tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47852736916068224242023-11-16T08:45:36.126-06:00Jenna Blogs"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comBlogger1446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-4505446618508465452017-03-01T08:02:00.000-06:002017-03-01T08:02:04.777-06:00Teppan Edo: An Epcot Restaurant Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up in my lineup of restaurant reviews is Teppan Edo. Located in the Japan section of Epcot, you'll want to check in outside and get your pager. Their pager works in the entire Japan section, so you'll have quite a bit to do while you wait. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once paged, you'll walk up a large set of cement stairs to the restaurant entrance. You'll be paged with the entire group of people who will be at your table. We have a local restaurant like Teppan Edo here, and they cram about 10-12 people at a grill. At Teppan Edo, there are 8 seats per grill, which gives everyone much more space. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNRdZwtVhMFEwxI1beIOsRYMZwv4Pm2k1uV1vvA7vQ58OjqBfFylEZesNLIFq7GsWxMdAT-y-rXSrYd5L6QFyn5Wt_0hbksDt9jAKESZthAdI6eyEcshfaUjyX0wBcI320lfno32hdIpg/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNRdZwtVhMFEwxI1beIOsRYMZwv4Pm2k1uV1vvA7vQ58OjqBfFylEZesNLIFq7GsWxMdAT-y-rXSrYd5L6QFyn5Wt_0hbksDt9jAKESZthAdI6eyEcshfaUjyX0wBcI320lfno32hdIpg/s640/IMG_2932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once seated, a waitress (or team of two waitresses in our case) came to the table to get our drink orders, then brought us salads, soup for the kids and then beef rice. The salad was good, and typical of other Japanese teppenyaki restaurants I've been to. The soup they brought the kids was a miso soup and I thought it tasted like soap, but to each his own. The beef rice was DELISH! I loved it! I added some of the white sauce because I could drink that stuff, but Chris didn't and he still loved it. We placed our orders during this time and then the chef came out.<br />
<br />
<br />
Our chef was fantastic. She started out with a oil Mickey. One major difference here is they don't light the grill on fire. All of the other similar restaurants I've been to do, so my kids were a little disappointed at that - but hey, they were at <i>Disney</i> for crying out loud. They'll live. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEKKU9BXVns2FuYZohgZZf-qx5S1yyFMlNQ3A7VZavoIyd9kSOL8JlEFj9FcJBmDOXJ_uuZRBFBXA8bHwQIqvHXwYy0MmF47L9cBddgY7u2Wa9Z2DVT1LCxaJMsxn1qz3jDNjgvSHgRii/s1600/IMG_2933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEKKU9BXVns2FuYZohgZZf-qx5S1yyFMlNQ3A7VZavoIyd9kSOL8JlEFj9FcJBmDOXJ_uuZRBFBXA8bHwQIqvHXwYy0MmF47L9cBddgY7u2Wa9Z2DVT1LCxaJMsxn1qz3jDNjgvSHgRii/s640/IMG_2933.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our chef was super friendly and funny and the kids loved her. Unlike most other grills (I feel like I keep saying that), the only things they cook live are the udon noodle/veggie mix and your meat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry for the unattractive photo, but this was my dinner:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWYcqhKGNK47arde4wOENSwhRGdZt_iotukdP5IKE-Mj84Y9czDp5ydd8BKGC44YO1JYYa9luG8zMHfaSN3yKBlVFC7v0Z05vyEe4Jh6kD6Ry63C3AHM3X1yh-IHGPM-VguIDQ3Oq_vzt/s1600/IMG_2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWYcqhKGNK47arde4wOENSwhRGdZt_iotukdP5IKE-Mj84Y9czDp5ydd8BKGC44YO1JYYa9luG8zMHfaSN3yKBlVFC7v0Z05vyEe4Jh6kD6Ry63C3AHM3X1yh-IHGPM-VguIDQ3Oq_vzt/s640/IMG_2934.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We were all pleased with the food. Although this didn't make our list of places to revisit, we did enjoy our dinner very much. Our table-mates were very friendly and had kids of similar ages, which was really nice. <br />
<br />
The only thing I found lacking was their dessert options, but while you're in Epcot, there are so many other things you can go get! If you have the dining plan, you may as well use it to try something new, but if you don't like it, use your snack credits elsewhere for a great dessert. I'll share some of my favorites in another post.Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-86290244212004836292017-02-27T08:03:00.000-06:002017-02-27T08:03:17.049-06:00Rose & Crown Review: An Epcot UK Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you follow me on Instagram, or have followed my blog for awhile, you know I'm a HUGE fan of all things British. Chris and I are actually taking a trip to London and Scotland in a couple of months (I plan on blogging it). How I've made it four years without eating at the Rose and Crown in Epcot is beyond me, but we finally made it a reality!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1UisXKQXorsNY-GYTvwFphBIyKvIPa3NuKfcKTXXe0_kA60CmXk-y8opLC8g9K_nAmugaS2ksb9kx_PMxHuhXL72R0kQ8LnWQvXEQkSi_RneUf5XLFn3yuM9Hk7Jc6bXm2QFV7_0knwu/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1UisXKQXorsNY-GYTvwFphBIyKvIPa3NuKfcKTXXe0_kA60CmXk-y8opLC8g9K_nAmugaS2ksb9kx_PMxHuhXL72R0kQ8LnWQvXEQkSi_RneUf5XLFn3yuM9Hk7Jc6bXm2QFV7_0knwu/s640/IMG_2924.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have a reservation for the R&C, you check in outside and they'll give you a pager. I think we had ours for about 90 seconds before they buzzed us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWSrOX0oKYJa3vtvtqnsN3UsuMFLNxWs9nd3HT9TglOI8P1msyIU9AgBsHmCv9Vzi9XzN9AaWGk1QTHNxFWaKHM26WvJIRlNeEtN6lbEWA717b1ReFTubpdIVXYk1pmB0Un9RwX_mv_CY/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWSrOX0oKYJa3vtvtqnsN3UsuMFLNxWs9nd3HT9TglOI8P1msyIU9AgBsHmCv9Vzi9XzN9AaWGk1QTHNxFWaKHM26WvJIRlNeEtN6lbEWA717b1ReFTubpdIVXYk1pmB0Un9RwX_mv_CY/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From what I could see, there were two main dining rooms plus the pub area. We sat in this room:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sEiSOgv4vQE1X3hpA23zwHe8Etz5u7PNdmWP3Aw5X3D82Wq-HNPj91jl4TeIzpmrGenoCOu0rZzNMtvFKt0prpSO2rsuBQFn4lGmP3y1V1GVhj80xNmZnsPa9nJYBv4mV0ZhHzZQAQ1G/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sEiSOgv4vQE1X3hpA23zwHe8Etz5u7PNdmWP3Aw5X3D82Wq-HNPj91jl4TeIzpmrGenoCOu0rZzNMtvFKt0prpSO2rsuBQFn4lGmP3y1V1GVhj80xNmZnsPa9nJYBv4mV0ZhHzZQAQ1G/s640/IMG_2922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And you walked through this one to get there. I probably would have requested this one had I known, but it really didn't matter. I just loved the roof. Very reminiscent of Hampton Court Palace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogmb49iVlTzMbmJXwrnFZRp_cTR2PTIr2Ape-0-ZzDj80EuyL7KiBKKOsow9zqtCW4cWueccPdzOlCOcBWoQD1z8hjxqCIU-Da7_pKxLZ3HPskhqCxyQJvvINuh8cr65dFb49HD8dBbJj/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogmb49iVlTzMbmJXwrnFZRp_cTR2PTIr2Ape-0-ZzDj80EuyL7KiBKKOsow9zqtCW4cWueccPdzOlCOcBWoQD1z8hjxqCIU-Da7_pKxLZ3HPskhqCxyQJvvINuh8cr65dFb49HD8dBbJj/s640/IMG_2923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had lunch reservations, so I snagged a photo of the menu for you. You can always check the menus for all Disney restaurants on their website. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a single table service credit restaurant for those of you who are on the dining plan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XZxoFOXQRTXUe_9-ux1IoPxk9egb5lyGN7cM9kQTcgVhvUZror9zLkXJeEZZ8n9HGgagC9skFkUR-o2llao7TOqWZQHNC_LjqChkK0eFr61AuyApEj0fIwqeLhxW8Ikqya0B87iPDxD_/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XZxoFOXQRTXUe_9-ux1IoPxk9egb5lyGN7cM9kQTcgVhvUZror9zLkXJeEZZ8n9HGgagC9skFkUR-o2llao7TOqWZQHNC_LjqChkK0eFr61AuyApEj0fIwqeLhxW8Ikqya0B87iPDxD_/s640/IMG_2928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brayden decided to be adventurous and have the children's banger and mash. A "banger" is their term for a sausage. I tasted it and it was really good!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXO9I2HvgvlsB51kvP2n-k5NmZcwTjVtBAIJQ4ROlQopo6SQB7DD6urwaJU6JwCafqORusFlIUIL-E91ecZx-rSxBmWAW8EIZC-jP_w4QaGSf31HAPtDshsq-Q2A4wT33-wgWtbHPI6A_/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXO9I2HvgvlsB51kvP2n-k5NmZcwTjVtBAIJQ4ROlQopo6SQB7DD6urwaJU6JwCafqORusFlIUIL-E91ecZx-rSxBmWAW8EIZC-jP_w4QaGSf31HAPtDshsq-Q2A4wT33-wgWtbHPI6A_/s640/IMG_2925.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Chris went with the corned beef and cabbage. He said it was alright, but not as good as my mom's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaYFcXDpCquu72hiwXF3ys1LXfe3pnQXbxBAfbEakj-Y6SjDplJkhzKOX-yh5oO7BcjhdOMVsIUo9B1QgLpSjcZjrMukBUE3Rx3OEbZVtNHK1VXo7up5AIivgbLvt3WLaOkurC3fEaKNm/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaYFcXDpCquu72hiwXF3ys1LXfe3pnQXbxBAfbEakj-Y6SjDplJkhzKOX-yh5oO7BcjhdOMVsIUo9B1QgLpSjcZjrMukBUE3Rx3OEbZVtNHK1VXo7up5AIivgbLvt3WLaOkurC3fEaKNm/s640/IMG_2926.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we were there on a Sunday, they offered a "Sunday roast" which was not on the menu. This is very traditional in England - on Sunday they'll roast up a cut of meat, and serve it with vegetables and yorkshire pudding, which is like a popover that has deflated and is made with the drippings of the meat that is roasted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I opted for the Sunday roast as it was turkey. It came with roasted potatoes, yorkshire pudding, onion stuffing, peas and carrots and topped with gravy. It was spectacular!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAlNJeMQGdLems9WL7jJ1bFgONiUffOLGudmKXt-CarEtsg8ZDcKGw_NBFAzzdcoraMo5UU5oXxlnhHGUXk2inyw7BqFPAjZlhfx-wYw1PascxPpg-k9Tifu4iUUfiDRnTt9-d40t5lNq/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAlNJeMQGdLems9WL7jJ1bFgONiUffOLGudmKXt-CarEtsg8ZDcKGw_NBFAzzdcoraMo5UU5oXxlnhHGUXk2inyw7BqFPAjZlhfx-wYw1PascxPpg-k9Tifu4iUUfiDRnTt9-d40t5lNq/s640/IMG_2927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we were on the dining plan, and this was a table service restaurant, we got to choose a dessert. I went with the Jaffa Tart which had candied oranges with it. It was really good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXrBtICt4YIBAT-UhO0GzEOccucq5-QCxwIeBxIRwbNCKs1bVUYj3dXZ7iYACqWWLek1d57VHqWwosYMn4ThT2m7KwRyFhKvMLEDT0L5ezC-MGldu2-ha7Kq0ImAhFRqe_6BiIDb2_6So/s1600/IMG_2929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXrBtICt4YIBAT-UhO0GzEOccucq5-QCxwIeBxIRwbNCKs1bVUYj3dXZ7iYACqWWLek1d57VHqWwosYMn4ThT2m7KwRyFhKvMLEDT0L5ezC-MGldu2-ha7Kq0ImAhFRqe_6BiIDb2_6So/s640/IMG_2929.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chris had the sticky toffee pudding and loved it. I tasted it and it was delicious! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB-Fik-u7TIf-D6ZVkLjhcutHLn0TmqB9-ZkTNRDhBQTuqjVnQhKmeiPSCcjQ5qZPg8_Iw579zMqpk_oF2NOz-OaEXVXkjhGtmc1Z1uGSfrf3qbe4X7gkK0FJF92Z2Rjp6drckIJcRY1l/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB-Fik-u7TIf-D6ZVkLjhcutHLn0TmqB9-ZkTNRDhBQTuqjVnQhKmeiPSCcjQ5qZPg8_Iw579zMqpk_oF2NOz-OaEXVXkjhGtmc1Z1uGSfrf3qbe4X7gkK0FJF92Z2Rjp6drckIJcRY1l/s640/IMG_2930.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you're a bit of an anglophile, or just love good comfort food, I recommend trying out Rose and Crown. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food and can see ourselves going back again!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-38129020184534595572017-02-24T08:02:00.000-06:002017-02-24T08:02:08.597-06:00Raglan Road Review: A Disney Springs Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every time we visit Disney, we try to eat somewhere new. We have our old standbys, family favorites that we have to eat at every time, but this year, we added a few new restaurants, including Raglan Road.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGn9b6Mg6-NkNIrKnpVWLI8dQop9aKxWVGDDGhDfGAl0230HaV0JoDwvWfM8KcH-5ZlM-yV2O_9MSB5OfVYZPwwHgXeRJX4jA0LeplOoKWCVgmgA0xs0wadLHwEEtSEEvDrBSgDv3nlHP/s1600/IMG_2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGn9b6Mg6-NkNIrKnpVWLI8dQop9aKxWVGDDGhDfGAl0230HaV0JoDwvWfM8KcH-5ZlM-yV2O_9MSB5OfVYZPwwHgXeRJX4jA0LeplOoKWCVgmgA0xs0wadLHwEEtSEEvDrBSgDv3nlHP/s640/IMG_2900.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Raglan Road is located in Disney Springs (which is awesome, by the way). If you're on the Disney Dining Plan, you can eat here for one table service credit each. They also have a quick service restaurant called Cookes of Dublin, though we didn't eat there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The inside of this place is so, so cool!! From the moment we walked in, we knew we'd found something special! There's a stage on the far right of the photo below, and a small, single person stage below the left center chandelier. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFKPxkmiKSfNsQZrLvEeXf1QCVer9uaXFvRufY_MvbDtg9tGBx8RV1mT6D3wSaa3SEsc3jVLo4vqeEGeDkxE855p3mdPvGNHvqlBVZsMOYS0lGfJdfyG1QHgpuPRP804Ug4fi5i1YAEZ_/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFKPxkmiKSfNsQZrLvEeXf1QCVer9uaXFvRufY_MvbDtg9tGBx8RV1mT6D3wSaa3SEsc3jVLo4vqeEGeDkxE855p3mdPvGNHvqlBVZsMOYS0lGfJdfyG1QHgpuPRP804Ug4fi5i1YAEZ_/s640/IMG_2901.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They have Irish singers and dancers, and they even picked a few kids to join them on stage. If you know my kids in real life, you'll know who ran up there and who stayed at the table. ;-) I'll give you a hint; Brody's nickname is Crazy (or Trouble...just depends on the day).<br />
<br />
<br />
They bring Irish soda bread to the table to start along with a beer and oil dip. Chris liked the oil but the kids and I requested butter. The soda bread was so good!<br />
<br />
For dinner, Chris had fish and chips. While it was very good, he prefers the fish and chips at Epcot in the UK. I had braised beef and it was outstanding. I loved the presentation!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ8y19U0bf29QWTpbWCWUJW7M0n7KT3nmiegIA7Shq5rCCR23ysvzG_rR6EymPaMUfnkfWaK26-UZqjxzG9ULnRWQhmQ5nV7_aKEMfndSMFJqSW7AY5RRpHKnL6hMOLcqRel49ezYdu2S/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ8y19U0bf29QWTpbWCWUJW7M0n7KT3nmiegIA7Shq5rCCR23ysvzG_rR6EymPaMUfnkfWaK26-UZqjxzG9ULnRWQhmQ5nV7_aKEMfndSMFJqSW7AY5RRpHKnL6hMOLcqRel49ezYdu2S/s640/IMG_2902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we were on the dining plan, we also received dessert. I had the flourless chocolate cake. It was good but not great. I only took two or three bites, but in fairness I was pretty full from my entree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2gzUJpPs519iwuYXJNm0knA2Ez3xyNLa29PSZTCYybTCqLaKLxagnZmsh-K8Svy96l9W4sLDOgSjiu9lyGh1Podv5o09_I8s0BuYrAoewv2Q05GywH0Ham3iYyGnAMf39H0mbPoyK3Wo/s1600/IMG_2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2gzUJpPs519iwuYXJNm0knA2Ez3xyNLa29PSZTCYybTCqLaKLxagnZmsh-K8Svy96l9W4sLDOgSjiu9lyGh1Podv5o09_I8s0BuYrAoewv2Q05GywH0Ham3iYyGnAMf39H0mbPoyK3Wo/s640/IMG_2913.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chris had the peach and apple crumble. It's totally not my thing, so I didn't even try it, but he said it was just okay. If you were paying out of pocket I would recommend skipping dessert here and instead getting something from Sprinkles Cupcakes or the Ghiradelli ice cream shop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkVMZt2cFUOH_Y2hkbNIXjy191gu2G9KDr8kMGehP2urwFEoqKCRVqQG2IFWf22j-YjQ_yJfT8m3Els3tmm7OwLGl2T3fUQ24GqI8jG5Y2Z1-QTA6kBjZm0WYeVyGoP1MVhwe0Nw0qKb6/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkVMZt2cFUOH_Y2hkbNIXjy191gu2G9KDr8kMGehP2urwFEoqKCRVqQG2IFWf22j-YjQ_yJfT8m3Els3tmm7OwLGl2T3fUQ24GqI8jG5Y2Z1-QTA6kBjZm0WYeVyGoP1MVhwe0Nw0qKb6/s640/IMG_2914.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Overall, we will definitely be going back to Raglan Road. It has earned a place on our favorites list because it's just so cool! They have a bar that was directly behind our table that they brought over from Ireland and it's 195 years old! The food was pretty good, though not our favorite, but the atmosphere is what makes this place!<br />
