tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88159869892950853362024-03-13T14:26:04.646-04:00the ABC blogAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-12767787855656515942012-12-09T16:23:00.000-05:002012-12-09T16:23:01.363-05:00Technical Difficulties<div style="text-align: center;">
First things first, as you have undoubtedly noticed, I am encountering some pretty major technical difficulties with the blog. When I went to write my most recent post, I was informed that I my blog had outgrown its alloted 1GB of Blogger space. After paying a fee to update my GB space, all of my pictures inexplicably disappeared. </div>
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Bo has already spent hours trying to figure it out...to no avail.</div>
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As of now, in the midst of the holidays, our move, getting settled, finding new yoga studios, we simply don't have the time or energy to devote to addressing this issue. </div>
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<b>Therefore, it is a with a heavy heart that, I have decided to put the ABC blog on hold. </b></div>
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I may choose to return to it in the future when I have both the time and energy to dedicate to it. </div>
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Until then, I will keep in other ways.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Ally and Bo</div>
Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-89934434298411409312012-12-07T20:05:00.002-05:002012-12-07T20:05:17.038-05:00Moving Scenes and Makin' Pepper Jelly with Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>HELLO EVERYONE!</i></b></div>
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I know it's been a couple of weeks - <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html">and yes, our computer is still packed up on a truck and headed to Whidbey </a>- but I'm writing this post from my <b>NEW LAPTOP</b>! Bo found a great deal for it on Black Friday; and now that it is all set up and ready to use, I figured a blog post was the perfect inaugural project!</div>
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First things first, </div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/packing.html">here are a few scenes from our most recent move from Jacksonville:</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EncnU-Meemc/UMKIbsw8t0I/AAAAAAAAD3U/L-KoNANSPX4/s1600/CIMG3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EncnU-Meemc/UMKIbsw8t0I/AAAAAAAAD3U/L-KoNANSPX4/s400/CIMG3014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room and Living Room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJBaMm5ygWg/UMKId4hd-CI/AAAAAAAAD3c/N-wGZdm52aU/s1600/CIMG3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJBaMm5ygWg/UMKId4hd-CI/AAAAAAAAD3c/N-wGZdm52aU/s400/CIMG3015.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HftKKl2zRPo/UMKIgTVdJJI/AAAAAAAAD3k/0B_BzVRLbHs/s1600/CIMG3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HftKKl2zRPo/UMKIgTVdJJI/AAAAAAAAD3k/0B_BzVRLbHs/s400/CIMG3017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AzVoenxSRs/UMKIilAnsnI/AAAAAAAAD3s/XroCSBXEodE/s1600/CIMG3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AzVoenxSRs/UMKIilAnsnI/AAAAAAAAD3s/XroCSBXEodE/s400/CIMG3018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o60IZTAGR6M/UMKIk4dbenI/AAAAAAAAD30/Y4yd-_7MnAs/s1600/CIMG3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o60IZTAGR6M/UMKIk4dbenI/AAAAAAAAD30/Y4yd-_7MnAs/s400/CIMG3019.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Bedroom</td></tr>
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Poor little Lola girl had to stay either outside - or in her crate - throughout packing/moving day(s). She was a little sad, as you can see; but she didn't whine or bark once. <br />
Truth be told, I think she was just a little depressed that she wasn't able to make any new friends!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVm_D1c-9dY/UMKInbbSHUI/AAAAAAAAD38/yBYBQJFm_5Y/s1600/CIMG3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVm_D1c-9dY/UMKInbbSHUI/AAAAAAAAD38/yBYBQJFm_5Y/s400/CIMG3021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We arrived safely in Springville, AL on November 30 <i>(my mom, step-dad, and step-brothers all live there)</i>. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/antique-treasure-hunting-with-mom.html">Whenever my mom and I are together, we try our best to make the most of our time. </a> This time, one of the first things on our "to-do" list was to make H-O-T pepper jelly. So, bright and early on December 1st we woke up and got to work!</div>
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First, I had to dissolve the sugar into the vinegar.</div>
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Second, we had to chop the H-O-T peppers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydHq-KaI8s/UMKIyr6Hm4I/AAAAAAAAD4M/EgIOkNWHw7s/s1600/CIMG3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydHq-KaI8s/UMKIyr6Hm4I/AAAAAAAAD4M/EgIOkNWHw7s/s400/CIMG3027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lola, of course, fulfilled her role as kitchen supervisor! ;)</div>
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Me, stirring and...stirring and...stirring and...</div>
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Look at all those beautiful colors after dumping in the pepper and carrots.</div>
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Although she wouldn't let me take a face-shot of her<i> (supposedly because she had no make-up on and hadn't fixed her hair)</i>, I assure you that my mother WAS in the kitchen. </div>
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Here's the evidence!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CNEsn6gk70/UMKJO0_igzI/AAAAAAAAD4s/qle4bcAMfnk/s1600/CIMG3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CNEsn6gk70/UMKJO0_igzI/AAAAAAAAD4s/qle4bcAMfnk/s400/CIMG3037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then Lola proceeded to lay on mom's foot while she stirred the jelly mixture.<br />
It's a good thing she's cute because she sure can get in the way!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ign3-rLJza4/UMKJVk5VzKI/AAAAAAAAD40/a2zHIIvQe3g/s1600/CIMG3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ign3-rLJza4/UMKJVk5VzKI/AAAAAAAAD40/a2zHIIvQe3g/s400/CIMG3038.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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When I stepped outside with Lola for a walk, this is the sky that greeted me.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ch5QgPL8Xg/UMKJdy26heI/AAAAAAAAD5A/QF45BXR2ang/s1600/CIMG3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ch5QgPL8Xg/UMKJdy26heI/AAAAAAAAD5A/QF45BXR2ang/s400/CIMG3042.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Alabama really is the land of the beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/home-and-blackberry-jam.html">When Lola and I returned from our walk, the jelly was done! </a></div>
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In the end, mom and I made six beautiful - and S-P-I-C-Y - jars of deliciousness. Spread a little cream cheese onto a cracker and "Wha-la!," you have YUMM-O in appetizer form.</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/about-us-and-joys-of-coloring.html">Oh, and did I mention the colors?! </a></div>
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They are simply divine.</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Have you ever eaten pepper jelly?! If so, did you eat the green or the red kind? What did you think? Did you like it?!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-23113325939010301232012-11-21T08:39:00.001-05:002012-11-21T08:40:58.269-05:00Heads Up...STICK AROUND!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a heads up to all you lovely readers...my posts will be quite erratic over the next six weeks. Between Thanksgiving travel, packing up our house in Jacksonville, moving <i>(literally)</i> all the way across the country, and getting settled in Whidbey Island, WA, <b>the next six weeks are going to be C-R-A-Z-Y, <i>CRAZY</i>!</b> </div>
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<i>(Not to mention, our computer will be packed (along with almost everything else), and finding a computer to blog on at either my Mom's, Dad's, or in-law's might be a little tricky.)</i></div>
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Regardless,<b> please...pretty please...with a cherry on top...STICK AROUND! </b>By the time the new year arrives, I will be setting up to blog regularly again from our new home. I am sure that I will have LOTS of adventures to share with you, along with loads of new recipes and posts from our new home!</div>
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Wherever you are this holiday season, may your days be overflowing with love and laughter.</div>
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May you be surrounded by family and friends.</div>
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May you cherish every precious moment that you are given.</div>
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<b><i>Until next time!</i></b></div>
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-64368655759142961402012-11-19T09:40:00.003-05:002012-11-19T09:44:03.154-05:00Long Weekend in Cape Cod and BostonI know that I haven't posted in a week, my apologies. <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/11/weekend-in-mountains-with-mom.html"> As I mentioned in my last post, </a>I've been in and out of town all month. Yesterday I got back from my trip to Cape Cod/Boston, and today I have a <i>LOT </i>to share with you from my weekend away from home <i>(apologies ahead of time for the <b>HUGE PHOTO BOMB</b> that you are about to experience)</i>. Originally I was going to break these pictures up into two<i> (or maybe even three)</i> posts; but since we are leaving again on Wednesday morning to head up to Alabama for Thanksgiving, I just don't think that I am going to have the time to get more than one post done. <br />
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Here goes nothin':</div>
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I went up to the Boston area to visit my friend Colbi. She and I met while Bo and I were stationed in Corpus Christi. Colbi went to grad school in Texas, and was working in Port Aransas <i>(just outside of Corpus)</i> at the time.<br />
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Since then, she has gotten married and moved up to Cape Cod to live with her husband. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/midnight-movie-madness-twilight.html">Long story short, Colbi and I both love the Twilight franchise. In fact, if you have been a reader here for a while, you might remember that we went to the midnight showing of <i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 </i>this time last year. </a>Outside of Twilight, we also have a ton of other similar interests, including:<br />
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<li><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/movie-review-hunger-games.html">The Hunger Games;</a></li>
<li>Shirley Temple;</li>
<li><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/yoga.html">yoga <i>(she is getting her teacher training this spring)</i>;</a></li>
<li><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/yoga.html">reading;</a></li>
<li><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/05/30-x-30-fashion-remix-challenge.html">shopping/fashion; and</a></li>
<li>much, MUCH more!</li>
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<b><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/coloring-40.html">She even likes mandalas! </a></b></div>
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In fact, she has one that I gave her framed and hung in her yoga room. :)</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/making-house-home.html">I also sort of <i>(OK, totally)</i> fell in love with Colbi's house. It's an old one, and it needs quite a bit of work; </a>but if you had the time and money to put into it, you could really turn it into something special. Colbi and her husband, Brad, are just renting, so they won't be putting any blood, sweat, and tears into the house. Regardless, it has a TON of potential that I couldn't help sharing with you all.</div>
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For instance, I just loved the little built-in shelves in the upstairs bathroom. The woodwork is amazing, and adds something unique and special about an otherwise common feature.</div>
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The staircase was beautiful. I especially loved the railing (original to the house) and the hardwood floors - which you can't really see in this pic, but were also gorgeous and seemingly original to the house</div>
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The kitchen needs some work, but the bones were really good. The room itself has P-L-E-N-T-Y of room for an island or small breakfast nook set, and lots of natural light makes its way in through the kitchen's four large windows. </div>
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The floor and countertops would probably need to be replaced; but the cabinets were in good shape, and the windows are brand new. </div>
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<b>I <i>LOVE </i>the wood details around the windows and cabinets. </b></div>
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In the end, I think that a coat of paint and new fixtures would do wonders for making this kitchen look brand, spankin' new!</div>
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Also in the kitchen <i>(directly across from the sink and windows)</i> is this large, <b>GORGEOUS</b>, built-in shelving unit. I would love to display some of my china or great-grandmother's silver on these shelves; and once again, the wood detailing is stunning!</div>
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Continuing with the theme of built-in character, the formal dining room includes two of these corner cabinets. These would be the perfect place to display old family heirlooms or family pictures. </div>
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You could always buy a piece of furniture like this to put in your home, but - in my opinion - it just wouldn't be the same. Something about it being a part of the house really makes it special.<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/dreaming-of-our-dream-home.html"> It's like, before you even put anything of yourself in the home, the home itself has a personality. </a></div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/dreaming-of-our-dream-home.html">I think it makes everything feel warmer and more like "home".</a></div>
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The living room has a large portrait window that opens into this unobstructed view of New England's fall colors. </div>
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Here's a view of the house from the front yard <i>(I was standing right in front of the trees from the previous picture. You can see the portrait window right in the front of the house)</i>.</div>
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<b>Isn't it adorable?!</b></div>
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Granted, if you owned the house and wanted to refurbish it, you would need to redo the outside quite substantially. Regardless, I think that the house itself is so cute! It has a personality all its own!</div>
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Old tree, outside.</div>
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Colbi and Brad's chickens!</div>
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Beautiful fall foliage.</div>
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View from one of the stained glass windows in their home.</div>
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<b><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/midnight-movie-madness-twilight.html">Now, the<i> REAL REASON</i> I visited Colbi was so that we could attend the midnight <i>(actually, ours was a 10:00PM...even better)</i> showing of <i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2</i> together!</a></b></div>
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By some strange stroke of luck, when we arrived at 7:40PM on Thursday night we were the only ones there! </div>
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<b>I couldn't believe it. </b></div>
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Last year we had to stand in line - outside - for 30 minutes, before we were even allowed to enter the theater and wait. </div>
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Whatever the reason, we were stoked! </div>
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By being the first in line we were certain of having the best seats in the house for the grande finale!</div>
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<i><b>WHO-HOO!</b></i></div>
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The theater ended up being packed, so we were really glad that we got to the theater as early as we did. Our earliness really paid off!</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/midnight-movie-madness-twilight.html">On Friday night, Colbi and I decided to go see Breaking Dawn Part 2 again. </a></div>
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<b>YES, we are that big of fans!</b></div>
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<b>YES, we loved the movie that much!</b></div>
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<b><i>AND YES, we were first in line AGAIN!</i></b></div>
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Again, the theater ended up being completely packed, but our pre-planning paid off. We sat in the best seats in the house for the second time in a row; and the movie was just as good, if not better, the second time around. </div>
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I won't spill any spoilers for any of you who have yet to see the film; but let me just say, if you are a fan <b>you <i>WILL NOT</i> be disappointed.</b> The franchise's finale film is awesome, action-packed, full of surprises that you won't see coming, and concludes with an ending that will leave each and every fan satisfied.</div>
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On Saturday we took the T into Boston for a day of exploring!</div>
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We started off by walking parts of<a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/"> The Freedom Trail</a>.</div>
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And, of course, stopped along the way to take pictures. :)</div>
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I loved the cobble-stone streets. </div>
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As we were walking around downtown Boston, I could imagine horses trotting along these roads, people protesting before the Boston Tea Party, and some of our countries greatest leaders walking to meetings that would change our countries' history forever. </div>
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<a href="http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/">Of course, we stopped in Faneuil Hall.</a></div>
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And then we walked by the Christmas tree that was going to be lit later that evening. </div>
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<b>As you can see, it was HUGE!</b></div>
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I'm not even sure that the tree in Central Park, NY is that big!</div>
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Originally, we were planning to stay for the tree lighting later that evening; but truth be told, after 5+ hours walking around in the city, we decided to head home. Downtown Boston was getting CRAZY busy, and the cold factor was getting chillier by the minute. After all, we did get to see the tree, it just wasn't lit yet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.dickslastresort.com/WhosDick.htm">For lunch, we ate at Dick's Last Resort. </a></div>
