tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70366701643646358102024-03-05T01:45:23.025-06:00Qreative QuailThis is a blog about my pursuit of ideas, design diversions, photographic ventures, crafty schemes, and random creative undertakings.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-71561918367799628012013-06-29T16:25:00.000-05:002013-06-29T16:25:55.266-05:00Shine On You Crazy DiamondTraveling to Puerto Rico to conquer the waves in Rincon should be on your bucket list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsfDCy8Im5cTPs-dMKlTUz6Ardw0qEeYWisPxK5IxMIEdDOv1Jqpkbx0NejrXhyphenhyphen2n8fS0gDXGIKfIhl-mKNYrmBhZ105xJ9bOAD37DhBPfJmp4tKqsg8PR-YIIx5m3VbLw694-M2MEUiN/s720/SurfDiamond-low.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsfDCy8Im5cTPs-dMKlTUz6Ardw0qEeYWisPxK5IxMIEdDOv1Jqpkbx0NejrXhyphenhyphen2n8fS0gDXGIKfIhl-mKNYrmBhZ105xJ9bOAD37DhBPfJmp4tKqsg8PR-YIIx5m3VbLw694-M2MEUiN/s720/SurfDiamond-low.gif" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-80578651379786189962012-01-01T18:18:00.001-06:002012-01-01T18:29:52.483-06:00Feel Good Poster for Someone SpecialThe last of the "Love" posters. My Niece just had a milestone birthday. 21! I remember when I turned 21, unfortunately, that conversation isn't appropriate for this blog. * wink, wink *<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2VLdeG0LTIJT03PQik8OD3MuqckP-ny6FCDlJ_z7Kj1JECvnRiKZnhWtER0nzgcsOLd_s6iZrntSnek-3CO3sBS_cN-h6r3osHZPEPC5SdYNUJZAlCJMOHXTMgKtgdd1HG4Mc0Eg0EFg/s1600/AmandasPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2VLdeG0LTIJT03PQik8OD3MuqckP-ny6FCDlJ_z7Kj1JECvnRiKZnhWtER0nzgcsOLd_s6iZrntSnek-3CO3sBS_cN-h6r3osHZPEPC5SdYNUJZAlCJMOHXTMgKtgdd1HG4Mc0Eg0EFg/s400/AmandasPoster.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And here they all are, in their shining glory:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8zc6GFj570U3heZpHBVfOMw-6wfAGzS2_5JIyKWiBgT7s7xUwsBrwLgqMV7DJrw62VMqkSpBJxUQy0OXCPlb4Fo0IDsNpXj3YSVWTaGQdpbt1xmFXRY1gk7O6500KhlpUFRshvQZ1Lp0/s1600/Love...Posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8zc6GFj570U3heZpHBVfOMw-6wfAGzS2_5JIyKWiBgT7s7xUwsBrwLgqMV7DJrw62VMqkSpBJxUQy0OXCPlb4Fo0IDsNpXj3YSVWTaGQdpbt1xmFXRY1gk7O6500KhlpUFRshvQZ1Lp0/s400/Love...Posters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-32657126396778837312012-01-01T18:11:00.000-06:002012-01-01T18:29:28.144-06:00Yarn WreathsI told you I made a bunch of these. And I wasn't kidding.<br />
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Here we have "The Peacock" (for my sister): <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HXqNxfWxKCN1roqxGqpA-SfdVwuJNMOsVv_Nzd6Qe-P4U_NwNpxi6nJbepW75zCZ-J_wExdgCHwfQsUHTXLlM8X5CoMpvj1h8jDSiMCcEDON_NHJ_jXmvqSmpPuaSkZ2dpUCf9CL3kz/s1600/WEB_DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HXqNxfWxKCN1roqxGqpA-SfdVwuJNMOsVv_Nzd6Qe-P4U_NwNpxi6nJbepW75zCZ-J_wExdgCHwfQsUHTXLlM8X5CoMpvj1h8jDSiMCcEDON_NHJ_jXmvqSmpPuaSkZ2dpUCf9CL3kz/s400/WEB_DSC_0007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Winter Frost (for my sister-in-law): <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnJuIeQTLZQCHHXaH6qAErbrV6yZPevgRc_c6r6WzQayd41wHShrTtZDTW8883GmMoMGY2fZlk-MKm8XGjPoMqswzehwHTwCAD9UXTCJ9jaeO2Fr61XOr5JPduYis4F1x72ydWYgM5jVg/s1600/WEB_DSC_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnJuIeQTLZQCHHXaH6qAErbrV6yZPevgRc_c6r6WzQayd41wHShrTtZDTW8883GmMoMGY2fZlk-MKm8XGjPoMqswzehwHTwCAD9UXTCJ9jaeO2Fr61XOr5JPduYis4F1x72ydWYgM5jVg/s400/WEB_DSC_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Purple Plume (for my other sister):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs499nbnMgmIbCLZXJATdGEilc5B9RaqlnEmUQ6rGSfcrh55PSqLiCypRKFvovlCrgHMYsAD31Oyi1XzDhyKrVCvBWKwkFnQU6_MBAKAsGUnYHw0MLN_f5e-PxDVeAlSk_WpeiHPiRVHe/s1600/WEB_DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs499nbnMgmIbCLZXJATdGEilc5B9RaqlnEmUQ6rGSfcrh55PSqLiCypRKFvovlCrgHMYsAD31Oyi1XzDhyKrVCvBWKwkFnQU6_MBAKAsGUnYHw0MLN_f5e-PxDVeAlSk_WpeiHPiRVHe/s400/WEB_DSC_0026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Go Pack Go (for my mom, the biggest Packer fan I know):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe-QAleaNbh9B-PTHNKys_LDh66EmAaOhHcLS_H_otaWbQxmU-yyW3S8Df-H-ff2DU8gGj3cJTHlixqeTS830wfSaOVtBPeqextjAaTdixg6dvw7VJmWhC2JAFADcKP_rR_bFz4Pt4BYi/s1600/WEB_DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe-QAleaNbh9B-PTHNKys_LDh66EmAaOhHcLS_H_otaWbQxmU-yyW3S8Df-H-ff2DU8gGj3cJTHlixqeTS830wfSaOVtBPeqextjAaTdixg6dvw7VJmWhC2JAFADcKP_rR_bFz4Pt4BYi/s400/WEB_DSC_0029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Cozy Sweater (for my aunt):<br />
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Bird's Song (for my mother-in-law):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnJ5GQ9iJZMdpl6V5EXYuyl4nxpZZxgcX3EMMJddJ5kasOfOjH9Op5NXw6luC7y7t_DVsuEtA_a1w7S0WYRimdZCbBcnVYK7v1LKPhBJ3T_5nHa2kfZSWa0fyGCG3DbxzI_zfQff0-8sn/s1600/WEB_DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnJ5GQ9iJZMdpl6V5EXYuyl4nxpZZxgcX3EMMJddJ5kasOfOjH9Op5NXw6luC7y7t_DVsuEtA_a1w7S0WYRimdZCbBcnVYK7v1LKPhBJ3T_5nHa2kfZSWa0fyGCG3DbxzI_zfQff0-8sn/s400/WEB_DSC_0039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-17905718318897176152012-01-01T18:01:00.004-06:002012-01-01T18:34:40.843-06:0030 Things I Love (cont...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeWvaCZ5bHz5sFvlC0KhlxassJZco-mznnN7hd-6d64WxabsD4iTHmTqAjElFO6JqDT29aMtMLg2_14HFp2tRTWpXlkhI8q0tvfrZ4HTqZiZyQenIENwYojpGM0XribBj7E1c7ZYwEbqv/s1600/545029_g3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeWvaCZ5bHz5sFvlC0KhlxassJZco-mznnN7hd-6d64WxabsD4iTHmTqAjElFO6JqDT29aMtMLg2_14HFp2tRTWpXlkhI8q0tvfrZ4HTqZiZyQenIENwYojpGM0XribBj7E1c7ZYwEbqv/s400/545029_g3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. <b>My iPhone 4S.</b> How did I possibly survive for so long without it?<br />
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7. <b>Mad Men marathon.</b> I recently purchased seasons 1-4 at a very nice Black Friday discounted price. My last 2 weeks off of work have consisted of me squeezing in episode after episode between the mandatory Holiday shin digs. 'Shin digs', that's possibly a term I've never used before. I'll have to thank Mad Men for expanding my retro vocabulary (either that or Words with Friends).<br />
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8. <b>Mozzarella cheese balls soaked in Italian oils.</b> If you've never bought a tub of these. You should. They're delicious.<br />
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9. Speaking of food...here's <b>a few things I love from Trader Joe's:</b> angel food cake, potstickers, yogurt, orange chicken, chocolate croissants, mochi, wine, cheese, dried cranberries, their free samples, and friendly Cashiers. What do you love from Trader Joes?<br />
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10. <b>Sleeping in until 1:00 P.M.</b> There's not a lot of chances to do this but if you find an opportunity, do it! And please, don't feel guilty about it.<br />
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<i><b>More to come in the new year.</b></i>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-50653610343124523292011-12-17T10:15:00.002-06:002012-01-01T18:34:59.293-06:0030 Things I Love1. I love <b>my latest incarnation of a "...Things We Love About..." poster. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T6zUiHDdKPdqABQd9_8lAOOWMBtGC9ZTJePDWcgYrtom9QHyRBCgUf2RLWj97LETLE47AD-IFfV-GzJt9oe1KEV2A1KiLzPuW5G1NuPKdOzbzye4YDTdkmqfiDy93QMOLnu5spdsyhIb/s1600/30birthday-final5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T6zUiHDdKPdqABQd9_8lAOOWMBtGC9ZTJePDWcgYrtom9QHyRBCgUf2RLWj97LETLE47AD-IFfV-GzJt9oe1KEV2A1KiLzPuW5G1NuPKdOzbzye4YDTdkmqfiDy93QMOLnu5spdsyhIb/s400/30birthday-final5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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2. That <b>I get to keep making these posters</b> (I have another one in the works).<br />
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3. Speaking of posters, I love <b>my newest set of prints by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/berkleyillustration">Ryan Berkley</a>,</b> which I scored at the Chicago Renegade Craft Fair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPZLNAFO8VZ-3f8szwDCbruj47KyNS8qVOcIgkQZn6mKBK-AP6dBRiImBhj8t6N95mPKJmB7PvQGC-u_eyAFGMMvo-NoYnUeBFIDwHbBSEz-6MvFid2EzGWa-j4-NEzZYchkHHe9_3mru/s1600/BerkleyPrints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPZLNAFO8VZ-3f8szwDCbruj47KyNS8qVOcIgkQZn6mKBK-AP6dBRiImBhj8t6N95mPKJmB7PvQGC-u_eyAFGMMvo-NoYnUeBFIDwHbBSEz-6MvFid2EzGWa-j4-NEzZYchkHHe9_3mru/s400/BerkleyPrints.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Christmas is coming. And I ordered a bunch of <b>cool gifts on <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/">ThinkGeek</a>...</b><br />
