tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52410165453545534182024-02-06T23:29:49.519-05:00Oliver and Eliotnicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-28753700693611873602009-02-18T11:19:00.006-05:002009-02-18T11:26:33.080-05:00Leanne M.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Auiec3DGk514KLj1sbhZ1DDySCDL8KhvSfbSuUicOkWr0x5k2kafWtr2prwhyTv8MTff8wjEW8_ctXAQQUuej7LAwEuEeG8eAU1MStypzfWzuIg8TnsWZ4vNl68gfuSkH-qDxqLrCNg/s1600-h/Leanne.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Auiec3DGk514KLj1sbhZ1DDySCDL8KhvSfbSuUicOkWr0x5k2kafWtr2prwhyTv8MTff8wjEW8_ctXAQQUuej7LAwEuEeG8eAU1MStypzfWzuIg8TnsWZ4vNl68gfuSkH-qDxqLrCNg/s320/Leanne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304173006101604674" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Sooo... maybe this is old news (well, I'm sure it is), but Leanne has a <a href="http://petalsandwaves.blogspot.com/">blog</a>! According to some of her posts, she's recently made the trip cross country from Portland to NYC, and is officially here on the East Coast -- woo hoo! I can't wait to see what she creates. </div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-66274262412368530452009-01-29T20:40:00.004-05:002009-01-29T20:52:11.563-05:00Say it isn't so!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9S0cYMA5wJpg6Z9lPCYVXxLRaO_Ml7_cJKbOxrL0bA08iumT00pOq-VJub5lBcqgRGYkGoSxawF2DKJjf8568tQXJP_WETewiJCWEA6QWQJPZwBbYuz7fGe-Ebqh5YPPTd19DRqDx4/s1600-h/Domino.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9S0cYMA5wJpg6Z9lPCYVXxLRaO_Ml7_cJKbOxrL0bA08iumT00pOq-VJub5lBcqgRGYkGoSxawF2DKJjf8568tQXJP_WETewiJCWEA6QWQJPZwBbYuz7fGe-Ebqh5YPPTd19DRqDx4/s200/Domino.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296898554745684018" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, I am well aware that is this is yesterday's news, but I am SO sad that Domino is soon to be no longer! Every issue contained page after page of stylish home decor inspiration! <br /><br />On a much happier personal note, I did return to work approximately five weeks ago, hence my lack of posts. It has just been a hectic whirlwind since day one, but I am finally getting settled in to a work schedule. I hope to be back in action on the web more consistently. Happy belated New Year to you all, by the way... I have entered into this new year with a renewed sense of optimism, excitement, and a much higher level of accountability.nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-87090942612814392852008-12-12T14:56:00.002-05:002008-12-12T15:08:18.841-05:00Sorry I've been MIA the past couple of days. I have had a headache beyond belief and it is PAINFUL to look at a computer screen. I wanted to hop on and wish everyone a wonderful and relaxing weekend, and to my friends and family in the NY capital region -- be safe and drive carefully! I will be thinking of you. I am going to leave you with a live version of one of my favorite Christmas songs, although, I feel like it is debatable whether it is REALLY meant to be a Christmas song or not. Even if it wasn't, I always hear this song at Christmastime, so it brings back holiday memories for me. What's your favorite Christmas/holiday song?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/30kXXTdmGCo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/30kXXTdmGCo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-28261786041234758782008-12-09T11:03:00.005-05:002008-12-09T16:39:31.252-05:00All I want for Christmas part I<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/christmas_list_part/set?.mid=embed&id=5093990"><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm1EOWFSZ3JHM1JHYUpEWXhUOXZNSFEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Christmas List part I" height="400" border="0" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/christmas_list_part/set?.mid=embed&id=5093990">Christmas List part I</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=511718">nicole pascale<br /></a></small><br />So my family has requested a few Christmas ideas, and so, of course I must oblige! I started a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/universal/ref=cm_wl_uwl">Universal Wish List</a> on <a href="http://amazon.com/">amazon.com</a>, and since I discovered the "Add to Wish List" bookmark to my browser, the list has grown fast! You can add pretty much anything from pretty much any website. So fun. I love it!nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-65869428805284360002008-12-08T18:05:00.008-05:002008-12-08T18:22:40.404-05:00Speaking of Anthropologie...