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I had never eaten there - or even heard of it - but Colbi promised me that it would be a good time. </div>
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For those of you that don't know the premise behind Dick's, it's this: the waitstaff are rude, a little mean, and a lot condescending...but the whole thing's in fun. The restaurant is an attempt to loosen people up, make people laugh, and give everyone a chance to enjoy their delicious food<i> (especially dessert)</i>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.dickslastresort.com/domains/boston/">Oh, and everyone receives a custom hat too. ;)</a></div>
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Colbi and I split one of their infamous Mile High Peanut Butta Pie's and it was TO. DIE. FOR. delicious. <b>Seriously, this is the best peanut butter dessert I have E.V.E.R. eaten, and it was HUGE! </b></div>
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Colbi and I couldn't even finish our piece.</div>
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<i>(Well, we could have; but we would have been miserably full afterwards, so we didn't.)</i></div>
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Beautiful downtown Boston.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mikespastry.com/">Our last stop in the city was Mike's Pastry.</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZuOMReOcw0/UKlFPnncWTI/AAAAAAAADzI/FTBzPx_5CAU/s1600/CIMG3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZuOMReOcw0/UKlFPnncWTI/AAAAAAAADzI/FTBzPx_5CAU/s400/CIMG3001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mike's Pastry is a local legend, a national treasure, and is known for its cannoli. </div>
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We ended up buying four cannoli<i> (Don't worry, two were for Colbi to bring home to Brad. We weren't THAT greedy...especially after our Mile High Peanut Butta Pie for lunch!)</i>: strawberry, chocolate chip, pumpkin spice, and pistachio. </div>
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Of the two I tried, the pistachio was the best. I would be in serious trouble if I lived too close to this place!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mikespastry.com/specialties.html">Of course, Mike's Pastry also has a LOT of other goodies to quench your sweet tooth.</a></div>
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Before we left to head back to the hotel, Colbi snapped one more picture in front of the Christmas tree. </div>
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I had an absolutely amazing time with Colbi in Cape Cod and Boston. I feel so blessed to have several amazing friends in my life, of which, Colbi is one. We share so many interests, and have so much fun when we are together.</div>
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I can't wait to do it again!</div>
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Since Twilight is over <i>(sniff sniff)</i>, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/movie-review-hunger-games.html">our new plan is to meet up for the release of each Hunger Games movie. The next one,<i> Catching Fire</i>, comes out November 22, 2013.</a></div>
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Until then, I do have a new book series to keep me company. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I finished reading the second book in <a href="http://www.cassandraclare.com/"><i>The Mortal Instruments</i> series </a>on the plane to Boston, and am starting the third book today<i> (there will be six books total, only five have been published so far)</i>. The movie version of<a href="http://www.themortalinstrumentsmovie.com/"> <i>The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones </i>comes out in August 2013</a>. Colbi is going to start reading the series soon, so who knows, maybe BOTH <i>The Hunger Games </i>trilogy and <i>The Mortal Instruments </i>will be our new series to enjoy together!</span></div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Have you ever been to the Boston area? If so, what did you think? Did you like the city? Did you have a fun time exploring?!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-51224912631067831242012-11-12T08:44:00.002-05:002012-11-12T08:45:20.487-05:00Weekend in the Mountains with Mom<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-few-of-my-favorite-fall-things.html">All of the recent changes in my life</a> have left my calendar relatively wide open for the month of November. I recognize that this sort of "time off" might not ever happen again. With that said, I've been really trying to make the most of this time by investing in my own yoga practice, substituting whenever I can, cooking up a storm, and taking time off to visit friends and family. In fact, just this past weekend my Mom and I met up in Blue Ridge, GA for a long weekend together. <i> (Note: My Mom's side of the family owns a house in the mountains, and it is the perfect place for a FREE fall getaway.) </i>The timing worked out perfectly for both of us <i>(a rare thing indeed)</i>, and we couldn't wait to have a few days of relaxation and uninterrupted mother/daughter time together. <br />
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/getting-to-know-lola-part-2.html">Lola decided to come along for the trip</a>, so on Thursday morning <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/odds-ends-something-exciting.html">we loaded up my new car </a>and started the 7 1/2 hour drive up to Blue Ridge. It took her a while, but eventually <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/lola-update.html">Lola found a way to get comfortable</a> in the floorboard of the passenger side seat. </span><span style="text-align: center;">From this position, it doesn't seem like dogs can get a "crick in their neck"...</span></div>
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When we arrived around 3:00PM the sun was shining, and the day was simply resplendent.</div>
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Here's a peek down the driveway from the cabin. </div>
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Just look at all those fall colors: red, orange, yellow, green, brown, grey, white, and more! </div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-few-of-my-favorite-fall-things.html">As you might recall, I LOVE fall colors!</a></div>
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Here's a view of the side of the house...I could have sworn I took a pick of the front, but I guess I didn't.<br />
Oh well, you'll just have to imagine how gorgeous it is.</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/lola-graduated.html">Since I decided to bring Lola along for the trip</a>, my Mom decided to bring her dog, Annie Mae, as well. Annie Mae, as sweet as she is, is <i>VERY </i>shy and skiddish; and while she is wonderful with most people <i>(once she warms up to them)</i>, she doesn't have a lot of experience with - or exposure to - other dogs.<br />
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With that said, their introduction didn't go so well. </div>
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As much as Lola tried, Annie Mae just was NOT interested in being friends. In the end, we ended up having to keep them separated the entire weekend. Our solutions were either to:<br />
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<li>have Annie Mae in the crate while Lola roamed around freely;</li>
<li>have Lola in the crate while Annie Mae roamed around freely;</li>
<li>put Annie Mae downstairs while Lola remained upstairs; or</li>
<li>keep Annie Mae on her leash while they both roamed around freely.</li>
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We tried and we tried to keep them both unleashed and free simultaneously, but it just didn't work out. As loving as she is to me and other people, Annie Mae just would NOT make friends with Lola. Oh well, maybe Lola's upcoming visit over the holidays will do the trick! <i>(Hey, I can hope, can't I?!)</i></div>
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On Friday morning, after eating breakfast in the cabin, Mom and I decided to head into town. <a href="http://www.mercier-orchards.com/">Our first stop was Mercier Orchard</a>s. When we first arrived, we both picked out a bag of apples to take home. There were over a dozen different kinds of apples to choose from; but in the end <a href="http://www.mercier-orchards.com/apple-info/">Mom chose a bag of Yates apples, and I went with the Winsap variety</a>. <br />
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If you like apples, then you would love this place! <br />
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They even had tastings so that you could try out all of the apple varieties. <br />
It's amazing how different one apple can taste from another. <br />
They're each so unique.<br />
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MORE AND MORE APPLES!</div>
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While apples are certainly Mercier Orchards specialty, they also make a wide variety of other products including:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">apple butters;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">fruit jams and jellies;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">chutney's;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">barbecue sauces;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">hot sauces;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">syrups;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">apple cider;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">honey;</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">candles; and</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">so much more that I can't even remember it all!</li>
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I thought that their honey display was really cute and clever!</div>
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For lunch, Mom and I <a href="http://www.mercier-orchards.com/">ate in the Mercier Orchards cafe</a>. We split 1/2 of a pimento cheese sandwich and vegetable soup. The sandwich was delicious, and having just 1/4 of a sandwich each was perfect because the pimento cheese was wonderfully rich. </div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-vegetable-soup.html">As for the soup, it was SO good. </a></div>
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Honestly, I think we both could have drank a vat of just the broth. </div>
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It was <i>THAT </i>delicious!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom saying "Yummmmm"!</td></tr>
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Of course, we couldn't possibly have left without sampling<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=dessert&ui=338&c=1"> an amazing homemade dessert...or two. </a></div>
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Mom ended up settling on a mini apple fritter, and I chose a strawberry rhubarb pie. </div>
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<b>Thankfully, we were both generous enough to share portions of our delicacies! </b></div>
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After sampling them both, I'm not sure which one I preferred. </div>
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They were both wonderful, but also very different. </div>
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The pie was sweeter, so perhaps better for a traditional dessert. Whereas the fritter was sweet, but not so much so that it couldn't be eaten for breakfast with a decadently rich decaf coffee. </div>
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<i>Hmmm...that would be so good!</i><br />
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/tacky-christmas-outfit-party.html">After filling our bellies, we headed to downtown Blue Ridge to do some Christmas shopping!</a></div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/antique-treasure-hunting-with-mom.html">Mother/Daughter love.</a></div>
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I found several gifts for Bo and I's family; and after a couple of hours, Mom and I decided that it was time to head home and check on Lola and Annie Mae.<br />
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Lola posing<i> SO pretty</i> for the camera.</div>
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Such a pretty, pretty girl.<br />
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We spent the rest of Friday afternoon/evening at home walking the dogs, cooking in, watching a Hallmark holiday movie, and heading to bed early. </div>
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It was perfect.</div>
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On Saturday morning, after eating a hearty breakfast, Mom and I decided to take the dogs for a hike. </div>
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There are so many wonderful trails within 5-10 miles of the cabin, that we just chose one of the closest ones and headed out.</div>
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The trail itself was absolutely gorgeous. <br />
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We got there early, before any other hikers were on the trail:<br />
such precious moments in the company of God's creation.<br />
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If we had chosen to do the entire Benton Mackaye Trail, it would have been 10.4 miles round trip. </div>
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Well, we weren't quite up for that; so we decided to walk about a mile and a half in, and then turned around and walked back out. </div>
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We took our time, and in the end we hiked for about an hour and a half. </div>
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Mother/Puppy Daughter love.</div>
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Sunlight through the trees.</div>
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I'm not sure what my mom was trying to capture here, but I actually like this "accidental" picture.<br />
I think that I was trying to make Lola "sit", but it turns out that sometimes candid shots are better than posed ones.<br />
Go figure.<br />
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Sunlight through the trees.</div>
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So bright.</div>
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So beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/home-and-blackberry-jam.html">Mom and Annie Mae.</a></div>
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Hugging trees <i>(i.e. tree huggers)</i> ;)</div>
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Lola saying: <i>Hurry up, Mommy!</i></div>
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On Saturday night - the last night of our getaway - Mom and I whipped up an absolutely salivatingly delicious meal. It was amazing. Here was the line-up:</div>
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<u>"Until Next Time" dinner:</u></div>
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Mom's garden purple hull peas</div>
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Mom's garden turnip greens</div>
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Frances' hoe cakes <i>(an old family recipe)</i></div>
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Sliced tomato w/ Ranch dressing<br />
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It just doesn't get any better than that, in my opinion.</div>
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<b>Be patient with me over the next month and a half! </b><br />
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I leave Wednesday for another long weekend trip <i>(not returning until Sunday)</i>, but I will post when I get back. Then Thanksgiving will be here <i>(not 100% sure of our plans yet)</i>, and then the movers will be here to pack our house and start the official move to Whidbey!<br />
<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html">Like I said, ch-ch-ch-changes are headed our way!</a></div>
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WHEW - I'm a little tired <i>(but super excited)</i> already!</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Do you (or did you) ever take one-on-one trips with one of your parents? If so, I would love to hear about some of your favorite memories from those trips in the "Comment" section directly below?!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-79166002359776352012012-11-07T15:04:00.000-05:002012-11-07T15:05:05.389-05:00The Struggle to Stay PresentI've written about <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-golden-present.html">the importance of "living in the present" before</a>; and I'm sorry to tell you that neither that post - nor this one - is filled with particularly groundbreaking information. <i>(What can I say? <a href="http://www.eckharttolle.com/">I'm no Eckhart Tolle</a> or <a href="http://www.thegoldenpresent.org/">Swami Satchidananda</a>.) </i> Regardless, recently I've really been struggling with the idea of embracing the present moment. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that<b> I feel like I am living right on the periphery of life-altering change. </b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pvaar8hi58/UJpXVVRm9qI/AAAAAAAADoU/DKx-7crOLvs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pvaar8hi58/UJpXVVRm9qI/AAAAAAAADoU/DKx-7crOLvs/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mellow-relaxation.com/2012/02/enjoy-present-moment-x.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>It's as if I am standing at the edge of the cliff, and I know that I have to jump.</b></div>
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I also know that I will land safely.</div>
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But the moment right before I leap...</div>
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...as I'm standing and looking over the cliff...</div>
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...is utterly terrifying.</div>
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The result is that I want to be anywhere, anywhere but there, on that cliff.</div>
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I just want to have jumped already.</div>
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I want to have already landed safely.</div>
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I want to skip over the actual act of jumping...</div>
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...the free fall...</div>
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...the terror of transitioning from one place of stability to another.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOj3wzD-KT4/UJpXXYRmyjI/AAAAAAAADoc/Qmgspba9kbw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOj3wzD-KT4/UJpXXYRmyjI/AAAAAAAADoc/Qmgspba9kbw/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://naturallyhealthywoman.com/live-present-reaching-health-lifestyle-goals-moment-time/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As Bo and Lola and I finish up our last few weeks here in Jacksonville, FL, I feel the tides of change swirling around me. And even though I feel that change coming, and I KNOW it is coming, it is also really crazy to think that everything from where we live, to who our friends are, to where we grocery shop, is about to change.<br />
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<b>And this change is different in so many more ways than ever before.</b></div>
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I have never lived in the Pacific Time Zone before.</div>
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We will have <i>real winters</i>.</div>
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I will work...somewhere I'm sure...but, as of yet, I have no idea where.</div>
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We will live in the same house for three years.</div>
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I won't be this close to my family again for a long time.</div>
