tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38502794617106593162024-03-13T09:54:52.066-05:00Sunshine and JellybeansLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-76085394435167993982012-11-05T18:59:00.001-06:002012-11-05T18:59:28.382-06:005 years<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't believe it's been 5 years. I always wonder what she would think of my life now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and I still miss her every day.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06jrnLKeo2I/UJhgFxqdmqI/AAAAAAAABbA/HQFLQhCmqE8/s1600/me+and+gma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06jrnLKeo2I/UJhgFxqdmqI/AAAAAAAABbA/HQFLQhCmqE8/s640/me+and+gma.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 3rd, 2004</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">i carry your heart with me (i carry it in</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">my heart) i am never without it (anywhere</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">by only me is your doing, my darling)</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><wbr></wbr>i fear<br />no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want<br />no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)<br />and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant<br />and whatever a sun will always sing is you<br /><br />here is the deepest secret nobody knows<br />(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud<br />and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows<br />higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)<br />and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart<br /><br />i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">~ e.e. cummings</span></div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-9148860498242511382012-11-04T19:46:00.003-06:002012-11-04T19:46:45.347-06:00Step #11: Putting in the windows...and a really big patio door.I feel like breaking down this house building process into simple steps is a bit deceiving...for instance, the title of this post just talks about putting in windows (and a door)...it doesn't mention anything that has to happen before you can put in the windows, like the house wrap and the flashing. It also doesn't mention the fact that putting in a new patio door might include taking out an entire wall, replacing rotten boards, removing stucco, adding a header, pulling off deck boards, providing enough beer and food for a bunch of cranky boys, redirecting the electrical, or cleaning up the existing house after the fall out. I tried to represent some of this in the pictures, but people tend you smile when you put a camera in their face (or at least stop swearing for a second).<br />
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And in the interest of time, I feel like it's easier to just post on the highlights. And some day when I look back at this, it will be fun to see and remember the process in these neat little steps.<br />
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However, the next time I think I want to add an addition or build/remodel a house, someone please remind me that these posts are just a small slice of the reality of what it is like to take on a project of this scope. Please note that the exception to this rule would be if I won the lottery and we could be lounging on a beach somewhere while paying someone else to do this for us. Ha! But I know that it will all be worth it in the end...blah blah blah :)<br />
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Here are some pictures.<br />
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Putting in the window at the peak</div>
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By the end of this project, I just might be over my fear of heights!</div>
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Dave and I on the outside, Mike and Andy on the inside!</div>
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I look like I am in pain!</div>
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Finished!</div>
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Mike could be a spokesperson for Marvin Windows!</div>
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Ron, lookin at his reflection ;)</div>
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Tiny Till sleeping in the dirt.</div>
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Flashing!</div>
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This was actually a really fun day for me. I cooked and cleaning all day on Saturday, so on Sunday I told Steve that I wanted to work on the house. I cut my fingers using a razor blade to cut flashing, I banged my knees climbing up and down scaffolding, and I had a couple of panic attacks being up too high, but it was really satisfying! And now I know how to put in a window! </div>
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My dad and brother came down to help that weekend as well, and they had a much less fun job than me...</div>
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They were in charge of taking out the 6 foot patio door in the existing living room (which will become the dining room), and putting in a 10 foot double sliding patio door. See the beginning of this post for all for all of the fun things they got to deal with!</div>
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Here is the living room and existing 6' patio door</div>
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KG: Takin' it out</div>
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What's down there Cal??</div>
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Bye bye door! And the rest of the wall!</div>
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I don't have pictures of the wall demo because as you can see above - I was putting in windows! But the entire wall came off...stucco on the outside, plaster on the inside, gone. They had to reframe and sheet a new south wall.</div>
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Big opening!</div>
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Bringing up the big door!</div>
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Will it fit???</div>
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Of course it will! These guys are professionals!!!</div>
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Um...should we read the instructions?</div>
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Hmmmm....</div>
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The big door from the outside! </div>
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As a side note: What do you guys think about the black trim? We are going with grey fiber cement siding, and decided that black looked richer than white. You like?</div>
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And for the grand finale.....</div>
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After all of the hard work.</div>
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Blood.</div>
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Sweat.</div>
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Tears.</div>
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Beers.</div>
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Here is the inside:</div>
