tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91644091294087247382024-03-05T08:20:56.355-07:00Eat Lotsa ChocolateAll About Chocolate!eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-45532560634921531142012-02-22T23:27:00.000-07:002020-06-26T11:00:30.005-06:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A7bit5UWlsAOWCJ5r1gGV9XYi0TVdIMO7LVjXv2BEI-x2IJPfbzquYSfP5WEkbb-INyo465BIiKNB83S1LhAXJNAaxizDnllzq_IOXa9M3ttX21cVyc_zDo70-Cinh-IhHem5vQ7HGqS/s1600/lJoseph+Schmidt+truffles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A7bit5UWlsAOWCJ5r1gGV9XYi0TVdIMO7LVjXv2BEI-x2IJPfbzquYSfP5WEkbb-INyo465BIiKNB83S1LhAXJNAaxizDnllzq_IOXa9M3ttX21cVyc_zDo70-Cinh-IhHem5vQ7HGqS/s640/lJoseph+Schmidt+truffles+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Nobody knows the "TRUFFLES" I've Seen</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Hope you will check back in the next coming weeks to be tempted by our </i>"NEW" <i> </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="font-style: italic;">and </b><b><i>delightful creations</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Soon to be available here on our blog</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zn62aiYskFiSrz3Ru8iUNIIbCv1n3CpJhPHhUbVy_LnYP16iR3op7v_2BwhNiZY-q8zekf84FuXSO9q6GeRXUV3vtTJgCgrThnYD3QTWqGsMMBEhhOBy1HUgP4PCrabvRNZ6fyLPB_WI/s1600/two+little+girls+eating+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zn62aiYskFiSrz3Ru8iUNIIbCv1n3CpJhPHhUbVy_LnYP16iR3op7v_2BwhNiZY-q8zekf84FuXSO9q6GeRXUV3vtTJgCgrThnYD3QTWqGsMMBEhhOBy1HUgP4PCrabvRNZ6fyLPB_WI/s400/two+little+girls+eating+chocolate.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-77773018284900286012012-02-15T23:51:00.002-07:002012-02-15T23:55:28.546-07:00Sea Shell Chocolates and a Tablescape<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Daughter Karin over at <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/">The Style Sisters</a> has just put together an amazing tablescape using some of my sea shell chocolates.<br />You can purchase these sea shell chocolates right here on my blog. I sell them for $1.00 each!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nlPiKWlCbdXztMTu4hoHZ7BduL4oUW4AfK4uuwxxSH7AbG_qiEyewpQ5HAB5UTH57Da_ARYRi8LNOSkSunuJG-f7TuT1HdepS0N6LIaauCxtrcjwnn6k8ankh9ziYmHdZzittt_Xgn_i/s1600/chocolate+in+sea+shell+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nlPiKWlCbdXztMTu4hoHZ7BduL4oUW4AfK4uuwxxSH7AbG_qiEyewpQ5HAB5UTH57Da_ARYRi8LNOSkSunuJG-f7TuT1HdepS0N6LIaauCxtrcjwnn6k8ankh9ziYmHdZzittt_Xgn_i/s640/chocolate+in+sea+shell+1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I also sell the Sea Shells alone. Please email me for pricing <a href="mailto:joan@eatlotsachocolate.com">joan@eatlotsachocolate.com</a> I can do large or small orders. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Easter is coming and wouldn't it be fun to have some of these chocolates around for your guests!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC4AUHau6alW4IWkXsgZVURjdcAeauabFteNxpJ6q5rJ5PkrzWed7tMTlW2UnTMMrKpQoptAE9mwi8ZgWDQg3wE8hLQ7KRhxsPb_enbKZUmjcRVa65N0U24k_Pw0nDOxbLYBTjhLjROEb/s1600/Sea+Shells+Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC4AUHau6alW4IWkXsgZVURjdcAeauabFteNxpJ6q5rJ5PkrzWed7tMTlW2UnTMMrKpQoptAE9mwi8ZgWDQg3wE8hLQ7KRhxsPb_enbKZUmjcRVa65N0U24k_Pw0nDOxbLYBTjhLjROEb/s640/Sea+Shells+Large.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These make perfect wedding favors for your guests!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcoexzWbyE8rccrOP8CEFJonx7Udbe9L05lfQXsAknpM9mmzxex6-52NtdKD_BsrkRBIUbpyllwWO7lmH2UH3OsB7Wo15LxrHSakqLvHbhUG2mBNEXC8S7Zd6NLr9vdu141GimrFVvCE-/s1600/chocolate+in+bowl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcoexzWbyE8rccrOP8CEFJonx7Udbe9L05lfQXsAknpM9mmzxex6-52NtdKD_BsrkRBIUbpyllwWO7lmH2UH3OsB7Wo15LxrHSakqLvHbhUG2mBNEXC8S7Zd6NLr9vdu141GimrFVvCE-/s640/chocolate+in+bowl+2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am selling these sea shell chocolates on the right side of my blog...I call them </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FRUITS DE MER (BELGIAN SEA SHELL CHOCOLATE IN A SEASHELL)</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRqEbfsEweG7FLvQxS6p4Ftr62RLwAE_GOQX67elB-SqzI8Du_kif61IRr0Lz9ECOtWHje_WSbHbuzGJtZBVRz8NLpMepFj1L-e9Lof5f2b26BFyAjes6uxpNg7ZjUK9ArKMXJeTCSn2u/s1600/place+setting+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRqEbfsEweG7FLvQxS6p4Ftr62RLwAE_GOQX67elB-SqzI8Du_kif61IRr0Lz9ECOtWHje_WSbHbuzGJtZBVRz8NLpMepFj1L-e9Lof5f2b26BFyAjes6uxpNg7ZjUK9ArKMXJeTCSn2u/s640/place+setting+5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If you haven't been over to my daughters blog hop over so you can see the rest of this "Under Da Sea" Tablescape!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNrVbgNVKkxRxP20Qrip_f3FcbYYCMkANo37pRpOnuqjBiJfm9c6h2lJmdEWLBhttphxQbHW9M5QRgH6z4mDXqTRtRRQZQWRtmbLHvhPk6oqWNEOtsVDqUs_j7Zd0902H-nL4tSOMHfqh/s1600/plates+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNrVbgNVKkxRxP20Qrip_f3FcbYYCMkANo37pRpOnuqjBiJfm9c6h2lJmdEWLBhttphxQbHW9M5QRgH6z4mDXqTRtRRQZQWRtmbLHvhPk6oqWNEOtsVDqUs_j7Zd0902H-nL4tSOMHfqh/s640/plates+close+up.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More Chocolate recipes to come...</span>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am linking up to </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tablescape Thursday</a></span></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-89815356148178226622012-02-09T10:00:00.000-07:002012-02-15T00:44:22.343-07:00Sweeter than Chocolate<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><u>This is Ina Garten's fabulous Ganache Cake</u></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grandma, I don't know what I love more</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You or my chocolate cake</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My precious grandson Turner... I</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">call him my sugar plum</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 pound unsalted butter at room temp</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 extra large eggs- room temp</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 16 oz can Hershey's chocolate syrup </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> For the Ganache:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 1/2 cup heavy cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 8 ounces good semisweet chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ( I like to use 1 tablespoon cocoa powder) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour an 8 inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the chocolate syrup and vanilla. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Don't overbeat, or the cake will be tough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pour the batter into the pan and bake or 40 to 45 minutes, or until just set in the middle. Don't overbake! Let cool thoroughly in the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the ganache, cook the heavy cream, chocolate chips, and instant *coffee in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: *When I use cocoa instead of the instant coffee I like to heat the cream till almost boiling, then pour over the chocolate chips and stir till creamy, then add the cocoa powder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place the cake upside down on a wire rack and pour the glaze evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire cake and sides. You can tilt the rack to smooth the glaze. Decorate with candied violets, if desired or crumble the gold leaf and place it on the center of the cake. Do not refrigerate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I make this cake without the ganache (heaven forbid but it is lovely) and serve it with whipped cream and berries. It's wonderful either way! </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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</div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-37687445115581678482012-02-08T10:00:00.000-07:002012-02-15T00:44:45.431-07:00Sedate this woman with Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp-A090FyuIY-D3gm3uX9RQ2EsnLMgXkW9wKhknIItybR52TUNry3uKEhyvngHDkm8kUiYF69zxyKcw2T8Y4dCkkMW7sndAGlChyphenhyphen5mNpD2_JSEdxRDtok6-V44s9c8LCG2kig_KU_SqVv/s1600/PB090161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp-A090FyuIY-D3gm3uX9RQ2EsnLMgXkW9wKhknIItybR52TUNry3uKEhyvngHDkm8kUiYF69zxyKcw2T8Y4dCkkMW7sndAGlChyphenhyphen5mNpD2_JSEdxRDtok6-V44s9c8LCG2kig_KU_SqVv/s640/PB090161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>There is a skinny person inside me screaming to get out but I keep her sedated with chocolate.</em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">These little <span style="font-size: x-large;">Mendiants</span> are so lovely. Milk or Dark Belgian Chocolate with a <span style="font-size: x-large;">macadamia nut</span>, a <span style="font-size: x-large;">pistachio nut</span> and just a hint of orange from <span style="font-size: x-large;">candied orange peel.</span> Nothing quite so delectable as dark chocolate and orange.</span> YUM!</span></strong>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-2561506875337308512012-02-07T10:00:00.000-07:002012-02-15T00:44:55.724-07:00 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHo5uPiRx6hc7REdoX399MesRBRo3mJpT3dtBlAwyypENvRFhHeUoUCU8MhC1V1PZ7chw9-UdhgSAlrUhqBwcUu1t80h-47yOhW1g22og-SK-XA7-6tc05D0YdFdOYH9ANF3lpYie60A0/s1600/barry+callebaut+chocolate+picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHo5uPiRx6hc7REdoX399MesRBRo3mJpT3dtBlAwyypENvRFhHeUoUCU8MhC1V1PZ7chw9-UdhgSAlrUhqBwcUu1t80h-47yOhW1g22og-SK-XA7-6tc05D0YdFdOYH9ANF3lpYie60A0/s640/barry+callebaut+chocolate+picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't you love the gorgeous creativity of this dessert. I think I may have to try making it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rember this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Money can't buy happiness.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it can buy chocolate</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and it's kinda the same thing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-30284965572024765092012-02-06T04:00:00.000-07:002012-02-15T00:45:18.013-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These pictures tantalize me!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I found them on hotpolkadot.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Great blog!</span> </div>
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<strong>OH MY, I DO LOVE CHOCOLATE</strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">!</span></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-29265047948822192982012-01-22T07:44:00.001-07:002012-01-22T07:48:26.666-07:00I AM WORKING ON MY BLOG.....DO CHECK BACKeatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-41543797129717395772010-06-09T10:14:00.000-06:002012-01-20T21:01:48.136-07:00Sweet Peas and Summertime<div align="center">
It seems like we went from <strong>freezing cold</strong> to <strong>hot, hot, hot!</strong></div>
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But that is o.k. with me because now the <strong>flowers </strong>are coming on, like</div>
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my <strong>sweet peas</strong>. They are wild things that have squeezed in everywhere.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP2K7aQb0SM41K7hH3eplPceXcgzhLFgVCwuqfU-fY5_s7X1VGJ9mSs65ZMFC9b40GTpCBdKHALKi57R3oKvgbkmlkv6peaRE8FuuE-hFOsahN-ftVhbZSpp0QPwrAP81dSedjYH6sL9B/s1600/Memorial+Day+036.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809513831091682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP2K7aQb0SM41K7hH3eplPceXcgzhLFgVCwuqfU-fY5_s7X1VGJ9mSs65ZMFC9b40GTpCBdKHALKi57R3oKvgbkmlkv6peaRE8FuuE-hFOsahN-ftVhbZSpp0QPwrAP81dSedjYH6sL9B/s320/Memorial+Day+036.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>I found this darling little house at <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tai</span> Pan</strong> when they had their</div>
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tent sale for <strong>$15</strong>. I just love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I5doHih7fTWYxrpyIWALiGeGybgC61_DVSOlj3x8XycXyrdlcg9mi0oJ0DuAzhp3pw6lUfmXjFXp38SY4HLD1xBDkCjrkr07NunhKPqenXnWPe0idF2Q2DofGPt03f0uFIkSCMyaZmIN/s1600/Memorial+Day+038.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809498735399618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I5doHih7fTWYxrpyIWALiGeGybgC61_DVSOlj3x8XycXyrdlcg9mi0oJ0DuAzhp3pw6lUfmXjFXp38SY4HLD1xBDkCjrkr07NunhKPqenXnWPe0idF2Q2DofGPt03f0uFIkSCMyaZmIN/s320/Memorial+Day+038.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>I am finally in the mood to get our <strong>patio </strong>in shape again for the <strong>summer.</strong><br />
I wish I had an <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arboretum</span></strong> that looked like this wee house. I do have a<br />
<strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gazebo</span></strong> but it is way at the back of our yard and we don't use it so<br />
I think I will have my <strong>cute hubby</strong> make it into a little <strong>green house.</strong><br />
It would look <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">similar</span> to this miniature house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLFSTd_CYfJUkuoSxqaSXleHGrAIuW506ytes4JIoObBIQoJrpUqUzTjgBb0B84FrqLeDPVbES21BoEpY4tSqssHv-8UOvqSlp47lyfsdl11T1Qt-THbvzkwVYqkzveAFplQN8rbyDa1a/s1600/Memorial+Day+046.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809485187078530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLFSTd_CYfJUkuoSxqaSXleHGrAIuW506ytes4JIoObBIQoJrpUqUzTjgBb0B84FrqLeDPVbES21BoEpY4tSqssHv-8UOvqSlp47lyfsdl11T1Qt-THbvzkwVYqkzveAFplQN8rbyDa1a/s320/Memorial+Day+046.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
We now have one of our 14 yer old granddaughters here for the<br />