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQBTHzCmqhXbAFs76c55ARGGy-Tz2I5p_WbS_D9CzJrIJLYU0JHumYU-H3f4YQ1ya9ri1CQGBloieJC-4_WlWuo4hnDxbYxdW2_z1PGX2MXkXMP3xsoY6yiaXo06BbfJXZn_RV2V764/s1600-h/anthro+spotlight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQBTHzCmqhXbAFs76c55ARGGy-Tz2I5p_WbS_D9CzJrIJLYU0JHumYU-H3f4YQ1ya9ri1CQGBloieJC-4_WlWuo4hnDxbYxdW2_z1PGX2MXkXMP3xsoY6yiaXo06BbfJXZn_RV2V764/s200/anthro+spotlight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277562772795779266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Image courtesy of<a href="http://anthropologie.com/"> Anthropologie</a></span><br /><br /></div>For those of us who just can't get enough of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anthro</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">aesthetic</span>, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/homepage.jsp?_DARGS=/anthro/common/home_category_topnav_active.jsp_A&_DAV=APPAREL_HOME_PAGE&_dynSessConf=7595959646506640999">Anthropologie</a> now offers the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?navAction=jump&navCount=1&id=WIDGET_SPOTLIGHT">Spotlight</a> Widget that delivers a new product of the day straight to your desktop! Available for both Mac and PC, I downloaded it in ten seconds. Check it out!nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-66885857376990176862008-12-08T10:41:00.017-05:002008-12-08T14:39:57.165-05:00Afternoon Tea & Holiday Shopping in Annapolis<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRlyWUbvxuthGmqBHIx-zPdP7mNe_no1scho8ZqnW3eW1lXjKOLxF3TCNsA0B5ITfX7x6Cy_p09xHiecu09oiM50C7n2Zy_hWidq-slfNGaoB6dAiCZFWnF5pVpPYVl38Ysl0lNiTD3w/s1600-h/Reynolds+Tavern+Winter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRlyWUbvxuthGmqBHIx-zPdP7mNe_no1scho8ZqnW3eW1lXjKOLxF3TCNsA0B5ITfX7x6Cy_p09xHiecu09oiM50C7n2Zy_hWidq-slfNGaoB6dAiCZFWnF5pVpPYVl38Ysl0lNiTD3w/s200/Reynolds+Tavern+Winter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277498215371653810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n-KukeZwNLNu2cAbayjYjVO4GKfHXwdqfzqoR40qc6gewV0DQPms1bflaHD1FVJu792CtC8Vw1vWiMljhvJdWqXfttipj8CK-Dpd1Ap5YFWrzQKDd4kNfh1TQvj9DBWJQOJIp6ucg6k/s1600-h/Maryland+State+House.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n-KukeZwNLNu2cAbayjYjVO4GKfHXwdqfzqoR40qc6gewV0DQPms1bflaHD1FVJu792CtC8Vw1vWiMljhvJdWqXfttipj8CK-Dpd1Ap5YFWrzQKDd4kNfh1TQvj9DBWJQOJIp6ucg6k/s200/Maryland+State+House.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277498209120339954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixb9ZlB1rYsMoP0zWyxf51d0xgr5_xTL_cOmHzVNtddyl_9BIIdOmuDwjzjpVE6xyrOrENkgFsTbTzQfDdSA6msEfHJXUimf1h3DYY3oqtm-dub3_3Q0xv8qtwO-lsTpULcns0wYQx_E/s1600-h/Annapolis+Winter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixb9ZlB1rYsMoP0zWyxf51d0xgr5_xTL_cOmHzVNtddyl_9BIIdOmuDwjzjpVE6xyrOrENkgFsTbTzQfDdSA6msEfHJXUimf1h3DYY3oqtm-dub3_3Q0xv8qtwO-lsTpULcns0wYQx_E/s200/Annapolis+Winter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277498203608427778" border="0" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"> Images courtesy of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><a href="http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/">City of Annapolis</a></span></span></div></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So yesterday, my darling friend Jane drove 'round the beltway and beyond to visit me here in Annapolis. Our original plan was to go to <a href="http://www.reynoldstavern.org/tea.html">Reynolds