Our Good Life

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 April 2018 / Soup

Creamy Asparagus Soup #soupswappers

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<i>Children's Song</i></div>
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<i>Carrots, peas and broccoli</i></div>
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<i>Vegetables are good for me</i></div>
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<i>For my snack and in my lunch</i></div>
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<i>Veggie sticks are fun to munch</i></div>
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<i>Carrots, peas and broccoli</i></div>
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<i>Vegetables are good for me!</i></div>
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<i>(sung to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star</i></div>
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Spring has Sprung with the bloggers of Soup Swappers.  We were to take the tastes of spring and turn it into a soup.  I love all spring vegetables, chard, spinach, spring peas, lettuces, green onions, you name it, I like it! Especially the misunderstood asparagus.<br />
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As a child I did not love this vegetable. I never saw it raw, only in an unusual sized can. As an adult, though,I adore seeing an asparagus patch with all the raw asparagus tips rising from the ground.  My neighbors in Columbia had a large patch that always grew plenty of asparagus and we were the recipient a time or two. Delicious.  I have wanted to start a bed, but it wasn't meant to be.<br />
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This asparagus soup has a secret.  It is creamy, but doesn't have cream or milk in it.  The creaminess comes from parmesan cheese and a whirl in the blender.  That's the truth, I swear it.  I wanted to consume a nice large loaf of chewy French bread while I ate this soup, so be prepared for that!<br />
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Creamy Asparagus Soup<br />
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2 bunches of asparagus, tips removed and set aside, and the stems chopped into 1" pieces<br />
6 c chicken broth<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
2 t minced garlic<br />
3 T butter<br />
2 T shredded parmesan<br />
1 T fresh lemon juice<br />
salt and pepper<br />
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In a large soup pot, melt butter.  Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until translucent.  Add chicken broth and asparagus stem pieces and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.  Cook for 30 minutes until vegetables are completely softened.  In the meanwhile, bring 4 c water to a boil, add asparagus tips and cook for 2 minutes.  Plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking and brighten the vegetables.  In small batches, blend the chicken broth and vegetables until smooth.  Continue until all the soup is processed.  Add the cheese and stir until melted.  Add the lemon juice and stir.  To serve, top with more of the cheese and two or three of the asparagus tips.<br />
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Look below for more delightful spring soup recipes.  It will do your soul good!<br />
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Creamy Asparagus Soup #soupswappers

Children's Song Carrots, peas and broccoli Vegetables are good for me For my snack and in my lunch Veggie sticks are fun to m...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 April 2018 / Dessert

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes #fantasticalfoodfight

Welcome to this month’s Food Fight!<br />
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<a href="http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/p/fantastical-food-fight.html">Fantastical Food Fight</a> is a group of bloggers who get a theme or ingredient each month and make some sort of variation of it. It could be a recipe from a cookbook, a blog, or the blogger’s own creation.  This month’s theme is Strawberry Shortcake!<br />
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My heart is full of memories of this delicious dessert. My neighbor, Mr. Dotson, grew strawberries in a large patch near his home. A few times a summer he would invite us over to pick strawberries and give some to my mom. She'd slice them up and add a little sugar to make some juice. Then she'd make these biscuits of Bisquick and then top them with the strawberries and Cool Whip. It was the best summer dessert ever.</div>
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Since that recipe can't be topped (in my mind, anyway) I decided to see what I could make for breakfast that would mimic those delightful summer desserts.  Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes were the solution!</div>
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To keep this in a semi tradition of my mom's, I had Bob make our favorite pancakes from a mix.  Aunt Jemima to the rescue!  Her "complete" mix was our young married couple's go to pancake mix.  We made a lot of pancakes from this mix!  Then I got some Florida sweet strawberries (spring is their ultimate season) and sliced them up with a little sugar.  The only stray away I did was to make our own homemade whipped cream. We like it flavored with a little bit of good vanilla and that's it.</div>
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Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes<br />
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2 c Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix complete</div>
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1 c water</div>
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1 egg (for added richness)</div>
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1 qt. strawberries, sliced</div>
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1/4 c sugar</div>
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1 c heavy whipping cream</div>
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1 t vanilla</div>
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The night before, slice strawberries and sprinkle the sugar over the berries. Cover and refrigerate. The morning of, pour cream and vanilla into a mixing bowl and beat on high until the cream doubles in volume and lays in soft peaks.  Mix together the pancake mix, egg and water.  Cook pancakes as directed on the package.  To assemble, put one pancake on a plate.  Spoon strawberries and a bit of juice onto the the pancake.  Add a layer of whipped cream.  Repeat.  Top with a fresh strawberry.  </div>
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Now this is breakfast!<br />
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See all the other wonderful strawberry shortcake creations below. It will make your summer perfect.<br />