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Isn't it beautiful??? It completely transforms this entire room! Oh, and did I mention that where the couch is now will also be another patio door that leads out into the screen porch? The light in this part of the house is going to be BEAUTIFUL! Steve said he was kinda bummed that it was only going to be a dining room. </div>
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I said, "What do you mean ONLY A DINING ROOM???" Because we all know that eating is the most important part of the entire day.</div>
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It was a beautiful fall day...Chris is sitting out on the deck doing his homework. LOVE!</div>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-26561673695884706572012-11-04T19:00:00.000-06:002012-11-04T19:00:50.235-06:00Step #10: Soffit and FasciaI'm not going to apologize for taking so long to post, because saying SORRY implies that I won't do it again...and I just can't promise that. I know that it's been a while. Bear with me, please.<br />
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The next step after roofing was to put up Fascia (the black stuff on the "faces" or edges of the roof), and then Soffit (we chose to do pine tongue and groove). The soffit project introduced me to my first taste of staining. Keep in mind that this is absolutely nothing like what you go through when you stain windows or trim. This is more of a crank-up-the-music-and-invite-your-friends-over-and-stain-with-a-beer-in-your-hand kind of project. So it was fun. And it looks pretty. See below:<br />
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Steve in the lift, hanging soffit</div>
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Here is my stacks of stained wood...thank you to Jamie, Brenda, Lori, Judy and Christopher for helping! And to Dave for the dance party after (I'm keeping the video for black mail purposes).</div>
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Dave is excited to be putting up soffit!!!</div>
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Up in the lift. I was ok at the top of the roof level...</div>
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But crapping my pants when we went higher.</div>
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Thanks again for all of the help with the roof guys! See how beautiful it turned out???</div>
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The view to the south from up in the lift...if you look close, you can see a little strip of Lake Superior!</div>
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Pretty!</div>
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Thanks for hanging in there with me everyone! The project is a very stressful, but very exciting process. Stay tuned!</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-40956553238876300712012-09-06T10:36:00.000-05:002012-09-06T10:37:01.581-05:00Step #9: Roofing<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyRfedyVBf8/UEjDHdRSJwI/AAAAAAAABRc/AGF3GMt9I6M/s1600/photo%2B1-721582.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyRfedyVBf8/UEjDHdRSJwI/AAAAAAAABRc/AGF3GMt9I6M/s320/photo%2B1-721582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785088254241023746" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfIXSAdxB_I/UEjDH9pG3PI/AAAAAAAABRo/ITbpYZcGkuI/s1600/photo%2B2-723200.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfIXSAdxB_I/UEjDH9pG3PI/AAAAAAAABRo/ITbpYZcGkuI/s320/photo%2B2-723200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785088262930881778" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCXd_bwvbnM/UEjDIdjKh7I/AAAAAAAABR0/106YYu8UAGE/s1600/photo%2B3-725044.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCXd_bwvbnM/UEjDIdjKh7I/AAAAAAAABR0/106YYu8UAGE/s320/photo%2B3-725044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785088271495890866" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nEtXtIzolU/UEjDI8QnjwI/AAAAAAAABSA/fQP__9cwPpc/s1600/photo%2B4-726780.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nEtXtIzolU/UEjDI8QnjwI/AAAAAAAABSA/fQP__9cwPpc/s320/photo%2B4-726780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785088279739600642" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQHsXWz823o/UEjDJN1mkgI/AAAAAAAABSM/6HXOnPvBIr4/s1600/photo%2B5-728573.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQHsXWz823o/UEjDJN1mkgI/AAAAAAAABSM/6HXOnPvBIr4/s320/photo%2B5-728573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785088284458127874" /></a></p>Ok, now I'm just playing catch-up. I thought that #9 would be wall sheeting, but evidently I didn't get any pictures of that, so we are gonna roll with roofing.
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<br>We were super lucky to have friends and family to come and help us do the worst job in the world. My dad, Steve's dad, and Steve's brother Mike deserve a special shout out because they were there the entire weekend plugging away. Thank you thank you thank you to EVERYONE who came out to help. We appreciate it! XO
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<br>PS - once again I am posting from my phone, because I haven't had time to post from the computer. I will try to post the next pics from home so that I can include captions and more detail!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-1424437832035460792012-09-06T10:28:00.000-05:002012-09-06T10:29:34.271-05:00Step #8: Roof Trusses<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbYJ7FrGd8M/UEjBXkvVBYI/AAAAAAAABQg/JB4plMBpsCo/s1600/photo%2B1-774272.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbYJ7FrGd8M/UEjBXkvVBYI/AAAAAAAABQg/JB4plMBpsCo/s320/photo%2B1-774272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785086332100740482" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs9710TlqLo/UEjBYKTGv2I/AAAAAAAABQs/0zwDd0Q8IUQ/s1600/photo%2B2-776415.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs9710TlqLo/UEjBYKTGv2I/AAAAAAAABQs/0zwDd0Q8IUQ/s320/photo%2B2-776415.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785086342182911842" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTlLLqHHXQ8/UEjBYrxNVyI/AAAAAAAABQ4/d9MVuixHrtw/s1600/photo%2B3-778530.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTlLLqHHXQ8/UEjBYrxNVyI/AAAAAAAABQ4/d9MVuixHrtw/s320/photo%2B3-778530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785086351167543074" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIT7v8AOag/UEjBZFY3z2I/AAAAAAAABRE/dsJGmoklS84/s1600/photo%2B4-780688.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIT7v8AOag/UEjBZFY3z2I/AAAAAAAABRE/dsJGmoklS84/s320/photo%2B4-780688.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785086358044790626" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veztPkcizn0/UEjBZgtS6bI/AAAAAAAABRQ/P9wiCO6bSOo/s1600/photo%2B5-782721.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veztPkcizn0/UEjBZgtS6bI/AAAAAAAABRQ/P9wiCO6bSOo/s320/photo%2B5-782721.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785086365378210226" /></a></p>I know, I know. I am the biggest blog slacker ever. Better late than never, here are some pics of the roof trusses going up!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-80460525989457218722012-08-09T13:42:00.002-05:002012-08-09T13:42:49.652-05:00Mmmmmmm...Stuffed Peppers on the Grill!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Yum. I have been craving Stuffed Peppers for months now, and anytime I've stumbled upon a Stuffed Peppers on Pinterest*, I couldn't help but Pin It!<br />
