Our Good Life: March 2015

Posted by Terri Steffes / 31 March 2015 / anniversary , Ashley and Eric , Brasserie , brunch , cocktail , French 75 , Niche

Tipsy Tuesday French 75

To celebrate the seventh anniversary of my daughter and her husband,  her dad and I took them to a fun restaurant in Central West End (St. Louis) that we all love.  The food is just amazing, the Chef is so creative yet classic.  The restaurant's name is <a href="http://www.brasseriebyniche.com/">Brasserie by Niche</a>.  If you are in the area and haven't been, do so.  You will be so happy you did.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekApyJnGS00/VRiZLk5BgKI/AAAAAAAAO9I/Sdsg-sOjq34/s1600/0594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ashley and Eric 2008" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekApyJnGS00/VRiZLk5BgKI/AAAAAAAAO9I/Sdsg-sOjq34/s1600/0594.jpg" title="Ashley and Eric 2008" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet girl and her newly wedded husband!</td></tr>
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We celebrated with brunch, which is one of our all time favorite meals.  We are a breakfast family and brunch allows us to consume cocktails and dessert while eating breakfast foods.  Yummy!  Today I selected a frisee salad made with greens and a bacon vinaigrette dressing and a poached egg.  I had French onion soup, as well, so delicious.  I also had a Violet 75, a wonderful cocktail made with gin, champagne, creme de violette, and lemon.  Light, refreshing and celebratory all at the same time!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPPPpr_779A/VRiXm1K-NnI/AAAAAAAAO88/drDBMafzeOs/s1600/French75_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="French 75 Brasserie" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPPPpr_779A/VRiXm1K-NnI/AAAAAAAAO88/drDBMafzeOs/s1600/French75_opt.jpg" title="French 75 Brasserie" width="480" /></a></div>
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To make one at home, shake 1 oz of good gin, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, 1/2 oz of creme de violette.  Pour into your glass and then top with champagne.  Serve with a lemon peel.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hanging out with Pam at <a href="http://www.greyisthenewblack.com/">Tipsy Tuesday</a> and Kristin at <a href="http://hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com/">Thursty Thursday!</a></span><br />
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Tipsy Tuesday French 75

To celebrate the seventh anniversary of my daughter and her husband, her dad and I took them to a fun restaurant in Central West End (St. L...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 March 2015 / Garden , Winter

Today Around the Garden

Today Around the Garden

Not much has changed around the garden this week. Everything is a little bit greener, and a little big bigger. Some of my plants aren'...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 March 2015 / apartment shopping , New Town , Padavans , Saint Charles , sunset , Wine Bar

Show and Tell Fridays~New Town Sunsets

Bob and I were fortunate to find an ad for a New Town apartment once the decision had been made to move to the Saint Louis area and I had been hired by the Wright City School District to be their K-1 building principal.  We imagined ourselves in a city apartment in Central West End (St. Louis) but until then we needed to find a place that was convenient for both of us to commute to work.  We looked at places in St. Peters, O'Fallon, Wentzville, but hadn't found what we wanted.  The third weekend we went looking, I went to the internet (again) hoping to find something that I hadn't seen before, and I found it, a quaint cottage rental located in north Saint Charles.  The drive would almost be equal distance between Columbia College and Wright City.  We decided to go for a drive and check it out.<br />
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We were smitten just driving up to the leasing office!  The canals, the charm, the friendly people who asked about us when we checked out the businesses in town, were all just what we were hoping for.  We gathered information about New Town from every source and decided it would be the perfect interim location.<br />
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Three years later, after spending 18 months in the cottage, we were in love!  We loved our neighbors, the events, the activities, the groups, the Wine Bar and Padavan's, the darling gift shop that sold hardware supplies and the floral shop, the local ice cream stand, the dentist, the dog groomer and the best little coffee shop, and we couldn't leave. The sunsets at our cottage were pretty, but it wasn't until we moved to our new house that we could see them in their full glory!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsEtaFBYHJ0/VRSumDVMH9I/AAAAAAAAOqI/XDLVr6dOjtU/s1600/newtownsunset_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Town Sunset" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsEtaFBYHJ0/VRSumDVMH9I/AAAAAAAAOqI/XDLVr6dOjtU/s1600/newtownsunset_opt.jpg" title="New Town Sunset" width="640" /></a></div>
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In our location, on the edge of New Town, where there aren't (currently) any homes, we get a beautiful sunset that we can see from our front porch every night. We get beach quality sunsets here, maybe because we live in the Beach District of New Town!  I take a lot of sunset pictures and the one I am sharing today was from tonight. I love the way the water picks up the reflection of the sky.  Lovely.<br />
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Joining <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-balcony-show-and-tell-friday.html"> Cindy at My Romantic Home</a> for Show and Tell Friday!  Go and visit her!<br />
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Show and Tell Fridays~New Town Sunsets

Bob and I were fortunate to find an ad for a New Town apartment once the decision had been made to move to the Saint Louis area and I had be...

#TooCuteThursday Truman

My vet had a poster up in his office with this hashtag #TooCuteThursday.  I think it was advertising for a magazine but I knew instantly that it would be a blog post about our dogs, Truman and Wilson.  Truman is a cavashon, a mix of a Bichon Frise and a King Charles Cavalier.  He has a curly white coat with some brown patches on his back.  Truman has a sweet disposition.  He is a rescue dog, so he has some trust issues, even with his own dad!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kThdzYh4TcY/VROM9QWDu_I/AAAAAAAAOp4/fAqHikrg_hs/s1600/truman_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="#Toocutethursday Truman" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kThdzYh4TcY/VROM9QWDu_I/AAAAAAAAOp4/fAqHikrg_hs/s1600/truman_opt.jpg" title="#Toocutethursday Truman" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#Too Cute Thursday....Truman</td></tr>
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 Recently Truman had to have surgery because stones were found in his bladder.  They were too big to dissolve on his own with a change in diet.  We saw them after surgery and they were flat, like a dime, although somewhat smaller than a dime.  The vet said they were unusual, even for him, so he sent them in for analysis.  We haven't heard back as of yet if there was anything to be concerned about.<br />
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Truman is recovering nicely.  The pain meds make him sleepy so he's been napping more than usual.  He loves his new food, Royal Canine and eagerly goes to his food bowl.  He has approximately a 4-5 inch incision that is held together with staples.  That's why he is wearing the dreaded cone.<br />
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I took this photo of him tonight.  He looked so cute with his paws drawn up and his wide eyes.  We are getting ready to go to bed and I think he is ready.  Truman has another week with his staples and we see the vet on Friday to make sure he is healing well.  I think he will have a good report!