<br />Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-14246142299649612022017-02-22T08:31:00.000-06:002017-02-22T08:31:11.349-06:00Resort Review: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As promised, next up is my review of the Grand Floridian!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCU0GkuGLwrzTvVlhuP898vHQTP8VBkaGCijYTcxOgK9h13THgm4MhtnwZjqPFyPc93TegVOZ8slYpfU9LMYmifEWmpU5X-EcMa0g8u5QGOQTZHl7ku1GdvadhGiy7gB3geYs6gCV3Xo1/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCU0GkuGLwrzTvVlhuP898vHQTP8VBkaGCijYTcxOgK9h13THgm4MhtnwZjqPFyPc93TegVOZ8slYpfU9LMYmifEWmpU5X-EcMa0g8u5QGOQTZHl7ku1GdvadhGiy7gB3geYs6gCV3Xo1/s640/IMG_2897.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We stayed here in November of 2015. See? We don't go every year! We skipped 2016! Ha!<br />
<br />
Once again, we arrived at night, so my pictures are a bit dark. All of the photos from all of these posts have been iPhone photos as well, so they aren't perfect, but you get the idea.<br />
<br />
The lobby of the GF is by far and away the most impressive of the big three. It's stunning. You're often serenaded by live piano music, and it all just feels so grand. For some, that has been a complaint - that it all feels too grand, and even a bit stuffy. Just something to keep in mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqhfEA4QNL3T1IFTyLMuZ5BM23B-BWUY1aSS65RP46UYFMGHYcdR_ZB3-UUHG8_RbnVc8BR3HvcXQeby0lHVt3juqgtyqSjbswD-UhxTr_2z8iGZaBPzmDJhyjEv-1HmGtx8DvX2dBCvF/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqhfEA4QNL3T1IFTyLMuZ5BM23B-BWUY1aSS65RP46UYFMGHYcdR_ZB3-UUHG8_RbnVc8BR3HvcXQeby0lHVt3juqgtyqSjbswD-UhxTr_2z8iGZaBPzmDJhyjEv-1HmGtx8DvX2dBCvF/s640/IMG_2890.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Once again, the bedroom has a similar layout to both the Contemporary and the Poly. I'll go ahead and tell you now that the GF was by far my least favorite. I know. There are people (many that I know!) who absolutely LOVE it. In theory, this should be my favorite hotel. But it's just not. It's not only my least favorite of the big three, it's my least favorite of all the Disney hotels that I have stayed at AND visited. I know. I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVv_y5C9Wro_0dZgJ-l55PR9LClpbMheaxu7hjSXy2DQUiu3n_K9ZzW-QnIALIcEwv-1IFL2frGt0yEQrh-cMuqdynlI12ibgBDDJt6v0y6rHt6i6O2aKn5xY422zeZ0w7EZFnokIFB51/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVv_y5C9Wro_0dZgJ-l55PR9LClpbMheaxu7hjSXy2DQUiu3n_K9ZzW-QnIALIcEwv-1IFL2frGt0yEQrh-cMuqdynlI12ibgBDDJt6v0y6rHt6i6O2aKn5xY422zeZ0w7EZFnokIFB51/s640/IMG_2891.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Take all this with a grain of salt. We all have different opinions. I'll tell you why it was my least favorite though. First, the decor is lacking. It's doesn't really feel Disney to me. It's very...sparse feeling. It also feels old and tired, even though it's been refurbished. They could have done a MUCH better job in my opinion. The mauve and taupe color scheme just isn't for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aaSSzMCmaIcpdH4IqPwo-MX0QjsndBLDPRNMPI7FoXz4nALLuMUXBOvd8R_Eudlvj6e7TrgesAZnsUpsMCpF3cLgbIdKUtPx9p3CdvSpjUwSufIYvZS4bn6rlu3it6jb-u49o-KD2hab/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aaSSzMCmaIcpdH4IqPwo-MX0QjsndBLDPRNMPI7FoXz4nALLuMUXBOvd8R_Eudlvj6e7TrgesAZnsUpsMCpF3cLgbIdKUtPx9p3CdvSpjUwSufIYvZS4bn6rlu3it6jb-u49o-KD2hab/s640/IMG_2892.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The lighting in the bathroom was really poor. If you're practically blind, like me, this is a much bigger deal than it sounds like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0tF5IR0JGtvg1nGKU9v6cZeH-B55hGbHcuKrL3_EnLIaXKlN2Bk4tLLCcWGe5Kfr-_L2-mBMm1ol-BrmmpjCJkBbtg-fVl79QBJCRtjmrkalzElkDr92qNI6boVJt2J9CNDbzeWR0VTQ/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0tF5IR0JGtvg1nGKU9v6cZeH-B55hGbHcuKrL3_EnLIaXKlN2Bk4tLLCcWGe5Kfr-_L2-mBMm1ol-BrmmpjCJkBbtg-fVl79QBJCRtjmrkalzElkDr92qNI6boVJt2J9CNDbzeWR0VTQ/s640/IMG_2893.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The balcony seemed (and in fact, I believe was) much smaller than the other two. It also feels super closed off for some reason. Many rooms had big pine trees obstructing their view of the magic kingdom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe7ELXiS9hwZV8jXGKWp4C3CH-KMqXJTmTPyQsrkDAFg9LznPDOfqo1di206A57e0-WEMq5fhkB9p6j6clBYYv6FoPVo-7rd7xw-LTVOwCf45yz-8pqoeDOpnQ4qxE1PcwaCUnjSIiDfr/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe7ELXiS9hwZV8jXGKWp4C3CH-KMqXJTmTPyQsrkDAFg9LznPDOfqo1di206A57e0-WEMq5fhkB9p6j6clBYYv6FoPVo-7rd7xw-LTVOwCf45yz-8pqoeDOpnQ4qxE1PcwaCUnjSIiDfr/s640/IMG_2894.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For good measure, here's the hall and front door.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ3AYlQaeHZDN8vA_UOm7poYcg3mGqA1wvt5DEsPoBxpXFfbVZTsOCXWLHs-n_I7eIhVoo1l3rjBoDOtNaxI2AybAn6opG6p5XyOJ4M0IqH_l3j1ouHBDKsKuLYnAxFHCzRWxJnp72-GM/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ3AYlQaeHZDN8vA_UOm7poYcg3mGqA1wvt5DEsPoBxpXFfbVZTsOCXWLHs-n_I7eIhVoo1l3rjBoDOtNaxI2AybAn6opG6p5XyOJ4M0IqH_l3j1ouHBDKsKuLYnAxFHCzRWxJnp72-GM/s640/IMG_2895.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The pool was nice, and my kids enjoyed it. We had a very hard time finding anywhere to sit as people had places towels over most of the chairs and then apparently left the area (while still claiming their chairs). I've heard that this is a big problem on cruises as well. There also isn't much shade. That said, the pool is still leaps and bounds better than the one at the Contemporary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxLyCtKWRT9WJSVcFNxVhx89T-F9RYzXNq5WMULv1VRx4FYbphRpQbAD6UfeDUX1p_giWVllaJX7clI-jX0J6YT3yxiTDJ5SR7duS8PplMhKWHhHXscPE-EFzQwLcO8xNZLjt4Km59IZR/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxLyCtKWRT9WJSVcFNxVhx89T-F9RYzXNq5WMULv1VRx4FYbphRpQbAD6UfeDUX1p_giWVllaJX7clI-jX0J6YT3yxiTDJ5SR7duS8PplMhKWHhHXscPE-EFzQwLcO8xNZLjt4Km59IZR/s640/IMG_2898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, I had to share this, because I love it. If you're there during Christmas, they construct a life-sized gingerbread house. They sell shingles in the store just around the corner and they're great! You can even get them dipped in chocolate!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_7y6uXsj-wl5_JwaiJ6IX_wTm4faabh-0bVoUgXeHkWVtEjplYnHNMylH41h6CFAMWB5zEGVtJ_Qgss7UrnaVk8f3UpaQsHodD963oXkxzaML2dmt709ll89zqDY39n3qD_AW-LAF34-/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_7y6uXsj-wl5_JwaiJ6IX_wTm4faabh-0bVoUgXeHkWVtEjplYnHNMylH41h6CFAMWB5zEGVtJ_Qgss7UrnaVk8f3UpaQsHodD963oXkxzaML2dmt709ll89zqDY39n3qD_AW-LAF34-/s640/IMG_2899.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll be sharing more reviews, including a review of our afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, soon! Let me know if you have any questions, or topics you'd like me to cover!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-82623105683867782182017-02-20T08:02:00.000-06:002017-02-20T08:07:28.260-06:00Resort Review: Disney's Contemporary Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up is my review of the Contemporary. I knew we would either love it or hate it, and I was honestly afraid that we might hate it. Why? Because I stayed here twenty something years ago when I was in the 5th grade. I can't believe I'm old enough to say I did something twenty plus years ago. Insert crying emoji here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, I was nervous because my mom still talks about how loud the hotel was and how the Chef Mickey music woke us up at 6am every day (which was like 3am for us because we lived in California then). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The check in process for our split stay was smooth. They texted us that our new room was ready along with the room number, floor number and a map. We still stopped in at the online check-in desk anyway. They were very polite and a manager came over to say hello and to make sure we were all taken care of. Fantastic customer service yet again! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, again, we had a theme park view room, and the layout was almost identical to the layout at the <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2017/02/disney-review-polynesian-hotel.html">Poly</a>. The room is a bit more spacious though, and those couple of extra feet really do make a difference in the feel of the room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again, we had two queen beds and the sofa (and again, the boys had to take turns because they both wanted it). We also had a large desk area with a mirror which is where I dried and curled my hair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJumnSOFo6EgewhxbvP3Oo6DFcd5kjPon9OXFlG2rGFyUe4X9AqkkX7lEXobCq3nRl8z1VkLZ37DTDGf27BH5Rw8zq9AgMC6NiTGlnCpVpYz2ilAsEgMNV7R34su0-CCccdodmDiK2QvVo/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJumnSOFo6EgewhxbvP3Oo6DFcd5kjPon9OXFlG2rGFyUe4X9AqkkX7lEXobCq3nRl8z1VkLZ37DTDGf27BH5Rw8zq9AgMC6NiTGlnCpVpYz2ilAsEgMNV7R34su0-CCccdodmDiK2QvVo/s640/IMG_2949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The bathroom layout was a bit different. Gone was the spacious countertop, which was replaced with two very modern sinks. We developed a wet/dry system. One was used for water, the other for my makeup, ha! I had to put it somewhere!<br />
<br />
The toilet was also in it's own room here as opposed to being right out in the open.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4b1E241XwPro1Nv8PBxUCnWFdxYxTG_913HLOOiUxuhyphenhyphenlBGYs55XL2YKmoSTvoyUXYHPrrSzYtAEXhl6uj28NCUgpKUcIXO2jzIjfdDDjFg-3wu72QU1IYy9NRyJbmcYAJ8AEPFAZ-qI/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4b1E241XwPro1Nv8PBxUCnWFdxYxTG_913HLOOiUxuhyphenhyphenlBGYs55XL2YKmoSTvoyUXYHPrrSzYtAEXhl6uj28NCUgpKUcIXO2jzIjfdDDjFg-3wu72QU1IYy9NRyJbmcYAJ8AEPFAZ-qI/s640/IMG_2880.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The entry, which I didn't really show in my post of the Poly was actually the same.<br />
<br />
One negative difference was how looooow the ceilings are here. I actually cut my hand while wildly gesturing around. Of course, I'm so accident prone that its debilitating so there's no real surprise there. I'm probably the only person in the history of this hotel to pull that off.<br />
<br />
(Sidenote: If you've never seen the video of the Contemporary being build you should watch it! It's on YouTube. They slid the rooms in like pods. It's really cool!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuAtbi2H-GCJNDa8nA8CQtQ_YB61-7Yg8BjE2lFcW8N84UPzW3wvNoA9TWClwM6f-QingarpnFi43iL5MTnU5M8LfTfcWT4OTqN95jnnKgaUWmmWdygCp_-fzDSBdCfFz5-p0jWHT7yGq/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuAtbi2H-GCJNDa8nA8CQtQ_YB61-7Yg8BjE2lFcW8N84UPzW3wvNoA9TWClwM6f-QingarpnFi43iL5MTnU5M8LfTfcWT4OTqN95jnnKgaUWmmWdygCp_-fzDSBdCfFz5-p0jWHT7yGq/s640/IMG_2881.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if this is typical or not, but when we got to our room we had this great little welcome platter! One strawberry is missing because Chris got to it before I could snap a picture. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvwhere6s-bSvye3SkiAGaCjGQISICPTdQHe4jvCF1azL1_Ga2AUYX_QS42W34wwJNMnImnWQcHxU-5HdntxeH8p1lPdwpdK7Zf-rEiUlnV1hUMvg4yboccsdBaJc9UOad9C0dGvv_bR5/s1600/IMG_2882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvwhere6s-bSvye3SkiAGaCjGQISICPTdQHe4jvCF1azL1_Ga2AUYX_QS42W34wwJNMnImnWQcHxU-5HdntxeH8p1lPdwpdK7Zf-rEiUlnV1hUMvg4yboccsdBaJc9UOad9C0dGvv_bR5/s640/IMG_2882.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is my number one drawback...After staying at the Poly, this view is a bit lacking during the day. If you try to sit outside on the balcony, you're flooded with traffic noise and noise from the conference center below. The busses all stop right below you, so you have the vehicle noise and the people noise from that as well. It's definitely not the peaceful experience you get at the Poly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrfPvqX3RKS9eVehXhZ8WoiO3bCu07mvxK07OCgBFqggVVK98ETbOMSrnSHg7YHEoZLvAUAKJiKr8v4E-5ya45LxpqG55CoZGl1EyZ4qBz7v7Ow6htLlHdmlZpryHX-82brqKXPS9SzmI/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrfPvqX3RKS9eVehXhZ8WoiO3bCu07mvxK07OCgBFqggVVK98ETbOMSrnSHg7YHEoZLvAUAKJiKr8v4E-5ya45LxpqG55CoZGl1EyZ4qBz7v7Ow6htLlHdmlZpryHX-82brqKXPS9SzmI/s640/IMG_2883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of drawbacks, I have to mention the pool. It's awful. Chris took the kids one day while I was packing (we were leaving the next day) and they came back pretty disappointed. It was small, cold and chockfull of leaves, which explains why they were the only ones out there. Literally - no one else was there except a lifeguard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But on the flip side, the nighttime view from the Contemporary can't be beat!! (No zoom with this shot!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Prn7d-1PNeXSH5LbIU_Qf31419s8xxmBVAf3nIclMGUNeARQbHNCZR4D7G3VMSrBcbr1rc3ZACw8QIkRtWsI12TrSleCRGs6Ulj2CpRN4_5Fv0N3idSbmd3GHhC3lYqjroWDLlc1Yomx/s1600/IMG_2884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Prn7d-1PNeXSH5LbIU_Qf31419s8xxmBVAf3nIclMGUNeARQbHNCZR4D7G3VMSrBcbr1rc3ZACw8QIkRtWsI12TrSleCRGs6Ulj2CpRN4_5Fv0N3idSbmd3GHhC3lYqjroWDLlc1Yomx/s640/IMG_2884.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
Gorgeous! Also, you get all the sound from Wishes too, so you feel like you're right there in the park!<br />
<br />
Our room was #4737 on the 11th floor which is the highest non-club level floor there. It was dead center of the building, right next to the elevators (the noise wasn't bad from that...but we sleep with a sound machine on via an app on our phones).<br />
<br />
We never heard a peep from Chef Mickey's which was awesome! The rooms farther down would have had an even closer view than this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSdZhJBtQqrUHFsv-Ihxdt5APKgOc1I8fHGNvZ6cbCoxxpY_4av3gxWQAlwJkZZDcNBSlUqcJG2WtA7IxjWzf3h0sMshi9GrNnRsiSvbiSS1AOg4tv3etwxN4GIOw0v88HejmCVq6cQui/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSdZhJBtQqrUHFsv-Ihxdt5APKgOc1I8fHGNvZ6cbCoxxpY_4av3gxWQAlwJkZZDcNBSlUqcJG2WtA7IxjWzf3h0sMshi9GrNnRsiSvbiSS1AOg4tv3etwxN4GIOw0v88HejmCVq6cQui/s640/IMG_2885.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After I post about the Grand Floridian I will be sharing my favorite Disney hotel thus far. I'm also going to include some info about our previous stays and some hotels we visited this trip (Wilderness Lodge, Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside). Be sure to let me know if you have any questions!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-34656149217667740402017-02-17T20:17:00.002-06:002017-02-17T20:17:23.080-06:00Disney Review: The Polynesian HotelAs the title implies, we visited Disney again this year! I posted all about it on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennasjourney/">Instagram</a> but I received some requests for blog posts with more details than I could put on Insta, so I decided to do a series on our Disney trip to answer some of those questions. If you have any Disney related questions, you can send me an email or leave a comment on this post and I'll do my best to answer it! I have never been on a Disney cruise so I can't answer anything pertaining to those. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwfXOyOqPSe3Y-QP_hEwnGbt4kogMTSrk_XUPM3lH_0r_gEvpVey_YtBmrnBkNAk3KqC_7zTG3lw2edhK91CwM0weqjuX-rbAZ5WtUmWZ7TGUgvkFi0bvf9VZlkz1h0Ord4b_b_4lonWS/s1600/image1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwfXOyOqPSe3Y-QP_hEwnGbt4kogMTSrk_XUPM3lH_0r_gEvpVey_YtBmrnBkNAk3KqC_7zTG3lw2edhK91CwM0weqjuX-rbAZ5WtUmWZ7TGUgvkFi0bvf9VZlkz1h0Ord4b_b_4lonWS/s640/image1-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This year we did a split stay. We spent four nights at the Polynesian and three at the Contemporary. I will also be reviewing the Grand Floridian since we stayed there in November of 2015 and I never posted about it. These are the "big three" - the three hotels that are directly on the monorail that runs to Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center (where you can catch the other monorail line to Epcot).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I always check-in online prior to arriving at a Disney resort, and I had requested a specific building with a theme park view (since we had a theme park view room anyway). I found out that we didn't get the building I requested but I am SO GLAD! We ended up in the very best building they have (in my opinion). Here's a map with the layout of the Poly (I took a picture of it while we were there). