Rachel from Just Peachy for Top 5 Tuesdays. Hopefully later I'll remember to post about school so far, I have a lot to share today so be ready! For now, my January favorites.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://j-peachy.blogspot.com" title="Just Peachy"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaYaiG_msS7m6luCOF1niBYc-GIZBhVcBojYX4Kh7OxVjjPYKj1fV-C2Wp0-hE7Gh2hR3PiUGYBpVCnrDHBUz1KiPXR4BYM8ZQ0JTUzenT0HgEI8s0cRsmwXE2WWZToIpFZSxysS95as/s1600/Picture+3.png" alt="Just Peachy" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />1. Coffee<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQkEvfj6QjSguypBknfZ5ESiTwFtHcr2yArjJoEg6_YVQjGGylwXz_RKoUYJogAxt6LoNOJhsK2SbCCIxmqluK8l1LP-R3SyPNfOVqCZKVdTA8p5Ma4ce4TQHk2LyzvZ11FYc7_iK9IY/s1600/tumblr_lt87uvlQfK1qf8ibvo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQkEvfj6QjSguypBknfZ5ESiTwFtHcr2yArjJoEg6_YVQjGGylwXz_RKoUYJogAxt6LoNOJhsK2SbCCIxmqluK8l1LP-R3SyPNfOVqCZKVdTA8p5Ma4ce4TQHk2LyzvZ11FYc7_iK9IY/s320/tumblr_lt87uvlQfK1qf8ibvo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703817023529716514" /></a> <br />My daily coffee intake has almost tripled this month. Monday's alone I drink 3-4 16 oz cups. It's something I look forward to in the morning and late in the afternoon. Now on monday's I have a huge break between classes but don't have time to drive home between, so I sit in the local coffee shop and drink they're fabulous coffee. It's my new favorite thing. <br /><br />2. Reading<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz1EEkx-pExZQxrIHvfpVspjzSZbxUrf01WXAG5Qz5UHkAdI4y_VE7LyEeEvRoikX0YY83xZEn0qX-jsXEtTj8SqN7h5OHi0qUsPt7F_AaC5kNacYSYHzAAYKDhyphenhyphenWgFSUevwaCkxTkQg/s1600/AiBzP1CCMAESpk_.jpg+large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz1EEkx-pExZQxrIHvfpVspjzSZbxUrf01WXAG5Qz5UHkAdI4y_VE7LyEeEvRoikX0YY83xZEn0qX-jsXEtTj8SqN7h5OHi0qUsPt7F_AaC5kNacYSYHzAAYKDhyphenhyphenWgFSUevwaCkxTkQg/s320/AiBzP1CCMAESpk_.jpg+large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703816009113283362" /></a><br />While I haven't been able to read a whole lot, the few books that I have been reading/currently reading are so good! You should definitely check out Those Who Save Us and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close if you get the chance! <br /><br />3. School<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNz0zo-zA0p5dvpIzw0SVcd9bKBozbvJa_bKL_NNc9CC_3ycJsDklE34YRXJ5ZczLHSQ-s3uOOM_XDKZuO9tDUzr-_0_n_OovKY-4TGlq0UM4Yyttzs6khPKg207u5F3zE5dzw0l9Uh8/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNz0zo-zA0p5dvpIzw0SVcd9bKBozbvJa_bKL_NNc9CC_3ycJsDklE34YRXJ5ZczLHSQ-s3uOOM_XDKZuO9tDUzr-_0_n_OovKY-4TGlq0UM4Yyttzs6khPKg207u5F3zE5dzw0l9Uh8/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703816766254766418" /></a><br />Although it just started last week, my Patisserie class has quickly become my favorite thing. I'll talk more about it later, but the energy and enthusiasm my chef has is contagious and I have never been more intrigued. <br /><br />4. My job<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVBnd-59w_fMwOHsj1Z4uXkspph8ZgA3-J3wCDaALDeA9tuJFpVDZ-EhHH8voPo4xuhileljOTDFNB0djK_eUpv2iqgHYjYFs84VK2-AjOJGBbJxCApK7LnkIxq5HKvV6wfhkgcWE2qY/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVBnd-59w_fMwOHsj1Z4uXkspph8ZgA3-J3wCDaALDeA9tuJFpVDZ-EhHH8voPo4xuhileljOTDFNB0djK_eUpv2iqgHYjYFs84VK2-AjOJGBbJxCApK7LnkIxq5HKvV6wfhkgcWE2qY/s320/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703815695248890178" /></a> <br />Seriously this kid gets cuter and cuter everyday! We now play temple run and he calls it the monkey game. His sister and him are adorable and I love getting to spend so much time with him. <br /><br />5. The Avett