Tavern</a>, my favorite place for traditional afternoon tea. They have an amazing selection of teas from around the world, as well as the most delicious cakes, scones, and cookies that are all made on the premises. But, I was also dying to make the cookies I talked about in my last blog. It was the perfect opportunity! Her birthday is next week, so I decided to make her a few sweet treats that we could enjoy with tea. As planned, I did make the<a href="http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859007"> pecan snowballs</a> and <a href="http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859014">glazed lemon cookies</a>. In addition, I also made these <a href="http://laurarebeccaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/10/rustic-napoleons.html">napoleons</a> that I had seen <a href="http://laurarebeccaskitchen.blogspot.com/">here</a> a while back, <a href="http://www.applepiepatispate.com/american/gingersnap-cookies/#more-1873">gingersnaps</a>, and a very simple chocolate orange torte that I actually took from the back of a $2.50 box of<a href="http://www.ghirardelli.com/"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ghirardelli</span></a> Ultimate Fudge Brownie mix (see recipe below). To balance out the sweet with a little savory, I also had a rustic sourdough baguette with some coarse grain mustard, and a small cheese assortment from my local <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/annapolis/">Whole Foods</a>. Jane brought a lovely bottle of port that went nicely with the spread. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div> </div><div>After catching up over all the goodies, we went downtown to walk around , and see the holiday decorations. I was excited, because I had really explored downtown in quite a while. It was COLD by the water, but we did see some good holiday finds. First, we stopped at <a href="http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/">Hats in the Belfry</a>. I was impressed, they had definitely done an overhaul of their inventory and brought in some really nice hats! Plus, they have a huge selection of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Life is Good </span>items, if you're a fan. We also checked out <a href="http://www.shopparadigm.com/">Paradigm</a>, <a href="http://www.visit-annapolis.org/shop/specialty-shops/details/index.aspx?accountIds=159&categoryIds=3548">A.L. Goodies General Store</a>, which is always good for some fun tourist-y type things, and these huge homemade chocolate chip cookies and fudge that are made throughout the day, and of course, <a href="http://www.pawspetboutique.com/">Pet Paws Boutique</a> -- a must if you're shopping for that special dog or cat in your life. New to Main Street is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YoFiore</span> (which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">apprears</span> not to have a website), a <a href="http://www.pinkberry.com/html/pbmain.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pinkberry</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ish</span></a> type frozen yogurt themed eatery. It looks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">delish</span>, but it was far too<br /><div> </div>cold!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGP4ZKHRZ53RVWCDRfGl7xAUgvw-vWdmJUQl0SWPk0NfyOldl63e3WrAFMV1XoHtXT-bKjUQRyzEEFnQOzR2iRlQxJHSLrGZ5KbODZ5VEvsXel-YUfjzMjSA40_pQZvePSgCOUDDuI3c/s1600-h/urban+candy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 70px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGP4ZKHRZ53RVWCDRfGl7xAUgvw-vWdmJUQl0SWPk0NfyOldl63e3WrAFMV1XoHtXT-bKjUQRyzEEFnQOzR2iRlQxJHSLrGZ5KbODZ5VEvsXel-YUfjzMjSA40_pQZvePSgCOUDDuI3c/s200/urban+candy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277492601567243778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntcgcFeYhyphenhyphenEm1sLpM1kDq31gH6U6qyQ5WMapJ0cyBfqd4qj65uCzMbeVHFyKXss4Jl3cq3xb5lEBFWSWzk3MmslnLRbpwZz3685F87PI30EWCf4smeFMDHS4G6GSWlmx1m2TZEiUmhzE/s1600-h/taxi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 