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When I finally got all of my poop in a group, and found nice sized, fresh, red bell peppers, I ended up doing something completely shocking...................<br />
.....I didn't follow a recipe. I just made it up as I went. The options here are unlimited. You can use italian sausage, shredded chicken, ground beef, tofu, or black beans. Rice, orzo, quinoa...add in any type of veggie that you like. Pick a cheese or leave it off. Use your favorite herbs or whatever you have on hand. Like green peppers better than red? Use 'em. Use multiple colors for all I care. I cut mine in half to maximize the amount of filling, but if you want to cut the tops off and stuff them the tradional way, go right ahead! This is a great summer dish that is easy and delicious.<br />
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I hope this tides you over until I can get my Roof Truss post together!<br />
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*what is Pinterest, you ask? That is the content for an entirely different post. Google it and be prepared for it to take over your life. I'll work on getting a link up to my Pinterest account so you can follow me, but for now you can just search Lindsey Growette to find me.<br />
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<b><u>Grilled Stuffed Peppers</u></b><br />
Serves 4-5<br />
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-4 large bell peppers, cut in half and cleaned (as you can see from the pic above, I left the stems on so that none of the filling fell out)<br />
-3/4 cup of uncooked rice<br />
-1 lb of spicy Italian sausage<br />
-1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, un-drained<br />
-2 cups of fat free low sodium chicken broth<br />
-2 cloves garlic<br />
-1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste<br />
-1 teaspoon Italian seasoning<br />
-1 bay leaf<br />
-1 handful fresh basil<br />
-salt and pepper to taste<br />
-1 cup shredded cheese<br />
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Preheat grill to 350 degrees and prepare for indirect grilling.<br />
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Brown the sausage in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add garlic and cook until tender. Add undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning and rice. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until rice is tender (15 - 20 min). Stir in tomato paste and fresh basil, check seasonings and add salt and pepper if necessary.<br />
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Make a tiny hole in the bottom of each pepper half with a tooth pick or a very shape knife tip. This will help to drain some moisture that may gather while cooking. Spoon filling into peppers. Arrange on the grill so each pepper half is being indirectly grilled. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pepper is tender. Top with cheese and cook for one minute more. Remove from heat, let sit for a couple of minutes and serve! If you have extra filling left over, serve that along side the peppers, or just stand at the stove and eat it with a fork. :)<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-33596000747458498222012-08-03T11:29:00.001-05:002012-08-03T11:29:51.439-05:00Step #7: Wall Framing and Roof Tear-Off<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viP_QbvMCdE/UBv8gPJKUQI/AAAAAAAABJg/llSnYbs5UOQ/s1600/photo%2B1-791440.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viP_QbvMCdE/UBv8gPJKUQI/AAAAAAAABJg/llSnYbs5UOQ/s320/photo%2B1-791440.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772484978156392706" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO8H4Yj-28Q/UBv8gR9iHkI/AAAAAAAABJs/YVRGFt4BMBA/s1600/photo%2B2-793794.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO8H4Yj-28Q/UBv8gR9iHkI/AAAAAAAABJs/YVRGFt4BMBA/s320/photo%2B2-793794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772484978912927298" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScGMCiQb1i8/UBv8hM8TtkI/AAAAAAAABJ4/0rBq6uz23FM/s1600/photo%2B3-796153.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScGMCiQb1i8/UBv8hM8TtkI/AAAAAAAABJ4/0rBq6uz23FM/s320/photo%2B3-796153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772484994745480770" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCRrYyMD6M4/UBv8heUcBtI/AAAAAAAABKE/RT2cLiLnDlo/s1600/photo%2B4-797453.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCRrYyMD6M4/UBv8heUcBtI/AAAAAAAABKE/RT2cLiLnDlo/s320/photo%2B4-797453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772484999410091730" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDMOXk9nCxY/UBv8hvfTITI/AAAAAAAABKQ/gpohKbTwlAA/s1600/photo%2B5-798792.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDMOXk9nCxY/UBv8hvfTITI/AAAAAAAABKQ/gpohKbTwlAA/s320/photo%2B5-798792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772485004019048754" /></a></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-70620243841764418722012-08-02T21:24:00.000-05:002012-08-02T21:24:32.239-05:00Step #6: Floor Trusses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The floor trusses are on!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4KS3T3jdYI8/UBs0ljHIZvI/AAAAAAAABIY/HijxN5ORcs8/s1600/IMG_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4KS3T3jdYI8/UBs0ljHIZvI/AAAAAAAABIY/HijxN5ORcs8/s320/IMG_0541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is the floor of the upstairs addition...living room, master bedroom and walk-in closet...</div>
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Here is the view from the front of the house (the open space will be the entry way/mudroom/stairs). Fortunately/Unfortunately, Northern Trends is here working during the day (while Steve and I are at work), so I can't get process pictures showing guys working. The up-side of this is that when I come home from work each day, something is different and I can see the progress!</div>
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The downstairs view...this will be bedrooms...one for each egress window! The bathroom is at the back of the house.</div>
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Here is Steve and Andy in the bathroom...Steve clearly has testosterone poisoning and is doing pull-ups on the new floor trusses. :)</div>
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It is all happening fast and it is super exciting! Stay tuned for more!!!</div>
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-51718848645792481332012-07-10T12:13:00.001-05:002012-07-10T12:13:31.084-05:00Step 5.9999: Floor Trusses Have Been Delivered<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa4JaNGo8qU/T_xiu7B5e5I/AAAAAAAABIM/uZThz-zSJx4/s1600/photo-711084.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa4JaNGo8qU/T_xiu7B5e5I/AAAAAAAABIM/uZThz-zSJx4/s320/photo-711084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763590181386550162" /></a></p>This is just a little preview for you of what the next step in the house building project will be.