#TooCuteThursday Truman

My vet had a poster up in his office with this hashtag #TooCuteThursday. I think it was advertising for a magazine but I knew instantly tha...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 25 March 2015 / DAR , Florence Oliver Leach , North Caroline , Richard Oliver , Sissy

Daughters of the American Revolution

I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  It wasn't my idea, my Great Aunt Florence Oliver Leach started researching our ancestors in the 60s/70s.  Do you know how hard that was?  I know that she actually went to cemeteries to see if she could find certain relatives, and tried to piecemeal the family tree by hand.  She wrote many letters, all over the United States when she would get a lead, she'd contact someone by phone or letter, or sometimes, by driving to see them.  She completed almost the whole family tree, with some critical holes, which kept her from achieving Daughter status in her lifetime.<br />
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I received her packet of information in 90s and decided to tackle it in 2006.  Within three months I had found the relative that Sissy was missing (our favorite name for her) because I had the internet and various sources that made researching a breeze in comparison to her journey.  It still took some time to get the specific documentation that the DAR requests but after about two years I was able to send in my paperwork, thanks to a godly woman in Jefferson City who has "the touch" when it comes to DAR paperwork.  She got my papers in order and we sent them off.  It took about four weeks for verification and then I got my certificate!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbgrRA-0DVc/VRIpLYvt-4I/AAAAAAAAOpg/f9b26DTm_Rw/s1600/DARTerri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Terri Steffes DAR" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbgrRA-0DVc/VRIpLYvt-4I/AAAAAAAAOpg/f9b26DTm_Rw/s1600/DARTerri.jpg" title="Terri Steffes DAR" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I was "in" it was easy to provide Ashley's birth certificate and now she is a member, or rather, can be a member if she chooses.  My sister and aunt could easily become members, too, but alas, not my mother, because all the work was done on my dad's side of the family.<br />
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I found it completely fascinating that my ancestor's last name was Oliver.  That name lasted through all the generations except mine.  Richard Oliver served in North Carolina in the American Revolution.  He served for three years and stopped and then something made him sign up again for two more years.  We know he received a pension for his work.<br />
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I am a member of the Saint Charles (Missouri) chapter now, am serving as historian for my chapter.  I am excited about the opportunities to serve our veterans and our country in this small way.  If you are interested in finding out if you have an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War, go to http://www.dar.org/<br />
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Daughters of the American Revolution

I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It wasn't my idea, my Great Aunt Florence Oliver Leach started researching o...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 24 March 2015 / avenue , clayton , prairie mule , vodka

The Prairie Mule

I'm not talking about that stubborn mule that used to dot the landscape here in Missouri, I am talking about the wonderful vodka drink I tried at Avenue Restaurant in Clayton.  The drink is named after <a href="http://prairievodka.com/made-with-respect/">Prairie Vodka</a>, a handcrafted vodka from Minnesota, that is "brewed with all due respect" to the land, the people and the spirits.  All I know for sure is that the drink was very good!<br />
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The Prairie Mule is made with Prairie Vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime.  It is so similar to the Moscow Mule that I asked and yes, the proportions are the same.  So here's the recipe, as per the waitress:<br />
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1.5 oz vodka (try Prairie, it's good!)<br />
4 oz ginger beer<br />
the juice of 1/4 a lime<br />
lime wedge for garnish<br />
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Fill copper mug with ice.  Stir ingredients together and pour over ice.  Garnish with lime.<br />
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This is a very refreshing drink that stayed super cold in the restaurant.  I can imagine drinking this on a hot, muggy Missouri day.  This is something to look forward to!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hanging out with Pam at <a href="http://www.greyisthenewblack.com/">Tipsy Tuesday</a> and Kristin at <a href="http://hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com/">Thursty Thursday!</a></span><br />
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The Prairie Mule

I'm not talking about that stubborn mule that used to dot the landscape here in Missouri, I am talking about the wonderful vodka drink I...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 March 2015 / catmint , daylilies , gardening. azaleas , knockout roses

Today Around the Garden

It is a beautiful Sunday, but I am in the house for two reasons, one: my dog Truman just got home from the hospital on Saturday where he had major abdominal surgery and he needs watchful care and two: I must finish the Daughters of the American Revolution scrapbook so that it can go to State this weekend!  I have a lot of work to do on it, so this post will be very short!<br />
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 The gardens have had some attention this weekend, thanks to Bob.  There is more to do, but we will get to it a piece at a time.  Too much going on this weekend!  Here's what's "up" this week:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6VAqn1sVZ8/VQ9c2o1W1cI/AAAAAAAAOn8/lDSRdGHWNwA/s1600/Daylily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6VAqn1sVZ8/VQ9c2o1W1cI/AAAAAAAAOn8/lDSRdGHWNwA/s1600/Daylily.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylilies are definitely up and growing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtFbY5CAYvY/VQ9dK0WDMAI/AAAAAAAAOoc/AbfT091m_BA/s1600/IMG_6291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtFbY5CAYvY/VQ9dK0WDMAI/AAAAAAAAOoc/AbfT091m_BA/s1600/IMG_6291.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catmint is hiding under the dead wood from last year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf6Os1PyqKA/VQ9dGvEyZWI/AAAAAAAAOoU/VLGUrxzAvg8/s1600/IMG_6288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf6Os1PyqKA/VQ9dGvEyZWI/AAAAAAAAOoU/VLGUrxzAvg8/s1600/IMG_6288.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knock out roses are greening up and sending out leaves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EY2E1ExZNeY/VQ9c_txKhaI/AAAAAAAAOoE/8Yft9mkvOx0/s1600/IMG_6289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EY2E1ExZNeY/VQ9c_txKhaI/AAAAAAAAOoE/8Yft9mkvOx0/s1600/IMG_6289.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azalea bushes are leafing out and greening up!</td></tr>
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 Can't wait to see what is new next week!