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO8lnEpfKNakVTv7RTZ6Sk5KXfhmPcgyNGvtc_hVEhaakd5YhZ2xjWN9SJXrvVExDNx0Xlahcj5D1dUSh4kgwKnUvPqitbEcO1k2EsdgVbDMX9lgdlSZeUwTXZN52K8z3u5GItRG_lbsJ/s1600/IMG_2861.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO8lnEpfKNakVTv7RTZ6Sk5KXfhmPcgyNGvtc_hVEhaakd5YhZ2xjWN9SJXrvVExDNx0Xlahcj5D1dUSh4kgwKnUvPqitbEcO1k2EsdgVbDMX9lgdlSZeUwTXZN52K8z3u5GItRG_lbsJ/s640/IMG_2861.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were put in Tuvalu, room 3414. I highly recommend this room. When looking at the map above, Tuvalu is the top left building and our room was the top right corner room. You'll see our view later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNILyIsMdvfWT6OIWEJ79wUX1DYIQJLGw2-ZETKugdqzs97chBEPXLfE3_C5XLOqsm81tNw1v0M0yXCTa02pGwpNLnZBMvsh3xJLhy-_PTV9-mo9Cm_AjgDo_81dceUR8LBao9VBi5Mq_7/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNILyIsMdvfWT6OIWEJ79wUX1DYIQJLGw2-ZETKugdqzs97chBEPXLfE3_C5XLOqsm81tNw1v0M0yXCTa02pGwpNLnZBMvsh3xJLhy-_PTV9-mo9Cm_AjgDo_81dceUR8LBao9VBi5Mq_7/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqzLhHuXGaI9ipCOKONjG5I6kpDLCC3zfJIOwWZK-vWF1OlATbbv-ztRcAIveQ5ElqW5kfuX5GEzSSh20yqye5cnQyx0WL6TvWNLylzoJb0zgr4sA-DGlDJeN1YjbV2qaEHd_jwQXfr2b/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqzLhHuXGaI9ipCOKONjG5I6kpDLCC3zfJIOwWZK-vWF1OlATbbv-ztRcAIveQ5ElqW5kfuX5GEzSSh20yqye5cnQyx0WL6TvWNLylzoJb0zgr4sA-DGlDJeN1YjbV2qaEHd_jwQXfr2b/s320/IMG_2141.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to check-in. This is the lobby at night, when we arrived. It's a beautiful lobby - smaller than the Grand Floridian or even than the Animal Kingdom Lodge (review <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2014/11/our-trip-to-disney-animal-kingdom-lodge.html">HERE</a>), but very pretty. Check-in was a very smooth process, and they even gave both boys a Stitch! The night manager came over, and noticing the boys had their pin-trading lanyards on, gave them each a free pin!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsascpQEUKkOZziLd-OwMYaUSfhcYdB3IF1iobe85-_A4Zi9Z-iR_KWWt7s1y5EvUgWd_l1nVe4T6YaA6muxjMcaej9GLKmGs5xhfEh6CACYQG_tZXlXh89s5Urzd-cezvZlGnxLGsUnRR/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsascpQEUKkOZziLd-OwMYaUSfhcYdB3IF1iobe85-_A4Zi9Z-iR_KWWt7s1y5EvUgWd_l1nVe4T6YaA6muxjMcaej9GLKmGs5xhfEh6CACYQG_tZXlXh89s5Urzd-cezvZlGnxLGsUnRR/s640/IMG_2860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I totally forgot to take my own pictures of our room, but these pictures from Disney's website are completely accurate. This is exactly what our room looked like on the inside:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWmTLptAl0X4cxDuzAH-jqt_z-HP9TijPV98tQELYYidwgf6CyQwHymAtXhz6d65J1vtLL9MOdPuqV77H1flDLFPBRk9wBTHKhGFFst2VAltWS4NMy2BlKHxMU_HadJj9oK3JfTH-Kntv/s1600/room-pc-g00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWmTLptAl0X4cxDuzAH-jqt_z-HP9TijPV98tQELYYidwgf6CyQwHymAtXhz6d65J1vtLL9MOdPuqV77H1flDLFPBRk9wBTHKhGFFst2VAltWS4NMy2BlKHxMU_HadJj9oK3JfTH-Kntv/s640/room-pc-g00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had two queen beds, a soft that folded out into a bed that our boys LOVED and took turns sleeping on, a deck (we were on the third floor, which is the top floor of Tuvalu) and a bathroom that looked just like the photo below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6fHmWO_dfReK_v5ZdSdoNGTEc4GKvfU60aEhTQbTD3e_lKVCTbKqegtWMuWXJLmFSM-O8ljJJkSJ_3OBOdtoJFjLpPF90b0OkZieP-l-AeZEL7zIocoLwUjM0hqI0oYm2qKdmg_FP2LG/s1600/room-pc-g02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6fHmWO_dfReK_v5ZdSdoNGTEc4GKvfU60aEhTQbTD3e_lKVCTbKqegtWMuWXJLmFSM-O8ljJJkSJ_3OBOdtoJFjLpPF90b0OkZieP-l-AeZEL7zIocoLwUjM0hqI0oYm2qKdmg_FP2LG/s640/room-pc-g02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are two closets and a dresser under the tv with plenty of storage space for all of our stuff. Unlike most hotels, they actually provide plenty of hangers which is helpful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgtyjmHOMjMrO2NjuCPSCA9lwQxbVVk-uoatlSPQMLbN1ek3Lwpdkk8CCYdqG2T38RDxAv_SiyKPZTJ1e-hSOWhdo4BWXQ1k9JeyI885VpLzyCA2r5WWKmCMw4ZKUx5-DfawrUkrOLVCm/s1600/room-pc-g12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgtyjmHOMjMrO2NjuCPSCA9lwQxbVVk-uoatlSPQMLbN1ek3Lwpdkk8CCYdqG2T38RDxAv_SiyKPZTJ1e-hSOWhdo4BWXQ1k9JeyI885VpLzyCA2r5WWKmCMw4ZKUx5-DfawrUkrOLVCm/s640/room-pc-g12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bathroom is also spacious with a good amount of counter space. The lighting is even pretty decent!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag3_XnyeXlMXIiDzYTXmSOsoLFtr1qngnr3_IpHtawkIoLvMMPu3ZozwDW5a2tRu3cO8CZ4v8ZD_CKzyrYCPN4mew44FUIiyt5GRaLDuNoxanA4AqAYFWTnZd0s_yG509BsoCa5iTDeki/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag3_XnyeXlMXIiDzYTXmSOsoLFtr1qngnr3_IpHtawkIoLvMMPu3ZozwDW5a2tRu3cO8CZ4v8ZD_CKzyrYCPN4mew44FUIiyt5GRaLDuNoxanA4AqAYFWTnZd0s_yG509BsoCa5iTDeki/s640/IMG_2878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our stay in Tuvalu was so peaceful. Chris took the kids to the pool twice in our four days there while I sat out on our balcony and watched the boats go by. It was so incredibly calm and beautiful. We watched the fireworks and the electrical water pageant from our balcony each night too:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp5_a7v0JX6xpuerbkHrIc23dZkBy1Tk-xqFJIsvxrJaVX_gcJ6tNeSIrBM98t1OURU7XwJo-k1nwHy5uNMHvcH0Og0qdt_q7voPCo5VeuJC3i91VB7mH7fYXi1ShpwzfWNRWnc_wTBWu/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp5_a7v0JX6xpuerbkHrIc23dZkBy1Tk-xqFJIsvxrJaVX_gcJ6tNeSIrBM98t1OURU7XwJo-k1nwHy5uNMHvcH0Og0qdt_q7voPCo5VeuJC3i91VB7mH7fYXi1ShpwzfWNRWnc_wTBWu/s320/IMG_2170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZy7WBvLRga9cA4oceuz5br6iylWvizEMmL31bJGzEBIQC-zpQpPSME6RMXdpxZ_0ZodHjXVh3Al-UU_Uhimu5m-nMehQrl-ipvR9rNUs36Uhf7rjOu4WTbjBDcdpgjhNS1CluTw4psFA/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZy7WBvLRga9cA4oceuz5br6iylWvizEMmL31bJGzEBIQC-zpQpPSME6RMXdpxZ_0ZodHjXVh3Al-UU_Uhimu5m-nMehQrl-ipvR9rNUs36Uhf7rjOu4WTbjBDcdpgjhNS1CluTw4psFA/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZy7WBvLRga9cA4oceuz5br6iylWvizEMmL31bJGzEBIQC-zpQpPSME6RMXdpxZ_0ZodHjXVh3Al-UU_Uhimu5m-nMehQrl-ipvR9rNUs36Uhf7rjOu4WTbjBDcdpgjhNS1CluTw4psFA/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Neither of these pictures are zoomed in! We really had a fantastic view from our room. The only views that would have been closer were from the bungalows and possibly Moorea - but their view would have been semi obstructed by the bungalows. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Funny side note: We have never watched the fireworks from inside the park. I know. We're weird. But really, we hate crowds and the mad scramble to find a spot and then get out of the parks is just too much for me to be honest. We've always watched it from views like this instead. We actually have watched it twice from the monorail and once from inside Cinderella's castle.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another thing I managed to not photograph is the pool (you can google it and see tons of great photos). It's a FANTASTIC pool! Our kids had a BLAST there! I stayed in the room most of the time when they went swimming because I burn easily and there wasn't a ton of shade. Also, I was battling bronchitis and really just needed to rest a bit! Once I did go sit in the outside seating area of the quick service restaurant which is located just outside of the pool area and I was able to watch them playing and going down the slide while I relaxed (Chris was with them). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another added benefit (of the silly variety) of staying at the Poly, is that you have access to the famous Dole Whip. There's a Pineapple Lanai right at the hotel (near the pool, no less) and yes, you can use snack credit's for them!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-O10Z-3g8fyX-hJ7tPsNGCCLES9R_TV3v9WUAJA1GewJSGsbYkeSULh4954uZeeWDj18tRTKGE3uwoj1II6Qvz3L6BRd5yLUicpQxWsOi_U4ZmYFImjo474qsRFbfQCEziFpojWOh5FE/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-O10Z-3g8fyX-hJ7tPsNGCCLES9R_TV3v9WUAJA1GewJSGsbYkeSULh4954uZeeWDj18tRTKGE3uwoj1II6Qvz3L6BRd5yLUicpQxWsOi_U4ZmYFImjo474qsRFbfQCEziFpojWOh5FE/s320/IMG_2157.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Also at the Poly are a couple of cute stores, a small grocery type store (they have refrigerated cases with salami, cheese milk, etc, and dry goods as well), and a variety of restaurants (our favorite being O'hana). I'll be sharing more about our dining experiences in another post.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions about the Polynesian or requests of things for me to include in my upcoming Disney posts, please let me know! I'll be covering The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, all of our dining, rides, park recommendations etc in upcoming posts. I may also include a Q&A post if I receive enough questions! =)<br />
<br />Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-14699544664810317212016-08-31T16:27:00.002-05:002016-08-31T16:27:27.273-05:00Five Five Star Books <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We recently took a fun road trip (which hopefully I'll blog about later) and I took that opportunity to do some reading. This is the biggest streak of 5 star books I've had, maybe ever, so I wanted to share them with you in case you're in a reading rut.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">#1 <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to Brayden and Brody (they love it), and then I remembered that I had heard about a new HP book. I looked it up and thought, eh, it's a <i>screenplay</i>, not a novel. But then, the night before it released I decided to just go ahead and pre-buy it for my kindle app. I ended up devouring it in about 4 hours. If you've never read a screenplay before (I have) it takes a little getting used to. If you can read it in one setting it will make it a lot easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're worried about new characters and how that might make you feel, toss it out the window. This book is FANTASTIC. It's everything you love about Harry Potter. And to answer the inevitable question, NO, I would not read this without having read the first seven books. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">#2 <i>Big Little Lies</i></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a case (actually the only case I can recall) where I totally judged a book by it's horrific cover and nearly didn't read it. What a mistake that was. Big Little Lies was amazing and for those of you who like movie remakes, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are making a series for HBO (Reese plays Maddie and Nicole plays Celeste). Some people are very against books that are told from alternating perspectives, but this one just works. If you didn't have that the ending wouldn't make any sense at all, so just stick with it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Also, not on my list are several of Liane's other books: <i>The Husband's Secret</i> is very good and I also love <i>Truly Madly Guilty</i>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrniPDe5xpgYw6gtOTiXzFkrAZEK4tsIF82JdiZ2F5oq8M5z8xtOhx3mppl4YZz-ramMku4rXqUbG4wUWEDP4EhvtijhcqpnYDEBfbwL0JNqCQEHOj7rDlTF_yWf838ftNjKQeW9TqUg0b/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrniPDe5xpgYw6gtOTiXzFkrAZEK4tsIF82JdiZ2F5oq8M5z8xtOhx3mppl4YZz-ramMku4rXqUbG4wUWEDP4EhvtijhcqpnYDEBfbwL0JNqCQEHOj7rDlTF_yWf838ftNjKQeW9TqUg0b/s400/IMG_9089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>#3 <i>The Pecan Man</i></u></span></b><br />
I don't even remember how I found this book. It might have been an Amazon recommendation based on other books I read. In any case, this book is generally not one I would pick up (read the summary on Amazon or Goodreads). It's not a subject matter that generally appeals to me, but it was beyond amazing. It's one of the most well written books I've ever read. The writing style is beautiful and I just could not put it down!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>#4 <i>The Girl on the Train</i></u></span></b><br />
Okay, so I actually gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads, but I think I'm going to change it. It's sort of funny - awhile ago one of my Goodreads friends wrote me a comment and said something like "you just don't like anything do you?" because I had gone through a stint of really awful books (and I'm painfully honest in my reviews). That's completely not the case! I love to read but I was just in a rut of awful literature. The tables have turned for me though, and I've finally found some good ones!<br />
So, back to the book. I think its just taking me awhile to process it, and now I'd give it 5 stars instead of 4. It was definitely creative. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. This is another book that alternates narrators, and again, it works here. I will warn you that just about every character in this enter book is awful, but somehow, this book turns out to be a beautifully woven masterpiece.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>#5 <i>What She Left Behind</i></u></span></b><br />
This is another book that Amazon recommended for me (those can be so hit or miss!) that really paid off. I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised! It's told in alternating points of view and the story is about a woman who was institutionalized in the 1930's and a girl in the 1990's who has found her belongings. I really was kept guessing throughout the story. The author did her homework was well versed on the things that actually took place in institutions during that timeframe. It was a realistic look at life for those poor women. That might make it sound like a book you wouldn't be interested in, but give this one a try. I'm glad I did!<br />
