Secret Recipe Club Reveal

This is my second assignment with the <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/">Secret Recipe Club</a> and I was given the beautiful blog of <a href="https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/">Without Adornment</a> to choose a recipe from.  It was with great pleasure that I chose the <a href="https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/roasted-vegetable-and-sausage-pasta/">Roasted Vegetable and Sausage Pasta</a>.  This is something my husband and I would love, as we are big fans of all things sausage, and roasted vegetables!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76YF1H8X_Pg/Vih1bqHMA4I/AAAAAAAAUbY/xEmmQpwe1PM/s1600/newsrcbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76YF1H8X_Pg/Vih1bqHMA4I/AAAAAAAAUbY/xEmmQpwe1PM/s400/newsrcbanner.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> While she has quite a few recipes to choose from, like these <a href="https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/feed-me-seymours-grilled-caramelized-pineapple/">Carmelized Pineapple Slices</a> and these beautiful <a href="https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/fish-tacos-with-mango-salsa/">Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa</a>, I was completely fascinated by her photography!  What beautiful photographs, like this post taken in <a href="https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/2014/06/28/quebec-travels-fun-times/">Quebec</a>.<br /> <br /> Her photographs show a beautiful soul, and as you dig deeper into her blog, you can find beautifully written essays about discovering herself, such as this line from a 2012 post:<br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "bitstream charter" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px;"><br /></span> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "bitstream charter" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px;"><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "bitstream charter" , serif; line-height: 23.8px;">But I didn’t as there was an angel there who caught me because God wanted me to live.</span> </i></span></div> <br /> <br /> Sigh, isn't that lovely??<br /> <br /> Back to the dish.<br /> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gluten, Dairy and Egg Free Roasted Vegetable and Sausage Pasta</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by Without Adornment</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42eXd5wVn0w/Vih0eIqUyAI/AAAAAAAAUbM/jQrp7FjUwXc/s1600/p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42eXd5wVn0w/Vih0eIqUyAI/AAAAAAAAUbM/jQrp7FjUwXc/s640/p.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <em style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em> <em style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em> <em style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 Servings</em></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 12 oz Pasta<br /> 6 Large Sausages (Or 12 if smaller)<br /> 1 lb grape, cherry or other small tomatoes<br /> 2 small zucchinis, halved and sliced<br /> 1 lb mushrooms, washed and quartered<br /> 1 onion, chopped<br /> 1 pepper, diced<br /> 1 bunch of asparagus, ends broken off and cut into pieces<br /> 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets<br /> Olive Oil<br /> Salt<br /> Pepper<br /> Garlic Powder<br /> Any other seasonings you desire</div> <ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px 0px 1.7em 2.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preheat BBQ or oven to 450F. Coat a non-stick pan with olive oil.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Toss veggies in a few tbsps of olive oil until coated. Spread out on pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Roast veggies for ~30 minutes until the veggies are soft, the tomatoes have burst and there is liquid in the pan.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meanwhile, cook the pasta and grill or fry the sausages, pronking them with a fork or knife to let the fat out.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Once the sausages are cooked, paper towel the grease off and slice.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can either assemble the meal in your bowl/on your plate or put everything in the pasta pot and stir until the pasta is coated in the tomato juices. You can add a bit of oil if the pasta is too dry for your liking. Salt and pepper to taste.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Enjoy!</li> </ol> <div> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "bitstream charter" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px;">We halved this recipe to work for the two of us.  Our sausages were small so we sliced them up. We also used what veggies we had on hand.  This was so good and we did follow the suggestion of stirring until the pasta was coated with tomato sauce adding a little olive oil and adding salt and pepper and cheese. Delicious!</span></span></div> <div> <br /> If you desire to be a part of the Secret Recipe Club, please head to the link above and check it out!  Beware, you will have a good time, eat great food and make wonderful friends!<br /> <br /> <div 255="" background-color:="" class="InLinkzContainer" font-size:="" id="</font><font style="color: rgb(53, 28, 117); font-family: " ms="" rgb="" sans-serif="" small="" trebuchet=""> <br /></div> </div> <!-- start InLinkz script --><br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="559658"> <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=559658" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->

Secret Recipe Club Reveal

This is my second assignment with the Secret Recipe Club and I was given the beautiful blog of Without Adornment to choose a recipe from. ...

Halloween Outside Decorations Home Tour!