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God willing, we will start a family in this new home.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkvZSmaqioI/UJpXYD-fK3I/AAAAAAAADok/aNC_9ulIODg/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkvZSmaqioI/UJpXYD-fK3I/AAAAAAAADok/aNC_9ulIODg/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.123feelbetter.net/five-steps-to-living-in-the-present-moment/">Source</a></td></tr>
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For all of these reasons and more, I am having a hard time staying present, living in the here and the now, and embracing today. I catch myself rushing ahead, wanting to skip over this time of "goodbye," and I find myself wanting to hurry through this time of transition just so that I can feel "settled" again. <br />
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I'm not sure, but<b> maybe our best growth happens during times of transition. Maybe personal growth requires you to feel a little unstable.</b> Maybe, when I am at my most uncomfortable, I have no other option than to "let go" and just "let it be." And perhaps the greatest gift of all is learning that when I "let go" and just "let it be," happiness and joy are still mine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dxkc5sz6h4/UJpXZF7VMZI/AAAAAAAADos/IL_nP4BpqZQ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dxkc5sz6h4/UJpXZF7VMZI/AAAAAAAADos/IL_nP4BpqZQ/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebuddhistblog.blogspot.com/2005/10/mindfulness-and-present-moment.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Maybe it's all as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Satchidananda">Swami Satchidananda </a>has said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>[Life] is all just a carnival. We meet people and sit with them on a carousel for a while. Your neighbor might be sitting on a tiger, you might be sitting on a horse. You say, "Hey, hello," and go around in a circle. When the ride is over you get down, but he may continue. Or he may get down and go somewhere else. Just think of the whole [life] as a carnival."<a href="http://www.thegoldenpresent.org/golden-present/Golden_Present.php"> </a></i><a href="http://www.thegoldenpresent.org/golden-present/Golden_Present.php">(Source)</a></blockquote>
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Yes, life it just a carnival.</div>
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Get on.</div>
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Get off.</div>
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Get on.</div>
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Get off.</div>
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Be happy.</div>
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Be joyful.</div>
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Always. </div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>How do you stay present when things are about to change? Any and ALL suggestions are welcome in the "Comment" section below!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and Bo<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-28886940878095885722012-11-05T08:58:00.002-05:002012-11-05T09:00:12.552-05:00Southwestern Egg In A Hole<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>NEWSFLASH </b>- I just ate an egg for breakfast! </div>
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As you know, 9 <i>(and a half)</i> times out of 10,<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/vanilla-coconut-overnight-oats-with.html"> oatmeal is my go-to breakfast. </a> I wake up craving it, and I am not satisfied until a huge bowl has satiated my hunger. <br />
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Well, not today. </div>
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After watching an episode of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/07/huevo-in-the-hole/">The Pioneer Woman on The Food Network </a>I was inspired. Basically, I used her recipe as a starting point, and made a few alterations to give it a Southwestern twist. For instance, I:<br />
<ul>
<li>omitted the use of butter; and</li>
<li>substituted green chile for the salsa/pico de gallo.</li>
</ul>
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The result was amazing! I'm sure I'll go back to my trusty oatmeal at some point, but for now, I am perfectly content with eating an egg for breakfast. <i>(Seriously, who would have ever thunk it?!)</i></div>
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<b>Southwestern Egg In A Hole</b><br />
<i>Serves 1</i><br />
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nonstick cooking spray<i> (I used the butter flavored kind!)</i><br />
3 small corn tortillas<br />
1 egg<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
1-2T organic sour cream<br />
<a href="http://hatchnmgreenchile.com/">1-2T Hatch green chile</a><br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, use a cookie cutter <i>(or the top of a jar, like me)</i> to cut three identical circles in the middle of each tortilla.</li>
<li>Spray the saucepan with non stick spray.</li>
<li>Place the stacked tortillas in the pan, and crack the egg into the hole.</li>
<li>Season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Cover the saucepan for 1 minute.</li>
<li>Uncover the saucepan and carefully flip the tortilla/egg.</li>
<li>Season the other side with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes <i>(until the egg has reached your desired consistency...I like my yolk really runny!)</i>.</li>
<li>Place the <b>Southwestern Egg In A Hole </b>onto a small plate. Garnish with sour cream and green chile.</li>
<li>DEVOUR!</li>
</ul>
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As with most of my recipes, substitution options are bountiful. For instance, if you don't have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt should do that trick; you could also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. If green chile isn't a staple in your pantry like it is in ours, you could also substitute salsa or pico de gallo. Whatever you do, <b>don't use missing an item or two for this recipe as an excuse not to make it</b>...just wing it! I assure you that it will still be delicious!<br />
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Ever since making this concoction for the first time, <b><i>I have eaten it three times over the last week</i></b>. For someone who loves eggs that might not be a very big deal, <b>BUT </b>for someone who loves oatmeal as much as I do, that's a record! <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=oat&ui=338"> You know it must be good if I am willing to give up my delicious bowl of oats for an egg. </a><br />
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With that said, you should definitely try this SOON!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV4-wL1Mok0/UJfBWoIpc6I/AAAAAAAADnY/dZssPVC6WiU/s1600/CIMG2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV4-wL1Mok0/UJfBWoIpc6I/AAAAAAAADnY/dZssPVC6WiU/s400/CIMG2846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Do you prefer eggs for breakfast, or something more along the lines of oatmeal/toast/cereal?</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-28971748084490759472012-11-02T12:19:00.002-04:002012-11-02T12:19:45.788-04:00A Few of My Favorite (Fall) Things<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall has <i><b>FINALLY </b></i>arrived in Jacksonville, FL! </div>
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This week has been the first week where temperatures dropped down into the 50's and 60's; and even though this weekend's temperatures are going back up into the low 80's, I'm still thankful that the truly warm and hot weather is officially behind us. It's a good thing too, because I was beginning to think that fall/winter had forgotten about us down here in Jacksonville. I mean, let's be honest, after almost two years of ceaselessly warm temperatures, wearing the same four pairs of shorts, and the same 4-5 skirts and dresses, gets old. My winter clothes were beginning to grow mold from having not been worn in so long, but today I am in a long-sleeved shirt and jeans. Yes, fall is <i><b>FINALLY </b></i>here!<br />
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With that said, I figured that today would be a perfect day for<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/few-of-my-favorite-summer-things-part-1.html"> a "favorite things" post</a>. As you might recall, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/few-of-my-favorite-summer-things-part.html">I did a couple of these types of posts back in the summer.</a> <br />
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What am I waiting for?! </div>
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Let's get started!</div>
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<b>1. Cooler weather and (COLOR)!</b><br />
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OK, so I sort of already alluded to this in the introduction, but warm/hot weather and I just don't mix. When it's 85+ degrees outside, I'm a little <i>(OK, maybe a lot) </i>miserable. My face is constantly red like a cherry. I sweat incessantly. My make-up melts. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/growing-out-my-hair.html">My hair gets frizzy and wavy</a> <i>(but not in a good way...like in a "I stuck my finger in a socket" sort of way!)</i>. And I'm generally irritable <i>(What, couldn't you already tell from my list of woes?!)</i>. Don't get me wrong, I can stay inside an air-conditioned house all day long, just <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/although-i-havent-posted-in-few-days-i.html">don't ask me to spend any significant amount of time outdoors</a>. It's not pretty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3gGQ3YZpew/UJPofRfpAlI/AAAAAAAADkE/9DB6O-EN2RY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3gGQ3YZpew/UJPofRfpAlI/AAAAAAAADkE/9DB6O-EN2RY/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bunburyrealtors-blog.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, when the weather starts to cool down into the 70's, and then into the 60's and 50's, I immediately become a happier girl. My face is no longer flushed. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/05/30-x-30-fashion-remix-challenge.html">My clothes don't have sweat stains. </a> My make-up stays put. My hair stays flat-iron and in place. And I am gloriously happy. Again, I'm not sure that I want to just stand outside in 55 degree weather for hours on end, but I am more than happy to go on a walk, head outdoors to a farmer's market, accompany <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/lola-update.html">the hubby and Lola </a>on a hike, etc. Fall is my season.<br />
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<b>Oh, and let's not forget fall colors.</b></div>
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Simply gorgeous.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tBFKO6EovI/UJPo-D8c1cI/AAAAAAAADkM/TJrvuk8uifI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tBFKO6EovI/UJPo-D8c1cI/AAAAAAAADkM/TJrvuk8uifI/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alpenanow.com/index.php/2012/10/09/us-23-named-america%E2%80%99s-favorite-fall-drive-by-weather-channel/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2. It's a season of ch-ch-ch-changes!</b><br />
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Connected to my #1 favorite thing is the fact that fall is all about changes. The leaves shed and then change colors. The temperatures drop a little, and then a lot. We prepare to close out one year, and welcome another. This fall, in particular, Bo and I have a LOT of changes heading our way.<br />
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Just to name a few, we're:<br />
<ul>
<li>finishing up our last few weeks here in Jacksonville, FL;</li>
<li>getting ready to move to Whidbey Island, WA; and</li>
<li>about to celebrate our first holiday season as puppy parents.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKkJWMu8NmY/UJPrRop3SdI/AAAAAAAADkU/RGw8YJG3Rrg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKkJWMu8NmY/UJPrRop3SdI/AAAAAAAADkU/RGw8YJG3Rrg/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.igougo.com/journal-j3748-Whidbey_Island-Washingtons_Secret_Whidbey_Island.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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Change can be difficult, but it can also be exciting. This time around, no matter what, Bo and I have decided to embrace the "excitement" and let go of the "difficulty." After all, it's all about attitude.</div>
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<b>3. It's the holiday season!</b><br />
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As I was typing out that phrase, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhdfDqh12pk">a song by Andy Williams popped into my head</a>. I know, I know, I'm like 80 years old at heart. I doubt that any other 20-something-year-old would know this song, but oh well. I am who I am. In case you aren't familiar with the Williams' brother's song, it goes like this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhdfDqh12pk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Now, I know that November 2nd <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/tacky-christmas-outfit-party.html">doesn't exactly mean it's the Christmas season just yet,</a> but I'm not just talking about Christmas here. For me, at least, once Halloween comes and goes, the holiday season has officially arrived, meaning that Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Ramadan, New Year's, etc. are all just around the corner. It's the most exciting time of year for me. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/dijon-green-beans-almondine.html"> It represents spending time with family cooking, eating, laughing, singing, watching movies, and so. much. more.</a> For me, there just aren't the words to capture what the holiday season means to me. <br />
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It's precious.</div>
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Priceless.</div>
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<b>4. Squash, and apples, and stuffing, OH MY!</b><br />
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/few-of-my-favorite-summer-things-part.html">I know that I said that summer produce was my favorite</a>, but that was before fresh pumpkin, and squash, apples, and cranberries landed in our grocery store. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UULC6KPtD7c/UJPvpvC5AfI/AAAAAAAADlQ/x23MCmW5MgA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UULC6KPtD7c/UJPvpvC5AfI/AAAAAAAADlQ/x23MCmW5MgA/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.diaryofajewell.com/falling-for-autumn/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Now I'm not so sure. </div>
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These days I can't seem to get enough of fall's very best foods. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=pumpkin&ui=338">I'm stirring pumpkin into everything from oatmeal to yogurt to chocolate pudding. </a>I'm <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=squash&ui=338">roasting squash and carrots and onions</a> almost every night. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=apple&ui=338">I'm eating apples raw, and baked into pies, and filled with caramelized stuffing.</a> I'm <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html?search_term=cranberry&ui=338">creating homemade cranberry sauce, and cranberry crumbles, and cranberry muffins. </a> Now that it's fall, I'm in love with a whole different family of produce, and I just can't seem to get enough!<br />
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<b><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html">For more fall recipes, visit my Recipage!</a></b></div>
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<b>5. Longer nights.</b><br />
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I know that some people hate that the sun goes down earlier in the fall and winter <i>(Bo, for instance, is one of those people)</i>; but I, for one, love it! Something about longer night's make me want to snuggle up on the couch with a good book or a movie, a mug of homemade hot chocolate or hot tea, and just relax. <br />
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While summer nights are for playing outside, heading to the beach, and attending cook-outs, fall nights are for snuggling inside, lounging in cozy restaurants and pubs, and spending time with friends and family around a warm fire. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tc-h3Idf5g/UJPyZHpUPbI/AAAAAAAADmM/Vfh5ivNRR7o/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tc-h3Idf5g/UJPyZHpUPbI/AAAAAAAADmM/Vfh5ivNRR7o/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Germany/West/Schleswig-Holstein/Breiholz/photo1262313.htm">Source</a></td></tr>
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For me, it just doesn't get better than that.</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What are some of YOUR favorite things about fall?!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-23782232903375363862012-10-30T09:34:00.002-04:002012-10-30T09:35:00.656-04:00KIick-It-Up-A-Notch Peas and Carrots<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Question:</u> When I say "peas and carrots" what's the first thing that comes to mind?</div>
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<u>Answer:</u> <b>FORREST GUMP!</b></div>
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Well, at least, that's what comes to mind for me. Whenever I hear the phrase "peas and carrots" this scene from the movie automatically pops up:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tvKzyYy6qvY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Man, that's a great movie. As an interesting sidenote, for those of you that don't know, my brother's name is actually Forrest <i>(although, he was named after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Bedford_Forrest">Nathan Bedford Forrest</a> not Forrest Gump)</i>. <br />
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Anywho, today's post is <i>NOT </i>about the movie, but rather about the food combination itself. At some point or another, I think that everyone has eaten the traditional peas and carrots combination. But, if my experience is any indicator, peas and carrots are usually mushy<i> (due to canned peas)</i>, bland <i>(due to a lack of seasoning)</i>, and forgettable<i> (generally "bleh" on the YUMM-O scale)</i>. <br />
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Well today that all changes! </div>
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My recipe for peas and carrots is crisp<i> (due to frozen peas)</i>, flavorful <i>(due to the addition of roasting and garlic powder)</i>, and memorable <i>(a solid 8-9 on the YUMM-O scale)</i>...all the things a good vegetable side dish should be!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21B2yZBwc04/UI_OpgZPO6I/AAAAAAAADi4/41H3ygDNVks/s1600/CIMG2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21B2yZBwc04/UI_OpgZPO6I/AAAAAAAADi4/41H3ygDNVks/s400/CIMG2800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Kick-It-Up-A-Notch Peas and Carrots</b><br />
<i>Serves 4</i><br />
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1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced<br />
1/2T EVOO<br />
1 bag frozen peas<br />
1/2T Smart Balance <i>(or butter)</i><br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
1/2tsp garlic powder<br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li>Toss with sliced carrots with EVOO and salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Place the carrots on a baking sheet coated with non-stick spray.</li>
<li>Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes until carrots are tender and beginning to brown around the edges.</li>
<li>While the carrots are roasting, place peas in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Boil 3 minutes, until tender.</li>
<li>Drain, toss with Smart Balance, and season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Once the carrots are roasted, add them to the peas and toss to incorporate.</li>
