tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49233654542294200412024-03-12T18:03:16.948-04:00The Hip Hostess...all the dish!The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-83288000687283631692013-04-18T14:40:00.000-04:002013-04-18T14:40:52.355-04:0010 Takes on Trays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0_FFyYRw88/UQ5ewglCH9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/BCjtwRkMzq0/s1600/Reallife101blogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0_FFyYRw88/UQ5ewglCH9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/BCjtwRkMzq0/s320/Reallife101blogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Trays... I have a thing for them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Every hostess needs one. Or two.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Or a collection.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's 10 picks I love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some I want. Some I already have.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because I'm all about "attainable" entertaining...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> these are all priced under $50</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sMRrSWR1LU/UQ0FtQrI4fI/AAAAAAAAAEU/C0xD2aHsU7s/s1600/118019_1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sMRrSWR1LU/UQ0FtQrI4fI/AAAAAAAAAEU/C0xD2aHsU7s/s320/118019_1_.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Irresistibly sweet </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If I knew how to bake... (which I don't) I can see </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">hand baked pastries, confections, and cupcakes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mud-pie.com/p-2503-thin-oval-tray.aspx?EID=563&EN=Category">Mud Pie</a> $34.00</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIYhUCOMYUI/UQ0FuPLi74I/AAAAAAAAAEk/OkbBeoFe8Cw/s1600/26068353_000_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIYhUCOMYUI/UQ0FuPLi74I/AAAAAAAAAEk/OkbBeoFe8Cw/s320/26068353_000_a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Understated elegance always catches my eye. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking perfectly placed cucumber sandwiches.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopterrain.com/trays/etched-blossom-tray-large/searchString/TRAY">Terrain</a> $28</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrW5iaKb3XI/UQ5ZklGXFpI/AAAAAAAAAG0/YyRkG7tKfjc/s1600/2442932_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrW5iaKb3XI/UQ5ZklGXFpI/AAAAAAAAAG0/YyRkG7tKfjc/s320/2442932_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bit of a Moroccan look here. I like.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crusty bread & an array of bold cheeses.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Works for me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Embossed-Squares-Tray/2442932,default,pd.html?cgid=trays">Pier 1 Imports</a> $36</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vintage appeal. Have it. Adore it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But don't use it in the kitchen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> On my bathroom counter with apothecary jars filled with everyday essentials. I makes me happy everyday.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Antiqued-Carved-White-Tray/2565030,default,pd.html?cgid=trays">Pier 1 Imports</a> $31</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT4IHaJU73s/UQ5ZzeEh0CI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n2jHQecMz68/s1600/il_570xN.309680823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT4IHaJU73s/UQ5ZzeEh0CI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n2jHQecMz68/s320/il_570xN.309680823.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Getting Personal. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82933451/personalized-monogram-melamine-platter?">Etsy</a> $30</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Monogrammed Tiny Trays.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bought several sets of these for gifts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And of course, one for me!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Impressive packaging. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Impressive gift for the price.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Rosanna-Petite-Plate-Set-of-2__RI82277.aspx">Layla Grayce </a>$15 Set of Two</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muAE6HIsHis/UQ0FutTLkdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/sthf7ACDLJw/s1600/il_fullxfull.314000597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muAE6HIsHis/UQ0FutTLkdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/sthf7ACDLJw/s320/il_fullxfull.314000597.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Talk about old world charm. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ordered this as a gift for my daughter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Makes a statement where ever it sits. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93547596/dresden-serving-tray?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=serving+tray&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade">Etsy</a> $48</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqHgehbxaTk/UQ0FuzxvgKI/AAAAAAAAAE8/p6cgv0v6xLw/s1600/onslow-tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqHgehbxaTk/UQ0FuzxvgKI/AAAAAAAAAE8/p6cgv0v6xLw/s320/onslow-tray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OK, it's a basket, but I love the versatility of it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking simple here... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Salsa & chips. Cheese & crackers. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pretty way to stash napkins & silverware on a buffet.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/onslow-tray/s511498">Crate & Barrel</a> $40</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8XLh1FTfFo/UQ0KRP8Rl-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/BAdxyGFIN8U/s1600/029rp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8XLh1FTfFo/UQ0KRP8Rl-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/BAdxyGFIN8U/s320/029rp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pretty. Practical. Have it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This one has served me well </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a million times and a million ways.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.frenchbull.com/our_store/round-platter/Mosaic-Round-Platter">French Bull</a> $25</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1TyQJwGJuI/UQ0GbU2_AQI/AAAAAAAAAF8/joFaVtrNN8g/s1600/il_fullxfull.382788409_i0j5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1TyQJwGJuI/UQ0GbU2_AQI/AAAAAAAAAF8/joFaVtrNN8g/s320/il_fullxfull.382788409_i0j5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A tray for all seasons.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fall & Winter... coffee, hot chocolate, spiced cider.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Summer... lemonade, iced tea, cocktails.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Want this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110529183/serving-tray-old-barn-wood-and-recycled?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=serving+tray&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade">Etsy</a> $49</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-70800295213577897762013-02-06T09:21:00.000-05:002013-02-06T13:39:40.983-05:00Sunday Soup...Tortellini Italian Sausage <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last Sunday I crept out of my creamy soup comfort zone. I wanted to go for something more... interesting. Seriously one of the tastiest soups to ever come out of my kitchen. A hearty soup that's literally a meal in a bowl.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The original recipe is from my "Sunday Soup" Board on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/251568329157069284/">HERE</a>. </span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I changed a few things, adding a little of this and taking out a little to of that to come up with own version. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I made this soup a day ahead, omitting the zuccini and tortellini. The next day I reheated and added those ingredients simmering for about 10 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Easy prep, quick to cook... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Add some crusty bread and you've got the perfect Soup for Sunday!</span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hiphostessrecipes/tortellini-italian-sausage-soup">Printable Recipe</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tortellini
Italian Sausage Soup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">4 Italian Sausage Links<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">4 tsp. Minced Garlic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">1/2 cup Apple Cider<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">4 cups Chicken Broth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">1 Beef Boullion Cube + 1 Cup Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">1 15oz Can Diced Tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">½ Cup Tomato Sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">1 cup Chopped Carrots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">½ TBS Dried Basil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">1 TSPDried Oregano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">2 TBS Dried Parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">2 Medium Zucchini Sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">½ to 1 Full Package 16oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Directions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">Cook sausage until brown and completely cooked. Break it up to
small bits while cooking. (I took the skin off before cooking to make it
easier.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">Add garlic to sausage and cook for a few minutes longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">Add sausage to your soup pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now add chicken broth, beef bouillon + water, tomatoes,
cider, tomato sauce, carrots, basil and oregano. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">Bring soup to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">After 30 minutes stir in zucchini and parsley and simmer for
10-12 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">Add tortellini (full or ½ package depending on how
much you want in your soup) and cook for 8-10 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454140; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans";">There you go... A Meal in a Bowl!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-84593322576559614222013-01-22T08:23:00.000-05:002013-01-22T08:46:04.026-05:00Really Creamy Broccoli Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfARoUv7vsU/UPWhoXWcXgI/AAAAAAAAADk/ZHrl8cENn28/s1600/Broccoli+PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfARoUv7vsU/UPWhoXWcXgI/AAAAAAAAADk/ZHrl8cENn28/s400/Broccoli+PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">I rarely make New Year's Resolutions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">This year, I did.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Serve soup every Sunday. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Not running a mile everyday, not cutting my carbs, not starting Pilates class. Nope, nothing that remarkable. There will be exceptions, of course. Sundays I'm sewing to meet a deadline, weekend guests, Summer barbecues, or just Chinese take out. But for me it's... attainable. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Over the holidays I had the most incredible Cream of Broccoli Soup at favorite restaurant in our little downtown. I loved the texture, so smooth and creamy. Every time I made broccoli soup, it was, well... more chunky. This was like silk! After searching for broccoli soup recipes that were really creamy... I winged it and came up with my own! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">So first up in my Soup Every Sunday mission:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Really Creamy Broccoli Soup</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hiphostessrecipes/">Printable Recipe</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">6 Cups Broccoli Florets or Cuts (I used frozen)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">4 Cups Chicken Broth</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes + 2 Cups Water</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1 Medium Onion Chopped</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">2-3 Garlic Cloves Minced</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1/4 Cup Flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1 Medium Potato Peeled and Chopped into 1" Pieces</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1/2 to 3/4 Cup Half & Half (or Heavy Cream)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">2 TBLS Butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Pinch of Thyme (optional)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Pinch of Marjoram (optional)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Melt butter in saucepan you are cooking the soup in, medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add flour and stir constantly about 1 minute.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Add the broccoli, potato, chicken stock, water & bouillon, thyme & marjoram. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Let the soup cool for a bit, and then (my favorite part) use the Immersion Blender to puree. For a really creamy texture, blend until there are no more bits or chunks of broccoli. Nice and smooth.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Place the pot back on the stove and slowly add the half & half, stirring slowly to blend. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Add salt & fresh ground pepper to taste.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Reheat the soup, (stirring a few times) if serving right away. Store in the refrigerator to reheat and serve later or the next day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">FYI...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">This recipe is best prepared with (my favorite kitchen gadget) an Immersion Blender. If using a standard blender, let the soup cool a bit and puree in batches.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">After adding the half & half, I added another tablespoon of... yep, Butter!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Add less or more half & half depending on the consistency you want.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Add other spices of your choice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-11309275869975623132013-01-15T09:48:00.002-05:002013-01-15T09:52:16.680-05:00Gracious Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Gracious Giveaway!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3mWOFWQPIYBx47Tt2rRvDSJnoJ7ZcRE42leufYg_cjEGOYTaSNZhhy8dWme5vQHkoUKn9iQEMvKcFbEtkAE4LyUHNu8WnRn6eCJ6863DOTF25ZQc0GdiOkCyVjJO9Yw6VaBHPpmB-LM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3mWOFWQPIYBx47Tt2rRvDSJnoJ7ZcRE42leufYg_cjEGOYTaSNZhhy8dWme5vQHkoUKn9iQEMvKcFbEtkAE4LyUHNu8WnRn6eCJ6863DOTF25ZQc0GdiOkCyVjJO9Yw6VaBHPpmB-LM/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My dear friend, Mindy of <a href="http://www.mindylockard.com/blog/?p=20356">The Gracious Girl</a> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">is hosting a week of Gracious Giveaways: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">New Year’s Resolution series. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">All week, Mindy will be inspiring you with wonderful tools to help inspire or jumpstart your year in a most gracious </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">fashion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">First up in the week of giveaways...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">My Sheath Style Apron in Sunny Chevron!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Enter <a href="http://www.mindylockard.com/blog/?p=20356">HERE</a> and meet Mindy...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">You'll never meet a more Gracious Girl.</span></div>
The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-13244575040597609072012-12-11T08:48:00.000-05:002012-12-11T08:49:44.253-05:00Napkin Swags Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Set your Holiday Table to Merry & Bright!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCnD3KFOLkvRuJCXx7Y6Kmz-SHGpHd74awUcTMdxyeUzvD4HN3lhq89L-Dl21LFftbDu_8aU5diJAethQZwTLs25L4vB0wBJWlrwpQbqQ5cIjYr_JO74k6gCrKomr3yMS5i84_SQCXlqF/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCnD3KFOLkvRuJCXx7Y6Kmz-SHGpHd74awUcTMdxyeUzvD4HN3lhq89L-Dl21LFftbDu_8aU5diJAethQZwTLs25L4vB0wBJWlrwpQbqQ5cIjYr_JO74k6gCrKomr3yMS5i84_SQCXlqF/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; line-height: 24px;">A soft touch on the Traditional Napkin Ring, Napkin Swags are a versatile way to add some color to your tabletop and perk up your plain white napkins!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm delighted to say my friend and fellow "Michigan Mitten Girl" Sheila, from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.eat2gather.net/2012/12/uncategorized/hip-hostess-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6699;">Eat2Gather</span></a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">is giving away a set of 8 to one Hip Hostess! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Enter to WIN your choice of any color or print in my </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehiphostess?ref=si_shop"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6699;">Etsy Shop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be sure to check out Sheila's tasty recipes. A more creative cook and beautiful baker, you'll never meet!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Giveaway ends Wednesday Dec. 12th </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Enter </span><a href="http://www.eat2gather.net/2012/12/uncategorized/hip-hostess-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6699;">HERE</span></a></span></div>
The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-57301198193293101002012-11-28T09:27:00.000-05:002012-11-28T09:33:06.081-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">New in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehiphostess?ref=si_shop">Etsy Shop</a>...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0WCwaO5qAqzhTll3tTy8WmzJJ46WaT8cPOOMKB4x2uG1T_DuIlXPrsgAAzsiL726QVwlaELPGTlWDTs9DcKC8LLhakXg70KZ-TdQUWaTxmreC3oV56tPd2YFnhqA5TuOLhZ1bdmM8G8O/s1600/IMG_8020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0WCwaO5qAqzhTll3tTy8WmzJJ46WaT8cPOOMKB4x2uG1T_DuIlXPrsgAAzsiL726QVwlaELPGTlWDTs9DcKC8LLhakXg70KZ-TdQUWaTxmreC3oV56tPd2YFnhqA5TuOLhZ1bdmM8G8O/s320/IMG_8020.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ultimate Holiday Hostess Aprons</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've ventured out a bit from the "hip" look to a more "heirloom" look. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you think?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Casually Elegant and Feminine I've made these in a soft to the touch linen blend fabric. The button detail gives the traditional design a chic modern look. Designed with full coverage in mind means no mess on your dress. They're comfortable and durable in the kitchen, yet a charming style pretty enough to wear to the table! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">Available in Moss Green, Paprika, Honey and of course, Holiday Red.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And because it is the season for gift giving...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BJBs9E4tJt53jfEXflAjMrTErNLpp2THYm2wzVAhnDL8rdB1zvWbrXD5ORrEC4dmMpfa04uQd1rNwoWalsSBI7xbJXvVT8fxXwEf4tq4sZd68TzAij1_IR3S_nnM6ZJI-WI5Qr8TIlsM/s1600/IMG_8280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BJBs9E4tJt53jfEXflAjMrTErNLpp2THYm2wzVAhnDL8rdB1zvWbrXD5ORrEC4dmMpfa04uQd1rNwoWalsSBI7xbJXvVT8fxXwEf4tq4sZd68TzAij1_IR3S_nnM6ZJI-WI5Qr8TIlsM/s320/IMG_8280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Each of these aprons comes gift boxed for perfect presentation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Get all the details <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehiphostess">HERE</a> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And a little gift from me to you...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Get FREE Shipping with Coupon Code HOLIDAYFREE at check out!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fIzZlKILda-p8BafMIDgBRpC1MNdT-00EDEjxXBtB2fajXenPPHM6HFBRnlzp5HSMacLGYWvWwqe5tD9ho02JjEcgUBGErv6Le1RfEuDkglJZGspV9_ydLVuwCBosLRAjW_PhQx1vXik/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fIzZlKILda-p8BafMIDgBRpC1MNdT-00EDEjxXBtB2fajXenPPHM6HFBRnlzp5HSMacLGYWvWwqe5tD9ho02JjEcgUBGErv6Le1RfEuDkglJZGspV9_ydLVuwCBosLRAjW_PhQx1vXik/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div>
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The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-7702941318503673352012-06-26T12:48:00.000-04:002012-06-26T20:35:18.487-04:00Simple Strategies for a Sparkling 4th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Everyone that knows me knows my motto is </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Keep it Simple"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We don't all have the time or the talent to pull off those lavish looks, or stunning soirees we see in "Never Never Land" (aka Pinterest) so with SIMPLE being the keyword... here are some (really, truly) simple ways to add some sparkle to your 4th of July Bash.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For Starters...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9OpCZK3dcQ5UhhvGpiNmLStvI3ElbNPImw_368O3QKS65qpA1VsnwcBrim2E2zP7wPohuKsXt0q1ysLBCcNJva9DbCXAz6RSRdW-Clp8WsWvqceEVLOwC70fNKgCpG6u2EsBprUiDdMr/s1600/IMG_2087_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9OpCZK3dcQ5UhhvGpiNmLStvI3ElbNPImw_368O3QKS65qpA1VsnwcBrim2E2zP7wPohuKsXt0q1ysLBCcNJva9DbCXAz6RSRdW-Clp8WsWvqceEVLOwC70fNKgCpG6u2EsBprUiDdMr/s320/IMG_2087_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Create some fireworks of your own.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thehiphostess.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=CafeStyleAprons&Sub=60&isThumbs=No&Thumbs="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Sunday Picnic"</span></a> is a perfect fit for the 4th.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh and by the way... Promo Code HH15 will get you 15% Off.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes, I know. Shameless self promotion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On to the party...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUOexEWKSwkTqcXVyU8xJbrNo9I7halygmlYjK_bGsND5v7DeS1l_QYrM2cVgwtIM9PALSHWTcnZVdilJRa2uRHZAc6q8N3XHSoZXT-cMqbjq9CWQyYSUqeagb9njNDpSnc72iOHrSTlJ/s1600/208150813997847681_g8KUDbtO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUOexEWKSwkTqcXVyU8xJbrNo9I7halygmlYjK_bGsND5v7DeS1l_QYrM2cVgwtIM9PALSHWTcnZVdilJRa2uRHZAc6q8N3XHSoZXT-cMqbjq9CWQyYSUqeagb9njNDpSnc72iOHrSTlJ/s640/208150813997847681_g8KUDbtO_f.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Canning jars are like a blank canvas. Add some backyard blooms, dig into your craft stash. Make up just one or a multitude of your own creations and you've got instant homespun charm! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the Menu?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Again with the simple... Burgers & Hot Dogs </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But here's how to add a little interest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5hIBCDjmput0_Lo4QXbd_LS6Zznhae3EMySAGuIF2nVy_1tMm9Rz3-j_wRy8y_WefxUG6mcjKe-SCGJY_ZXvdVzkuQywZSARcA2hyqlcH0I6MbBXhpLYS3IdylCDL-a86ykpwC-d4OI2/s1600/feta-fresh-dill_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5hIBCDjmput0_Lo4QXbd_LS6Zznhae3EMySAGuIF2nVy_1tMm9Rz3-j_wRy8y_WefxUG6mcjKe-SCGJY_ZXvdVzkuQywZSARcA2hyqlcH0I6MbBXhpLYS3IdylCDL-a86ykpwC-d4OI2/s400/feta-fresh-dill_300.jpg" width="335" /></a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jazz up plain burgers with unexpected condiments.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How about... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Caesar Spread or Spiced Tomato Chutney?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 12 Creative Burger Toppings from</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/12-burger-toppings-00000000014363/page2.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Real Simple</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehHweIrR3toXwh4JQlssY5_Q5UtJCpX8EgnriCHlA6Jf8yjYENrqhAzSJcqDr72KuM6a0fDume2qtk9hnjKb3GlbXgSUS0d8O_GeW9rz_9nn2IFuaS6Qu49-f9AfjcGuCzBMQZ3vVRZV_/s1600/tropical-dog_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehHweIrR3toXwh4JQlssY5_Q5UtJCpX8EgnriCHlA6Jf8yjYENrqhAzSJcqDr72KuM6a0fDume2qtk9hnjKb3GlbXgSUS0d8O_GeW9rz_9nn2IFuaS6Qu49-f9AfjcGuCzBMQZ3vVRZV_/s400/tropical-dog_300.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 Ways to Dress Up a plain Hot Dog from again</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/start-with-hot-dog-00000000036604/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Real Simple</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">including this tasty tropical version.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTQJc6ulkWAXSb7pmublzPL15fK5k6UY41P2DtbPmeSDnPpY4NTZdHAaztXAfa0wf-0RxFYJXK6Iw5VOvfmKaFCICJE-DBHXp5SEqqaLbtdsOzAXVickOwZLnrX-WvH846TETDodjgbKT/s1600/fruit-drink_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTQJc6ulkWAXSb7pmublzPL15fK5k6UY41P2DtbPmeSDnPpY4NTZdHAaztXAfa0wf-0RxFYJXK6Iw5VOvfmKaFCICJE-DBHXp5SEqqaLbtdsOzAXVickOwZLnrX-WvH846TETDodjgbKT/s400/fruit-drink_300.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mix up a batch of </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/berry-vodka-spritzers-10000001736002/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Berry Vodka Spritzers</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and say Cheers to Independence!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nix the Vodka for a virgin version.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Little effort, Big Impact.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnmGwT5GIOqrAmPXk6wXYddt8btEJAuXvILEoiUApbGpciBxZ-ZWDMlBEDlfvYyclyvzHK1hh4Fsw1zE24bTM9wyZEL0ef96ATUydqvJnEq1d2ajirqrbDsl5BaFi0TWjxVHlD8XHceo6/s1600/watermelon-pops_gal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnmGwT5GIOqrAmPXk6wXYddt8btEJAuXvILEoiUApbGpciBxZ-ZWDMlBEDlfvYyclyvzHK1hh4Fsw1zE24bTM9wyZEL0ef96ATUydqvJnEq1d2ajirqrbDsl5BaFi0TWjxVHlD8XHceo6/s400/watermelon-pops_gal.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">via Real Simple</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How's this for Clever?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pop a Popsicle Stick into the rind of Melon Wedges.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And to keep it all clean...</span></div>