A few of us Halloween fans got together to show you our outdoor Halloween home decorations.  For many, October is one of their favorite times to decorate.  While I am still #1 with Christmas, it is fun to decorate for Halloween because it is all about the kids!<br /> <br /> Our Halloween decorations tend to be more on the side of whimsical than frightening.  We have a lot of small children in our neighborhood and I want them to WANT to come to our house to trick-or-treat.  So all the ghosts, scarecrows and goblins are friendly ones at the Steffes house!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYnW9WIK0DU/Vg2P7uuhBCI/AAAAAAAAUNY/7tkxlIF1hz0/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYnW9WIK0DU/Vg2P7uuhBCI/AAAAAAAAUNY/7tkxlIF1hz0/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the wrap around porch.  Witches, leave your brooms at the door, please.  Loving the purple mums and the striped gourds!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkq-FBZsoQI/Vg2P7gboEuI/AAAAAAAAUNc/Gw2C1Nb_A3I/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkq-FBZsoQI/Vg2P7gboEuI/AAAAAAAAUNc/Gw2C1Nb_A3I/s640/031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the house, with its ghosts and pumpkins!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc71SNjvKFc/Vg2P952pP4I/AAAAAAAAUNs/Q0YLi2rUdnw/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc71SNjvKFc/Vg2P952pP4I/AAAAAAAAUNs/Q0YLi2rUdnw/s640/032.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the ghosts hanging from the tree!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_XUfZMpqSs/Vg2P-UPUpKI/AAAAAAAAUN0/FCmSFXavE2M/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_XUfZMpqSs/Vg2P-UPUpKI/AAAAAAAAUN0/FCmSFXavE2M/s640/033.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This screen wire ghost is friendly, even though he is a bit scary.</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu8Bp8oPRMI/Vg2P_-dZGqI/AAAAAAAAUOE/9Mf-v671rvo/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu8Bp8oPRMI/Vg2P_-dZGqI/AAAAAAAAUOE/9Mf-v671rvo/s640/035.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crow pillow was a find at a local shop, Dwell in Design, here in New Town.  The mum is from Steven's Produce.  I love the jack-o'lantern bucket!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V57DZWRtuoU/Vg2QB5XKcpI/AAAAAAAAUOQ/DNDsFJr9vCA/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V57DZWRtuoU/Vg2QB5XKcpI/AAAAAAAAUOQ/DNDsFJr9vCA/s640/037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OSNM8bhaM/Vg2QCrxVtbI/AAAAAAAAUOc/Ln2fuFnoaoA/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OSNM8bhaM/Vg2QCrxVtbI/AAAAAAAAUOc/Ln2fuFnoaoA/s640/038.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> Some other friends have their outdoor decorations up and running and you will have so much fun seeing the creativity displayed throughout the blog world  Go and check out:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1fltbRlgIg/VihzHgo7jYI/AAAAAAAAUa8/gkvMCSVh6lg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1fltbRlgIg/VihzHgo7jYI/AAAAAAAAUa8/gkvMCSVh6lg/s640/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> These lovely ladies have their homes decorated, come and see their lovely decorations! <br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/spooktacular-garden-decor">Garden Chick</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.newhousenewhomenewlife.com/2015/10/home-garden-bl%E2%80%A6fall-home-tour.html">New House New Home New Life</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odhWhxJDEL8/VihzfJZS75I/AAAAAAAAUbE/m686zXuXORk/s1600/12177325_10153689084359932_1266317009_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odhWhxJDEL8/VihzfJZS75I/AAAAAAAAUbE/m686zXuXORk/s640/12177325_10153689084359932_1266317009_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2015/10/outdoor-halloween-house-tour-and-blog.html">The Freshman Cooks!</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://spoilmyfamily.com/our-family-traditions-for-halloween/">Spoil My Family</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywPv-u4Ydo/VhGiVVXloRI/AAAAAAAAURY/IJYTamZDUwM/s1600/HalDec1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywPv-u4Ydo/VhGiVVXloRI/AAAAAAAAURY/IJYTamZDUwM/s320/HalDec1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.annsentitledlife.com/holidays/easy-diy-halloween-glitter-witchs-broomstick/">Ann's Entitled Life</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PiNPDX32Lo/VhGiz2_0KZI/AAAAAAAAURg/wJev-3IY8sM/s1600/HalDec2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PiNPDX32Lo/VhGiz2_0KZI/AAAAAAAAURg/wJev-3IY8sM/s320/HalDec2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> <a href="http://www.threedifferentdirections.com/diy-halloween-luminaries.html">Three Different Directions</a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUBytSJRGDY/Vh1bcBDMvWI/AAAAAAAAUWg/Ty4jFrCoGx4/s1600/HalloweenLights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUBytSJRGDY/Vh1bcBDMvWI/AAAAAAAAUWg/Ty4jFrCoGx4/s320/HalloweenLights.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/spooktacular-garden-decor">Garden Chick</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.newhousenewhomenewlife.com/2015/10/home-garden-bl%E2%80%A6fall-home-tour.html">New House New Home New Life</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2015/10/outdoor-halloween-house-tour-and-blog.html">The Freshman Cooks!</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://thegardeningcook.com/autumn-makeover/">The Gardening Cook</a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> You can join the fun by adding your own outdoor decorations to our linky party!  Join us here!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> </div> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="574199"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=574199" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

Halloween Outside Decorations Home Tour!

A few of us Halloween fans got together to show you our outdoor Halloween home decorations.  For many, October is one of their favorite time...