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Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes #fantasticalfoodfight

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Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 April 2018 /

April Pinterest Challenge

Welcome to the April Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop! The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants of this hop (and you too) to not just pin, but to make it happen! So this month,  I chose to make/create -Stain Remover!<br />
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<strong>To join next month's #pinterestchallenge, click here to sign-up ⇒ <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiZTUPdiFlaKIdtor7Lwn0hFdJ8SL-Z2qDD_Gc704HlkjWKg/viewform" rel="noopener" target="_blank">May Pinterest Challenge</a></strong><br />
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My husband came to me with this shirt with an obviously bold pink stain on the pocket. The following conversation took place.<br />
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Bob:  Honey, look at this shirt.<br />
Me:    I see a stain.<br />
Bob:  Can you get it out?<br />
Me:    Of course I can.  I have Pinterest.<br />
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This conversation, or ones very similar, seem to occur nearly every day and Pinterest comes to the rescue so many times!  Is it that way for you?<br />
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So, I head over to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tsteffes/domestics/?eq=domestic&etslf=8442">look at my Domestics board on Pinterest </a>to see what I have for stains.  I have some criteria:  only normal household goods and it must be cheap.  So off I go to look.<br />
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I come across this pin from <a href="http://happyfamilyblog.com/miracle-stain-remover/">Happy Family Blog</a> that met all the criteria.  Cheap to make, and only household products.  The bonus was that I already owned all of the products!  She used this to take the stains from her baby's clothing.  One line stood out to me:  I even have tried it on dried on stains.  Just like Bob's shirt!<br />
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I quickly mixed up the potion.<br />
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Stain Remover<br />
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1 t Dawn dishwashing liquid<br />
4 T Hydrogen Peroxide<br />
2 T baking soda<br />
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In a small bowl, mix the ingredients.<br />
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I had also read that you treat the stain from the inside out and use a white cloth on the outside to draw out the stain.  This being a pocket made it rather difficult, but I took a spoon and dribbled some of the solution onto the back of the stain.  I scrubbed it on the back of the stain, then turned the shirt over on a white washcloth. I weighed it down with a bowl and waited one hour.  This is what I got:<br />
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I wasn't disappointed, because I thought I was seeing some progress.  The blog said that she sometimes lets the stain go overnight, so I scrubbed it more again, turned it upside down on the white cloth and weighed it down again and let it stay overnight.  Here's what I got:</div>
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Again, I felt like I was seeing progress, so I decided to do it one more round.  I poured a more heft amount of product on the back of the stain, scrubbed, and then placed it on the washcloth and waited another hour.  After this hour, I washed the shirt in a regular cycle.  This is what I got:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcdeytnssWA/WtJtg7lbpOI/AAAAAAAAquk/7KGnee6NJk8sDWX-fSJz3WkcPWuFGyP9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcdeytnssWA/WtJtg7lbpOI/AAAAAAAAquk/7KGnee6NJk8sDWX-fSJz3WkcPWuFGyP9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8952.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was thrilled! I hung the shirt in an obvious place so Bob could see that I rescued his shirt and he was very excited about it, too.  In his own words, "I like this shirt."  Ahhh, the wedded bliss of those married 40+ years!  </div>
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So while this took a little more effort, I was very pleased with this stain remover.  The rough estimate for the cost of this was about 10 cents.  The shirt's value is $30, so that is 10 cents well spent.</div>
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<strong>Now let's see what other things Pinterest inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built, or tried!</strong></h3>