<li>Season with garlic powder and, if necessary, additional salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Serve warm.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfBfh2ys1xM/UI_OwnztnhI/AAAAAAAADjA/KBu2GYBTHks/s1600/CIMG2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfBfh2ys1xM/UI_OwnztnhI/AAAAAAAADjA/KBu2GYBTHks/s400/CIMG2801.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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This dish pairs perfectly with a side of brown rice/quinoa/millet and your protein of choice!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbs7ebkw8VQ/UI_O0zStntI/AAAAAAAADjI/3uDe9usOZso/s1600/CIMG2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbs7ebkw8VQ/UI_O0zStntI/AAAAAAAADjI/3uDe9usOZso/s400/CIMG2805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Have you ever put a spin on a classic recipe? If so, I would love hearing about your creativity in the kitchen in the "Comment" section below!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-23542102539927315522012-10-28T15:36:00.002-04:002012-10-28T15:39:41.959-04:00Halloween FunYesterday, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/mexican-inspired-pasta-toss.html">Bo and I started celebrating Halloween a couple of <strike>days</strike> nights early by carving pumpkins </a>with friends! Believe it or not, <b>this was <i>my very first time</i> to carve a pumpkin</b>; so I was pretty excited about it. Even though <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html">I cook all the time</a>, I'm not really all that skilled at handling knives. I've cut myself <i>MANY </i>more times than I would like to admit. Regardless, I figured that Bo and I could tag-team our efforts and end up with<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/spiced-pumpkin-dip-muffins-from-another.html"> a beautifully carved pumpkin</a>...and all ten of our fingers in tact. Thankfully, I was right!<br />
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Our friends Bethany and Andrew hosted the <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/pumpkin-spice-oatmeal-pumpkin-spice.html">pumpkin-carving-shindig</a>, and being the wonderful hosts that they are, everything down to the libations was Halloween themed. I don't think that I would ever think of details like this, but they really do take a party from your average-holiday-get-together to something-really-memorable. <br />
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Details matter.</div>
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Note taken.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzXSL-OcX9E/UI2Bu9grwRI/AAAAAAAADfE/d3OTLHCucgA/s1600/CIMG2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzXSL-OcX9E/UI2Bu9grwRI/AAAAAAAADfE/d3OTLHCucgA/s400/CIMG2809.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I also meant to capture a picture of the candy popcorn Bethany made, but it was all eaten by the time I got around to it. <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Halloween+candy+popcorn"> I think she got her inspiration from Pinterest, and it was something like this. </a><br />
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SO. ADDICTIVE. </div>
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SO. GOOD.</div>
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Once everyone had a drink and a few handfuls of popcorn, the <strike>pumpkin carving</strike> real fun began!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61uPZg8Bixc/UI2By1n7ZGI/AAAAAAAADfM/5TQ8GZLZXHc/s1600/CIMG2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61uPZg8Bixc/UI2By1n7ZGI/AAAAAAAADfM/5TQ8GZLZXHc/s400/CIMG2812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was in charge of cutting the top off; and once I successfully did that, I handed it over to Bo for the dirty work <i>(i.e. scooping out the pumpkin guts)</i>!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TDbIDHACNA/UI2B3IkF_8I/AAAAAAAADfU/N-y9v0dzn2c/s1600/CIMG2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TDbIDHACNA/UI2B3IkF_8I/AAAAAAAADfU/N-y9v0dzn2c/s400/CIMG2813.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then we all started carving! </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><u>Sidenote:</u> In honor of my upcoming trip to Boston to visit my friend Colbi, AND to see the final installment of <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/midnight-movie-madness-twilight.html">The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2</a>, I found a template for a werewolf (I've always been Team Edward - not Team Jacob - but the templates for Edward and Bella were simply way too advanced for first-time carvers such as myself).</i></blockquote>
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Mid-carving photo-op!</div>
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<i>(Can you tell I was hot?! My face was as red as a cherry!)</i></div>
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Almost done...</div>
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TA-DA!</div>
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Bo and I were both really pleased with the final result. </div>
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Our handiwork was pretty good - much better than expected - if I do say so myself.</div>
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All of our friends did amazing jobs too...we are one talented bunch!</div>
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By the end of the night, we had <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/crunchy-pumpkin-granola.html">some pretty awesome pumpkins </a>to display!</div>
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Glowing.</div>
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What does a werewolf + a Boo! + a kittie cat + and <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-party-chocolate-pumpkin.html">one grumpy pumpkin</a> equal (=)?</div>
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Why one<b> awesome night of FUN</b>, of course!</div>
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Happy Halloween week everyone!</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>What do you do to celebrate Halloween?! Do you dress up? Go trick-or-treat-ing? Carve jak-o-lanterns? Watch scary movies? Whatever it is, I would love to hear all about it in the "Comment" section below!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-48574392445182726932012-10-27T09:40:00.003-04:002012-10-27T09:41:38.823-04:00Odds & Ends (& Something EXCITING!)First things first, I apologize for being away from the blog for the last few days. Things - somewhat unexpectedly - got a little crazy around here. I ended up <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/yoga.html">substituting for five different yoga classes this week, </a><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/navy-wings-of-gold-dream-come-true.html">Bo was busy flying</a>, and lots of other exciting things happened too...which, of course, is what this post it all about. So, let's get to it!<br />
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<b>1. We FINALLY received orders! </b><br />
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For those of you that aren't familiar with military lingo, orders are the official paperwork that tells you when you will be detaching from your current base, and when you are required to report to your new base. Thankfully for us, we got lucky! We will be detaching from Jacksonville, FL at the very end of November, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html">and will have to report in Whidbey Island, WA sometime in December. </a> Our plan is to spend the month of December visiting family and enjoying the holiday season. Then we will <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html">jet on up to Whidbey </a>before the end of the year! Truthfully, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect situation. Once again, we are blessed.<br />
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<b>2. I recently discovered the cutest little health food store - what I would call a "local gem" - in none other than small-town Orange Park, FL.</b><br />
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For the past nine months, here I have been thinking that Orange Park had nothing of the sort; and then, the other day before yoga class, I overheard one of my fellow practitioners saying that she works in a health food store right down the street. <br />
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<i>Seriously, how did I miss this?!</i></div>
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Anywho, I decided to swing by and check it out. It was amazing! Stocked to the brim with local produce, whole grains, vegan/vegetarian fare, and herbal remedies. Now THIS is my kind of store! <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/antique-treasure-hunting-with-mom.html">I only wish my mom or friend Paige were here to go </a>with me...they both love this sort of place.</div>
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Wall-to-wall grains, cake mixes, and cereal!</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/indian-chai-tea.html">TEA...honestly, how could anyone choose just one?!</a></div>
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Organic and/or local beauty products...if only they weren't so expensive.</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/few-of-my-favorite-summer-things-part.html">Beautiful. Organic. Produce.</a></div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/dark-chocolate-chip-pancakes-with-berry.html">CHOCOLATE!</a></div>
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<i>(By the way, the Endangered Species is my absolute favorite brand of chocolate. The best bar - in my opinion - is the 80% cocoa one. But the 72% Dark Chocolate with Blueberries is a close second. </i></div>
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<i>I<a href="http://chocolatebar.com/pages.php?pageid=51"> also feel really good about supporting the company because every time you purchase a bar, you raise support for species and habitats worldwide. Each year, Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10% of net profits to environmental non-profits that are focused on wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. </a> Cool, right?!)</i></div>
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Almond/hemp/rice/oat milks and protein powders.</div>
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<b>3. We bought me a NEW CAR!</b><br />
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We are now the proud owners of a 2007 Honda CRV! We got a great price on the car, and it has less than 50,000 miles on it. It also has leather seats, cruise control <i>(a HUGE update for me)</i>, heated seats, all-wheel drive<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html"> <i>(which, was a MUST for Whidbey)</i></a>, an Ipod dock, and much, much more. Needless to say, I am THRILLED!<br />
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<b><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/growing-out-my-hair.html">4. My hair keeps on growin'!</a></b><br />
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I am hoping that <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-28.html">by my birthday at the beginning of the new year it will officially be back down to my shoulders. </a>For the longest time I felt like my hair was growing at a snail's pace, but now when I compare pictures from my last birthday to now, I am amazed at how much it has grown. If you don't believe me, see for yourself below!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 8, 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 27, 2012</td></tr>
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I feel like it will <i>DEFINITELY </i>be back down to my shoulders by the time I hit the big 2-9!</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Are there any "local gems" where you live? If so, what are they? Do you visit them often? What makes these places special enough to call them a "local gem"?!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and Bo<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-64969629894136278342012-10-22T09:38:00.001-04:002012-10-22T09:40:36.118-04:00Book Review: Women Food and GodHave you ever read a book that articulated something you have been thinking - or feeling - in a way that finally clicked...you know, gave you that "AH-HA!" moment that you have been waiting for?! Well, I just finished reading exactly that kind of book, and I am looking forward to sharing it with you today. The book is <i>Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything</i> by Geneen Roth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWi-fW3-1A/UIVADGhWKfI/AAAAAAAADaI/DcT3aFuEGiA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWi-fW3-1A/UIVADGhWKfI/AAAAAAAADaI/DcT3aFuEGiA/s400/1.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theclassywoman.blogspot.com/2010/05/women-food-god.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>No matter how sophisticated or wealthy or broke or enlightened you are, how you eat tells all.</i> </blockquote>
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<i>After three decades of studying, teaching and writing about our compulsions with food, bestselling author Geneen Roth adds a powerful new dimension to her work in Women Food and God. She begins with her most basic concept: The way you eat is inseparable from your core beliefs about being alive. Your relationships with food is an exact mirror of your feelings about love, fear, anger, meaning, transformation, and, yes, even God.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>A timeless and seminal work, Women Food and God shows how going beyond the food and the feelings takes you deeper into realms of spirit and soul - to the bright center of your own life.</i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjPzTARds6o/UIVADp-myQI/AAAAAAAADaQ/a4cV5ZoVZyI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjPzTARds6o/UIVADp-myQI/AAAAAAAADaQ/a4cV5ZoVZyI/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/816307/oprah-talks-women-food-and-god-1">Source</a></td></tr>
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Yes, back in 2010, Oprah Winfrey had Roth on her show. In fact, after reading Roth's book, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/No%20matter%20how%20sophisticated%20or%20wealthy%20or%20broke%20or%20enlightened%20you%20are,%20how%20you%20eat%20tells%20all.%20After%20three%20decades%20of%20studying,%20teaching%20and%20writing%20about%20our%20compulsions%20with%20food,%20bestselling%20author%20Geneen%20Roth%20adds%20a%20powerful%20new%20dimension%20to%20her%20work%20in%20Women%20Food%20and%20God.%20She%20begins%20with%20her%20most%20basic%20concept:%20The%20way%20you%20eat%20is%20inseparable%20from%20your%20core%20beliefs%20about%20being%20alive.%20Your%20relationship%20with%20food%20is%20an%20exact%20mirror%20of%20your%20feelings%20about%20love,%20fear,%20anger,%20meaning,%20transformation%20and,%20yes,%20even%20God.%20%20A%20timeless%20and%20seminal%20work,%20Women%20Food%20and%20God%20shows%20how%20going%20beyond%20the%20food%20and%20the%20feelings%20takes%20you%20deeper%20into%20realms%20of%20spirit%20and%20soul%E2%80%94to%20the%20bright%20center%20of%20your%20own%20life.">Oprah vowed that she was through with dieting - forever - as in, never again</a>. I don't know about you, but <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/failure.html">if something as simple as a book could get Oprah off of her decades-long diet rollercoaster, </a>well then, I'm intrigued. After reading the book myself, I can understand Oprah's reaction. Practically every other page of my copy is dog-eared, lines upon lines of Roth's words are underlined, and the margins are covered with my written reflections, reactions, and responses.<br />
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/reflections-on-starving-for-connection.html">If you struggle with body image, disordered eating, or a full-blown eating disorder, this book is a life-changer.</a></div>
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Roth says, "every single person has a shtick with food and therefore everyone should read this book." </div>
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<b>The take-away is this, whoever you are, <i>READ. THIS. BOOK.</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkWCq6VbLxU/UIVAGYTOUcI/AAAAAAAADaY/lHWBbWIChQc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkWCq6VbLxU/UIVAGYTOUcI/AAAAAAAADaY/lHWBbWIChQc/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://handpicksupfork.com/best-women-food-and-god-quotes/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Just in case you aren't convinced, here is a L-O-N-G list of my favorite quotes from the book. If these quotes don't perk your interest, well then, I give up. Here goes:<br />
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<ul>
<li><u>About God</u> - "And<b> I believe in love.</b> And beauty. I believe that every single person has something they find beautiful and that they truly love...And I believe that if you follow this love all the way to its end, if you start with the thing you find most beautiful and trace its perfume back to its essence, you will perceive an intangible presence, a swath of stillness that allows the thing you love to be visible like the openness of the sky reveals the presence of the moon." (Pg. 25)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Ending the War</u> - "But <b>fixing ourselves is not the same as being ourselves</b>...The relentless attempts to be thin take you further and further away from what could actually end your suffering: getting back in touch with who you really are. Your true nature. Your essence." (Pg. 32-33)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Beyond What's Broken</u> - "Realize that <b>brokenness is learned, not innate, and that [your] work is to find [your] way back to what is already whole</b>. " (Pg. 65)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Breath by Breath</u> - "<b>The problem isn't that we have bodies; the problem is that we're not living in them</b>...Change happens not by hatred but by love. Change happens when you understand what you want to change so deeply that there is no reason to do anything but act in your own best interest. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/pratipaksha-bhavanam-and-affirmations.html">When you begin to inhabit your body from the inside."</a> (Pg. 120-121)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Being Hot Fudge Sundaes</u> - "It's never been true, not anywhere at any time, that the value of a soul, of a human spirit, is dependent on a number on a scale. We are unrepeatable beings of light and space and water who need these physical vehicles to get around When we start defining ourselves by that which can be measured or weighed, something deep within us rebels." (Pg. 174)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Breath by Breath</u> - "<b>There is no way back to the body; the body is the way.</b> You leave and then you return. Leave and return. You forget and then you remember. Forget. Remember. One breath and then another. One step and then another...And it doesn't matter how long you've been gone; what matters is that you've returned...Soon you begin wondering where you've been all this time. How you wandered so far. And you realize that <b>torture isn't having these arms or these legs; it's being so convinced that God is out there, in another place, another realm, that you miss the lavender slip of moon, your own awakened presence</b>." (Pg. 125)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Have you ever read a book that said something in a way that you had an "AH-HA!" moment? If so, I would love to hear all about it in the "Comment" section below!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-37336586739863558012012-10-18T13:02:00.003-04:002012-10-18T13:02:55.220-04:00Cranberry Citrus Muffins<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week - <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/cranberry-chai-smoothie.html">in this post about a Cranberry Chai Spiced Smoothie</a> - I said:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Bo and I can't seem to get enough of the <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Breads---Muffins/Classic-Cranberry-Nut-Bread.aspx">Cranberry Orange Bread </a>that I made...This bread has an incredibly delicious muffin-like texture that [we] loved! We have eaten this bread simply with butter, crumbled it over yogurt, crumbled it over ice cream, and now used it as a topping for a smoothie. In fact, I can't wait to go to the grocery store this weekend to buy several more bags of cranberries just so that I can bake another loaf."</i></blockquote>