#CreativeCookieExchange: Pumpkin Oatmeal with White Chocolate M & Ms

This month our #CreativeCookieExchange members are playing with pumpkin!  You are going to find all kinds of pumpkiny goodness in the form of cookies, just in time for your Halloween or Thanksgiving fun.<br /> <br /> This cookie recipe was inspired by one I saw on pinterest that used chocolate chips.  I was in Walgreen's and saw the white chocolate M & Ms and was sold.  Perfect for pumpkin!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwfqHBb0Y6E/ViFCshBQXnI/AAAAAAAAUY0/j7FtERh2SqE/s1600/pumpkin%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwfqHBb0Y6E/ViFCshBQXnI/AAAAAAAAUY0/j7FtERh2SqE/s640/pumpkin%2Bcookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <pre id="html_code" style="white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><code><div class="hrecipe f12"> <div class="fn single_recipe_header" style="font-size: 18px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0px;"> Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with White Chocolate M & Ms</div> <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"> 8 minutes</span></div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 8-10 minutes</span></div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0px;"> </div> <div id="ingredients"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="clear: both; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px;"> Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (2 dozen)</span></div> <ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="font-size: 14px;"> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 c butter, softened</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 c pumpkin puree</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 c granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 c brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 t vanilla</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 1/2 c rolled oats</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 1/4 c flour</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 t pumpkin pie spice</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 t baking soda</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 t salt</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 pkg white chocolat m & ms</li> </ul> </div> <div id="instructions"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="font-size: 18px; padding: 0px;"> Instructions</div> <div class="instruction"> In a mixer bowl, beat together butter, sugars and pumpkin. Add vanilla and beat thoroughly. Add in spice, oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Beat until well mixed. By hand add in M & M candies. Drop 1 T sized cookies on cookies sheet.</div> <div class="instruction"> Bake at 350 on a greased cookie sheet for about 8 minutes. Bottoms should be light brown. Cookies will firm slightly as they cool.</div> </div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 653px;"> Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a></div> </div> </code></pre> <pre id="html_code" style="white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><code><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFfncZIZMd4/ViFDC_EnTFI/AAAAAAAAUZE/PBu_1KizF64/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFfncZIZMd4/ViFDC_EnTFI/AAAAAAAAUZE/PBu_1KizF64/s640/054.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </div> </code></pre> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.thespicedlife.com/creative-cookie-exchange"><img height="200" src="http://www.thespicedlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Creative-Cookie-Exchange-2014.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <ul> <li><a href="http://magnoliadays.com/2015/mexican-chocolate-pepita-shortbread-cookies/" target="_blank">Mexican Chocolate Pepita Shortbread Cookies</a> by Magnolia Days</li> <li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/2015/10/peanut-butter-pumpkin-cookies.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies</a> by Food Lust People Love</li> <li><a href="http://www.ashaggydoughstory.com/blog/2015/10/18/pumpkin-butterscotch-cookies-creativecookieexchange" target="_blank">Pumpkin Butterscotch Chip Cookies</a> by A Shaggy Dough Story</li> <li><a href="http://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2015/10/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> by Karen's Kitchen Stories</li> <li><a href="http://studyathomemama.ca/kids-kitchen-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> by Stay at Home Mama</li> <li><a href="http://www.upstateramblings.com/pumpkin-date-cookies/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Date Cookies</a> by Upstate Ramblings</li> <li><a href="http://www.thespicedlife.com/2015/10/pumpkin-drop-cookies-white-chocolate-chunks-3-ways.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Drop Cookies with White Chocolate Chunks</a> by The Spiced Life</li> <li><a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2015/10/creativecookieexchange-pumpkin-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Oatmeal with White Chocolate M&Ms</a> by Our Good Life</li> <li><a href="https://isingcakes.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/pumpkin-oats-and-sunflower-seeds-cookies/" target="_blank">Pumpkin, Oats and Sunflower Seeds Cookies</a> by ISingCakes & More</li> <li><a href="http://2cookinmamas.com/2015/10/20/pumpkin-spice-cookies-creativecookieexchange/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Cookies</a> by 2Cookin' Mamas</li> <li><a href="http://www.abakershouse.com/2015/10/pumpkin-spice-cut-out-cookies.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Cut Out Cookies</a> by A Baker's House</li> <li><a href="http://www.floursandfrostings.com/pumpkin-thumbprints-creativecookieexchange/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Thumbprints</a> by Flours & Frostings</li> </ul> <ul> </ul>

#CreativeCookieExchange: Pumpkin Oatmeal with White Chocolate M & Ms

This month our #CreativeCookieExchange members are playing with pumpkin!  You are going to find all kinds of pumpkiny goodness in the form o...