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5....this is one of <b>them.</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1idc7YnFvggEBBlQ-eHocnKjQYuS9fUMRo-jf0mDZq7Hv4s8u9MWIp9xaeHhQ8QPwtdZetRdCSuVhYvt0qnAYWRqpVroPEFRoAgNCdbmiS6eNgjt7_9xe0gjSX9HrAEpap_89OeFVSHlL/s1600/e560_lego_minifig_alarm_clocks_scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1idc7YnFvggEBBlQ-eHocnKjQYuS9fUMRo-jf0mDZq7Hv4s8u9MWIp9xaeHhQ8QPwtdZetRdCSuVhYvt0qnAYWRqpVroPEFRoAgNCdbmiS6eNgjt7_9xe0gjSX9HrAEpap_89OeFVSHlL/s400/e560_lego_minifig_alarm_clocks_scale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size does matter.</td></tr>
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6. ...<br />
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<i><b>More to come later.</b></i>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-12289688225912304142011-12-14T21:25:00.000-06:002011-12-14T21:37:44.419-06:00Happy Yarn Days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My house is covered in every color yarn that you can think of! Green, yellow, purple, red... my head is spinning just talking about it.<br />
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Some lucky family members will be receiving hand-made yarn wreaths this Christmas and I've been as busy as a St. Nicholas elf making them. My inspiration started with a quick Google image search for "<b>yarn and felt wreaths</b>" (try it and you'll see!). I attempted a yellow and purple one for myself first, and was impressed with the result.<br />
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This was quickly followed by a smaller, red version (which will be given away during the annual Holiday Ornament Exchange at the office). <br />
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Unfortunately, or fortunately for some, I'm addicted and have already made 3 more (with another 3 in the next couple weeks). My fingers have the hot glue gun scars to prove it. But, now I'm experimenting with different felt flower shapes, feathers, birds, and glass ornaments! I even found perfect 16"x16"x5" bakery boxes to store them in.<br />
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Stay turned until after the holidays to see the rest and in the meantime, make one for yourself, or a friend. You'd be surprised at how fun it is (aside from the burns)!<br />
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<b>So you're serious about making a wreath, huh. Here's how to do it:</b><br />
1. Gather a lot of inspiration images of other wreaths online. It helps to have something to go by the first time around.<br />
2. Pick your color palette. Keep it simple at first. I did yellow and purple but added different shades of each for interest. Don't worry, your color palette can get "crazier" on your next couple wreaths.<br />
3. Go to a craft store to buy your supplies. I started with a straw wreath because I liked the size and it was cheaper than the foam wreaths. And picked out the yarn color, as well as a few colors and shades of 8.5"x11" felt sheets, and some embellishments (picks, fake foliage, sprigs, pieces of garland, etc. will do just fine).<br />
4. Now start wrapping your wreath with the yarn. (Tip: don't remove the plastic wrap from the straw wreath. Also, don't worry about keeping the yarn perfectly lined up. It looks more interesting when you have pieces overlapping each other and helps to cover the wreath better.) This step takes the longest. I recommend doing this while watching TV. You should be able to get through an episode or two of Dexter per wreath. Once it's completely wrapped tie the ends together and tuck to hid the knot.<br />
5. Start cutting circles in your felt. All different sizes. The bigger the circle, the bigger the flower. Once you have circles, then start cutting them into spirals (with a wavy line). Confusing yes, so go <a href="http://www.danielleburkleo.com/2010/10/diy-yarn-wreath-with-felt-flowers.html">here</a> to see visual step-by-steps.<br />
6. Plug in your hot glue gun because you're about to do some gluing. Per the instructions on the above link, leave a flap at the end of the spiral and glue to the back of the flower.<br />
7. Once your flowers are finished, arrange them on the wreath, as well as the embellishment. Keep rearranging until you like what you see, then glue them down permanently (Tip: add an optional ribbon to hang it). <br />
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<b>Cost of project:</b><br />
Straw wreath - $3.99<br />
4 sheets of felt at $0.30 each - $1.20<br />
Embellishment - $0.99<br />
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Total - $6.18 (assuming you already have the hot glue gun and glue sticks like I did)<br />
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<b>Time:</b><br />
Wrapping yarn - 1 hour, 30 mins.<br />
Making and gluing flowers, embellishments - 30 mins.<br />
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Total - 2 hours<br />
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<b>Difficulty Level:</b><br />
Easy<br />
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<b>Impressive?</b><br />
Yes! I guarantee you'll be proud of yourself, and everyone you know will want one.<br />
<br />Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-57462803892679662442011-11-18T22:12:00.001-06:002011-11-18T22:18:55.533-06:00Out with the gold, In with the coldGoodbye Fall. You'll be dearly missed. It was nice while it lasted but Old Man Winter is knocking on my door. Until next year...<br />
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Au revoir! Auf Wiedersehen! ¡Hasta mañana!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z9TJsdg47RkHBCjCcccvv8bjcpsJ1uRZTEsvogky9U6eqOfsr1FaXjlXHis2pIMC9zm3hzsSYkb174lRpaiAoO63o6CFZ60yvalCuytzC6bz-4XnjE-kwLXj8ma_JysRYEfN4OfjtWyF/s1600/WEB-DSC_0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z9TJsdg47RkHBCjCcccvv8bjcpsJ1uRZTEsvogky9U6eqOfsr1FaXjlXHis2pIMC9zm3hzsSYkb174lRpaiAoO63o6CFZ60yvalCuytzC6bz-4XnjE-kwLXj8ma_JysRYEfN4OfjtWyF/s400/WEB-DSC_0203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot this fall while vacationing on Lake Winter. * sigh *</td></tr>
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</div>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-79238721675254646072011-11-18T21:42:00.001-06:002012-01-01T18:30:59.951-06:00March of the PenguinsGet your office talking about these dishes at your next Holiday potluck. Bonus: they are quick, easy, and impressive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbCf2CmxzDAn6fqMRoRRO1pp84zN9BU4aQxGleXe9RcZPxHd6yZg2_oilTqGMFli_1etCTBNFgkTNqUg_io76zw-85aetuiesfBBPxk25TP_eF9RgDmIlmdr2OHKkL128c4XiHCV82bwN/s1600/WEB-DSC_0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbCf2CmxzDAn6fqMRoRRO1pp84zN9BU4aQxGleXe9RcZPxHd6yZg2_oilTqGMFli_1etCTBNFgkTNqUg_io76zw-85aetuiesfBBPxk25TP_eF9RgDmIlmdr2OHKkL128c4XiHCV82bwN/s400/WEB-DSC_0462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Penguins</b><br />
<u>For the body:</u> Cut a wedge out of a large black olive. Fill with flavored cream cheese.<br />
<u>For the head:</u> cut carrots into coin shaped slices. cut a small triangle-shape wedge out of each carrot coin. Poke the wedge into the tiny hole (not the large hole) of a small black olive.<br />
<u>For the base:</u> Using the same carrot coins, cut the wedge even larger to create feet.<br />
<u>Assemble:</u> stack the stuffed olive on top of the wedge, place the head on top and pierce with a tooth pick until all three parts are secured together. <br />
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This doesn't take as long as you may think. It's simple and also very delicious. Would go great as a sandwich side. And your friends/family/coworkers will be blown-away!<br />
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<b>Marshmallow Snowmen</b><br />
<u>For the body:</u> dunk the top of a marshmallow in frosting, and then dunk in your favorite sprinkles. (I used shredded coconut, candy-coated mini chocolate chips, nonpareils, crushed nuts, and crushed candy canes.)<br />
<u>For the face:</u> Just use simple cake decorating gel or pipe frosting to draw the face. It's fun to show a variety of expressions and feel free to play around with different colors, too.<br />
<u>Assemble:</u> Stick a cake pop/lollipop stick (found at specialty bake stores or Michael's) through the top and you're done!<br />
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The kids will really appreciate this one.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-8182565122504039292011-08-30T20:02:00.007-05:002012-01-01T18:30:39.971-06:00Word Warrior to the rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post is one big shout-out to my friend, Aubre. I'm proud to announce that she's just launched her professional website, with me as her web designer and <a href="http://aaronshurley.com/">Aaron</a> as her web programmer. I must say the three of us make a good team because her site turned out wonderful (I especially had fun creating the roll-overs; play around on her site and you'll see what I mean). It's been months in the making but it's now finished so all she needs to do is wait for the jobs to come rolling in. And I'd bet money that she's going to be a very busy woman!<br />