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-16118511853378579752016-06-04T09:08:00.000-05:002016-06-04T09:08:17.793-05:00Greek Chicken with Zoodles and Greek Sauce (21 Day Fix Approved!)<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I'm following the <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2016/05/my-21-day-fix-results-and-review.html">21 Day Fix</a>, I'm going to start posting more 21 Day Fix approved recipes! If you're not following the plan, these recipes are still great for you - they're healthy and easy! I literally dreamed this easy recipe up at midnight a couple of weeks ago, got up, typed it into my phone and fell back asleep. It's fast become a family favorite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't have a spiralizer I would recommend looking for one on Amazon. I'm a prime member so I ordered a $7 one and it arrived 2 days later. Easy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As always, I'm here to answer any questions about the 21 Day Fix, Beachbody and coaching. Feel free to send me an email at EmailJennasJourney@ Gmail . com anytime! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wHPbgJJTy-DVhyphenhyphenwQR-cKqm63M9T-m4cbMT6ozVoboG8GeEAffAUv9gqo_x1_nxPvhMw4TJ_1GTd-nJX_ugJwlo0D5PbicIxNgwseXTey3HAIaTggul4jdSO3aLSSy_l3Q3pOicusb52p/s1600/image1-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wHPbgJJTy-DVhyphenhyphenwQR-cKqm63M9T-m4cbMT6ozVoboG8GeEAffAUv9gqo_x1_nxPvhMw4TJ_1GTd-nJX_ugJwlo0D5PbicIxNgwseXTey3HAIaTggul4jdSO3aLSSy_l3Q3pOicusb52p/s400/image1-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(50, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #323333; font-family: AppleGothic; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline;">Greek Chicken with Zoodles and Greek Sauce</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Source: <span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://jennablogs.com/">JennaBlogs.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Serves 4</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">4 chicken breasts</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">2-4 zucchini, depending on size</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">1 yellow onion</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">1 cup greek yogurt</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">1/4 cup water</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Evoo</span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Cavenders Greek Seasoning to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Drizzle chicken with EVOO and sprinkle with seasoning. Bake on a foil lined baking sheet at 375 until cooked, about 35 min. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Use a spiralizer on your zucchini to form noodles. Boil for 2 mins and drain well on paper towels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Mince your yellow onion and cook over medium with 1 teaspoon EVOO. Add in about 1/2 TBSP of seasoning, reduce heat to low and stir in water and greek yogurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">Serve sauce over zoodles and you can also put it on the chicken.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="color: #323333; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">2 red </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 249, 0); color: #00f900;">2 green</span><span style="ing: none;"> 2 teaspoons </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="ing: none;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmwa0DUAQbGqemvIqwrxSZw-lpDvhmvQeCi1_nsUH6_tO-HlBrRhN4ltwvYnlG7Gn9mwIPCUhhyGA8F3U0-6ZsiEcATcg7PMFbXeuz15UxFEo2jdxWp5cKXVIEi-2lLGiYip9vYpgHbeM/s1600/image2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmwa0DUAQbGqemvIqwrxSZw-lpDvhmvQeCi1_nsUH6_tO-HlBrRhN4ltwvYnlG7Gn9mwIPCUhhyGA8F3U0-6ZsiEcATcg7PMFbXeuz15UxFEo2jdxWp5cKXVIEi-2lLGiYip9vYpgHbeM/s400/image2-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15474181481875547631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-4612842626109544372015-08-03T13:59:00.001-05:002015-08-04T13:55:02.979-05:00Eats in Destin, Florida<i><b>Edited: </b>I forgot to mention that I don't eat seafood! I received some great restaurant suggestions in the comments, but they were places I ruled out because they didn't have anything that I would eat. ;-) However, if you're a seafood lover, be sure to check out those suggestions!</i><br />
<br />
Hey all!<br />
<br />
So, I've been taking a bit of a blogging break (I feel like I keep saying that, but summer has been SO BUSY that I can't keep up with blogging) but I'm back to give some recaps on our trip to Destin!<br />
<br />
I'll include the pictures I have (which are all iPhone pics...I didn't feel like hauling my huge camera with me on this trip) and at the end I'll give some bullet point recommendations.<br />
<br />
So, one of the coolest places we ate at was called LuLu's. There's also one in Gulf Shores (so I've been told).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3cLNtIR_MkLgmSNZceAJfjIBe8lfYSGna9NWiDu0uXJ_dDvbWlLimdQbiH7LAPOgRN9_h2HP5su_eOMpz0-SyrZ-zFHabHtKaNdngQ9ql1tk7AeXeNb3VZYVditOyY28n_jcDY3F8FTb/s1600/image1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3cLNtIR_MkLgmSNZceAJfjIBe8lfYSGna9NWiDu0uXJ_dDvbWlLimdQbiH7LAPOgRN9_h2HP5su_eOMpz0-SyrZ-zFHabHtKaNdngQ9ql1tk7AeXeNb3VZYVditOyY28n_jcDY3F8FTb/s640/image1-3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what makes LuLu's so cool - the back of the restaurant is faces the bay (I think it was the bay). They have this big sand area and the kids can go play out there. It's a really pretty view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35NQZlC3fcFHWJKvmyoMJiBoaY4WJy16o2y9xcn9HdWNiVk-QiXVR1Oz3PygGVyMGQrON2wDAwDvffMgnhstJ_PDM5waQo8JSW4D1ZEHVIXeXpuab1nBT0kZZKbA7qktdYbGTsFhyoHYB/s1600/image1-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35NQZlC3fcFHWJKvmyoMJiBoaY4WJy16o2y9xcn9HdWNiVk-QiXVR1Oz3PygGVyMGQrON2wDAwDvffMgnhstJ_PDM5waQo8JSW4D1ZEHVIXeXpuab1nBT0kZZKbA7qktdYbGTsFhyoHYB/s640/image1-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The food wasn't that great, in my humble opinion. I grabbed a snap of the menu for you! It's mostly burgers, salads and sandwiches. We arrived early because every place in Destin gets super crowded and we didn't want to wait three hours to be sat (yes, that did happen somewhere else!). Unfortunately, 4:45 must be shift change time and we lost our waitress and ended up with another and it caused mass confusion with our order which ended up pretty messed up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGK7GwOR1fP44qFKFF88YWGuhXbB8ZIHRlEJVV-_e2st4rKz3wYUxk8oh9WqBgInGax1dRoQQcn26oNdoG0ZCAmmaYiDUZ12AYD66wzj3NfQYVtGoA-bFa3uuAuld-IgJKrdAstkVv7Mxa/s1600/image2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGK7GwOR1fP44qFKFF88YWGuhXbB8ZIHRlEJVV-_e2st4rKz3wYUxk8oh9WqBgInGax1dRoQQcn26oNdoG0ZCAmmaYiDUZ12AYD66wzj3NfQYVtGoA-bFa3uuAuld-IgJKrdAstkVv7Mxa/s640/image2-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lulu's saving grace was their key lime pie. It was SOOOO GOOD!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24Dl1ebVHGRKjPoqkoHtDxFi6kMqU_3njVFW8PiZ7m5Jq5HWoQ6KkefK9WMpAiqZlzDPBV0x6W245V3gR40zCL8s9hropwGz2cZ-TnUC8HpmGva1RAz8RlS-htYMSdXC1TK70E2ezqvc2/s1600/image3-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24Dl1ebVHGRKjPoqkoHtDxFi6kMqU_3njVFW8PiZ7m5Jq5HWoQ6KkefK9WMpAiqZlzDPBV0x6W245V3gR40zCL8s9hropwGz2cZ-TnUC8HpmGva1RAz8RlS-htYMSdXC1TK70E2ezqvc2/s640/image3-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One place that everyone told me to check out was The Donut Hole. Y'all. I was SO EXCITED. I mean, I never use the word <i>y'all</i> so that should tell you how excited I was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then I was disappointed. Majorly. I don't know if they were having an off day or what, but the food was awful. I had the french dip with onion rings and it was honestly no good. No one in our group (my in-laws were with us) liked what they had. The donuts themselves were just okay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQl9O7VJ_8QwBohQz9PDwqQCdDDWV-fuwNwqcgF7nH-T6_mhVL487aVEWywNUZEP7FkreUqk15pVFNDo7ej3vxe4K9e9h4ucQonFMZKwOXm4MU6Q1omaFVJhrAYW7MyoY3OEcvqsCez2Q/s1600/image1-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQl9O7VJ_8QwBohQz9PDwqQCdDDWV-fuwNwqcgF7nH-T6_mhVL487aVEWywNUZEP7FkreUqk15pVFNDo7ej3vxe4K9e9h4ucQonFMZKwOXm4MU6Q1omaFVJhrAYW7MyoY3OEcvqsCez2Q/s640/image1-4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Another fun night out was at Uncle Bucks. You can go bowling here, which we did, and if you can't tell by the decor, it's owned by Bass Pro Shops. The food was decent and the kids loved the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Eq_JI7ixKw3iv2UUfylVrYVxx2AZ-ducPf0MSEVEi1vSHRW_3zp5KfVZ2Qqud5JtrTI2ax1DDiFrdwo6T0-7T6ly-9lJpM8UXz9oaXhK8EangSLvhK5R4jZaEF6ZVmkp_HsETrXyxbS/s1600/image2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQNf57ZbMYpWspW_RC4R_EhQLRrACy9RIIBPUKMPP8WW3iCwF17AqQwZGIQKBplG4hOEcDv-rmtBytO0zpm8hKYMwiMolu7iuUxxgFZFXhYxxRglN_WRAzKSGNKMV7K7zdgi6Qa14khk9/s1600/image1-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Eq_JI7ixKw3iv2UUfylVrYVxx2AZ-ducPf0MSEVEi1vSHRW_3zp5KfVZ2Qqud5JtrTI2ax1DDiFrdwo6T0-7T6ly-9lJpM8UXz9oaXhK8EangSLvhK5R4jZaEF6ZVmkp_HsETrXyxbS/s1600/image2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Eq_JI7ixKw3iv2UUfylVrYVxx2AZ-ducPf0MSEVEi1vSHRW_3zp5KfVZ2Qqud5JtrTI2ax1DDiFrdwo6T0-7T6ly-9lJpM8UXz9oaXhK8EangSLvhK5R4jZaEF6ZVmkp_HsETrXyxbS/s640/image2-3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
My very, VERY favorite meal was at The Back Porch. The view is phenomenal and they got us seated really quickly. We were on the second story deck and it came with an AWESOME view.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AHrGEy9c3MhnCmrkuXLDS9e1pF8sLSM5ERkAtQ0hBVovs5TuENARV9IbiBqDta2pIFP5gcFeE0maAjI9liVrHWPaI-Ptt6i5PXRpGlsTUf0zGS544sTMbD9y9cZH2T0kz2Pwi89RQZM5/s1600/image2-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AHrGEy9c3MhnCmrkuXLDS9e1pF8sLSM5ERkAtQ0hBVovs5TuENARV9IbiBqDta2pIFP5gcFeE0maAjI9liVrHWPaI-Ptt6i5PXRpGlsTUf0zGS544sTMbD9y9cZH2T0kz2Pwi89RQZM5/s640/image2-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AHrGEy9c3MhnCmrkuXLDS9e1pF8sLSM5ERkAtQ0hBVovs5TuENARV9IbiBqDta2pIFP5gcFeE0maAjI9liVrHWPaI-Ptt6i5PXRpGlsTUf0zGS544sTMbD9y9cZH2T0kz2Pwi89RQZM5/s1600/image2-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
See what I mean? We watched a pod of dolphins playing while we waited on our food. I'm not even kidding. It was the coolest thing ever.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AHrGEy9c3MhnCmrkuXLDS9e1pF8sLSM5ERkAtQ0hBVovs5TuENARV9IbiBqDta2pIFP5gcFeE0maAjI9liVrHWPaI-Ptt6i5PXRpGlsTUf0zGS544sTMbD9y9cZH2T0kz2Pwi89RQZM5/s1600/image2-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQNf57ZbMYpWspW_RC4R_EhQLRrACy9RIIBPUKMPP8WW3iCwF17AqQwZGIQKBplG4hOEcDv-rmtBytO0zpm8hKYMwiMolu7iuUxxgFZFXhYxxRglN_WRAzKSGNKMV7K7zdgi6Qa14khk9/s1600/image1-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQNf57ZbMYpWspW_RC4R_EhQLRrACy9RIIBPUKMPP8WW3iCwF17AqQwZGIQKBplG4hOEcDv-rmtBytO0zpm8hKYMwiMolu7iuUxxgFZFXhYxxRglN_WRAzKSGNKMV7K7zdgi6Qa14khk9/s640/image1-5.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The last place I have a pic of is Fudpuckers, not to be confused with Fudruckers. Two different things.<br />
<br />
And why, you're asking yourself, doesn't she have a picture of the food? Well, because we waited THREE HOURS to sit down and eat, and by that time I was so ravenous that I forgot to take a picture.<br />
<br />
So.<br />
<br />
Fudpuckers is fun. You can watch a live alligator show, feed the alligators, visit the gift shop and they also have an arcade. All that should have been my first clue that there was a long wait ahead of us.<br />
<br />
The food was standard, over-priced vacation fare. It was fine but nothing great and I certainly wouldn't do it again, but I'm glad we did it once.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcSbMdaF6kRmfEXJNSlIUA_J72EBrTYHE-akJ5Qi5XUts_YGukmlDvPesTkYZxxd6K0HMDTqWojQPv65dgVqwKv_VSb0uCDpU4Y5_Ic_nwIBXzFWjpO8-r2ECqujogmv-7Us7b99VhxiN/s1600/IMG_7880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcSbMdaF6kRmfEXJNSlIUA_J72EBrTYHE-akJ5Qi5XUts_YGukmlDvPesTkYZxxd6K0HMDTqWojQPv65dgVqwKv_VSb0uCDpU4Y5_Ic_nwIBXzFWjpO8-r2ECqujogmv-7Us7b99VhxiN/s640/IMG_7880.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, here's my list (some places aren't pictured) of recommendations:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Definitely go to:</u></b><br />
The Back Porch<br />
Bubba Gumps (I've been to several and this was one was by far the very best food)<br />
The Beach House (if you're in Sandestin, it's a great place to eat when actually at the beach)<br />
Fudpuckers - it's a good, one-time experience<br />
LuLu's - if just for the atmosphere and pie<br />
<br />
<b><u>For food and fun:</u></b><br />
Uncle Buck's<br />
<br />
<b><u>Not for me:</u></b><br />
The Donut Hole<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-69759358694162614252015-06-18T08:03:00.000-05:002015-06-18T08:03:00.496-05:00Chocolate Sour Cream Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I bought this antique cake plate that I LOVE and it was just begging for a cake. I was going to make one of my go to cake recipes, but I decided to switch it up and combine two of my very favorite flavors - chocolate and peanut butter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This cake it one of my favorite recipes for a from scratch chocolate cake - it's moist and so flavorful. Even if you don't like a peanut butter frosting, file this cake recipe away! You can use it with just about any frosting and it's always great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And speaking of this frosting...wow. It's one of my favorites. You'll notice that I always make a LOT of frosting. I pack up the extra in a storage container and whoever wants more can add some to their slice!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgqrya7Pn85ECLHfOWA-Dp2tyUTg0fpn2ya-fG9V2dGzQOpI5XqxncXeZYYJXg6ThQb7lNZbabuWnD4Jnrrw5hdJtCZZcWweid5wasJuhd7is1g-P2nXQbSXg3jy3CoRYSO2hYGZO0w1g/s1600/ChocolateSourCreamCakePeanutButterFrosting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgqrya7Pn85ECLHfOWA-Dp2tyUTg0fpn2ya-fG9V2dGzQOpI5XqxncXeZYYJXg6ThQb7lNZbabuWnD4Jnrrw5hdJtCZZcWweid5wasJuhd7is1g-P2nXQbSXg3jy3CoRYSO2hYGZO0w1g/s640/ChocolateSourCreamCakePeanutButterFrosting2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Chocolate Sour Cream Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source:<a href="http://jennablogs.com/"> JennaBlogs.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<b><u>For the Cake:</u></b><br />
3 cups all purpose flour (plus extra for pans)<br />
2 Tablespoons cornstarch<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup cocoa powder<br />
1 cup boiling water<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (plus extra for pans)<br />
2.5 cups white sugar<br />
1 Tablespoon vanilla<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup sour cream (light sour cream is fine)<br />
<br />
<b><u>For the Frosting:</u></b><br />
1.5 pounds of powdered sugar (I buy the 2lb bag and use 3/4 of the bag)<br />
2 cups creamy peanut butter<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1/4 cup milk, plus more if needed<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Directions:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Preheat oven to 350.<br />
<br />
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add cocoa and whisk until dissolved. In a mixer, combine butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Add cocoa. Add sour cream. Mix well.<br />
<br />
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, soda, powder and salt. Add in batches to wet mixture, stirring to combine.<br />
<br />
Use extra butter to coat two 9" round pans. Be sure to get the sides! Add a couple of tablespoons of flour and rotate the pan to coat. Tap out extra over a trash or sink.<br />
<br />
Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Slap pans on the counter once to knock out air bubbles from cake.<br />
<br />
Bake about 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. I usually pull them out just before their done.<br />
<br />
Remove from pans to wire racks and let cool completely.<br />
<br />
<b>For the Frosting:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In a mixer combine butter and sugar. Add peanut butter and milk as needed until desired frosting consistency is reached.<br />
<br />
<i><u>NOTE:</u></i> When I make a cake like this, I usually frost the middle before adding all the milk. The frosting will be thicker and won't squish out! Once I've put the frosting in the middle, I thin out the remaining frosting with a little more milk for a more spreadable consistency.<br />
<br />
Frost and serve! Store extra frosting in the refrigerator.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWoM7H90hwM-uIsiKNJGzQYemnvB7tlwGLvUMzGSpcTzOQ6c_oFTPDC_s7HIbgM00Kzhyel-v7cOMkY3GDrunFO4S8wWeEDB3d3g68zgRYO6FCiOM6_pUD5lDIN9PCLathUOY4Nq2OKxn/s1600/ChocolateSourCreamCakePeanutButterFrosting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWoM7H90hwM-uIsiKNJGzQYemnvB7tlwGLvUMzGSpcTzOQ6c_oFTPDC_s7HIbgM00Kzhyel-v7cOMkY3GDrunFO4S8wWeEDB3d3g68zgRYO6FCiOM6_pUD5lDIN9PCLathUOY4Nq2OKxn/s640/ChocolateSourCreamCakePeanutButterFrosting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-40136494406824735702015-06-15T08:03:00.000-05:002015-06-15T08:03:00.052-05:00Sweet Pepper Poppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom came up with this little gem and I CAN'T GET ENOUGH. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously, these are SO GOOD.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you think you won't like them because they have the word pepper, don't write them off yet. These are sweet peppers - there is no spice at all!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLIh_Es0-Dx09rgA8FRtWv7Bi-uxrsteWxEb09xG9CkgkjNdzC3REVYr5cOC2WdcD7DYvg1p38p_RniknFiq785zRr0XRGfJPHGzVHMTuWC5pvXZlbio7tQ2lH0nhK0c0Cyki2gK9UEbz/s1600/SweetPepperPoppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLIh_Es0-Dx09rgA8FRtWv7Bi-uxrsteWxEb09xG9CkgkjNdzC3REVYr5cOC2WdcD7DYvg1p38p_RniknFiq785zRr0XRGfJPHGzVHMTuWC5pvXZlbio7tQ2lH0nhK0c0Cyki2gK9UEbz/s640/SweetPepperPoppers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Pepper Poppers</span></u></b><br />