Top Ten Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is being creative with the leftovers!  Do you have a family favorite?  We really don't, because we love to try new things! <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrqDh7vqDRo/ViEb9lrklII/AAAAAAAAUYg/R6wHLhfhmYA/s1600/TopTenThanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrqDh7vqDRo/ViEb9lrklII/AAAAAAAAUYg/R6wHLhfhmYA/s640/TopTenThanks.jpg" width="448" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Our Top Ten group is focusing and Thanksgiving and Harvest as our Top Ten theme this month.  Go and check out all the participants below for their wonderful contributions.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60c_6jBbHn4/ViZOimpBO-I/AAAAAAAAUaA/OsSBBGoP_WU/s1600/TopTenThanks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60c_6jBbHn4/ViZOimpBO-I/AAAAAAAAUaA/OsSBBGoP_WU/s320/TopTenThanks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> 1.  Turkey Enchiladas.  A very different flavor profile from traditional Thanksgiving makes these an extra tasty treat.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oN_3yI-Qe7M/ViEI6AplwwI/AAAAAAAAUW4/tsGPPxlFUL0/s1600/TurkeyEnch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oN_3yI-Qe7M/ViEI6AplwwI/AAAAAAAAUW4/tsGPPxlFUL0/s640/TurkeyEnch.JPG" width="614" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/turkey_enchiladas/">http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/turkey_enchiladas/</a><br /> <br /> 2.  This has ALL the flavor profile of Thanksgiving, but with the goodness of something grilled and yummy...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFWdDGkhOhI/ViEJXLk2D1I/AAAAAAAAUXA/vMOIi8e_bIU/s1600/1turkeybrie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFWdDGkhOhI/ViEJXLk2D1I/AAAAAAAAUXA/vMOIi8e_bIU/s640/1turkeybrie.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.willcookforsmiles.com/2014/11/turkey-cranberry-brie-grilled-cheese.html">http://www.willcookforsmiles.com/2014/11/turkey-cranberry-brie-grilled-cheese.html</a><br /> <br /> 3.  What a fabulous way to use leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes!  Yummy!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Px3IPP12Lls/ViEJyrKq66I/AAAAAAAAUXI/o6bLeauEfHU/s1600/1mashed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Px3IPP12Lls/ViEJyrKq66I/AAAAAAAAUXI/o6bLeauEfHU/s640/1mashed.JPG" width="620" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://pocketchangegourmet.com/mashed-potato-stuffing-patties-thanksgiving-leftovers/">http://pocketchangegourmet.com/mashed-potato-stuffing-patties-thanksgiving-leftovers/</a><br /> <br /> 4.  These egg baskets use leftover stuffing for the shell.  I think it sounds like the perfect breakfast for the day after Thanksgiving!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3dBQps84ow/ViEKQUa96QI/AAAAAAAAUXQ/qgDzTOsel74/s1600/1egg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3dBQps84ow/ViEKQUa96QI/AAAAAAAAUXQ/qgDzTOsel74/s640/1egg.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.jillianharris.com/food-friday-thanksgiving-leftovers-menu-2/">http://www.jillianharris.com/food-friday-thanksgiving-leftovers-menu-2/</a><br /> <br /> 5.  Who doesn't love stromboli?  Using the turkey and additional sauces make this a delicious treat.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydqq7gjIE6A/ViEQACkkdDI/AAAAAAAAUXg/t-Mjkncfjmo/s1600/1strom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydqq7gjIE6A/ViEQACkkdDI/AAAAAAAAUXg/t-Mjkncfjmo/s640/1strom.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://betsylife.com/2014/11/05/thanksgiving-leftovers-stromboli/#_a5y_p=2785798">http://betsylife.com/2014/11/05/thanksgiving-leftovers-stromboli/#_a5y_p=2785798</a><br /> <br /> 6.   I love the creativity of quesadillas.  This one, using the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner, would be a welcome meal in our house.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIj2oRyBMEw/ViEQtkSyPxI/AAAAAAAAUXo/GAV77QS7V4A/s1600/1quesa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIj2oRyBMEw/ViEQtkSyPxI/AAAAAAAAUXo/GAV77QS7V4A/s640/1quesa.JPG" width="420" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://creativesavingsblog.com/recipe-box/cheesy-turkey-and-ranch-quesadillas/#_a5y_p=2917527">http://creativesavingsblog.com/recipe-box/cheesy-turkey-and-ranch-quesadillas/#_a5y_p=2917527</a><br /> <br /> 7.   Everyone has to have a casserole dish that uses Thanksgiving leftovers.  Casseroles are so comforting and if you are a bit sad that Thanksgiving is over, this will relive all those wonderful family moments.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6UGypQ2Hkc/ViERrWBomCI/AAAAAAAAUX0/ezkBKq9a644/s1600/1cass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6UGypQ2Hkc/ViERrWBomCI/AAAAAAAAUX0/ezkBKq9a644/s640/1cass.JPG" width="590" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/thanksgiving-leftover-casserole.html">http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/thanksgiving-leftover-casserole.html</a><br /> <br /> 8.  I am a waffle freak!  I make cookies using my waffle iron!  It is awesome!  So adding this one is a no brainer!  Uses leftover stuffing and eggs to make these waffles.  I am going to have to make a lot of stuffing this year!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcf4vwKIaCU/ViESXrb3kCI/AAAAAAAAUX8/9v25i35Z60c/s1600/1waff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcf4vwKIaCU/ViESXrb3kCI/AAAAAAAAUX8/9v25i35Z60c/s640/1waff.JPG" width="554" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.justataste.com/thanksgiving-leftover-stuffing-waffles-recipe/">http://www.justataste.com/thanksgiving-leftover-stuffing-waffles-recipe/</a><br /> <br /> 9.  Turkey pot pies.  Oh yes.  This is a favorite all winter for me.  Cooking a turkey just for the meat isn't possible for us, so twice a year we get to use turkey.  We love these!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2fP5nfZ_bU/ViEZiXvv0XI/AAAAAAAAUYM/fEVyOBZy8Lw/s1600/1TPP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2fP5nfZ_bU/ViEZiXvv0XI/AAAAAAAAUYM/fEVyOBZy8Lw/s640/1TPP.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.pinkwhen.com/turkey-pot-pie-recipe/#_a5y_p=2553240">http://www.pinkwhen.com/turkey-pot-pie-recipe/#_a5y_p=2553240</a><br /> <br /> and 10.  This is sure to please:  turkey and cranberry pizza.  Everything tastes good on a beautiful pizza crust.  I cannot wait to try this with my family!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN1wAIwr0bo/ViEaJXjWAVI/AAAAAAAAUYU/70P5otHlz_o/s1600/1turkeypizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN1wAIwr0bo/ViEaJXjWAVI/AAAAAAAAUYU/70P5otHlz_o/s640/1turkeypizza.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://reciperunner.com/turkey-cranberry-bbq-sauce-pizza/">http://reciperunner.com/turkey-cranberry-bbq-sauce-pizza/</a><br /> <br /> Do you have a favorite way to use Thanksgiving leftovers?  Leave me your link in the comment box!  Cannot wait to hear from you creative bloggers!<br /> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="https://craftulate.com/2015/09/turkey-crafts-for-thanksgiving.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Turkey Crafts for Thanksgiving</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Craftulate</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://peaklepie.com/top-ten-simple-to-make-harvest-crafts/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Simple to Make Harvest Crafts</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Peakle Pie</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://wittyhoots.com/cms/top-ten-things-to-do-this-harvest-time/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Things to do this Harvest</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Witty Hoots</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://adventuresofadam.co.uk/top-10-harvest-sensory-fun-activities" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Harvest Sensory Fun Activities</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Adventures of Adam </span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.playlearneveryday.com/2015/10/top-ten-thanksgiving-table-decoration.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thanksgiving Table Decoration Crafts</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Play & Learn Everyday</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.pisforpreschooler.com/home/cutest-and-easiest-turkey-crafts-for-kids" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Turkey Crafts for Preschoolers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from P is for Preschooler</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.sunnydayfamily.com/2015/10/thanksgiving-time-savers.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thanksgiving Time Savers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Sunny Day Family</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2015/09/top-ten-thanksgiving-leftovers-recipes.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Our Good Life</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.nemcsokfarms.com/1/post/2015/10/the-perfect-chili-recipe.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Harvest Recipes</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Nemcsok Farms</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/top-10-thanksgiving-printables-for-preschoolers.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thanksgiving Printables for Preschoolers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Living Life and Learning</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.rhythmsofplay.com/top-10-thankful-trees/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thankful Trees</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Rhythms of Play</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.craftykidsathome.com/2015/10/top-10-thanksgiving-sensory-activities.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top Ten Thanksgiving Sensory Activities </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">from Crafty Kids at Home</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://artsymomma.com/2015/10/corn-themed-activities-kids.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Corn Crafts for Kids</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Artsy Momma</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://www.schooltimesnippets.com/2015/10/fine-motor-turkey-activities.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Turkey Themed Fine Motor Activities</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from School Time Snippets</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <a href="http://wp.me/p2C3NH-54T" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Something 2 Offer</span></div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-8ce5c21c-85a5-7a9d-648c-8b3d4e9ddf09"><a href="http://studyathomemama.ca/top-10-harvest-sensory-bins/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 10 Harvest Sensory Bins</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from Study at Home Mama</span></span></div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-8ce5c21c-7159-9024-846c-9063f840f8f0"><br /></span>