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<br>To be honest, things have been moving pretty slowly. All of the rain and flooding pushed us back a couple of weeks, and so the framers just started yesterday! Now that they are starting, I hope to see (and share with you) lots of progress!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-90763891926353439412012-07-10T12:07:00.000-05:002012-07-10T12:08:02.205-05:00FOOOOOOD!!!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBlIdDHldz8/T_xhc8QpxqI/AAAAAAAABHo/ztPZ4CpXj7c/s1600/photo%2B1-782206.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBlIdDHldz8/T_xhc8QpxqI/AAAAAAAABHo/ztPZ4CpXj7c/s320/photo%2B1-782206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763588772967597730" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY5aTWoy2JY/T_xhdAZA73I/AAAAAAAABH0/oLkJQP1YL40/s1600/photo%2B2-784868.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY5aTWoy2JY/T_xhdAZA73I/AAAAAAAABH0/oLkJQP1YL40/s320/photo%2B2-784868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763588774076411762" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkR6ZBWdLbo/T_xhdjVgeGI/AAAAAAAABIA/_xFvI75JoHY/s1600/photo%2B3-786143.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkR6ZBWdLbo/T_xhdjVgeGI/AAAAAAAABIA/_xFvI75JoHY/s320/photo%2B3-786143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763588783456942178" /></a></p>And because I think about food 23 out of 24 hours of every day, here is some food porn for your viewing pleasure!
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<br>I made homemade marinara sauce with the last of last season's tomatoes that I had in the freezer. I basically just cooked the tomatoes down for several hours (probably about 8), added a couple of generous handfuls of fresh basil, 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, salt, sugar, and a little white wine, and continued to cook for anther couple of hours. I bet when it was all done, it had reduced almost by half. YUM.
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<br>I added some of Steve's family's homemade Italian sausage to the sauce, then I cooked up some cheese tortellini.
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<br>To make it extra special, I drizzled the 18 year aged balsamic vinegar that Stephanie bought me for my birthday, and then loaded the bowls with the pasta and sauce.
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<br>TO.DIE.FOR.
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<br>It was so good. I could eat it every week for the rest of my life. Maybe I will.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-54304597191989473482012-07-10T11:50:00.001-05:002012-07-10T11:51:00.009-05:00Step 5: Pouring the Concrete Floor<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YChwUGn8r4o/T_xddERRrFI/AAAAAAAABHA/cAaOwa06XCE/s1600/photo%2B1-760010.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YChwUGn8r4o/T_xddERRrFI/AAAAAAAABHA/cAaOwa06XCE/s320/photo%2B1-760010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763584377071184978" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKgJG3A6jRM/T_xddlohmkI/AAAAAAAABHM/DvBIlvsrWaI/s1600/photo%2B2-761885.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKgJG3A6jRM/T_xddlohmkI/AAAAAAAABHM/DvBIlvsrWaI/s320/photo%2B2-761885.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763584386027067970" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL0573f2AVE/T_xdeMbrXwI/AAAAAAAABHY/9Gfepv-qdcM/s1600/photo%2B3-764140.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL0573f2AVE/T_xdeMbrXwI/AAAAAAAABHY/9Gfepv-qdcM/s320/photo%2B3-764140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763584396442164994" /></a></p>I know, I know - I have been seriously slacking on updating the blog! Steve even took pity on me and bought me a new MacBook Air since my laptop was broken, and here I am still using my phone to post. I'm spoiled rotten!