summer and I have been helping her get ready for girls camp.<br />
Oh my goodness, I had forgotten all the stuff you have to do<br />
to get them ready. But it has been great fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJxti5VaDpmJtZAqIaZnA5hM2mpwU86nZjbrSMymdBef59RPBMsnswJCYVmbP-gAmlzM6C0p03whbI8xP8kdmbW6rc1piWIMrgqQtjD9SzsIqTuA-wVG2kAwX5e9_U67gcEG0FVNNFbiN/s1600/Memorial+Day+045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809467515937122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJxti5VaDpmJtZAqIaZnA5hM2mpwU86nZjbrSMymdBef59RPBMsnswJCYVmbP-gAmlzM6C0p03whbI8xP8kdmbW6rc1piWIMrgqQtjD9SzsIqTuA-wVG2kAwX5e9_U67gcEG0FVNNFbiN/s320/Memorial+Day+045.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
I wish all of you a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sensational</span> summer!<br />
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I hope you wonderful women check out the blog listed before this one<br />
and go the site that is listed. It is tremendous.<br />
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I am participating in <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/">Centerpiece Wednesday</a></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-21605986462814914052010-06-08T10:03:00.000-06:002010-06-08T12:00:48.498-06:00RECOGNIZING OUR BEAUTY WITHIN<div align="center">My darling daughters and myself at my grandson's wedding last July.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlZ1_Uo7M8SJoB-0UsHIz4O2Sy09K40YRRJugtcniySelOhcER77jzIYs5Q5SEWY4T83IBDJLjcrOQS6EUGrZqPdNdM-zSwwi0PWoijpEVWGUthyphenhyphenSvOH-ON4unTLGaatUoJMIzIpYCHGT/s1600/P7170129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480459923120541842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlZ1_Uo7M8SJoB-0UsHIz4O2Sy09K40YRRJugtcniySelOhcER77jzIYs5Q5SEWY4T83IBDJLjcrOQS6EUGrZqPdNdM-zSwwi0PWoijpEVWGUthyphenhyphenSvOH-ON4unTLGaatUoJMIzIpYCHGT/s320/P7170129.JPG" /></a>Two of my beautiful granddaughters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oONnFoJWRKq8gngxczrHdZHVF5QoPpUJErwuhI0O48jqnqW9ysMtrhiitYPt2eMwl9VJHmGtnjxHVJja5uF0OIAAihe4GIzqs3ir05yaFV6Rq_DdYooCfe0a_whd91iBd0Ag_XfRedED/s1600/P7170063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480459919510077058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oONnFoJWRKq8gngxczrHdZHVF5QoPpUJErwuhI0O48jqnqW9ysMtrhiitYPt2eMwl9VJHmGtnjxHVJja5uF0OIAAihe4GIzqs3ir05yaFV6Rq_DdYooCfe0a_whd91iBd0Ag_XfRedED/s320/P7170063.JPG" /></a><br />One of the Stylesisters and her daughter<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiiZ1QN-8bZOjA7TRYw43uuoY6SOAQSykDnRWO-IPOKRieiCI_pf3f6XKACO0GZpuxLMPY5nNA02iio6kydZkEG7V2Kcn-ZLCeFLmIZ26YHzsD3pVdT72nrvch4eK_Fbzx3hviF1H4uTV/s1600/P7160026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480459903998464626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiiZ1QN-8bZOjA7TRYw43uuoY6SOAQSykDnRWO-IPOKRieiCI_pf3f6XKACO0GZpuxLMPY5nNA02iio6kydZkEG7V2Kcn-ZLCeFLmIZ26YHzsD3pVdT72nrvch4eK_Fbzx3hviF1H4uTV/s320/P7160026.JPG" /></a><br />Happy faces at the wedding.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-1PP-g097RACtkj5dVszkimuQf7VQZaVfkdZEg148HUkY5DwyEig7B-kfet7n9jtDA4BL7d1EZ1jmr6yzyTR8C3RU4cH-2vCaEvvRLjyl-OfmCZWPTN9AqQqUPWCmj0jc4KXOyGldLd-/s1600/P7170086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480459885756931778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-1PP-g097RACtkj5dVszkimuQf7VQZaVfkdZEg148HUkY5DwyEig7B-kfet7n9jtDA4BL7d1EZ1jmr6yzyTR8C3RU4cH-2vCaEvvRLjyl-OfmCZWPTN9AqQqUPWCmj0jc4KXOyGldLd-/s320/P7170086.JPG" /></a>Here we are again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPxDs7bg5QVaso6doFHZT-86SiTxcSLIztBqmN9RUzF2SiH6PVI8r9aa4SGMtVX13HSDbfnLrzJYY7NJ7Ippqz8SEHQ6AgUNG2INf2WiCy3OgDa7_7Lvg9sJ_wtr1kiwHpTf5Xqtdgm9J/s1600/P7170088.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480459877247229858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPxDs7bg5QVaso6doFHZT-86SiTxcSLIztBqmN9RUzF2SiH6PVI8r9aa4SGMtVX13HSDbfnLrzJYY7NJ7Ippqz8SEHQ6AgUNG2INf2WiCy3OgDa7_7Lvg9sJ_wtr1kiwHpTf5Xqtdgm9J/s320/P7170088.JPG" /></a><br />The crazy girls that I love to pieces<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>One of my daughters at The Style Sisters sent me something that I think is very worthwhile.<br />It is a blog that talks about how we see ourselves and how we can encourage our daughters to see their beauty within project: It is........project: In My Daughter's Eyes<br />Do check it out, it is inspiring.<br /><br />I think sometimes we get so caught up with the things of the world that we forget that we truly are daughters of God and that we are made in his image. He must love us more than we can imagine and if in fact we are his daughters we must be pretty remarkable. I love the old statement, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." We have a great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">responsibility</span> to encourage one another, to <em>lift the weak</em> and <em>strengthen the weary.</em> We are capable of great things and we need to look in the mirror with a different attitude. We need to <strong>love ourselves</strong> first and then we can love and <strong>help others</strong>. We can never be perfect in this world but we are all <strong>working </strong>to perfection and that can only come with the help of the <strong>Lord.</strong><br /><br />I have just been released from a calling (a position in our church) which was Relief Society President. As the president I was responsible for serving the women in our ward and our community. To be there when they were hurting, or needed food, or encouragement or whatever our Bishop felt they were in need of. I did not have to do it all myself. I had two councilors, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Secretary</span> and many others such as, a Humanitarian leader, a Compassionate Service leader, an Activity Leader and many, many other women who lightened my load. I must tell you that it was three of the most difficult and glorious years of my life. Serving the Lord is what this life is all about. I have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">counseled</span> with women who really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">struggle</span> with their identity, who wonder how they will ever face another day with a difficult spouse, a wayward child, and sometimes loss of income and some who did not like themselves very much. I would always tell them, "<strong>Be the Best that you can be."</strong> Loving them was easy and I have seen some wonderful changes in their lives because they finally realized that they were special and had something good to offer to others. We shared our talents and had fun and exciting activities. We cooked, we sewed, we exercised, we read the scriptures, we served each other and our community, we worked together.<br /><br />Women of the Blogging World......We can make a difference. I am grateful for all you wonderful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span> that continue to offer good advice, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">encourage</span> me to continue with my projects that make my home more lovely, push forward in my business and quite often bring a tear to my eye, a smile to my face and lots of laughter.<br />You are the best!!!!!<br /><br /><br />Do take a peek: <a href="http://www.pimde.com/2010/06/style-sisters.html?showComment=1275543673683_AIe9_BFPoyC9HIdDqsk9Q5crf9nMkD-jzEB8B-UuKaZzP__uG2dgLUdOt1Ab3rGDfIsNWYHqpaov9379B3LSmWkKlKyF8B_tnUg4S_lytGlLknFJx_YOxYtqwyBskxHs844AMG6NyZOUYDdlYtELiZr_Jx18Ll6QqdHodHtfU_Dq7403Zo1wnUHjbkYPRua9wWIiRxhzxkQVBKvI3gINtnBT8OFUn5DaSw#c8142466268606847053">http://www.pimde.com/2010/06/style-sisters.html?showComment=1275543673683_AIe9_BFPoyC9HIdDqsk9Q5crf9nMkD-jzEB8B-UuKaZzP__uG2dgLUdOt1Ab3rGDfIsNWYHqpaov9379B3LSmWkKlKyF8B_tnUg4S_lytGlLknFJx_YOxYtqwyBskxHs844AMG6NyZOUYDdlYtELiZr_Jx18Ll6QqdHodHtfU_Dq7403Zo1wnUHjbkYPRua9wWIiRxhzxkQVBKvI3gINtnBT8OFUn5DaSw#c8142466268606847053</a></div></div></div><br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-47254492390651490022010-05-31T10:19:00.000-06:002012-01-20T21:08:17.020-07:00Fruit and Veggie Florals & The Clients Fury<div align="center">
I had a centerpiece for this Wednesday but.....I just went to a picnic in the park</div>
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with our Relief Society (a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">women's</span> group in our church) and our darling activities</div>
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people, Jeremy Bird and her mom, Edna Neighbor put together these amazing </div>
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centerpieces made from fruit and veggies. Can you believe it?</div>
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The basket in the foreground is made with fruit.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2esW6uI5Qr01fp0hncVNNdiWyUKU7pk-Pv5FHElDzt1tw4HfJCwMtwnTIFlPvIKVL2NeGc8N4BlaJJ0wvKYAfyFPelEWpCEHPWbsgDbAPbcqVVWzrZrDpdw3ZO_ojvMA4RjTJGCPl1Vh/s1600/downsized_0601001803a%5B1%5D.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478025025719984082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2esW6uI5Qr01fp0hncVNNdiWyUKU7pk-Pv5FHElDzt1tw4HfJCwMtwnTIFlPvIKVL2NeGc8N4BlaJJ0wvKYAfyFPelEWpCEHPWbsgDbAPbcqVVWzrZrDpdw3ZO_ojvMA4RjTJGCPl1Vh/s320/downsized_0601001803a%5B1%5D.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>These are the vegetables and they are just sensational!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1fJ8iX3a0vQu4zUOGZVfoCv6QXa910Fr9FeIMoZ_x7YWWTHk0xdMz9gNJI8TqfmFSzXr6vP3f3c4l-dhBJJSvc8bft5W2uXCGMWs2ICkSScgSUWYlfVdkn8Qg2ZXrrn5Md6TnWdTfFuZ/s1600/downsized_0601001804e%5B1%5Djeremy.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478025014622650802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1fJ8iX3a0vQu4zUOGZVfoCv6QXa910Fr9FeIMoZ_x7YWWTHk0xdMz9gNJI8TqfmFSzXr6vP3f3c4l-dhBJJSvc8bft5W2uXCGMWs2ICkSScgSUWYlfVdkn8Qg2ZXrrn5Md6TnWdTfFuZ/s320/downsized_0601001804e%5B1%5Djeremy.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Not only are they gorgeous but they are edible, but who would<br />
have the heart to eat anything so lovely.<br />
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My centerpiece couldn't hold a candle to these beautiful bouquets.<br />
Wish we had taken the pictures when the sun was<br />
shinning so you could see the wonderful colors of the edible flowers.<br />
Jeremy had never made these before but had seen them on the<br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span> and knew she could make them. This girl can do anything, and I<br />
mean anything! Talk about talent. WOW Gets it from her Mom I am sure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWnEpTwOnmuc64FSiq_Kfn07ZanLIMQ0IKUVi7sWU7oWuLD_FTMqtpi1OMSfDzwORKH5wq9khmSLtFckgjuhQZkLbKfFhYZrKGnB2lF-gRoUiDkv_PcmQ9aAKJt6igRBG6sUOhyphenhyphenFfhDY/s1600/downsized_0601001804%5B1%5Dpicnic.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478025011279875026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWnEpTwOnmuc64FSiq_Kfn07ZanLIMQ0IKUVi7sWU7oWuLD_FTMqtpi1OMSfDzwORKH5wq9khmSLtFckgjuhQZkLbKfFhYZrKGnB2lF-gRoUiDkv_PcmQ9aAKJt6igRBG6sUOhyphenhyphenFfhDY/s320/downsized_0601001804%5B1%5Dpicnic.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
And now on with my story and ........<br />
<br />
The Clients Fury<br />
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We were so pleased with ourselves, we had actually created 5,000 beautiful golf ball truffles that we felt any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chocolatier</span> could be proud of. It had been an excruciating experience. But I have come to learn that the the most painful experiences are where we learn the most. I felt at this time that I could produce any truffle perfectly and I could compete with the best of them.<br />
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The truffles were delivered one day before the Dinah Shore Open, a very impressive golf tournament held in Palm Springs, exactly when they had requested delivery. We had done it and done it well.<br />
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One hour after they had been delivered the phone rang. With great anticipation I answered the phone, expecting to hear cheers and great accolades. What I heard was not anything like I had dreamt about. The person on the other end of the line sounded as if he were being choked. I could hear the strain in his vocal cords as if they were being stretched to their limit. He strained to get the words out. "What in the *@#@* are these things that you have sent me?" I could barely make out what he was saying. I said, "I'm sorry, what is the problem?" He reiterated the same statement, "What in the *$#@* are these things that you have sent me?" Only this time the words were quite legible and several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">decibels</span> higher. I believe we sent you exactly what you ordered, 5,000 golf ball truffles. Is that not what you ordered?" I asked.<br />
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Yes, I ordered 5,000 golf ball truffles and I expected them to look like golf balls, THESE LOOK<br />
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LIKE RANGE BALLS!" By this time his voice was probably audible without the phone from his place of business in Palm Springs to our place in Newport Beach.<br />
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I was horror stricken. "What do you mean, they look like range balls? Are they damaged?"<br />
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I knew they were in perfect condition, not a mark on them and the "seams" were barely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">visible</span>, they were perfect in my estimation. I would have put them up against Joseph Schmidt or anyone else for that matter. And our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ganache</span> was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">exquisite</span>.<br />