Top Ten Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is being creative with the leftovers!  Do you have a family favorite?  We really don't, becaus...

#BundtBakers: Apple Juice Spice Cake with Caramel Apple Glaze

This month in #BundtBakers we were to use a beverage to inspire us.  I also needed to take a little something to a fall party and so this lovely cake was born.  It was inspired by an Orange Juice Cake I saw on Pinterest.  It was an easy spin to use apple juice instead!<br /> <br /> The house smells amazing with the spice cake and the apple.  I used my convection oven and the cake rose and browned beautifully!<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgJp3Tgf1Dk/Vg7FuERJqeI/AAAAAAAAUPA/bnqhy2mxRkU/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgJp3Tgf1Dk/Vg7FuERJqeI/AAAAAAAAUPA/bnqhy2mxRkU/s640/017.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="hrecipe f12"> <div class="fn single_recipe_header" style="font-size: 18px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0px;"> Apple Juice Spice Cake with Caramel Apple Glaze</div> <br /> <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"> 8 minutes</span></div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 50 minutes</span></div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0px;"> </div> <br /> <div id="ingredients"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="clear: both; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px;"> Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (12 servings)</span></div> <ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="font-size: 14px;"> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">For the cake</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 spice cake mix</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 small box instant pudding (vanilla or cheesecake)</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">4 eggs</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 c apple juice</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 c vegetable oil</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">For the glaze</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 c powdered sugar</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/c c apple juice</li> <li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 c caramel dip</li> </ul> </div> <div id="instructions"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="font-size: 18px; padding: 0px;"> Instructions</div> <div class="instruction"> For the cake, preheat oven to 350. Prepare bundt pan, spray with Pam or coat with lard and flour. Mix cake mix, pudding, eggs, apple juice, and oil. Beat for 4 minutes. Pour into bundt pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Invert on a plate and cool thoroughly.</div> <div class="instruction"> For the glaze, boil sugar, juice and caramel over medium heat for two minutes. Let cool completely. Pour over cooled cake.</div> </div> <div class="single_recipe_text" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 653px;"> Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sDgM0BD8mE/Vg7FvT56qNI/AAAAAAAAUPI/FlaVlofAiXo/s1600/AppleJuiceCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sDgM0BD8mE/Vg7FvT56qNI/AAAAAAAAUPI/FlaVlofAiXo/s640/AppleJuiceCake.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok9OHxk6Kqk/Vg7F17S86VI/AAAAAAAAUPQ/nl0R98HzF40/s1600/BundtBakers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok9OHxk6Kqk/Vg7F17S86VI/AAAAAAAAUPQ/nl0R98HzF40/s1600/BundtBakers.JPG" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> </div> </div>

#BundtBakers: Apple Juice Spice Cake with Caramel Apple Glaze

This month in #BundtBakers we were to use a beverage to inspire us.  I also needed to take a little something to a fall party and so this lo...