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<b>So, that's exactly what I did.</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTvIZ4z2-qM/UIAs3dDrrtI/AAAAAAAADY4/f7FFrjDK0lE/s1600/CIMG2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTvIZ4z2-qM/UIAs3dDrrtI/AAAAAAAADY4/f7FFrjDK0lE/s400/CIMG2750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Except this time, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/cranberry-chai-smoothie.html">instead of making a loaf of bread, </a>I was inspired by the "muffin-like texture" to actually make, well, muffins! </div>
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<b>And just let me tell you, these muffins are D.I.V.I.N.E.! </b></div>
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<b><i>As in, without a doubt, worthy-of-being-sold-in-any-of-the-world's-best-bakeries, DIVINE!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V8CdlB9Cy0/UIAs7XtRXkI/AAAAAAAADZA/VV8eARjsCZw/s1600/CIMG2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V8CdlB9Cy0/UIAs7XtRXkI/AAAAAAAADZA/VV8eARjsCZw/s400/CIMG2751.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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In order to make the muffin recipe work, I had to tweak<a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Breads---Muffins/Classic-Cranberry-Nut-Bread.aspx"> my inspiration-recipe</a> even more so than last time. The end result is worthy of being called a recipe all its own. So, without any further ado, here ya go!<br />
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<b>Cranberry Citrus Muffins</b><br />
<i>Serves 12</i><br />
<br />
2C organic all-purpose flour<br />
3/4C sugar<br />
2 stevia packets<br />
1 3/4tsp baking powder<br />
1tsp (scant) salt<br />
1/2tsp baking soda<br />
3/4C orange juice, with pulp<i> (if possible)</i><br />
zest of one lemon<br />
1T vegetable oil<br />
1T applesauce<br />
1 egg<br />
<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/citrus-infused-cranberry-relish.html">1 bag of frozen cranberries, left whole</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li>Sift together dry ingredients <i>(minus lemon zest and cranberries)</i>.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients <i>(minus lemon zest and cranberries)</i>.</li>
<li>Fold in the lemon zest and cranberries.</li>
<li>Fill nonstick-sprayed muffin liners to the top with batter.</li>
<li>Bake for 40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes, and again at 35 minutes, to ensure that the muffins don't burn.<br />
<ul>
<li><i><u>Note:</u> My oven bakes notoriously slow. Therefore, if you have a fast-baking oven, 30-35 minutes might suffice. Remember, however, that this batter is dense, and will take more time than some other muffin recipes to bake through.</i></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing and placing onto a cooling rack.</li>
<li>Once fully cooled, muffins can be frozen for up to three months.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahiw8coS5Qo/UIAs_n5BCCI/AAAAAAAADZI/NVQRajuNeT4/s1600/CIMG2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahiw8coS5Qo/UIAs_n5BCCI/AAAAAAAADZI/NVQRajuNeT4/s400/CIMG2752.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Aren't these muffins beautiful?! </b></i></div>
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I wish my mom lived closer because I would bake a batch specifically for her. She loves cranberry orange muffins, and I KNOW that she would love these!</div>
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Oh well, I guess that leaves more for Bo and I...hehehe. :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQhXz16FT0c/UIAtDlFPshI/AAAAAAAADZQ/QylgpKQlYdw/s1600/CIMG2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQhXz16FT0c/UIAtDlFPshI/AAAAAAAADZQ/QylgpKQlYdw/s400/CIMG2754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
...by the way, is it considered lunch if I just eat two Cranberry Citrus Muffins?...</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What is your favorite kind of muffin? Blueberry? Chocolate Chip? Cranberry Orange? Bran? Lemon Poppyseed? Truly, the options are practically endless!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-9008106224626151152012-10-17T10:01:00.004-04:002012-10-17T10:02:09.272-04:00Book Review: The Night CircusSince early September, I've been suffering from<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-tigers-destiny-tigers-curse.html"> a SERIOUS "book hangover."</a> The culprit, of course, was <i><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-tigers-destiny-tigers-curse.html">Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger's Curse Series: Book 4</a>)</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And that's the problem with a <i>really good book</i>. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Inevitably, that <i><b>really good book</b></i> makes it incredibly hard to find another book that grabs your attention and makes you want to read again. With that said, over the last month I have picked up no short of <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/books.html">half a dozen different books</a>, only to put them down again after reading the first 20-30 pages. They just weren't good enough to follow-up <i><a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/books.html">Tiger's Destiny</a></i>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until now.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
I just finished <i>The Night Circus</i> by Erin Morgenstern and it was AWE-some! I think the fact that it falls into the "fantasy fiction" genre didn't hurt either. That certainly helped it's case in following up one of the books from my favorite series of all time <i>(of course, I'm talking about <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-tigers-destiny-tigers-curse.html">the one and only <u>Tiger's Curse Series</u>)</a></i>. So, without any further ado, here's a synopsis of this newly released must-read!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHEouNowpwA/UH6qbuoJywI/AAAAAAAADW8/DMOV6Tr1EZU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHEouNowpwA/UH6qbuoJywI/AAAAAAAADW8/DMOV6Tr1EZU/s400/1.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9361589-the-night-circus">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Synopsis:</b></u></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Reves, and it is only open at night.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRXjvj_ohnw/UH6qfgcNYUI/AAAAAAAADXE/UjtwitEqgb4/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRXjvj_ohnw/UH6qfgcNYUI/AAAAAAAADXE/UjtwitEqgb4/s400/2.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bookshelfbanter.com/tag/novel/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u><b>Review:</b></u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Pros:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For fans of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Wife-Audrey-Niffenegger/dp/015602943X">The Time Traveler's Wife</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Tigers-Wife-A-Novel/dp/0385343833">The Tiger's Wife</a></i>, <i>The Night Circus</i> will be an automatic hit. Much like <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Wife-Audrey-Niffenegger/dp/015602943X">The Time Traveler's Wife</a></i>, the novel jumps back and forth through place and time during the 19th century, "and that dislocation mirrors the magic afoot in the circus tents. Points of views shift, narration and tangential vignettes occur, and the short chapters are more cinematic in their pacing than literary." <a href="http://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/the-night-circus/">(Source)</a> If you like novels that jump around while narrating from different times and perspectives, well then, Morgenstern's book will be right up your alley!<br />
<br />
If you are drawn to stories rich in detail, background, and description<i> (much like<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Tigers-Wife-A-Novel/dp/0385343833"> <u>The Tiger's Wife</u></a>)</i>, then the telling of <i>The Night Circus'</i> decades-long duel will be a perfect fit for your reading pleasure. Uniquely, the duel is not punctuated "with wands or light sabers - but via [Celia and Marco's] heartfelt creations and manipulations - a maze of clouds, an ice garden, a living carousel. They one-up each other until they fall madly in love. <a href="http://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/the-night-circus/">(Source)</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Cons:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>The Night Circus</i> is a relatively slow read. Much of the book is constituted by elaborate descriptions of the circus and its main characters; and if for no other reason, that means that this book is a perfect fit for some readers and a total misfit for others. If you are a reader that craves action and dialogue, well then, <i>The Night Circus </i>might not be the book for you. However, if you appreciate descriptive narrative and enjoy learning about what's going on in the hearts and minds of a stories' protagonists, then this book should be a perfect fit!<br />
<br />
Finally, some of the books biggest potential questions are left unanswered...untapped...undiscovered. In some ways, I am inclined to say that Morgenstern played it a little too safe. So many of the questions related to love and loss are left untouched. I was left wondering - or rather, having to figure out on my own - how two orphaned children that were raised without love or affection could so naturally have the ability to love one another. Is love innate? Is it learned? How are children that were unloved for so long inherently able to love one another so perfectly?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnAGjaJWqLQ/UH66E_aWIhI/AAAAAAAADYA/ZmaoaRe5yAo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnAGjaJWqLQ/UH66E_aWIhI/AAAAAAAADYA/ZmaoaRe5yAo/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/the-night-circus?before=1344376445">Source</a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Regardless, in the end I was happy to have read <i>The Night Circus</i>. It was fun. It was beautiful. It was a love story...albeit an imperfect one. And, thankfully, at the end of the day, it pulled me out of an almost month-long "book hangover"!<br />
<br />
<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What's the best book you have read recently? I NEED suggestions!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-58758795268351359092012-10-14T08:24:00.000-04:002012-10-14T08:24:47.817-04:00Northeast Florida Yoga FestYesterday I had the honor of teaching in - and helping to organize - the <a href="http://www.northfloridayogafest.com/">2nd annual North Florida Yoga Fest</a>! Since I wasn't around for last year's inaugural event, I didn't quite now what to expect.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But let me tell you, this event was OFF-THE-CHARTS AMAZING!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfnqZ2WIIhs/UHnfgl42kGI/AAAAAAAADUw/dOV3utCb7eQ/s1600/CIMG2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfnqZ2WIIhs/UHnfgl42kGI/AAAAAAAADUw/dOV3utCb7eQ/s400/CIMG2730.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savasana - Corpse Pose</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hundreds of yogis and yoginis circulated throughout the days' events. There were children as young as 7 and 8 year's, as well as men and women in their 70's, all practicing on their mats at the same time. It was truly AWE-inspiring! The event also raised funds for <a href="http://www.northfloridayogafest.com/donate.html"><i>Off the Mat, Into the World:</i></a> a non-profit organization founded by yogi Seane Corn that uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and to ignite grassroots social change. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to <i>Off the Mat, Into the World</i>! According to the donation page this morning, almost $5,000 were raised for the cause: power of yogis/inis UNITE!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDr8pALzP2k/UHnfbJyya6I/AAAAAAAADUo/FpWSQSZs_NI/s1600/CIMG2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDr8pALzP2k/UHnfbJyya6I/AAAAAAAADUo/FpWSQSZs_NI/s400/CIMG2729.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savasana - Corpse Pose</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.northfloridayogafest.com/">According to the event's official website:</a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The North Florida Yoga Fest is a collaboration of the Northeast Florida yoga community to share yoga with everyone regardless of age, size, or ability. Our mission is to preserve the integrity of yoga and share all the practices in a playful, loving, and non-intimidating environment. Yoga studios from all over North Florida come together once a year to bring you a family friendly yoga festival with some of the best teachers and classes in one place!!</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCPykrgsxfw/UHnfmudOTyI/AAAAAAAADU4/MSDjRhAXEUo/s1600/CIMG2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCPykrgsxfw/UHnfmudOTyI/AAAAAAAADU4/MSDjRhAXEUo/s400/CIMG2731.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandrasana - Crescent Moon Pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
During the morning's All Levels class, I served as an assistant <i><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/asana-what-does-that-really-mean.html">(which, in yoga speak, means that I walked around and offered physical adjustments and assists to students practicing various yoga postures (i.e. asanas) throughout the class)</a></i>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfmsBum5O1c/UHnfqc_ji-I/AAAAAAAADVA/gYq1hWtBZfI/s1600/CIMG2732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfmsBum5O1c/UHnfqc_ji-I/AAAAAAAADVA/gYq1hWtBZfI/s400/CIMG2732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandrasana - Crescent Moon Pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at those two cutie pie's practicing<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/primary-yoga-series-dogs.html"> Downward-Facing Dog <i>(Adho Muka Svanasana)</i></a> with their mother! Just imagine, by the time they are teenagers they will both be rock-star yoginis!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVW4zKE9iBg/UHnfuUMLsGI/AAAAAAAADVI/E6zTJET01BQ/s1600/CIMG2733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVW4zKE9iBg/UHnfuUMLsGI/AAAAAAAADVI/E6zTJET01BQ/s400/CIMG2733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just look at all those three-legged doggies!</div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/primary-yoga-series-dogs.html">Cobra <i>(Bhujanghasana)</i> and/or Upward Facing Dog <i>(Urdhva Muka Svanasana)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXnRfW9_QQ/UHnf24dxVOI/AAAAAAAADVY/swNhPPsj2ig/s1600/CIMG2735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXnRfW9_QQ/UHnf24dxVOI/AAAAAAAADVY/swNhPPsj2ig/s400/CIMG2735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Later in the afternoon, I served as one of twelve teachers in the <i>"108 Sun Salutations to Benefit Off the Mat, Into the World" </i>class. Although it's blurry, below is the photographic evidence that I did, indeed, teach on a stage in front of hundreds of yogi/inis!</div>
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My, oh my, that was both thrilling <i>AND </i>a bit nerve-wracking!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOHpADZswnc/UHnf5Yz3nkI/AAAAAAAADVg/jfFStFhDVY0/s1600/CIMG2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOHpADZswnc/UHnf5Yz3nkI/AAAAAAAADVg/jfFStFhDVY0/s400/CIMG2736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just look at all of those gorgeous <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/primary-yoga-series-dogs.html">Downward Facing Dogs</a>!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_Inly8LLuA/UHngF1oqkPI/AAAAAAAADV4/67dMryRkdHg/s1600/CIMG2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_Inly8LLuA/UHngF1oqkPI/AAAAAAAADV4/67dMryRkdHg/s400/CIMG2742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anjaneyasana - Low Lunge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Shining the heart towards the heavens in a gentle backbend!</div>
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Opening the heart space can feel SO yummy!</div>
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If you don't want to take my word for how AWE-some yesterday was, then here are just a few examples of what people had to say about Yoga Fest on Facebook last night:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Amazing group of energy today! Thank you to all the yoga fairies who sprinkles their pixie dust under the bridge today!</li>
<li>Awesome event! HUGE thanks to all! Organizers and participants! Offering gratitude!!!</li>
<li>You all did SUCH an amazing job! Thank you! Peace!</li>
</ul>
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Talk about words of praise! </div>
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Although I won't be in Jacksonville for next year's Yoga Fest, I can only imagine that it will continue to grow and grow, and become more and more empowering for practitioners all over North East Florida. I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of it this year, and know that<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html"> I will take this passion and beautiful energy with me as I head to Whidbey Island, WA in a few weeks.</a></div>
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<b>JAI Jacksonville yogis/inis!</b></div>
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<i>(P.S. Jai means "victory" or "victorious" in Sanskrit.)</i></div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What's the most recent event you have attended in your community?! (i.e. Fall Festival? Summer Concert? etc.)</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-42340368459347471962012-10-12T14:19:00.002-04:002012-10-12T14:19:55.215-04:00Cranberry Chai Smoothie<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall in Jacksonville, FL is a bit schizophrenic. For example:</div>
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Three days ago the high was 71 degrees.</div>
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Yesterday is was 89 <i>(90 with the heat index)</i>...and Bo asked me if I wanted to go to the beach. </div>
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Yes...it is mid-October and we talked about going to the beach!</div>
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Some people might be thrilled with a mid-October day that is 89 degrees. </div>
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Me?!</div>
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I miss the Aspen leaves changing to bright yellow in Santa Fe. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-IA3RBRC7E/UHhasVlBvtI/AAAAAAAADT0/nyJfnP3OZZk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-IA3RBRC7E/UHhasVlBvtI/AAAAAAAADT0/nyJfnP3OZZk/s400/1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nelsonguda.com/thoughts/?attachment_id=244">Source</a></td></tr>
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I miss dressing in layers. </div>
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<i>(My poor scarves, coats, and boots are gathering layers of dust.)</i></div>
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I miss wanting hot oatmeal in the morning. </div>
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I miss craving pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. </div>