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Congrats, Aubre on the official launch of your freelance business. May the Force be with you!<br />
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Check out her site <a href="http://aubreandrus.com/">here</a>, her blog <a href="http://aubreandrus.com/blog/">here</a>, and like her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AubreAndrusLLC">Facebook</a> while you're at it. Pow! Bam! Kaboom!Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-78926728425663181642011-08-29T23:05:00.002-05:002012-01-01T18:30:03.233-06:00The Big 5-0!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I would probably say that one of the most exciting projects for a designer to work on is a poster (especially a screen print). So when this little gem was presented to me a few weeks ago I jumped right on it. I don't even know Scott, but after designing this poster around him and all his amazing qualities, it made me want to wrap my arm around his shoulder, clink mugs of beer, and start singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow..."!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOR8LXpQOPSefw384pu1juwpR4oCiucwYINdfTdN4ZKVbXK5l-RKBW7e2aaPMZE0MBxzaayiEIKkkoXCyVSiIS1rRIjEpL52XtMfOwmqdCLjiz7cgYJV7UvtqeEydVR5bdxR4dSS5ha8N/s1600/50thPoster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOR8LXpQOPSefw384pu1juwpR4oCiucwYINdfTdN4ZKVbXK5l-RKBW7e2aaPMZE0MBxzaayiEIKkkoXCyVSiIS1rRIjEpL52XtMfOwmqdCLjiz7cgYJV7UvtqeEydVR5bdxR4dSS5ha8N/s400/50thPoster1.jpg" width="295" /> </a></div>
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Words can not describe the fun I had with this, but can I just say, I fit 50 reasons on one poster! That's a lot of copy, and I miraculously got it to fit. Round of applause, please!</div>
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Oh, and a great big happy birthday to The Man!</div>
<br />Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-63630291658073186162011-06-30T20:46:00.005-05:002011-07-02T14:52:57.070-05:00Grandma Ruth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRIetm7D6u0fToVukGhxoiDA7OTwzeoXKGMKqsR7TKg4yOHlIRVjzV-VSyVs_GzGGZGTsphsvZm4-eyyM5mOZ45fSQZCHtluwxuwEaoDoBQeWy_bsPwqU9CtiABAS4pvNS7tAgO6bkqIx/s1600/WEB_DSC_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRIetm7D6u0fToVukGhxoiDA7OTwzeoXKGMKqsR7TKg4yOHlIRVjzV-VSyVs_GzGGZGTsphsvZm4-eyyM5mOZ45fSQZCHtluwxuwEaoDoBQeWy_bsPwqU9CtiABAS4pvNS7tAgO6bkqIx/s400/WEB_DSC_0123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Warning: this gets sentimental.<br />
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So it's hot outside (heat index of 90) and I decide to take a walk with Lola. She loves walks...and smelling every single tree, bush, and blade of grass along the way. Needless to say it takes us an hour to walk a block (slight exaggeration but you get the idea). Tonight was exceptionally pleasant as there were no other crazy people out walking in this heat. No other person besides the sweetest old lady I've met, and I only say that because she reminded me of someone I love. My grandma. Grandma Ruth passed away years ago but I still think of her often. Many of my summers as a child were spent at her house picking raspberries and chasing butterflies (no really, it's true). She didn't smell like old people. She smelled like Trident gum, lilacs, and plastic hair curlers. She'd sing to me while washing my hair in the kitchen sink. Every morning she'd wake me up to the smell of pancakes or my favorite, french toast. And buy me the latest shoes for my Barbie (it was hard to keep up with the trends). She was the best! So when this sweet neighbor lady's dog came running up to Lola, she came running after her dog. It's what she said that stopped me dead in my tracks. <i>"Say, now!"</i> What? My grandma used to say that to us when we were causing a ruckus. Did this lady just say this to her dog? I must meet her! So we chatted about her adorable lab and the tree she recently cut down. I was even offered some free wood. The whole time we talked I couldn't help but feel like we had been friends for years. She maybe didn't smell like my grandma but she had the same sparkly eyes and spunky energy. It's times like these that make me miss Grandma Ruth the most, always when I least expect it. If I could I would hop on the next hot air balloon and ride on up to heaven for a little neighborhood gossip while we exchanged the latest issue of the National Enquirer. Love and miss you Grandma! <i>"Talk at cha later!"</i>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-75753143822633423002011-06-15T20:40:00.000-05:002011-06-15T20:40:14.970-05:00Sweet, Sweet Cinnamon RollsEverything is better when it's mini...and covered in frosting...and on a stick! I made this for a baby shower brunch this Spring. Super easy. Super cheap. Super cute!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLvrBUgZZfFwZjrzWxsabqw4C21Z3yJdioKoZmRayswVsRdUoEE7ebL0GTd-EYdTBDLG9NgX24_qyQGpz_0Ijcy98UfVwHKyQCqtbmSoNMjuKhtdbVieGssGCReuRL0IBCc05GW37Xi5N/s1600/WEB_DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLvrBUgZZfFwZjrzWxsabqw4C21Z3yJdioKoZmRayswVsRdUoEE7ebL0GTd-EYdTBDLG9NgX24_qyQGpz_0Ijcy98UfVwHKyQCqtbmSoNMjuKhtdbVieGssGCReuRL0IBCc05GW37Xi5N/s400/WEB_DSC_0001.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br />
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<b>You'll need:</b><br />
One slab of frozen puffed pastry sheet (thawed)<br />
Cinnamon<br />
Brown sugar<br />
Butter<br />
Frosting<br />
Candy sticks (found at specialty baking stores or Michael's Crafts)<br />
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<b>How to make the mini morsels:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay the puffed pastry sheet on a floured surface. Cut in half the short way. Roll one half out slightly to help stretch and add more surface area. Set the other half aside to make more rolls later or use for another delicious baking adventure (see below for more ideas). Mix together about 1/2 cup brown sugar and about 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a bowl. (Really though, mix however you'd like. If you want sweet rolls, use more sugar. If you want a strong cinnamon flavor, use more cinnamon. Customize to your palette.) Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter until watery. Brush butter over puffed pastry sheet and then sprinkle some or all of the sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the sheet into a log (tip: it's easiest to roll towards you instead of away). Cut up into about 1 inch pieces. Grease a mini muffin tin and place a cinnamon roll into each cup. This will help keep the roll small and tight instead of spreading out while it bakes. Pop in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until tops are nicely browned. Remove and cool on wire racks. Once cool, top each candy stick with a mini roll and frost!<br />
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Great for baby shower brunches, kids party snacks, or any day of the week. And if you want to get fancy, you can display them upright in a foam block, wrap them individually in mini cellophane bags and give as gifts, or rest them gently in mini cupcake paper wrappers.<br />
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This is only the beginning people! Try doing the same thing but with pizza fillings. Trust me, you'll never want to eat pizza the traditional way once you've had it mini, rolled, and on a stick. Donuts, cheesecake, and anything dipped in chocolate is also highly recommended to be consumed this way as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thanks to my husband for being such a wonderful hand model. Even though he was less than thrilled to hold this roll for 15 minutes while I ran him around the house finding the right lighting. All the poor guy wanted to do was eat one! Oh, the sacrifices we make for love...)</span>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-32919752242784098652011-04-10T20:41:00.000-05:002012-01-01T18:31:16.712-06:00Beers with HatsIf your beer could wear a hat, this is what I think it would wear.<br />