Brothers<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3O3nu5cvNSttfdfZGQUd3ZY8eDADE9N1DPaJAN_2u97kOpktLiuh-uq22at3OzUJjbclHCQixs3Icyc4V5Sy1ekcohF7XA4iQKO8rLR9Ng8mxYyTrkKFZtcQj00EaW4WgHHqHoZBVVtA/s1600/tumblr_lxcen0rS9A1qmlwfpo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3O3nu5cvNSttfdfZGQUd3ZY8eDADE9N1DPaJAN_2u97kOpktLiuh-uq22at3OzUJjbclHCQixs3Icyc4V5Sy1ekcohF7XA4iQKO8rLR9Ng8mxYyTrkKFZtcQj00EaW4WgHHqHoZBVVtA/s320/tumblr_lxcen0rS9A1qmlwfpo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703818811511610098" /></a><br />Lately I can't get enough of their music and with the help of spotify I have found many new favorite songs. <br /><br /><br />What are some of your favorite things from January?mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-84990652481101644812012-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:002012-01-29T09:30:20.137-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijZ0b4HlBx7yit1gHeqOvyd_fj9TjmZ9UBAc5S03R3Oq2GFDfjTgB_H1-XnSGAmy7jlcBXl0eDaep9GYZDZ3aKvWnT3GPq9bmhl84_6eQ9h8n0ANEvAga8XedtHqj2Hnr3s2U82GQfew/s1600/204350901811748467_qVDphE2L_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijZ0b4HlBx7yit1gHeqOvyd_fj9TjmZ9UBAc5S03R3Oq2GFDfjTgB_H1-XnSGAmy7jlcBXl0eDaep9GYZDZ3aKvWnT3GPq9bmhl84_6eQ9h8n0ANEvAga8XedtHqj2Hnr3s2U82GQfew/s320/204350901811748467_qVDphE2L_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703107376396946530" /></a><br /><br /><br />Not exactly a quote but something to get you motivated on this lovely Sunday. I've made it my lock screen on my phone and I get my butt in gear every time I look at it.mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-52120163116669317382012-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:002012-01-27T15:46:41.919-08:00life according to my iphoneI had big blog plans of participating in Rachel's link up for OOTD however, almost every night it would be about 11 and I would be in bed and realize I had forgotten to take an outfit picture! Next week I hope to get dressed everyday in real clothes and take pictures to prove it.<br /><br />So instead I have a few photos from my phone of this week. Hope you enjoy them!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-KSsdProluJSAkIWR6GD6WjzhPyUvMrxS9v2jTNflKg55hK4J-pM3Wbx5TF7ayfmJoOkeHYg0RHVfiky0ZiGBUErWnRwSHD88MFZwPQW5YiD-IRrZwoIBIpSmLzbPojVwUOgrhK7K8/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-KSsdProluJSAkIWR6GD6WjzhPyUvMrxS9v2jTNflKg55hK4J-pM3Wbx5TF7ayfmJoOkeHYg0RHVfiky0ZiGBUErWnRwSHD88MFZwPQW5YiD-IRrZwoIBIpSmLzbPojVwUOgrhK7K8/s320/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460065463925794" border="0" /></a></div>Sunday night I roasted a chicken for dinner and it was one of the best ideas I had all week<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqP76y-FDWf4ayaqL-eSPIEwDXhiImSJRQKHuV9RmSZWqaI918bykeiWIXvRa9W8xU6iVLrobDKpBrfP8bq51phvU9hTD7qYmg2Yya_ontYp2SJw4aVfwAP-APf3gi-DCmqxb_66Iz1A/s1600/tumblr_lya2culVO61qb2froo1_500.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqP76y-FDWf4ayaqL-eSPIEwDXhiImSJRQKHuV9RmSZWqaI918bykeiWIXvRa9W8xU6iVLrobDKpBrfP8bq51phvU9hTD7qYmg2Yya_ontYp2SJw4aVfwAP-APf3gi-DCmqxb_66Iz1A/s320/tumblr_lya2culVO61qb2froo1_500.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460832381570242" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">monday classes started, in patisserie we made the most delicious biscuits ever in adorable heart shapes. I definitely ate my fair share.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsdszB7nEkFoGqvSbqhV5-_lz8Xe4TU9JBO2lQYMSxDUrOuTkIes2-W-0jP3ourAXgUDnkiQwO7xEU9oh6aGskfKX_dqIYAnTK7RkuTldq938A8KrQ9N5XYfygoUsQ5NjXrz3qb14I3A/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsdszB7nEkFoGqvSbqhV5-_lz8Xe4TU9JBO2lQYMSxDUrOuTkIes2-W-0jP3ourAXgUDnkiQwO7xEU9oh6aGskfKX_dqIYAnTK7RkuTldq938A8KrQ9N5XYfygoUsQ5NjXrz3qb14I3A/s320/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460057756805618" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I don't have classes, I babysit this crazy kid all day long.