A Perfect Fall Day: The Frugal Way

<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>What makes fall so special for me, is the wonderful display of color that we get here in Missouri from flowers and trees. The perfect fall day for me is doing a driving trip to see all the fall color around the city.  I always check with the Missouri Department of Conservation to see what the <a href="http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/driving-tours/fall-colors">Fall Color Report </a>is around the state.  This was the report as of Friday:</i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div> <div style="line-height: 23.25px; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems that fall color is a bit reluctant this year with the warmer weather slowing color change in many trees, shrubs, and vines. Species with early fall color are a bit more consistent, but overall color is scattered. Flowering dogwood, Virginia creeper, poison ivy, sassafras, black gum, white ash, persimmon, and sumac have good color, and you may see a few maples and mockernut hickory turning as well. Oaks and many hickory species are still green.</span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 23.25px; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Areas away from the St. Louis metro will have greater color, so consider a day trip to Meramec Conservation Area or Meramec or Washington State Parks. Remember to enjoy the late season wildflower displays to enhance your fall color tour!</span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 23.25px; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2S1O-37cbU/VhiB2Z0JamI/AAAAAAAAUU0/7gULNKoeSQg/s1600/4035177565_47f77b4761_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2S1O-37cbU/VhiB2Z0JamI/AAAAAAAAUU0/7gULNKoeSQg/s640/4035177565_47f77b4761_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color from the 2014 season</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbHtwZVWMno/VhiB2K04ICI/AAAAAAAAUUw/hhsS_5Z8FrQ/s1600/4035920556_e98f4fcbdf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbHtwZVWMno/VhiB2K04ICI/AAAAAAAAUUw/hhsS_5Z8FrQ/s640/4035920556_e98f4fcbdf_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color from the 2014 season</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="line-height: 23.25px; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The wildflowers are going crazy around us, though, so it is fun to see all the flowers on the side of the road. Collect a few,  and make a beautiful arrangement for your home!  When you go out to collect, take a 5 gal bucket half filled with water, and 1 T of clorox in it.  When you cut your stems, cut them long and put them in the water immediately.  This will help keep your flowers fresh!</i></span></div> <div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.25px; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fku5rSQGj9g/Vhh-uGKnaeI/AAAAAAAAUUY/7NkuE02I9fI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fku5rSQGj9g/Vhh-uGKnaeI/AAAAAAAAUUY/7NkuE02I9fI/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Ann's lace, asters, ragweed, coreopsis, all taken roadside!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Missouri is home to Homecoming, and the University of Missouri is home to the first Homecoming!  You can see the parade for free by heading downtown Columbia, finding a good place to sit, and letting the bands play, the children chase candy, and floats roll right on by!  Missouri high schools have homecomings, too, and your local high school may have a parade you can attend!  If you are lucky, you might see Truman while at MU!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d-U3hD1V4/VhiB22GBOpI/AAAAAAAAUU4/dQ5iFWnYMcs/s1600/img_4067_5253878525_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d-U3hD1V4/VhiB22GBOpI/AAAAAAAAUU4/dQ5iFWnYMcs/s640/img_4067_5253878525_o.jpg" width="444" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There are many fun, fall things to do that don't cost a lot of money, but that will make memories for years to come.  Step outside, and check it out!</div> </div>

A Perfect Fall Day: The Frugal Way

What makes fall so special for me, is the wonderful display of color that we get here in Missouri from flowers and trees. The perfect fall d...

Tipsy Tuesday: Pumpkin Pie Martini

Our cooking club met again this weekend and make recipes using cauliflower.  We made pizza crust, wings and soup.  All the recipes were delicious, then Linda brought out her concoction: a Pumpkin Pie Martini.  She and her husband are working on their bartending skills.  I think they mastered it with this drink!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHr0AbSK7mk/VhsGC7GkzOI/AAAAAAAAUVY/h6pL_8mFTcI/s1600/pumpkinpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHr0AbSK7mk/VhsGC7GkzOI/AAAAAAAAUVY/h6pL_8mFTcI/s640/pumpkinpie.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> Pumpkin Pie Martini<br /> <br /> 1 part rumchata<br /> 1 part pumpkin liqueur<br /> 1 part whipped cream vodka<br /> 2 parts half and half<br /> a sprinkle of 5 spice<br /> whipped cream<br /> <br /> Shake with crushed ice, strain.  Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of 5 spice.  Delicious.<br /> <br /> You can make it and store it in the refrigerator, too.  Then it is available any time you need it!  Joining my friend, Pam at <a href="http://www.greyisthenewblack.com/">The Grey is the New Black Tipsy Tuesday</a>.  Come and see all the yummy goodness there!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU-6zWl147w/VhsGhU04omI/AAAAAAAAUVo/MfHIB6z_DyU/s1600/Tipsy-tuesday-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU-6zWl147w/VhsGhU04omI/AAAAAAAAUVo/MfHIB6z_DyU/s1600/Tipsy-tuesday-S.jpg" /></a></div> <br />

Tipsy Tuesday: Pumpkin Pie Martini

Our cooking club met again this weekend and make recipes using cauliflower.  We made pizza crust, wings and soup.  All the recipes were deli...