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<br>Anyway, I'm trying to play catch-up so here goes! This is the guys pouring concrete over the in-floor heat tubes, the finished project, and (...can I get an AWWWWWWWW...) our names carved in it. The cool part is that this area is going to be a storage spot under the entry way, so the concrete won't get covered up and we'll still be able to see it when you go in to get Christmas decorations out!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-50517540430403711432012-06-01T13:00:00.000-05:002012-06-01T13:01:05.650-05:00Chick Food<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FRzOZBKFa8/T8kDYn3_mGI/AAAAAAAABGk/1LqhQY_cWJ0/s1600/photo%2B1-765650.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FRzOZBKFa8/T8kDYn3_mGI/AAAAAAAABGk/1LqhQY_cWJ0/s320/photo%2B1-765650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749130120870729826" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lP9Pu-rIJ0/T8kDZImqWtI/AAAAAAAABGw/N-68Uu4NbCM/s1600/photo%2B2-767608.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lP9Pu-rIJ0/T8kDZImqWtI/AAAAAAAABGw/N-68Uu4NbCM/s320/photo%2B2-767608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749130129656404690" /></a></p>I remember a conversation I had with my Mom shortly after Steve and I decided to build an addition instead of just buying a different house. She was telling me about her experience building, and told me that when her and my Dad were building their house, she lost a bunch of weight (due to manual labor, long hours, no time to cook, late nights, etc.). So I thought, "BONUS! New house AND bikini body!" All of that stress and hard work has to pay off somehow, right???
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<br>Unfortunately, my reality seems to be a bit different so far. I blame it on the Man Food. I mean, there is something wrong with serving a bunch of dirty, sweaty, tired men-folk a chicken cashew stir-fry or a shrimp and avocado salad. So...that means I've been serving things like brats and burgers and pizza and chips and granola bars and beer to the brave folk who have been helping. Man Food.
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<br>Man Food does not equal bikini body.
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<br>So last night I decided I'd had enough, and cooked me up some Chick Food. Asian Noodle Salad with tons and tons of veggies - cucumbers and peppers and spinach and cabbage and bean sprouts etc. with a soy-ginger-lime-jalapeño dressing. YUM. I used some of the dressing to marinade the chicken, grilled it up, and voila! Chick Food. I think that even Steve was ready for a change of pace.
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<br>Of course, since it was clearly a healthy dinner, that means that was ok to have that extra glass of wine.......right? Bikini body here I come. He he he.
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<br>The end.
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<br><a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/12/asian-noodle-salad-adapted-from-pioneer.html?m=0">http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/12/asian-noodle-salad-adapted-from-pioneer.html?m=0</a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-33064308853019248432012-06-01T10:58:00.000-05:002012-06-01T11:04:35.274-05:00Step 4: Pouring Concrete Into The WallsAnd here we are pouring concrete into the basement walls. By 'we' I mean Steve and his dad and one of his brothers, along with a few of his friends. I am the head supervisor. My job duties include making sure there is cold beer and delicious man-food available when they are done working. I also excel in staying the hell out of the way. Though this is going to change, because I got promoted! Steve is insisting that he is putting me to work this weekend (real work). Like I haven't been working hard enough! Ha!
Check out the setup that we having going on to get the concrete into the walls. I had to take several pictures just to capture the whole scene! The concrete truck dumps fresh concrete into a fun little cup, then the cup rides up to the top of a track-thingy, where it is dumped onto a conveyor belt type doohickey, and the after a ride on the conveyor belt it plops into a sleeve and is funneled down the sleeve and into the wall! It's all very technical.
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwIpN96k_RM/T8jmxU1LkKI/AAAAAAAABFk/XYgJ8wXDhos/s1600/photo%2B1-740699.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwIpN96k_RM/T8jmxU1LkKI/AAAAAAAABFk/XYgJ8wXDhos/s320/photo%2B1-740699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749098659418181794" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udETsoU1xrs/T8jmxsWx2xI/AAAAAAAABFw/RUz-CXPl_IQ/s1600/photo%2B2-742474.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udETsoU1xrs/T8jmxsWx2xI/AAAAAAAABFw/RUz-CXPl_IQ/s320/photo%2B2-742474.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749098665733118738" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-So3Rb262wTI/T8jmyKQZKkI/AAAAAAAABF8/ar_S8EOsCsU/s1600/photo%2B3-744049.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-So3Rb262wTI/T8jmyKQZKkI/AAAAAAAABF8/ar_S8EOsCsU/s320/photo%2B3-744049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749098673759398466" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwP8qYjMYw0/T8jmye0CwmI/AAAAAAAABGI/D4XQ3zt_oTk/s1600/photo%2B4-745466.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwP8qYjMYw0/T8jmye0CwmI/AAAAAAAABGI/D4XQ3zt_oTk/s320/photo%2B4-745466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749098679277634146" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLT2fWM-_vU/T8jmykZMd_I/AAAAAAAABGU/BXAnVP1A3EQ/s1600/photo%2B5-746684.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLT2fWM-_vU/T8jmykZMd_I/AAAAAAAABGU/BXAnVP1A3EQ/s320/photo%2B5-746684.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749098680775636978" /></a></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-3218874676936124962012-06-01T10:41:00.001-05:002012-06-01T10:41:53.229-05:00Step 3: Building the Basement Walls<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvNaQlvIA74/T8jiwe3qzAI/AAAAAAAABEk/HM8mXOBRtu8/s1600/photo%2B1-713230.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvNaQlvIA74/T8jiwe3qzAI/AAAAAAAABEk/HM8mXOBRtu8/s320/photo%2B1-713230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749094246886591490" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMy1o6qe7WY/T8jiw_syrtI/AAAAAAAABEw/e_sT9Wc44D8/s1600/photo%2B2-714986.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMy1o6qe7WY/T8jiw_syrtI/AAAAAAAABEw/e_sT9Wc44D8/s320/photo%2B2-714986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749094255699341010" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Q_66o4HQM/T8jixHtpMNI/AAAAAAAABE8/B5DcGcCWE04/s1600/photo%2B3-716326.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Q_66o4HQM/T8jixHtpMNI/AAAAAAAABE8/B5DcGcCWE04/s320/photo%2B3-716326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749094257850396882" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyH2k9fIUBg/T8jixVs5ifI/AAAAAAAABFI/NB2PrWzAq-I/s1600/photo%2B4-717776.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyH2k9fIUBg/T8jixVs5ifI/AAAAAAAABFI/NB2PrWzAq-I/s320/photo%2B4-717776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749094261605370354" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3QwO45F9ZE/T8jixzSmVGI/AAAAAAAABFQ/DYchCOnMnWE/s1600/photo%2B5-718943.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3QwO45F9ZE/T8jixzSmVGI/AAAAAAAABFQ/DYchCOnMnWE/s320/photo%2B5-718943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749094269548123234" /></a></p>WHOA. I just realized that I didn't post pictures of the basement walls being built or poured! I'm all like, "we haven't been able to do anything with the house because of the rain", and here I'm a week behind on posting. Duh.