Today Around the Garden

It is a beautiful Sunday, but I am in the house for two reasons, one: my dog Truman just got home from the hospital on Saturday where he had...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 22 March 2015 / #SundaySupper , cookies , Dessert , girl scouts , lemon , Lemonade cookies , Spring Fling

Spring Fling #SundaySupper

Spring is flirting with us and that makes me start to yearn for spring foods: fresh greens, blueberries and anything with lemon! This lemon pie is a perfect treat for your favorite P.E.O. sisters or a baby shower or just anyplace where a group of you are getting together for some fun. It is super simple to make, but tastes like you spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zrWZaW-ALo/VQwpGE7WrJI/AAAAAAAAOnY/TVfjqolO578/s1600/Lemon%2BCream%2BPie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lemon Cream Pie" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zrWZaW-ALo/VQwpGE7WrJI/AAAAAAAAOnY/TVfjqolO578/s1600/Lemon%2BCream%2BPie.jpg" title="Lemon Cream Pie" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lemon Cream Pie with Girl Scouts Lemonade Cookie Crust</div>
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<div class="single_recipe_text" id="author" style="font-size: 15px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0px;">
by <span class="author">Terri Steffes</span></div>
<div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 8px 4px 4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 15 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 4 hours in the freezer</span></div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (6 servings)</span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 pkg Girl Scout Lemonade Cookies</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 can sweetened condensed milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 small can of frozen lemonade, thawed</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 lg container of frozen whipped topping, thawed</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">fresh blueberries</li>
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Instructions</div>
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Crush Girl Scout Cookies in a ziplock bag until finely crushed. Press into the bottom of a pie dish.</div>
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Blend thawed whipped topping, thawed lemonade, and sweetened condensed milk until well blended.  Pour onto cookie crust.</div>
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Place in freezer until firm. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping and blueberries sprinkled on top.</div>
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Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a></div>
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<b>Beverages</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://sewyoucancook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Easter Egg Smoothie</a> by Sew You Think You Can Cook</li>
<li><a href="http://www.manusmenu.com/" target="_blank">Home-made Limoncello</a> by Manu's Menu</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theredheadbaker.com/" target="_blank">Meyer Lemon Rosemary Martini</a> by The Redhead Baker</li>
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<b>Appetizers</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://palatablepastime.com/" target="_blank">Asparagus and Roasted Garlic Hummus</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Baked Lemon and Goat Cheese Dip</a> by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wallflourgirl.com/" target="_blank">Cauliflower Salad</a> by Wallflour Girl</li>
<li><a href="http://anappealingplan.com/" target="_blank">Green Asparagus Soup with Seared Scallops</a> by An Appealing Plan</li>
<li><a href="http://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Panzanella Primavera</a> by Culinary Adventures with Camilla</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bobbiskozykitchen.com/" target="_blank">Roasted Baby Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce</a> by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://familyfoodie.com/" target="_blank">Salmon Berry and Almond Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing</a> by Family Foodie</li>
<li><a href="http://ourlifetastesgood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Skillet Spinach Artichoke Dip</a> by Life Tastes Good</li>
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<b>Sides</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thewimpyvegetarian.com/" target="_blank">Asparagus Gribiche</a> by The Wimpy Vegetarian</li>
<li><a href="http://lifestylefoodartistry.com/" target="_blank">Early Peas with Pearl Onions in Cream</a> by Lifestyle Food Artistry</li>
<li><a href="http://fooddonelight.com/" target="_blank">Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Mustard Vinaigrette</a> by Food Done Light</li>
<li><a href="http://www.loveandconfections.com/" target="_blank">Palm Sunday Easter Bread</a> by Love and Confections</li>
<li><a href="http://www.carriesexperimentalkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Sauteed Artichokes & Potatoes</a> by Carrie's Experimental Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://magnoliadays.com/" target="_blank">Spring Green Rice</a> by Magnolia Days</li>
<li><a href="http://www.italianbellavita.com/" target="_blank">Venetian Risi e Bisi</a> by La Bella Vita Cucina</li>
</ul>
<b>Entreés</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.pancakewarriors.com/" target="_blank">Artichoke Pesto Pasta</a> by PancakeWarriors</li>
<li><a href="http://janesadventuresindinner.com/" target="_blank">Caramelized Onion Tarts with Poached Eggs</a> by Jane's Adventures in Dinner</li>
<li><a href="http://rantsfrommycrazykitchen.com/" target="_blank">Crispy Honey Chicken Spring Salad</a> by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://cookingchatfood.com/" target="_blank">Early Spring Risotto</a> by Cooking Chat</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" target="_blank">Honey Lemon Shrimp</a> by Cindy's Recipes and Writings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/" target="_blank">Irish Lamb Stew</a> by Food Lust People Love</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eatdrinkandbetracy.com/" target="_blank">Lemon Spaghetti</a> by Eat, Drink and Be Tracy</li>
<li><a href="http://mealdiva.com/" target="_blank">Pasta with Spring Herbs</a> by MealDiva</li>
<li><a href="http://foodietots.com/" target="_blank">Pea & Chèvre Souffle</a> by FoodieTots</li>
<li><a href="http://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/" target="_blank">Quiche Florentine</a> by Curious Cuisiniere</li>
<li><a href="http://crazyfoodiestunts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Roasted Lamb Chops, Fontina Cheese Polenta with Asparagus and Mushrooms</a> by Crazy Foodie Stunts</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mommasmeals.org/" target="_blank">Root Vegetable Risotto</a> by Momma's Meals</li>
<li><a href="http://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spring Vegetable Risotto</a> by A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dandeliongreensblog.com/" target="_blank">Salmon and Strawberry Spinach Salad with a Kentucky Maple Vinaigrette</a> by Dandelion Greens</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wholefoodrealfamilies.com/" target="_blank">Tilapia with Classic Pesto</a> by Whole Food | Real Families</li>
<li><a href="http://www.texannewyorker.com/" target="_blank">Veal Stew with Spring Greens</a> by The Texan New Yorker</li>
</ul>
<b>Desserts</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" target="_blank">Berry Shortcakes</a> by That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://piesandplots.net/" target="_blank">Blueberry Coconut Macaroons</a> by Pies and Plots</li>
<li><a href="http://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" target="_blank">Blueberry Rhubarb Muffins</a> by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks</li>
<li><a href="http://noshingwiththenolands.com/" target="_blank">Carrot Cake Cookies</a> by Noshing With The Nolands</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" target="_blank">Girl Scout Lemonades Lemon Pie</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/" target="_blank">Gluten Free Healthy Hummingbird Cake</a> by Cupcakes & Kale Chips</li>
<li><a href="http://www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com/" target="_blank">Lemon Meringue Pie</a> by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch</li>
<li><a href="http://takeabiteoutofboca.com/" target="_blank">Lemon Ricotta Cookies</a> by Take A Bite Out of Boca</li>
<li><a href="http://cosmopolitancornbread.com/" target="_blank">Limoncello Pound Cake</a> by Cosmopolitan Cornbread</li>
<li><a href="http://www.brunchwithjoy.com/" target="_blank">Matcha Strawberry Cake</a> by Brunch with Joy</li>
<li><a href="http://recipeforperfection.com/" target="_blank">Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe</a> by Recipe for Perfection</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yummysmells.ca/" target="_blank">Sticky Carrot Squares</a> by What Smells So Good?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.smallwalletbigappetite.com/" target="_blank">Strawberry Muffins</a> by Small Wallet, Big Appetite</li>
<li><a href="http://www.simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Three Berry Coconut Crispies</a> by Simply Healthy Family</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.sundaysuppermovement.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sunday Supper Movement" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8386732081_f232fda104_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><b>Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday!</b> We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23sundaysupper" target="_blank">#SundaySupper hashtag</a> and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great <a href="http://www.sundaysuppermovement.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Recipes</a>, visit our website or check out our <a href="http://pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/sundaysupper/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>. <b>Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement?</b> It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: <a href="http://sundaysuppermovement.com/forums/" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Movement</a>.