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<img alt="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" class="aligncenter wp-image-26311" height="500" src="https://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Pinterest-Challenge-Blog-Hop.png" title="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" width="500" /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Erlene - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></span>  •  Lauren - <a href="http://momhomeguide.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Mom Home Guide</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Debbee - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://debbeesbuzz.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Debbee's Buzz</a></span>  •  Laurie - <a href="http://myhusbandhastoomanyhobbies.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Marie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://diyadulation.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">DIY Adulation</a></span>  •  Julie - <a href="https://www.sumoftheirstories.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sum of their Stories</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Marie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.theinspirationvault.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">The Inspiration Vault</a></span> •  T'onna - <a href="http://www.sewcraftycrochet.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sew Crafty Crochet</span></a></strong><strong> •  Debra - <a href="https://www.shoppeno5.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Shoppe No. 5</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Roseann - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">This Autoimmune Life</a></span>  •  Terri - <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Good Life</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Lisa - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://blogghetti.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Blogghetti</a></span>  •  Marci - <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Stone Cottage Adventures</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Leslie - <a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Cherryl - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.farmgirlreformed.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Farm Girl Reformed </a></span><a href="http://fearlesslycreativemammas.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong>Kelley - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://simplyinspiredmeals.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Simply Inspired Meal</a></span>  •  Joanne - <a href="http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Unschooling Journey</span></a></strong><strong> •  Pili - <a href="http://sweethings.net/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Sweet Things</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Jenny -<span style="color: #3366ff;"> <a href="http://www.cookiescoffeeandcrafts.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Cookies Coffee and Crafts</a></span>  •  Gail - <a href="http://www.purplehuesandme.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Purple Hues and Me</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Sherry - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://olives-n-okra.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Olives & Okra</a></span>  •  Sam - <a href="https://www.raggedy-bits.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Raggedy Bits</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Beverly - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.acrosstheblvd.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Across the Boulevard</a> </span>•  Samantha - <a href="http://www.littlebitsofhome.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Little Bits of Home</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Kristie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.teadoddles.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Teadoddles</a></span> •  Shirley - <a href="https://intelligentdomestications.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Intelligent Domestications</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Kelli - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://olympicnest.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Olympic Nest</a></span>  •  Chelsea - <a href="https://www.makingmanzanita.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Making Manzanita</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Cherryl - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.farmgirlreformed.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Farm Girl Reformed</a></span> •  Ola -<span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.jadoreledecor.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank"> J'adore Le Decor</a><br />
</span></strong><strong>Rebecca - <a href="https://mypinterventures.com/spring-cupcake-liner-flower-garland/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Simple Practical Beautiful</span></a> <span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></strong></span></div>
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April Pinterest Challenge