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<br>ANYWAY - here are some pics of the house during Step 3. The last pic is pretty cool because you can kinda get an idea of the scope of the project. MAJOR addition.
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<br>And my apologies if the text of the post sometimes comes after the pictures, and if the captions of the pictures don't always show up...I have been posting from my iPhone or iPad lately because my laptop sucks and because my house is getting torn apart and my Internet is patchy at best. Not ideal for blogging. Please bear with me!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-18432462826409205502012-05-30T16:58:00.000-05:002012-05-30T16:59:50.247-05:00Rain Rain Go Away!!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeKmJVHYqDo/T8aYWymX-wI/AAAAAAAABDk/WGZa93cIIuY/s1600/photo%2B1-790247.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeKmJVHYqDo/T8aYWymX-wI/AAAAAAAABDk/WGZa93cIIuY/s320/photo%2B1-790247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748449491692288770" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7qhWH7oRrA/T8aYX-m2CuI/AAAAAAAABDw/n3ivMVdxJT4/s1600/photo%2B2-798889.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7qhWH7oRrA/T8aYX-m2CuI/AAAAAAAABDw/n3ivMVdxJT4/s320/photo%2B2-798889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748449512095353570" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fafY4jbDN2Q/T8aYZxCcwOI/AAAAAAAABD8/L3u2C_pTHCs/s1600/photo%2B3-703824.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fafY4jbDN2Q/T8aYZxCcwOI/AAAAAAAABD8/L3u2C_pTHCs/s320/photo%2B3-703824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748449542812778722" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAvqRHW0fQE/T8aYepkF7_I/AAAAAAAABEE/2Gvbuymo57s/s1600/photo%2B4-715687.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAvqRHW0fQE/T8aYepkF7_I/AAAAAAAABEE/2Gvbuymo57s/s320/photo%2B4-715687.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748449626705752050" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXJZE7sTjbE/T8aYhWglysI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LKSLBguRhGk/s1600/photo%2B5-735917.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXJZE7sTjbE/T8aYhWglysI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LKSLBguRhGk/s320/photo%2B5-735917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748449673130396354" /></a></p>Unfortunately, Duluth has been completely pummeled by storms the last week, so I don't really have anything new to post with the house. Steve was able to do a few smaller things like put in the drain tile and the sump pit, and pour the concrete for the kids' egress window wells - but nothing big to be able to photograph and post!