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(click on image to enlarge)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyUmpcszHafw6K8taefs-xmYmW7ooeX0X072WGGS11RdcY3U1EK5E3RCpjCYvYa55a_TqJftUAAWJePAFtyfyIscsGHnZ-2EkiYWfPGuxMRxX3llIcy0-Nz9XfoE1DdOZjV9_WvJlSfsh/s1600/BeersWithHats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyUmpcszHafw6K8taefs-xmYmW7ooeX0X072WGGS11RdcY3U1EK5E3RCpjCYvYa55a_TqJftUAAWJePAFtyfyIscsGHnZ-2EkiYWfPGuxMRxX3llIcy0-Nz9XfoE1DdOZjV9_WvJlSfsh/s400/BeersWithHats.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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What do you think? I'd love to hear what beers you'd like to see wearing a hat. Leave your comments below.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-88365418420961105862011-03-23T19:39:00.003-05:002012-01-01T18:31:43.569-06:00Shark Attack!I've finally finished making the last baby shower gift for a while, well...at least until July when the baby bashes start up again. This gift may be my favorite though. Shark towel puppets! Perfect for making bath time with little Billy Bob (sorry Gretchen, I know you probably won't name him that!) fun and hopefully easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRN5sDE2ZULWsy2wlQtnxw76a0M4OFKfwr4E1lOP1TK2esYh7Nl5cmNXQNZxRUBagf98i8QRL3uXwE3vanE6WknfjljmTAswR9B_ZZAcyEJWw3CBk2FU76F0phxaMkmRgrLpkBzbi2RKd/s1600/WEB_sharkfamily.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRN5sDE2ZULWsy2wlQtnxw76a0M4OFKfwr4E1lOP1TK2esYh7Nl5cmNXQNZxRUBagf98i8QRL3uXwE3vanE6WknfjljmTAswR9B_ZZAcyEJWw3CBk2FU76F0phxaMkmRgrLpkBzbi2RKd/s400/WEB_sharkfamily.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I started out by giving the expecting mama a clue a few weeks ago. Nothing but a cryptic poem and a bar of soap with a teethy bite carved out of it. She didn't get the final piece to her puzzle until last week when she opened her gift to find this, a family of sharks. Watch out Gretchen, they bite!<br />
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Go <a href="http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2010/04/washcloth-puppet-tutorial.html">here</a> if you're really digging these little guys and would like to make some for yourself. (Note: all I did was vary the size of the template to get a daddy, mommy, and baby shark.)Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-33295778748659138972011-03-23T18:52:00.005-05:002012-01-01T18:32:03.335-06:00Handmade NationThe revolution in DIY (do-it-yourself) crafting is nothing new. Ever since blogging became accessible to the masses we've stumbled upon everything from political bloggers to culinary bloggers. From artist blogs to celebrity blogs. And you know what? I love it! I feel a thousand times more connected to the world. To be able to follow what one person is doing in another country or culture is facinating. Blogs provide a quick glimpse into many worlds. And my favorite land to explore is that of DIY crafts.<br />
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I recently came across <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/">Honestly, WTF</a>, a site devoted to fashion (and all things cool). They have an amazing DIY section that tells you how to recreate high fashion on the cheap! I'm really looking forward to making these <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-lace-earrings">lace earrings</a>. I'm telling you, anyone, and I mean ANYONE, can make this stuff. <br />
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Other worthwhile crafty blogs to check out: <a href="http://www.instructables.com/">Instructables</a>, <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/">Design Sponge</a>, <a href="http://craftzine.com/">Craft</a>, <a href="http://craftgossip.com/">Craft Gossip</a>, and <a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/">Cut Out and Keep</a>.<br />
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However, if you don't know what blogs or sites are best for you, then head over to <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">Stumble Upon</a>. It's like Russian roulette with websites. But prepare yourself, it's addicting!<br />
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And if you're just not a crafter, then you can buy anything and everything handmade straight from the maker at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_poLnrmzcXcdQJrKnpJywg-2ITYXs6IkzcqkJxzWwwGsvRYxl6zu2q98B0BtNFvFWYSrNhcXSDtgq4SS6GtRpMXCwFOLU3bzbGUxagSVsH2cZvcYnj3I9KYgo6Zo1u8XxBynnZ72mQy_/s1600/lace11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_poLnrmzcXcdQJrKnpJywg-2ITYXs6IkzcqkJxzWwwGsvRYxl6zu2q98B0BtNFvFWYSrNhcXSDtgq4SS6GtRpMXCwFOLU3bzbGUxagSVsH2cZvcYnj3I9KYgo6Zo1u8XxBynnZ72mQy_/s400/lace11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace earrings from Honestly, WTF!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> </tbody></table>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-41927398232277687862011-02-23T22:21:00.004-06:002012-01-01T18:32:47.283-06:00Put a Bird on ItThere's this new show on IFC called Portlandia. It's FANTASTIC! Starring Fred Armisen (SNL) and Carrie Brownstein (member of the all-girl indie rock band Sleater-Kinney, which is no longer in existence. Sad!). If you haven't figured it out already, Portlandia is a homage to Portland, OR and it's inhabitants. It's a must see on your already full schedule of weekly shows. Go <a href="http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/">here</a> to watch skits from the show. My favorites are <i>Put a Bird On It</i>, <i>Is It Local?</i>, and <i>Did You Read?</i>. The <i>Portland Dream of the 90's</i> is a pretty awesome song too. And once you've watched <i>Put a Bird on It</i> you'll appreciate the rest of this post.<br />
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Put. A. Bird. On. It! For all my fellow craftsters, you'll totally get this. Birds are on EVERYTHING. I'm guilty of putting a bird on it (see my website name and header. Ha!) and so are these Etsy sellers:<br />
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Put a bird... <br />
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...on a coin purse. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67708998/robin-applique-coin-purse?ref=fp_treasury_2">Chirp and Bloom</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfqCsFJ8rw0jvbwb1mBxwO4iKe8WOJHcypafs51DYvZ8Mx1JrAEDSXnerq0B7DNSDqG79nQDDHsAPSYeYNOH7bioigTBNaMbkdv_uz8umCwAfW03pz2PtT2cQ2n9PrM5ccHtjHbT7yNCG/s1600/ChirpandBloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfqCsFJ8rw0jvbwb1mBxwO4iKe8WOJHcypafs51DYvZ8Mx1JrAEDSXnerq0B7DNSDqG79nQDDHsAPSYeYNOH7bioigTBNaMbkdv_uz8umCwAfW03pz2PtT2cQ2n9PrM5ccHtjHbT7yNCG/s400/ChirpandBloom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a tote.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68651405/custom-color-bird-tote-bag"> Naturwrk</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdI9qIvLf5BPLUL59AMemUdiPJPHj4KUHkrPDxBz0UWxbukl6Nu9UJFWKMuSdZEwWqCQyiAR1lsYoXW9GY7nb5xL4V7q5vHEZO1k3FINcSSNhJKu92nfPy_RSINKKEoJVBB_mFBxDxnJM/s1600/Naturwrk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdI9qIvLf5BPLUL59AMemUdiPJPHj4KUHkrPDxBz0UWxbukl6Nu9UJFWKMuSdZEwWqCQyiAR1lsYoXW9GY7nb5xL4V7q5vHEZO1k3FINcSSNhJKu92nfPy_RSINKKEoJVBB_mFBxDxnJM/s400/Naturwrk.jpg" width="400" /></a>...on a wall.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58732592/on-sale-item-vinyl-wall-decal-birds-on?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"> Wow Wall</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJurpIDfNfrsrFUuY_7dbjZ0lFuWrSiIadgErNltm13gBvX-msdKt3HE4MXxSO-j0AOW5Tb2n_APSeYE-2W-9ID9yT1oc-aF6IsHBnNYNSJSn3OuwBSJilB_5Dn6mUctZwMwysOHn42FF/s1600/WowWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJurpIDfNfrsrFUuY_7dbjZ0lFuWrSiIadgErNltm13gBvX-msdKt3HE4MXxSO-j0AOW5Tb2n_APSeYE-2W-9ID9yT1oc-aF6IsHBnNYNSJSn3OuwBSJilB_5Dn6mUctZwMwysOHn42FF/s400/WowWall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...in a frame. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58421386/nightingale-original-silkscreen-print?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Mengsel Design </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7kwZQAQnKhHtRaBJbO-WVPiIpa7aQI4uag9yKXR57Hck_qVJOOd74_tVimEKxwa21EAOSsfBR_v6_fbKwY4Vn9310QfQ7TwEBUvW0iVR_FF0YBs8Y1IhS64NpKfVrfLKTXM92lIFAudH/s1600/Mengsel+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7kwZQAQnKhHtRaBJbO-WVPiIpa7aQI4uag9yKXR57Hck_qVJOOd74_tVimEKxwa21EAOSsfBR_v6_fbKwY4Vn9310QfQ7TwEBUvW0iVR_FF0YBs8Y1IhS64NpKfVrfLKTXM92lIFAudH/s400/Mengsel+Design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a necklace. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62817330/handmade-owl-necklace-no-2-in-silver?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Lulu Bug Jewelry</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58421386/nightingale-original-silkscreen-print?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdm-gzOYtEPnl-VhWhPHBRkzZ0K8SBgePqBp8Z_keEwWpg-JDEnV9UrRL077RLFvF68_XxkPyNxSUW4pICAj6hJNI1oAqea3ASKV613VQiAJUbcpNWy7BhyphenhyphenRdqJicjsqIgXTna_uyauR1/s1600/Lulu+Bug+Jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdm-gzOYtEPnl-VhWhPHBRkzZ0K8SBgePqBp8Z_keEwWpg-JDEnV9UrRL077RLFvF68_XxkPyNxSUW4pICAj6hJNI1oAqea3ASKV613VQiAJUbcpNWy7BhyphenhyphenRdqJicjsqIgXTna_uyauR1/s400/Lulu+Bug+Jewelry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...knit it! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44003811/chickies-amigurumi-easter-chick-plush?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Cheezombie</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62817330/handmade-owl-necklace-no-2-in-silver?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8XIY1qaNFm1c_tZB20JvyFeg0XpDl7UGFgDOR_F77TV1p4fIn2tdcJl_Hieay_NYhK7VC049TNtS66LzEcvu8UFYBUlGKb1kDUWIdSCK3Yb4Ko9kHP4Fn6VsQ9bluZM30_i-JOHLG70i/s1600/Cheezombie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8XIY1qaNFm1c_tZB20JvyFeg0XpDl7UGFgDOR_F77TV1p4fIn2tdcJl_Hieay_NYhK7VC049TNtS66LzEcvu8UFYBUlGKb1kDUWIdSCK3Yb4Ko9kHP4Fn6VsQ9bluZM30_i-JOHLG70i/s400/Cheezombie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a wedding cake. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61606833/custom-made-top-hat-and-veil-love-birds?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Country Squirrels R Us</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOfdZ5VKNbLg1gUko0YEQonFIljz-d4SHD63gy6-vxz5_KMEGELm0dpkdGbyUlXIbjYPRXd9inqkp16kKGoUoH307dCdLlEOe4eH2AlUgqx_R61HE_kchl2Hm0uz3Hyk6IPcTzj3smoYI/s1600/Country+Squirrels+R+Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOfdZ5VKNbLg1gUko0YEQonFIljz-d4SHD63gy6-vxz5_KMEGELm0dpkdGbyUlXIbjYPRXd9inqkp16kKGoUoH307dCdLlEOe4eH2AlUgqx_R61HE_kchl2Hm0uz3Hyk6IPcTzj3smoYI/s400/Country+Squirrels+R+Us.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a key chain. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59861808/baby-kiwi-bird-key-ring-zipper-pull?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Rubbish Tees</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN7LakDdV2PTanUnklxd8Lg3vLuc_WPGcg8D-UnyMrUGmhGmZlRNUKT2S-xH1c5T-WhMxXnHgnpu_HWfBF5CwZ9YR-Z8s0n94wzHRLJ_85gx4SlqNXOUXZjEdTri8yyH0DqCNAqr_d3JO/s1600/Rubbish+Tees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN7LakDdV2PTanUnklxd8Lg3vLuc_WPGcg8D-UnyMrUGmhGmZlRNUKT2S-xH1c5T-WhMxXnHgnpu_HWfBF5CwZ9YR-Z8s0n94wzHRLJ_85gx4SlqNXOUXZjEdTri8yyH0DqCNAqr_d3JO/s400/Rubbish+Tees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...in a bird feeder.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68749405/baby-blue-ceramic-bird?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"> Trash Bird Makes</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVX1jlb2Efn7Ncea-iB2f1PbvTqha5oy9fDuRdfhXEKsouS2BF4qxXmsPj1bKU1Ms3ECfRYvEzdNvTsyUE2N3jTB2N_yfG5QmozBipSAMJyHUaV0flVHezpP8L-ecllAaS-27CJwlGKuQ/s1600/Trash+Bird+Makes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVX1jlb2Efn7Ncea-iB2f1PbvTqha5oy9fDuRdfhXEKsouS2BF4qxXmsPj1bKU1Ms3ECfRYvEzdNvTsyUE2N3jTB2N_yfG5QmozBipSAMJyHUaV0flVHezpP8L-ecllAaS-27CJwlGKuQ/s400/Trash+Bird+Makes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a shirt. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62657013/kss-maternity-tshirt-smlxlxxl-birds?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">KSS Maternity</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jWLaNa54giHxpKyZ98U3iCCPdxRTjDGTMQsXTU3IHaxrd2jAG3Yiwj5I4qj1RZshb1HOymiDZmPWVURJQA1xK5ECVIIMdtEPogUe1ZMC0lR16fgdWVLuAVKYWOrFvIDjXy980MCKkDNK/s1600/KSS+Maternity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jWLaNa54giHxpKyZ98U3iCCPdxRTjDGTMQsXTU3IHaxrd2jAG3Yiwj5I4qj1RZshb1HOymiDZmPWVURJQA1xK5ECVIIMdtEPogUe1ZMC0lR16fgdWVLuAVKYWOrFvIDjXy980MCKkDNK/s400/KSS+Maternity.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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...on a pillow. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59483736/mod-bird-muted-green-bird-silk-screened?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=9&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Bark Decor</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoyay_0fs174mCDSxzC6JRQON6jtJb3wl3UXY-n8G6t_vf3ksvABZNurWeagOs_8xnErMZPnz9mGyomqo0GL35Q-NOS30b1Upcz66B1KHig0nUXVVAOJVsw0RMQ_RSu7pw5U_RR2c9Ifc/s1600/Bark+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoyay_0fs174mCDSxzC6JRQON6jtJb3wl3UXY-n8G6t_vf3ksvABZNurWeagOs_8xnErMZPnz9mGyomqo0GL35Q-NOS30b1Upcz66B1KHig0nUXVVAOJVsw0RMQ_RSu7pw5U_RR2c9Ifc/s400/Bark+Decor.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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...wearing a sweater and scarf! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68219367/winter-bird-little-bird-archival-print?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Joo Joo</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59483736/mod-bird-muted-green-bird-silk-screened?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=9&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRTP51a1mNK3nV01ZM3keMIhkYRZMiVtEBSRyVfdYfQhCP6ScUwJxdaaMMETVbsK_Ie_A-etkPkD1LedlGZKjwnaWQx3s3JqkuVuyYnwE9sgtkR4v0kIjmG41ODi5tI0g0hHaL1Birqd9/s1600/Joo+Joo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRTP51a1mNK3nV01ZM3keMIhkYRZMiVtEBSRyVfdYfQhCP6ScUwJxdaaMMETVbsK_Ie_A-etkPkD1LedlGZKjwnaWQx3s3JqkuVuyYnwE9sgtkR4v0kIjmG41ODi5tI0g0hHaL1Birqd9/s400/Joo+Joo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a dress. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61532717/reversible-gray-and-red-toile-pinafore?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=12&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">All The Numbers</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68219367/winter-bird-little-bird-archival-print?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhFN04bFC30hRjjSjPf51o_VUy7myn_cqUtVBSfVXag92YUlFETcKW-dlyMM402kKKtyHMS_5osScst6og8z0OWz92sjfaPmeQw6LXXwHQtf2s5m6L753FMHxgVEfvUDRidnVCEOC0dqA/s1600/All+The+Numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhFN04bFC30hRjjSjPf51o_VUy7myn_cqUtVBSfVXag92YUlFETcKW-dlyMM402kKKtyHMS_5osScst6og8z0OWz92sjfaPmeQw6LXXwHQtf2s5m6L753FMHxgVEfvUDRidnVCEOC0dqA/s400/All+The+Numbers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...on a baby. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66795153/owl-hat-with-earflaps-newborn-child?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=15&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">My Swallows Nest</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSEMuAvae-FEUuXl_8jr0iUr_EbMx88_8StQTJaQ8l0I39H2TCv44HmXhrZx64s2IAlTQEWFS3_DHy2e0hkQWrZoJqcRmOfyAnUwtVG-8lUze39cFCsjtCf-7aKbUMBlZnwxW1LG44R73/s1600/My+Swallows+Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSEMuAvae-FEUuXl_8jr0iUr_EbMx88_8StQTJaQ8l0I39H2TCv44HmXhrZx64s2IAlTQEWFS3_DHy2e0hkQWrZoJqcRmOfyAnUwtVG-8lUze39cFCsjtCf-7aKbUMBlZnwxW1LG44R73/s400/My+Swallows+Nest.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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...on a mantel. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55630557/blue-wren-wood-mounted-gallery-wrapped?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_shopname=ChirpAndBloom&ga_search_query=bird&ga_page=17&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Deanna Maree</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIElIkn87w1XKKtPHCmdhtivzJqpC1ok1k73Bz_hDTW7pax0HZwo5-vUwNeBmQiXx3GcQTK_6TUW57ghWY3qJgy5xDkMZEGdC_eOQU1Sy_dVY_ZAQ-P8u7m6NB0U1kwcx5QigwVq1ivNe/s1600/Deanna+Maree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIElIkn87w1XKKtPHCmdhtivzJqpC1ok1k73Bz_hDTW7pax0HZwo5-vUwNeBmQiXx3GcQTK_6TUW57ghWY3qJgy5xDkMZEGdC_eOQU1Sy_dVY_ZAQ-P8u7m6NB0U1kwcx5QigwVq1ivNe/s400/Deanna+Maree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-32109010531160203392011-02-17T22:20:00.001-06:002012-01-01T18:32:14.203-06:00New York City, Art Edition: The Met<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeuMDsucsYDDzUShm1TdnxRsq2Ka3hZMwzR01NFZkgR57ibmGJ32W4jO16TEFW8TXIiiR-DtqI_iVRdB6ZfPIFkUpq6a_72umfcbrQ5YpsiJhLQvjxSb-JSzjoVBg8tqJzZIL06KZMbDb/s1600/WEB_DSCN0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeuMDsucsYDDzUShm1TdnxRsq2Ka3hZMwzR01NFZkgR57ibmGJ32W4jO16TEFW8TXIiiR-DtqI_iVRdB6ZfPIFkUpq6a_72umfcbrQ5YpsiJhLQvjxSb-JSzjoVBg8tqJzZIL06KZMbDb/s400/WEB_DSCN0027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is one of the most amazing and impressively enormous art museums in the world. A must-do on my list of things-to-do while in NY. It was an all-day event and I only made it through about half the galleries. Shocker, I know! I fell completely in love with every piece of art within her vast walls and corridors. Here is a small sampling of some of my favorites:<br />