30+ Fall Home Decor Ideas: It's Friday We're In Love

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHChtF4ZlVA/Vhh0CiCdplI/AAAAAAAAUUM/Q5HMvkLwnNo/s1600/ItsFridayFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHChtF4ZlVA/Vhh0CiCdplI/AAAAAAAAUUM/Q5HMvkLwnNo/s640/ItsFridayFall.jpg" width="448" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #464e54;">It’s Friday, and we’re in Love with Fall Decor!  This is the fourth installment of our weekly link-up party, </span><strong><a href="http://www.nemcsokfarms.com/friday-linky.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title=""><u><span style="color: #a64d79;">It’s Friday, We’re In Love</span></u></a></strong><span style="color: #464e54;">!  Each week, one of our 8 co-hosts will share featured ideas we LOVE from that week’s theme.</span><br style="color: #464e54;" /><span style="color: #464e54;"></span><br /><br style="color: #464e54;" /><span style="color: #464e54;"></span><span style="color: #464e54;">We kicked off our party when </span><a href="http://www.sunnydayfamily.com/2015/09/awesome-apple-ideas.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title=""><u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Sunny Day Family featured Apples</span></u></a><span style="color: #464e54;">.  Next up </span><a href="http://playgroundparkbench.com/2015/09/50-autumn-leaf-activities-crafts-decor-its-friday-were-in-love/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title=""><span style="color: #a64d79;">Playground Parkbench featured Leave</span></a><a href="http://playgroundparkbench.com/2015/09/50-autumn-leaf-activities-crafts-decor-its-friday-were-in-love/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title=""><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">s</span></a><span style="color: #464e54;"><span style="background-color: white;">,</span>  then</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="http://www.craftykidsathome.com/2015/09/30-owl-arts-crafts-activities-its-friday-were-in-love.html" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title=""><span style="color: #a64d79;">Crafty Kids at Home Featured Owls</span></a></span><span style="color: #464e54;">, and last week it was</span><span style="color: orange;"> <a href="http://www.nemcsokfarms.com/1/post/2015/10/40-ways-to-decorate-craft-cook-and-play-with-pumpkins-its-friday-were-in-love.html">pumpkins at Nemcsok Farms!</a>  </span><span style="color: #666666;">It is a virtual good time here with all the fun activities!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I am in love with the adorable frameable that you can make using your own printer!  Check out </span><a href="http://www.wherethesmileshavebeen.com/sassy-witch-printed-on-burlap/" style="font-family: inherit;">Where the Smiles Have Been</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"> for the instructions.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_RQhB0kXgg/VhhwAv8bXpI/AAAAAAAAUTk/i2OfPmMzXok/s1600/Burlap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_RQhB0kXgg/VhhwAv8bXpI/AAAAAAAAUTk/i2OfPmMzXok/s640/Burlap.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">And what about this pillow!  The pattern is free over at<a href="http://hudsonsholidays.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-most-jolly-halloween-freebie.html"> Hudson's Holidays! </a> What a charmer that little cat is!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tJR99-XyXs/VhhwgN6m8aI/AAAAAAAAUTs/r2OSbUSnBo0/s1600/hallocatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tJR99-XyXs/VhhwgN6m8aI/AAAAAAAAUTs/r2OSbUSnBo0/s640/hallocatt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Then you have to go over to <a href="http://www.lostgenygirl.com/creating-fall-printables-with-photoshop-graphic-stock/">Gen Y Girl </a>and check out her tutorial for making your own fall printables.  She is one talented lady. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFfz7Iezv2E/VhhxJROyccI/AAAAAAAAUT0/5fnm68l4zZg/s1600/Hello-Autumn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFfz7Iezv2E/VhhxJROyccI/AAAAAAAAUT0/5fnm68l4zZg/s640/Hello-Autumn1.png" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">This gorgeous set of golden fall pumpkins was made by <a href="http://www.newhousenewhomenewlife.com/2014/09/gold-painted-pumpkins.html#sthash.pUtbbI6r.dpbs">New House New Home New Life</a>.  A simple craft that carries a big punch.  Her blog is filled with ideas like this!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LD-NJ7XW44I/Vhhxv-IWJGI/AAAAAAAAUT8/d-XhT3xgQiY/s1600/IMG_83051-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LD-NJ7XW44I/Vhhxv-IWJGI/AAAAAAAAUT8/d-XhT3xgQiY/s640/IMG_83051-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">For more wonderful ideas, check out the bottom of this post and be sure to add your own fall decor ideas!  The blogging world is filled with talented people!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Get to know our hosts by following them on social media!  We are a wide range of interests and so  you will get a lot of great content!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://playgroundparkbench.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">PlaygroundParkbench</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/playgroundparkbench" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/playgroundpb/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://instagram.com/pgpbmeghan/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Instagram</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sunnydayfamily.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Sunny Day Family</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sunnydayfamily" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/laurasunnyday/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://instagram.com/sunnydayfamily/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Instagram</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.nemcsokfarms.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Nemcsok Farms</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nemcsokfarmsontario" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/nemcsokfarms" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftykidsathome.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Crafty Kids at Home</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/craftykidsathome?ref=hl" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Multicraftmum/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://instagram.com/craftykidsathome/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Instagram</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Gardenchick</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegardenchick" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/KarenCreel/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Our Good Life</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsteffes" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tsteffes/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/tsteffes" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Instagram</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rhythmsofplay.com/" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: none;">Rhythms of Play</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center; widows: auto;"> <div style="margin: 0px;"> <div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">                                                     <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rhythmsofplay" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rhythmsofplay/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/rhythmsofplay/" style="color: #25526a; text-decoration: none;">Instagram</a></span></div> </div> <br /> <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=552882" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #f05123; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Fall Décor</a>  </div> Check back in late October to see our Thanksgiving, Winter and Christmas links! <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="552882"> </div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

30+ Fall Home Decor Ideas: It's Friday We're In Love

It’s Friday, and we’re in Love with Fall Decor!  This is the fourth installment of our weekly link-up party,  It’s Friday, We’re In Lo...