Source: JennaBlogs.com<br />
<br />
1lb sweet peppers<br />
1 block cream cheese at room temperature<br />
1 package ranch dressing mix (or buttermilk ranch mix)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with tin foil and spray with nonstick spray.<br />
<br />
Chop the tops off the peppers (where the stem is) and then slice the peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the stems and the ribs. Place in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are just starting to roast up.<br />
<br />
In a bowl, mix cheese with ranch mix. Place cheese mixture in peppers and return to oven until cheese is melted and browned (about 5 minutes).<br />
<br />
Serve warm or at room temperature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONDda32AeES-5ELHgCDtd4qsw1azNLum_HC0LI4nMPIjtTh_aayBFmMPH4cKVRUmYEbloAkXgWXvsO9c6he6Sqh-A_FPOXn3bGPepHccrXBwe9s49yioE1-HEL-WWvoPwUiOwxle7Ku_Y/s1600/SweetPepperPoppers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONDda32AeES-5ELHgCDtd4qsw1azNLum_HC0LI4nMPIjtTh_aayBFmMPH4cKVRUmYEbloAkXgWXvsO9c6he6Sqh-A_FPOXn3bGPepHccrXBwe9s49yioE1-HEL-WWvoPwUiOwxle7Ku_Y/s640/SweetPepperPoppers2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-85701750925594117382015-06-11T08:03:00.000-05:002015-06-11T08:03:00.605-05:00Our trip to Magnolia Market, Junque in the Trunk & Harp Design Co.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Raise your hand if you're a fan of Fixer Upper!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alright, so I'm assuming you all raised your hands! If so, this is the post for you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week, we decided to take an impromptu trip to Waco, Texas. Why would we want to visit Waco? Well, solely for Magnolia Market, Junque in the Trunk and Harp Design Co., of course!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Waco is about 8+ hours from where we live, so we actually drove to Grapevine first, but that is for another post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our first stop was...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z7z5xPIOl3bG10emksT-VHqUHdvGUwkJXPLezfTLtNtpfWXsNhDVGfSHo4CPw6FvzmVqHFxfg2Qzh_Xmn_shmBoXKlUbkpD1AFvl3wWTkkI1nWnAvRo5ZFs6DXLM2Ciwl1_eI88NIsh6/s1600/MagnoliaMarket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z7z5xPIOl3bG10emksT-VHqUHdvGUwkJXPLezfTLtNtpfWXsNhDVGfSHo4CPw6FvzmVqHFxfg2Qzh_Xmn_shmBoXKlUbkpD1AFvl3wWTkkI1nWnAvRo5ZFs6DXLM2Ciwl1_eI88NIsh6/s640/MagnoliaMarket.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I mean really, where else did you think our first stop would be? ;-)<br />
<br />
Magnolia Market is currently located in what I would say isn't the best area of Waco. That was just my impression, but I could be wrong! Certainly the way we drove in made it seem that way. There also isn't any parking, so you utilize the parking lot for the business next door.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgk74X26aY25AEtWhmdEql5FPwuBJ6H6DBcoZBmefcFXWDRTyZDd6Q7bEwyeJ9RR5wiB_MRO0cOq42lmWVFeFgYTmGZXYynK0TBYrbbwFAknLvW1btMg3QEVgFNR3NuF_-tUmEamNxcNC/s1600/MM4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgk74X26aY25AEtWhmdEql5FPwuBJ6H6DBcoZBmefcFXWDRTyZDd6Q7bEwyeJ9RR5wiB_MRO0cOq42lmWVFeFgYTmGZXYynK0TBYrbbwFAknLvW1btMg3QEVgFNR3NuF_-tUmEamNxcNC/s640/MM4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You're greeted at the door with this adorable water stand. Love!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got there right when they opened, which is exactly what I would recommend you do if you're thinking of visiting to Magnolia Market. By the time we left, the place was absolutely packed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_FpuFiXDWoqZZV6bl6ouCYhaSdvHbKJruvhNBgdewkOo6_SWIfO7uhPW4vrnVB9toy4Gqbqx69SibUCsvUwpLpuSt8EnaKYOuQGttQqQVJJRHha5_dK9d3YiXtQv8SNWZPNOAtZs7GMg/s1600/MM5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_FpuFiXDWoqZZV6bl6ouCYhaSdvHbKJruvhNBgdewkOo6_SWIfO7uhPW4vrnVB9toy4Gqbqx69SibUCsvUwpLpuSt8EnaKYOuQGttQqQVJJRHha5_dK9d3YiXtQv8SNWZPNOAtZs7GMg/s640/MM5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm including lots of pictures so that you can see what the whole store looks like. It's pretty small, and I'm sure the new one will be a lot larger!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLz-AnilPz9ZB2AnZ864ux7T_9VOUnicFwLkC-jwY89WFJQU9snE2xJ1kLnCEpUd757UyEh8U3EBe8zD1_MZkN3j7lGSCf9NOR-QwC3Ddh1ObtmwrEwWViL22BTJx-BoZ2NuI231tNATL/s1600/MM3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLz-AnilPz9ZB2AnZ864ux7T_9VOUnicFwLkC-jwY89WFJQU9snE2xJ1kLnCEpUd757UyEh8U3EBe8zD1_MZkN3j7lGSCf9NOR-QwC3Ddh1ObtmwrEwWViL22BTJx-BoZ2NuI231tNATL/s640/MM3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone who works there is so helpful! See that gray ladder above? I might have come home with that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVuEyoEiobOKe3LfY0WB-FdADLXEFsIZZrbz5biWrdJZ4bksBJb5gZBHBIWffKfNmr-6MWS4fMyWPXunm9PMXviMUDvneGn4FkAu9Pi-PIPN2vJ_OJF6Piq2roY0jlVXKCJWGh49NVfT9/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVuEyoEiobOKe3LfY0WB-FdADLXEFsIZZrbz5biWrdJZ4bksBJb5gZBHBIWffKfNmr-6MWS4fMyWPXunm9PMXviMUDvneGn4FkAu9Pi-PIPN2vJ_OJF6Piq2roY0jlVXKCJWGh49NVfT9/s640/IMG_6251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I might have also gotten a few of the things in these pictures as well. I'm working on some remodeling projects that I can't wait to show you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79dFuZ4CHgXgFT6MJdIhNnxgYcqXTwrmxT0qrdipMYQjylJNz6Qdt4cxbdGwYmCFZ9OBD5UdBMoxE1ATt-G3SulAl4U28iH_LoQVmPUb4RNPuF0s9SmW7r_klAquyxeD8U2W9LXFzkf7l/s1600/MM6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79dFuZ4CHgXgFT6MJdIhNnxgYcqXTwrmxT0qrdipMYQjylJNz6Qdt4cxbdGwYmCFZ9OBD5UdBMoxE1ATt-G3SulAl4U28iH_LoQVmPUb4RNPuF0s9SmW7r_klAquyxeD8U2W9LXFzkf7l/s640/MM6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There is also another building that is detached but just steps away from the main Magnolia Market. It looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJhUxyxZ8deLLOh8vcm30TsB1uXuWnkj2G9dLdGa8e1CJqz7BEXMHbJUoZFLQb5G95K_QveHRpp7NJ-vQdkhKc2vguSHNVfi5Peq8G8q7Z67UO1b876UKOAT0a0UNeKrqlsH4Myok2aUX/s1600/MM7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJhUxyxZ8deLLOh8vcm30TsB1uXuWnkj2G9dLdGa8e1CJqz7BEXMHbJUoZFLQb5G95K_QveHRpp7NJ-vQdkhKc2vguSHNVfi5Peq8G8q7Z67UO1b876UKOAT0a0UNeKrqlsH4Myok2aUX/s640/MM7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside, there is a lot of dead space - I'm not sure if they were just sold out of a lot or what. There were some dishes, fake flowers, Joann's jewelry and galvanized buckets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was great to visit! I was surprised to see that almost everything is available online, only because I never felt that their website was that large. Hopefully they will up their number of SKU's when their new store opens. My only other criticism is the pricing. It was the first store of our very long day, so I bought things that I later found for much cheaper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up was Junque in the Trunk, which you might remember from season 2 of Fixer Upper. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPLiZ7Vl9CA1ufyO1ledcT0x45_iiMN0o5llrMsgqzjjNilMRVqesx9Ni9AwtvpRTVlVe5DGm9-g2h7_XX0oikOBmAgvVoepYWxbEvtGxsuIxp4ZlrhBBb9uQ3AkSvm5WcrwrZst6p8HS/s1600/JunqueTrunk1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPLiZ7Vl9CA1ufyO1ledcT0x45_iiMN0o5llrMsgqzjjNilMRVqesx9Ni9AwtvpRTVlVe5DGm9-g2h7_XX0oikOBmAgvVoepYWxbEvtGxsuIxp4ZlrhBBb9uQ3AkSvm5WcrwrZst6p8HS/s640/JunqueTrunk1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I absolutely loved this store! In my head it was a lot bigger, not that it was small in person. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7mrWiCX1DAUOHzAaYPFTBGRwUFn1RshpzL7_dgc7gRJcr_eswOF4rsbu0Fi0B4MBOyk96oqGBCINLOb9pDve3koHU_6AD5dpvruoz0uFwAt3m8-i1o8HqMp1JgFy0yeFetvr6PXe3Id3/s1600/JunqueTrunk2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7mrWiCX1DAUOHzAaYPFTBGRwUFn1RshpzL7_dgc7gRJcr_eswOF4rsbu0Fi0B4MBOyk96oqGBCINLOb9pDve3koHU_6AD5dpvruoz0uFwAt3m8-i1o8HqMp1JgFy0yeFetvr6PXe3Id3/s640/JunqueTrunk2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I might have brought something from the above picture home with me. Any guesses?<br />
<br />
I chatted quite a lot with the owner and found out that she went to school with Joanna and that they are friends. She's also recently engaged and she loved my ring, so she snapped some pics of it which was flattering!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gPj_U42xdrV_8OdTWSgu9Ul4khHirsDhGviVHpv20eC4U0Ce3yoRQ9-KF-vwxxwszBnFJt2yNV0Qxt4xDD9EMr8MdM-8ZO7NqOK7X61ImGHyrpbwkOAjv3sry1te5U_51E3v7LJZ7g7x/s1600/JunqueTrunk3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gPj_U42xdrV_8OdTWSgu9Ul4khHirsDhGviVHpv20eC4U0Ce3yoRQ9-KF-vwxxwszBnFJt2yNV0Qxt4xDD9EMr8MdM-8ZO7NqOK7X61ImGHyrpbwkOAjv3sry1te5U_51E3v7LJZ7g7x/s640/JunqueTrunk3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They also stock a lot of the same accessories - I know I saw the bread holders and galvanized buckets here for much cheaper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can shop on their Facebook page, so be sure to look for that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw8Wn-lLrIHpMttwRcw9_4U2sfNupTzG9gWYaiLcN8-4ZomvKnb8G7zSUXGOs3Hqxs3wlRfyFpuUSuC72Uy7wQ0AvVUS2RLaGn0mk2NG2cTdCmTaAAganFe5y3oKDzXS130CwA9T_yrpn/s1600/JunqueTrunk4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw8Wn-lLrIHpMttwRcw9_4U2sfNupTzG9gWYaiLcN8-4ZomvKnb8G7zSUXGOs3Hqxs3wlRfyFpuUSuC72Uy7wQ0AvVUS2RLaGn0mk2NG2cTdCmTaAAganFe5y3oKDzXS130CwA9T_yrpn/s640/JunqueTrunk4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last stop on the Fixer Upper part of our day (we visited probably 10 other stores outside of these three!) was Harp Design Co, which is conveniently located right next to the Harp's House...which of course, was featured on Fixer Upper!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZ4npNLomeQZ8Y5FQl7iIt4Op22nyWfDMmmvVSSc69oTX_sNj2VoFZ2RLsxJgRPftmAEp469hjR4iA6koGp7qAtZYmrXTDZNkQbzT_baI1M0eD94QnpNQ_zxks5pAZG4ozWX2N7Y9cEg/s1600/HarpHome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZ4npNLomeQZ8Y5FQl7iIt4Op22nyWfDMmmvVSSc69oTX_sNj2VoFZ2RLsxJgRPftmAEp469hjR4iA6koGp7qAtZYmrXTDZNkQbzT_baI1M0eD94QnpNQ_zxks5pAZG4ozWX2N7Y9cEg/s640/HarpHome.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Funny story - the Harp's were home and we saw them outside! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY0DB5rHfLwDej5_Mlt5GAbWPR85x-dMpm6N-1fDYbQ9lrHLIj6Rr465CCP9jqthSbZeyyIHY8eCtNAB-boyzulBS1IwEerTUiQzlU0n5BzEVUM8ZEWy9AQId5LlPy_U2xOkac7cLyn-F/s1600/Harp1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY0DB5rHfLwDej5_Mlt5GAbWPR85x-dMpm6N-1fDYbQ9lrHLIj6Rr465CCP9jqthSbZeyyIHY8eCtNAB-boyzulBS1IwEerTUiQzlU0n5BzEVUM8ZEWy9AQId5LlPy_U2xOkac7cLyn-F/s640/Harp1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love everything they show on Fixer Upper, so I had pictured a large showroom. In actuality, the showroom was quite small and very empty. There was one piece I was interested in (a bench) but it was already sold. They had no inventory in the back to sell. Interestingly, it seemed like all of the big pieces in the store had already sold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluVb90jLiSUeRPO0D7Z2GwP_kEauczwO0qWa8G4aUq_zRRbHJSc-Nsc2sQNd46iBw-cSE3E3oDs47TWFyrcpZMRePY8yyJd7aWx5bNntc1pepNkwsOgMlzcYaOxar08hsFm4pjKSmXcBI/s1600/Harp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluVb90jLiSUeRPO0D7Z2GwP_kEauczwO0qWa8G4aUq_zRRbHJSc-Nsc2sQNd46iBw-cSE3E3oDs47TWFyrcpZMRePY8yyJd7aWx5bNntc1pepNkwsOgMlzcYaOxar08hsFm4pjKSmXcBI/s640/Harp3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, we had a great day in Waco, and loved getting to see the places that are often shown on our favorite TV show! </div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-7020946834314609642015-06-08T12:30:00.000-05:002015-06-08T12:30:19.103-05:00Last Day of School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, school is out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The school my kids go to actually ended in May, so we've been out for two weeks now. We took a little impromptu trip last week which I can't wait to blog about. We visited Magnolia Market for all of those Fixer Upper fans!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But before I get to that, I had to share a little about my two main boys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brayden finished up Kindergarten. Unlike a lot of my friends schools, ours doesn't do a graduation with caps and gowns and all of that (which is a little sad for me) but they do a program where they sing and we watch a video of pictures of all the kids from the school year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLXq3KJs88ChMO5aOH4QHUuH-WznibygULnNj17evwodtl9XYLUNlujp344rv7BUTnWo3L2s88j_ImYX25MVqhEMsiq557CbHYRMJJFdGFwWrRFurhNocxWvWEq4GBSZ-sIBERdpgG_q8/s1600/LastDayofSchool2015.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLXq3KJs88ChMO5aOH4QHUuH-WznibygULnNj17evwodtl9XYLUNlujp344rv7BUTnWo3L2s88j_ImYX25MVqhEMsiq557CbHYRMJJFdGFwWrRFurhNocxWvWEq4GBSZ-sIBERdpgG_q8/s640/LastDayofSchool2015.1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I am amazed at what he's learned this past year!<br />
<br />
He can read easy reader books, write full sentences, do addition and subtraction and even play math games on his computer. He has grown so much! He's much more outgoing and every kid in his class loved him, which is so fun for me to see. He makes friends so easily and has such a sweet spirit. He received an award for his love of God's word - he had memorized a Bible verse every week of the school year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Brody attended Pre-K 3 this year, and we lucked out - he was able to be in the same class his brother was in when he attended Pre-K 3. We absolutely love his teacher!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Ane4IUQ5It1NxJZtBPqQ5DX6kQoJiupLOTpKUW222Thk4RuU5JM98e32Qev0H1b1t-Seh2ZSTvjAmjMGzwtp6QlKquRLypTxKSm8hw45LNtSaky14mhT93tccRyoGtHyL9REf_SlDA9/s1600/LastDayofSchool2015.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Ane4IUQ5It1NxJZtBPqQ5DX6kQoJiupLOTpKUW222Thk4RuU5JM98e32Qev0H1b1t-Seh2ZSTvjAmjMGzwtp6QlKquRLypTxKSm8hw45LNtSaky14mhT93tccRyoGtHyL9REf_SlDA9/s640/LastDayofSchool2015.2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Brody has always been very outgoing, so it was no surprise that he made fast friends with everyone in his class (and several of the other classes!). He has learned a lot, including how to write his name. He loves coloring, recess, library and story time. He also loves Wednesdays (he only goes 3 days a week) because they are Chick-fil-a days!<br />
<br />
<br />
We are looking forward to a fun filled summer, and I hope you are too! I'll be back later this week with pictures of our trip to Waco and Grapevine. We visited Magnolia Market and several other shops that you've seen on HGTV if you're a fan of Fixer Upper!Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-82796209183024384242015-06-02T08:03:00.000-05:002015-06-02T08:03:00.089-05:00How To Make A Culvert Garden Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of months ago I dreamed up these planters. Thankfully, I have an awesome husband who can whip this sort of stuff up for me. I posted some pictures on Twitter and Facebook (and I'll be posting some on my new <a href="https://instagram.com/jennasjourney/">Instagram account</a> too!) of my garden and people wanted to know more about the raised planters I'm using. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqQmaxEx0I3Ok9kUW-PNkgInRno8BEfDggK3265NWcgmczO-kL8ipzGGSasMW6DjF6HdMkey54bx6V1_-03lDHSveTSz8u9mDVgaQ94OD6NPE1BD0OpdqrkEOzbXXmufQDQ-K1NT5NuXM/s1600/CulvertPlanter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqQmaxEx0I3Ok9kUW-PNkgInRno8BEfDggK3265NWcgmczO-kL8ipzGGSasMW6DjF6HdMkey54bx6V1_-03lDHSveTSz8u9mDVgaQ94OD6NPE1BD0OpdqrkEOzbXXmufQDQ-K1NT5NuXM/s640/CulvertPlanter1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, here is what they look like. I've got five of them made out of leftover culverts we owned and weren't using. Culverts are big drainage pipes that are used underground to carry water. Now, I'm sure not everyone has these just laying around, but you can check Craigslist and find them or call around and see if your city has any they want to get rid of. Otherwise, check with a plumbing supply house (not a Lowe's or Home Depot).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what you will need:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