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<b>Cow's Skull: Red, White, and Blue</b> by Georgia O'Keeffe <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhNYpGR9tUBD0vETsCXuCHY0XYbW8rV0K9IVOJ_vtL3zc_1l7ikgwhC0unZge6DRVVCQozjd1HSRkA8qUV0dSvfO4YvudHw9D10t22AaB3LsvPWUHvoUbzSraoD8Mj-tj8TSU9vwVLwfH/s1600/WEB_DSCN0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhNYpGR9tUBD0vETsCXuCHY0XYbW8rV0K9IVOJ_vtL3zc_1l7ikgwhC0unZge6DRVVCQozjd1HSRkA8qUV0dSvfO4YvudHw9D10t22AaB3LsvPWUHvoUbzSraoD8Mj-tj8TSU9vwVLwfH/s400/WEB_DSCN0035.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Nine Jackies</b> by Andy Warhol (Here's some interesting trivia for you, Warhol took this photo of Jackie moments before JFK was shot.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINDAbYPjZVQftNYnPoyH5WY-fi25hy_F0T_OpqAOFMLi3G6w8aJFWpWi2AdKvLPkeHp2_ptz4OGGsk420kQjaYNgW4tsSCgeb9C33kti_yCvnpYtzeu-M8VBXS4BWx8xP-L21fl5AqYg/s1600/WEB_DSCN0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINDAbYPjZVQftNYnPoyH5WY-fi25hy_F0T_OpqAOFMLi3G6w8aJFWpWi2AdKvLPkeHp2_ptz4OGGsk420kQjaYNgW4tsSCgeb9C33kti_yCvnpYtzeu-M8VBXS4BWx8xP-L21fl5AqYg/s400/WEB_DSCN0077.jpg" width="301" /> </a></div>
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<b>Illuminated Gospel </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtoUncCzHOBd1jbgSbewNue-3tKSq3x_XIxrnRC2fRnV3qEkUt3FEXAqJoRvAIUpvwvyhbBMtCOYx_2cv0GQ_n1oyQkzb_N7ebk8aQfFkztPcm9Ujwy6jpt0N8otfveLcULGDgqZL7edl/s1600/WEB_DSCN0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtoUncCzHOBd1jbgSbewNue-3tKSq3x_XIxrnRC2fRnV3qEkUt3FEXAqJoRvAIUpvwvyhbBMtCOYx_2cv0GQ_n1oyQkzb_N7ebk8aQfFkztPcm9Ujwy6jpt0N8otfveLcULGDgqZL7edl/s400/WEB_DSCN0042.jpg" width="400" /></a><b> Apartment Window: La Danse Des Fiancailles</b> (The Engagement Ball). Cartoon by Luc-Olivier Merson, Executed by Eugene Oudinot</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNg5Q091mZ19OHyIhzawuRFbqnMUTcRdRxFjHZ9GebUN229NoaHqJa4GvvgGpvMjrMi7n62kdxuz4jhKPe0ffOgdgMkU6WvzJ343OFgYsxB4kQOGOfDDmyXns5V312oY9CleCuSLyZbrw/s1600/WEB_DSCN0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNg5Q091mZ19OHyIhzawuRFbqnMUTcRdRxFjHZ9GebUN229NoaHqJa4GvvgGpvMjrMi7n62kdxuz4jhKPe0ffOgdgMkU6WvzJ343OFgYsxB4kQOGOfDDmyXns5V312oY9CleCuSLyZbrw/s400/WEB_DSCN0046.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Venus</b>, marble statue by Antonio Canova</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPTTcOQvUARTDANNoBFpXvYfq19NxP2IfTbqUdy4NN5dKa9I3LPAnJc5xU7Z2jw2ajEvxopIVQBS38kNssS4qxGzwrBdQ8PnZJ__iaAbKvTMnLhsWZHro7lhh08e5efaPJrttOQztSryo/s1600/WEB_DSCN0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPTTcOQvUARTDANNoBFpXvYfq19NxP2IfTbqUdy4NN5dKa9I3LPAnJc5xU7Z2jw2ajEvxopIVQBS38kNssS4qxGzwrBdQ8PnZJ__iaAbKvTMnLhsWZHro7lhh08e5efaPJrttOQztSryo/s400/WEB_DSCN0050.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Lucas</b> by Chuck Close<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MH00wZ7cVdKohIjCuRL4MC8X_2unvTG1GrNlPFenk0RY1PTzr53_fYoh8uikLNjgQ8wnBaVsLRf0yIGAoCOcjOC0_WQFTrlSZFx0RNuUkeCO4B8aIwi-Q-yJPZjZNnidCX1ApDgGrxcI/s1600/WEB_DSCN0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MH00wZ7cVdKohIjCuRL4MC8X_2unvTG1GrNlPFenk0RY1PTzr53_fYoh8uikLNjgQ8wnBaVsLRf0yIGAoCOcjOC0_WQFTrlSZFx0RNuUkeCO4B8aIwi-Q-yJPZjZNnidCX1ApDgGrxcI/s400/WEB_DSCN0081.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Roses</b> by Vincent van Gogh (The great Mr. van Gogh painted this while still in the asylum.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM_BAn5aV4BoKbgOCTb37bVvH8JkvN0TclsQ-v7B3zQnfMuUCSWyOXg-3oLBbiXOFdCwH1uh5dWJwmGAl5RYsMiMnRR_-p3Wvv2SouwFJCjL9znxWO8CQHJfvpgn0eGtuFm5QXJB9jgVc/s1600/WEB_DSCN0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM_BAn5aV4BoKbgOCTb37bVvH8JkvN0TclsQ-v7B3zQnfMuUCSWyOXg-3oLBbiXOFdCwH1uh5dWJwmGAl5RYsMiMnRR_-p3Wvv2SouwFJCjL9znxWO8CQHJfvpgn0eGtuFm5QXJB9jgVc/s400/WEB_DSCN0101.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Serena Pulitzer Lederer</b> by Gustav Klimt<br />
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<b>Marguerite</b> by Henri Matisse<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtCdPKCXUDUYCnM93V-FBSnIb8p0T9q190aQpkr_hnIp-381iPVGKJysPTBG2f6aRIl6yiXWakeTGF7DACDbwtfmry8VQYyzAkr54r1I1zEmASk7ot9zVuFUXnWF77YxGkqfZbIkU9T0p/s1600/WEB_DSCN0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtCdPKCXUDUYCnM93V-FBSnIb8p0T9q190aQpkr_hnIp-381iPVGKJysPTBG2f6aRIl6yiXWakeTGF7DACDbwtfmry8VQYyzAkr54r1I1zEmASk7ot9zVuFUXnWF77YxGkqfZbIkU9T0p/s400/WEB_DSCN0089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Model in Kimono on Green Bench</b> by Philip Pearlstein (Love, love, love this one!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33EaXUMpYXEPiM92JzpPF6gPl9OQWKwJixdbyMi_EP2HK9iNcZr_Ca8F1lpTqEs7VPchl51J2YDn7aTKiB740tgwcfK7W2bdBIqo4r4bxwPZH4hMBN895JsXvb_v3MOWsCzL_hBzn6Gud/s1600/WEB_DSCN0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33EaXUMpYXEPiM92JzpPF6gPl9OQWKwJixdbyMi_EP2HK9iNcZr_Ca8F1lpTqEs7VPchl51J2YDn7aTKiB740tgwcfK7W2bdBIqo4r4bxwPZH4hMBN895JsXvb_v3MOWsCzL_hBzn6Gud/s400/WEB_DSCN0087.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Richard Humphreys, the Boxer</b> by John Hoppner<br />
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<b>The Birth of Venus</b> by Alexandre Cabanel<br />
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<b>Roses and Lilies</b> and <b>Roses in a Bowl</b> by Henri Fantin-Latour<br />
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<b>Reclining Nude</b> by Auguste Renoir<br />
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<b>The Massacre of the Innocents</b> by Francois-Joseph Navez (This painting takes my breath away. So deep, so emotional. I stared at it for what seemed like hours.)<br />
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<b>Two Dancers</b> by Edgar Degas<br />
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<b>The Storm</b> by Pierre-Auguste Cot<br />
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Now, run along to The Met. It's amazing in more ways than I could possibly express. Words don't do it justice. For a lasting impression and the best history lesson of your life, The Met has you covered.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-61752284263557878822010-12-14T17:24:00.000-06:002010-12-14T17:24:32.077-06:00Babies, Babies, BabiesI've got lots of baby showers to attend this winter so I've been busy hand-making all my gifts. Here are just a few I've done so far: pacifier clips (find tutorial <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/search/label/baby">here</a>), bib and burp cloths (inspired by a craft I saw at the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/chicago">Renegade Craft Fair</a> in Chicago this summer, wish I could remember which vendor it was!), and my first ever quilt.<br />
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<b>Before</b><br />
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<b>After</b><br />
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I'll just say it right now, pizza was by far my favorite NY food. I could eat it every day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even now, I still crave it. Some day I'll be back to get another slice of pie, but until then here are some of the best foods I had while hiking through the urban jungle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvQSQQZSA-EStYrK3N8fYjE__3WqR8t88qUuNWxI2UtUtS5gTbzgjlBJj1yQfGiVS92KTMsAcVGckxtsRivGbSCeXwX6oI78eHJqEem7kFD3vkb_dBk6u5itIMcJPXmA4V_BJUQBSL09B/s1600/web-DSCN0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvQSQQZSA-EStYrK3N8fYjE__3WqR8t88qUuNWxI2UtUtS5gTbzgjlBJj1yQfGiVS92KTMsAcVGckxtsRivGbSCeXwX6oI78eHJqEem7kFD3vkb_dBk6u5itIMcJPXmA4V_BJUQBSL09B/s400/web-DSCN0130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.stagedeli.com/">Stage Deli</a> is located near the Broadway district and Times Square and also serves some of the best pastrami sandwiches in the world. I opted for this behemoth of a pastrami reuben topped with a ridiculous amount of cheese and an over-sized plate of fries. Luckily, my brother was with me and ate the other half. Be warned, these sandwiches are enormous, but also expensive (about $20 each). Clearly, they're meant for sharing. BTW, notice the deli mustard on the left. That's right, no yellow mustard here, only the good brown stuff with a bit of a kick. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZt363u716B0AC51TUnlXqcT_eqkdC4fEhoG42RW5O-7sFFSsCAWN6_lOrJtXcdPsHIXLUpP1QZxFFfkjCynJRm9iUdY2pahf4eJRBxsJcn0rBp2HFLzW2mIIYt4Y9Z0kfOkBDVfvq3mY/s1600/web-DSC_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZt363u716B0AC51TUnlXqcT_eqkdC4fEhoG42RW5O-7sFFSsCAWN6_lOrJtXcdPsHIXLUpP1QZxFFfkjCynJRm9iUdY2pahf4eJRBxsJcn0rBp2HFLzW2mIIYt4Y9Z0kfOkBDVfvq3mY/s400/web-DSC_0445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Curiosity got the best of me so the following day I headed over to <a href="http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php">Carnegie Deli</a> (Stage's rival, and only a block away) to give their pastrami a taste test. I had to find out for myself who had the best. Well, sorry Stage, but Carnegie wins this round. Sure, the plain pastrami sandwich doesn't look as amazing compared to the cheese and kraut covered 'wich from Stage, but their meat was insanely good and of better quality. Maybe it's in the meat making process, or the hundred's of celebrity photos staring back at me, but I was in pastrami bliss with this big guy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEZbiSVx97IwJUWH7ijsBOSO14s8qIdwg3zHyud0iZdzCt7HGY-tw_frFlaQh5MTtM52clnfEOzfmX72J3GANgSPqnwXL1qwwL8v0_OvIv6-fOIfBlpgYZCoE6mvbDkg75iffGFPQ-pUW/s1600/web-1DSC_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEZbiSVx97IwJUWH7ijsBOSO14s8qIdwg3zHyud0iZdzCt7HGY-tw_frFlaQh5MTtM52clnfEOzfmX72J3GANgSPqnwXL1qwwL8v0_OvIv6-fOIfBlpgYZCoE6mvbDkg75iffGFPQ-pUW/s400/web-1DSC_0288.