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<br>Instead, here are some pictures of the St. Louis River near Jay Cooke State Park that we took on Monday afternoon. Holy rushing river, batman! It was gorgeous (and kinda scary). Enjoy!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-84279108293075651342012-05-24T14:24:00.000-05:002012-05-24T14:25:36.294-05:00Because you are probably getting tired of house pics...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDX0w4rEreA/T76LMC8EhOI/AAAAAAAABDU/HowYMOsHPPM/s1600/photo-736295.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDX0w4rEreA/T76LMC8EhOI/AAAAAAAABDU/HowYMOsHPPM/s320/photo-736295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746183213634847970" /></a></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-62137066905852853362012-05-24T14:22:00.000-05:002012-05-24T14:23:07.286-05:00Step 2: Pouring Footings<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLXKdFvIq-A/T76KnGG_gqI/AAAAAAAABCY/TJ9du3dSWwQ/s1600/photo%2B1-787287.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLXKdFvIq-A/T76KnGG_gqI/AAAAAAAABCY/TJ9du3dSWwQ/s320/photo%2B1-787287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746182578830803618" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWQaIs4yFJE/T76KnTeCXOI/AAAAAAAABCk/6UcAE-1-Nb0/s1600/photo%2B2-789627.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWQaIs4yFJE/T76KnTeCXOI/AAAAAAAABCk/6UcAE-1-Nb0/s320/photo%2B2-789627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746182582417120482" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUn6J1XswME/T76KnxTjEtI/AAAAAAAABCw/__lBuoDfcJk/s1600/photo%2B3-791265.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUn6J1XswME/T76KnxTjEtI/AAAAAAAABCw/__lBuoDfcJk/s320/photo%2B3-791265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746182590426190546" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4nWcYpZPSg/T76KoHDLMHI/AAAAAAAABC8/ulPAlWPW50E/s1600/photo%2B4-792587.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4nWcYpZPSg/T76KoHDLMHI/AAAAAAAABC8/ulPAlWPW50E/s320/photo%2B4-792587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746182596263096434" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp7pB6cEEZc/T76Ko2DhQTI/AAAAAAAABDI/3ieFmOBnzFU/s1600/photo%2B5-794782.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp7pB6cEEZc/T76Ko2DhQTI/AAAAAAAABDI/3ieFmOBnzFU/s320/photo%2B5-794782.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746182608881008946" /></a></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-79051704334519484502012-05-22T11:15:00.001-05:002012-05-22T11:15:58.646-05:00Step 1: Digging the hole<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbJ6Imxkaf4/T7u7v9ryF9I/AAAAAAAABBY/H2gZkQ-lLjQ/s1600/photo%2B1-758647.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbJ6Imxkaf4/T7u7v9ryF9I/AAAAAAAABBY/H2gZkQ-lLjQ/s320/photo%2B1-758647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745392182327646162" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Tt4w9Yhb0/T7u7wL_HXFI/AAAAAAAABBk/cnDY3yvY3uM/s1600/photo%2B2-760498.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Tt4w9Yhb0/T7u7wL_HXFI/AAAAAAAABBk/cnDY3yvY3uM/s320/photo%2B2-760498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745392186166828114" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYUv1EXP7Ww/T7u7wnW2lMI/AAAAAAAABBw/fo9DHwOwLBk/s1600/photo%2B3-762121.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYUv1EXP7Ww/T7u7wnW2lMI/AAAAAAAABBw/fo9DHwOwLBk/s320/photo%2B3-762121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745392193514149058" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9VieFS4gI/T7u7xEaJUCI/AAAAAAAABB8/h0FZEdSDiH4/s1600/photo%2B4-764382.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9VieFS4gI/T7u7xEaJUCI/AAAAAAAABB8/h0FZEdSDiH4/s320/photo%2B4-764382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745392201312587810" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n24JxiBjII0/T7u7yald8DI/AAAAAAAABCI/z_rMlyg9seY/s1600/photo%2B5-769794.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n24JxiBjII0/T7u7yald8DI/AAAAAAAABCI/z_rMlyg9seY/s320/photo%2B5-769794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745392224445526066" /></a></p>Well, technically step 1 would have been dreaming up plans...followed by serious negotiations between two stubborn people with expensive tastes and a low budget. Then came all of the meetings and paperwork associated with construction loans, choosing a builder, and finalizing plans. Then we had to prep the job site by taking down a couple of big trees that were in the way before we could start digging. But I don't have pictures of any of the stuff, so we are starting with the digging!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-34351455680663547742012-05-22T11:04:00.001-05:002012-05-22T11:04:57.056-05:00Miss me?I missed you too.
<br>I know I totally disappeared off the face of the earth, but I'm trying for a comeback. As you could probably tell (if you could get the excavating video to play), Steve and I are putting a major addition on to my house...which is now our house.
<br>My tiny little one bedroom cottage is getting tripled in size.
<br>I'm going to try to post photos as we go through the process, but I probably won't have much commentary...........
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<br>Bahahahahahaha! You wish! I love to talk. Sorry, I can't make any promises either way.
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<br>Enjoy! XO
<br>~LindseyLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-46268115325446651862012-05-19T08:15:00.000-05:002012-05-19T08:16:15.743-05:00House Project<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='326' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcOKWQytLc6yZuUnt_h4IVJAoVXZJCpIjs3hnhq9YoiEj2mQgMEudgFjuXhmLYKvEulMqrYt70r7DWZsN2iQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Good morning! I'm not sure if this video will play, but I thought I would try to post it anyway.......who's that sexy guy in the excavator???Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-70211596832072504992012-05-16T11:54:00.001-05:002012-05-16T11:54:44.703-05:00<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-KinAQ4dGM/T7Pb1RNpgUI/AAAAAAAABBI/ezmTmeM4RLM/s1600/photo-784704.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-KinAQ4dGM/T7Pb1RNpgUI/AAAAAAAABBI/ezmTmeM4RLM/s320/photo-784704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743175658027712834" /></a></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-86227041810097402432012-05-16T11:50:00.001-05:002012-05-16T11:50:52.462-05:00I'm baaaaaaaack!!!Test.