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"These <a href="mailto:#@$">#@$</a>*# golf balls are yellow not white, they look like RANGE BALLS." At that moment I knew exactly what he meant. For those of you who are not familiar with fine white chocolate, the color is off white and has a tinge of yellow where white chocolate coating is pure white, but not nearly the quality of fine white chocolate. We had assumed that the truffles we had purchased from our fabulous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">chocolatier</span> had been created with fine white chocolate, not so. I tried to soothe the savage beast by explaining that these were far more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">delicious</span> (which of course they were) and worth much more than those made with white chocolate coating but he would have nothing to do with me or my explanation.<br />
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<br />
Had all of our effort been for not? Would we have to eat (not literally, that much chocolate could probably kill you at one sitting) all 5,000 truffles? I meekly asked if he wanted us to pick them up and once again his voice was like the sound of air coming out of a balloon when you stretch the sides out to make a high shrill type of sound. "NO, I have no choice but to use them, but this will be my last order from you!!!!" My hear was broken, my pride was dashed. How could I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">continue</span> with this Chocolate business? Should I go back to doing manicures, selling wigs, or jewelry or providing plants for restaurants? Maybe the antique store in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Laguna</span> Beach would be the place I needed to go back to. No, no, no, I had changed my occupation for the last time, this is where I wanted to be and I would be successful. One little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">irate</span> man and a few, few? mistakes was not going to deter me. I would continue with my dream.<br />
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Next Chapter............The Business Continues to grow<br />
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I am participating in <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/">Centerpiece Wednesday</a><br />
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<br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-72803328690895989972010-05-26T09:39:00.000-06:002012-01-20T21:05:24.928-07:00Centerpiece Wednesday<div align="center">
Getting ready for <strong>Memorial Da</strong>y Celebration</div>
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I made this table cloth out of a <strong>J Crew sheet</strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475604915283077122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtC9Q2sNOMNUXD9KDxQ6yURtrUP8meYSTPBlOutzbQ28PotATZzBAgVF7BOUNYT3w4ce3Nq84lWsjnYu1-trHH5Vv4Oo45Zvyw0hvN7qlg_b7onD41_4p5GV85h7VqwLY5KpYVH8EDzcWo/s320/Memorial+Day+024.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />This is my Christmas <strong>Berry Wreath</strong> that I stuck my Christmas </div>
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cake plate in and I placed the red berry napkin rings</div>
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around the base of the glass <strong>apothocary jar.</strong></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475604932423011490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU2dun8znaBnQXSmg5sbQLFiEgGGRuSrhD6pkb8TKb2L_nSI9VQD6w53QOAap29haTVrMsij746oArcCJub_Kv0cAIZfECtzv21RqhIbm3i9E91Wz0phyphenhyphenoN8Nk-KqHWPUTuJlK2Vp6-IE/s320/Memorial+Day+018.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
I love these oval white dishes that I found at<strong> Tai Pan</strong> several years ago<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475604936377146738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOXTKFSwMgcJddGLs9zmnnP1Ft7FR62xC71QzC_ZJlp0dVg6_KUsmV5f2-v3M1BB6ANg0a3ToSgGg3wKUVK9xbD0l_VaSfyiBU3SXvAZvbg5B8Cu4SSXyzDBg_IXzVp8bWMrPDh7zl4oX/s320/Memorial+Day+033.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />And of course, since I am in the chocolate business I had </div>
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to have some <strong>yummies</strong> in there somewhere. I filled this</div>
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apothocary jar with Holland mints and stuck a bunch</div>
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of<em> <strong>American Flags</strong></em> around the mouth of the jar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi_afE36360RSOzm_uEOo2jel2JI6gQl4VoBxBr97-AZ-WZ4K_IPqFtL_Apj-c9Gd98mCIo4DZzykyfLhVknjQcCOhaxhqyydNlAigQIS0oR7Ob7ObtJDtoVm470BQuxzy8eIJp6zMydc/s1600/Memorial+Day+019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475604921879576322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi_afE36360RSOzm_uEOo2jel2JI6gQl4VoBxBr97-AZ-WZ4K_IPqFtL_Apj-c9Gd98mCIo4DZzykyfLhVknjQcCOhaxhqyydNlAigQIS0oR7Ob7ObtJDtoVm470BQuxzy8eIJp6zMydc/s320/Memorial+Day+019.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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And......if you are looking for something clever to put around</div>
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a bowl or whatever you can order these wonderful napkin</div>
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rings from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/thestylesisters.blogspot.com">The Style Sisters</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvHAJnuiUB9jvr5TyCO929YvNLd7JxsMw9Lkb0c-s5eu_alGygunfiKGbOjgd1tVB4brXJXbfnYC5eEAUh5AeF3DsJB9pUz95J9fj2-faIO0-ypjgoSlSMU9b_jVN5h5-6DLcQC2DZu1v/s1600/Memorial+Day+028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475604911383709714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvHAJnuiUB9jvr5TyCO929YvNLd7JxsMw9Lkb0c-s5eu_alGygunfiKGbOjgd1tVB4brXJXbfnYC5eEAUh5AeF3DsJB9pUz95J9fj2-faIO0-ypjgoSlSMU9b_jVN5h5-6DLcQC2DZu1v/s320/Memorial+Day+028.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I am participating in <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2010/05/memorial-day-or-4th-of-july-table.html">Centerpiece Wednesday</a><br />
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<br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-6712813983425341652010-05-19T09:32:00.000-06:002012-01-20T21:03:13.705-07:00Herb Tablescape & Cat in The Refer<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">HERBS</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">I have used the same centerpiece that I placed</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/centerpiecewednesday.blogspot.com">Centerpiece Wednesday </a>cause I ran short on </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">time. Today a precious lady in our church came</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">by with her clippers and shovel and gloves to</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">inform me she was going to help me weed. How</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">sweet is that? She helped so much and it was so</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">greatly appreciated. My husband and I decided we needed to go to our Daughter-in-laws and help her with her yard, so it is now almost 10:00 p.m. and time for a little respite. Hope to do better next week.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuq8D0Tq7SKtWxlVuHZALrMECnTHt5UuPjxTKE9_GaoW40ZMqJxBAgnFJi46xpVHqG_boVTkOpqaEUkcO9MrvsMNhRomVZtppT1S3DiOlUf_Vr-2utsD_jz1QSJlw1wjN8-0Q79ZSEuXa/s1600/center+piece+5-18+019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008607602564930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuq8D0Tq7SKtWxlVuHZALrMECnTHt5UuPjxTKE9_GaoW40ZMqJxBAgnFJi46xpVHqG_boVTkOpqaEUkcO9MrvsMNhRomVZtppT1S3DiOlUf_Vr-2utsD_jz1QSJlw1wjN8-0Q79ZSEuXa/s320/center+piece+5-18+019.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> I just can't live without my <strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">herbs.</span></strong> They give a simple meal a burst of <strong>flavor.</strong></div>
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This is a pretty <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">simple tablescape</span></strong> but I am pretty simple</div>
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myself I love all kinds of<strong> bread</strong> with fresh veggies and herbs, maybe a little </div>
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olive oil and sea salt too. And don't forget the<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;"> cheese.</span></strong> </div>
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<strong>I found this little cheese keeper at </strong><br />
<strong>where else.....TJ Maxx</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJh2grUbgLwp2Kp4eI20w3yyt3j5QBU0HFshWS5GxEJoIMDNCKX5edur1TsSrSCGvnQZxCqfSK4wOfWVEIThog9FKY9mngwN4NmazhzSCczPGZyJHucYziINGlMbL1eAMDOOUttyXX_KQ/s1600/center+piece+5-18+021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008602493074930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJh2grUbgLwp2Kp4eI20w3yyt3j5QBU0HFshWS5GxEJoIMDNCKX5edur1TsSrSCGvnQZxCqfSK4wOfWVEIThog9FKY9mngwN4NmazhzSCczPGZyJHucYziINGlMbL1eAMDOOUttyXX_KQ/s320/center+piece+5-18+021.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYFgAYHJVoxOrxqmiKPjLBcghU9e17-WB3Xp8TjG3BVuW1Cn7jXHp2ygG7Y-qvGvByguumIar2txSIYs7zhhpuYSzwtxqKcKi_peeie6u01U5Y3UVxZbTORvSIx6xgXdsfEm_LBK_4EgC/s1600/center+piece+5-18+024.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008592307196802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYFgAYHJVoxOrxqmiKPjLBcghU9e17-WB3Xp8TjG3BVuW1Cn7jXHp2ygG7Y-qvGvByguumIar2txSIYs7zhhpuYSzwtxqKcKi_peeie6u01U5Y3UVxZbTORvSIx6xgXdsfEm_LBK_4EgC/s320/center+piece+5-18+024.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> </a><br />
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<br />I'm sad that it is too cold for my<strong><span style="font-size: 180%;"> basil</span></strong> to be doing it's thing yet.<br /><br />That would be the crowning glory for my <strong><em>herb basket.</em></strong></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSiZkO00hsO5wJY9bG9elmDbIOolqh_eaB5rC9nHpuEHxZexbgGAAfnd-1Pv3GANB8SlvFa4wN4bD-FnSVG54SbT_1kd2FlCfBY_3Sk4-yP-rvJ5PeESGbr1WBGKifDtpjTTLjLt_DXv9/s1600/center+piece+5-18+031.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008582562282690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSiZkO00hsO5wJY9bG9elmDbIOolqh_eaB5rC9nHpuEHxZexbgGAAfnd-1Pv3GANB8SlvFa4wN4bD-FnSVG54SbT_1kd2FlCfBY_3Sk4-yP-rvJ5PeESGbr1WBGKifDtpjTTLjLt_DXv9/s320/center+piece+5-18+031.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /> </a><br />
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There is a wonderful store in St George...<br /><br />Urban Renewal , and that is where I found<br /><br />this wonderful tray or basket. They<br /><br />always seem to have just what I am looking for.<br /><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDhvbh825tWVXu1c37CULRV09jP-VP_Q7VCrB1Cx-igDQZAVWqDIjYRWtkedHXseSg6IZxPdmLikwQnuOSdVT5NFZrwI7r1wxTc1-6i5hJxq37QoMr10BwsTmMGGQwo7StsR-HaiuEJZ_/s1600/center+piece+5-18+032.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008568097217522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDhvbh825tWVXu1c37CULRV09jP-VP_Q7VCrB1Cx-igDQZAVWqDIjYRWtkedHXseSg6IZxPdmLikwQnuOSdVT5NFZrwI7r1wxTc1-6i5hJxq37QoMr10BwsTmMGGQwo7StsR-HaiuEJZ_/s320/center+piece+5-18+032.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /> </a><br />
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<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">CAT IN THE REFRIGERATOR</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"></span><span style="font-size: 180%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">I finally found out that the<strong> cat</strong> in the refrigerator was alive and that there was no <strong>product</strong> in the refrigerator at the time. But so what, who wants to buy anything from someone who keeps a cat in the <strong>area of food?</strong> My husband was right, we could no longer buy from this <strong>wonderful Chocolatier</strong>. And now the fun would begin.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">Did I say <strong>fun?</strong> Let me tell you this was the most stressful, well almost the most stressful time in my <strong>life.</strong> As I mentioned before we had to produce about <strong>5,000 golfball truffles</strong> for the "<strong>Dinah Shore Open</strong>" in less than two weeks and we had no commercial kitchen to work in and no experience in making <strong>truffles.</strong> What to do?</span><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">First we had to<strong> obtain</strong> an aproved kitchen, find a supplier of fine chocolate and figure out how to mold <strong>10,000 golfballl</strong> <strong>halves.</strong> You see you have to make two seperate pieces, fill them with <strong>ganache</strong> and close them to look like a golfball....no <strong>seams.</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">We found the kitchen <strong>HOORAY</strong>! We found the chocolate suplier, <strong>YEAH!</strong> and now we had to learn how to temper the white chocolate quickly. <strong>STRESS PERSONIFIED</strong>!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">We assumed, being the <strong>novice chocolatiers</strong> that we were, that our former supplier of truffles used fine white chocolate that had to be<strong> tempered</strong>. Well he didn't and we did.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">The first batch, because the room temperature was all wrong and we had tempered the <strong>chocolate incorrectly</strong> stuck to the molds, oh yes, (we had to find molds also). When the chocolate is not <strong>tempered </strong>it can cause one or all to <strong>lose</strong> their tempers. We had to<strong> beat the chocolate</strong> out of the molds. We had to contain ourselves to not <strong>beat</strong> one another during this trial. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">And then we started all over again molding the chocolate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">By the third day we had <strong>figured </strong>it out. It was now about 3 days before delivery time and we only had about <strong>2,000 truffles</strong> to go.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">By the end of the third day, day? it was way late at night, maybe</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">it was <span style="font-size: 100%;"><strong>early day,</strong> <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">4:00 a.m</span>.</strong> </span>I <strong>literally crawled</strong> out of the kitchen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">into the van. I am not kidding, I crawled. We had been working</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">about 18 hours a day, standing on our feet the whole time. Not</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">only did we have to<strong> make the truffles</strong> but we had to clean up</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">the place after we finished. But we had accomplished our goal,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">5,000 <strong>beautiful golfball truffles and no seams.</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">We could hardly wait to hear from our<strong> client.</strong> We knew he would be thrilled. Guess what? You don't always get what you anticipate. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;">Next week: The clients fury!</span> </div>