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<b>Oh wait, I still crave those things...<i>even when it is 90 degrees outside! </i> </b></div>
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So what is the solution to both respecting weather schizophrenia AND quenching my food cravings?!</div>
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Why, a smoothie of course!</div>
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<b>But not just any smoothie. </b></div>
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This smoothie is cold enough to cool off even the hottest summer day, AND is exploding with antioxidant-rich fall flavors.</div>
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<i><b>WIN-WIN!</b></i></div>
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<b>Cranberry Chai Spice Smoothie</b><br />
<i>Serves 1</i><br />
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1 very ripe frozen banana<br />
1/2C unsweetened vanilla almond milk<br />
<a href="http://shop.oregonchai.com/SugarFree-Original-Chai-Tea-Latte-Concentrate/p/ORG-12032&c=OregonChai@Concentrates">1/4C Oregon Chai Sugar Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate</a><br />
<a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Sauces,-Sides---Salads/Homemade-Whole-Berry-Cranberry-Sauce.aspx">1/4C homemade cranberry sauce</a> <i>(I used half stevia, half sugar)</i><br />
1/2tsp xantham gum<br />
3 dashes of cinnamon<br />
3-5 ice cubes<br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Place all ingredients into a high speed blender.</li>
<li>Pulse a couple of times to begin blending ingredients.</li>
<li>Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until fully incorporated.</li>
<li>Serve chilled, and topped with chunks of <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Breads---Muffins/Classic-Cranberry-Nut-Bread.aspx">homemade Cranberry Orange Bread</a> <i>(Optional, but HIGHLY recommended!)</i>.</li>
</ul>
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Bo and I can't seem to get enough of the <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Breads---Muffins/Classic-Cranberry-Nut-Bread.aspx">Cranberry Orange Bread</a> that I made. In case you were wondering, I did make a few changes to the recipe, including:<br />
<ul>
<li>using White Whole Wheat flour;</li>
<li>reducing the sugar to 3/4C;</li>
<li>using lemon peel in place of the orange peel <i>(Hey, I use what I have on hand!)</i>;</li>
<li>substituting Smart Balance for shortening;</li>
<li>leaving the cranberries whole instead of chopping them;</li>
<li>not adding nuts; OH and,</li>
<li>cooking it for 1 hour and 15 minutes <i>(instead of 55 minutes...it took FOREVER to cook through!)</i>.</li>
</ul>
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This bread has an incredibly delicious muffin-like texture that Bo and I loved! We have eaten this bread simply with butter, crumbled it over yogurt, crumbled it over ice cream, and now used it as a topping for a smoothie. In fact, I can't wait to go to the grocery store this weekend to buy several more bags of cranberries just so that I can bake another loaf!<br />
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So, if fall is having a difficult time coming out where you live, think about smoothies. They are the perfect marriage for warm weather and fall flavors. :)<br />
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Do you ever make your own smoothies? If so, what are some of your favorite flavor combinations?</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-81410416995995947942012-10-11T09:42:00.005-04:002012-10-11T09:42:59.816-04:00Sweet Potato, Zucchini, and Spinach Hash with Fried EggsMy <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/herb-errific-pasta-frittata.html">culinary inspiration</a> frequently comes from <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/">The Cooking Channel </a><i>(By the way, if your current cable plan doesn't get this channel you should seriously look into upgrading...this channel is THAT worth it!)</i>. Specifically, last night's recipe was inspired by <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/salami-bacon-and-spinach-hash-recipe/index.html">Giada de Laurentis' Salami, Bacon, and Spinach Hash</a>. Of course my version didn't have salami or bacon in it. Instead, my version was loaded with veggies, spiked with Southwestern flavors, and served alongside spicy salsa that will really get your sinuses to movin'! With the added protein of a fried egg - or two - what else could I ask for on a <strike>cool</strike> <i>(haha...who am I kidding? I still live in Jacksonville, FL after all!) </i>warm, fall evening in October?!<br />
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<b>Sweet Potato, Zucchini, and Spinach Hash with Fried Eggs</b><br />
<i>Serves 2</i><br />
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2 small sweet potatoes, diced<br />
1tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
2T EVOO, divided<br />
1 purple onion, diced<br />
2 small zucchini, diced<br />
3C spinach, washed and patted dry<br />
1/2tsp cumin<br />
1/2tsp chili powder<br />
1/4tsp cayenne pepper<br />
zest of one lemon<br />
4 eggs<br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Heat 1T of the oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.</li>
<li>Add the diced sweet potatoes, 1/2tsp salt, and 1/4tsp pepper, and cook for 15 minutes - or until tender.</li>
<li>Remove the sweet potatoes from the saucepan.</li>
<li>Add the remaining 1T of oil to the saucepan, and then toss in the onion, zucchini, spinach, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and lemon zest.</li>
<li>Cook for 5-7 minutes.</li>
<li>Add the sweet potatoes back into the saucepan, and toss to incorporate.</li>
<li>Create four mini-holes in each quadrant of the veggie mixture.</li>
<li>Crack an egg into each hole. Cover with a large top, and simmer until eggs are cooked to your desired consistency.</li>
<li>Serve with salsa and a scattering of shredded cheddar cheese.</li>
</ul>
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Bo and I both devoured <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-perfect-bowl.html">our perfect bowl's full of the hash</a>! Interestingly, I had left out a package of ground turkey to defrost all day, thinking that Bo would want/need the added protein in the meal. Instead, after he finished eating <i><b>his entire plateful </b></i>he realized that we totally forgot to brown the turkey and add it to his plate. <b>I guess that just goes to show you that sometimes vegetarian meals really are both satisfying AND delicious. <i>SCORE!</i></b><br />
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What's your favorite recipe that you have cooked RECENTLY? I would love to hear what you and your family are enjoying as summer transitions into fall.</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-38971474287736024532012-10-09T07:47:00.002-04:002012-10-09T07:47:25.315-04:00Sweet Potato (Sort Of) Shepherd's Pie<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like forever since I have posted a recipe on the blog, and in some ways, it has been!<i> </i></div>
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<i><u>Sidenote:</u> Don't worry, I've still been cooking up a storm, and we've still been eating up a storm. It's just that I've been cooking a lot of un-recipes...you know, roasted veggies, grains, and protein...nothing fancy. Just a lot of easy meals that don't really warrant their own posts on the blog.</i></blockquote>
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But today is the day that the recipe-drought comes to an end, and it's coming to an end with a BANG! This recipe is the perfect way to welcome fall into your kitchen. It's warm, high on comfort-food flavors, balanced in nutrition, and low in fat...seriously, what more could you ask for?!</div>
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<b>Sweet Potato (Sort Of) Shepherd's Pie</b><br />
<i>Serves 4</i><br />
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<u>For the Topping:</u><br />
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced<br />
1/4C unsweetened almond milk<br />
1T Smart Balance<br />
1/4tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4tsp nutmeg<br />
1/8tsp salt<br />
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<u>For the Filling:</u><br />
1 1/2tsp vegetable oil<br />
1 yellow onion, diced<br />
2 carrots, peeled and diced<br />
2 green bell peppers, diced<br />
1tsp ground thyme<br />
2tsp dried rosemary<br />
1 1/4C vegetable broth<br />
1 can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
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<u>For Garnish:</u><br />
3oz. shredded cheddar cheese<br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.</li>
<li>Boil water in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the diced sweet potatoes.</li>
<li>Boil for 10 minutes, or until tender.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Once heated, add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper, and cook for five minutes.</li>
<li>After five minutes, add the thyme, rosemary, vegetable broth, beans, salt, and pepper to the skillet.</li>
<li>Simmer for ten minutes.</li>
<li>Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain and place in a food processor. Add the milk, Smart Balance, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.</li>
<li>Process until smooth. Set aside.</li>
<li>Once the filling mixture has simmered for ten minutes, pour it into the bottom of a medium sized casserole dish.</li>
<li>Spoon the sweet potato mixture on top, and spread it out until smooth.</li>
<li>Bake for 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove and add the shredded cheese on top.</li>
<li>Bake for an additional 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Cool for 5-10 minutes before eating.</li>
<li>We ate our alongside a spinach salad, and it was the perfect vegetarian meal!</li>
</ul>
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Bo took these pictures because I had to head over to yoga while the pie was in the oven. They aren't the best pictures on the blog by any stretch of the imagination, but they'll have to do. Honestly, I am just thankful that he remembered to take pictures<i> AT ALL </i>before devouring the shepherd's pie entirely!</div>
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<i>(He did save me one piece...and yes, that means he ate 75% of the casserole all on his own!)</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
If you recreate this at home, <b>don't be scared to play around with the filling ingredients.</b></div>
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For example, you could use leeks, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, squash, etc.</div>
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You name it - and you could probably use it in the filling. </div>
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So, get creative.</div>
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<b>Use <i>WHATEVER </i>you have on hand!</b></div>
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It will still be equally delicious.</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Do you like shepherd's pie? If not, how about pot pie?!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-31569168545204929872012-10-06T14:43:00.001-04:002012-10-06T14:44:14.999-04:00Yoga Life in Our Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html">Although Yoga Life Studio closed its doors yesterday</a><i><a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ch-ch-ch-changes.html"> </a>(insert sad face here)</i>, parts of it will continue to live on, not only in people's hearts and memories, but also...</div>
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<b>...IN. MY. HOUSE.!</b></div>
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Although Sara and her husband loaded up most of the things from the shala in their own truck, there were a few things that they neither wanted nor needed. So, as we finished packing up, Sara offered to give us several things for <b>FREE</b>. Among them were:</div>
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<li>several <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-yoga-life-website-is-live.html">Yoga Life</a> t-shirts for Bo and I;</li>
<li>a fancy shmancy <i>(Yes, that IS a word!)</i> paper towel holder;</li>
<li>a decorative wall display; and</li>
<li>a large, L-shaped desk.</li>
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Perhaps the best thing we received was the desk. We have been <i>in dire need</i> of a desk for months now, and just haven't had the money to spend on one. In fact, we purchased the desk that we have been using for the past year from Craig's List for just $30.00<i> (including the desk chair)</i>. Needless to say, it's not the most sturdy desk I have ever come across. </div>
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Case in point:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0c8QZ8uXNA/UHBz7kTLDBI/AAAAAAAADPc/bvs5k8q7ezk/s1600/CIMG2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0c8QZ8uXNA/UHBz7kTLDBI/AAAAAAAADPc/bvs5k8q7ezk/s400/CIMG2692.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Oh, did I forget to mention that <b>it is BRIGHT. LIME. GREEN.?!</b> </div>
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Honestly, how could I be so forgetful?...Hahaha!</div>
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The point is, we needed a desk; and amazingly, one just came into our lives at no cost at all! </div>
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<i><b>Isn't Divine timing just amazing?!</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkQYph5LmlQ/UHBzm413G4I/AAAAAAAADO0/U6m2LTEXKHs/s1600/CIMG2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkQYph5LmlQ/UHBzm413G4I/AAAAAAAADO0/U6m2LTEXKHs/s400/CIMG2683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This desk allows us to really spread out and not be so cramped. </div>
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<i>FINALLY!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cke3cAfEg38/UHBzrRswnII/AAAAAAAADO8/i0l_FPVo8Ks/s1600/CIMG2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cke3cAfEg38/UHBzrRswnII/AAAAAAAADO8/i0l_FPVo8Ks/s400/CIMG2684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Additionally, Bo now has a perfect place to spread out all of his books and study. No more hogging the living room coffee table and not allowing me to watch TV while he is studying!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugK404fIXn0/UHBzu7GqMdI/AAAAAAAADPE/IZ8fW8j8UaQ/s1600/CIMG2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugK404fIXn0/UHBzu7GqMdI/AAAAAAAADPE/IZ8fW8j8UaQ/s400/CIMG2687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plenty of <strike>breathing </strike>leg room.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auJCSxO94WQ/UHBz0gGWUFI/AAAAAAAADPM/ik3o45wFHbg/s1600/CIMG2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auJCSxO94WQ/UHBz0gGWUFI/AAAAAAAADPM/ik3o45wFHbg/s400/CIMG2689.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And an extra office chair in the corner...you know, just in case <strike>we both need to look at the computer at the same time</strike> Bo needs a place to put his backpack!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCpxeF3Yby0/UHBz4JPSSTI/AAAAAAAADPU/ytQQKrNSSFQ/s1600/CIMG2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCpxeF3Yby0/UHBz4JPSSTI/AAAAAAAADPU/ytQQKrNSSFQ/s400/CIMG2691.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned earlier, we also got a fancy shmancy paper towel holder! It's the perfect place to display my antique tea pots, don't you think?!</div>
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<i><u>Sidenote:</u> I can't wait to live in a kitchen that isn't white. Then this paper towel holder - among other things - will really shine!</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwEghqEvdd0/UHBz_HOo_GI/AAAAAAAADPk/Zn_gzkj5nlo/s1600/CIMG2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwEghqEvdd0/UHBz_HOo_GI/AAAAAAAADPk/Zn_gzkj5nlo/s400/CIMG2694.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Finally, Sara let me take home <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/coloring-20.html">one of the mandalas</a> that had been hanging on a wall in the studio. Now it's hanging over our TV in the living room.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejDZLWwm9nc/UHB0CK4OuaI/AAAAAAAADPs/6k6i-Ncmubo/s1600/CIMG2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejDZLWwm9nc/UHB0CK4OuaI/AAAAAAAADPs/6k6i-Ncmubo/s400/CIMG2696.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/as-i-mentioned-in-my-last-post-about.html">I have so many memories of either taking - or teaching - class </a>and looking at <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/coloring-40.html">this mandala on the wall</a>. It truly is<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/about-us-and-joys-of-coloring.html"> a beautiful memory </a>of my time at Yoga Life.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1ZIYY1nkrA/UHB0Ew_JcpI/AAAAAAAADP0/f8Nj0OZeAyA/s1600/CIMG2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1ZIYY1nkrA/UHB0Ew_JcpI/AAAAAAAADP0/f8Nj0OZeAyA/s400/CIMG2697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whether it is the desk that I sit at every day, the paper towel holder that I pull from various times a day, or <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/coloring-30-mod-podge.html">the mandala that I gaze upon on my wall</a>, I will never forget my time at Yoga Life Studio. From the students, to my fellow teachers, to Sara, to all of the memories of sweat, tears, struggle, and love, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/yoga-life-studio-im-business-partner.html">Yoga Life will always and forever be in my heart.</a><br />
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Have you ever received hand-me-down furniture or decor? If so, what?! Did it serve you well?!</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-43156945755286147562012-10-02T17:01:00.004-04:002012-10-02T17:03:00.886-04:00Ch-ch-ch-changes!<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, we've been on pins and needles for the past three weeks, and today the wait was FINALLY over. </div>
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Today, we were told that we will be moving to...<br />
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<b>...drum roll please...</b></div>
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<b>WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm5cjN2xVqY/UGtOsR6QWpI/AAAAAAAADNU/nJR9DaMGGoE/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm5cjN2xVqY/UGtOsR6QWpI/AAAAAAAADNU/nJR9DaMGGoE/s400/1.gif" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sudsymamas.com/maps.shtml">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw0oW_nLb5I/UGtOtDRW2eI/AAAAAAAADNc/modx539kr3M/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw0oW_nLb5I/UGtOtDRW2eI/AAAAAAAADNc/modx539kr3M/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arscascade.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
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As you can see on the map above, Whidbey is about an hour and a half from Seattle, and about an hour south of Vancouver, Canada. From all the pictures I have seen, it looks <i>GORGEOUS</i>. I can't wait to experience the cooler weather and <i><b>an actual. winter. season.</b></i>!<br />
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I definitely see lots of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and lots of outdoor activities in our future, not to mention many a Canadian adventure!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D93i628Xio8/UGtOtXbu5oI/AAAAAAAADNk/MbTUp5I9W4M/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D93i628Xio8/UGtOtXbu5oI/AAAAAAAADNk/MbTUp5I9W4M/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sadpanda.wikispaces.com/How+does+place+affect+peoples+mental+health%3F">Source</a></td></tr>
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It's also exciting because Whidbey will be our our first permanent duty station, meaning that we will be stationed there for approximately three years <i>(the longest that Bo and I have lived somewhere since we got married)</i>! During that time, Bo will complete his first<i> (and possibly second)</i> deployment, and we will probably try to expand the Behne clan. <br />