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<img alt="Kids eating watermelon slices on sticks" border="0" height="400" src="http://img4.realsimple.com/images/1107/watermelon-holder_gal.jpg" title="Kids eating watermelon slices on sticks" width="335" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">via Real Simple</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Cupcake Liners!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRkIWVYoDaCvAHnTwT3sl1MtHjHTqICWzjrcv8lS3eyMde_9jbSioUyMWdLpD6OLrQToNIhpt3syp0bUyomMWXLLxb2RoRgDtA8H7NkMBWK84RlaI4EXnrdsab2Lt4aOyhK2RsMFLZJPp/s1600/FNM_070110-Retro-Picnic-001_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRkIWVYoDaCvAHnTwT3sl1MtHjHTqICWzjrcv8lS3eyMde_9jbSioUyMWdLpD6OLrQToNIhpt3syp0bUyomMWXLLxb2RoRgDtA8H7NkMBWK84RlaI4EXnrdsab2Lt4aOyhK2RsMFLZJPp/s640/FNM_070110-Retro-Picnic-001_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">via Food Network</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And for the Grand Finale... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Fruit Flag Tarts</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm of the opinion that presentation is everything and this one is so all that!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Here's the super simple <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/fruit-tart-flag-recipe/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Recipe </span></a>from Food Network. If you're really pressed for time, I'm thinking Vanilla Pudding would be a tasty alternative to the Mascarpone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">A few more Hip Tips...</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keep things organized on your buffet table by stashing your cutlery in terra cotta pots, small galvanized buckets, or canning jars.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Make a quick dash to the fabric store & pick up some festive fabric. (I like simple gingham because it can be used all Summer long) Cut 12" wide strips for table runners on guest tables and or your buffet table. Best part? No sewing required.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To avoid watered down punch instead of adding more ice cubes, place your punch bowl or pitcher in a bowl or bucket of ice.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Use a colorful colander to hold ice or watermelon with a tray beneath to catch the drips.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dollar Store bandanas make super Summer napkins and will serve you well for many Summers to come. </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's a great way to cool off your guests on a steamy day and believe me they'll be so grateful & impressed! Pick up a few sets of inexpensive white washcloths. Roll up & moisten them, then stash in the freezer. Serve them up on an ice lined tray with lemon slices to wash away the heat of the day. For extra indulgence: Mix a few drops of lavender oil & distilled water in a spray bottle. Give the washcloths a nice spritz before you present them to your guests. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Here's to a Festive 4th & a Happy Independence Day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9mXldFnMC7oMK3d114oe2tYMv2W7l-mrYPkXszOzDiPxsPEnVdd5SieBykZVcc5tdLTXoROywoerlWyA1kveKx7RyVyd9wSNQq66Ng4bcdFHgqm7r7VTyWH-fpuVZbBhJ_hVoMQVtGCo/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9mXldFnMC7oMK3d114oe2tYMv2W7l-mrYPkXszOzDiPxsPEnVdd5SieBykZVcc5tdLTXoROywoerlWyA1kveKx7RyVyd9wSNQq66Ng4bcdFHgqm7r7VTyWH-fpuVZbBhJ_hVoMQVtGCo/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div>
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<br />The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-73889974834992844692012-06-01T13:47:00.000-04:002012-06-01T13:45:24.448-04:00How cool is this?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYag75F4Sn2ix2_i19AudNtSvfEcqzLOijMEA-xY7ayM3in8smVkO7ugti56laqcrDh7sOJtEHYJmEHQ2T9AvrK8pGdX5p-_buPcOvq7v-GgWQOLnqhfbz-VCyzRvjhTx0tuBeygy3IIw/s1600-h/IMG_3399_2_2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338364494519825474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYag75F4Sn2ix2_i19AudNtSvfEcqzLOijMEA-xY7ayM3in8smVkO7ugti56laqcrDh7sOJtEHYJmEHQ2T9AvrK8pGdX5p-_buPcOvq7v-GgWQOLnqhfbz-VCyzRvjhTx0tuBeygy3IIw/s400/IMG_3399_2_2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffcc00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zesty Lemon Cups</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You’ll feel pretty hip serving this cool, light summer dessert that’s got plenty of WOW factor and simple prep.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here’s the best part: you can make this a day ahead and keep frozen until you’re ready to serve, just be sure to make room in your freezer to stash them until it’s time to serve.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffcc00;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lemons: Purchase 1 lemon per guest & an extra one for practice. Presentation is everything, so try to pick the pretty ones, and all about the same size.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lemon Sorbet: About a ½ cup per lemon</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Berries *optional</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffcc00;">Prep:</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cut off the top 1/3 of the lemon (not the stem end) Keep the top if you’re not using a fruit garnish and want to put a little cap on your cups.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hollow out each lemon:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Using a grapefruit knife or spoon works best but a teaspoon will work too. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Using your spoon carefully scrape all the flesh from the shell of the lemon, being careful not to puncture the lemon.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Make a slight shallow cut on the bottom of each lemon; again be careful not to cut into the inside of the lemon. This makes your lemon cup sit up straight.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Freeze the shells overnight or at least an hour. Then fill with sorbet and freeze again. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just before serving top with berries and add a few more on the plate for a fabulous presentation!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffcc00;">Hostess Hint* </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We used Lemon Sorbet & raspberries but you can really get creative with this, try Orange or Raspberry Sorbet, garnish with orange slices, a strawberry with the stem attached, or even a small cookie! For a really festive look add a cocktail umbrella!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How cool is that?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-890529977781643562012-04-25T09:09:00.001-04:002012-04-25T09:10:53.975-04:00Mother's Day Savings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Mom's gift can be just a </span><a href="http://www.thehiphostess.com/store/Default.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">CLICK AWAY</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Now through Mother's Day</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Save 15% Off all our Domestic Dresses!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Use Promo Code: MOMHOME at check out</span></span></h3>
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<br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-19722909039264611622012-03-26T07:43:00.023-04:002012-03-26T08:09:03.912-04:00Fresh Spring Giveaway...Pink Lemonade<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well, Spring has sprung up here in the North Country, briefly & prematurely, but I'll take it. Seems we're all itching to ditch the dull & dreary and ready for some fresh! I've got just the thing. An Apron Giveaway, of course and here's what's up for grabs.<br /><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> A Spring Fresh Domestic Dress...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Lm9SXV6iA/T2-shWOoeqI/AAAAAAAAABk/0_1n-H22O9s/s1600/thumb.asp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Lm9SXV6iA/T2-shWOoeqI/AAAAAAAAABk/0_1n-H22O9s/s320/thumb.asp.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#fa8395;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Pink Lemonade"</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />Perhaps some Spring Cleaning motivation?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are you ready to enter? Here's the dish...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The heart warming Hostess for this Giveaway is </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">fellow Michigander, Sheila from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://eat2gather.net/">Eat2Gather</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://eat2gather.net/">.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bh00sYS470/T3BYmjIKb9I/AAAAAAAAACE/tn-6wF7ls4Y/s1600/me-coffee-mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bh00sYS470/T3BYmjIKb9I/AAAAAAAAACE/tn-6wF7ls4Y/s1600/me-coffee-mug.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Isn't she lovely?</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I first met Sheila on Twitter and felt an instant connection because...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sheila & I (and every other Mitten resident) adore & share the charming (or annoying) habit of r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">aising our right hand and pointing to where we live. For me, that would be way up at the top of your ring finger. (Now I'm wondering how many people I annoyed with that gesture on my last trip to Florida.)</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sheila shares the same passion & appreciation that I do when it comes to gathering around the table. It's a tradition I believe is the heart of the family, and Sheila shares that belief, the importance of it, and makes it a priority in her everyday life. She's a foodie who's truly discovered the "joy of cooking" sharing both the tried & true and the new recipes that she brings to the table. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another reason I love to check out her blog: Well, she just plain cracks me up!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Giveaway is just a click away... </span><a href="http://eat2gather.net/2012/03/fellowship/giveaway/hip-hostess-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#fa8395;">HERE</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*You'll also find a Spring Savings Promo Code for both </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Hip Hostess website and the new </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehiphostess"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#fa8395;"><b>Etsy Shop!</b></span></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh, and by way don't miss Sheila's recipe for</span><a href="http://eat2gather.net/?s=goulash"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Goulash</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. A dish I love, but totally forgot about. I mean really, when was the last time you made Goulash? Ah... the comfort of comfort food!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 72px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSb_cWI3UjI/T3BaJ60PosI/AAAAAAAAACQ/FsKH2sDxono/s400/HoneyCheers%2Bcopy.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724174252841607874" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-84312103108705642162012-03-05T12:41:00.029-05:002012-03-05T14:05:45.524-05:00Garnishing Your Products<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you own a budding business that you're striving to grow into a booming, blooming bouquet, here's some FYI from yours truly and I'm delighted to add... a guest post from Denise at <a href="http://www.rapidtags.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">Rapid Tag & Label</span></a>, the maker of all my tags and labels.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;font-size:21px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I think Presentation is everything.</span></div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHQoiHv6my_rV2M4ou3R6oXVIVdFoFbpgxEMariQs8iY8yJp5e1h4_k6yShVTWYxkvMT-eDmf2kgP-GB1rYW3GYdrfB1-73VXIpKRja5n_pbw3fS4pF3WckElMmlvxS1QQRKTf-E_axgY/s1600/At+Your+Service+Page+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHQoiHv6my_rV2M4ou3R6oXVIVdFoFbpgxEMariQs8iY8yJp5e1h4_k6yShVTWYxkvMT-eDmf2kgP-GB1rYW3GYdrfB1-73VXIpKRja5n_pbw3fS4pF3WckElMmlvxS1QQRKTf-E_axgY/s320/At+Your+Service+Page+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t's your image, your style, your signature, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and so to speak...your "garnish."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;font-size:21px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPxyvPqxzgGcmTlFD0RhxsWj9oBreFrKUVb_p1IkC4d1gL0hl4zex093O5hgfzNmp6AMfZKOu8Nn3RXcHE3q2bFiqRJtgT0_dj4MpAOybP0gWvfH_VW64ezk3urNpRXj1IIBvWgll24Bx/s1600/IMG_3933_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPxyvPqxzgGcmTlFD0RhxsWj9oBreFrKUVb_p1IkC4d1gL0hl4zex093O5hgfzNmp6AMfZKOu8Nn3RXcHE3q2bFiqRJtgT0_dj4MpAOybP0gWvfH_VW64ezk3urNpRXj1IIBvWgll24Bx/s320/IMG_3933_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tags and labels on your product are the finishing touch you put on all your labors of love and creative efforts. Rapid Tags has been helping me put the hip look on my products from the very onset of The Hip Hostess.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;font-size:21px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;font-size:21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Starting out as a very new and very small business owner, Rapid Tags treated me with the same dedication and effort they give to their big clients, providing me not only with ideas and info, but Denise and Ursula consistently accommodate my needs and with speedy replies and outstanding communication. I think working with a company that "gets you" is an invaluable tool to achieving the look you're going for and your path to success. <a href="http://www.rapidtags.