Welcome to the April Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop! The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants of this hop (...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 April 2018 /

Anticipation... #chewy.com

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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was given these treats for free in exchange for my honest opinion.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been three months since Huxley joined our family and he's fully adjusted to living with our dogs and his grandpawrents.  We are so happy to have him and his family sharing the same space!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1W3Tka0SXg/Ws1pp-92nyI/AAAAAAAAqsc/iz0ffcaePBsI8ZClIt8Yz2TBsQUcL41wwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8973.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1W3Tka0SXg/Ws1pp-92nyI/AAAAAAAAqsc/iz0ffcaePBsI8ZClIt8Yz2TBsQUcL41wwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8973.PNG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the adjustments we are making include getting barking under control. If one of the dogs sees another dog outside, it becomes a deafening chorus of dog barking (and not in harmony, I might add.) We use the water bottle to spray the dogs when they bark like that, and consistently, too. They don't like it, but they don't like the dogs in our yard, MORE.  So we are finding that this is not an effective method.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My next idea was to shut the blinds and the curtains so that they can't see out.  That has curbed part of the problem. I don't like the dark house, though, so that solution isn't working for ME!  Plus, now they sort of "guess" when they think a dog is in our yard. It would be rather funny, but it's not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We continue to work on solutions, including hiring a dog analyst to help us get this in control. We are in the midst of looking for one. We will succeed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the meantime, we have discovered that the dogs love salmon. Bob gave bits to all the dogs and they went crazy over it. It isn't convenient to have cooked salmon every day, so when I saw these salmon treats at <a href="http://chewy.com/" rel="nofollow">chewy.com,</a> I knew that I had to get some!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-XzrTOU7l4/Ws1pgh9CcdI/AAAAAAAAqsY/2RCRUGdotxM118C6__Kh4zODGAV4sKP0gCLcBGAs/s1600/chewysalmon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="404" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-XzrTOU7l4/Ws1pgh9CcdI/AAAAAAAAqsY/2RCRUGdotxM118C6__Kh4zODGAV4sKP0gCLcBGAs/s400/chewysalmon.PNG" width="256" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can see how much they love these treats by looking at the first photo.  Aren't they cute, paying such close attention to the treats!  I pay attention to these details, which make me oh-so-happy to give them these delicious treats!</span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oven-baked for a mouth-watering taste of real salmon for a nutritious, high-quality protein snack that's also grain-free</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blue Wilderness Biscuits are jam-packed with omegas for a healthy skin and coat and will satisfy their love of meat and natural chewing instincts</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No chicken/poultry by-product meals, just real ingredients</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No grains, gluten, corn, wheat or soy, so it's great for pups with food allergies</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, just natural dog treats enhanced with vitamins</span></li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYpn0s8UUOs/Ws1qbsLinXI/AAAAAAAAqso/zSoVDaI6AFcM0RrYDbI5mVTPT_8MbZP7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="904" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYpn0s8UUOs/Ws1qbsLinXI/AAAAAAAAqso/zSoVDaI6AFcM0RrYDbI5mVTPT_8MbZP7ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4919.jpg" width="452" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That tongue!!!  Head to chewy.com and see what great treats you can get for your pup.  I also love that they have a system to automatically send you treats every month.  It reduces the price and you don't have to go back and forth to order.  Until next month, Huxley, Truman and Wilson say good bye!</span></div>

Anticipation... #chewy.com

I was given these treats for free in exchange for my honest opinion. It's been three months since Huxley joined our family and he...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 09 April 2018 /