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I am participating in<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"> Tablescape Thursday</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;"></span>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-35385808976340187972010-05-18T23:39:00.001-06:002010-05-19T00:38:34.813-06:00Herbs for Centerpiece Wednesday<div align="center">Since the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">sun</span></strong> doesn't want to shine </div><div align="center">and help the posies bloom I resorted</div><div align="center">to my little herb garden for my <span style="font-size:180%;">Centerpiece</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk5TKGWJnumfyKV33yFMMAmJ1vhwbGKlNNlBpudqkOMLNuEsdtz3dEW__KvK0bzl9Xo_Acc44rHsxZhoPOpjno-_FfbCl_3KZIntVXWpXIEEjnhrkd1EdMLlUGE6thGNAaOTTzwRgRy4G/s1600/center+piece+5-18+024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472852940935480162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk5TKGWJnumfyKV33yFMMAmJ1vhwbGKlNNlBpudqkOMLNuEsdtz3dEW__KvK0bzl9Xo_Acc44rHsxZhoPOpjno-_FfbCl_3KZIntVXWpXIEEjnhrkd1EdMLlUGE6thGNAaOTTzwRgRy4G/s320/center+piece+5-18+024.jpg" /></a>I used all my favorite <strong>little vases</strong> and filled them with </div><div align="center">parsley, chives, sage, purple sage,</div><div align="center">oregano and mint and placed them in this </div><div align="center">wonderful metal tray.<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1UAqy8Wb_EeaTEVf322WueJPvSCPmSuZePRuRN_kePolflvP85VnfwAMeKUuY4Sh2USIXYd-uuKv2pJFOoZS3T-PZ0BgKBvMKIZ6EUwfZ92OC9gYMp42GqAWXQEG0VfdVNSmf2NLascs/s1600/center+piece+5-18+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472852932788975474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1UAqy8Wb_EeaTEVf322WueJPvSCPmSuZePRuRN_kePolflvP85VnfwAMeKUuY4Sh2USIXYd-uuKv2pJFOoZS3T-PZ0BgKBvMKIZ6EUwfZ92OC9gYMp42GqAWXQEG0VfdVNSmf2NLascs/s320/center+piece+5-18+023.jpg" /></a> I love the scent of the fresh herbs!!!</p><p align="center">I think I would serve sliced fresh tomatoes, cuumbers and avacados</p><p align="center">with provolone cheese, goat cheese and an assortment</p><p align="center">of fresh breads. Everyone could clip a little </p><p align="center">of their favorite herb to season their veggies. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwQ6yUpd6P6xVgXV4qEXtqV7qsOCeFB5Lgu6C2aiN2DiNLru1K8O2l1SJUH5upgWPYAE1iCgdsp10O0o6dO4eF8QsmQbOaFEdXm-yQSIzf3tYp1Nyd3nfE-iTgN0VYioPdwIVKV1IEKpU/s1600/center+piece+5-18+020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472852923017451074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwQ6yUpd6P6xVgXV4qEXtqV7qsOCeFB5Lgu6C2aiN2DiNLru1K8O2l1SJUH5upgWPYAE1iCgdsp10O0o6dO4eF8QsmQbOaFEdXm-yQSIzf3tYp1Nyd3nfE-iTgN0VYioPdwIVKV1IEKpU/s320/center+piece+5-18+020.jpg" /></a> I adore this litttle bird nestled in the basket.</p><p align="center">I found him on sale for $1.25. What a deal!</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJon7NRefQABn7GWnD6F9eNHnz4PS2kmqg41RBbNK7bvHXdu7UmRc6fgGf1f-71-wjBujMZJU6SdE9-YncjZe_ve_LkjNx1GZO3xZ4Rccr0Tv3pw2GGewN19NZZQxGnWYR8CW_Tw3h9H2/s1600/center+piece+5-18+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472852912858558402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJon7NRefQABn7GWnD6F9eNHnz4PS2kmqg41RBbNK7bvHXdu7UmRc6fgGf1f-71-wjBujMZJU6SdE9-YncjZe_ve_LkjNx1GZO3xZ4Rccr0Tv3pw2GGewN19NZZQxGnWYR8CW_Tw3h9H2/s320/center+piece+5-18+019.jpg" /></a> I am so excited to see all the ideas for<br />Centerpiece Wednesday. I think it is such a great idea. </p><p align="center">Everything begins with the centerpiece </p><p align="center">since it is the focal point of any table. </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">I am participating in <a href="http://eatlotsachocolate.com/">Centerpiece Wednsesday </a><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-f4sYSX3o5Px-X8SMmMGY3D3bfJQt5DwQM4h5E323mQszCZ5_VxLW_XKdrCyp7EODMKlH3RzlQkGfFHBd522R2vic1-UDkt5e1N_iNAyD4XAVliaRS2rLzW_OsYUMkmurjhnBKwd5qOu/s1600/center+piece+5-18+030.jpg"></a>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-75563486001514082262010-05-18T23:22:00.001-06:002012-01-18T12:34:01.954-07:00Herbs in my Centerpiece Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPguAjN3Xu-sC7gGObYhzkUV2xAQVgdMBtvOF_hblDhOlQ_oUVhMpM1QlO4U5zPxKIexzl4A1LTWCLkXl7sceSuxCWlCZy6ZuQZpe3lMM2J6PRgkgnfSR0-jdboFufBDlJ6ZaVacyyRmn/s1600/center+piece+5-18+069.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPguAjN3Xu-sC7gGObYhzkUV2xAQVgdMBtvOF_hblDhOlQ_oUVhMpM1QlO4U5zPxKIexzl4A1LTWCLkXl7sceSuxCWlCZy6ZuQZpe3lMM2J6PRgkgnfSR0-jdboFufBDlJ6ZaVacyyRmn/s320/center+piece+5-18+069.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472851315564179234" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRZ51IieO8tlKybbGNO6Gf828H9c73uWjsXdIvWscMh4fvMF6LAJJ48l-ncG4MCn-gfluzeMht8sVcibHJNVECfgyVrlM5xMdEd6GuBCzF8Ipez_d2ImxgGcrDhQfO1dY5PMnLBNeiIsI/s1600/center+piece+5-18+072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRZ51IieO8tlKybbGNO6Gf828H9c73uWjsXdIvWscMh4fvMF6LAJJ48l-ncG4MCn-gfluzeMht8sVcibHJNVECfgyVrlM5xMdEd6GuBCzF8Ipez_d2ImxgGcrDhQfO1dY5PMnLBNeiIsI/s320/center+piece+5-18+072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472849727125961122" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSFSgs5Dsyj_f6C9Wvrl5tsjbQxc4KFJdRkoTwV3wyS-wBDMJVuTOdfrlwFBTm-IMbRLbA-cL_KJAYqXcDMy66QFDlBaYq43QxO_2k6_IoKGN1_-ZTZDZhuwoNHW3WDAhMm8hVpIo3_iy/s1600/center+piece+5-18+070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSFSgs5Dsyj_f6C9Wvrl5tsjbQxc4KFJdRkoTwV3wyS-wBDMJVuTOdfrlwFBTm-IMbRLbA-cL_KJAYqXcDMy66QFDlBaYq43QxO_2k6_IoKGN1_-ZTZDZhuwoNHW3WDAhMm8hVpIo3_iy/s320/center+piece+5-18+070.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472849716165543362" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ArndfbO7MpCrIuRXtttoAN9fjFmkKxsWONB1zmk8bfjmaAllMgeugKx2mphYTNA_RGh3_qaZRSktuPiznDhmMLPz3CQJMUhjYNm29DGnFyzJqegRGrYtGtAGMLaQG6cLuF97t4Vsbr6s/s1600/center+piece+5-18+068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ArndfbO7MpCrIuRXtttoAN9fjFmkKxsWONB1zmk8bfjmaAllMgeugKx2mphYTNA_RGh3_qaZRSktuPiznDhmMLPz3CQJMUhjYNm29DGnFyzJqegRGrYtGtAGMLaQG6cLuF97t4Vsbr6s/s320/center+piece+5-18+068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472849711632274226" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz35z2WbyFFQLNJe2rehowdMsq3avpn9epKEHnzPBXx9vTcNe9pswrsMckV701Kxe4wjpjDiAtVspsM6WFvmJWxRUS4I0-gwU4F_nR0dbhxppVqQYxxifB5lDIfJZqGz3fa2CQBtQCsIm/s1600/center+piece+5-18+067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz35z2WbyFFQLNJe2rehowdMsq3avpn9epKEHnzPBXx9vTcNe9pswrsMckV701Kxe4wjpjDiAtVspsM6WFvmJWxRUS4I0-gwU4F_nR0dbhxppVqQYxxifB5lDIfJZqGz3fa2CQBtQCsIm/s320/center+piece+5-18+067.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472849699467830098" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lD1EV3xMKtpTnbiB3oLZY0ToG-zFfMC2MRUy5VtvwhMjgOY1y3RRinBpZ2as0aBEEfQa64_qzVpFFoaggQyK6itS5CvlW7tkNs1yGYafSMrqiqOxxxxfwvP0NWN60xJSqv5-LYsKti4n/s1600/center+piece+5-18+066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lD1EV3xMKtpTnbiB3oLZY0ToG-zFfMC2MRUy5VtvwhMjgOY1y3RRinBpZ2as0aBEEfQa64_qzVpFFoaggQyK6itS5CvlW7tkNs1yGYafSMrqiqOxxxxfwvP0NWN60xJSqv5-LYsKti4n/s320/center+piece+5-18+066.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472849696941066002" /></a>
<br />eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-22981932694451815092010-05-14T14:30:00.000-06:002012-01-18T12:34:01.960-07:00The New Centerpiece Wednesday
<br />I am so excited for the new Centerpiece Wednesday. I like the idea of not having to come up with a whole table setting, although I do love doing that too but sometimes I seem to run out of time to do it very well. Hope every one jumps in!!eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-91693308957884683732010-05-12T14:53:00.000-06:002010-05-12T14:26:05.782-06:00I WON THE COOKIES and ....The Trials of Developing a CHOCOLATE BUSINESS<div align="center">I was the very <strong>lucky lady</strong> that won
<br />this <a href="http://sweetcheeksbakery.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sweet Cheeks Bakery</span></strong> </a>giveaway! on <a href="http://nancysdailydish.blogspot.com/">Nancy's Daily Dish. </a></div>
<br /><div align="center">Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470421512117322322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vMGfZX58nte9jLNX4w-yH-5ZxlOYpHCL8hGnR-K148LTiaQyA-SBWeH_IZBlT6r_F9lmcUqWhRmACsl3pdZU-qypFMNDniT3qOsJAXeUTP8JcHvKtQurs_W6FB6u8YpqdsJGVVg11R2d/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+012.jpg" /> You just can't imagine how delicious these </div><div align="center"><div align="center"><strong>cookies</strong> from <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sweet Cheeks Bakery</span></strong> are!!
<br />They are oatmeal with almonds, cranberries and white chocolate and</div><div align="center">Oh MY GOODNESS they are sensational. They absolutley melt in your mouth. </div><div align="center">And they shipped beautifully too.</div><div align="center">I can't wait to try some of the other cookies they offer.</div><div align="center">You need to order some right away.</div><div align="center">Just click on Sweet Cheeks Bakery and order up.</div>We get together on Monday nights with a group to study the
<br />Scriptures and then we have a little snack afterwards.
<br />Some of those that come are diabetic so we have to be
<br />certain we provide something they can enjoy too.
<br />
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470418911173740546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxvgcUR9W7FmKx4rvhqBf6_TAplTYhbItfZ_tHB4cCgfJ-Qmd3ZgiHw5FcZ5luCX6VJuyqqMizRQlaWjycYE1ba6ci5GdFK45-dXmS6jynNqMuBK8ABMczQGsrhA7dg-n3F2ItYbQBjMG/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+016.jpg" />So we offered fresh pears and yogurt
<br />with berries and home made granola.
<br />
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470418903461567314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8mxnAADyfdMRebhvUrcW7TRsuhBemtzQPXI_ixmox09nicjJ8hxuJYMh5XAvYM79JVQoErWV7IsB1fPeyBBIVXVY3utE7-AeEwSORWgnnvYFXQrOu1h-0xgkYfGywJjqL5aOgR5bMZlQ/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+008.jpg" /> But of course I always have to provide a little chocolate from
<br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Continental Chocolatier. </strong></div><div align="center">These are the Petite Tortoise (turtles in the vernacular of the public)</div><div align="center">and Tortoise Shells - Dark or Milk Chocolate w/dried fruit and nuts.</div><div align="center">Oh so very yummy!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470456306430034658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwks1b4WwknjBFd3nxWDeoAj4gQA84S6nvEft31ZgTR3iuyfJIyZrkpCX8BWGrQ6qX_8P4Q6bh2MO8UNTFlNL1NwaINWCMGA2ZVOdHM0CcD-ism5UgRGlufFUOsd1cdL3UDmuWMMNWy5q8/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+009.jpg" />Check every now and then at our website <a href="http://www.eatlotsachocolate.com/">http://www.eatlotsachocolate.com/</a> to order your favorites.
<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS3JdCcd4GemWRmLvYFBSu6GJxvzuKU4vMqQ96eKFPKGLhy1dGPWdG_upcc6R2qBPyaxLZVeAKR71aJqQOOjLKYwNzl6bdcKf4Lw73kOZs8_0CWWIenKHwZDrcku2m_hpWEl6zxzbwFOw/s1600/Siler+table+scape+5-12+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470418891093248050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS3JdCcd4GemWRmLvYFBSu6GJxvzuKU4vMqQ96eKFPKGLhy1dGPWdG_upcc6R2qBPyaxLZVeAKR71aJqQOOjLKYwNzl6bdcKf4Lw73kOZs8_0CWWIenKHwZDrcku2m_hpWEl6zxzbwFOw/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+019.jpg" /></a> Each year I harvest enough grapes </div><div align="center">from our yard to bottle 50 or 60 quarts of juice. Some times I add</div><div align="center">a little Sparkling Juice for more interest. Tonight it is Sparkling Pear.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlFwjdXHzDhm29XWa29aYwz-r0oz1ddhQB4n3PM4zc7njsSPzx0c8uPZpa_degeEl0ImyKTPGroNIuYjAsWM0Pip5hpNTBctu2B8P9U_BvfjaDOgaPETBkSi0ku-HrqRoLdBvp0s9Mv-I/s1600/Siler+table+scape+5-12+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470418882623770514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlFwjdXHzDhm29XWa29aYwz-r0oz1ddhQB4n3PM4zc7njsSPzx0c8uPZpa_degeEl0ImyKTPGroNIuYjAsWM0Pip5hpNTBctu2B8P9U_BvfjaDOgaPETBkSi0ku-HrqRoLdBvp0s9Mv-I/s320/Siler+table+scape+5-12+010.jpg" /></a> I love the beautiful pink color of the juice. It really is delcious.