Spring Fling #SundaySupper

Spring is flirting with us and that makes me start to yearn for spring foods: fresh greens, blueberries and anything with lemon! This lemon ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 19 March 2015 / afghan , Chickberry , Holt , Marceline , Oliver , painting cork , quilts , railroad , Strippy Quilt , teacups

Show and Tell Friday

I am joining <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-balcony-show-and-tell-friday.html">Cindy at My Romantic Home</a> this week again for Show and Tell Friday.  Last week you would have seen lovely patio flowers.  Where she lives there are already gorgeous flowers!  I shared Aunt Francis' writing desk last week and this week we are headed left to see this spot in my home study.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPVhpSWQPvc/VQsaaThPyDI/AAAAAAAAOmU/TRO3HaB0h1E/s1600/Study1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Study in Canal Street house" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPVhpSWQPvc/VQsaaThPyDI/AAAAAAAAOmU/TRO3HaB0h1E/s1600/Study1.jpg" title="Study in Canal Street house" width="480" /></a></div>
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There are many fun things here to share. My husband made the darling cork bulletin board for me for Christmas one  year.  I love it and have some special clippings and photos on it.  The lily photograph I won in an auction for Paint New Town Pink two years ago.  It was taken by a local photographer and I love it.  You may not believe this, but the pink painting came from Walmart six years ago.  The Walmart in Jefferson City had some local artists selling their craft outside one day and I fell in love with this piece!  Those are the simple-to-describe pieces!<br />
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The teacups are from my Grandmother Lorraine Wilson Holt's collection.  She had lots of them and when she died, all the grandkids took some.  I picked them solely from their color palette but it turns out that all of these are from England.  When Ashley, our daughter, was little, we had tea from them.<br />
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The railroad picture is special because it is of the train depot in my hometown of Marceline, Missouri.  The railroad has a significant history in my family.  My great-grandfather, grandfather (Oliver) and dad all worked for the railroad in some capacity and my Grandfather and Grandmother (Holt) worked for the railroad.  My Grandfather Holt retired with 30 years of service to the railroad.  My Grandmother served as a cook for the railroad when my mom was a little girl, before she went to school.  My mom recalls living in a boxcar in California and returning home to Marceline after being away for three years.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRSUUPsZhpE/VQsabBU7oTI/AAAAAAAAOmg/afMoVtYafbY/s1600/study2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="handmade quilts " border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRSUUPsZhpE/VQsabBU7oTI/AAAAAAAAOmg/afMoVtYafbY/s1600/study2.jpg" title="handmade quilts " width="480" /></a></div>
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I love my quilts because they are such works of love.  These all came from friends and family who surrounded me with their love through the making of a quilt.  The one on the right came from my HS friend Myra.  The fabrics are all breast cancer related.  I used it at the hospital to brighten the room.  The crocheted afghan came from a teacher at Wright City for my retirement.  The striped quilt came from my Chickberry friend Jenny, who invented the Strippy Quilt.  I used this daily for over six months.  It was the only thing that would keep me warm.  The quilt in the back was made by a New Town resident and I won it at a raffle.  I was so thrilled to be the recipient!<br />
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Connecting to Cindy's Show and Tell Friday! <br />
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Show and Tell Friday

I am joining Cindy at My Romantic Home this week again for Show and Tell Friday. Last week you would have seen lovely patio flowers. Wher...