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">Rapid Tags</span></a> is all that! </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Denise speaks volumes when she says...</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>It’s all about the garnish!</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It’s not enough just to be able to cook like a professional chef. All of your time, effort and money won’t mean a thing if you serve a decadent chocolate mousse pie on a paper plate. The saying goes “God is in the details”. Without adding a beautiful serving plate, whipped cream and chocolate shavings it’s just another piece of pie.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The same theory applies with clothing and apparel design. A clever idea will fall flat without paying close attention to the additional trims that can add pizzazz to anything. Buckles, buttons, zippers and clothing labels may not seem all that important but they embellish your brand. They tell customers who you are and about the quality of your merchandise. They make your apparel or design stand out from the rest.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rapid Tag & Label has been providing The Hip Hostess with their woven logo labels, care/fiber content labels and hangtags for years. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Hip Hostess damask woven brand label looks elegant in simple black and white and is perfect to accompany any pattern or color pallet. The labels are sewn on the outside and are part of the Hip Hostess’ unmistakeable look. The satin printed labels are sewn inside of all the aprons to offer the fiber content, country of origin and care of the apron. Finally, the joker hangtag has a classic black and white glossy finish that completes the overall chic look of The Hip Hostess Collection.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We’re the garnish that help makes The Hip Hostess more than just an apron company. Please visit us at </span><a href="http://www.rapidtags.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.RAPIDTAGS</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">~Denise Newton of Rapid Tags & Labels</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-65178658108621654032012-03-01T00:02:00.001-05:002012-03-01T00:18:40.121-05:00A Soup for all Seasons<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have a french Mother-in-law. If that's not intimidating enough... over the last 36 years, I've actually had the courage to attempt many of her recipes. This is my family's favorite. After years of tasting and testing I think I've finally got it right and as close to hers as I'll ever get.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3nNs31q3Y6NNEMqAjSdbndc-QeV8QKD4-tI52iOU8je8Jjdp7KR6hvEnvTqy-cir6XXzQnzVCj99yDjApPBvsQVc4WiXiHK_8AgWyVij4s2DJ0AE74yE_ptIFvPGm8hAyuVgzBb-ntJU/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3nNs31q3Y6NNEMqAjSdbndc-QeV8QKD4-tI52iOU8je8Jjdp7KR6hvEnvTqy-cir6XXzQnzVCj99yDjApPBvsQVc4WiXiHK_8AgWyVij4s2DJ0AE74yE_ptIFvPGm8hAyuVgzBb-ntJU/s320/IMG_3667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Served warm I just call it Potato Leek Soup, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">but served cold </span>I like to get all fancy </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and call it Vichyssoise! Delicious both ways.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A tasty soup for a cold winter night </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or a hot summer day.</span><br />
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padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">KitchenAid</span></em></strong></a><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">, </em></strong><a href="http://www.redstaryeast.com/" style="color: #045353; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Red Star Yeast</span></em></strong></a><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> and </em></strong><a href="http://www.lecreuset.com/" style="color: #045353; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Le Creuset</em></strong></a><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">”<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">POTATO LEEK SOUP AKA... VICHYSSOISE</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">6-8 Potatoes peeled & quartered</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">6-8 Leeks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">1 Medium Onion chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">1-3 Scallions (green onions) chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">1 Cup Chicken Broth</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Chicken Bouillon Cubes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">1/2 Cup Half & Half</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">1/2 Cup Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">¼ TSP Thyme</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">¼ TSP Marjoram</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">¼ TSP Dill</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">PREP:</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Cut the roots off the leeks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Cut about 1-2 inches of the green ends off the leeks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Slice each leek down the center lengthwise </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">*WASH ALL THE LAYERS OF THE LEEKS UNDER COLD WATER TO REMOVE ALL HIDDEN DIRT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Lay leeks on paper towel & dry throughly </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Chop the leeks in 1/2" chunks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Chop the onions & scallions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">DIRECTIONS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Cut up the potatoes, cover with water and add 1 bouillon cube and cook until tender. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><o:p>Saute the leeks, scallions and onions in 1 Tsps Olive Oil and a few Tsps of butter.</o:p> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Cook over medium heat stirring & mixing often until leeks are soft & translucent.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">When Potatoes are done: pour into large colander to drain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">*I don't use the water the potatoes are cooked in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let them sit for a few minutes then add the cooked leeks, onions & scallions.</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mash entire mixture with electric mixer or immersion blender adding milk & butter until they look like whipped potatoes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In large pot, add the potato mixture, chicken broth, half & half, Thyme, Marjoram, & Dill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stir throughly over low heat and continue stirring until heated through.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">*At this point I taste it and add a chicken boullion cube one at time if needed for more flavor. </span>It's kind of like a work in progress, and you may want to tweak it. You can also add a bit more of the spices, add more milk, broth, or half & half until you get the desired consistency,you don't want it too thick or too thin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*Serve immediately or store in the fridge and reheat it later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Remember, this can also be served cold, but be sure to stir it well before serving.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH3sCxMYgUvbhVkE_MvAEthMEyuQlE5PgJ5GKiAvYKWuXpoqYFymxWZ8bF9QnEAWNQ-WA9RaDGKoA5phIVyflTDkh2SBTBuvGZVyCM2oXUbYOJv6wujKXF1HxNOjLT5YruQkelRaZd1Vb/s1600/HoneyCheers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH3sCxMYgUvbhVkE_MvAEthMEyuQlE5PgJ5GKiAvYKWuXpoqYFymxWZ8bF9QnEAWNQ-WA9RaDGKoA5phIVyflTDkh2SBTBuvGZVyCM2oXUbYOJv6wujKXF1HxNOjLT5YruQkelRaZd1Vb/s1600/HoneyCheers.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-16160499204862084912012-02-20T12:21:00.009-05:002012-02-28T23:12:37.389-05:00Chocolate Mint Giveaway...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Putting a trendy twist on traditional Toile</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFIj0FhVqWeKE6ssK-mRj3h2ufSuLJmPcC9ojXFZJuf-tdUkZ9OdL-OrZxuAF7fhkJ2MACoxCv_2vwMOUjhr_9K5ZpoD6gsM9zSZe1pYGG8sa-Moy_dHfjHE25Fi2-oLmbYlHELe7YhRx/s1600/il_570xN.293744337.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711271259940664914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFIj0FhVqWeKE6ssK-mRj3h2ufSuLJmPcC9ojXFZJuf-tdUkZ9OdL-OrZxuAF7fhkJ2MACoxCv_2vwMOUjhr_9K5ZpoD6gsM9zSZe1pYGG8sa-Moy_dHfjHE25Fi2-oLmbYlHELe7YhRx/s400/il_570xN.293744337.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">with a cool color combo of Chocolate & Mint.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AHKGRgesQft2dl7mbNvMCbeE5XXs4qv0-4qM5zUaxZCaBj4CCUrfSLN6adpLP8ll72onyAevVyBHtJn_nMnrtV-5mNQ82R8zMt0mycR8J6VgpUYRZ0IPnFdRUSa3xfcGdPo8299oCQa-/s1600/il_570xN.293744391.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711271005379062866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AHKGRgesQft2dl7mbNvMCbeE5XXs4qv0-4qM5zUaxZCaBj4CCUrfSLN6adpLP8ll72onyAevVyBHtJn_nMnrtV-5mNQ82R8zMt0mycR8J6VgpUYRZ0IPnFdRUSa3xfcGdPo8299oCQa-/s400/il_570xN.293744391.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 368px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sachet on over to Silver Magpies and enter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">to win this little lovely!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nancy at </span><a href="http://www.silvermagpies.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Silver Magpies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> is one savvy lady when it comes to all things silver </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and is the Hip Hostess of this sweet giveaway.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be sure to check out her delectable recipe for </span><a href="http://www.silvermagpies.com/2012/02/17/chocolate-mint-eye-candy/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chocolate Mint Brownies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Get in on the Giveaway </span><a href="http://www.silvermagpies.com/2012/02/20/chocolate-mint-apron-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HERE</span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This Giveaway has Closed.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeUmZo-qiv2kuuG4hnl8yvLYWVP0q-Lt77SKYCHhOXXmsqeuokh-QLN6w6XKR6Ugb-zOvc1bH3HLP8PWYH-YBINhT2rS1vDA5uWlEChiUL_TgEO18dqXOdKyQvtcJwBD13U-PnT96wF1a/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeUmZo-qiv2kuuG4hnl8yvLYWVP0q-Lt77SKYCHhOXXmsqeuokh-QLN6w6XKR6Ugb-zOvc1bH3HLP8PWYH-YBINhT2rS1vDA5uWlEChiUL_TgEO18dqXOdKyQvtcJwBD13U-PnT96wF1a/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-64180750473326757792012-02-17T09:19:00.000-05:002012-02-17T09:39:03.286-05:00Chicken Divan from Aunt Carol's Cookbook<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLjkiNA1JvOze49nS1H2IaN9OTHN4RBtd7KpkpMHdTjFD3OD6My7dJaRytWYAz0FFYG4XMge5kLbM6Iapa0mvy3Mj7NnCXMSTDOQj-KXSFZgTCgAZAkGkFX5j3vdVfX7wIZhUw7vw5u__/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672713935561188162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLjkiNA1JvOze49nS1H2IaN9OTHN4RBtd7KpkpMHdTjFD3OD6My7dJaRytWYAz0FFYG4XMge5kLbM6Iapa0mvy3Mj7NnCXMSTDOQj-KXSFZgTCgAZAkGkFX5j3vdVfX7wIZhUw7vw5u__/s400/IMG_2396.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's a book that's been serving me well for... well, I guess since 1979.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Geez, I wasn't even 30 then. Tells you how long I've kept it, used it and loved it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Given to me by my Aunt Carol, all those years ago, it's filled with comfort food & 50's recipes from her fellow church ladies. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Passing on the jello & chip dip, I've turned to this little lovely time and time again, but my hands down flat out favorite recipe from the book (and made more than times than my current age) is ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVJ0coIY4CnJMT5LKBuqxP1Dk3Hkd1IMM5qmQoODVBX8vvBji4JMj0tfz59tsuUrEmYXd2sQGSL5akyg1NrCVGZggJtTzWmEc2VIhJyUsf7sZPef3ZBV0XvCsrcwOyiFQ2knxx3ktgGnd/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672709305254452658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVJ0coIY4CnJMT5LKBuqxP1Dk3Hkd1IMM5qmQoODVBX8vvBji4JMj0tfz59tsuUrEmYXd2sQGSL5akyg1NrCVGZggJtTzWmEc2VIhJyUsf7sZPef3ZBV0XvCsrcwOyiFQ2knxx3ktgGnd/s400/IMG_1769.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 324px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Chicken Divan </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's a go to dish that works for an everyday meal, but impressive enough to serve to guests for a family gathering or casual dinner party. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A great "starter dish" for the hesitant hostess. Add a simple green salad, a french baguette and dinner is done!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">An added plus is that you can prepare most of it early in the day and then store it in the refrigerator until it's time to bake. Any recipe you can make ahead is a must for me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">Hope you try it... I know you'll love it.