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Whatever happens, we are looking forward to it! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRfeLDON-7M/UGtOu7j2qgI/AAAAAAAADNs/rxiFjx4aRHg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRfeLDON-7M/UGtOu7j2qgI/AAAAAAAADNs/rxiFjx4aRHg/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://landingaday.wordpress.com/tag/whidbey-island/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFuxWwERCeM/UGtOvnkfxxI/AAAAAAAADN0/T83W35FushQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFuxWwERCeM/UGtOvnkfxxI/AAAAAAAADN0/T83W35FushQ/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visitwhidbey.com/camp-grounds/Deception-Pass-State-Park.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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In other "changing" news, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/yoga-life-studio-im-business-partner.html">Yoga Life Studio <i>(where I am a Business Partner and Co-Director)</i></a> is closing this Friday.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XzX0S1A6rM/UGtPt8xy2eI/AAAAAAAADN8/j0fRG19XFHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XzX0S1A6rM/UGtPt8xy2eI/AAAAAAAADN8/j0fRG19XFHQ/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although it is hard to let the studio go, a variety of things factored into Sara's <i>(the owner's)</i> final decision to close - a tough economy and growing lease fees among them. Perhaps most importantly, the owner's son has autism and <i>(understandable and rightfully so) </i>needs her undivided attention, energy, and love. I think that Sara said in best in her farewell letter to the community:</div>
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<strong>After prayerful consideration, I have decided to close Yoga Life Studio on Friday, October 5th. </strong></div>
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I want to extend my deepest gratitude to<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> every student</span> who has walked through our doors and shared their life, energy and breath with me. You have inspired me, changed me, lifted my soul and transformed me in so many countless ways. I truly enjoyed being your guide and mentor on the path of yoga. I am eternally grateful to my students who understood the challenges we faced this year, and supported me with their presence on the mat, a kind word of encouragement, a hug, and so much more. </div>
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<strong>When you come to that place where you know you cannot do it alone...it's actually the sweetest place to be.</strong> </div>
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Only then you really see how God works in your life. I saw God working in so many of you this year and I will never forget our time together.</div>
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So, as I conclude this post I am reminded that there are times to let go, and there are times to move forward.</div>
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Today was a time for both.</div>
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As they say, "when one door closes..."</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Have you ever made a BIG move to a new city/state/part of the country? Tell me all about your experience below! We need all the advice we can get...</i></b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-28554417201415058832012-10-01T11:10:00.004-04:002012-10-01T11:11:55.599-04:00Alabama Football WeekendYesterday <i>(September 30th)</i> was <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-28.html">Bo's 27th birthday!</a> <i>(Yeah, he's gettin' a little old!)</i> To celebrate, my dad and step-mom bought the four of us tickets to the Alabama vs. Ole Miss<i> (aka. The University of Mississippi) </i>football game. Since Bo is a pretty fanatic football fan - <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-party-chocolate-pumpkin.html">he is a third generation Cowboys fan</a> - I have wanted to share the Alabama home game experience with him for several years. <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/roll-tide-roll.html">As I have mentioned in previous posts, I grew up an Alabama fan and I like my fair share of football too </a>- especially college football in the SEC. <br />
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<b>It didn't hurt that Alabama is the most dominant team in all of college football right now either...talk about perfect timing!</b></div>
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On Friday we hit the road to Alabama. It was a long nine hour drive, but we made it there safe and sound and in time for a full day of game-day fun on Saturday! After swinging by his apartment to pick up my little brother <i>(well, little as in younger, that is...at 6'5" he's not exactly little...)</i>, we headed over to the infamous Dreamland barbecue restaurant. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>1958 was a big year for Tuscaloosa. Not only was it the first year that Paul "Bear" Bryant started coaching at Alabama, but it was the year that John "Big Daddy" Bishop opened his first Dreamland Cafe. Big Daddy was a brick mason for many years, and he longed for another way to support his family. He had narrowed it down to opening either a mortuary or a restaurant and he got down on his knees and prayed for guidance. Legend has it that God told him in a dream that night to build a cafe on the land next to his home and Big Daddy made that dream a reality. </i><a href="http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/AboutUs.aspx">(Source)</a></blockquote>
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And so a legend was born.</div>
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At first we were going to go to<a href="http://admin.dreamlandbbq.com/images/assets/Image/Tuscaloosa%20New%20Dine-in%20Menu%2011-8-11.pdf"> the original Dreamland location, bu</a>t since the ONLY THINGS on their menu are ribs and bread, we decided that wouldn't exactly work for a vegan/vegetarian like me. Instead, we drove over to a nearby location with a wider menu selection that includes sides and salads.<br />
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We started out with a sampler platter complete with spicy sausage, wings, fried, and chicken fingers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vz6pq2X6sM/UGjoBuwRYUI/AAAAAAAADJM/qY00bYSS7K4/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vz6pq2X6sM/UGjoBuwRYUI/AAAAAAAADJM/qY00bYSS7K4/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everyone but me ordered ribs. </div>
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If the leftover bones were any indication, they were delicious!</div>
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I stuck with a baked potato and side salad <i>(It came with cheese and sourcream - which I didn't know. I took off as much as I could so that I could enjoy the taste of my potato slathered in homemade barbecue sauce!)</i></div>
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Hm...hmmm...good!</div>
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Everyone had a bite <i>(or two)</i> of homemade banana pudding. </div>
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<b>Man, this stuff is <i>addictingly delicious</i>!</b></div>
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I think I need to come up with an equally delicious - but much healthier - version of my own.</div>
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Next, we headed over to the Bear Bryant museum for a little history lesson. For those of you that don't know, <i><b>Bear Bryant was the winningest coach in Alabama football history with over 350 wins! </b></i>Needless to say, <b>he is a L.E.G.E.N.D. </b>in college football not only in the SEC, but all over the country.</div>
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Bear Bryan in his signature houndstooth hat.</div>
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<b>Big Al</b> - Alabama's mascot.</div>
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One of the many infamous plays in Alabama football's historical playbook<i> (and against Tennessee to boot, which makes it all the better)</i>!</div>
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One of Alabama's <u><b>14</b></u><i><u><b> </b></u>(yes, that's <b>FOURTEEN</b>)</i> national championship trophies!</div>
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One of the many paintings done in honor of Alabama football's greatest moments. </div>
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<b><i>Isn't this stunning?! </i></b></div>
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The players literally look like they are moving on the canvas.</div>
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<b>Amazing.</b></div>
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After we finished at the museum, we decided to walk around the quad for a bit. The quad is a location on the Alabama campus where thousands of people gather to tailgate before the game. Hundreds, if not thousands, of tents are set up; and tens of thousands of fans proudly parade around in their crimson and white.</div>
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It's a sight to behold.</div>
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Alabama all-american's memorialized forever.</div>
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Me and my <i>(little) </i>brother! :)</div>
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About two hours before the game, thousand of fans gather at the front of the stadium for the "Walk of Champions" <i>(so named because statues of every coach that has won a national championship line the entrance to the stadium)</i>. This is where the team enters the stadium prior to the game.</div>
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Hundreds and thousands of fans waiting to greet the team!</div>
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Family photo with Dad, Forrest, me, Bo, and Deb.</div>
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Guess what showed up about ten minutes before the team?!</div>
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<i>You guessed it - <b>the rain</b>.</i></div>
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Good thing Deb bought us all ponchos!</div>
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After being thoroughly drenched for about ten minutes, the team bus pulled up and the rain literally just STOPPED. It was like the sky opened for the team...pretty cool.</div>
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By the way, the team ALWAYS dresses in suits on game day - even if it is an away game. </div>
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They looked quite dapper, if I do say so myself.</div>
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<b>Then it was <i>FINALLY </i>time to enter the stadium. </b></div>
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In the hour or so before the game, fans were entertained by the band and several inspirational Alabama football videos. Truth be told, the entertainment was so good that the 75 minutes before kick-off flew by - which was definitely a good thing because after an already 12+ hour day, I was starting to get a little tired.</div>
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Bo and I cheesin' right before kick-off!</div>
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The team entering the stadium while being flanked by the band. </div>
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<b>SUCH. A. POWERFUL. MOMENT.</b></div>
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<i>(I might have gotten a little teary-eyed).</i></div>
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Dad and Deb smiling before the game!</div>
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A gorgeous panoramic view of the stadium.</div>
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<b>It's H.U.G.E. and it was packed with over 102,000 fans!</b></div>
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My handsome birthday boy!</div>
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A HUGE thank you goes out to Dad and Deb for providing us with this memorable weekend. </div>
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We will NEVER forget it!</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>What are your thoughts on football? Do you like it? Do you think it is overrated? Did you grow up with it? Do you enjoy attending a good game? Is there a team you root for? </i></b><br />
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Whatever your thoughts about football are, I would LOVE to hear about them in the "Comment" section below!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-47498648409777657152012-09-26T12:07:00.000-04:002012-09-26T12:08:56.575-04:00The Perfect BowlI have been on the hunt for the perfect bowl for about a year now. To me, the perfect bowl will be suitable for <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/p/recipage.html">chili, rice bowls, soup, pasta dishes, fruit crisps and ice cream,</a> and on, and on, and on <i>(you get the idea)</i>. To clarify, the perfect bowl must be:<br />
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<li>wider than it is deep;</li>
<li>deep enough to contain a full serving of food without spilling or overflow; and</li>
<li>shallow enough to distribute any toppings over the entire dish.</li>
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About six months ago, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/packing.html">when we first moved to Jacksonville and I was nesting</a>, I was in Big Lots and spotted the perfect bowl...<b>AND </b>they were <i>only $4.00 a piece</i>. Unfortunately, I was trying to "be good" by not spending unnecessary money and walked away without purchasing a single one. </div>
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<b><u>Lesson learned:</u> </b></div>
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<b>When you find exactly what you have been looking for for a long time, </b><b>GRAB. IT.! </b></div>
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I mentioned these bowls to my mom, so <a href="http://www.allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/antique-treasure-hunting-with-mom.html">when she visited this past weekend </a>she suggested we go back to Big Lots to see if they were still there. Luckily, they were, <b>BUT only three were left</b>. :(</div>
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Boo-hiss!</div>
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Regardless, we decided that three were better than none, and snatched up all three. Who knows, maybe if I check at other Big Lots locations I can find another five or seven to round out my collection!</div>
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See what I mean?! </div>
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These bowls are perfectly wide, sufficiently deep, and yet still shallow enough for tons of delicious toppings!</div>
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In honor of my perfect bowl purchase, last night I whipped up an old classic: </div>
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<b><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/3-layer-mexican-casserole.html">RICE BOWLS!</a></b></div>
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I started out by making a batch of rice cooked in vegetable broth <i>(for additional flavor)</i>. Once cooked, I added:</div>
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<li>1 1/2 T Earth Balance;</li>
<li>1 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese; and</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste. </li>
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The texture and taste were similar to a risotto - without all of the tiresome stirring - <b><i>SCORE!</i></b></div>
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For the add-ons, I:<br />
<ul>
<li>opened<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-vegetable-soup.html"> a can of vegetable minestrone</a><i><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-vegetable-soup.html"> </a>(I drained out about 1/4C of the broth so that it wouldn't be too runny);</i></li>
<li><a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/senoras-potatoes-salsa-hummus.html">added 2T extra hot salsa <i>(for a little kick!);</i> and</a></li>
<li>diced up a chicken breast into Bo's portion. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Then I:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>poured the spicy minestrone over the rice; and</li>
<li>garnished the dish with an additional 1/2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVS-ObSkAwc/UGMc3T34arI/AAAAAAAADHY/NOsOurnfysY/s1600/CIMG2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVS-ObSkAwc/UGMc3T34arI/AAAAAAAADHY/NOsOurnfysY/s400/CIMG2672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As simple as this dish was, it was incredibly filling and delicious. </div>
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As Bo said, "this one's a keeper!"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7U11ADMRrQ/UGMc60N8W3I/AAAAAAAADHg/FmGVUce47c4/s1600/CIMG2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7U11ADMRrQ/UGMc60N8W3I/AAAAAAAADHg/FmGVUce47c4/s400/CIMG2673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
In the future, I look forward to repeating this dish with different grains on the bottom and soups and garnishes on top. For instance, I am already thinking about a <b>cheesy polenta base, smothered in vegetarian tortilla soup, with avocado chunks and salsa for garnish</b>. </div>
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<i>Doesn't that just should divine?!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEt22hV1u6c/UGMc_BIrxGI/AAAAAAAADHo/X-4jwA_4QnU/s1600/CIMG2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEt22hV1u6c/UGMc_BIrxGI/AAAAAAAADHo/X-4jwA_4QnU/s400/CIMG2674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In other somewhat sad news, <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/lola-update.html">Lola had an accident last night.</a></div>
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This was the end result...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLjGC0anuc/UGMdChUEI5I/AAAAAAAADHw/bi6ZvxFRd3U/s1600/CIMG2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLjGC0anuc/UGMdChUEI5I/AAAAAAAADHw/bi6ZvxFRd3U/s400/CIMG2679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the back story:</div>
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<br /></div>
Around 5:45PM, we let Lola outside in the backyard to tinkle <i>(like we always do)</i>. About 7-10 minutes later, Bo opened the back door to check on her. As usual, she came running towards us as if to come inside. Immediately Bo asked me to bring a towel, saying that it looked like she had red syrup all over her.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Well, it wasn't red syrup. </i></div>
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<b>It was blood.</b></div>
<br />
Long story short, somehow, somewhere, someway,<a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/lola-graduated.html"> Lola received </a>a 3 inch cut on her tail. With every wag of her tail she was slinging blood E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E. Bo and I were covered. To be honest, it sort of looked like an ax murder took place on our back patio.<br />
<br />
Five hours, twelve stitches, over $350.00, and one trip to the emergency animal hospital later, Lola was drugged, and Bo and I were exhausted. It was not exactly the night we had planned.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3OyNkNvEyo/UGMdFwG8NkI/AAAAAAAADH4/Z7WATwU8J6E/s1600/CIMG2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3OyNkNvEyo/UGMdFwG8NkI/AAAAAAAADH4/Z7WATwU8J6E/s400/CIMG2680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Her tail looks so sad <i>(sort of like a rat tails)</i>, she seems to be in quite a bit of pain, and she abhors the head cone. None of us slept very well last night because <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/lola-vs-crate.html">Lola couldn't get comfortable in the head cone</a>, Bo and I could hear here moving around all night, and she had a tinkle accident in her crate because when we did get home she was still so drugged that we could hardly get her to stand...much less poddy. Now, poor thing, she smells like pee and we can't give her a bath because we can't get the tail wet. <br />