unGlue, the App

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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was given this app to review and to share my honest opinions about it.</span></i></div>
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Ok, I'll be honest.  When I was first contacted by <a href="https://unglue.app.link/OurGoodLife?%24deeplink_path=coupon%2FOurGoodLife10off">unGlue</a>, I was a bit overwhelmed.  There are so many apps out there, all trying to get a piece of the app pie. I will admit, the name of the app grabbed me, so I decided to go and take a look.</div>
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I was astonished at how quickly I became a FAN.  </div>
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This is no ordinary app.  Take a quick minute to watch this video: (it's about 2 and 1/2 minutes long)</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QFkWFBBpp3o/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QFkWFBBpp3o?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Can you see why I was so amazed?  This app works with parents and kids to create limits on screen time TOGETHER.  AND, there is a way for kids to get more screentime BY DOING EXTRA CHORES.  What?? Teaching good work habits, too??</div>
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You can see more at their website at<a href="https://unglue.app.link/OurGoodLife?%24deeplink_path=coupon%2FOurGoodLife10off"> unGlue</a>.  There is a lot to see and learn.  I know, I have spent a lot of time learning about this app.</div>
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Here's a sneak peak at what a parent and a kid would see on their devices:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hrWHhrv8kk/Wso4qe-s6MI/AAAAAAAAqpY/H1i9WpAHxBASbX40km0B2Yz7m1rhwx4eQCLcBGAs/s1600/kids_app_steps4time.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hrWHhrv8kk/Wso4qe-s6MI/AAAAAAAAqpY/H1i9WpAHxBASbX40km0B2Yz7m1rhwx4eQCLcBGAs/s320/kids_app_steps4time.png" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the screen that shows kids how many steps they took. This encourages kids to get outside and play!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63MeHvixoBk/Wso4qSmTFyI/AAAAAAAAqpU/iNyjw2wJL14jmPeBZvbaLsDsbKtwfRyhgCLcBGAs/s1600/kids_app_Time_bank%2BCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63MeHvixoBk/Wso4qSmTFyI/AAAAAAAAqpU/iNyjw2wJL14jmPeBZvbaLsDsbKtwfRyhgCLcBGAs/s320/kids_app_Time_bank%2BCopy.png" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
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This is the screen that allows kids to pick chores for extra screen time</div>
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The parents have some interesting screens as well.  These are but a few of them, but ones that I found interesting and informative.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRrNt2bcoU/Wso5SeruvTI/AAAAAAAAqpo/-goLEUqqao42koxnFGykJRJC6Sllrwp9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Parents-app-Dashboard%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRrNt2bcoU/Wso5SeruvTI/AAAAAAAAqpo/-goLEUqqao42koxnFGykJRJC6Sllrwp9QCLcBGAs/s320/Parents-app-Dashboard%2B.png" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows what restrictions you have placed for each child. You can individualize the time allowed, or remove the opportunity for screen time as needed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PE-masGb-RY/Wso5SSYarDI/AAAAAAAAqpk/hL1dfIp5GLkCDH6B23kPn96fWXYE3NW9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Parents-app-name-kid%2527s-chores.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PE-masGb-RY/Wso5SSYarDI/AAAAAAAAqpk/hL1dfIp5GLkCDH6B23kPn96fWXYE3NW9wCLcBGAs/s320/Parents-app-name-kid%2527s-chores.png" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the screen that shows how much time you want to give to your kids based on the chores they do.  Nothing like learning that time is a currency, spend it well!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now the very best part.  This app is highly researched and developed by a great team at<a href="https://unglue.app.link/OurGoodLife?%24deeplink_path=coupon%2FOurGoodLife10off"> unGlue. </a> The app isn't free, but it is definitely worth the cost. To make that cost a little easier, use this discount code: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #34495e;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><b>OurGoodLife10off</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Parents, summer is just around the corner.  Who wants to be fighting for screentime with their kids? Get this app now, learn how to use it, and make your summer hassle free!</span></span></div>
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unGlue, the App

I was given this app to review and to share my honest opinions about it. Ok, I'll be honest. When I was first contacted by unGlue ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 April 2018 / dinner