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Chicken Divan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">4 Boneless Chicken Breasts or 8 Chicken Tenderlions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 ½ Cups Fresh Broccoli</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">¾ Cup Mayonnaise </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">½ to 1 Cup Milk (depending on how thick you want the sauce)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">½ Cup Chopped Onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">¾ Cup Chopped Celery</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Slices Bread (toasted and cut into croutons)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*I usually use plain white bread, but whole grain is good, too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or more if you like)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Slice Swiss Cheese (torn into small pieces)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Tsp Lemon Juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Tbls Butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Directions:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Simmer chicken breasts in water until thoroughly done.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sauté onions & celery in olive oil until slightly tender.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Combine mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, milk, sautéed onions & celery & lemon juice in mixing bowl.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spray 9”casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Place chicken in bottom of casserole dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Layer broccoli evenly over the chicken.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pour soup mixture over the top.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bake at 350* for 25 minutes. (I cover it with foil)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While it’s baking or earlier in the day...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Toast the bread. Let it cool, then cut into crouton size pieces. Melt the butter, then pour it over the toasted croutons and mix well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When 25 minutes is up, add the cheeses on top, then the croutons.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bake for another 5-7 minutes uncovered until cheese is melted and croutons are golden brown.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Serves 4</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Double the recipe and use a 9x11 casserole dish for 6-8 servings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xi1S8EvL9ASQR6NIf3zFloGkcFlSqVXKq_3RjrMz37UcH5ahKJwNYThkeXEWA7kLhesyNkPtnUrqVn7QV-FAE0UBX9jtbQX4mC8dcKC8pbym_1h_PDD1cb6R83iIVIs09SCk7C2uDF9t/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xi1S8EvL9ASQR6NIf3zFloGkcFlSqVXKq_3RjrMz37UcH5ahKJwNYThkeXEWA7kLhesyNkPtnUrqVn7QV-FAE0UBX9jtbQX4mC8dcKC8pbym_1h_PDD1cb6R83iIVIs09SCk7C2uDF9t/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-92138469773298478052011-09-12T10:59:00.018-04:002011-10-05T10:17:33.636-04:00Fall Savings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQqJcioaVNK7dmbJEbx-L1YFUvG8F_FLNmwlZHPdDt86vNfdZOT5hodBSot_4ugPa60YJyskjgRZr9og04LVY1OnDr8IGEIVTcfHHHDu5Bg5SvShLqWB4f-0gQdY3UmkjZsE73ri9ftUt/s1600/IMG_3427_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQqJcioaVNK7dmbJEbx-L1YFUvG8F_FLNmwlZHPdDt86vNfdZOT5hodBSot_4ugPa60YJyskjgRZr9og04LVY1OnDr8IGEIVTcfHHHDu5Bg5SvShLqWB4f-0gQdY3UmkjZsE73ri9ftUt/s400/IMG_3427_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651488305065887234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Take off and Save </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">on all of our Hip Little Aprons!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Take $5.00 OFF any order of $25 or more with Promo Code:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family:verdana, serif;font-size:x-large;">TAKEOFF5</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Take $10.00 OFF any order of $75 or more with Promo Code:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family:verdana, serif;font-size:x-large;">TAKEOFF10</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Take $15.00 OFF any order of $100 or more with Promo Code:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family:verdana, serif;font-size:x-large;">TAKEOFF15</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i>Isn't saving sweet?</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://thehiphostess.com/store/Default.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">SHOP & SAVE HERE</span></a></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCic-AxiHoSFhZYcPrHP_-SGjCzR4UP5_q43frQU8JIsLziRaERua_ZlULz3L5hsPINc2Ljblz6rJZr1WY7zQeTuLWFrakYHGbhVHsV29kLBwGq8rnVLJnz4NTFXOMkATM8n5UbTFx-hkD/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCic-AxiHoSFhZYcPrHP_-SGjCzR4UP5_q43frQU8JIsLziRaERua_ZlULz3L5hsPINc2Ljblz6rJZr1WY7zQeTuLWFrakYHGbhVHsV29kLBwGq8rnVLJnz4NTFXOMkATM8n5UbTFx-hkD/s400/HoneyCheers+copy.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651487985441652866" /></a>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-84192913158825279322011-08-05T15:40:00.007-04:002011-08-05T15:49:16.249-04:00Weekend Savings!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="" height="72" src="http://www.thehiphostess.com/fpdb/images/content/image/augdays.jpg" width="434" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="300" src="http://www.thehiphostess.com/fpdb/images/content/image/photobackyard.png" width="440" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="72" src="http://www.thehiphostess.com/fpdb/images/content/image/backyardbouquets.jpg" width="434" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="126" src="http://www.thehiphostess.com/fpdb/images/content/image/awesomeaug.jpg" width="434" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Now thru Monday</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">Save 10% and </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">get FREE Shipping</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:dimgrey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Use Promo Code:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">AUGWKND</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:dimgrey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">at checkout</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#696969;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thehiphostess.com/store/Default.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">SHOP HERE</span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="" height="144" src="http://www.thehiphostess.com/fpdb/images/content/image/greenwknd.jpg" width="434" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrV3YClTxvukcGtwFREYpHKMpn2AAogTBZ-WBuRxudR27UwJlTPEE1Fhe-xPu8a0xRug_TWg40ixh4CsN559xO21RzgZA6Mz_eyJYeKRwHViMgibHFPr4hWHRs2Mw8wCtTXb6OT48H57j/s1600/honeyCheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrV3YClTxvukcGtwFREYpHKMpn2AAogTBZ-WBuRxudR27UwJlTPEE1Fhe-xPu8a0xRug_TWg40ixh4CsN559xO21RzgZA6Mz_eyJYeKRwHViMgibHFPr4hWHRs2Mw8wCtTXb6OT48H57j/s1600/honeyCheers.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:x-large;color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-35920954628914887932011-06-08T08:46:00.015-04:002011-06-08T09:24:37.449-04:00Simple Summer Napkins<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here's a simple DIY project</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to dress up your Summer table.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfGen-XTPrW4VquDMsEEBtL6hr95i8yN3hrDs7r9jjnegdRkjs9eWDrK6V_Oe6OhPrc7BV0hVKhhnKTA-CtkN38T1kTP2tczchaD-pOMTx_OgaNNRuw8ptJKikiDN3jyKQI1RkhbFKuZD/s1600/IMG_0789.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfGen-XTPrW4VquDMsEEBtL6hr95i8yN3hrDs7r9jjnegdRkjs9eWDrK6V_Oe6OhPrc7BV0hVKhhnKTA-CtkN38T1kTP2tczchaD-pOMTx_OgaNNRuw8ptJKikiDN3jyKQI1RkhbFKuZD/s400/IMG_0789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615831208218225330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I started with these.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cotton Dish Towels. Yes... Dish Towels.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think 100% Cotton works best for making napkins.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I actually picked 4 of these up at the Dollar Store.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Each towel will make 2 napkins.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">$4.00 for 8 napkins, how's that for a deal?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OQ54-xYBViGyhFDBflvDtjdklDzvyIiOp74lLerwbCZmk0woWTYnftGiztQ1WbEtC9IvHWD7AAtb7IiI6cec89B4yH0YvrvDMrj39SvS8kMWoBuE5JTVefM2BRe8ym_ci-3OJvngYrrH/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: right;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OQ54-xYBViGyhFDBflvDtjdklDzvyIiOp74lLerwbCZmk0woWTYnftGiztQ1WbEtC9IvHWD7AAtb7IiI6cec89B4yH0YvrvDMrj39SvS8kMWoBuE5JTVefM2BRe8ym_ci-3OJvngYrrH/s400/IMG_0802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615831058572710722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fold each towel in half and cut along the fold.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76TcIPfkpN8XxVt1dF8pJ-VxDi5vu8Lyq3tkOzeJs-ZpM471gsPIwDNSTvWZ4kPv73Hzv7_FhXj-c7h1K2n9GAuDjSSDhCVcjZ9lRQ8G6_cp3BCekCIozPxL_q_Pcd6eYzWuLPZTtRC3J/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76TcIPfkpN8XxVt1dF8pJ-VxDi5vu8Lyq3tkOzeJs-ZpM471gsPIwDNSTvWZ4kPv73Hzv7_FhXj-c7h1K2n9GAuDjSSDhCVcjZ9lRQ8G6_cp3BCekCIozPxL_q_Pcd6eYzWuLPZTtRC3J/s400/IMG_0803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615830935807548258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now you've got 2 pieces with one unfinished edge.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8HIQ52ZXzqAAYxz453A52rTB_QHVHlk6lyoQauA28mRz2oAjZO0H06DED4qo3MZNj3DEDh3wD2T-TN0wBMxrXw3DkKjpIaEpyNQMwJTeYND0Q037kXeVcLaG-n1UEMGkaOvpFFjSQLly/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8HIQ52ZXzqAAYxz453A52rTB_QHVHlk6lyoQauA28mRz2oAjZO0H06DED4qo3MZNj3DEDh3wD2T-TN0wBMxrXw3DkKjpIaEpyNQMwJTeYND0Q037kXeVcLaG-n1UEMGkaOvpFFjSQLly/s400/IMG_0831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615830798263423266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fold the unfinished edge over 1/2 inch.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then fold over 1/2 inch again. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Press and sew down the hem.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxv0duh5EsFWybxkFU_d-W_clGbF4QRTXP82iEW5md9l8-xcFypZhRtHBI6WW-u_-lXRhTLfYBT8RmiQiG8AscPUhJES4hfiFHNY0AKeNpKaD3stWej5d7rS6QUR9dllJlMKFeDyNBr0a/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxv0duh5EsFWybxkFU_d-W_clGbF4QRTXP82iEW5md9l8-xcFypZhRtHBI6WW-u_-lXRhTLfYBT8RmiQiG8AscPUhJES4hfiFHNY0AKeNpKaD3stWej5d7rS6QUR9dllJlMKFeDyNBr0a/s400/IMG_0834.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615830687863839458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If I've completely lost you using the word SEW...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can easily use iron on fusible hem tape</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfmx0BK1-fDxbhN8IkGP_MLGsuOaMJ06PSPueiXYX10tcLKuLh-z4ULTmEEWeZySoM-W5DWre_IykgxpZcjdFwQ_kGBw0nNq6Ocd5Ejk928Nmk5pIIOtzsHX7FTi4NUSPF_MxglLA_mzl/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfmx0BK1-fDxbhN8IkGP_MLGsuOaMJ06PSPueiXYX10tcLKuLh-z4ULTmEEWeZySoM-W5DWre_IykgxpZcjdFwQ_kGBw0nNq6Ocd5Ejk928Nmk5pIIOtzsHX7FTi4NUSPF_MxglLA_mzl/s400/IMG_0848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615830515148493778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Voila!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Easy breezy. Pretty and practical.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cotton dish towels wash up easily, and the more you</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">wash them, the softer they get.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They come in so many colors and patterns </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the possibilites are endless.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So grab a towel and and set the table!</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvExYEyodP6RehYWLCepxgVqtkhp3FFdcitsNO3SlHMfJzH4RZKS_z1QZaF-ZuA8UBGCMGIVguOh89WcAZX_kH67eMeI6VZKKBtfc3kTXSybO1JYIVsjGEYMQEKBwnJ1XmAets4qXFqsR/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvExYEyodP6RehYWLCepxgVqtkhp3FFdcitsNO3SlHMfJzH4RZKS_z1QZaF-ZuA8UBGCMGIVguOh89WcAZX_kH67eMeI6VZKKBtfc3kTXSybO1JYIVsjGEYMQEKBwnJ1XmAets4qXFqsR/s400/HoneyCheers+copy.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615829499521970962" /></a>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-689590080358816572011-06-06T09:00:00.024-04:002011-06-06T16:03:18.794-04:0030 Days in June...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615091416768131490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPljZLMHzLk3Cgkk8YODj8rlpc6StiEZaxUJLIvDRZsE42iWIJD3VStokjz72lXRNGExxTih_X9DELFEhnfu5Sy82lcB7jE7qJPj6s71bUV1GTbmV33vk4M0Y0bwWUWtiGH0ZbOxhinHq/s400/30dosu250Flowers.png" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/2011/06/day-1-summer-entertaining-is-about-the-people/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;">30 Days </span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's Summer time and the living is easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And so is entertaining.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the month of June, my friend and author, Sandy Coughlin of <a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;">Reluctant Entertainer</span></b></a> has some very hip tips, tricks and ideas for simple Summer Entertaining.