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Thank goodness for scented candles.</div>
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Overall, she is just incredibly pitiful. Between the pain and the head cone she seems totally defeated...certainly not the <a href="http://allyandbochronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/getting-to-know-lola.html">happy-go-lucky puppy girl we are used to</a>! She tends to whine most of the day from pain, discomfort, and displeasure, and it is breaking both Bo and I's hearts to see her so sad. On top of it all, we are going out of town this weekend and now have to board her with her vet. I know that they will take good care of her, but I am so sad to be leaving our little girl in her time of need.<br />
<br />
<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>What is your favorite dish in the kitchen? Do you have a special coffee mug? Maybe it's a special cereal bowl or casserole dish? Is there a story behind your favorite dish? </i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Tell me all about it in the "Comment" section below!</b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and Bo<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-88197112227367180892012-09-24T13:30:00.002-04:002012-09-24T13:31:19.987-04:00(Antique) Treasure Hunting with MomI feel like I have been away from <i>the ABC blog</i> forever<i> (OK, maybe not FOREVER, but certainly much longer than usual)</i>! Things have been super busy here with work <i>(more on that in a future post)</i>, weekend getaways with family, weekend visit from family<i> (i.e. Mom was here this Thursday through Monday)</i>, etc. etc. etc...all good stuff, but stuff that keeps me away from sharing with you all nonetheless! <br />
<br />
I am looking forward to things calming down in the very near future. Give me a week or two and things will be calmer and moving at a slower pace. Until then, my posting might be a bit sporadic. Regardless, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I've just got some other things on my plate right now that require my time and attention.<br />
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OK </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- enough pontificating -</div>
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<i>(Fun word, huh?!)</i></div>
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Let's get to today's post.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shall we?!</div>
<br />
As I just mentioned, my mom was visiting from Springville, AL this past weekend. My mom and I have become such good friends over the past few years <i>(well, we have always been very close, but that closeness has evolved into a deep friendship as I have become an adult)</i>, and we always have so much fun when we are together. It doesn't take much to make us happy! Among the things that we LOVE to do are:<br />
<ul>
<li>relaxing in a local coffee shop, sipping on warm coffee or tea, sharing thoughts, memories, and laughs together;</li>
<li>cooking;</li>
<li>practicing yoga or dancing; </li>
<li>shopping at thrift stores and Goodwill's; and</li>
<li>hunting for hidden treasures in local antique shops!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last item on that list might very well be our favorite. I don't know what it is about antique stores, but my mom and I just love them. Maybe it is the history that is behind every piece...or maybe it's the face that every item echoes a time gone by. Whatever it is, my mom and I are both in our element when we are surrounded by timeless and beautiful antiques.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Friday morning, my mom and I stopped into a local antique store in Orange Park, FL <i>(where Bo and I live)</i>. As most antique stores do, from the outside this one looked like a hole in the wall...you know, nothing to write home about. However, once inside, it was filled with troves of treasures!</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><u>Sidenote:</u> Isn't "trove" a fun word? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary it means "a store of valuable or delightful things," and man oh man were we delighted!</i></blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I just loved this old buffet. One day, I would love to invest in something like this, repaint it, replace the glass panes, and display my china <i>(and various other timeless trinkets)</i> inside. It's hard to find furniture like this anymore...unless you have $5,000.00 or more, that is.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfYp57oMEWk/UGBJ4tVfMRI/AAAAAAAADEs/7ErzsSV-a7U/s1600/CIMG2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfYp57oMEWk/UGBJ4tVfMRI/AAAAAAAADEs/7ErzsSV-a7U/s400/CIMG2631.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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BOOKS, books, and more beautiful books! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--deypeQZrig/UGBJ80blbYI/AAAAAAAADE0/-ir35wXgxGM/s1600/CIMG2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--deypeQZrig/UGBJ80blbYI/AAAAAAAADE0/-ir35wXgxGM/s400/CIMG2632.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>(I love to use old books with colorful and timeless spines to decorate with...they bring such character to a room and really say a lot about its inhabitants)</i>.<br />
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My beautiful mother. </div>
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I hope that I age as gracefully.</div>
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I thought that these old-timey tools were so cool! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdRhyRjgehk/UGBKEly8STI/AAAAAAAADFE/DUmdRjtdQhI/s1600/CIMG2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdRhyRjgehk/UGBKEly8STI/AAAAAAAADFE/DUmdRjtdQhI/s400/CIMG2634.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
If we lived in more of a country-style home, it would be really neat to create a wall display with them, don't you think? Oh, and by the way, looking at these tools really made me appreciate how easy things are these days. The simplest of tasks used to be so much more difficult than they are today!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Old-timey kerosene lamps. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8d5fE3UeYs/UGBKIc5lJlI/AAAAAAAADFM/53pyQXVaQOk/s1600/CIMG2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8d5fE3UeYs/UGBKIc5lJlI/AAAAAAAADFM/53pyQXVaQOk/s400/CIMG2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
Actually, we ended up picking one out for me because this is a great thing to have when/if the power goes out. Now I just need to head over to Wal-Mart to pick up some kerosene and a wick to put it all together...<br />
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DISHES!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Seriously, what cook can have enough cute AND practical dishes?)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhCgFp8Z3kk/UGBKL16ZWDI/AAAAAAAADFU/CvdlFNVPGm4/s1600/CIMG2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhCgFp8Z3kk/UGBKL16ZWDI/AAAAAAAADFU/CvdlFNVPGm4/s400/CIMG2636.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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More dishes and records. </div>
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Although you may think I am too young to remember records, you are mistaken. I grew up dancing to them in the dance studio <i>(before tapes were widely used, and WAY before CD's were invented)</i>. I remember that if we landed a leap too close to the record-player we would cause it too skip. I also remember the teacher having to restart the song every. single. time. it. ended. </div>
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WOW.</div>
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What good memories.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6R6atLMFd6w/UGBKQgf7sSI/AAAAAAAADFc/NwrzWhexaQA/s1600/CIMG2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6R6atLMFd6w/UGBKQgf7sSI/AAAAAAAADFc/NwrzWhexaQA/s400/CIMG2638.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Trinkets filling every corner.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJXOFvSA9Y/UGBKUg-FqVI/AAAAAAAADFk/HS787olgmNg/s1600/CIMG2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJXOFvSA9Y/UGBKUg-FqVI/AAAAAAAADFk/HS787olgmNg/s400/CIMG2639.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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A beautiful decanter with matching tumblers. </div>
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Can't you just envision a gentleman serving scotch or bourbon from this?!</div>
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Day's gone by.</div>
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Me...surrounded by antiques everywhere!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4okdtXM-Ww/UGBKc5ahxBI/AAAAAAAADF0/Gc2y1dq5RHM/s1600/CIMG2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4okdtXM-Ww/UGBKc5ahxBI/AAAAAAAADF0/Gc2y1dq5RHM/s400/CIMG2642.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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In the end, my mom helped me settle on a counter-top full of goodies, including:<br />
<ul>
<li>five Pyrex dishes with glass tops;</li>
<li>a kerosene lamp;</li>
<li>three old-timey Bell jars;</li>
<li>a crystal decanter;</li>
<li>a stainless-steel bundt pan;</li>
<li>a hand-held, metal citrus juicer;</li>
<li>ceramic salt and pepper shakers; and</li>
<li>a beautiful, blue porcelain baking dish.</li>
</ul>
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I can't wait to build shelves for our kitchen so that I can display all of my food-filled Bell-jars. Dried beans, oats, cornmeal, lentils, quinoa, flour, sugar, chia seeds...you name it and I will be putting it in a jar for display! It will be so nice to get them out of the pantry and onto the walls for all to see!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jxHRTGso3o/UGBKk9YNvzI/AAAAAAAADGE/UjM99J6YOe0/s1600/CIMG2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jxHRTGso3o/UGBKk9YNvzI/AAAAAAAADGE/UjM99J6YOe0/s400/CIMG2645.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have already cooked in two of my Pyrex dishes and they worked out perfectly. Not only can I cook in them, but I am also looking forward to storing leftovers in them and saving money on Tupperware, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. Win-win!</div>
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All our loot in a carry-home cardboard box!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUlW5NaQQ1g/UGBKsf1eULI/AAAAAAAADGU/wr5OGLxqXII/s1600/CIMG2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUlW5NaQQ1g/UGBKsf1eULI/AAAAAAAADGU/wr5OGLxqXII/s400/CIMG2650.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
To my mother - THANK YOU for spending your time and money on me. The memories will last a life-time, and thanks to its quality, most of the items that we bought will too!</div>
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I love you.</div>
<br />
<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>How do you like to spend quality time with your mother/father? What are some of your favorite things to do together?!</i></b><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Ally and Bo<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-92051830223233273942012-09-19T13:31:00.004-04:002012-09-19T13:32:31.693-04:00Shades of GreyNo, no, no...this post isn't about the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345803485">Fifty Shades of Grey</a> series <i>(although I have read the trilogy and enjoyed it)</i>. I know that the title of this post might have gotten your hopes up, but today's post isn't a book review.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope, today's post is about food choices. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://strawberryblu.com/2011/11/08/organic-vs-conventional-foods-a-nutritional-point-of-view/">Source</a></td></tr>
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I don't know about you, but most of my food choices aren't black and white<i> (Figuratively speaking, that is. I'm not talking about black figs vs. white rice here)</i>. Instead, the vast majority of my food choices come in various shades of grey <i>(thus, the title of this post)</i>. For instance:<br />
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Recently, Bo and I were craving rice crispy treats. Since I'm not a huge fan of packaged foods, I decided to make my own at home. Luckily, I found organic puffed rice <i>(cocoa flavored, no less!)</i> at the commissary, and I keep Earth Balance <i>(sometimes Smart Balance) </i>at home. However, the challenge came with the marshmallows. Now, I know that Whole Foods carries vegan-friendly marshmallows, but a single bag costs between $5.00-6.00, not to mention the thirty minutes it would take me to drive across town. In the end, I bought a package of Jet-Puffed Marshmallows that contain gelatin...and I felt a little guilty.</blockquote>
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In situations like that I feel really conflicted about my food choices. On the one hand, I feel good about choosing an organic rice cereal and Earth Balance<i> (or even organic butter)</i>; but on the other hand, I feel a little ashamed of myself for buying the Jet-Puffed Marshmallows. In general, I'm not a fan of the use of gelatin <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Gelatin-Made-Out-What-84889">(if you're interested in knowing what's in it - and how it is made - read here)</a>. I also try to steer clear of any products that are made with dairy products that are not organic <i>(you would be <b>SHOCKED </b>at how many packaged products contain dried egg whites, dried milk, etc.)</i>. <br />
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<b>But sometimes</b></div>
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<b>- OK, a lot of the time -</b></div>
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<b>it is <i>really difficult</i> to steer clear of every product with which I have an ethical dilemma.</b></div>
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Sure, pretty much all produce is a safe bet <i>(although, there again, you have to be careful about pesticides and the whole organic vs. conventional debate)</i>, and we buy organic eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk <i>(although that's for Bo, I drink almond milk)</i>, and cottage cheese. In general, our grocery cart consists of <b>LOTS </b>of fresh fruits and vegetables, organic dairy products, whole grains, meat <i>(for Bo)</i>, and weekly odds and ends that aren't food related. <i>(And yes - to answer your question - buying organic dairy products and some produce costs us significantly more money than if we simply bought conventional <b>(see dark, but relatively true, comic strip below)</b>.)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb77ZcZZGnI/UFn87zEVNVI/AAAAAAAADDg/kQpCDCW64uI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb77ZcZZGnI/UFn87zEVNVI/AAAAAAAADDg/kQpCDCW64uI/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://radicalforfreedom.blogspot.com/2010/07/organic-vs-non-organic-food.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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But even then I frequently feel conflicted about things. </div>
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For instance:<br />
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<li>What about the whole wheat bread that we buy - is it sprayed with harmful pesticides? Is it grown on land that could be used for grazing happy cows?</li>
<li>What about the tortilla chips that we buy? Is the corn produced in a way that is sustainable for our environment over a long period of time?</li>
<li>What about the jelly that I spread on our PB&J sandwiches - does it contain pectin?</li>
<li>and on...and on...and on...</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evo79cRlMAg/UFn88qlZ7oI/AAAAAAAADDo/LvDH4IKaztU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evo79cRlMAg/UFn88qlZ7oI/AAAAAAAADDo/LvDH4IKaztU/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepinkpantry-christy.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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After reading things like <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/">Michael Pollan's <i>The Omnivore's Dilemma</i> and <i>In Defense of Food</i></a>, and watching <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/08/serious-green-a-guide-to-environmental-food-related-movies-documentary-films.html">movies such as <i>Food, Inc.</i> and <i>Polycultures: Food Where We Live</i></a>, I want to be a responsible <i>(and educated)</i> consumer. I want to be the type of consumer that makes the earth a stronger, healthier, and more balanced ecosystem. And I suppose that, sometimes, I feel a little paralyzed by the fear of making an uninformed - or simply a lazy - decision that will negatively impact the earth, all the animals in it, the atmosphere, etc.</div>
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<b>And then I think that - perhaps - I am being a little too dramatic.</b></div>
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Maybe what the world needs is a little more balance.</div>
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Maybe I am being too hard on myself.</div>
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Maybe the fact that I am writing this blog post is a sign that I really care, and that I am really trying to be a good steward of what I have been given.</div>
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And maybe</div>
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- just maybe -</div>
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the world</div>
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- along with all of its multi-legged inhabitants -</div>
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will cut me some slack when I buy Jet-Puffed Marshmallows.</div>
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<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
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<b><i>Do you ever face an "ethical dilemma" related to the foods you purchase? Do you try to buy organic for certain foods (or food groups)? </i></b><br />
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I would <b>LOVE </b>to hear your comments and feedback on this topic!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815986989295085336.post-82550254486567287592012-09-17T17:52:00.000-04:002012-09-17T17:54:14.503-04:00MIA<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that I have been totally MIA for the past few days.</div>
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<b>DON'T WORRY.</b></div>
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Everything's fine.</div>
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We've just been out of town...and then REALLY busy. </div>
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I will be back on Wednesday and can't. wait.! </div>
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Until then, here's a Lola pic to tide you over. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9igLGVCcNE/UFebk6RSWgI/AAAAAAAADC4/V9F1YdJiDNI/s1600/383392_10100173464612437_1141628715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9igLGVCcNE/UFebk6RSWgI/AAAAAAAADC4/V9F1YdJiDNI/s400/383392_10100173464612437_1141628715_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from Lola's first road-trip this weekend!</td></tr>
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Blessings,<br />
Ally and BoAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803075218643467071noreply@blogger.com0