Culverts (mine are 48" wide and 4' tall)<br />
1 garden hose<br />
1 roll of thin metal wire<br />
Drill with 3/8" drill bit (or similar)<br />
Razor knife<br />
Level<br />
Circular saw/sawzall/plasma cutter (one of the three)<br />
Paint (if you're using a galvanized pipe, you'll need to make sure you have paint that will stick to galvanized metal)<br />
Creek or clean gravel - enough to fill up half of your culvert<br />
Garden grade dirt - enough to fill up the rest of your culverts<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Directions:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
1.) Measure and mark your culverts for cutting.<br />
<br />
2. Cut your culverts to length using a circular saw with a metal blade, a sawzall or a plasma cutter if you have one.<br />
<br />
3.) Paint the culvert. Let dry completely.<br />
<br />
4.) Using your knife, cut a slit through <i>one side</i> of the garden hose (not all the way through it - it should remain in one piece) so that it will wrap around the top of the culvert (see picture below).<br />
<br />
5.) Place garden hose on top of the pipe as shown below.<br />
<br />
6.) Drill a hole right below the garden hose every 10-12".<br />
<br />
7.) Thread metal wire around garden hose, through the hole you just drilled and tighten (shown below).<br />
<br />
8.) Set your culvert in place and make sure it is level, side to side and front to back.<br />
<br />
9.) Fill your culvert halfway with gravel. ***<b>If you're only using these to grow shallow plants, like herbs, you can use more gravel and less dirt which will be less expensive. ***</b><br />
<br />
10.) Fill remainder of the culvert with garden dirt leaving about 4" of space at the top.<br />
<br />
11.) Plant your garden!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoh95WB2TKv0tcVMNk20dr6KxEYcQVXRwDzC_CgIlZKXtjTu99cdmPjV1h2wVn5fLU8esqaXzGxStqGrKpYRId1UzpjjGFfsy6F1ohhM9s2vOb7W0kLyP5g80vaAzKwZkfr8Tj3dCFzBl/s1600/CulvertPlanter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoh95WB2TKv0tcVMNk20dr6KxEYcQVXRwDzC_CgIlZKXtjTu99cdmPjV1h2wVn5fLU8esqaXzGxStqGrKpYRId1UzpjjGFfsy6F1ohhM9s2vOb7W0kLyP5g80vaAzKwZkfr8Tj3dCFzBl/s640/CulvertPlanter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is one of my planters - this one has potatoes and onions! These planters are GREAT for anything that will grow down into the dirt like carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, turnips etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me know if you have any questions!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB_HiXfqaUf8HHRgP3ich72tWVVUySEkM37AX3aoXG8V9WXMixw4YEtMaqoWlae_HmlQdBpEVEI7O4FZtaPmaFx8y9FDhZ0_xVzizydMFo9rhb4FocPHGwVzWOfALjx5mLR17mJW8ib4G/s1600/CulvertPlanter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB_HiXfqaUf8HHRgP3ich72tWVVUySEkM37AX3aoXG8V9WXMixw4YEtMaqoWlae_HmlQdBpEVEI7O4FZtaPmaFx8y9FDhZ0_xVzizydMFo9rhb4FocPHGwVzWOfALjx5mLR17mJW8ib4G/s640/CulvertPlanter3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-44715932743597946002015-05-30T10:59:00.001-05:002015-05-30T10:59:22.351-05:00So I joined Instagram...and an Instasale?So, four plus years ago I created an Instagram account. I don't think I said anything about it at the time - if I am remembering correctly, Instagram was a new thing then and at the time, Twitter was super active.<br />
<br />
Soooo...flash forward to the last six months. Every week someone asks me if I have an Instagram account. People are telling me they've ditched twitter and Facebook in favor of Instagram.<br />
<br />
The catalyst for me was when I wanted to see something that an antique store in my area just got in and the only place they posted it was on Instagram.<br />
<br />
So, I've joined the land of the living and now I'm actually using my Instagram. Guess what? I LOVE IT. I think I love it twice as much as Twitter and I've only been on there for like, two days or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CH3NQTreoWOW7pst7K25xF_NHjwaYfZiZquUD73pR_AtohxjAk4yMgxxz63CVUVdWp4WJR8z9hTWRcQqtCcU0gpVQD-g0HVJdA41Ejck4QyG6e4IBGPQBNGIqgl-7_matOHZbyHkpZ9W/s1600/instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CH3NQTreoWOW7pst7K25xF_NHjwaYfZiZquUD73pR_AtohxjAk4yMgxxz63CVUVdWp4WJR8z9hTWRcQqtCcU0gpVQD-g0HVJdA41Ejck4QyG6e4IBGPQBNGIqgl-7_matOHZbyHkpZ9W/s640/instagram.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to follow me my name is JennasJourney. I'm still figuring it all out, but yesterday I posted a picture of the clothes I was cleaning out of my closet and a couple of people told me I should do an Instasale.<br />
<br />
If you've done one of those, how does it work? Would you recommend doing it? I have a few pieces I would consider posting, but I'm not sure what the rules on that are. =)<br />
<br />
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-30821085029455495762015-05-21T08:03:00.000-05:002015-05-22T14:24:24.996-05:00Simplifying Our Morning Routine<div class="blogher_content">
<script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/59/5901/campaigns/20/2047/2047734/x90.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
Life with kids can be crazy hectic.<br />
<br />
Between school, sports, church, family activities, birthday parties and the like, I feel like we are perpetually running late.<br />
<br />
It's funny because I've always been the girl that's on time or even early, to <em>everything</em>. When my boys were little bitty, you could count on me to be the very first one at playgroup. If we had a doctor's appointment, I was there right on time. Meeting a friend for lunch? No problem, I'll be there early to get a good table.<br />
<br />
But as the kids get older, it actually seems <em>harder</em> to get going.<br />
<br />
Someone put on two different shoes.<br />
<br />
This one forgot his backpack.<br />
<br />
That one forgot his lunch.<br />
<br />
They both forgot to use the bathroom before they headed out to the car.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the things we consistently struggle with is the battle over breakfast. I don't know about your kids, but if Chris or I don't sit there and police our boys, then they'll choose to goof off instead of eat in the mornings. And you might think that this battle gets easier during the summer, but that is not the case!<br />
<br />
Why? Because all of the fun things that summer entails, like visits to the park with friends, heading off to see the grandparents, going to the lake to fish, packing up for a weekend getaway.<br />
<br />
The great news is that I've found something new that will make my... I mean, <em>our</em> lives easier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Yj5e7nhkgE32V8wjwdp0Zw0dOeBaz1sjnDAfe10oWv7eX35N6A8dH_fJ-firXIu2AZyJkzQvLD-_O2yqTAoWEucFgOw0M-Km3fjkTf0Nk6jTuPxu6fBJFbQglvkYvYzW77HNN3jenGWI/s1600/Kelloggs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Yj5e7nhkgE32V8wjwdp0Zw0dOeBaz1sjnDAfe10oWv7eX35N6A8dH_fJ-firXIu2AZyJkzQvLD-_O2yqTAoWEucFgOw0M-Km3fjkTf0Nk6jTuPxu6fBJFbQglvkYvYzW77HNN3jenGWI/s640/Kelloggs4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're like my family, we already love Kellogg's cereal. Brayden loves Fruit Loops, Brody's favorite is Frosted Flakes, I enjoy Raisin Bran Crunch and Chris likes Frosted Mini Wheats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2047734&cid=2038280&url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OY-P1kGsHa4%2FVVPA9kHlohI%2FAAAAAAAAJb8%2FWrfeu3D2UPc%2Fs1600%2FKelloggs3.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALSHntsBDtii0JpywgBWlYE5Od1F8sHKe9yacPeRh-wNQBxiLHRFf2d3RGvCrqTbLdrAouYNgjAclMwsgLiYqXOPzmzJyKD-v3RjtJQVGVLvJBGwr_cgtJpagPrd_k7C0YwBX3CYdaFi5/s640/Kelloggs3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And now, instead of taking several precious minutes to locate four types of cereal, and get everyone fed, we can all just grab a Cereal In A Cup, new from Kellogg's. It will go wherever our busy family goes, and my kids can grab it without any help from us (score!). Best of all, it's available where I already shop - at Walmart!<br />
<br />
If you need a quick and easy snack or breakfast, then grab your favorite <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2047734&cid=2038280&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fy0HIGl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cereal In A Cup</a> to go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2047734&cid=2038280&url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kqnTML02lV0%2FVVPA-rYN3eI%2FAAAAAAAAJcI%2FuHrRDi7tofA%2Fs1600%2FKelloggs4.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yylT8WoSGB9axESLiyVoDA8lx2K0H7o4lJ2yxbcnuH0hjWNaETk8fppj6Gh6BkkICzRr0ChXlHYLHJKL0yLQYZ8Q8vcEfVFYvLpNpb4x4OwE7j52yG_Fac8bt3-MoAHpI2-fp-kKDVCW/s640/Kelloggs4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How are you <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2047734&cid=2038280&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fy0HIGl" rel="nofollow">#MakingTheMostOfSummer</a>? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card! </span><span style="color: red;">Be sure to include your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Entry Instructions:</em></strong><br />
<em>No duplicate comments.</em><br />
<em>You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:</em><br />
<ol>
<li><em>Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post</em></li>
<li><em>Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post</em></li>
<li><em>Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</em></li>
<li><em>For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.</em></li>
</ol>
<em>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.</em><br />
<em>The Official Rules are available <a href="http://www.blogher.com/cereal-shopper-jennas-journey-sweepstakes-official-rules" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</em><br />
<em>This sweepstakes runs from 5/21/15 – 6/16/15.</em><br />
<em>Be sure to visit the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2047734&cid=2038280&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogher.com%2Fmake-most-summer-kelloggs-blogger-reviews-giveaways" rel="nofollow">Kellogg’s</a> brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!</em><br />
<script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/59/5901/campaigns/20/2047/2047734/x92.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-39573699103685968182015-05-15T09:24:00.001-05:002015-05-15T09:24:16.424-05:005 of the Best Books I've Read Recently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been awhile since I've talked about my favorite books. I've always been a big reader, though in the last year, I've slowed down a bit. Sometimes I block myself into a corner when I'm reading and I only want to read books about a certain subject matter, which can really be a hindrance! I found myself in that place recently, so I decided to look back at some of my favorite reads and see if I can get myself out of my reading slump.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you've read something that you love recently, let me know in the comments!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJtY-XeWa69Bc3gRJpt4yBxZ33iDDSnlb-ynseUh_qeW6uX6_K60GMWVSPy0acf-FAJulbHsZMEoNjedxdp49913e2NXZTY5nxCThcf7XC3wSko0T3swrkVDHB1vzuu_AP8Eu9WFTsTa2/s1600/Booklist2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJtY-XeWa69Bc3gRJpt4yBxZ33iDDSnlb-ynseUh_qeW6uX6_K60GMWVSPy0acf-FAJulbHsZMEoNjedxdp49913e2NXZTY5nxCThcf7XC3wSko0T3swrkVDHB1vzuu_AP8Eu9WFTsTa2/s640/Booklist2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Number FIVE:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alright. Who wants a cute book with an adorable cover and and even better title? Meeeee!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, Jennifer Smith has several of these uber cute books (The Geography of You and Me and This Is What Happy Looks Like are two of her other ones...I just finished TGOYAM and I liked the story but hated the ending). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The interesting thing about this book is that it takes place over 24 hours. Our main character, Hadley, is heading from her mom's home in the states, to her Dad's wedding in England, and on the way, meets Oliver. I can't say much more without giving away the plot (mostly, because it all happens in one day!) but it was a great read and one my favorite books from the last year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iy6jj1f-o9RXprvoL3CLR_hfHgTIBx5ItnP_DpL4ljfu9aQgo9Jk_lNbzvZGQ612EptYN5MEvEeSspnysee96SKoDBei598mWHjNeiWLkWtIaXyhFyi0J-Jbjw4OgV8pZPcOL3hRBaVE/s1600/10798416-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iy6jj1f-o9RXprvoL3CLR_hfHgTIBx5ItnP_DpL4ljfu9aQgo9Jk_lNbzvZGQ612EptYN5MEvEeSspnysee96SKoDBei598mWHjNeiWLkWtIaXyhFyi0J-Jbjw4OgV8pZPcOL3hRBaVE/s400/10798416-2.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Number FOUR:</span></u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of Rainbow Rowell's lesser known books is Attachments. Here is a book that gripped me from the moment I started reading it and finished out with a FANTASTIC ending. It isn't a heavy read, but I don't know if I would put it in the "light, beach read" category either. I think that comes down to the fact that this particular book drew me in from the first paragraph, and I simply couldn't put it down.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've read several books by this author but this one remains my favorite. If you like her style but haven't checked Attachments out yet, then go get it! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(D<span style="font-size: x-small;">isclaimer - I was glancing through Goodreads and saw that apparently, I had been given a free copy of this by NetGalley. Obviously that did not affect my review being as I didn't even remember getting it for free, haha!).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYdoSXzIpIDyij57AQMUF7G_VLi7zr1Nu32pM8DHid8gsi16gDmyjSOZZbCghJcv0qrftpvBSDLI0ap_KwlS6Wh5Pw9aL7HAw6NTbFRIjmj3OOtH6A02b6WapvqUd3br3D2H-aSFzmyPs/s1600/8909152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYdoSXzIpIDyij57AQMUF7G_VLi7zr1Nu32pM8DHid8gsi16gDmyjSOZZbCghJcv0qrftpvBSDLI0ap_KwlS6Wh5Pw9aL7HAw6NTbFRIjmj3OOtH6A02b6WapvqUd3br3D2H-aSFzmyPs/s400/8909152.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Number THREE:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two words. Nicholas Sparks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so, seriously, I'm not a Sparks groupie. There are actually a fair amount of his books that I don't care for, however, this is probably the best one I've ever, ever read. And before you ask, no, I haven't seen the movie (I read the book long before the movie came out).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whenever I tell anyone to read this book I get the obvious Nicholas Sparks related question, "Does it have a sad ending?" I'm going to do my best to answer this question without giving anything away. I'll tell you this - yes, I cried. I'll also tell you that I hate, hate, hate sad books that leave you with nothing at the end. This book is on my list of top reads so derive from that what you will and if you want to ask me anything specific about it, email me so that I don't give it away for people that don't want any hints. ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoa4C_2Ci86z2jL6FdsKoWkhVpm9ijDXOWfrvIQbU0kY9vQqg6rxcgQtb151Gg2vM3kw3dMN87-5U2RhE7wKLoPj9Mmq5U0Fr_py75EMyaqZ0KlXybpQ9TIkjPzdbW7RkyzD61LTaY993/s1600/17407748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoa4C_2Ci86z2jL6FdsKoWkhVpm9ijDXOWfrvIQbU0kY9vQqg6rxcgQtb151Gg2vM3kw3dMN87-5U2RhE7wKLoPj9Mmq5U0Fr_py75EMyaqZ0KlXybpQ9TIkjPzdbW7RkyzD61LTaY993/s400/17407748.