Cancer and Birthdays.

<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is something about cancer survivors.  We find each other, draw strength from one another's journeys.  This is the case of Heather and me, who found each other on this vast world of the internet.  She heard about my journey and reached out, as cancer survivors often do.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">My blog is pretty full of my own cancer story, and six years out, I am starting to feel that maybe I have beaten cancer back.  I am too afraid to say outloud that I have beat cancer! because I know too many people who have and reoccurances after ten or more years.  What I will say that is that every day that I am cancer free, I am filled with gratitude.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">October is my cancer free anniversary, and this year, since I celebrated my milestone 5 years last year, I have decided to take a quieter approach.  I decorated this adorable little tree with breast cancer ornaments, and it will remain in my office at home through Christmas.  I am looking forward to filling it up with pink!  I will celebrate six years of being cancer free every day when I look at it!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Caxw-IrHBn0/VhKbjdNuS0I/AAAAAAAAUS8/rNaKVWIXzK0/s640/blogger-image-1707752108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Caxw-IrHBn0/VhKbjdNuS0I/AAAAAAAAUS8/rNaKVWIXzK0/s640/blogger-image-1707752108.jpg" width="252" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">On to Heather's story, she is a ten year survivor of <span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; font-weight: 600; text-align: justify;">malignant pleural mesothelioma. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; text-align: justify;">Don't know what this is? I didn't either, until I read <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/survivor/#intro">Heather's story</a> at her blog. </span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> M</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">esothelioma is a preventable cancer that is associated exclusively with asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, in the U.S. and other countries, this toxic material has not yet been banned, so people continue to be exposed to it. Mesothelioma can affect the organs in your body. (For Heather, it affected the lining of her lungs, and her left lung). </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">On her blog, she decribes her symptoms, and how she got this cancer.  So innocent.  She talks about her determination to beat the odds, which were not good.  It is a true story of survival.  Please go to her site and read her story.  Cancer survivors need to tell their story.  It helps us all.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuYeNDRzUlU/VhKQCy6WvNI/AAAAAAAAUR0/cpC9vgR4Q4I/s1600/IMG_8856%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuYeNDRzUlU/VhKQCy6WvNI/AAAAAAAAUR0/cpC9vgR4Q4I/s400/IMG_8856%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323130; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> This is Heather and her husband, Cam.  Cam strikes me as a man who also has a large dose of determination in his body, too.  As I read about him, it reminded me of the strength of my own husband, who never missed an appointment, surgery or meeting as it pertained to my cancer.  This quote from Cam expresses well what most husbands must feel:<br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">“When my wife, Heather, began her battle with cancer, I was fortunate enough to be able to be with her for her surgery in Boston. But when cancer strikes a family, life unfortunately isn’t put on pause. Having to return to work while she went through her recovery process left me feeling helpless. However, I quickly learned that just because I was far away, didn’t mean I couldn’t still care for her in a meaningful way.”</span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you suspect or know someone dealing with this type of cancer, please direct them <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/">here</a> to get more information.  Have them read Heather's story and let them know there is hope.  </span></span><br /> <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also wanted to post today to celebrate my friend Linda's birthday.  She, too, is going through her own cancer journey.  I want her to see all the hope that is out there in the world, people surviving against unthinkable odds.  Happy birthday, dear, sweet friend.  Happy birthday.</span></span><br /> <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgCy8gW78qc/VhKaPHIq8xI/AAAAAAAAUSQ/YbjTAzGvS6M/s1600/Linda1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgCy8gW78qc/VhKaPHIq8xI/AAAAAAAAUSQ/YbjTAzGvS6M/s640/Linda1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our most recent photo, taken after dinner at O'Donough's, in September, 2015.  Me, Linda, Ashley and Charlotte.</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUGGE00V3c4/VhKaPEzxdKI/AAAAAAAAUSI/rtqBChmcLX8/s1600/Linda2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUGGE00V3c4/VhKaPEzxdKI/AAAAAAAAUSI/rtqBChmcLX8/s640/Linda2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four of us again!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIh-1WhFMFs/VhKaPXI06dI/AAAAAAAAUSM/My167kK4who/s1600/Linda3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIh-1WhFMFs/VhKaPXI06dI/AAAAAAAAUSM/My167kK4who/s640/Linda3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda joined a book club I was in, and enhanced our conversations with her insights and wisdom.</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Sgr9bWGGM/VhKaP6oKYuI/AAAAAAAAUSs/qKcKV-YmGSw/s1600/Linda4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Sgr9bWGGM/VhKaP6oKYuI/AAAAAAAAUSs/qKcKV-YmGSw/s640/Linda4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunco Babes!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7WJmU9L2Ok/VhKaQEUnjWI/AAAAAAAAUSc/O1SE46d7MNo/s1600/Linda5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7WJmU9L2Ok/VhKaQEUnjWI/AAAAAAAAUSc/O1SE46d7MNo/s640/Linda5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Linda and Ashley, right before my cancer surgery.  Showing support by wearing this cute tees!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aajWBq3arAQ/VhKaQOb3xcI/AAAAAAAAUSg/8V15nWT8X7M/s1600/Linda6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aajWBq3arAQ/VhKaQOb3xcI/AAAAAAAAUSg/8V15nWT8X7M/s640/Linda6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of our fabulous Bunco Babes!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <br /> <br />

Cancer and Birthdays.

There is something about cancer survivors.  We find each other, draw strength from one another's journeys.  This is the case of Heather ...