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615091269170930050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0JSAtnoc1FhMwGby6PwhNQEgUuFguABs1Vlzu7JhyphenhyphenIgjQE3UMxZPQq-yhW8JmzmiLKuIRVJ9IjGX6uh_6SpcqaplBm7MNVQzfN9-P6mCV_P2azmxT9AvH0LD4Tfj6itD4Tmtt4LpLoRy/s400/DSC_1381-640x423.jpg" style="display: block; height: 264px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/blog/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Day 6</b></span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sandy shares her inspiring ways of turning your outdoor space into a welcoming place to entertain and enjoy your Summer guests.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615091141092950418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguEUZmBH4We-9eMDfPnMMpztFlNgo8v00YLb50WBBsZVrICib9m65ToBSlX5PcFMHjeB7DR1v-U5WBBj_opR2uUn0HHNFsimJeo8FyNM2PB34hgAhMZPuU3hRdiMIEWosvo4M7pV6i6Ea/s400/DSC_0554-640x425.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/2011/06/setting-the-table-using-what-you-have/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><b>Day 5 </b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> With Sandy, it's always... all about simple and fresh!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just my style.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be sure to stop by. You are going to love all the lovely.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ndBpKZoVKApDLCpqAicS6kPn2-bWQIFPoqHixsTzjCQwSAxXtqVDrg9iVpWDoYlW7jLLFS4mwkDO3JT8WJx3RkwFFNJw_lsSsP8f9T4vKcEXpHU-sP8AXOKUEWwUPa0WS08aD7Nuf4Fe/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ndBpKZoVKApDLCpqAicS6kPn2-bWQIFPoqHixsTzjCQwSAxXtqVDrg9iVpWDoYlW7jLLFS4mwkDO3JT8WJx3RkwFFNJw_lsSsP8f9T4vKcEXpHU-sP8AXOKUEWwUPa0WS08aD7Nuf4Fe/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-29603652787710963252011-05-18T08:40:00.020-04:002011-05-18T11:06:00.524-04:00Gilda's Big Night Out<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguO19xH3tFhtSPOreSlNIcEtcEYdYeSdr7bP06383fKimwnP_zpHFaa9tJNlYPhQh2Djis0NW06hWPaPUeZfIWD7E9rAl0Ank24x8E3wPX2BY89qI3XmYY8ZO8_U-PRoydWLfffscxcot/s1600/CSC_MDetroit_AffiliateLogo_.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608042793229187954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguO19xH3tFhtSPOreSlNIcEtcEYdYeSdr7bP06383fKimwnP_zpHFaa9tJNlYPhQh2Djis0NW06hWPaPUeZfIWD7E9rAl0Ank24x8E3wPX2BY89qI3XmYY8ZO8_U-PRoydWLfffscxcot/s400/CSC_MDetroit_AffiliateLogo_.gif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 122px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 125px;" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">is gearing for their biggest fund raiser of the year this Thursday night May 19th. This year's theme </span><a href="http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/eventdetails.php?eventID=125"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Bands, Boots & Barbeque.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Guests will be entertained by a battle of the bands competition performed by local country/rock musicians. Enjoy a delicious BBQ cook-off prepared by the area’s finest restaurants, live/silent auctions and many more surprises.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Near and dear to our hearts, we're always honored to support this incredible organization, who's soul purpose is to create a supportive environment for people coping with cancer. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This year we decided to whip up a few Hostess Baskets, packed with goodies to make any hostess instantly hip! Aprons, tea towels, matching magnets and front and center: </span><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sandy Coughlin's</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> simple guide to entertaining:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Entertainer-Womans-Gracious-Hospitality/dp/0764207504"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;">The Reluctant Entertainer</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Many thanks and hugs to Sandy for donating her amazing book!</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije4OK_LQmhyphenhyphenjmLQWgGGOE3O4WLWpxeShKYUpAw1q3rGQe-F0LJg8oS8k4xO1GexDol5E4DQh8Ezj3cJQ8USmlBakGEhI9CKYs5sw553532BNP9mSKLU8SgIXVsa8CKom7-MG6Q7NcsztY/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608035354488330386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije4OK_LQmhyphenhyphenjmLQWgGGOE3O4WLWpxeShKYUpAw1q3rGQe-F0LJg8oS8k4xO1GexDol5E4DQh8Ezj3cJQ8USmlBakGEhI9CKYs5sw553532BNP9mSKLU8SgIXVsa8CKom7-MG6Q7NcsztY/s400/IMG_0604.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We hoping there will be a few Reluctanter Entertainers in attendance who will lay down cash at the silent auction to become a Hip Hostess! Wishing everyone at Gilda's Club a darn good time and a wildly successful event!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qVbFzGkmI0vWE30hCfsu_DduBCtbzHfNaCJIjBh9PdK2MwVBs17DKyWhvpKivi67e02gFNQnlNDujwEYg-rea3VxK41UA3cu1wcTMq5XTDIFa-mqx-fo-XODXTRhhArJUa09HLgNdRkc/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qVbFzGkmI0vWE30hCfsu_DduBCtbzHfNaCJIjBh9PdK2MwVBs17DKyWhvpKivi67e02gFNQnlNDujwEYg-rea3VxK41UA3cu1wcTMq5XTDIFa-mqx-fo-XODXTRhhArJUa09HLgNdRkc/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-18660599920351893862011-03-14T15:17:00.021-04:002011-03-17T11:49:33.268-04:00Hurry Spring!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkiU7O9ZvVUBPppwIXszP-Y13E9tQBdSyKrEurUP_L-X2GquRVHXJ2fS30Aq1SXIoKreMRdiGLITTUEy96kbdM5LUaih6yHlK9M1G-IixDNq90PfRPhgN-ZFyoe0xIGEPsfe4sV0tZPJq/s1600/New+Spring+Sale.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584017555218123666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkiU7O9ZvVUBPppwIXszP-Y13E9tQBdSyKrEurUP_L-X2GquRVHXJ2fS30Aq1SXIoKreMRdiGLITTUEy96kbdM5LUaih6yHlK9M1G-IixDNq90PfRPhgN-ZFyoe0xIGEPsfe4sV0tZPJq/s400/New+Spring+Sale.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 138px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584017487378704066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2qGsRrK8Txx8co1LPVGlb9RS9RpIsMWCDhsTpO4L94oIdONtNc1nNwEIA8fmf7QqujbENPh49RmqNcTobj6bnz6IlPIMOJmCl3j8lKOWlEt_x4i0xCoweQnsjZ3GVjmp6VEMgGVcCzGK/s400/IMG_3646.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:x-large;color:#99cc33;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Serving up our biggest Savings of the Year!</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#ff6699;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Now thru March 31 You'll get</span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span style="color:#99cc33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">25% OFF</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#ff6699;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">all our Hip Little Aprons!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#ff6699;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Simply enter Code </span><span style="color:#99cc33;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">SPRING25</span></strong></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#ff6699;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> in the Promo Code Box at Check out.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99cc33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So hurry in and hurry Spring!</span></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfTbkAvfVFsI8zOwAhJS67QHa0siEnfu6DkXLImTGqH7SGq2hbSGzRxAewE6TydNyyUHVojjPKB0qERUSVY8gLRgYS3QqhGMmvn4CDSEXaL-eNcvwOCRaQiS9EGajOh9FNkT8VXw35CVW/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584017262049237810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfTbkAvfVFsI8zOwAhJS67QHa0siEnfu6DkXLImTGqH7SGq2hbSGzRxAewE6TydNyyUHVojjPKB0qERUSVY8gLRgYS3QqhGMmvn4CDSEXaL-eNcvwOCRaQiS9EGajOh9FNkT8VXw35CVW/s400/HoneyCheers+copy.png" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 72px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 162px;" /></a>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-21674535491460738282011-02-14T16:29:00.045-05:002011-02-15T10:44:13.009-05:00Hearty Hamburger Soup<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Delighted to link up with two charming and very hip hostesses...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/2011/chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tidy Mom</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">and</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><a href="http://dineanddish.net/2011/02/soup-a-palooza-link-up-and-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">Dine and Dish</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">are celebrating the love of soup with a "Soup-a-palooza!" Not only will you find a potful of soup, chowder & chili recipes, both lovely ladies are hosting giveaways! Stop by and enter to win prizes from:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/bushbeans.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bush Beans</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pillsbury</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westminstercrackers.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Westminster Crackers</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Oh, and by the way there's a "Hip Little Apron" up for grabs, too!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuj4b32ROYmxozScq2QivMRABrxgAcGjeDwuOV3Um3HGk_TGqODiV9uOJr5mf8Qodr2B-y6xh8wPgZqO9j92EXAWRz_-L7fSYuIRzzcIFDRKzukOrX29L3EhMWsKMicAVNVm3JeMUDQQd/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuj4b32ROYmxozScq2QivMRABrxgAcGjeDwuOV3Um3HGk_TGqODiV9uOJr5mf8Qodr2B-y6xh8wPgZqO9j92EXAWRz_-L7fSYuIRzzcIFDRKzukOrX29L3EhMWsKMicAVNVm3JeMUDQQd/s400/IMG_9879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573674078568458738" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's a soup that doesn't require hours of simmering on the stove! My family's favorite because it's so satisfying and seriously delicious. My favorite because it's such a quick dish! If you have all the ingredients on hand you can whip this up in less than hour. Paired with breadsticks or a crusty loaf of bread you can have dinner on the table in no time flat! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ingredients:</span></b><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 LB Ground Beef</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 Cups Water</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Can (14-1/2 oz) diced or regular tomatoes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 Medium carrots sliced</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Medium potatoes, peeled and cubed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 Beef bouillon cubes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Cup fresh,f rozen, or canned green beans</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Medium onion chopped</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1-1/2 Tsps salt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/4 Tsps pepper</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Directions:</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In large sauce pan, brown ground beef, drain.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Serves 6</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*Tip: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can also use beef broth, and add more or less water as needed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*Variations: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mix it up by combining the ground beef with ground Turkey Italian Sausage.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Any combo of vegetables are tasty in this soup. I've made it so many times and have included peas, cabbage, celery, and even tiny pasta.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*Hostess Hint: This soup makes for a great last minute meal when you have unexpected company for dinner. (I always try to keep the ingredients handy in the pantry) Toss up a fresh green salad, bread or rolls, and you have an instant hearty dish to impress your guests!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be sure to top by </span><a href="http://tidymom.net/2011/chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tidy Mom</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><a href="http://dineanddish.net/2011/02/soup-a-palooza-link-up-and-giveaway/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dine and Dish</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> for </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">giveaway details & all the scoop on the soup!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 72px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7rRkqj1WIp-MhWqgxdAVkwLo7KSL6tmL_EhhPEMQKIs8ruOFveATF78cXaINZquqSIwlthOs1LKxgLcHATJXnbEfbTl5EnojriRebrC8ThHKv0FPfdObVXPjR14XA7KDEwNiVAPlT5z4/s400/HoneyCheers+copy.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573666119530186370" /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-7767423939853029492011-01-19T07:52:00.043-05:002011-01-31T16:38:37.139-05:00Christy's Oriental Chicken Salad<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was lucky enough to discover this scrumptious grilled chicken salad when my sweet friend Christy served it several years ago. It was love at first taste and has become one of my favorite go-to dishes ever since.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I recently served it over the holidays to our weekend guests and once again it was a huge hit and a nice change from all the heavy holiday food. I love that everything can be prepared ahead of time leaving you free to concentrate on your guests and be the perfectly hip hostess! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg1AqST7_-3gucp8bsJZrWeMfoFMaFf20yzdlic2NLzoJRa_DBFDb9-Fyg1yDxQxNwuBBbIIbgEVAmGCR1FIwsvy_0p09prc8Zrtbdtmr9ARIJFgCMQLZXbv_O01Hh3ISFpAzjBGoyyBe/s1600/IMG_9661.