<br />
<br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Trials in Developing a Chocolate Business</span></strong></em></div><em></em><div align="center">
<br />
<br />We found a <strong>fabulous Chocolaier</strong> in Los Angeles and we were ready to give it a go. It seemed like there were several <strong>hotels </strong>interested in my <strong>ideas</strong> for their guests but none had ordered as yet. I had called on about <strong>25 hotels</strong> (it seemed like <strong>thousands)</strong> but none had ordered and I was beginning to think <strong>I was mistaken</strong> about the interest I <strong>thought </strong>I had created. I came home <strong>one night</strong> ready to call it <strong>quits</strong> and look for a job <strong>selling wigs</strong> or something. (I had done that before and it was the one of the<strong> worst experiences of my life</strong>....and that is another chapter in my book)
<br /><strong></strong>
<br />
<br />There was a message on the answer phone from one of the <strong>upper class hotels </strong>in <strong>NewportBeach</strong>. He WANTED <strong>500</strong> boxes of our <strong>chocolates</strong>. I could hardly believe my <strong>ears</strong>. I met with him the next day and he gave me the <strong>order.</strong> I only had about <strong>2 weeks</strong> to put the order together. Now this could present a <strong>serious problem</strong>. He wanted a specific box that was <strong>not</strong> readily <strong>available and </strong>I had to get it fast. I had to look for a space where we could <strong>package</strong> the product.
<br />
<br />
<br />Can you believe I would <strong>start a business</strong> and <strong>not</strong> have a work place? Well I did, and it caused me great <strong>tribulation.</strong> To the <strong>rescue</strong> came my daughter Karin, (<strong><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/">The Style Sisters</a></strong>,) and her boss offered us space in his building. Yeah! Of course we had no employees at this time so what does one do in that event, <strong>call on family</strong>. My darling children Tiffany, (<strong><a href="http://thechildrensnest.blogspot.com/">The Childrens Nest</a>),</strong> my darling son Tim and his wife Liz, all came to my rescue.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />We ordered the chocolate from our <strong>chocolatier </strong>and received the boxes <strong>one </strong>day before we had to deliver them. Our<strong> chocolatier</strong> had shorted us on the chocolates and we had to buy 1/4 pound from <strong>Sees </strong>to finish the boxes.<em> <strong>That was great</strong></em>. After I had convinced our <strong>client </strong>that <strong>European chocolat</strong>e was extremely superior to <strong>American chocolate</strong> (which it is) <strong><em>I added Sees?</em></strong>
<br />
<br />Don't get me<strong> wrong</strong>, I like Sees product a lot, but <strong><em>I love and adore</em></strong> European chocolate. There is <strong>no comparison</strong>. Fortunately for us they never noticed and reordered many times after that. We never had to resort to our former <strong>subtrufuge.</strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />We were now getting <strong>serious</strong> about this chocolate business and knew we <strong>needed a space</strong> where we could have a legitimate<strong> kitchen</strong> with refrigerators, sinks and stainless steel tables , etc., and an office. We were really <strong>uptown now.</strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />We were offering an <strong>assortment of bon-bons</strong> and <strong>truffles</strong> that were exquite and we could hardly keep up with the orders. I should say our Chocolatier could hardly keep up. We really needed a space of our own. He made them, we sold and delivered them. Pretty slick.
<br />
<br />
<br /><strong>One day</strong> as my husband was waiting at the <strong>Chocolatier's place</strong> of business to place an order he happend to notice that <strong>inside </strong>one of the large commercial refrigerators that had a<strong> glass door</strong>, a <strong>live cat </strong>sitting inside on one of the shelves. He left <strong>without ordering</strong> and returned to our place of business to inform me that from now on we would be making our own products.
<br /><strong>WHAT?!!!!!</strong> We had an order for about <strong>5,000 golfball truffles</strong> for the <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinah Shore Open in Palm Springs</span>.</span> </strong></span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What in the world was he thinking?</span> </span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">We had taken a course in chocolate making but we had not done anything with it, <strong>as of yet. I had always loved to cook and experiment with chocolate but..........</strong></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong></span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Stay tuned for the next frightening episode.</strong></span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>I am participating in <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Thursday Tablescape</a></strong></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong>
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<br /></div></span>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-89179100426588039462010-05-06T12:13:00.000-06:002010-05-06T15:11:01.048-06:00Hands dripping in chocolate and Lost Phone<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">No time</span></strong> to take pics this week, lots of <strong>orders</strong> to fill and much to do, but thought I would share a little <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">humor</span></strong> with you.<br /><br />Do any of you ever <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">lose something</span></strong>? As the years go by it seems to happen to me all too often. Yesterday was the <strong>ultimate challenge</strong>. Our <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">chocolate factory</span></strong> is in a building behind our house which most times is very convenient because it allows me to to do what we <strong>women </strong>do best and that is <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">multi-tasking</span></strong>. I was in the middle of working with a new <strong>tempering machine</strong> and it was giving me fits when my husband arrived home in the middle of the day with either the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">flu or food <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">poisoning</span></span></strong> or perhaps maybe just <strong>eating too much</strong> of a good thing. Anyhow he went to bed.<br /><br />After a short time after his <strong>arrival </strong>I thought perhaps I should<strong> check on him</strong> but in the meantime his boss called and asked if he might talk with him if he were able. Men do <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">commiserate</span> with one another. I <strong>left the chocolate shop</strong> to give him the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">message</span> and check on him and found him sound (<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">really sound and making sounds</span></strong>) asleep. I started back to the chocolate factory and realized I didn't have the phone with me so back I went to find the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">missing instrument</span></strong>. I searched the entire house <strong>but it was no where</strong> to be found. Back to the chocolate shop to <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">search for the silly thing</span></strong>. After looking in every nook and corner and even in the <strong>bowls of chocolate</strong> I was certain an alien had entered the building while I was away and <strong>stole</strong> my phone.<br /><br />But then, being the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">wise woman</span></strong> that I am, a thought came to me. Call the missing phone from the company phone. I was in the office at the time (<strong>a very small office that needs a little TLC)</strong> when I heard the phone ring. It sounded as if it were <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">behind me</span>, I</strong> turned and looked for it but <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">no phone</span></strong>, and then when it rang again it was<strong> behind me, again</strong>. Each time it rang it came from <strong>behind.</strong> How could this be, <strong>it was ringing</strong> so it had to be in the office somewhere but<strong> <span style="font-size:180%;">never could I find from whence the ringing came</span>.</strong> I was literally moving from one end of the office to the other. This <strong>little dance</strong> I was doing continued for some time until the answer phone came on. So, I dialed me up again and again <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">it rang from behind me</span></strong> and so the dance continued.<br /><br />The Lord watches over <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">fools and idiots</span></strong>. The realization finally hit. When I am working in the yard, the house or the chocolate factory I <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">clip the phone on my back pocket</span></strong> because of the many phone calls that come in from those in need. <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">You Got</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">it</span></strong><span style="font-size:180%;">!</span> It was right there all the time. So now <span style="font-size:180%;">it all made sense</span>; of course when it rang it would be behind me, and <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>each time I turned around</strong></span> to find it, it continued to ring behind me. You might say I have a numb behind, didn't feel a thing. Too bad someone wasn't taking pics for the show <strong>"<span style="font-size:180%;">Funniest Home Movies</span>".<br /></strong><br />Now don't you<strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> feel good</span></strong> about yourselves knowing <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">you </span></strong>have it all together and that there are some really challenged women out there living and breathing and convincing the world that they are all right. Most days go much better for me, <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">how about you?</span></strong> It's good to laugh at oneself. <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I laugh a lot!!</span></strong>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-45254464202832463262010-05-01T11:35:00.001-06:002010-05-01T11:40:26.047-06:00And The Winner IS.....<div align="center">The winner of the 1 lb box of Continental Chocolatiers Chocolates is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXPsVF7p3fJwgim5DYYiFozWc0eBlKeJfVFTQl4Q1Ee9YNFb44ALRiZnBKePthNQdXgfL5K5qEUjE-mDLK-aDOYvlyy1pOHsjs-uUkzUfs8p5SacaHgwbXO_fhyphenhyphenP6KxEOc6CAhlRkOVRP/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+068.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466356804243030930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXPsVF7p3fJwgim5DYYiFozWc0eBlKeJfVFTQl4Q1Ee9YNFb44ALRiZnBKePthNQdXgfL5K5qEUjE-mDLK-aDOYvlyy1pOHsjs-uUkzUfs8p5SacaHgwbXO_fhyphenhyphenP6KxEOc6CAhlRkOVRP/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+068.jpg" /></a> Yvonne at Stone Gable! Congratulations! Have a happy Chocolate day. Please email me at <a href="mailto:joan@eatlotsachocolate.com">joan@eatlotsachocolate.com</a> with your address so I can ship them off to you the first of next week.<br /><br /><br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-222005356067710542010-04-13T13:51:00.000-06:002010-04-29T21:37:43.080-06:00Chocolate in Brazil<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9aGHzOkv0mc374qiyHIUMfYihDwyIXpKfcATOq25l3nhE50eFRI1ZqPJAeFAyp0OLq8okhEXC1RJwBezdWlo1ywrl2edmcXxX1QHnGecFynlAhHw1u1nh6XzAc_d6K45-i3U4E55t3aV/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465566255169580658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9aGHzOkv0mc374qiyHIUMfYihDwyIXpKfcATOq25l3nhE50eFRI1ZqPJAeFAyp0OLq8okhEXC1RJwBezdWlo1ywrl2edmcXxX1QHnGecFynlAhHw1u1nh6XzAc_d6K45-i3U4E55t3aV/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+003.jpg" /></a> <strong>Blue, white and yellow</strong> always capture my eye. </div><br /><div align="center">I found this dome at a garage sale in <strong>Colorado</strong></div><br /><div align="center">It was one of three that were part of a table base. </div><br /><div align="center">Go figure.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbNcc2n86H133n9B1dsiaohnjMHDuUCsgsHPJToIU557h-J4XtUJIIu_gbGHRfjXw3WDGVtRZKNhGpDk4eskTQLbOWpRTUwreMjSwX_NZ_zQ9oqB_ynNZYH8edv7cDZi6XCohFhKFUlI3/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465566249722023074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbNcc2n86H133n9B1dsiaohnjMHDuUCsgsHPJToIU557h-J4XtUJIIu_gbGHRfjXw3WDGVtRZKNhGpDk4eskTQLbOWpRTUwreMjSwX_NZ_zQ9oqB_ynNZYH8edv7cDZi6XCohFhKFUlI3/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+005.jpg" /></a> I found these wonderful French looking napkins<br />at a store in Durango, CO. <strong>Dietz Market<br /></strong>The napkins remind me of Piere Deux fabric. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBQMbDrwGAuY8d131QTiaq88GAGHSb0PEMAFjV8BchfP7Mtc94tY8fvJdmJoQRcQfyKmXe9njwxttANs8EQjVx-oS5Jbj5-Dwdv8BK_TzU-d_1F10RQVBerqTVRJl3rncAbCaKzEDolhm/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465566240691954786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBQMbDrwGAuY8d131QTiaq88GAGHSb0PEMAFjV8BchfP7Mtc94tY8fvJdmJoQRcQfyKmXe9njwxttANs8EQjVx-oS5Jbj5-Dwdv8BK_TzU-d_1F10RQVBerqTVRJl3rncAbCaKzEDolhm/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+008.jpg" /></a> These little <strong><em>dishes for baking apples</em></strong> were my moms.