70px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntcgcFeYhyphenhyphenEm1sLpM1kDq31gH6U6qyQ5WMapJ0cyBfqd4qj65uCzMbeVHFyKXss4Jl3cq3xb5lEBFWSWzk3MmslnLRbpwZz3685F87PI30EWCf4smeFMDHS4G6GSWlmx1m2TZEiUmhzE/s200/taxi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277492602980346450" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v2VosXx4xuhK4vq7xd2aj-PbrLFBQAiAKx78jNBLCeZld1V1A2_uJxe-lTc86gYO-QWM3ExQWhvthC6Zac0bPvBB4I5N3OrXJ4rHZETv7L84VPM_uACxXM_sc3FDiEjSNq_hCHI9tEo/s1600-h/pink+snowflake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 70px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v2VosXx4xuhK4vq7xd2aj-PbrLFBQAiAKx78jNBLCeZld1V1A2_uJxe-lTc86gYO-QWM3ExQWhvthC6Zac0bPvBB4I5N3OrXJ4rHZETv7L84VPM_uACxXM_sc3FDiEjSNq_hCHI9tEo/s200/pink+snowflake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277492592837957666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSXKGMRPLsvePbDlLFX2VI9g3lqW2LucbIOL2BtW4Rm96a1vopM9tqWFMDuGWaOjQ4Y_fb8711CL_1_etT8MT9_VRY-oiNHkZP9ZkUq1AKa5js_5rh2Ms5pOtQnCCuXPEEQVHBU3hbo/s1600-h/red+berries.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 70px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSXKGMRPLsvePbDlLFX2VI9g3lqW2LucbIOL2BtW4Rm96a1vopM9tqWFMDuGWaOjQ4Y_fb8711CL_1_etT8MT9_VRY-oiNHkZP9ZkUq1AKa5js_5rh2Ms5pOtQnCCuXPEEQVHBU3hbo/s200/red+berries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277492596473854098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I want all of these wrapping papers from Paper Source...</span><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIXPRkcGm-VftNVN3EOqkxDROlja9RcfzkzZFuqrtwnIJEogmoUx3jeYZBow7gmlkR-W8wvrlfS53oHfpdbvsmerP2yhiTaL0-eNX_HLaTkS6sbTHHzdLgKq1fc4EZH8V0KYQDsZtsCU/s1600-h/red+berries.jpg"><br /></a></div> </div> </div><div>Once we had made our way through historic downtown Annapolis, we decided to head to the shiny, new<a href="http://www.visitatc.com/"> Annapolis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Towne</span> Centre at Parole</a>. I was dying to check out the new <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/">Paper Source</a> AND <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Anthropologie</span></a> within walking distance of my apartment!! These two stores never disappoint, and my Christmas wish list (some of which I plan to post later this week) got a little bit longer... Spending time with Jane is always a pleasure, and needless to say, it was a great day. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*** Edit after the fact... </div><div><br /></div><div>I forgot to post the Chocolate Orange Torte recipe! If you like chocolate, this is a quick, easy and inexpensive idea. So here it is as promised:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chocolate Orange Torte (adapted)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 box of Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge Brownie Mix (1 pouch mix and 1 pouch fudge topping)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/4 cup of water</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup of vegetable oil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In medium bowl, blend together brownie mix, water, oil, egg, and orange zest until moistened (about 40 strokes). Spoon batter into parchment lined or greased, 8-inch round cake pan. Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes and invert onto serving plate. Warm fudge topping as directed in the original brownie recipe on the back of the box. Cut top off of pouch and squeeze onto warm torte. Gently smooth over top and sides of torte. Makes 12-16 servings. </span></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-61464710504247112302008-12-06T08:49:00.008-05:002008-12-06T09:41:30.696-05:00Holiday Cookies I loveOk, so I know I said I'd be back on Monday, but it's Saturday morning -- my favorite time to bake, and I just had to share. As most people are, I am running on a significantly smaller