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6vy7hDYjFd4fcDTW3GC0twbDGaMf9fZoLT61Fy7KpkxekA-a7jaT8wsjlVMspZqm2vxnoRck-r3WZwKuBvfAYMOHEq4sgQs1Azknx6hf0t3zCBJ90N_22tMQMiw1MpaNXcQb6bKmJQM/s1600/424970_3054251002906_1462230080_32929588_819850967_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6vy7hDYjFd4fcDTW3GC0twbDGaMf9fZoLT61Fy7KpkxekA-a7jaT8wsjlVMspZqm2vxnoRck-r3WZwKuBvfAYMOHEq4sgQs1Azknx6hf0t3zCBJ90N_22tMQMiw1MpaNXcQb6bKmJQM/s320/424970_3054251002906_1462230080_32929588_819850967_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460050866960546" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He loves my brother and taking pictures with people sleeping.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIpmkxXPnbIslPV4toImT0H6LsX1xOG-zmWgWQziMX8LBrSumfyi3BMZ6fRbHK0Do3Fg7Za3zayrDagbi9MMwU38t7eOytNigVWSX0r-n99bXKP7NH_y7k_qs8lRV2BxASsp3OIlAnfY/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIpmkxXPnbIslPV4toImT0H6LsX1xOG-zmWgWQziMX8LBrSumfyi3BMZ6fRbHK0Do3Fg7Za3zayrDagbi9MMwU38t7eOytNigVWSX0r-n99bXKP7NH_y7k_qs8lRV2BxASsp3OIlAnfY/s320/photo%25281%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460093208094098" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite boots, I just started wearing them again.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSwefD6cMMO3CFkpsEG1SXilbFY6vSIqRGoDydLcxwr4qGBmWoGANJc09XtYyLhrn0FNqTNOgIMcKLTGsmp1UCDc30HQS0HR-XNxAt9cMihyphenhyphenQ8VmTchcm0SI-B3psnvQSykNH0VkUHg4/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSwefD6cMMO3CFkpsEG1SXilbFY6vSIqRGoDydLcxwr4qGBmWoGANJc09XtYyLhrn0FNqTNOgIMcKLTGsmp1UCDc30HQS0HR-XNxAt9cMihyphenhyphenQ8VmTchcm0SI-B3psnvQSykNH0VkUHg4/s320/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702460082683615794" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My outfit for the one class I don't have to wear my chef's uniform for.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlimphBRKBtFbaVn9Ma2D3AlLYtBo7y6_VEa5AcJxUII0oHF0ptBtxMdyn8eOL9F_3IVE2pMAMejegZubUZ2dkEvaEwrlbNZyFZa9b58FW-IfLZ0E-6kc9tDOQdwfeqNSm2eIptsbGfE/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlimphBRKBtFbaVn9Ma2D3AlLYtBo7y6_VEa5AcJxUII0oHF0ptBtxMdyn8eOL9F_3IVE2pMAMejegZubUZ2dkEvaEwrlbNZyFZa9b58FW-IfLZ0E-6kc9tDOQdwfeqNSm2eIptsbGfE/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702461159020223826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, my chef pants, black clogs and t-shirt. Such a lovely combination.<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great weekend!<br /></div>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-59118640616354510352012-01-24T17:04:00.000-08:002012-01-24T17:31:23.975-08:00top 5 tuesday: RecipesToday's top 5 theme was right up my alley! My top 5 recipes!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://j-peachy.blogspot.com/" title="Just Peachy"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaYaiG_msS7m6luCOF1niBYc-GIZBhVcBojYX4Kh7OxVjjPYKj1fV-C2Wp0-hE7Gh2hR3PiUGYBpVCnrDHBUz1KiPXR4BYM8ZQ0JTUzenT0HgEI8s0cRsmwXE2WWZToIpFZSxysS95as/s1600/Picture+3.png" alt="Just Peachy" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">1. Appetizer<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGsXYRGb7jU5ZlgrtJMC0IIso_Up11jMbl4xnPpXPLdtMhChaGDhyApnbzODymXslvvOYZswp9iCiF8qInwGt9D21qvT6OWXVVfFDlMg6g_-9HZuO-DjGVCkO5UWF83Cw2iVakXsOsU0/s1600/128352658099638290_4oxKWVEi_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGsXYRGb7jU5ZlgrtJMC0IIso_Up11jMbl4xnPpXPLdtMhChaGDhyApnbzODymXslvvOYZswp9iCiF8qInwGt9D21qvT6OWXVVfFDlMg6g_-9HZuO-DjGVCkO5UWF83Cw2iVakXsOsU0/s320/128352658099638290_4oxKWVEi_c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701370816245404178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/336546/blue-cheese-and-walnut-spread">Blue Cheese and Walnut Dip</a>, it is so easy and so so yummy!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">2. Side Dish<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tgC7D_hyjbEWFTi8dTmrIwk583bGOaybsmI0624_J1TE8cBZWwBgkZKyPrxqBn1S8LDr8nLhoAki4obK6Ik1I6Q4Sq2aYtfHLNSZbiriLSBc8WgQyfCQNxRr6_qqvt8yh7Txy63I-2Y/s1600/IMG_9473-560x840.