<br /><br />You just cut off the ends of the apples fill them with<br /><br />brown sugar, or syrup, cinnamon and a little butter<br /><br />and stick them in the oven to bake. <strong>Delicious. </strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEK6rxPX13iJLZMkekUldNKe5N4iuGxH5zQEGPXoaC12y3SVs7YSuBmlu4urb-UfaqbkAqXwLeG8hklORkhnjEb1t3hLI-h264zd3J054gBMC3nF7_wkvqvXCVH2yePO4TKJ54rm_qbaB/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465566235386758210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEK6rxPX13iJLZMkekUldNKe5N4iuGxH5zQEGPXoaC12y3SVs7YSuBmlu4urb-UfaqbkAqXwLeG8hklORkhnjEb1t3hLI-h264zd3J054gBMC3nF7_wkvqvXCVH2yePO4TKJ54rm_qbaB/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+017.jpg" /></a><br />I love these <strong>dishes </strong>that my daughters found for me<br />at Target in St. George, UT. They gave me a set of four and I loved<br />them so much I had my daughter-in-law look in <strong>California</strong><br />to see if she could find more......long story short, between<br />my daughters and daughter-in-law I now have <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">24!<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoJBTivzAX3AIoFaaVP63aaup5LSc3XduO5BF0sL0iybYXKZxM_Qyi7O_qSOcMUE_6mCnomrm4R1rXvNfaHz16Ij-gnfjCjsVDusNrAbuueeQlVZItlqHaVkIiw_1qc4VrwVkmjGz98HH/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465566228160607426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoJBTivzAX3AIoFaaVP63aaup5LSc3XduO5BF0sL0iybYXKZxM_Qyi7O_qSOcMUE_6mCnomrm4R1rXvNfaHz16Ij-gnfjCjsVDusNrAbuueeQlVZItlqHaVkIiw_1qc4VrwVkmjGz98HH/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+019.jpg" /></a><br />My daughter,<strong> The Style Sisters</strong>, gave me these plates "Cafe du Soleil"</p><p align="center">and I adore them. They are so summery and I am so ready<br /><br />for summer. It is <strong>freezing</strong> here in Utah.<br /><br />Where has all the <strong>Sunshine </strong>gone?<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP1hwjlLdfIx5GSUiKDkKC0QlP8NbrUnzpV7LZXWLnzLbIYxBhidPRnCRUclg96NgPGrrp5InL_t0TKH8SSFUVG9F-mVn_AJtM07HSDz2-4p2N6vHe7ZJR2ZOEgGYqjtOKDMdl-Z0wDXb/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465565202859229090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP1hwjlLdfIx5GSUiKDkKC0QlP8NbrUnzpV7LZXWLnzLbIYxBhidPRnCRUclg96NgPGrrp5InL_t0TKH8SSFUVG9F-mVn_AJtM07HSDz2-4p2N6vHe7ZJR2ZOEgGYqjtOKDMdl-Z0wDXb/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+020.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUokAUIqbvj1lJuJJ_UCE7z6ZMHtGyuFkt84L1gz3Y9LRZA_PlniJE_q3Pkl8MTV4UFuxZBlVLOYPqnv8qlqHx9AycfEvR00GfpvDAyPO5ZM46LnmWsQS4xOx9PXhWwjWrdMeOc_pcXS0/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465565199114311778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUokAUIqbvj1lJuJJ_UCE7z6ZMHtGyuFkt84L1gz3Y9LRZA_PlniJE_q3Pkl8MTV4UFuxZBlVLOYPqnv8qlqHx9AycfEvR00GfpvDAyPO5ZM46LnmWsQS4xOx9PXhWwjWrdMeOc_pcXS0/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+021.jpg" /></a><br />I thought this would be a great setting for a little <strong>brunch </strong>of<br />baked apples, <strong>Swedish pancakes</strong> and eggs.</div><div align="center">Each place setting has their own pitcher of syrup</div><div align="center">and I think the other <strong>pitchers</strong> would be great for</div><div align="center">powdered sugar, and other flavors of <strong>syrup.<br /></strong><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWNmj4VpGcgH8_dwXh8cDxPlZeaveGmeNcSBr2FwJzKBVbsrd8XZ6hDugeQ7KCC5mAr_5tHl_Ia_TCIcGJpM9fNMMS38_6rru-w0iWDdsELwCiRAdFZWMo71qZDcYoRsGmbGXgt6vacdE/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465565193345740722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWNmj4VpGcgH8_dwXh8cDxPlZeaveGmeNcSBr2FwJzKBVbsrd8XZ6hDugeQ7KCC5mAr_5tHl_Ia_TCIcGJpM9fNMMS38_6rru-w0iWDdsELwCiRAdFZWMo71qZDcYoRsGmbGXgt6vacdE/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+023.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA3iHTQy67nHP5O6BTqT2LvpaYWSnRuYhf1I6ppe3LZxnd_gJGmV6NLXMjwuDa9DhmZYhB-Mgk2bdLF4XcXFnggGIU0ltK6FbMKVtwh-q1qL8HzQnG8K1pHsq87M2ZC53WaQtocDrTQyz/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+025.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465565181344323554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA3iHTQy67nHP5O6BTqT2LvpaYWSnRuYhf1I6ppe3LZxnd_gJGmV6NLXMjwuDa9DhmZYhB-Mgk2bdLF4XcXFnggGIU0ltK6FbMKVtwh-q1qL8HzQnG8K1pHsq87M2ZC53WaQtocDrTQyz/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+025.jpg" /></a><br />One of our <strong>granddaughters</strong> gave us these cute</div><div align="center">rooster salt and pepper <strong>shakers.</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE7GsNi7ByvNLPhtFBBpbe3yZgvgPS5NWSr3H8yt2gZRV_8FYxeGZCEhMePcaqV5UpBXONsgx4f3C3iW8zkASxhdiPBng2mb5vfVeNYCzQjaWQTSM7hG767FcS_MUD_FuGpTppCcwjdeC/s1600/tablescape+for+April+29+027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465565178599608226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE7GsNi7ByvNLPhtFBBpbe3yZgvgPS5NWSr3H8yt2gZRV_8FYxeGZCEhMePcaqV5UpBXONsgx4f3C3iW8zkASxhdiPBng2mb5vfVeNYCzQjaWQTSM7hG767FcS_MUD_FuGpTppCcwjdeC/s320/tablescape+for+April+29+027.jpg" /></a><br />I found these <strong>glasses at a thrift shop</strong> for .50 ea.<br /><br />And under the <strong>dome</strong> sits my wee little pot of tiny<br /><br /><strong>lemons</strong> on top of a gorgeous blue bowl my daughter gave me.<br /><br />Lemon juice is also great on those Swedish pancakes.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>NOW .....On to Brazil</strong><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxglmUyP6O7DVZQzNLTaEjoaB9UGsWDfTLvOV6Br7UWNpVUocN3Z8LnyTGzMeJVCf0y5ehSfCMi3raXyGTvz7nJ-gj2uNEv2UeSFwOV8UpisGEPUhYo8uCLQSBgIxSsDmx1fp2_N8uyBR/s1600/03222008_25.JPG"></a>One morning, or should I say<strong> early afternoon</strong>, after my husband left to work with the <strong>Brazilians</strong> I decided that I would like very much to have <strong><em>breakfast</em> </strong>brought to my room. I called down to the front desk and ordered what I thought was croissants, fruit and one of their silver pots of <strong>hot chocolate</strong>. To my dismay that is not what I got. Since it has been <strong>eons</strong> ago I can't really remember exactly what I received but it was not what I had <strong>envisioned.</strong> I called them again and carefully told them my <strong>desire</strong>. Again, it was not what I had ordered. By the third time I was not sure that they would even consider sending me anything let alone what my <strong>taste buds</strong> were <strong>relishing</strong>. So, I just got myself together and went down to <strong>dine alone</strong> with all the <strong><em>scrumptious goodies</em></strong>. It was lovely but I truly had wanted to lounge in my own room reveling in my <strong>delicious breakfast</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><br />We did meet some <strong>lovely people</strong>, several who showed us where to buy <strong>semi-precious stones</strong>, a number of great places to dine and some of the <strong>local shops</strong> that were similar to our outdoor art shows. One evening while dining I thought I would like to try their national dish, <strong>Feijoada.</strong> One gentleman came to my rescue by informing me that the dish would make me <strong>quite ill.</strong> When I questioned him about it he said they put everything into this recipe, the <strong>pigs snout, his feet</strong> (that part didn't bother me because as a child I loved pickled pigs feet...now I would tell you yuck!) <strong>hair, entrails, the entire creature</strong>. It's good to be watched over. He did tell me however, that he would make it for me and it would be made with only the finest of meat and whatever else goes into it. Never did get to try his dish.<br /><br /><br />We were there in their <strong>spring time</strong> and when the trees blossomed it was <strong>magnificent!</strong> One thing that really impressed me was the upkeep of their cars. Even if their cars were old they were clean and well cared for. <strong>Amazing feat</strong> because they did not stop at intersections they just <strong>honked and went on through.</strong> They had lovely shops in large malls and their prices were very reasonable, I might even say cheap. The area that we were to live in was gated and their were armed men, armed? they carried bazookas. They provided a wee bit of concern on my part.<br />We would have had the luxury of a<strong> maid and chauffeur</strong>, but <strong>BAZOOKAS</strong>? <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">NO! NO!</span></strong><br /><br />When we finally determined that <strong>Brazil </strong>was not the place for us, for a myriad of reasons, we returned to the states, kissed the ground and I began my quest for a new and<strong> exciting business</strong>.<br /><br />I was inspired to investigate the <strong>chocolate industry</strong>. I spent one entire year researching the hotel chains and their needs. If you ever endeavor to start a business I would <strong>highly recommend</strong> this approach. You really need to know what your customer bank needs or wants. Some of us, just go out into the world of alligators <em><strong>thinking</strong></em> we know what everyone is seeking and assume they all need what we have to offer. Get it straight from the <strong>horses mouth</strong>, best to know first hand what is needed.<br /><br /><br /><br />Those that I called on were delighted to tell me their concerns, wants and needs. Now saying that, you need to know that some of them took off on other roads that had nothing to do with what I was selling. I do believe that at one point I was more of a councilor than a saleswoman.<br /><br /><br />But all in all it gave me a<strong> wider spectrum</strong> of products and services that I should <strong>consider</strong>. I had a <strong>business consultant</strong> that told me once, "Joan you need to take someone that is highly successful in their<strong> business</strong>, buy them a very expensive dinner and pick their brain." I didn't have to do that though because he was a "<strong>quasi" friend</strong> and he was free and did not expect me to wine and dine him and besides his wife was my dearest friend in the world. That was a <strong>stroke of luck.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />After one year of <strong>researching </strong>I was ready to hit the street <strong>selling</strong>. But what would I sell?<br />I went to the offices of the <strong>European Consulates</strong> in Los Angeles hoping to find a <strong>great company</strong> that wanted to <strong>export </strong>their chocolates. I found an exceptional one in Belgium.<br />The<strong> French Consulate</strong> also gave me several companies in France to contact.<br />All of a sudden I had samples arriving daily. They were all very<strong> generous</strong> and I ate<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br />every little or large sample they sent. I think perhaps that could be why I gained 45 pounds.<br />Fortunately I have lost most of my <strong>chocolate fat.</strong><br /><br /><strong>It is now time to place this chapter on my blog.</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">P.S. Don't forget to enter our give-away. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You have two more days to enter.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>I am participating in Tablescape Thursday</em></span></strong> </a></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-90238264807863720632010-04-13T12:45:00.001-06:002010-04-27T08:58:50.685-06:00Chocolate, the continuing saga and yummy giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4WBNqYW6uMccJufwidYJrMml7YeFI1H-FpX-5aCcu85XIHx2kUa5ye3m_jeWu5XeChoAaTySJeJLlCHNiUEJnSzZevukNEHzxL9Ds1CO9Qtd06zS4DItwQ5hwoNB5BjkaGDD1MNjCKjQ/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+025.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462738997243979602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4WBNqYW6uMccJufwidYJrMml7YeFI1H-FpX-5aCcu85XIHx2kUa5ye3m_jeWu5XeChoAaTySJeJLlCHNiUEJnSzZevukNEHzxL9Ds1CO9Qtd06zS4DItwQ5hwoNB5BjkaGDD1MNjCKjQ/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+025.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Wouldn't you just LOVE one pound of these gorgeous delectible things?</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Well this is our <strong>giveaway</strong>....One pound of <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Continental Chocolatier's Desert Tortoises. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">1 Entry- Leave a comment</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2 Entries -blog about it and use my pictures</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">3 Entries- Facebook or twitter about this</span></strong></div><div align="center">Winner will be announced May 1st!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xL_NsGC45klxtI5sMIYS4ljoKVK7n0Y_6L4l2dWdoswe1G67w9_bxfVuUvD33HGHgFFsszDsdD5JHwc3Gy_LZQpZMVzjvoYRGD3L1TkcMMEcDOTLnoPoPNqYM26aHybASMe9cl9OL6Ja/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+068.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462738987587341362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xL_NsGC45klxtI5sMIYS4ljoKVK7n0Y_6L4l2dWdoswe1G67w9_bxfVuUvD33HGHgFFsszDsdD5JHwc3Gy_LZQpZMVzjvoYRGD3L1TkcMMEcDOTLnoPoPNqYM26aHybASMe9cl9OL6Ja/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+068.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />They come packaged in this box and wouldn't they make<br /><br /><br />a <strong>great gift?</strong> Gift my foot, I think every blogger deserves<br /><br /><br />at least one chocolate tortoise a day, don't you? I have to<br /><br /><br />have my <strong>daily dose.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwUC_A77Il-S7mZTUU4FTyyUmzJK6_km6HbSTFRula68-eM8tTkV9px7p2HXtebDEk2F4m3cOiXVEW7EHqLxdJPFkX8xa2E8H0GZUY8Ba7zzWIuxXmdGQuTOrcv0hvkWHa349qxEMJcrk/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+058.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462738977743599858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwUC_A77Il-S7mZTUU4FTyyUmzJK6_km6HbSTFRula68-eM8tTkV9px7p2HXtebDEk2F4m3cOiXVEW7EHqLxdJPFkX8xa2E8H0GZUY8Ba7zzWIuxXmdGQuTOrcv0hvkWHa349qxEMJcrk/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+058.