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When in Chinatown, dim sum is a must. These dumplings were teamed up with a few deep fried morsels as well, and a tall glass of sauvignon blanc. There's a lot of places to get your dim sum; Jung Fong, Golden Unicorn, Oriental Pearl, but these little pearls were consumed at the award winning Ping's Seafood.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL4llC_K9pHCuJ3tRBtd1ALvtes8npDV6TXlPwHQwR9NIZkhoThl26wl2Z_l5nnr0gthn2ZTpgnUuXy9qkm5ucwq01BR6Kn065T2kJlYQLg1z48CYU-Zgo01dphHJ9HI9sbuiRgEtV0AO/s1600/web-1DSC_0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL4llC_K9pHCuJ3tRBtd1ALvtes8npDV6TXlPwHQwR9NIZkhoThl26wl2Z_l5nnr0gthn2ZTpgnUuXy9qkm5ucwq01BR6Kn065T2kJlYQLg1z48CYU-Zgo01dphHJ9HI9sbuiRgEtV0AO/s400/web-1DSC_0289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>If dumpling's aren't your thing, or you're looking for something a little more adventurous, I highly recommend ox tail curry. Instead of a side of rice, it comes with little mini fried bread loaves to soak up the juices. Boney and fatty, ox tail becomes a very tender and juicy meat in this unique dish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Nv15v0zgc9-lJ9joCtVln-EZuu3YoZCihO68fFfTj1mQGHm2Do_0lz4_7m3CeQRHH7dJKsWic4e9bUXzLXVZZxrxsI6Wgq9u8qXPOvrxPRLbgNBlvyl_Sc3kGbYM0muQZk3TattlAa10/s1600/web-1DSC_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Nv15v0zgc9-lJ9joCtVln-EZuu3YoZCihO68fFfTj1mQGHm2Do_0lz4_7m3CeQRHH7dJKsWic4e9bUXzLXVZZxrxsI6Wgq9u8qXPOvrxPRLbgNBlvyl_Sc3kGbYM0muQZk3TattlAa10/s400/web-1DSC_0357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Back for more pizza. I tried to get as much as I could before leaving. This time it was a slice of Hawaiian.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27ICeE_Amy-RU8YcjRSbCKRhYZ6HmDG0MkcYJjghmvypkmcB05kPTnPjFq9uTPC19JRVuu9JfB7gVgL5YB6rE6c4lfBbRiHF-JfrOZ0RnEylSqRP8MmKjKWiRWIV0IfeowcX-1X9XmbeU/s1600/web-1DSCN0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27ICeE_Amy-RU8YcjRSbCKRhYZ6HmDG0MkcYJjghmvypkmcB05kPTnPjFq9uTPC19JRVuu9JfB7gVgL5YB6rE6c4lfBbRiHF-JfrOZ0RnEylSqRP8MmKjKWiRWIV0IfeowcX-1X9XmbeU/s400/web-1DSCN0259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One last dinner before heading out so we decided to make a quick stop at Roxy Delicatessen at Times Square. I ordered a simple knish, but my travel companion, <a href="http://kbwindowcleaning.com/">Kevin</a>, opted for this hefty stuffed cabbage. It looked amazing and tasted just as good.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-64831785098175845062010-09-24T23:28:00.003-05:002010-09-24T23:41:05.312-05:00New York City, Food Edition: Sides and Snacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfmuNtwN4d7emx_Mnu8pEkiXeG7ghqmMz7KmedecAR_q6tIGZfay5Am2nD-IzEnia1Tw2DiW3CvMlYlOIVqSUtvJHqfV2lmVXiTZ2BsxaWEbdZIqYQPqBA3FJr7l5MnIYNFiWm34QB_lb/s1600/web-DSCN0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfmuNtwN4d7emx_Mnu8pEkiXeG7ghqmMz7KmedecAR_q6tIGZfay5Am2nD-IzEnia1Tw2DiW3CvMlYlOIVqSUtvJHqfV2lmVXiTZ2BsxaWEbdZIqYQPqBA3FJr7l5MnIYNFiWm34QB_lb/s400/web-DSCN0024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Bagels are a must eat when in NYC. And if you can, grab a spot near Central Park, like right outside the Apple Store, and do a little early A.M. people watching.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHciNCVEqZiY7HifgjzLBr3i8Ow19UA2dzeR5Zn9OwWlrHFOqYnyyAV9xvKNYhZ4OvUBeR_ju_FnZFi3CVvdydR68TJ63OautAKgGLk3IbutCcNj6O6ZG2ziFChFlYSpOrayK7SdDj2Q/s1600/web-DSC_0443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHciNCVEqZiY7HifgjzLBr3i8Ow19UA2dzeR5Zn9OwWlrHFOqYnyyAV9xvKNYhZ4OvUBeR_ju_FnZFi3CVvdydR68TJ63OautAKgGLk3IbutCcNj6O6ZG2ziFChFlYSpOrayK7SdDj2Q/s400/web-DSC_0443.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When at the Carnegie Deli, instead of a basket of bread, I was given a plate of large pickles before my massive meat sandwich came. Yesss! Spicy and mild, they went great with the pastrami. And yes, we cleaned the plate.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTB8szRShJXGw_xL_1rrQ1aCIyd_b95tt5QmF3evCAMlrT1mIUaAoGfC3zs4YeMkpEmuM0a1jI57759bbSaOoPxZXh7dTfbc9zeNJZBWbtjoKi5UYpQtK0JyTn7Np4zJZ6Rz_2clZPH3I/s1600/web-1DSCN0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTB8szRShJXGw_xL_1rrQ1aCIyd_b95tt5QmF3evCAMlrT1mIUaAoGfC3zs4YeMkpEmuM0a1jI57759bbSaOoPxZXh7dTfbc9zeNJZBWbtjoKi5UYpQtK0JyTn7Np4zJZ6Rz_2clZPH3I/s400/web-1DSCN0257.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've never heard of a knish before, but I did notice it on many menus and at numerous food carts during my visit. I finally broke down and got a potato knish at Roxy Delicatessen. If I hadn't eaten so many meat sandwiches, I'm sure I would have gone for the meat knish, but the potato was substantial enough. With a side of sour cream, it was the ultimate comfort food.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBm0bfDCB-VFVm-rpt_P6lGDx-BosmJeUa4hoSa8LkUafsJ6SvhVIRlwuMeBnkrmzAoSZYsba5rO6A1uz37FfapJwWT3EnkWjglL0rwB3W7bjlWAVUEyA-5FQ4MNfQHih6kafp8Jq_foy/s1600/web-1DSC_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBm0bfDCB-VFVm-rpt_P6lGDx-BosmJeUa4hoSa8LkUafsJ6SvhVIRlwuMeBnkrmzAoSZYsba5rO6A1uz37FfapJwWT3EnkWjglL0rwB3W7bjlWAVUEyA-5FQ4MNfQHih6kafp8Jq_foy/s400/web-1DSC_0312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After breezing through Toys R' Us in Times Square we stopped at the Candy Land candy store, and what is the one thing my brother manages to comes out with? Mexican Spice larvae and Salt and Vinegar crickets! Gross. I choked down a larvae, but that's where I draw the lines. Kevin, those crickets are all yours!Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-50894586900505725492010-09-24T23:28:00.000-05:002010-09-24T23:28:30.574-05:00New York City, Food Edition: Bottoms Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gd0J-xQ9M9vjvT2FeOVZB0St_s7aVNa_JkZ3uXdelf7dd2sNTWFf3MvrWsIDvwjyCPRpx1jJDsn8jJTEJAGDhHxVlUKKkA3YLi8T2WyQ9UVEG8aAz3qwi6ymDAr_WLHe3oBf8-L_fQnH/s1600/web-1DSC_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gd0J-xQ9M9vjvT2FeOVZB0St_s7aVNa_JkZ3uXdelf7dd2sNTWFf3MvrWsIDvwjyCPRpx1jJDsn8jJTEJAGDhHxVlUKKkA3YLi8T2WyQ9UVEG8aAz3qwi6ymDAr_WLHe3oBf8-L_fQnH/s400/web-1DSC_0266.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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All this walking and eating sure is exhausting. Rehydrate with a Brooklyn Lager from NYC's very own micro brewery, the <a href="http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/">Brooklyn Brewery</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOl6u9CgeRRWF2HGy7nFpfsjP0DLQ_JoGMPynE_omT4muVQmC0tpc2vWiHAnt9GDiivGVlPyMaTNgdZePk0PANAQ7X7fpAFpNrhdsja7R2_xO_0N62RtW7UqjHkzOe7jEK-uIM1K8Uood/s1600/web-DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOl6u9CgeRRWF2HGy7nFpfsjP0DLQ_JoGMPynE_omT4muVQmC0tpc2vWiHAnt9GDiivGVlPyMaTNgdZePk0PANAQ7X7fpAFpNrhdsja7R2_xO_0N62RtW7UqjHkzOe7jEK-uIM1K8Uood/s400/web-DSC_0111.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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Then, when you're in Chinatown stop in one of the many bakeries (there's practically one at every corner) to try a mango bubble tea. It's basically a mango slushy with large black tapioca on the bottom that you get to suck up through a jumbo straw.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hojQ0OQ_3r_Gb-jAXNUvA7Ii4g5x8XGZE_sUwuQPYhk0K4iQ0jwrb5JKIf6q_rls-1FI-mb6WyAti8WCTf5Ipr2fuyqBiEJYx1UQioh42ufQ-tnSCxVbVQQh9LKfiJaMyghm4MDypiaU/s1600/web-DSC_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hojQ0OQ_3r_Gb-jAXNUvA7Ii4g5x8XGZE_sUwuQPYhk0K4iQ0jwrb5JKIf6q_rls-1FI-mb6WyAti8WCTf5Ipr2fuyqBiEJYx1UQioh42ufQ-tnSCxVbVQQh9LKfiJaMyghm4MDypiaU/s400/web-DSC_0112.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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If the idea of swallowing large, chewy, black balls freaks you out then reach for the lychee ice. Lychee is a super sweet Asian fruit that is a-ma-zing! Mmm, I'm feeling better already.