Homemade Limoncello

You might remember that I got a boxful of luscious lemons from <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2015/02/a-little-piece-of-sunshine.html">a friend who lives in Arizona</a>.  Those lemons were the freshest lemons I have ever seen.  I knew I needed to make a batch of limoncello with them!<br />
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This stuff is like drinking liquid sunshine!  It is sweet but not so sweet it hurts your teeth!  The lemon is soft and not bitter.  Perfect ending to a spaghetti dinner!<br />
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Homemade Limoncello</div>
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by <span class="author">Terri Steffes</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 30 minutes</span></div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (approx 8 cups)</span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">10-12 lemons</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 750 ml bottle of vodka</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3 c water</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 c sugar</li>
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With a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, remove the peel from the lemon in long strips. Make sure there is no white pith remaining on the peels. Place the peels in a glass bowl, and pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Let the peels and vodka do their job for at least 4 days.</div>
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Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 3-5 minutes. Cool. Pour the syrup into the vodka mixture. Cover and let it steep overnight. Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, and then strain one more time using a coffee filter. Transfer to a pretty jar, and refrigerate.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hanging out with Pam at <a href="http://www.greyisthenewblack.com/">Tipsy Tuesday</a> and Kristin at <a href="http://hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com/">Thursty Thursday!</a></span><br />
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I have more recipes using this limoncello recipe in <a href="http://www.foodista.com/wbod">limoncello cocktails</a> here!<br />
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Homemade Limoncello

You might remember that I got a boxful of luscious lemons from a friend who lives in Arizona . Those lemons were the freshest lemons I hav...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 March 2015 /

Green Bean Delivery Service

My husband and I made a decision back in 2012 that we wanted to eat healthier food, not just getting away from processed foods but actually eating food that came from local farms, or farms that we could actually go and visit, such as those who sell at Farmer's Markets. For one entire summer we purchased only food that came from a 50 mile radius.  That was an interesting summer!  It got us interested in growing some of our own produce.  We've always had some type of garden, but we really concentrated on getting items that we knew we'd eat regularly.<br />
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We talked to our neighbors about this and found that many of them were using a delivery service called Green Bean Delivery.  When we did our research, we were really excited about joining in on this service.  The food is grown on The Feel Good Farm in central Indiana and the EcOhio Farm near Cincinnati.  Both farms encourage natural habitats for wildlife. Other farms provide produce that is in season.   We like that the farms and company are family owned, that we manage our produce online, personalizing our deliveries to what we want and like, the food is fresh and guaranteed, and that we can also purchase locally produced foods.<br />
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Here's how it works for us:

I get an email from Green Bean that says my order is due by noon on Monday (this is for a Thursday delivery).  I log onto the site, and place my order.  We order a small bin (there are a choice of three sizes) and it comes pre-filled, which we then adjust to our liking.  Some of our neighbors never look at the website, just allowing whatever appears at their doorstep to be the veggies of the week.  We spend approximately $40 every other week on veggies for the two of us. We eat a lot of veggies!! I submit my order and then an email arrives to confirm it.

On Thursday, a cute little Green Bean delivery truck stops by the house and delivers this to our porch:<br />
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We bring the crate inside and start to unpack it.  It looks like this we when start:<br />
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The crate is lined with styrofoam and filled with ice packets.  Don't worry, the styrofoam and the ice packets are returned each week, you trade out this crate for the next one, and reused.  <br />
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Once the top lid is opened, it reveals this:<br />
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the fruits and veggies that are packed inside!  I usually set them all out and look at each carefully.  I like to make sure each bundle is fresh, and I have never found a veggie that wasn't!<br />
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This is what this crate held:  two cauliflower, a broccoli, a cabbage, a romaine, a cucumber, a bag of Brussels sprouts, blueberries and strawberries, cilantro and two avocados.  Yum!<br />
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We are sold on this type of slow food eating!

Green Bean Delivery Service

My husband and I made a decision back in 2012 that we wanted to eat healthier food, not just getting away from processed foods but actually ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 March 2015 / cookies , Creative Cookie Exchange , Dessert , Snickerdoodles , white chocolate