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div align="center">All this past talk about lovely <strong>breakfasts in Brazil</strong> has me wanting<br />omelets. I adore setting things up where everyone can</div><div align="center">choose what they want in their <strong>omelet.</strong><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462727581190716738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-7XzleI7TlstF7hYSr_Z60CV4qt5HpS_BXHlSJ5fxpchqJPViIjS-eoMsHn07ChhvGXBpeEerg5fxp8WObtq9ZrwXB4KioEo3eMYjD6pyUZjwt91Sdvdx6_D9reUccvUMFFUfgQ2orZn/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+053.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center">My kitchen is full of silly <strong>chef </strong>items, most given to me from<br />my dear and wonderful family and friends. Do you see my beautiful </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>eggs</strong> in their <strong>chicken basket</strong>? They come from my very own dear little</div><div align="center">chickens, but my favorite are the <strong>pastel </strong>colored ones from</div><div align="center">the <strong>Aracana chickens.<br /></strong><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFsj3A0u2RNBa2cfiqYpM2NmC0pHF-hJU7ACyNfBQQQuqyH6yAJd0aJt3fAzuMumzPSmzx1wlnSXCVC9UhUw0RKQgLiNi75BCPZcPM41Qet1c81n3gnOvBpOdhSlFKGOmxOQ9jEX_TCs4/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+061.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462727209792710210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFsj3A0u2RNBa2cfiqYpM2NmC0pHF-hJU7ACyNfBQQQuqyH6yAJd0aJt3fAzuMumzPSmzx1wlnSXCVC9UhUw0RKQgLiNi75BCPZcPM41Qet1c81n3gnOvBpOdhSlFKGOmxOQ9jEX_TCs4/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+061.jpg" /></a>I'm hoping my tomatoes, peppers an onions will look this</div><div>good. They are from <strong>Costco</strong> and they are as good as they look.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQKVcZU4gLtkUBmn4lC3F65XcgM8GxCYBQnwV7KXqPEvWzAW6fGhFtdO8W_MJXron9iHzR-j74K-K3kLV7RYbmYdeELeYxxGbL0Ab8UgM1sW_tDyNoFrdxSc73gfsHQLX99Q6ysQ5kXSv/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+062.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462727201465720482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQKVcZU4gLtkUBmn4lC3F65XcgM8GxCYBQnwV7KXqPEvWzAW6fGhFtdO8W_MJXron9iHzR-j74K-K3kLV7RYbmYdeELeYxxGbL0Ab8UgM1sW_tDyNoFrdxSc73gfsHQLX99Q6ysQ5kXSv/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+062.jpg" /></a> I love my<strong> Bon Appetit</strong> sign and I utilize in lots<br />of different ways. It added a little "<strong>French"</strong> feel</div><div>to this buffet.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehdpw2YP10z6Am_Ers9gzVYNOp8-CsHr-6k6vrgR_4ItOwTwBHlf49D2uNlX7LUxmnvGOULpFZdhZk83iVoHvmGuU4n4bueXQ2L26AZwzMb6YAukQQvZX83kXvdhJjn-XDyL-BmjREW9h/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+066.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462727191245345218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehdpw2YP10z6Am_Ers9gzVYNOp8-CsHr-6k6vrgR_4ItOwTwBHlf49D2uNlX7LUxmnvGOULpFZdhZk83iVoHvmGuU4n4bueXQ2L26AZwzMb6YAukQQvZX83kXvdhJjn-XDyL-BmjREW9h/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+066.jpg" /></a> I used 3 tea towels that have wonderful </div><br /><div>colors for a <strong>table cover</strong>. I just wanted something</div><br /><div>simple with bright colors and casual<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4xCl_YP2qf5-uVh8_mVqAbIL9_Eg52MgZAcLpVAJCGo363dINX2fSTJzP5f1rZ9JEgGGGVTlmqHGIJWqS8sB8fjpDGiLyP_H5eRwr9TDv-rwI06xoBLZQFgiUTkIFbFRwYUsNHXn-ZRp/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+058.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462727189857683618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4xCl_YP2qf5-uVh8_mVqAbIL9_Eg52MgZAcLpVAJCGo363dINX2fSTJzP5f1rZ9JEgGGGVTlmqHGIJWqS8sB8fjpDGiLyP_H5eRwr9TDv-rwI06xoBLZQFgiUTkIFbFRwYUsNHXn-ZRp/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+058.jpg" /></a>Love this fat little chef, he just tickles me every time I look at him<br />The cheeses are a <strong>Wensleydale with apricots</strong><br />and <strong>Goat cheese with fig</strong>. Yumalicious!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">And now .....the continuing saga</span></strong><br /></div><br /><div>This <strong>marriage</strong> was my second and I came into it with great hopes for a <strong>happy life</strong> for me and for my <strong>12 year old daughter</strong>. My other two children , a <strong>daughter 24</strong> and a<strong> son 22</strong> had married at the same time I did, all within <strong>3 months</strong> of each other. Three marriages in a row! Was I <strong>insane </strong>or what? Yes I was and maybe still am, but just a little.<br /><br />So just <strong>6 months</strong> or so after I married, off we went to <strong>Brazil.<br /></strong></div><br /><br /><div>We were forwarned by our <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Brazilian tutor</strong></span> before we arrived in Brazil that the only difficult thing he thought we would encounter would be the <strong>smell.</strong> They burn fuel for their cars and homes that is produced from corn or something like that. Our tutor was so right, it was <strong>breath taking</strong> for it took my breath away and not in a good way, but the<strong> time spent</strong> there was exciting.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Their <strong><em>Chocolate</em></strong> is so very different from ours but <strong>I loved it!</strong> Each morning I would rush to the hotels lovely<strong> breakfast buffet</strong> that was at least <strong>75 feet long</strong> and loaded with delectible pastries, eggs, meat and fresh fruit and always a beautiful silver pot of hot chocolate. Oh <strong>Heaven!!<br /></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div>My husband was there to nationalize their computer security systems. He was to meet with these people each morning (<strong>we thought morning)</strong> but it always seemed to be early afternoon before they arrived to pick him up. (You see when you have a two or <strong>three hour siesta</strong> in the middle of the day then you must work till all hours of the night to accomplish anything and so therefore <strong>morning does not</strong> come <strong>early</strong> for them.) Sometimes I was included. Note: Neither of us spoke <strong>Portugese</strong> and they spoke very little English. <strong>Interesting</strong> meetings. They were trying to develop a catalog and my husband thought that I could help them with the wording.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Not so.</strong></span> We had several confrontations or should I say <em><strong>differences of oppinion</strong></em>. The gentleman I worked with was certain that his description of the security system made sense but he was way wrong. He used terms and descriptions of products that<strong> did not compute</strong>. I would ask " Is this what you want to tell them?" and he would agree, "yes, that is what I want it to say" soooooo .......I would write it the way we Americans can understand it. NO that was not what he wanted and that's how the days went. Of course many times throughout the day they would bring demitasse cups of the <strong>strongest coffee brew</strong> ever imagined, that would get them going, <strong>WOW,</strong> did it ever. That brew really put them on a nervous, tense plateau. Maybe if we would have joined in and had a <strong>few cups</strong> we could have better delt with their <strong>explosive personalities</strong>. After several of these meeting I elected to remain in the hotel, much safer there I might add, <strong>no confrontations.<br /></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div>During my <strong>alone time</strong> I had much opportunity to <strong>contemplate </strong>what else I wanted to do with my life. I had had several businesses throughout the years, I was a manicurist, had a plant business, jewelry business, an antique store in Laguna Beach, CA to name a few and even though I loved being a wife and a mother <strong>more than anything,</strong> I so desired to have a really <strong><em>successful </em></strong>business.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Oh, oh it's time to <strong>cook </strong>again and erase the chocolate from around my mouth before my<span style="font-size:180%;"> true</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">love </span>arrives. We will meet again in Brazil so please stay tuned.</div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Don't forget to enter our CHOCOLATE giveaway !</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>P.S. Did you know that chocolate makes your breath sweet? Really, it does.<br /></div><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">I am participating in Tablescape Thursday<br /></a><div></div></div></div></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-1312824983688438452010-04-13T11:18:00.001-06:002010-04-14T18:06:43.127-06:00Tea Party Table Scape<div align="center">I will have to seriously <strong>consider the time</strong> it takes </div><div align="center">to post <strong>table scapes</strong> in the future. I love doing them </div><div align="center">but I am not too sure that is where I need to spend </div><div align="center">my time. However, I will continue to offer <strong>giveaways </strong></div><div align="center">in the coming days so <strong><em>stay tuned</em></strong>. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDdJW8hpm7kUfs5GlRYvgcjdo77v0rXMdnQrR4j3O7VD63RS1LmizUvj_ysU10ozhp2hISqR3iLWGk-jiPSRl8-0vYcyoC01Y2lmj22-MxcuBKtFGrpGE_6CQzauc5XAMXhPSlAMeFrzk/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460105149185353698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDdJW8hpm7kUfs5GlRYvgcjdo77v0rXMdnQrR4j3O7VD63RS1LmizUvj_ysU10ozhp2hISqR3iLWGk-jiPSRl8-0vYcyoC01Y2lmj22-MxcuBKtFGrpGE_6CQzauc5XAMXhPSlAMeFrzk/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center">It's time for a teeny tiny<strong> tea party</strong> with my grandchildren</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fJb0plNd79Uryxx3WAut3rPVbGQtNU84yn-3_pYEMwWWvrRQRDqS4UjCbgUW6EZ5JLegy04JUIVgLDHUD_tnvnB4xNCP9hx99HEiA2GypH4yqfFNOIiuuByFKtOmQjRQC3LrKu37ZGwE/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460104730542428690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fJb0plNd79Uryxx3WAut3rPVbGQtNU84yn-3_pYEMwWWvrRQRDqS4UjCbgUW6EZ5JLegy04JUIVgLDHUD_tnvnB4xNCP9hx99HEiA2GypH4yqfFNOIiuuByFKtOmQjRQC3LrKu37ZGwE/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+036.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is one of my collection of tiny </p><p align="center">tea sets that I have had for many years</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI1S3Dffo6BXRhyHZIW7GKmGpouSVOjsaQzJyLHczbYCu-vafFO-_4oz0zBNUiMcxI3JHU1EGzgmEHcTa3KgDsqYplonAgJhc8R4vDY4EY2RB1796BU3XkcCCVT_Jfq96ZPc-BZEYx9t0/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460104721753474002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI1S3Dffo6BXRhyHZIW7GKmGpouSVOjsaQzJyLHczbYCu-vafFO-_4oz0zBNUiMcxI3JHU1EGzgmEHcTa3KgDsqYplonAgJhc8R4vDY4EY2RB1796BU3XkcCCVT_Jfq96ZPc-BZEYx9t0/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know if you can tell how small the </div><div align="center">silverware is but it is only about 4 inches long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mFs_bTFsJGbCwDkI7cD1hLKVrFTw96kTXpOU7k3us0KTBipgVAJ1yLeTSGVCbIfk5LqZ9crxe_jA_Dv9AVgVaJAiOCmNTTtg_iODWzNLGVNs_th0lUmqmrEj43WiNv3AcPfcu7BmKzil/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460104712808132514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mFs_bTFsJGbCwDkI7cD1hLKVrFTw96kTXpOU7k3us0KTBipgVAJ1yLeTSGVCbIfk5LqZ9crxe_jA_Dv9AVgVaJAiOCmNTTtg_iODWzNLGVNs_th0lUmqmrEj43WiNv3AcPfcu7BmKzil/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My grandchildren love the colored sugar to put in<br />their "pretend" tea.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUGyASkNcpOIVaJTXEZ9UsmsND0Uefc8ysVd6YtG5XDsOA9w08n58DU_uvmTu9ONHWIHcZlaFk3miKfsHUCKYkPWzNuU894lhnDyMkCaupwTaX4yGxNQ6pchRUAZ3RgDAn3YPPxDiAgcL/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460104709562289906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUGyASkNcpOIVaJTXEZ9UsmsND0Uefc8ysVd6YtG5XDsOA9w08n58DU_uvmTu9ONHWIHcZlaFk3miKfsHUCKYkPWzNuU894lhnDyMkCaupwTaX4yGxNQ6pchRUAZ3RgDAn3YPPxDiAgcL/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+032.jpg" border="0" /></a>The paper napkins were a gift from a friend<br />cause she knows how I love tea parties.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxrD1Ngh2_qNR1IumWA8Y8BPxj47I4TgdJPlx_wKtCnD5etMRlz6w8I7yjBUzlnLwnHUnIYGnvXVA4M7CZJXf3h_lH7nEWRTpuaB0mmHEuQXI9sTJuvSiC3GQFGbDioaUTui0mpqaWTYO/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460104699264248514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxrD1Ngh2_qNR1IumWA8Y8BPxj47I4TgdJPlx_wKtCnD5etMRlz6w8I7yjBUzlnLwnHUnIYGnvXVA4M7CZJXf3h_lH7nEWRTpuaB0mmHEuQXI9sTJuvSiC3GQFGbDioaUTui0mpqaWTYO/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+030.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have just finished watching the movie -"<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Julie and Julia</strong></span>" for the third time, and <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">"Chocolat</span></strong>" for the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">20th</span></strong> time. Both movies get me moving and striving to just <span style="font-size:180%;">DO IT!</span><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>First</strong>: Julia Child did not receive her claim to fame till she was nearly <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">past her prime</span>.</strong> What hope that gives me.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Second</strong>: She continued with strong determination, though it took <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>8 years</strong></span>, to accomplish<br />her dream; to publish her cook book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".<br /><br /><strong>Third</strong>: She capitalized on what she loved to do.......Cook!<br /><br />In "<span style="font-size:180%;">Chocolat</span>", our heroine overcomes difficult situations, nasty people who would throw her out of their town and through perseverance does finally realize her dream.