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tgC7D_hyjbEWFTi8dTmrIwk583bGOaybsmI0624_J1TE8cBZWwBgkZKyPrxqBn1S8LDr8nLhoAki4obK6Ik1I6Q4Sq2aYtfHLNSZbiriLSBc8WgQyfCQNxRr6_qqvt8yh7Txy63I-2Y/s320/IMG_9473-560x840.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701373621518773010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/caramelized-brussels-sprouts/">Caramelized Brussels Sprouts</a>, I made these for thanksgiving and nixed the bacon because we have vegetarians in the family. They are amazing and addicting.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">3. Main Dish<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS1k_Gt81vxs1dSuLww8TYqLvOu2-uPitx5vYtrECRHkwTLjG7ekVVsso1iGJ8jz8CjQca0pQ9z64cNnDfEITk9Tl1WaHJsTn_mY9o7CTfbUD8I_JlUbSQG2LyDgyQIfQehjEpWhu4kQ/s1600/138767232237958611_qenqe3oD_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS1k_Gt81vxs1dSuLww8TYqLvOu2-uPitx5vYtrECRHkwTLjG7ekVVsso1iGJ8jz8CjQca0pQ9z64cNnDfEITk9Tl1WaHJsTn_mY9o7CTfbUD8I_JlUbSQG2LyDgyQIfQehjEpWhu4kQ/s320/138767232237958611_qenqe3oD_c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701374143126502770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight I roasted a chicken and it was literally the best idea I've had in a long time. It was sooo easy and super delicious. You all should try it some time! I based it off of a recipe from sparkling ink but didn't have any lemons so I just did with out them.<br /><br />4. Dessert<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKOVFfHGQyrZFSZT2QzZjtI0y4prtcYyLNFoOyu_4XfywpydzDwIRZmUThIl0cPakBv6Kh3KXeDY8xJ3vziwJ_YpgvmVcGRRD4iRFzBfyBiiDAi3NNE1N7EIqv4bFkx2zX3HijQQHOEQ/s1600/mld104118_0609_strwbshort_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKOVFfHGQyrZFSZT2QzZjtI0y4prtcYyLNFoOyu_4XfywpydzDwIRZmUThIl0cPakBv6Kh3KXeDY8xJ3vziwJ_YpgvmVcGRRD4iRFzBfyBiiDAi3NNE1N7EIqv4bFkx2zX3HijQQHOEQ/s320/mld104118_0609_strwbshort_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701375056788410722" border="0" /></a><br />If you make one of these recipes, it should be this one. These <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315652/strawberry-shortcake-cookies">strawberry shortcake cookies</a> are wonderful. Last summer I think I made these at least once every 2 weeks, I couldn't get enough.<br /><br />5. Drink<br />I don't really have any good drink recipes. We usually drink sangria and don't really base it off of a recipe, just pour some wine in, add ginger ale and whatever fruit we have.<br /><br />hope you enjoyed some of my favorite recipes. I would love to hear what some of yours are!mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-14793890090286265042012-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:48:00.325-08:00reflections on my decisionsSo I've been thinking about doing this post for awhile now and finally took the time to sit down and write it. <br /><br />It was around this time last year, that I was starting to think where I was, wasn't where I needed to be. It was my second year at Rutgers and I still felt like something was off and that it wasn't the place for me. I remember I would have conversations with my mom and say jokingly, that after I graduate I would consider getting a degree from a culinary school. <br /><br />Cooking in my family has always meant <a href="http://the-friendliest-flower.blogspot.com/2011/03/future-plans.html">something</a> . Gathering around in the kitchen has always made me happy. I loved family dinners, food and baking. It was what always made me happy. When I lived at my apartment at school, I always looked forward to grocery shopping and cooking my dinner for the night. As the year progressed, I began collecting more recipes to try, started reading cooking magazines and read up on my stuff. Also, after reading lots of foodie blogs with authors who had gone to culinary school I decided to do some research. After taking a class on baking bread at Le Cordon Bleu I was convinced I was finally finding my place.