#Creative Cookie Exchange: White Chocolate Snickerdoodles

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<a href="http://www.thespicedlife.com/creative-cookie-exchange" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://www.thespicedlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Creative-Cookie-Exchange-2014.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love the flavor of white chocolate, real white chocolate, which is actually rather an ivory color.  White chocolate has cocoal butter, milk and sugar in it and has a strong flavor all of its own.  I think if you taste white chocolate and think it is going to taste like milk, dark, or any other kind of chocolate, you might be disappointed!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This cookie uses white chocolate pudding for its flavor base.  The flavor is gentle, and allows the cinnamon to shine as well.  Delicious, soft, with a bit of chew, cookie!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5Pw8YFaCpI/VQXfAw7u2PI/AAAAAAAAOjs/qeBrhYB5Tqc/s1600/White%2BChocolateSnickerdoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="WhiteChocolate Snickerdoodles" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5Pw8YFaCpI/VQXfAw7u2PI/AAAAAAAAOjs/qeBrhYB5Tqc/s640/White%2BChocolateSnickerdoodles.jpg" title="WhiteChocolate Snickerdoodles" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The theme this month is White Chocolate! White chocolate is seriously underrated as a baking ingredient--it complements so many other flavors so nicely, like citrus, spices, berries, winter squash, etc. So if you want to see all the ways white chocolate can be used to make terrific cookies, you have come to the right place! If you are a blogger and want to join in the fun, contact Laura at thespicedlife AT gmail DOT com and she will get you added to our Facebook group, where we discuss our cookies and share links.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You can also just use us as a great resource for cookie recipes--be sure to check out our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thespicedlife/creative-cookie-exchange/">Pinterest<span style="color: black;"> </span>Board</a> and our monthly posts (you can find all of them <a href="http://www.thespicedlife.com/creative-cookie-exchange">at The Spiced Life</a>). You will be able to find them the first Tuesday after the 15th of each month! Also, if you are looking for inspiration to get in the kitchen and start check out what all of the hosting bloggers have made</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Citrus and Olive Oil Biscotti with White Chocolate Chunks from <a href="http://www.thespicedlife.com/" target="_blank">The Spiced Life</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">White Chocolate Snickerdoodles from <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" target="_blank">Our Good Life</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Japanese Yuzu Citrus Biscotti from <a href="http://ninjabaker.com/" target="_blank">NinjaBaker</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Vanilla, Currant, and White Chocolate Cookies from <a href="http://karenskitchenstories.com/" target="_blank">Karen’s Kitchen Stories</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Liquid Cocaine (Espresso-White Chocolate) Cookies from <a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/" target="_blank">Food Lust People Love</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies from <a href="http://magnoliadays.com/" target="_blank">Magnolia Days</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matcha and White Chocolate Cookies from <a href="http://www.spiceroots.com/" target="_blank">Spiceroots</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">White Chocolate Pumpkin Bars from <a href="http://www.upstateramblings.com/" target="_blank">Upstate Ramblings</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oatmeal Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Toffee Bits from <a href="http://www.abakershouse.com/" target="_blank">A Baker’s House</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Black Bottom Banana & White Choc Chunk Blondies from <a href="http://bakinginpyjamas.com/" target="_blank">Baking in Pyjamas</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">White Chocolate oreo cheesecake Cookies from <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Made With Love</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Key Lime White Chocolate Cookies from <a href="http://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" target="_blank">Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cashew and White Chocolate Chip Cookies from <a href="http://curries-shilpi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simplyveggies</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">White Chocolate Oreo Blondies from <a href="http://sidewalkshoes.com/" target="_blank">Sidewalk Shoes</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">White Chocolate Lemon and Oats Cookies from <a href="http://www.bakingyummies.com/" target="_blank">Bakingyummie<span style="color: black;">s.com</span></a></span></li>
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White Chocolate Snickerdoodles</div>
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<div class="single_recipe_text" id="author" style="color: black; font-size: 15px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0;">
by <span class="author">Terri Steffes</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 15 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 10 minutes per batch</span></div>
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<script type="text/javascript">document.write('<ifr'+'ame s'+'rc="ht'+'tp://www.recipage.com/new_pageCreator/media_bar.php?recipe_id=6071385" width="100%" height="50px" fr'+'ameborder="0" scrolling="no"></ifr'+'ame>');</script><br />
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Ingredients</div>
<ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 c butter, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3/4 c brown sugar, packed</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 small box white chocolate pudding</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 t vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 1/4 c flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 t baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 t salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 t cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/3 c sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 1/2 t cinnamon</li>
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Instructions</div>
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Preheat oven to 350.  Lay parchment sheets on your cookie sheets.</div>
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Mix 1/3 c sugar and 1 1/2 t cinnamon together and set aside.</div>
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Mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together and set aside.  Cream butter and sugars together.  Add in eggs, beat until thoroughly mixed.  Add in dry ingredients and mix until well blended.  Scoop dough and form balls.  Roll balls in cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Place balls on cookie sheet, about 1" apart.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Let cool a minute before removing from cookie sheet.  Cool on racks.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekfvCnVKEBo/VQXhLMrm9OI/AAAAAAAAOj4/DTPZ2dfwchg/s1600/WhiteChocoSnicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White Choco Snicks" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekfvCnVKEBo/VQXhLMrm9OI/AAAAAAAAOj4/DTPZ2dfwchg/s640/WhiteChocoSnicks.jpg" title="White Choco Snicks" /></a></div>

#Creative Cookie Exchange: White Chocolate Snickerdoodles

I love the flavor of white chocolate, real white chocolate, which is actually rather an ivory color. White chocolate has cocoal butter, ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 March 2015 /

Today Around the Garden

Over the weekend I like to do a walk around our backyard and garden area.  It's starting to get exciting around the house!  While not much is happening quite yet in the ground that we can see, the trees are starting to bud!  That is exciting news for our household, as last year none of our trees made it through the winter.  The trees were still under warranty, and we had the nursery plant them, so there was no question that the trees had the best possible conditions to grow, but just didn't!<br />
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Our herb garden is showing some signs of life as well.  The onion chives are greening up and starting to grow!  I love chives in eggs, salads, and even laid across a sandwich.  So good!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSMTOTXYWXE/VQbcz8BrDiI/AAAAAAAAOkg/J_W87Z7XU5A/s1600/chives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chives" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSMTOTXYWXE/VQbcz8BrDiI/AAAAAAAAOkg/J_W87Z7XU5A/s1600/chives.jpg" title="chives" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next week we'll take a look at the new butterfly garden that is going in!  We had our plans approved at the General Assembly and now we are set to get started!  Hosting a Garden Club meeting at my house tonight!

Today Around the Garden

Over the weekend I like to do a walk around our backyard and garden area. It's starting to get exciting around the house! While not mu...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 13 March 2015 / Aunt Francis , desk , family history , Grandpa Joe , Holt , Ley , Meinhardt , wedding photo , Wien

Show and Tell Friday

I am eager to join<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-balcony-show-and-tell-friday.html"> Cindy at My Romantic Home</a> for Show and Tell Friday. You'll enjoy this link up because Cindy has a beautiful, nationally recognized blog with great posts.  These posts must be something from your home or garden.  I like to see what others have posted about their homes.<br />
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Last week I did my show and tell on a Monday and I am now switching to Fridays so I can join up with Cindy. Sorry for the confusion! For the next few weeks we will be in my study. So many interesting things in here, and since I use it as my home office, I love that I am surrounded by things that give me such pleasure.