budget than last year, well, the last ten years, but anywho... I had to get creative for my holiday gift giving ideas. The folks at <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/homepage/flash/0,23022,,00.shtml?origref=http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859007">Real Simple</a> never cease to amaze me. This month, they came up with four make ahead cookie <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1679014-1859268,00.html">recipes</a> AND four super cute ways to gift these cookies. <div><br /></div><div>My two favorites are:</div><div><br /></div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe6r51P1oYO5nTp5dx2fw3WpEnd7ThxcFSU9G2gF84yKHAkwMdednvEF9k1ZMgG6tG9Uwe-C1VRSu1KzFTPIrBmHKGzibZmFgpMATD766yWmPA2XwNXXKsZnjC3p1Dd3jLgE9Zly4wxU/s200/Pecan+Cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276678328492272338" /><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859007">Pecan Snowballs</a> -- don't you just love the egg carton?</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnBjJ6sFyWbTuNiwIsk04JD6jclrySeU6DCRUOM_lNJAF8RpAGt-mZTLD2rb0jG4CHNSUFlxuSb9xzbA6XdfhAmMoV1rXrU8DUIfiMbSzyxLi7xznM2h8SafCNbWu9K9vKXlXHylygTM/s200/Glazed+Lemon+Cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276679976828249026" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And the <a href="http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859014">Glazed Lemon Cookies. </a></div><div><br /></div><div>All four cookie recipes can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to two months! I plan on doing round one today, so I can give them to my dear friend Jane, who will be coming to visit tomorrow. </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">all photos courtesy of Kana Osada @ </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/homepage/flash/0,23022,,00.shtml?origref=http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1859002"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Real Simple</span></a></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-31880206237676972722008-12-05T19:34:00.005-05:002008-12-05T19:39:34.979-05:00I'm backkkk!!!<blockquote></blockquote><br />And I got a little facelift. What do you think?<br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0LuP_ag3gVy1hnlYcSG3YYT12CP1qcmVCd3nQQTyaBlcK5MO7r0ynahEvIQmP7F-9ipJIulzFHmA9C5PMTuCBPNoJThV_nkuZGgplWTBLoE6Qszoy4kewdqXflFsLZwARz_Bs8Ok30s/s200/DigiMakeover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276469328361916658" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be back in full force on Monday!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.uberreview.com/.../%20uploads/digi-makeover.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The UberReview</span></a></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-82037870406307129222008-09-29T17:26:00.003-04:002008-12-06T09:26:02.503-05:00Congrats are in order!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtw81C2B01jGytNg1hVrcGnLMU_yphqpvTlYnAZX_NLHq3g8eaYlcTN_WhTQHXRoUDAGpRHZDYBCt0VrVmZq9j4ln-zaoXtvF7aIK8H-v70ozqpXEQhlwkRkWOXVrDuZSsi6ymLOKKmA/s1600-h/BriYearbookPhoto.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtw81C2B01jGytNg1hVrcGnLMU_yphqpvTlYnAZX_NLHq3g8eaYlcTN_WhTQHXRoUDAGpRHZDYBCt0VrVmZq9j4ln-zaoXtvF7aIK8H-v70ozqpXEQhlwkRkWOXVrDuZSsi6ymLOKKmA/s200/BriYearbookPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251558941306034882" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8QvIuyORX5aEtpB9V9Tal8ixO802TBJCb0M2zmtyWh4KbtA-dBrHWjxBhJyNf8fcBKetVLfGfikopE1JythYDQhKAjZwIKzCqMk0SaLaOr_QDQk51uCX4mCDdhTSgJGc59URzPeDC0Y/s200/davidYearbookPhoto-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251558940236170034" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"> </span></div><div> </div>Congratulations to my beautiful sister, Breanna and my dashing future brother-in-law Dave! Dave asked Bre to marry him this past saturday -- of course she said, "YES!" <div><br /></div><div>How exciting it is to see our family continue to grow! <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*Fabulously flattering pictures courtesy of Dave's sister Lisa and of course, </span><a href="http://www.yearbookyourself.