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnmFfMgTj31nkMquK454tk3oQQe3nPH9LDIP82naaDjdgt9LGtHeWhC5gw8iNFTfio7viGJFGbmJyIblcDTwhex5cK5jcIW52WfnV7df4UFvg4D21I1I8ljdbjKKOyPCNm0fhsIWM1ztU/s1600/IMG_9652.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563882319769376402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnmFfMgTj31nkMquK454tk3oQQe3nPH9LDIP82naaDjdgt9LGtHeWhC5gw8iNFTfio7viGJFGbmJyIblcDTwhex5cK5jcIW52WfnV7df4UFvg4D21I1I8ljdbjKKOyPCNm0fhsIWM1ztU/s400/IMG_9652.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I like to serve all the accompaniments in individual dishes and let my guests help themselves. Pretty presentation for a buffet or simply set everything in the middle of the table for a family style meal.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Christy's Oriental Chicken Salad</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dressing</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 TBS Honey</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 1/2 TBS White Vinegar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 TBS Mayonnaise</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 TBL Dijon Mustard</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*1/8 TSP Sesame Oil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*This is very strong flavor so I only add a drop at a time & taste in between</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blend all ingredients with whisk. Store in refrigerator till ready to serve.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">May be made a day ahead.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Salad</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (skinless)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 Cups chopped Romaine Lettuce</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Cup chopped Red Cabbage</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Cup chopped Napa or Savoy Cabbage</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Cup chopped Green Onions</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 Cup sliced Almonds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Cup Chow Mein or Rice Noodles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 can sliced & drained Water chestnuts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cut chicken into cubes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Grill the chicken with olive oil, add salt & pepper to taste.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*You can easily do this earlier in the day and store in refrigerator.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Toss lettuce and cabbage together.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Place green onions, almonds, noodles, & water chestnuts in separate dishes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Serve dressing on the side.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now for the perfect ending...</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_jz8HU4bVtFEjiVW0T4dRUulkpxcpHgiAhX3vL4eFw7SlnYR9kLwc1pVztB9vCo_qsptoBHR7yRRTgMrrWyiKr5b172qVPWYxwkV96b3ltoHrb_nP0tLRyYjdWfpOZo03QOBbRTcP8wu/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563882310406724594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_jz8HU4bVtFEjiVW0T4dRUulkpxcpHgiAhX3vL4eFw7SlnYR9kLwc1pVztB9vCo_qsptoBHR7yRRTgMrrWyiKr5b172qVPWYxwkV96b3ltoHrb_nP0tLRyYjdWfpOZo03QOBbRTcP8wu/s400/IMG_9664.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My French Mother- in- law's </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fresh Orange Salad</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Simply peel and slice fresh Navel Oranges.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Add a few teaspoons of sugar to taste and a splash or two of this...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnU8bjR3mW5m4u4OhjRfymzeTF_UAljhaW27vIcykkmBJV1eR5GQyefD0smjkUWIXKZkcwRbi21ZRJQsViILWCZWZZ6wW9EU3FJnx2IvSrDW6Gfywd9WGhpOzMpj3crMY51aN6KMGjbEx/s1600/IMG_9644.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563882302716302610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnU8bjR3mW5m4u4OhjRfymzeTF_UAljhaW27vIcykkmBJV1eR5GQyefD0smjkUWIXKZkcwRbi21ZRJQsViILWCZWZZ6wW9EU3FJnx2IvSrDW6Gfywd9WGhpOzMpj3crMY51aN6KMGjbEx/s400/IMG_9644.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gently combine the oranges, sugar and Grand Marnier.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let is sit for a bit and serve at room temperature.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Voila! A tasty, fresh & impressive meal with little effort & big impact.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hope you enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyiww3k5rNubbo6mT-CmETuh0PgUHoN_VgnpKVWLwmBQQNSnMDwCXHDscHn5y40Jibg4yCutb3EZX1CUhgFASAKsj8QYrVkCO0xAykKYGYKkLc_0JvBnLfKIViUHKhH5ro-SGSHu-_ceX/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyiww3k5rNubbo6mT-CmETuh0PgUHoN_VgnpKVWLwmBQQNSnMDwCXHDscHn5y40Jibg4yCutb3EZX1CUhgFASAKsj8QYrVkCO0xAykKYGYKkLc_0JvBnLfKIViUHKhH5ro-SGSHu-_ceX/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-83929854089438465172011-01-17T12:42:00.096-05:002011-01-17T18:27:29.414-05:00Vintage Baby Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbqHJxQ9b-bT7_BYLBlsaX6oSi2hoXYrWYB38uOqC1D0IFqNEW5LhaaDw6sSomtJlRLYEsJxDTkRYHlv8I8BN_AZeOtatt4d8fWbu04WsTzYYwr8msoQGoG64HGL1gYMTSeJUqm8L16zl/s1600/IMG_9233.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbqHJxQ9b-bT7_BYLBlsaX6oSi2hoXYrWYB38uOqC1D0IFqNEW5LhaaDw6sSomtJlRLYEsJxDTkRYHlv8I8BN_AZeOtatt4d8fWbu04WsTzYYwr8msoQGoG64HGL1gYMTSeJUqm8L16zl/s400/IMG_9233.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563282262060106114" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our family will soon be blessed with a little bundle of joy and thought I would share the "Baby Shower" I hosted for our daughter over Thanksgiving weekend. She and our son in law are expecting a baby girl and we are just tickled pink!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My daughter and I collaborate on almost everything, but this time I kept the details to myself so when she arrived it would all be a suprise. She knew the day & the time, but that was it. I knew she loved soft colors, simple looks, and vintage elements, but I also wanted to include a bit of the "bird on a branch" theme she is using in the nursery.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The setting could not have more perfect. A restored victorian home on the grounds of a local golf course, now a restaurant and banquet venue. The room was overflowing with charm: exposed brick walls, painted white windows and columns, brass sconces and beautiful upholstered chairs. It was almost too good to be true.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After making way too many trips to thrift stores, searching and shopping on Etsy, and let's not even talk about all the Rustoleum "Blossom White"spray paint, I was able to get the exact look I wanted and hoped my daughter would love. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's how it all came out with a few tips on where to buy and how-tos. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563215003601978642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTTZ12rXZfNSTaZjf7FRlHbu6vgQs4qZK9q9QU4_1N6MZHmCNPBEXvjiJ-1fhomqUZcBaQ01mivTAolhO_HW90cNEu22ntJ6WHXPmnuNpF1ET2e2Qsr3x_OIg56uYFbWguC90lYzugyBJ/s400/IMG_9235.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 394px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">The seating cards were simple tags tied with ribbon and then hung from a branch I found in the woods. The ribbon I used was actually Wright's hem tape available at most fabric stores. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Since I needed a bunch I ordered it</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.createforless.com/Wrights+Poly+Hem+Tape+3yd+Sweet+Peach/pid162605.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">HERE</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I learned how to give the ribbon that vintage crinkled look </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLc6K1xG_Cg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">HERE</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IB4ysT6PfIOE-RhFEWl9kDgo_mSF9BgpEYQlyHDT69RftcfEPSUjD1FbnWJy2E18U1tw94mbPI3OrnKNwdJymz1y7vflnB3v7qxVgMrGA89xuJ9b6BP-n-XypRVs7ucTCCvQUrK1LLVy/s1600/IMG_9228.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563214336782328226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IB4ysT6PfIOE-RhFEWl9kDgo_mSF9BgpEYQlyHDT69RftcfEPSUjD1FbnWJy2E18U1tw94mbPI3OrnKNwdJymz1y7vflnB3v7qxVgMrGA89xuJ9b6BP-n-XypRVs7ucTCCvQUrK1LLVy/s400/IMG_9228.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This little alcove was the perfect setting for the sweets table. The "bebe" letters were my version of something I saw on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Martha Stewart. You'll find it </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/french-countryside-baby-shower"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HERE</span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSi8GDRByVCQPk40uK1pjJKUCWFpbl8JFtmxjdDIP61OAOKosjd-Jik0fcOUmk23zb7_u-pFZwKd9Dpwi0tuAkd-HQVBI67oYofKucNaaRKK_GE4SZFRlWAwi1FWCNZlsV5YUyYHrwY7K/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213913420254770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSi8GDRByVCQPk40uK1pjJKUCWFpbl8JFtmxjdDIP61OAOKosjd-Jik0fcOUmk23zb7_u-pFZwKd9Dpwi0tuAkd-HQVBI67oYofKucNaaRKK_GE4SZFRlWAwi1FWCNZlsV5YUyYHrwY7K/s400/IMG_9241.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I found the sweet vintage baby cards </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beehivecottage"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HERE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on Etsy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIegKab2qandFUylJhS4HS-OG16oiqvRJh8UhLgiATVUHpMm48AawN7jFYv5Q7yGyBP0w98q08RJ8j34tCVBS9iVQU7GF6mPLi5Qjdv7BhTaIJZS6XRICfwHeJpLjNZ5wFavXHZPaauVi0/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213904378081970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIegKab2qandFUylJhS4HS-OG16oiqvRJh8UhLgiATVUHpMm48AawN7jFYv5Q7yGyBP0w98q08RJ8j34tCVBS9iVQU7GF6mPLi5Qjdv7BhTaIJZS6XRICfwHeJpLjNZ5wFavXHZPaauVi0/s400/IMG_9251.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ribbon trimmed Cake Pedestals from Home Goods made pretty little centerpieces</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and whoever had the most pennies in their purse, got to</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">take it home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">covered</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> block of styrofoam with reindeer mose, then added a miniature </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">crib I found </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.newenglandminiatures.com/nursery.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">HERE</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); ">The birds were another great catch from numerous goodwill hunting trips. Along with the cribs, they got a nice coat of "Blossom White." Voila! Instant upcycled elegance!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrgYypB4Jrw-RhVdqq0PHloHuHOi_7eT0KzHqYpfGJiucbDSkzQwearBlyDYk7VhTCjG0zqBVRdD5C_d3DbquOn-fKDWXx1nuXNd6QPmvgnp2YZ6Y_BJSmkuYMvYd0KSkza2TL8DBYaQb/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrgYypB4Jrw-RhVdqq0PHloHuHOi_7eT0KzHqYpfGJiucbDSkzQwearBlyDYk7VhTCjG0zqBVRdD5C_d3DbquOn-fKDWXx1nuXNd6QPmvgnp2YZ6Y_BJSmkuYMvYd0KSkza2TL8DBYaQb/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213895310694258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrgYypB4Jrw-RhVdqq0PHloHuHOi_7eT0KzHqYpfGJiucbDSkzQwearBlyDYk7VhTCjG0zqBVRdD5C_d3DbquOn-fKDWXx1nuXNd6QPmvgnp2YZ6Y_BJSmkuYMvYd0KSkza2TL8DBYaQb/s400/IMG_9124.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All the ladies went home with one of these little lovelies: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Charming key chains made from vintage silverware. I think this was my favorite element of the shower and they were such a huge hit with our guests. Each included a card with the pattern name and date it was introduced. The shop owner at Mon Petit Chou Boutique did a custom order for me and was so sweet to work with. She also crafts the most exquisite vintage jewelry.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You'll find her </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/monpetitchouboutique"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HERE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on Etsy. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTFPhsHRsUafcZfnpRyUbPgPz1TZLpsgpf0Fi8EvrnQ486YXkufAeaK96zEJXyZNn-KF3WtDHN7oFT543DTYxUER_SRIRfmaIRpx7G4Lsazwr5SFi_vQlP2PBOxrtb8KN8Gv2FEwBJ3mX/s1600/IMG_9163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTFPhsHRsUafcZfnpRyUbPgPz1TZLpsgpf0Fi8EvrnQ486YXkufAeaK96zEJXyZNn-KF3WtDHN7oFT543DTYxUER_SRIRfmaIRpx7G4Lsazwr5SFi_vQlP2PBOxrtb8KN8Gv2FEwBJ3mX/s400/IMG_9163.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The favor boxes were simple chipboard, topped with a little ribbon & vintage look "Merci" cards. Little effort, big impact & I loved the look! Another great Etsy find:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RomanticInspirations"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HERE</span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6iPXz2HQA_4q_JOQ3XBI6cENGeN4CEbSJP-HcepVBCqwdouwgpXYC13Wpjx4XNs8ZlIpb4IjW1sj38RjtwdJV8o3tYIzu75oy0-AGR9fHMjGkKGtcSibRJ78AcTEhHDjjJsk0YRfqStC/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213088086301762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6iPXz2HQA_4q_JOQ3XBI6cENGeN4CEbSJP-HcepVBCqwdouwgpXYC13Wpjx4XNs8ZlIpb4IjW1sj38RjtwdJV8o3tYIzu75oy0-AGR9fHMjGkKGtcSibRJ78AcTEhHDjjJsk0YRfqStC/s400/IMG_9244.