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-20488219218607705952010-09-24T23:27:00.001-05:002010-09-24T23:28:16.558-05:00New York City, Food Edition: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmaLxjdSBuFhpwqsrhsHEAVH0lxx6LADVNmiOqg37D4jkNunVoC_yfU5x8ajYvjUYMG32cCwbvL3Hdg6G1xE7ylADW7ooXR0Jreqe25g3J1IXwSV7u73-GgQdk41-4-Iq2nmihj72uP0h/s1600/web-DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmaLxjdSBuFhpwqsrhsHEAVH0lxx6LADVNmiOqg37D4jkNunVoC_yfU5x8ajYvjUYMG32cCwbvL3Hdg6G1xE7ylADW7ooXR0Jreqe25g3J1IXwSV7u73-GgQdk41-4-Iq2nmihj72uP0h/s400/web-DSC_0010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The moment I arrived in the city I bee-lined it to <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/home.php">Magnolia Bakery</a>, known for their yummy cupcakes. Some people call them the original cupcake trend-setters and credit them for starting the "cupcake craze" in the 90's. Some call them famous after their cupcakes and store front made an appearance on an episode of Sex and the City. I call them brilliant! Thank you Magnolia for giving me this chocolate cupcake, topped with the most luscious and fluffy frosting known to human-kind. This was a very good start to my four day food binge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2vvxuvJ6GJYqArSVwUlwHpQgS2jboPfW-IKSP-R627fv6MMknutsxQX4uumt0g6teIvwYEX00UYYuW2Cb1TkvDFhayWuMHPlIDrpVwVxCiNng-0sC6rDbHd_Dmi4q002tykBNGK1AiVe/s1600/web-DSC_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2vvxuvJ6GJYqArSVwUlwHpQgS2jboPfW-IKSP-R627fv6MMknutsxQX4uumt0g6teIvwYEX00UYYuW2Cb1TkvDFhayWuMHPlIDrpVwVxCiNng-0sC6rDbHd_Dmi4q002tykBNGK1AiVe/s400/web-DSC_0105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Macarons! The real deal straight from France. I nibbled on these sweet pastries at <a href="http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/fr/index.php#/home">La Maison du Chocolate</a> in the Rockefeller Center. The selection was vast but I somehow narrowed it down to the classic chocolate and a decadent caramel. Good 'ol chocolate is still my favorite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_-FqE7zGQsbD2_Nne_N12d_XIqndeNOkB8qI211kE6v98jcuktcZGdmdnpPTglFAQo31ttaNP57d6XQSIHPChCZ80gHKb2sA_7OLNz6qs22LRqs-5mSTSUIeMWFTh6rZpAi0z1b3rOYM/s1600/web-DSC_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_-FqE7zGQsbD2_Nne_N12d_XIqndeNOkB8qI211kE6v98jcuktcZGdmdnpPTglFAQo31ttaNP57d6XQSIHPChCZ80gHKb2sA_7OLNz6qs22LRqs-5mSTSUIeMWFTh6rZpAi0z1b3rOYM/s400/web-DSC_0177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You may be asking yourself what in the world is that in my hand. I'll solve the mystery now by telling you it's a tropical fruit called a rambutan and it's native to the Asian countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Where do you get these exotic little curiosities in such a faraway place as NYC? Chinatown! You'll find many a fruit and fish (both dried and fresh) markets in this exciting neighborhood. How did I eat it? Well, peel off the red spiky skin to reveal a juicy, white, fleshy fruit underneath. Then bite into it raw, it's the best, and only way to eat them. Just be careful of the pit in the center. How does it taste? Like a mild grape. Not too sweet, soft, and slightly chewy. More please!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48TGEIX8DIv4CxM1FErQx8w6RycMFE3daRrkwjyLSl9UDaysutECcfaRXirHmijxt3V37lP9fn-rLxOs7YzO5zOHZp0j2rmJ8hJQOL5bgrNU-xDc5s8RBUxB-l0e1WvfxrHit_ANv1vKo/s1600/web-DSC_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48TGEIX8DIv4CxM1FErQx8w6RycMFE3daRrkwjyLSl9UDaysutECcfaRXirHmijxt3V37lP9fn-rLxOs7YzO5zOHZp0j2rmJ8hJQOL5bgrNU-xDc5s8RBUxB-l0e1WvfxrHit_ANv1vKo/s400/web-DSC_0185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While in Chinatown, you may as well head over to Little Italy since they are neighbors. It's amazing how one minute I feel as though I'm in Shanghai, then walk a block and I'm in Naples. Talk about high-speed travel. While in Little Italy you will be surrounded by the most delicious smelling cafes. It was hard to resist all the garlic and butter wafting in the air, until I came across a vendor selling cannoli's from her food cart. There's lots of characters and personalities in this neighborhood but this cannoli woman was my favorite (I love a bit of attitude with my afternoon treat). I insisted on the pistachio and immediately approved my decision with every bite I took. No regrets, except for the deep-fried calories I was packing onto my thighs. Eh, still worth it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM_4j1kJ5aNerWCsVm5qj1ZfXHWuC4ihmrq7xxNirybT4dA5sJ63HHJsYvt1ENc6mieYrHBKGurFkM1ri8RcCcJ3gogY3eLWCehelKFoCqvgtHZiy1E16pnBo44X6wzLUQ54hVA44nESI/s1600/web-DSC_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM_4j1kJ5aNerWCsVm5qj1ZfXHWuC4ihmrq7xxNirybT4dA5sJ63HHJsYvt1ENc6mieYrHBKGurFkM1ri8RcCcJ3gogY3eLWCehelKFoCqvgtHZiy1E16pnBo44X6wzLUQ54hVA44nESI/s400/web-DSC_0446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Well, I saved the best for last. New York style cherry cheesecake from none other than the famous Carnegie Deli. Words can not describe the heaven this cheesecake took me to. So, I will leave you to gaze at the image so you can indulge in your own fantasy. Love. *sigh*Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-76334685119156353682010-09-20T19:33:00.002-05:002012-01-01T18:33:08.826-06:00Travelpology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSKcnpazguqdTkueyn_zCiQIqeFlJ9rPGb_MvUJpsupq7mfmH92WYibMNnAuQVxXXVArHHqrAqWbICIeNR6_iYujNR8NrHiV1DN9hvu1fk2P5Az4NSpDLZeUzgdpVp-YugWaxPjIW8f-i/s1600/Travelpology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSKcnpazguqdTkueyn_zCiQIqeFlJ9rPGb_MvUJpsupq7mfmH92WYibMNnAuQVxXXVArHHqrAqWbICIeNR6_iYujNR8NrHiV1DN9hvu1fk2P5Az4NSpDLZeUzgdpVp-YugWaxPjIW8f-i/s400/Travelpology.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Taking a vacation anytime soon? If so, <a href="http://travelpology.com/">Travelpology</a> is a must stop blog before you take off. Everything from travel tips with <a href="http://travelpology.com/category/travelpology-101/">Travelpology 101</a>, to <a href="http://travelpology.com/category/travel-news/">Travel News</a> for up-to-date travel info, to <a href="http://travelpology.com/category/dont-miss-dessert/">Don't Miss Desserts</a> in your favorite cities, and much MUCH more. And the best part, I designed all their web graphics!<br />
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Don't forget to friend <a href="http://travelpology.com/">Travelpology</a> on Facebook and sign up for their twitter updates. You wont regret it. And even if you're not traveling anytime soon, you may still find something about your own hometown on there. I say this in a good way - Travelpology, you get around! *wink, wink*Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036670164364635810.post-88477179270804203982010-09-20T19:01:00.000-05:002010-09-20T19:01:11.392-05:00Summer Meets Autumn DessertSeptember is the month that summer says "good-bye" and autumn says "hello". During this transition I always feel a bit culinary confused. Are the apples ripe yet? Can I still order that asparagus soup? How many more avocados can I get before they're out of season? When are the pomegranates going to arrive? To answer all of my questions I've decided to look at September as the perfect month to try out some new recipes by fusing both seasons. This is how my Summer Meets Autumn dessert was invented.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIa3dcqOMcWigSRSnwSF9Sm6eXSRGy36LeODnZS_4ol7LIqOwBBo37cNnTOj5jspcaq8b00MOM1yP7sfhUJXCdhHmCF9rzeHmG_89yAKmc385zGwP_vVWKNjCLZ7k5mA3_MsGNu-Z4WlP/s1600/WEB-DSC_0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIa3dcqOMcWigSRSnwSF9Sm6eXSRGy36LeODnZS_4ol7LIqOwBBo37cNnTOj5jspcaq8b00MOM1yP7sfhUJXCdhHmCF9rzeHmG_89yAKmc385zGwP_vVWKNjCLZ7k5mA3_MsGNu-Z4WlP/s400/WEB-DSC_0457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My last visit to the farmers market proved that autumn is knocking on summers door. Less produce and more baked goods, squash, pumpkins, and meat. I picked myself up some angel food cake from an Amish stand, fingerling potatoes, a large sweet potato, and a handful of leeks. Potatoes and leeks to come at a later date. Instead I focused on the angel food cake. Here is how you make the Summer Meets Autumn dessert:<br />
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1. Break angel food into small chunks.<br />
2. Top with late summer rasberries.<br />
3. Poor maple syrup over angel food and raspberries.<br />
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That's it, dig in and savor the flavors of two of most wonderful seasons in one. And if you're looking for something a little more sinful, try adding hot fudge, rum, or a variety of berries such as strawberries, or better yet, chin-dripping peach slices.<br />
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Enjoy it while you can because winter will be here before you know it.Qreative Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15591060819868951101noreply@blogger.com0