This first post is about Bob's Aunt Francis' desk. We were the happy recipients of the desk when Aunt Francis passed away.  She was 103 years old!  That is an interesting fact for this reason: when Francis was a young girl, she would ride the horse with her siblings to school.  She was considered frail, and if the weather got too bad, she was sleep over at the school with the nuns, rather than risk getting sick.  <br />
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Francis Ley Meinhardt was born in 1892 in Wien, Missouri.  She was the sister to Bob's grandmother Caroline Ley Steffes.  When Francis was young, she would ride the wagon from the farm to the church in Wien.  The family would pack their lunch and take it with them, eating it on the church lawn before heading home.  <br />
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Francis was interested in gardening and horticulture as a young adult.  She helped a neighbor who was called Uncle Gus with the orchards around Wien.  She had her eye on a man who grew up in Wien, and declared she would marry only him.  Unfortunately, he was already married.  When Joseph Francis "Frank" Meinhardt's wife passed away, Frank came home to Wien.  He and Francis were married in October of 1933.  Frank was 61 and Francis was 41.  They moved to Florida.  Frank had invested in oil and gas companies in Texas and they were doing well.  When Frank died, Francis moved back to Missouri, building a home in Macon behind the home of her niece, Lorraine.  She lived there until she died in 1996.  <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ019yaDQcM/VP-z_Adbf0I/AAAAAAAAOhQ/btYikbhq5u4/s1600/Francisweddingphoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Francis Meinhardt wedding" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ019yaDQcM/VP-z_Adbf0I/AAAAAAAAOhQ/btYikbhq5u4/s1600/Francisweddingphoto.JPG" title="Francis Meinhardt wedding" width="418" /></a></div>
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Which leads me to my Show and Tell:  Bob was the recipient of her writing desk when Francis passed away.  This desk is in my study and I use it primarily for correspondence.  I love to write out my Christmas cards here, sending notes and cards to friends and family from time to time.  You can see the pile of Easter cards that I am sending later.  I love the nooks and crannies of this desk, plus the ample drawer space holds a lot of papers, memoirs, and books.<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/-MXENIHA_Kcc/VP-2eaIVDuI/AAAAAAAAOhc/8vSIIUCB1O0/s1600/IMG_5996_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aunt Francis' desk" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXENIHA_Kcc/VP-2eaIVDuI/AAAAAAAAOhc/8vSIIUCB1O0/s1600/IMG_5996_2.jpg" title="Aunt Francis' desk" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Francis' desk.  Truman's bed is in front of it, beside my work desk.</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-LOBzbKHb4/VP-2h9vfJ1I/AAAAAAAAOhs/X4i8RO5KSxU/s1600/IMG_5997_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Desk Aunt Francis" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-LOBzbKHb4/VP-2h9vfJ1I/AAAAAAAAOhs/X4i8RO5KSxU/s1600/IMG_5997_2.JPG" title="Desk Aunt Francis" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the desk, I love all the compartments!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wclDIoLOSA/VP-2f7JMxgI/AAAAAAAAOhk/JCOiwS97doA/s1600/IMG_5998_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wclDIoLOSA/VP-2f7JMxgI/AAAAAAAAOhk/JCOiwS97doA/s1600/IMG_5998_2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding picture of my grandparents (Holt) and a doll teacup from Cedar Point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DryaNCZpFPk/VP-2jZcVbnI/AAAAAAAAOh0/vkf7lCvz5rk/s1600/IMG_6002_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grandpa's baby photo" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DryaNCZpFPk/VP-2jZcVbnI/AAAAAAAAOh0/vkf7lCvz5rk/s1600/IMG_6002_2.jpg" title="Grandpa's baby photo" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandfather Joe Oliver's baby photo</td></tr>
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This is Aunt Francis' desk, still being lovingly used by her family, who misses her kind words and gentle spirit.

Show and Tell Friday

I am eager to join Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. You'll enjoy this link up because Cindy has a beautiful, nation...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 12 March 2015 / Columbia , Ernies , films , Governor Nixon , Jimmy Chin , Kaldi's , Lucys , True/False Film Festival