Lobster Nachos

I am super excited when I go to a restaurant and lobster is on the menu.  Often, though, I shy away from ordering this amazing dish because I am not good at de-shelling the lobster.  When I saw this <a href="https://www.mainelobsternow.com/blog/how-to/proper-way-to-de-shell-and-eat-a-whole-lobster/" rel="nofollow">infographic</a> by the Main Lobster Now page, I wanted to share it with my readers, so YOU don't miss out on this oh-so-amazing food.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNtf_VTO454/WsbDeOyPIEI/AAAAAAAAqmA/3kUuWoj59dIdbys0dIyeFD46w0CeAJPFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8898.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lobster nachos" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNtf_VTO454/WsbDeOyPIEI/AAAAAAAAqmA/3kUuWoj59dIdbys0dIyeFD46w0CeAJPFQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8898.PNG" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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In addition, I wanted to share a wonderful lobster recipe that we adapted from Cooking Light.  My husband made these and oh my goodness, they will definitely be a front-and-center dish for summer entertaining. Using this<a href="https://www.mainelobsternow.com/blog/how-to/proper-way-to-de-shell-and-eat-a-whole-lobster/" rel="nofollow"> infographic,</a> we were able to shell our lobster tail quite easily!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EG7ubm398s/WsbDqaXhz5I/AAAAAAAAqmE/ccGLbZXqiDo6ySpgBf0xFUaGsltOzw4sgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lobster nachos" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1153" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EG7ubm398s/WsbDqaXhz5I/AAAAAAAAqmE/ccGLbZXqiDo6ySpgBf0xFUaGsltOzw4sgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8890.jpg" title="" width="576" /></a></div>
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<b>Lobster Nachos</b><br />
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For the salad<br />
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1/2 c diced tomato<br />
1/2 c (we used less) of thinly sliced radishes<br />
1/4 c chopped red onion<br />
1 1/2 T of olive oil<br />
1 T lime juice<br />
1 1/2 t red wine vinegar<br />
1/4 c cilantro (this can be left out)<br />
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Toss together all of the above ingredients in a bowl and let rest.<br />
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For the cheese sauce<br />
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1 3/4 c grated pepper jack cheese<br />
1 T cornstarch<br />
1 c evaporate milk (either low fat or not)<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
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Place the cheese in a saucepan and sprinkle with cornstarch.  Add evaporated milk.  Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the cheese melts.  Whisk in salt.<br />
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To make the nachos<br />
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Chop cooked Maine lobster (about 12 oz)<br />
Dice one avocado<br />
1/4 chopped cilantro<br />
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Arrange the chips in a single layer.  You are going to make these individual nachos.  Drain salad, discard the liquid.  Top the chips with the salad, then the lobster, then the avocado.  Drizzle the cheese sauce over the nacho. Sprinkle with cilantro.<br />
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These are so good and I cannot wait to make them for my summer guests!<br />
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Now, learn how to de-shell that lobster!<br />
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<img src="https://www.mainelobsternow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/HowToEatALobster_mini.jpg" />

Lobster Nachos

I am super excited when I go to a restaurant and lobster is on the menu. Often, though, I shy away from ordering this amazing dish because ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 05 April 2018 / drinks

The History of Chocolate and Mexican Hot Chocolate #cookthebooksclub

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Who wouldn't love a book about chocolate, time travel and love that never ends?  </div>
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I guess that would be me, and I am typically one that loves all books.  Our Cook the Books club read <i>The History of Chocolate</i> by James Runcie. I enjoyed the beginning, as Deigo de Godoy joins a crew that is sailing to the New World in order to find the most epic gift for his intended, a women he lusts over, but doesn't particularly love.  Through this journey he meets his true love, after many love affairs along the way.  Diego meets Ignacia in Mexico, during the fall of Montezuma, and it is during this time that he is introduced to the Mexican hot chocolate. Unbeknownst to Diego, the chocolate has magic whipped into it, where he would live forever! It is at this point that the book loses its charm for me.  We go from Mexico, France, America, Vienna, England...all pursing the chocolate inventions. The author also has Diego present for the invention of the Hershey's kiss. <br />
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Even though the story line was somewhat ridiculous, the food scenes were plentiful and beautifully written. We experience fruit, the bounty of the Mexican markets, many savory dishes and menus, and many desserts featuring, of course, chocolate. What really stayed with me was the way Mexican hot chocolate is made.  I decided I was going to look carefully at the traditional way that hot chocolate is made and served in Mexico.  In all, I would give this book a 3/5 stars.<br />
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The hot chocolate in the book traces its history to the Maya and Aztecs. The typical ingredients are cocoa beans, cinnamon and chiles.  I found the traditional tablets online and I used those to make my drink.  Traditional the cocoa beans were ground up, spices added and vanilla, but didn't include sugar.  The texture is grainy and thick and the taste is bitter compared to the sweet version I drink.  I did love the differences and I know that I would love in under certain situations.<br />
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Mexican Hot Chocolate<br />
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1 tablet<br />
4 c milk<br />
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Heat the milk in a sauce pan.  Break up the tablet and place into hot milk.  Once the chocolate is melted, then whip the milk and chocolate mixture for several minutes with a molinillo.  The molinillo is a special type of whisk that will make the chocolate creamy and delicious.  To use it, you roll the molinillo between your two hands to create a spinning effect.  It's harder than it looks!<br />
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<br /> If you like to cook and read, join us at <a href="http://cookthebooksclub.blogspot.com/">Cook the Books Club!</a>  The next few books are chosen so you can get a running start!  Thank you to our hostess, Simona, from <a href="http://www.pulcetta.com/">briciole.</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thelatinkitchen"> </a><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px;">
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The History of Chocolate and Mexican Hot Chocolate #cookthebooksclub