<br /><br />While it hasn't always been easy, I could not be happier with the decision I made to attend culinary school. It has taught me so much. I have learned to love the routine, getting up early, wearing the uniform. I feel like I have grown and learned so much from my first semester and I can't wait to see what comes next this semester! <br /><br />So stay tuned, because I'd like to share more about my culinary school experiences this year!mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-67811173630023832352012-01-22T08:16:00.001-08:002012-01-22T08:16:54.924-08:00quote of the week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1teUh9xeQZMFUzE7HEE6hB0VIpy51trC3P-opopca5p8JoRfAB_JA8zGKZcurR6JND75MKsulXhZ1qsYrGKg9-M-KjbTromWW2sXNTqqMmahUsDngHb5s6mPDkSQ3GFrFOCy0Yh4GMy0/s1600/128352658099789100_nCvmin1U_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1teUh9xeQZMFUzE7HEE6hB0VIpy51trC3P-opopca5p8JoRfAB_JA8zGKZcurR6JND75MKsulXhZ1qsYrGKg9-M-KjbTromWW2sXNTqqMmahUsDngHb5s6mPDkSQ3GFrFOCy0Yh4GMy0/s320/128352658099789100_nCvmin1U_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700491048271101970" /></a>mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116621662236531362.post-43891974541450890942012-01-20T07:04:00.000-08:002012-01-20T07:25:45.253-08:00is this really necessary?So today I'm linking up with Sarah for a fun little post. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh0kf0lmVWu84h2a4m_sbnPDpi167jljeGRaNG1oTPG5u3qZ9FJcb6rklGjrluKE4oaiNSDyWw02ZGFYW4Z-O7ZCFr-15ZFdI0WM_BnuxcrJyNXq8lSEgnplliBOubQQcfLnFqCKW2kY/s1600/linkup2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh0kf0lmVWu84h2a4m_sbnPDpi167jljeGRaNG1oTPG5u3qZ9FJcb6rklGjrluKE4oaiNSDyWw02ZGFYW4Z-O7ZCFr-15ZFdI0WM_BnuxcrJyNXq8lSEgnplliBOubQQcfLnFqCKW2kY/s320/linkup2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699730573465426226" /></a><br /><br />And boy do I have a list for you. My culinary classes don't start til next week, however I'm taking a philosophy class online and already I know this is going to be interesting. <br /><br />Here are some lovely quotes from my professor that are totally unneccesary. His excitement about the class is a little over the top. <br /><br /><br />"Celebrate finishing this unit! And look forward to the next!" <br /><br />on enrolling in an online class: “I applaud your decision to enroll. I applaud your initiative. You will learn much about Philosophy. But most of all, you will learn much about yourself. Welcome aboard an adventure in learning that hopefully will never end!” <br /><br />"Read the entire syllabus, very carefully and very slowly. Read the syllabus again. It is your friend."<br /><br /><br />"The Karma of Grading: The points accumulate over the semester, so every action (or non-action) on your part has an impact upon your final grade. This is called the "modified karma theory of performance evaluation." <br /><br />"Buckle up, because philosophy is a mind-bending, exciting ride." <br /><br />other random things in classes that bother me: <br /><br />-- the rule that says after 15 minutes if the professor hasn't arrived you can leave, last semester a professor was always 10-12 minutes late so we could never just leave<br /><br />-- professors that are late. it's rude and frankly annoying. <br /><br />-- freshmen<br /><br />-- the moms that go back to school and are all over the professor every 5 minutes <br /><br />-- people that record lectures in class. one girl in my stats class used one and was late to class. she'd interrupt the lecture every time to place her recorder in the front of the class and then walk to find a seat. <br /><br /><br />Disclaimer-- I am a nice person. All of these are really in good fun and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.mary katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553264101361817787noreply@blogger.com2