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Number TWO:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxJL6pX9SuCTs_cMXaDm9UHPUJo4r3zJ9NVtQvt_sB64DuQ4OYUZMJyMtlSn7JemjG8lIY2lUpfu5GSmaQQP_OkBgXkxykj2E0olupYgtzSoFdO56qQO1QjybelG8Jll9ZRvm7Wps_KmH/s1600/6936382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxJL6pX9SuCTs_cMXaDm9UHPUJo4r3zJ9NVtQvt_sB64DuQ4OYUZMJyMtlSn7JemjG8lIY2lUpfu5GSmaQQP_OkBgXkxykj2E0olupYgtzSoFdO56qQO1QjybelG8Jll9ZRvm7Wps_KmH/s400/6936382.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coming in at number two is Anna and the French Kiss. HORRIBLE TITLE. Seriously, she could have named it literally anything else and it would've been better. However, do not let the title, or the terrible cover speak for the actual content of this book. (That sounds a bit harsh, but I take books seriously. Like, my filter is <i>broken</i> when it comes to books).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, let's just get the obvious out of the way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book <i>is</i> about Anna.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book is <i>not</i> about a girl going to France to find her one true love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel better now, having gotten that out of the way. Phew. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so if you want to read a book full of imperfect people, living imperfect lives, but finding their real happiness, this might be the story for you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you want to read a book that unfolds in a beautifully written, artfully flowing manner, so that it plays out like a movie in your head, then this might be the book for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So basically, if you like to read, like even the teeniest, tiniest bit, then this is the book you need to go read. Like now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Note</u></b>: The other two books that sort of relate to this one without being sequels (Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After) are both really great too. I rated Isla's story a 5 star read and Lola's a 4 on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/267740-jenna">Goodreads</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Number ONE:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidymmhQECIodu4-XTQiQHq1MvjQkjZ7dbQsCfcZclFh-cLpqUpSG84axVETQNllGzzI-_oqHP8ZaZjDHsUbLTrNgYzcTePmv5fG0m78w5f1WSriCgqYbptV6Ue5F89g2R8n4fFbdpeOats/s1600/22875451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidymmhQECIodu4-XTQiQHq1MvjQkjZ7dbQsCfcZclFh-cLpqUpSG84axVETQNllGzzI-_oqHP8ZaZjDHsUbLTrNgYzcTePmv5fG0m78w5f1WSriCgqYbptV6Ue5F89g2R8n4fFbdpeOats/s400/22875451.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
In the number one spot is The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, aka The Fug Girls.<br />
<br />
So here's a huge secret - I am a big fan of European royalty. Just kidding - if you've read this blog for awhile or if you <a href="https://twitter.com/Jenna05">follow me on twitter</a>, then you probably already know that (I mean, I am the girl that tweeted the entire tour of Australia and both of Kate's births). So, when I heard that my twitter friends Heather and Jessica were writing a new book called The Royal We, I knew I had to read it.<br />
<br />
It loosely follows the love story of Wills and Kate, but it is chock full of twists, turns and surprises.<br />
<br />
If you like:<br />
A.) Royalty<br />
B.) Love Stories<br />
C.) Will and Kate<br />
D.) Tiaras<br />
E.) Prince Harry<br />
F.) London<br />
Then you need to go buy this book. Like now. Come back to this post in a minute after you go buy your copy.<br />
<br />
I should offer a slight disclaimer - I did receive a copy of this book for free. However, freebies of any sort never deter me from giving an honest opinion, and I honestly love this book and can't wait to read it again.<br />
<br />
I am crossing my fingers that we get a sequel soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, what have you read recently that you love?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-8113713818772547102015-05-14T08:03:00.000-05:002015-05-14T08:03:00.165-05:00Keep Good Going & Win A $100 Visa Gift Card!<div class="blogher_content">
<script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/59/5901/campaigns/20/2048/2048164/x90.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
Six years ago, I started this blog to chronicle our journey with infertility and loss.<br /> <br /> Imagine my shock when, right after launching it (quite literally within a day or two) we found out I was pregnant.<br /> <br /> After years of struggle and heartache and loss, we finally welcomed our first son Brayden in January of 2009.<br /> <br /> Being a mom is something I <em>always</em> wanted. When I was a kid and teachers would ask us what we wanted to be, my reply was always "a stay-at-home mom." I'm not sure they knew what to make of that. ;-)<br /> <br /> That's why, when I finally became one, Mother's Day and Father's Day became a couple of my and Chris's favorite holidays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xfZEKvQSAQs%2FVUeFH0PhSFI%2FAAAAAAAAJas%2F7e3IDDxzgnY%2Fs1600%2FNewYorkLife2.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmaaCJG0MPvmS4pUpwR_A_QqTaG7tDVjYNggKrHrxBcKsQdeCR2MMRkSWnPVQ5iItWBUEYNT1spufGcK1xBGeJifATJR7qxfxLJXiXkXOkgavfK7spJhBuNG-CX9RyeHl9MlijCmT1pEU/s640/NewYorkLife2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /> <br /> We love making new traditions for our little family, and that doesn't just apply to Christmas or Easter, but all the holidays we celebrate.<br /> <br /> Like many of you, Chris holds his annual Father's Day BBQ at our house. Everyone is welcome, and they each bring their favorite family side dish. It's a fun conversation starter - we all share stories about Grandma's three bean salad, or the time that someone's uncle caught the yard on fire while lighting the BBQ.<br /> <br /> On Mother's Day, we always go out to a nice brunch (that way mom doesn't have to cook!). My boys always pick out rainbow colored roses for me and color homemade cards, while Chris often picks out a gift with my little guys initials on it. We always set the auto timer on my camera and attempt to get the "perfect" family shot, which means we have a collection of photos where I'm running to get back into the frame, or one of the kids is making a funny face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mWH1-nc-g4U%2FVUeFPe7RHhI%2FAAAAAAAAJa0%2FM6w-UTZwfDE%2Fs1600%2FNewYorkLife1.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zPPFqdN3m-7uJ45fzlq3lPOIs55rYNFjHjiUvEp6O12-5CDQxWl6O77229fNOow9ikbSyWFZtSexYLRnX3cOgGMf_RhesrkcIe4O77x-Ce46pVLbZrL-oNtAEAZff0-prJm9EmJixjHJ/s640/NewYorkLife1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /> <br /> The good people at New York Life are <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2F1JTfzU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Celebrating Good</a> moments and special family experiences this season, and like me, they're hoping you'll share a picture of how you Keep Good Going over on their official page (just <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2F1JTfzU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>).<br /> <br /> If you're looking to start your own set of traditions, then check out the thousands of <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2FMesR0V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tweets</a> that people just like us have already shared using the hashtag #KeepGoodGoing, or on their <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2F1JTfzU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">webpage</a>.<br /> <br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>If entering please be sure to include your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win!</i></b></span><br /><br /> Sweepstakes: To enter for a chance to win a <b><u>$100 Visa gift card</u></b>, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite ways to celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day! What special traditions does your family love?<br />
<strong><em>Entry Instructions: </em></strong><br />
<em>No duplicate comments.</em><br />
<em>You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:</em><br />
<ol>
<li><em>Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post</em></li>
<li><em>Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post</em></li>
<li><em>Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</em></li>
<li><em>For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.</em></li>
</ol>
<em>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. </em><br />
<em>The Official Rules are available <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogher.com%2Fkeep-good-going-sweepstakes-official-rules" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</em><br />
<em>This sweepstakes runs from 5/14/15 – 6/30/15.</em><br />
<em>Be sure to visit the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2048164&cid=2037602&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogher.com%2Fkeep-good-going-new-york-life" rel="nofollow">New York Life</a> brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!</em><br />
<script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/59/5901/campaigns/20/2048/2048164/x92.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-12874536780119918202015-05-05T13:19:00.001-05:002015-05-05T13:19:13.986-05:00Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back when I posted my <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/super-soft-sugar-cookies.html">Super Soft Sugar Cookie's</a> recipe, I had intended to follow it up with my Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting recipe, but life got in the way and things got busy, and then before I knew it, I had totally forgotten about it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But it dawned on me today that I never posted it, so I set out to right that wrong!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjFM8HhHM4CmBxKOEo_k1fnST6R5jlJT34uZBk-rIENuEbsrFiJUH7wlsoi9yB4fLScZ7eoC-4hnFQZzKvMwpf1DPjHdtl4uSPH_xc7XUeBQ2yG9zj-cM_cS3URwP9GaulcMp3ct1VpWE/s1600/CreamCheeseButtercream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjFM8HhHM4CmBxKOEo_k1fnST6R5jlJT34uZBk-rIENuEbsrFiJUH7wlsoi9yB4fLScZ7eoC-4hnFQZzKvMwpf1DPjHdtl4uSPH_xc7XUeBQ2yG9zj-cM_cS3URwP9GaulcMp3ct1VpWE/s640/CreamCheeseButtercream.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting</span></u></b><br />
Source: <a href="http://jennablogs.com/">JennaBlogs.com</a><br />
Use on: <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/super-soft-sugar-cookies.html">Super Soft Sugar Cookies</a><br />
<br />
1 8oz package of cream cheese, at room temp<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temp<br />
1 lb powdered sugar<br />
1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
<i>Milk, if needed</i><br />
<i>Food coloring, if desired</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese and butter. Once fluffy, add in sugar and extract. If frosting is too thick add milk, 1 Tablespoon at a time.<br />
<br />
Once cookies have cooled (<a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/super-soft-sugar-cookies.html">I use this cookie recipe</a>), frost and sprinkle them and store in an airtight container. <br />
<br />
<b><i>If you want to make the four frosting colors I made (white, pink, green and lavender) follow this method:</i></b><br />
Frost the cream colored cookies first (frosting won't be totally white because of the butter and vanilla).<br />
Divide remaining frosting into two bowls - one bowl with 2/3 of the frosting, the other bowl with 1/3.<br />
Use food coloring drops or gel to create the green frosting in the bowl with 1/3 of the frosting.<br />
Use food coloring drops or gel in to create the pink in the other bowl.<br />
Once you're done with the pink frosting, add drops of blue coloring until your desired lavender color is created.<br />
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-18908634032764719172015-04-28T14:25:00.000-05:002015-04-28T16:21:32.639-05:00Quinoa Pasta with Veggies and Chicken Meatballs (21 Day Fix Approved)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, I've had a lot of requests for 21 Day Fix approved meals. I did some research on what that even is and then ordered a set of containers so I could work on some meals for you guys!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is my first one and it is super delicious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Note:</b> If you're out of yellow containers for the day, then just bake off a spaghetti squash in place of the quinoa pasta.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzODUPwIvG96QLIl3BLbS6ZsR0NjYUQiCsU4OmPtxH27lAw7NOv1HZ_0F0iewZZpsV8iobzlFYkzSycOgHpyS6PdxXmn1k2Rz62wk9KC-1MbLL7uZcHn3xWkTk0E-hmgSeV2BsVjFdo8UQ/s1600/QuinoaPastaChickenMeatball1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzODUPwIvG96QLIl3BLbS6ZsR0NjYUQiCsU4OmPtxH27lAw7NOv1HZ_0F0iewZZpsV8iobzlFYkzSycOgHpyS6PdxXmn1k2Rz62wk9KC-1MbLL7uZcHn3xWkTk0E-hmgSeV2BsVjFdo8UQ/s1600/QuinoaPastaChickenMeatball1.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Quinoa Pasta with Veggies & Chicken Meatballs</span></u></b><br />
Source: JennaBlogs.com<br />
<br />
<br />
1 box quinoa pasta (any shape)<br />
1 jar veggie marinara, no sugar added<br />
<br />
2 zucchini, chopped<br />
1 yellow squash, chopped<br />
1 red onion, chopped<br />
1 red bell pepper, chopped<br />
1 orange bell pepper, chopped<br />
<br />
2lbs of lean ground chicken<br />
1 yellow onion, minced<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 bunch of parsley, minced<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sauté minced onion and garlic in EVOO until caramelized. Combine ground chicken with minced yellow onion, garlic, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix well. Use a small ice cream scooper to make little meatballs. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 until done, about 15 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to make sure they're properly cooked.<br />
<br />
Up the oven temperature to 425. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Spread veggies in an even layer and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and flavorful.<br />
<br />
Cook quinoa pasta as directed. Heat marinara in a sauce pan.<br />
<br />
To serve, use top a portion of pasta with a portion of veggies, add marinara and meatballs.<br />
<br />
<i>If following the <b>21 day fix </b>use 1 <span style="color: yellow;">yellow</span> (pasta), 1 <span style="color: lime;">green</span> (veggies), 1 <span style="color: red;">red</span> (meatballs) plus another 1/2 a <span style="color: lime;">green</span> for marinara. If you're out of yellow, bake off a spaghetti squash and use 1/2 a green and forgo the yellow.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FSoix-hcEM0h9dycnfwvm2WiYy2PEya6AXm-sYE9rv63Y6cFT5QcBNLLJaowjv5Lebf2hW2IjVk5inQZQodIOY3P7ZrpRhNdeVfRd0t7Gb4XcFSHPNG34APgdHwgOrIsYoIDzQK5XxZQ/s1600/QuinoaPastaChickenMeatball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FSoix-hcEM0h9dycnfwvm2WiYy2PEya6AXm-sYE9rv63Y6cFT5QcBNLLJaowjv5Lebf2hW2IjVk5inQZQodIOY3P7ZrpRhNdeVfRd0t7Gb4XcFSHPNG34APgdHwgOrIsYoIDzQK5XxZQ/s1600/QuinoaPastaChickenMeatball.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-34691403913307833732015-04-24T10:40:00.001-05:002015-04-24T10:40:56.533-05:00Refreshing Bean Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My great-grandmother used to make an <i>amazing</i> bean salad. It was vinegar based and just SO GOOD. I was inspired by that to make something a bit lighter and fresher that would work as an awesome appetizer (especially when paired with my garlic hummus and sea salt pita chips, which I'll link below). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go try it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfzkF-Ic25nMtsX2INOuOyr-9mVKOPeJlMSD_MXQHioH5BlYVpikVPeFYRUwNISgEUl_xlf7PIdcBdOZ9tdzmzYjHJGngmoyN7qlCB9j7HiprzIUVBvF2xIeZrTKXmGdxrioREPTGiYLA/s1600/RefreshingBeanSalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfzkF-Ic25nMtsX2INOuOyr-9mVKOPeJlMSD_MXQHioH5BlYVpikVPeFYRUwNISgEUl_xlf7PIdcBdOZ9tdzmzYjHJGngmoyN7qlCB9j7HiprzIUVBvF2xIeZrTKXmGdxrioREPTGiYLA/s1600/RefreshingBeanSalad.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Refreshing Bean Salad</span></u></b><br />