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Such sweet memories. My loving grandmother made this </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">dress for me 50 plus years ago. Fine organdy with delicate little pink rosebuds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingwopITA2_K6gyMZ3gD20nOLLAGYTnbuWlZP-mgKIfx53lNbndaolmVScM1sgwKkVJHS67bBwE1ORPOARPOIpxsp74eF5vS4Lig3Xe79lnozAGMqfPnO7Ih3nkQxPrRgxLOOCEgzImnFf/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213064862616322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingwopITA2_K6gyMZ3gD20nOLLAGYTnbuWlZP-mgKIfx53lNbndaolmVScM1sgwKkVJHS67bBwE1ORPOARPOIpxsp74eF5vS4Lig3Xe79lnozAGMqfPnO7Ih3nkQxPrRgxLOOCEgzImnFf/s400/IMG_9245.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wore it, my daughter wore it, and now our sweet little </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">granddaughter will soon wear it too.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2nCU98sqCOLvxuN4Pz8OyjzUNFypwbfuItkUUFZlU2SBRR15zMPpRR3_aMeCR4BvM6E2UN2XIe5X4MfEhgMEdVaS-bSYadjydtuMbfPDbZAXMvWmtmnN5D0pHcYpcGMJcGcaNzUFfY6D/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563213018814508034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2nCU98sqCOLvxuN4Pz8OyjzUNFypwbfuItkUUFZlU2SBRR15zMPpRR3_aMeCR4BvM6E2UN2XIe5X4MfEhgMEdVaS-bSYadjydtuMbfPDbZAXMvWmtmnN5D0pHcYpcGMJcGcaNzUFfY6D/s400/IMG_9248.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We only played 2 games. I tried to keep short & sweet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Tiny Babies"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I couldn't resist swaddling them up nice & cozy. As they arrived, each guest picked a baby, but they could not leave their baby unattended. Not for the bathroom,or the buffet line. Nor could they say the word </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Baby</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. If they did they had to give up their baby to the guest that caught them in the act. Of course, the lady with the most babies at the end of the shower won the prize. A lot of fun, and a lot of laughs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjpZ9wCPK2mx1k1KOStImmFMzZ1qUZOCQMy7VriFgbtzwOZoEJtW0fOP0kwUU0rKHpKnkNAkW1zDP3IqK6Ot-j-otODn8p1vzNOt6-wvLu6Sxc3376ZWare9YicavrStsOPL58SiK9mnH/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563212987121145330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjpZ9wCPK2mx1k1KOStImmFMzZ1qUZOCQMy7VriFgbtzwOZoEJtW0fOP0kwUU0rKHpKnkNAkW1zDP3IqK6Ot-j-otODn8p1vzNOt6-wvLu6Sxc3376ZWare9YicavrStsOPL58SiK9mnH/s400/IMG_9247.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This one is pretty self explanatory. Guess how many...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I cleaned out some olive oil bottles, topped with muslin and ribbon. My daughter actually took these home and has them in the nursery.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYTL3Ws9JddgzyWMvjTY-FoaFt3CeL3nTMwLdkAwbd6WZfFjp0pHqGlty4PRaS70IGCG3DgwPP72_bggeg3ugjVanNLofAA2PF4G_by5iZZ5k-lSeAe1NGlfL9OuvB2JoPscrvFg4UBee/s1600/IMG_9309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563212221248308338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYTL3Ws9JddgzyWMvjTY-FoaFt3CeL3nTMwLdkAwbd6WZfFjp0pHqGlty4PRaS70IGCG3DgwPP72_bggeg3ugjVanNLofAA2PF4G_by5iZZ5k-lSeAe1NGlfL9OuvB2JoPscrvFg4UBee/s400/IMG_9309.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The guest of honor and Mommy-to-be.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7wviw_jDoW2UPUUuq-bp-HYxZyF1VpsZElfCZZ1evzeCaYJRMMK7SgxFojd1GyfpfY-0WNWTqFHvC4bXNzWi65AzoB9eYINohri3dkhFOylWxBHnHPohpq6pN0Z6Ew35k32Ec944NC-a/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7wviw_jDoW2UPUUuq-bp-HYxZyF1VpsZElfCZZ1evzeCaYJRMMK7SgxFojd1GyfpfY-0WNWTqFHvC4bXNzWi65AzoB9eYINohri3dkhFOylWxBHnHPohpq6pN0Z6Ew35k32Ec944NC-a/s400/IMG_9259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This photo pretty much says it all.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just as my grandmother did, and my mother still does for me, from mother to daughter, this truly was a labor of love.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLS9Di2wbUQu-5C5FiMui7FtybXLFaTtZMcLcCfj3U6SFTe6elACljVyy8gjcwNRXDhbf3ID5JKqMQqYNMFlQpzeFUrP453ui7n8Wl72iksRX43girPjkoFhkxOpqIi2q4TJ_o5ImKVwL/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLS9Di2wbUQu-5C5FiMui7FtybXLFaTtZMcLcCfj3U6SFTe6elACljVyy8gjcwNRXDhbf3ID5JKqMQqYNMFlQpzeFUrP453ui7n8Wl72iksRX43girPjkoFhkxOpqIi2q4TJ_o5ImKVwL/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-75278624307037904432011-01-06T10:08:00.014-05:002011-01-06T10:39:10.830-05:00Welcome 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHKN0pYphAmaooVN6r4mraKGTay35Evy-vWZmplJ6rgbXMc2Klmp75tDVd5-CCXX7nyZmyznmhAiAZgHOiYJGq-IOdBzqp55ZlPnNfWWFTAd21xfqkTJ0lDXgdIkh7vsc4nYQ4H5FlJus/s1600/NYBLK.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHKN0pYphAmaooVN6r4mraKGTay35Evy-vWZmplJ6rgbXMc2Klmp75tDVd5-CCXX7nyZmyznmhAiAZgHOiYJGq-IOdBzqp55ZlPnNfWWFTAd21xfqkTJ0lDXgdIkh7vsc4nYQ4H5FlJus/s400/NYBLK.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559097158917579922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP8gO22fwqMAExW2dr7m3W5yrFtSObttptl69-xSpoqNFCH6RmjDyP5YfNhZ7cFPZrvUi-HWuoO1X5X4yGzY8VC1DKLUhNXlUwiC-FLwRxcC5RHRw-Z-ThpUch3-CRMpbfWEBWC5GSBj5/s400/Alex+white+background+copy+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559096444210881762" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We're ringing it in with STORE WIDE SAVINGS</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and for extra sparkle...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Use Promo Code HHNY </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for an additional 10% OFF!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Start your shopping </span><b><a href="http://thehiphostess.com/store/Default.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TMaBx_1FcekU-1lCON3g9XQuy90BFhgjVfERJuDWJtKAL6g3T41JkppTQa3XjNPs0tz4OOSIDArSaMjsCeb6yh1kDXyu4Auo0dYd-YlMGpHmFTvnMlfZ7FM-_XeyXR1SqvVlp8xYyop4/s1600/NY3.jpg"><br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQhnH4zam6DHmjZvmmomE4nXTvNku1rCaO0przlGw4Y8LJkf6NM6bdF0zmZKYGuVCyapOxYwnjxVYAayLNkoxmUXmVJYE2P7dL-YUIvaORmn0XiP2wIfdYSNt4BSeT0R5cHtZGcnnDflN/s1600/New+Year.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923365454229420041.post-6705544367985050892010-12-22T08:39:00.046-05:002010-12-22T11:35:50.697-05:00Easy Last Minute Holiday Ideas<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">OK, so the Christmas countdown begins and we're all racing to the finish line. The last minute Holiday rush can have us all feeling frazzled, but there's still time to whip up something with a "Wow" factor. Here are some ideas that are low on effort but high on impact!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Savory Shrimp Spread</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5hg6IS_XPg3S9Oo7BokXGKY__7VuceryS31KD1W-Lt4wb9nIzR72vJXc8I_vJf1aeIPFT5lw_hF9M0IH8uqJaJ23LHKypHDoQHmbQex3sUmtZurq0W7ditX6BQHe0X-xqaxMP7o0bqK4/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553502516421194594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5hg6IS_XPg3S9Oo7BokXGKY__7VuceryS31KD1W-Lt4wb9nIzR72vJXc8I_vJf1aeIPFT5lw_hF9M0IH8uqJaJ23LHKypHDoQHmbQex3sUmtZurq0W7ditX6BQHe0X-xqaxMP7o0bqK4/s400/IMG_9441.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This recipe was given to me by a neighbor years ago and it's been my go to dish ever since. With just a few ingredients, it's quick to fix and is sure to be a hit with the holiday crowd and a party pleaser any time of year. Get ready for recipe requests!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ingredients:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(1) 8oz brick of cream cheese softened</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(1) stick of butter softened</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(2) 4oz cans of tiny shrimp (rinsed & drained)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(1) medium to large onion finely chopped</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blend cream cheese and butter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With a fork throughly mix in onion & shrimp.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Serve with assorted crackers, bagel crisps etc.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*This makes a lot and will easy serve a crowd of 20, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">for smaller gatherings cut the recipe in half.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">____________________________________________________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Pretty Palmiers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5UhzOfjlt2n7_jSElLCIqyj2kOq1cCElXCK8DF_UG7I3uPBLcUrO3K_kUth2ERbwQ-eRC38e3dirzu92ePO3P4zW2ZrBImFi8B6_c631MDrtgd09fgkVNWIwfkjxtBg6gAimy_-bMF1_/s1600/IMG_9478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5UhzOfjlt2n7_jSElLCIqyj2kOq1cCElXCK8DF_UG7I3uPBLcUrO3K_kUth2ERbwQ-eRC38e3dirzu92ePO3P4zW2ZrBImFi8B6_c631MDrtgd09fgkVNWIwfkjxtBg6gAimy_-bMF1_/s320/IMG_9478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My french Mother-in-law used to buy these at a local french bakery. Named "Palmiers" as they resemble the top of a palm tree, I love the crispy texture, not too sweet taste and delicate look. I'm getting pretty brave with baking lately and actually decided to tackle these this year. I could not believe how easy they were to make! No mixing, no measuring... just roll, sprinkle, cut and bake!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I found the recipe </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://bronx.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/cooking_at_home/130576/recipe--palmier-cookies"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;">HERE</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6699;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be sure to click on the easy to follow how to video at the top of the page. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">____________________________________________________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Icy Votives</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB4jM-4PqO3APqv6mZqloG6e8q6OZQUUmK3V79VmA_AYfSBBZ7qLSHAhCGw5GpmBlwAAVjIntxGqGXabFuaYXL-VRmFkahekYidDx-0Ar5RIvHpu1ZImkQxZTE-lt9kcszieezvM-EHBT/s1600/ss_101187825.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553501775205891522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB4jM-4PqO3APqv6mZqloG6e8q6OZQUUmK3V79VmA_AYfSBBZ7qLSHAhCGw5GpmBlwAAVjIntxGqGXabFuaYXL-VRmFkahekYidDx-0Ar5RIvHpu1ZImkQxZTE-lt9kcszieezvM-EHBT/s400/ss_101187825.jpg" style="text-decoration: underline;cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 333px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; width: 300px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size:x-small;"></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB4jM-4PqO3APqv6mZqloG6e8q6OZQUUmK3V79VmA_AYfSBBZ7qLSHAhCGw5GpmBlwAAVjIntxGqGXabFuaYXL-VRmFkahekYidDx-0Ar5RIvHpu1ZImkQxZTE-lt9kcszieezvM-EHBT/s1600/ss_101187825.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB4jM-4PqO3APqv6mZqloG6e8q6OZQUUmK3V79VmA_AYfSBBZ7qLSHAhCGw5GpmBlwAAVjIntxGqGXabFuaYXL-VRmFkahekYidDx-0Ar5RIvHpu1ZImkQxZTE-lt9kcszieezvM-EHBT/s1600/ss_101187825.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB4jM-4PqO3APqv6mZqloG6e8q6OZQUUmK3V79VmA_AYfSBBZ7qLSHAhCGw5GpmBlwAAVjIntxGqGXabFuaYXL-VRmFkahekYidDx-0Ar5RIvHpu1ZImkQxZTE-lt9kcszieezvM-EHBT/s1600/ss_101187825.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Better Homes and Gardens</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Aren't these gorgeous? Used in multiples as a centerpiece or set about the house, these little frosty numbers will definitely add some cool to the party! If you've got 24 hours, plastic cups, some petals, greens, and votive candles you can do this. Go natural with a few poinsettia blossoms, a sprig of greenery and fresh berries. Or dig into your stash of Christmas decor and fake it. Either way this sure makes and elegant impression!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can find the simple instructions here at </span><a href="http://www.bhg.com/crafts/easy/30-minute-projects/quick-nature-crafts/?page=20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6699;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Better Homes and Gardens</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">____________________________________________________<br /><br />Wishing you all a Christmas that's Merry and Bright and filled with...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn_aOi3BJZuT-YDb1jMtrRZLC4pqE4lmmjZrVyUHZxtOPwD4ML_M94RcUKxfuo-PsBMO89GfJXfAj9R9jsBGhKiA1zAz7ozYHRLPToyIWg2_I95mRKJ0rXFIKodYfD3NDxX6v70WUK368/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn_aOi3BJZuT-YDb1jMtrRZLC4pqE4lmmjZrVyUHZxtOPwD4ML_M94RcUKxfuo-PsBMO89GfJXfAj9R9jsBGhKiA1zAz7ozYHRLPToyIWg2_I95mRKJ0rXFIKodYfD3NDxX6v70WUK368/s320/IMG_9470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-PBvq1F9bDe_vqoZLYFOSuRjnL_gfKDtdglB36WpRWYXr9LNBHgLUf4HqUFQ4saZJEoaoYqZS7zuUigoJCFy2pBDG1tINw8f_R8MTG4w24iudhlsFHOkcTh1fGkny8yODB6dqVaFL3Mz/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-PBvq1F9bDe_vqoZLYFOSuRjnL_gfKDtdglB36WpRWYXr9LNBHgLUf4HqUFQ4saZJEoaoYqZS7zuUigoJCFy2pBDG1tINw8f_R8MTG4w24iudhlsFHOkcTh1fGkny8yODB6dqVaFL3Mz/s1600/HoneyCheers+copy.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBcHQc_uvknbVWjGDOP0JOLa8sBFt8ASyw_RgoplPcaIJuRKkWsqoh7ltZTgGSv3PPx6d0ToDw28SjzE7qCkHHvAcvTCBX1-gPFCK-7IaLnekwrYv1cWk07hsvmFPQ_J0InXALL1-h4Sv/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div>The Hip Hostesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681140128040202668noreply@blogger.com4