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">yearbookyourself.com </span></a></div></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-27599070856488159422008-09-18T18:30:00.002-04:002008-12-06T09:31:35.539-05:00Let them eat cake!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Z6neM5VBphJXaCDGKGId8dAbveNftiVqH13MNscaI8W_f3vjLEcMGMlHbTPknoMzGIoFWHf5Bt06NZ586bfUYbzwi3tPFoNBz_MgVDjhARm4cMyQhSMV7eds7n6ZJ8ul8aGE2NLMmU/s1600-h/FoCastle+Farms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Z6neM5VBphJXaCDGKGId8dAbveNftiVqH13MNscaI8W_f3vjLEcMGMlHbTPknoMzGIoFWHf5Bt06NZ586bfUYbzwi3tPFoNBz_MgVDjhARm4cMyQhSMV7eds7n6ZJ8ul8aGE2NLMmU/s320/FoCastle+Farms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247501694817207858" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div>So these days, I've just been baking up a storm! We're talking cakes, cupcakes, in all shapes, sizes and flavors -- I just love it! Initially, Jake was my official tester, but yesterday, I ran out of bowls and plates, so I had to branch out and share the love (and cake) with others. <div><br /><div> </div><div> While I love the weather in Annapolis pretty much all year round; there's no better place to capture the feeling of fall than good 'ol upstate NY. I am craving apple pie, apple cider,apple doughnuts and then I remember our annual trips of my childhood to <a href="http://www.focastlefarm.com/index.html">Focastle Farms</a>. For a while, I am homesick and nostalgic... My most recent creation -- <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=222502">a cinnamon apple cake</a> seemed to capture the essence of the new season that is upon us and my longing for NY, not to mention -- it is delicious. It is so moist (I hate that word) it almost has the consistency of a bread pudding. Unfortunately, I have no good photos to share, so you'll have to use your imagination for this one. </div></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-37230957122448260142008-09-16T22:14:00.001-04:002008-12-06T09:28:08.542-05:00Sweet love of my life...My charming sister sent me a gift card a la Target last week for my 31st birthday. Today, I put it to good use and bought myself a lovely new hand mixer. I tested it for the first time this evening and made these charming red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. <div><br /><div> </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7hHUlPRexrApLqfcwKSwz0pNlOykQMApqjoAUYCwFx-w_0bML6ChnWB6qHpu6YnnDg7RfXIFV2f_qEqlWTVHo7qDcMfXYEm2wCpPcu_wbJK3EpQcDnqzwgMwZcoSBz3ARsehyQWLaPs/s320/RedVelvet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246809119424365954" /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhh...to die for!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5241016545354553418.post-29084499492173372642008-09-16T15:26:00.002-04:002008-12-06T09:33:51.039-05:00My First Time...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SNZkEnL6q1QcFssU4l_b-57GSVRD7-ebvB5xkSVaeHZgnqoYFbeN-MlSYzlrYJ3DOY-67e_OE6rD434FwEsonnwYpzkpoduV9nVN1YdnIDSydtNAWGegw0Bt5ziYEWE9oyaAv8QnYtE/s1600-h/OliverandEliot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SNZkEnL6q1QcFssU4l_b-57GSVRD7-ebvB5xkSVaeHZgnqoYFbeN-MlSYzlrYJ3DOY-67e_OE6rD434FwEsonnwYpzkpoduV9nVN1YdnIDSydtNAWGegw0Bt5ziYEWE9oyaAv8QnYtE/s320/OliverandEliot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246707164432678818" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is the first day of the rest of my life... <div> </div><div><br /><div> </div><div> I have been inspired by my lovely, and most dear childhood friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/peonyandbee.blogspot.com/">Carrie Kate</a> to begin blogging, and so blog, I shall! Stay tuned...</div></div></div>nicole.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841240454852118047noreply@blogger.com1