Source: <a href="http://jennablogs.com/">JennaBlogs.com</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yield: About 4-5 cups of bean salad</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
2 cans (14oz) kidney beans, rinsed<br />
2 cans (14oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed<br />
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley<br />
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill<br />
1/4 cup minced red onion<br />
4 cloves fresh minced garlic<br />
Juice of 1 lemon<br />
5 Tablespoons EVOO<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
<br />
In a bowl, combine beans, parsley, onion and dill. Separately, whisk together lemon juice, EVOO, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over bean mixture and combine well. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve cold.<br />
<br />
This goes great when served with my <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/01/garlic-hummus-sea-salt-pita-chips.html">Garlic Hummus and Sea Salt Pita Chips</a>.Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-85523002413440511902015-04-20T08:03:00.000-05:002015-04-20T08:03:00.049-05:00Big Miracles Have Little Beginnings<div class="blogher_content">
<script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/59/5901/campaigns/20/2031/2031942/x90.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it will move. <u>Nothing</u> will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20</span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a mom of two young boys, I feel that one of the best messages I can instill in them is this - Faith can move mountains and <i>nothing</i> is impossible with God. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having </span>faith<span style="font-family: inherit;"> against all odds is often a moral that we, as parents, want to instill in our kids, and something we try to explain to them through stories and books. Today, I am thrilled to tell you about a brand new family friendly movie, hitting </span>theaters<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on April 24, called the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2031942&cid=2031938&url=http%3A%2F%2Flittleboymovie.com%2F" rel="nofollow">Little Boy movie</a> that will give them a visual on how faith really can move mountains.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, check out the trailer!</span></div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LpT4xL_aLkY" width="560"></iframe>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Do you believe you can do this?" seven year old Pepper's dad asks as they play pirates in the living room. "Yes! I </span>believe<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I can do this!" he replies.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And that is the </span>central theme of this inspiring and uplifting story - believing that you can do the impossible, when God is on your side. Set in the 1940's, Pepper's dad is soon summoned to war, and Pepper believes that his faith can indeed move mountains, and even bring his beloved father safely home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Faith is the central inspiration in this new movie, inspiring Pepper and pushing him forward in his quest. What inspires you? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2031942&cid=2031938&url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-3uoTWjPaKz4%2FVS-zMdneNiI%2FAAAAAAAAJZk%2F6ct68M0Aji8%2Fs1600%2Ftumblr_nlqa2gtz6P1uqamtko1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbytXnJdpDOwFtNWA33G_DdpyH1JeFuPC1kTYXx1eN3uhSupKfFccDOCadxdlH_LDOsicf-IsbxAQnYiu4l38jRCZjoqXnt-R7zZqT7orZy323dD6tZ3fJEb9J11Pn4_U50DQ-UciPPhq/s1600/tumblr_nlqa2gtz6P1uqamtko1_1280.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Chris and I are so excited to take our kids to see this uplifting and family friendly movie, and show them an example of a little boy just like them, who had faith that could really move mountains (PS - if you want to see some other moving mountains, be sure to check out Little Boy's awesome <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2031942&cid=2031938&url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Flittleboymovie" rel="nofollow">Instagram page</a>).<br />
<br />
If you're like me, and can't wait to purchase your tickets, then head over to <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2031942&cid=2031938&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fandango.com%2Flittleboy_165136%2Fmovietimes%3Flocation%3D" rel="nofollow">Fandango</a> to find a theatre near you! You can find out more about the Little Boy movie and the cast of the film by visiting their official page, <a href="http://www.blogher.com/clicktracker.php?nid=2031942&cid=2031938&url=http%3A%2F%2Flittleboymovie.com%2F" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-29515101915607874302015-04-07T13:41:00.002-05:002015-04-07T13:41:19.522-05:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My poor blog has been a bit neglected as of late, but I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a (belated) Happy Easter!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ywuflnx8M77Pd7Ls7iyOOsBsjwuYAKwBkCG1CdgHW36EulrstVvJym-0wIX3i0nsmna0k-PCHojw4vabRUEx3u3ZsASQ1mXCwnzfttgBVMZqojcdMH9gJx40kGqK2LnBctj_zj1IaPIe/s1600/EasterBlog2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ywuflnx8M77Pd7Ls7iyOOsBsjwuYAKwBkCG1CdgHW36EulrstVvJym-0wIX3i0nsmna0k-PCHojw4vabRUEx3u3ZsASQ1mXCwnzfttgBVMZqojcdMH9gJx40kGqK2LnBctj_zj1IaPIe/s1600/EasterBlog2015.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I will be back soon with that <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/super-soft-sugar-cookies.html">frosting recipe</a> I promised as well as to finish up my posts about our <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/mexico-our-resort-in-mayan-riviera.html">trip to Mexico</a>. I also have a new slew of travel questions for our next trip (which will be in the summer of 2016 at the earliest). Any guesses on where we might be headed?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke 24:6-7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-24-6" id="en-NIV-25998" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25998A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25998A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-24-7" id="en-NIV-25999" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">‘The Son of Man<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25999B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25999B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’</span> </span></span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-73044618051088055532015-03-30T16:26:00.001-05:002015-03-30T16:26:22.542-05:00Super Soft Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6meiXazDMIGTTs13-1miKqJNiojPcDsW_Weo2f2KW4CLfSnskpK_StUpaUGnzwDbqZvwTblJqkisPTFmf6WBtHhiyhGZ2fVx-8AcnhiEGCWhE6V3iMMOHjGxUxDwNLjz1bqAG8yQ9bfh0/s1600/SugarCookies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6meiXazDMIGTTs13-1miKqJNiojPcDsW_Weo2f2KW4CLfSnskpK_StUpaUGnzwDbqZvwTblJqkisPTFmf6WBtHhiyhGZ2fVx-8AcnhiEGCWhE6V3iMMOHjGxUxDwNLjz1bqAG8yQ9bfh0/s1600/SugarCookies3.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband LOVES sugar cookies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not the hard, thin ones but the big, soft, flaky sugar cookies slathered in buttercream icing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love sugar. I also love cookies. But I am not a sugar cookie fan per se. However, there is this one local restaurant that makes the biggest, flakiest, most melt in your mouth sugar cookies that will convert even the biggest non-sugar cookie person like me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my attempt at recreating them. They got my husbands seal of approval and have been deemed blog worthy by my kids, so here it goes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fyp0_mAtMelh8E7aHM7SR37Q0O6mulu83b_2AtS_g2k9maQMUSqQiQHxO1mlnSZymqPPrmMaWqsX4-RJRUaNxLKew_faJgI2_5q0c4PJKLGti4q33R-h-B3cTaJEKHVmzp2yX8iBfJxA/s1600/SugarCookie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fyp0_mAtMelh8E7aHM7SR37Q0O6mulu83b_2AtS_g2k9maQMUSqQiQHxO1mlnSZymqPPrmMaWqsX4-RJRUaNxLKew_faJgI2_5q0c4PJKLGti4q33R-h-B3cTaJEKHVmzp2yX8iBfJxA/s1600/SugarCookie1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Super Soft Sugar Cookies</span></u></b><br />
Source: <a href="http://jennablogs.com/">JennaBlogs.com</a><br />
Yield: 12 giant cookies, 24 smaller cookies<br />
<br />
3 cups all purpose flour<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 cup unsalted butter at room temp (2 sticks)<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
1/4 cup cream cheese at room temp<br />
1/2 Tablespoon vanilla<br />
<br />
In a stand mixer, combine butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add your egg, vanilla and sour cream. Mix until well combined.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients (flour, salt, cornstarch, baking powder and cream of tartar). Once combined, add in 3 batches to wet mixture.<br />
<br />
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Place dough on wax paper and top with another sheet of wax paper. Place another baking sheet on top and press down, flattening the dough until it's 1/2" thick. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until dough is thoroughly chilled.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350.<br />
<br />
Remove dough from refrigerator. Using a cookie cutter, inverted glass cup or biscuit cutter, cut your cookies out of the dough and place on a greased baking sheet. (Note: I bake 6 large cookies on one baking sheet).<br />
<br />
Bake for about 15-18 minutes for large cookies or 10-12 minutes for smaller cookies. Do NOT over-bake. As soon as you see the bottoms begin to turn golden, remove them from the oven. I usually test them with a light tap on the top to see if they feel baked. I err on the side of pulling them out just before they're done rather than over baking them.<br />
<br />
Let cool and frost with your favorite frosting. I will be sharing the recipe for my sweet and tangy buttercream tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGwKLcmqjf89dInv5qtAVMMxUwb5JdfIF2vrVjNZEbz_Ep_iKIo3NYMlo7Fna1CcP34uJ2KRnjVQKKckzy6OQQ1acWmLbBhkXQOK_5sVzc4kaOrbeZXfEF5GMREiZHl0_bjHYAUxCMzXW/s1600/SugarCookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGwKLcmqjf89dInv5qtAVMMxUwb5JdfIF2vrVjNZEbz_Ep_iKIo3NYMlo7Fna1CcP34uJ2KRnjVQKKckzy6OQQ1acWmLbBhkXQOK_5sVzc4kaOrbeZXfEF5GMREiZHl0_bjHYAUxCMzXW/s1600/SugarCookies2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785273691606822424.post-18626248280653894512015-03-19T14:12:00.000-05:002015-03-19T14:12:29.090-05:00Excursions in Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back with another post about our trip to Mexico!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our plan was to just relax for once. Whenever we go on a trip, we usually wear ourselves out doing any and every activity we can find, but we thought we'd do things a little differently this time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We only ventured out from <a href="http://www.jennablogs.com/2015/03/mexico-our-resort-in-mayan-riviera.html">the resort</a> twice: First, to go to Xplor park, and then to visit Mayakoba Golf Course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First up is Xplor! This is a fun day out! You buy a ticket which allows you to ride the amphibious vehicles (below) twice, go through the ziplines course twice, and do the hammock swing and swim and kayak through the underground caves as often as you want. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpdtgIlPDpuOsgM8Ts_8b5z6JqaGiUDaOUkBEcPhh9Nn3Htzo7X9W4G56h15Ax_NNtvRO0T4RyeRa_RADsTzHlv_fy0aC8dB142l7FMGfGVAlDy4obgSoowXxh2o1l_z7tsvsds-k8I0m/s1600/Xplor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpdtgIlPDpuOsgM8Ts_8b5z6JqaGiUDaOUkBEcPhh9Nn3Htzo7X9W4G56h15Ax_NNtvRO0T4RyeRa_RADsTzHlv_fy0aC8dB142l7FMGfGVAlDy4obgSoowXxh2o1l_z7tsvsds-k8I0m/s1600/Xplor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You each get a locker and key so that you can store your belongings safely. It's also considered to be "all inclusive" meaning you'll get all the food and drinks you want while there. PS for those who are curious - There is no alcohol there for obvious reasons!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgaw0B4ZwwloSifAngOO-K5mgRs_akbLtAT5lLtxhdJ6cWzuH4WsPff7QFqVFlwa5HPhu_89RQInjAeEE_Axn880Ja1vJNCohptYlezWB8uf7liWxSHg-jepzZvrk3Q6kNZ75qxIfRY0Y/s1600/Xplor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgaw0B4ZwwloSifAngOO-K5mgRs_akbLtAT5lLtxhdJ6cWzuH4WsPff7QFqVFlwa5HPhu_89RQInjAeEE_Axn880Ja1vJNCohptYlezWB8uf7liWxSHg-jepzZvrk3Q6kNZ75qxIfRY0Y/s1600/Xplor3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We made a mistake in letting our transportation company book this for us. First, I think we could've gotten our tickets cheaper had we bought them online. Second, they wanted us to stay there from 8am to 5pm. Um, no. Even though there is a lot to do, once you've used your turns on the zipline and vehicles, things get a bit boring. We finished up in about 3 hours, and that includes eating lunch. We ended up calling a cab and going back to the resort, which means we still had to pay for the prearranged travel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorFumYaXbtls3-eB66Xq-FxKox63466lcWQ7pafwUAAkDilUjSgtVC5vFEutnHAK3Qm5uSApe1pQc6IrXtxIJa_IMqLziU5HC2s1BH_arQvYhHUlWL62ErNwcvIamcuM8lxO_JwJ_AhDT/s1600/Xplor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorFumYaXbtls3-eB66Xq-FxKox63466lcWQ7pafwUAAkDilUjSgtVC5vFEutnHAK3Qm5uSApe1pQc6IrXtxIJa_IMqLziU5HC2s1BH_arQvYhHUlWL62ErNwcvIamcuM8lxO_JwJ_AhDT/s1600/Xplor1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would recommend finding a transportation company that will book a half day trip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up, Chris was going stir crazy and decided to golf at Mayakoba. He is an avid golfer and has played at some really awesome and historical courses, so our expectations were high. I don't usually golf, but I do bring a book and drive the cart. ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEUPdak783BVWUF_AD33OGvJvo9OlBlirpjZXoxSsEITqv7wlgvuWfccO2eQn-gpupTqqKQTboZmZyDMjp-99GRQhoADbN1KcnbzLqAltYzLpkmKfwrcIJFq3h70G8qWFZDBgxZULqdwG/s1600/MexicoGolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEUPdak783BVWUF_AD33OGvJvo9OlBlirpjZXoxSsEITqv7wlgvuWfccO2eQn-gpupTqqKQTboZmZyDMjp-99GRQhoADbN1KcnbzLqAltYzLpkmKfwrcIJFq3h70G8qWFZDBgxZULqdwG/s1600/MexicoGolf.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to say that we were really disappointed with the course. It wasn't in the best shape, the people in the pro shop were really snobby and there were huge wooden walls erected which blocked most of the ocean views because they're building a new resort onsite.<br />
<br />
Overall, Chris said he was not a fan and would never go back to this course. =(<br />
<br />
<br />
No matter - we still had so much fun being together and I always enjoy driving a golf cart! Ha!<br />
<br />
Also, I had some emails asking if we visited the town...the answer is no, we didn't. However, I met some really nice people who did visit the town of Playa Del Carmen and they absolutely loved it! They said they felt very safe and that there were some really, really nice restaurants! If we go back, this will definitely be something we do!Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113682759720857089noreply@blogger.com