<br /><br />I, at the marvelous age of 70, will continue to develop my love for <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">CHOCOLATE</span></strong> by developing my business "<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Continental Chocolatier</em></strong></span>" regardless of the many set backs I have experienced.<br /><br />I hope that through this blog I might encourage those in the <strong>autumn of their years</strong> to work at those things that they really love, and develop the business they've dreamed about. What is there to lose? A few bucks, and maybe a few hair pulling days, but it will<strong> be worth it, guaranteed.</strong><br /><br />To begin my story.......<br /><br />I married in Oct. of 1984 and a few months later was whisked off to <strong>Brazil </strong>where I thought I was going to live for several years, make gazillions of dollars and come home to just relax, cook, garden and live happily ever after. HA! So much for foolish dreams.<br /><br />However, being in Brazil for a few short weeks I had the opportunity to try lots of wonderful types of food, most especially <strong>CHOCOLATE.</strong> And there my friends is where my story begins.<br /><br />But today I must return to the requirements of the day....<strong>housework</strong>, taking care of my responsibilites in my church calling (which I might add are gigantic) and of course <strong>food for the king</strong> of the house, my true love.<br /><br />Story to be continued................. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div></div><div>I am participating in <a href="http://rhondisrosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com/">Tea Party Tuesday</a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Table scape Thursday</a></div><div></div></div><br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-66230391864507550962010-03-31T07:14:00.000-06:002012-01-18T12:34:01.969-07:00CHOCOLATE Giveaway<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXbmy0xwfH4FjxuLkkpJCTCJuitKI23z65MSHktiEhstHZHUFpuSzV1fbxqdHGwh2FNirZUg1d8bvduGE70GgINGwQiYNGZhPr462Y0rwifpQlEz9I_pA5nzSZ4ZD1350MqoDtFlt0MRb/s1600/PB090147.JPG"></a><br /><br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGvY0jROUaXEMyT50-XVtqD24ok3xMzvU-PChdTewPcHCA0adnCeaF5NTPJ_OqBYTCrT6h3nakkcyWUYiiTdTq8ua5oDuZhLYfldDrXsS50ujT_VB97KsNhrYaWS-4PMkz9xswfwS-l-k/s1600/PB040124.JPG"></a><br />Win a half pound box of our delicious </div><br />
<br /><div align="center">CHOCOLATE "Desert Tortoise"</div><br />
<br /><div align="center">Roasted Almonds, Cashews and Pecans (lightly salted) </div><br />
<br /><div align="center">a creamy melt in your mouth caramel </div><br />
<br /><div align="center">and the most delectible European Chocolate you've ever tasted<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QBhbBu7FP1zG7TNusFrVOuu2utbFAyQoZ1hPTvPsaAYcvnxWDsUCEWZkXE6SiU2zxxh9KWWj-hC5JlRl0y6spDPsIN7t5qr_LU0UAxh3dj8BaoSr02WaA5_UH_HiZ6dOoLZZHOVeWyNF/s1600/PB090161.JPG"></a><br />
<br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w42IYHLCmbPpWsxmfzP2H6U3aKvVzu08exM6-mXFppp-rpjZO0veZRmRR6EyJ52tkykAr3GiF8hprxRC58lC8Fk9_rg3Ayo5_YCTo2-YDEzCJgnFDO8IpEoIXaFFIWWkeu_BkUZcyatf/s1600/PB090161.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3qb6RaN9sZvbcOuwlL0w8k2h6j93cT1kFtHiKts4jFB4TXl4SLB40JCQMGRBSyAlDnm_VXVcEZPbjsWheBn0xTXZHXQXunYb_18Gnh9RjecAk6dfZUcbCtfFzDAp9vazQFTDjMMp2ML6/s1600/PB040124.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div></div></div></div></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-18311809272650375162010-03-25T14:03:00.000-06:002010-03-27T09:30:32.748-06:00Just for us Girls<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQbctdqRM6tU9vdQjxRkz3q0iR-ZFqI4i7Pbk5CyCGzL4J7XS44PDBTBExyF64YYPQ1v3DJpcPYwYW5vHwk3UqjY3aAA5WhRbO8RUGLE4c6FfZ67rusiw1IlpHHpWFUg2w2UhGjzRCzxB/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452670577141601714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQbctdqRM6tU9vdQjxRkz3q0iR-ZFqI4i7Pbk5CyCGzL4J7XS44PDBTBExyF64YYPQ1v3DJpcPYwYW5vHwk3UqjY3aAA5WhRbO8RUGLE4c6FfZ67rusiw1IlpHHpWFUg2w2UhGjzRCzxB/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+005.jpg" /></a> It's always fun to prepare a little lite <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">lunch</span></strong></div><div align="center">for <strong>just the girls</strong>. My husband doesn't care for</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">scones</span></strong> and they are one of my favorite things.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLIdGsquGtDGWyVeV9vvKtEVeEjPM9e-ZM39ChD_dOPeM0W_fUQkP3fNwtClGmtZQOIqtQG_f7PS02FIPgbkS0fmkyZTLhti7gZzQNl03kGTbakDSiKu6F50rX4Bd8d9ADUTGqL0dcLZ_/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452666319326042498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLIdGsquGtDGWyVeV9vvKtEVeEjPM9e-ZM39ChD_dOPeM0W_fUQkP3fNwtClGmtZQOIqtQG_f7PS02FIPgbkS0fmkyZTLhti7gZzQNl03kGTbakDSiKu6F50rX4Bd8d9ADUTGqL0dcLZ_/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+023.jpg" /></a><br />Love serving a salad in a large <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">seashell.</span></strong> </div><div align="center">Fresh <strong>spinach </strong>with <strong>strawberries</strong> and <strong>avacado</strong></div><div align="center">plus <strong>candied nuts</strong>. Yummmy<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW38ciDA-Xmko76vTYMw2D9dWd2A6d-4gaBiAeMVz-LAkA5MSr-KfXjbB9k_wSQoIwBK41r-gV8FAn7IhQXGqFGdEY_MVJN6khHe6a7IPP9sL7usbQtEF5quic7qpk2bCxkBxWg3gFQ1DO/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452666314742132946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW38ciDA-Xmko76vTYMw2D9dWd2A6d-4gaBiAeMVz-LAkA5MSr-KfXjbB9k_wSQoIwBK41r-gV8FAn7IhQXGqFGdEY_MVJN6khHe6a7IPP9sL7usbQtEF5quic7qpk2bCxkBxWg3gFQ1DO/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+021.jpg" /></a><br />I made <strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>chocolate</em> chip</span></strong> and <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">apricot scones</span></strong> and served them</div><div align="center">with <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">lemon curd<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkxK5T_051wBDULVjAjHXeSwnzo8D2oqmMh8M7AUSIDaSSa5bI-1wYuld0zi2FUZZu-ANYoC491-FOTOpbdDq-sdaJMoIAyItGu-hEEuTJc6AGt6HyHmZsV59XV4gHS3nv2f0pU-6lqby/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452665963577058466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkxK5T_051wBDULVjAjHXeSwnzo8D2oqmMh8M7AUSIDaSSa5bI-1wYuld0zi2FUZZu-ANYoC491-FOTOpbdDq-sdaJMoIAyItGu-hEEuTJc6AGt6HyHmZsV59XV4gHS3nv2f0pU-6lqby/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+010.jpg" /></a><br />I found these <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">blue goblets</span></strong> in New Jersey<br />at a garage sale 40 years ago and I still love them.<br />I think I paid about <strong>$3</strong> for each one. I do love a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">bargain.<br /></span></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ4hYvipXa2j_vsJkMFN3MQT2C9GsS2wV1DPmNPDWQ3ohLWPrmb1IJMTAQdxZzmgQCqwLzGSVb6r_iKG11VJnRP-Hs1-9uXnukVrc3pq55Kaqbn1C6_touTeyDcfJ4msRBqFdLWqzPozc/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452665944265386562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ4hYvipXa2j_vsJkMFN3MQT2C9GsS2wV1DPmNPDWQ3ohLWPrmb1IJMTAQdxZzmgQCqwLzGSVb6r_iKG11VJnRP-Hs1-9uXnukVrc3pq55Kaqbn1C6_touTeyDcfJ4msRBqFdLWqzPozc/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+009.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I wish the weather would clear up and give us a little <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">sunshine</span></strong><br />I think my <em><strong>pictures</strong></em> would be a bit brighter if I had the right light.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWgasTXm5SwmbV1fR-4G9JfHNvk5UMW4ZaHD_lGx8iUX6DX2Ow9Tr3Hk6HsFUcKfKxAr7xsKO9o1yeL-mmU-3Z82ycLw3PBXvnXwMfIpeYkF_dlNUzkCN1wJDDUUgm_XhBEy1QwV5Hrxt/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452665936965826178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWgasTXm5SwmbV1fR-4G9JfHNvk5UMW4ZaHD_lGx8iUX6DX2Ow9Tr3Hk6HsFUcKfKxAr7xsKO9o1yeL-mmU-3Z82ycLw3PBXvnXwMfIpeYkF_dlNUzkCN1wJDDUUgm_XhBEy1QwV5Hrxt/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+016.jpg" /></a><br />These are some of our <strong>seashells</strong> that we sell at<br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.eatlotsachocolate.com/">Continental Chocolatier</a></span></strong>. You can check out<br />our web site at: <a href="http://eatlotsachocolate.com/"><strong>eatlotsachocolate.com</strong><br /></a>It is still under construction but you can still view it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm4zVSn0yC6XdfrxaFBfly-BOMis12rTVAoq5gj6bMsKofmb9k98RdXXAAPmUb72CV7FV3gg6KSLWcSc11WZCTJ3urnwWsjDULFKtnG0Pux0z-viapfJ_WNM-cLW4A50tjswUYwY5UXNc/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+022.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452665927244105218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm4zVSn0yC6XdfrxaFBfly-BOMis12rTVAoq5gj6bMsKofmb9k98RdXXAAPmUb72CV7FV3gg6KSLWcSc11WZCTJ3urnwWsjDULFKtnG0Pux0z-viapfJ_WNM-cLW4A50tjswUYwY5UXNc/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+022.jpg" /></a>I am a nut for yellow and blue. Love <strong>French Country </strong>stuff.<br />I added a bit of <strong>color</strong> with some of the material I had left<br />over from the table cloth so I just cut a short piece and<br />tied it around the<em> napkin</em>. Added a little <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ranuculus </span></strong>and there ya go<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtLFOUUx3B8EkOAYcfhdYFThluYcQ8cLnrhqbtzM7qIBh4eNOM2t4SfcPpzPHUmRpMcz4pPXI_JTlNdmMNhp1O54PB9wPnxb6kGqRtLYagWokKeqs5gxUoNfxTPFFYv5hQPSNXAlKWLWB/s1600/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452665919509272354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtLFOUUx3B8EkOAYcfhdYFThluYcQ8cLnrhqbtzM7qIBh4eNOM2t4SfcPpzPHUmRpMcz4pPXI_JTlNdmMNhp1O54PB9wPnxb6kGqRtLYagWokKeqs5gxUoNfxTPFFYv5hQPSNXAlKWLWB/s320/table+scape+for+Mrch+25th,+2010+026.jpg" /></a><br />If you are interested in any of the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">seashell candies</span></strong> we<br />can offer you the <strong>wholesale prices</strong> if you can order<br />in the quantities listed on our website at - <a href="http://eatlotsachocolate.com/">eatlotsachocolate.com </a><br /><br />I am participating in the <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Tablescape Thursday<br /></a></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-68020165061154376162010-03-23T19:36:00.000-06:002010-03-23T19:46:17.923-06:00And The Winner IS.....Congratulations to <a href="mailto:Shelley@shellysswag.blogspot.com">Shelley@shellysswag.blogspot.com</a><br />You have won the cute little "Just Dessert Plates".eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164409129408724738.post-61689032373945354572010-03-23T13:38:00.001-06:002010-03-23T15:08:35.076-06:00Super Easter Sale<div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">It's a deal! You can get <span style="font-size:130%;">ALL THREE </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">of these adorable bunnies for only</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451916974958546642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1JSEa3Uk-IL_mGjyPzMKazwcgdGHUeIP5BfMGWYyayX5ySF7dU4hnhenvRXw3at3u86lA1huuSZZtnydu0hNICNasoNpaIQp_FpabaHbKo5xEUa5zf29Ob7P6ZE1VJ6sCE3JHLIuYHoI/s320/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+050.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">$22.50</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">And this includes shipping costs<br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhbw3RdPGCLp0Xo-EXJJhoWMlZ5uDyGUwamp4fqmFG4_eZrNiI2znGsvZZwy12XHIoYm_BEQNIX94-ioN6CMEHGrLLU4wSmouJe7ufp01NrKzkOrWRFRVHxxqbQpqAbV1BDEs6olsW6ii/s1600-h/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+041.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451916952834729778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhbw3RdPGCLp0Xo-EXJJhoWMlZ5uDyGUwamp4fqmFG4_eZrNiI2znGsvZZwy12XHIoYm_BEQNIX94-ioN6CMEHGrLLU4wSmouJe7ufp01NrKzkOrWRFRVHxxqbQpqAbV1BDEs6olsW6ii/s320/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+041.jpg" /></a> These little bunnies would make an adorable gift for someone special, </div><div align="center">A great Easter Basket treat, </div><div align="center">and Decorations for your Easter Table.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZNZWPSAPzhJ9bmRAvSQamwkiTKVOfXJ1ELS9hlWt38wWSNGwHpyWIrNDxP41SCzNkkj0KBKTi68pNwkRLRbLjcPsj2oRW5C24BYvvywMWIz0bYs2TZ8RkKQDILY44htQE6PNCokbh7J3/s1600-h/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451916942599935362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZNZWPSAPzhJ9bmRAvSQamwkiTKVOfXJ1ELS9hlWt38wWSNGwHpyWIrNDxP41SCzNkkj0KBKTi68pNwkRLRbLjcPsj2oRW5C24BYvvywMWIz0bYs2TZ8RkKQDILY44htQE6PNCokbh7J3/s320/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+034.jpg" /></a> You will get a set of three...<span style="font-size:130%;">The Pink Bunny</span> has 6 petite tortoise (Milk chocolate pecan turtles),<span style="font-size:130%;"> The Yellow Bunny</span> has 10 chocolate tortoise shells (assorted milk and semi sweet french chocolate discs topped with macadamia nuts and orange peel) and T<span style="font-size:130%;">he green bunny</span> is filled with pastel Holland mints (chocolate mints covered with a thin candy shell)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ms0oc3AEDSLqdVC39JMydd0iDTbhADM-HhWYMlf_cc9NthQtBMyAR91LF_2sZDaRlBiyKl8wVqoLS5v5BqgA7JohTmo6IFmu7GnnCjPssjVwgeOeDY440LpbLJJQWvQrPBYOpIryqp55/s1600-h/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451916924533775730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ms0oc3AEDSLqdVC39JMydd0iDTbhADM-HhWYMlf_cc9NthQtBMyAR91LF_2sZDaRlBiyKl8wVqoLS5v5BqgA7JohTmo6IFmu7GnnCjPssjVwgeOeDY440LpbLJJQWvQrPBYOpIryqp55/s320/Bunny+dishes+and+choc+cake+016.jpg" /></a>Order by Monday March 29th to receive in time for EASTER!! </div><div align="center">I am participating in </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/">Toot Your Horn Tuesday</a><br /></div>eatlotsachocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716652429394804385noreply@blogger.com0