True/False Film Festival 2015

My husband and I are big fans of documentary films.  We became such big fans because the town we lived in for many years hosts a documentary film festival called True/False.  Bob has gone every year since it started in 2003, but I was a late bloomer not joining the fun until 2007.<br />
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The Festival does many community minded events, such as raising money to support one film maker through the True Vision Award, and the True Life Award, which gives money to a social issue that is being made aware through film. Last year Pay the Artist was added, giving financial assistance to film makers, producers and others to attend the festival and offer an opportunity to attendees to ask questions about the films.<br />
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The community spirit for this event is amazing.  Over 900 volunteers help with the daily management, local restaurants beef up staff so that movie goers aren't waiting too long for food, local schools raise funds for the various awards, and all the musicians who play at each venue.  True/False is a well received event from the locals.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musicians, called buskers, are at each venue before the film starts.</td></tr>
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This year we saw an amazing list of films.  Ones that really stuck with us were:  <i>Going Clear</i>, a film about the inside workings of Scientology, <i>Best of Enemies</i>, a film about the political debates between William Buckley and Gore Vidal during the Nixon years, <i>Meru,</i> a film about the efforts of three rock climbers to scale Meru, <i>The Measure of All Things</i>, a film about the lives of those in the Guinness Book of World Records, <i>Tea Time</i>, a film that chronicals the life of six women from Chile who had monthly tea parties for over 60 years, and <i>Tales of the Grim Sleeper,</i> a film that shows the alleged killing spree of Lonnie Franklin who remained in the worst part of LA, killing for years, in plain sight.  All films that were able to move you in ways that you didn't know you had in you.  Making you think about things in this world in a different way.<br />
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Our daughter and her husband joined us a few years ago and now it is an annual family outing.  We see some of the same films, some different, and we have such interesting discussions about what we learned.  <br />
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There are some traditions of course... it is vital that we have pierogies made by Café Poland.  So <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBHDpXrBxvI/VQEDpT1FBXI/AAAAAAAAOiY/Wq9hDAktG4c/s1600/IMG_5876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pierogies" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBHDpXrBxvI/VQEDpT1FBXI/AAAAAAAAOiY/Wq9hDAktG4c/s1600/IMG_5876.jpg" title="pierogies" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmiWCm8XkX4/VQEDn83If0I/AAAAAAAAOiI/fpdoRJX-Tyc/s1600/IMG_5884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Governor and Mrs. Nixon" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmiWCm8XkX4/VQEDn83If0I/AAAAAAAAOiI/fpdoRJX-Tyc/s1600/IMG_5884.jpg" title="Governor and Mrs. Nixon" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Governor and Mrs. Jay Nixon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the movies where we all attended!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernies for breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2GxvuqcFtA/VQEDu7kHpwI/AAAAAAAAOi4/V9YmEEGznQE/s1600/IMG_5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jimmy Chen" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2GxvuqcFtA/VQEDu7kHpwI/AAAAAAAAOi4/V9YmEEGznQE/s1600/IMG_5938.jpg" title="Jimmy Chen" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Chin, was in Meru. It was COOL to see him up close.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley and Mom, with Dad photobombing!</td></tr>
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good, portable and inexpensive!  We have to shop at the True/False merchandise areas.  This year I found darling earrings made by Lee Elementary School students, where I taught for many years, and my favorite notebooks with the T/F logo on them.  Also purchased a banner for the Mizzou Room!<br />
We must have lots of coffee from <a href="http://kaldiscoffee.com/">Kaldi's</a> and have breakfast at least once at Lucy's and <a href="http://www.cafeberlincomo.com/">Café Berlin</a>.<br />
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This was another fabulous year.  We are looking forward to next year, which is already on the calendar.  March 3-6. 2016.  If you are a Columbia native and haven't gone yet, then this is the year that you go!

True/False Film Festival 2015

My husband and I are big fans of documentary films. We became such big fans because the town we lived in for many years hosts a documentary...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 March 2015 / fireplace , recipe , shake , shamrock , St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl

Top o' the morning to ya!   The wearing of the green, banishing of snakes, picking out your lucky four leaf clovers.  I'll be wearing some green, usually a pair of shamrock earrings that I got in the 80s when I was a teacher in Columbia.  The kids love that stuff.<br />
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Today I am participating in a lovely blog hop, where you visit various blogs on a similar theme.  Our hostess is Kathleen from <a href="http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/">Cuisine Kathleen</a> blog. Head over there and you will see a lot of fun posts on St. Patrick's day, early enough that you still have time to try a craft, or make a meal, or make this delicious Shamrock Shake!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqTZQVeTvtQ/VP98sPYrvMI/AAAAAAAAOhA/GAG4OduFH_M/s1600/ShamrockShake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shamrock Shake" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqTZQVeTvtQ/VP98sPYrvMI/AAAAAAAAOhA/GAG4OduFH_M/s1600/ShamrockShake.jpg" title="Shamrock Shake" width="480" /></a></div>
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This delightful treat will be so tasty on St. Patrick's Day and won't ruin your healthy eating plan.  All you do is combine 1 c of almond milk (1 point) with 2 T sugar free, fat free pudding mix (1), 1 t vanilla, 2 T fat free cool whip (1) and ice, about 8 regular sized cubes.  Add a few drops of green food coloring and a smidgen of mint (NOT peppermint) extract.  Blend together and pour into a mug.  I usually set the mug into the freezer for 10 minutes and then enjoy!<br />
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Do you do a lot of decorating at home with St. Patrick's Day?  I usually have a decoration on the front door and do a little something with the fireplace mantel and I have a really cute sequined shamrock box that sits on the end table.  That's usually all I do because the next holiday is EASTER and I really like to decorate for Easter!!<br />
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Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl

Top o' the morning to ya! The wearing of the green, banishing of snakes, picking out your lucky four leaf clovers. I'll be wearin...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 31 March 2015 / anniversary , Ashley and Eric , Brasserie , brunch , cocktail , French 75 , Niche

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 March 2015 / Garden , Winter

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 March 2015 / apartment shopping , New Town , Padavans , Saint Charles , sunset , Wine Bar

Posted by Terri Steffes / 25 March 2015 / DAR , Florence Oliver Leach , North Caroline , Richard Oliver , Sissy

Posted by Terri Steffes / 24 March 2015 / avenue , clayton , prairie mule , vodka

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 March 2015 / catmint , daylilies , gardening. azaleas , knockout roses

Posted by Terri Steffes / 22 March 2015 / #SundaySupper , cookies , Dessert , girl scouts , lemon , Lemonade cookies , Spring Fling

Posted by Terri Steffes / 19 March 2015 / afghan , Chickberry , Holt , Marceline , Oliver , painting cork , quilts , railroad , Strippy Quilt , teacups

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 March 2015 /

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 March 2015 / cookies , Creative Cookie Exchange , Dessert , Snickerdoodles , white chocolate

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 March 2015 /

Posted by Terri Steffes / 13 March 2015 / Aunt Francis , desk , family history , Grandpa Joe , Holt , Ley , Meinhardt , wedding photo , Wien

Posted by Terri Steffes / 12 March 2015 / Columbia , Ernies , films , Governor Nixon , Jimmy Chin , Kaldi's , Lucys , True/False Film Festival

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 March 2015 / fireplace , recipe , shake , shamrock , St. Patrick's Day

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