Who wouldn't love a book about chocolate, time travel and love that never ends? I guess that would be me, and I am typically on...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 April 2018 /

To Moms of Furbabies

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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this pillow for free in exchange for my honest review!</span></i></div>
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Each year at Mother's Day I think of all my wonderful friends who are moms to furbabies who deserve a treat and recognition as well.  I have raised both kids and pets and honestly, my pets are the ones that are the hardest!  They always need that constant attention and still need to be feed and walked and taken outdoors to do their business, even at 15 years old!<br />
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So here's an idea for your favorite furbaby mom, on Mother's Day, have one of these adorable personalized pillow covers made for her of her own delightful furbaby!  Aren't they adorable?  My favorite furbaby mom is my daughter, Ashley, who is mom to Huxley, a super smart King Charles and Bichon Frese mix.  He's highly energetic, loving and somewhat demanding, but in a healthy, happy way.  We love his antics and laugh at him constantly.  This pillow can be ordered through <a href="http://canvaspop.com/" rel="nofollow">Canvaspop</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: center;">It is so easy!  </span><span style="text-align: center;">Go to <span style="background-color: white;">CanvasPop.com</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and click on Gifts.  Choose the pillow.  Then choose a pattern, or upload a photo.  The photo will appear on the virtual pillow and you can align it the way you'd like.  Once you like the photo placement, just click Add to Cart and then Checkout.  Did you see the 50% off coupon if you order before March 30???  (the code is MARCH50)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We love our pillow and it is so adorable on my daughter's couch.  If I haven't told you yet, Ashley, you are a wonderful dog mom!  </span></div>
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To Moms of Furbabies

I received this pillow for free in exchange for my honest review! Each year at Mother's Day I think of all my wonderful friends who a...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 April 2018 / sides

Asparagus Tart #tastecreations

I love this time of year when asparagus starts to send up its tender shoots.  When I was little I helped my grandmother collect wild asparagus, which looks a lot like snakeweed.  I don't ever remember eating any, maybe she saved it for herself!  To honor this spring vegetable, Taste Creation bloggers are sharing their favorite asparagus recipes with you!<br />
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This super simple recipe takes away any excuse to make it.  All the ingredients are found easily in your grocery store. There's little to do except to prepare the asparagus.  Read on to see how simple this truly is!<br />
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Asparagus Tart<br />
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1 lb of asparagus, hopefully thin stalks, snapped right above the cut<br />
8 oz of shredded cheese.  I prefer fontina, but guyere and havarti are nice, too<br />
2 sheets of puff pastry<br />
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Preheat to 425.  Place a piece of parchment on your cookie sheet and place the puff pastry on it.  Sprinkle on the cheese, then lay the asparagus in straight lines across the pastry. Salt and pepper if desired.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.  Remove from the oven.  The pastry will be high and fluffy but will soon start to deflate. No worries, that's what it always does.<br />
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To serve, cut into squares and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar.<br />
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Check out the other asparagus recipes by the other Taste Creation bloggers!<br />
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From Lauren at <a href="http://momhomeguide.com/sheet-pan-roasted-asparagus-shrimp-dinner">Mom Home Guide </a> Sheet Pan Roasted Asparagus and Shrimp Dinner<br />
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Nikki from Tikkido has <a href="http://tikkido.com/blog/asparagus-prosciutto-easter-pizza">Easter Pizza</a><br />
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Asparagus Tart #tastecreations

I love this time of year when asparagus starts to send up its tender shoots. When I was little I helped my grandmother collect wild asparag...

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Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 April 2018 / sides

dinner

Dessert

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