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<br>Sent from my iPhoneLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-61914039579282973182011-04-03T17:56:00.000-05:002011-04-03T17:56:37.179-05:00Top 11 Recipes...EverWell, maybe not EVER.<br />
<br />
But how about the top 11 recipes on Sunshine and Jellybeans?<br />
<br />
In case you were wondering, 11 is my favorite number.<br />
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That's why it isn't the top 10.<br />
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Click on the name of each recipe to go to the post (and don't forget that at the bottom of each post, there is a link to the printable recipe for your convenience!)...<br />
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Try them all! <br />
<br />
Let the drumroll begin...<br />
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11. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2011/01/ham-and-swiss-cheese-mini-frittatas.html">Ham and Swiss Cheese Mini Frittatas </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Rd1dmmG-c/TX0WFgBbrjI/AAAAAAAABAg/67ZHPobg7kk/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Rd1dmmG-c/TX0WFgBbrjI/AAAAAAAABAg/67ZHPobg7kk/s400/IMG_1244.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or Canadian Bacon and Pepper-jack Cheese Mini Frittatas, or Bacon, Cheddar and Jalapeno, or red pepper, mushroom, and onion, or...the possibilities are endless! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/10/deviled-eggs-with-kick-and-how-to-hard.html">Deviled Eggs (with a kick!)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0PROr2dIk8/TSs7a9XMfeI/AAAAAAAAA8U/8C3z4heaKrA/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0PROr2dIk8/TSs7a9XMfeI/AAAAAAAAA8U/8C3z4heaKrA/s400/IMG_1130.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one kind of surprised me...not that I don't think that these are little bites of delightfulness - because I do. They are a great twist on your every-day deviled eggs! It's just that they never seemed to get much attention when I first posted the recipe. But it has slowly climbed it's way up into the top 10!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 9. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/09/chicken-enchiladas.html">Chicken Enchiladas</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OMs4Vjgob0/TI5WY7QC6RI/AAAAAAAAA0o/U3ROaGfaBD4/s1600/enchiladas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OMs4Vjgob0/TI5WY7QC6RI/AAAAAAAAA0o/U3ROaGfaBD4/s400/enchiladas+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry for the crappy picture...next time I make these I will post new pics. This is a recipe that I keep going back to over and over again. Another one that is pretty customizable, and very, very good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/12/macaroni-and-cheese-la-steph-kid.html">Macaroni and Cheese a la Steph</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVf6cGTIOw/TPfHcrZIcqI/AAAAAAAAA5s/r_wifeeJbuE/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVf6cGTIOw/TPfHcrZIcqI/AAAAAAAAA5s/r_wifeeJbuE/s400/IMG_1028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I made this recipe again last night for the kids. It's definitely a keeper. Gooey, cheesy, creamy deliciousness. And did I mention it is kid friendly? Score. (Thanks Steph!)<br />
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7. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/12/finger-lickin-bbq-chicken-and-kempton.html">Finger Lickin' BBQ Chicken</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L516-YN-Gig/TP6M_VTcCTI/AAAAAAAAA6A/TKmPvQT44io/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L516-YN-Gig/TP6M_VTcCTI/AAAAAAAAA6A/TKmPvQT44io/s400/IMG_1040.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a classic. What else can I say? Who doesn't like BBQ chicken on the grill??? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/12/chicken-parmigiana.html">Chicken Parmigiana</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzSs6wCyoVw/TQefbBrvEbI/AAAAAAAAA6M/vf7E-Fwpd74/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzSs6wCyoVw/TQefbBrvEbI/AAAAAAAAA6M/vf7E-Fwpd74/s400/IMG_1076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>YUM. I want this right now. The key to this recipe is the crushed up croutons...and a great marinara sauce... which is still a work in progress for me. Steve and I made and canned some this winter that was amazing...but of course I didn't measure anything or write anything down. I'm working on it. But anyway - this Chicken is fabulous and is definitely one of my favorite recipes.<br />
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5. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/11/chicken-noodle-soup.html">Chicken Noodle Soup</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prSCXzsCu1k/TNgy1yw6R2I/AAAAAAAAA5E/aCCvAuiCzdg/s1600/cknsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prSCXzsCu1k/TNgy1yw6R2I/AAAAAAAAA5E/aCCvAuiCzdg/s400/cknsoup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The ultimate comfort food. However, the key to this recipe is this:<br />
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4. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-chicken-stock.html">Homemade Chicken Stock</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSd_Wouc7WM/TNGnNV6IagI/AAAAAAAAA48/_Qc_4nutv6E/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSd_Wouc7WM/TNGnNV6IagI/AAAAAAAAA48/_Qc_4nutv6E/s400/soup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Trust me: homemade chicken stock is the key ingredient to taking your homemade soup to the next level. It's just better. And better for you. I know that it is time consuming, but try to make it in large batches, so that you can freeze a bunch to use later. Mmmmmm Mmmmmm good.<br />
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Are you starting to get excited for the top 3??? ME TOO!<br />
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Where is that drum roll???<br />
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3. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/07/spicy-chicken-tostadas.html">Spicy Chicken Tostadas</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKda43FbaeI/TEhbtfw0FjI/AAAAAAAAAs4/5TLzCTHXz9M/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKda43FbaeI/TEhbtfw0FjI/AAAAAAAAAs4/5TLzCTHXz9M/s400/finished.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pulled this recipe out of my ass. Steve kept going on and on about this Tostada Ensalada that he had at a restaurant and loved. And Steve doesn't get very excited about food...not the way I do, anyway. So I asked him to describe it to me, and I got a relatively vague answer (because people who aren't obsessed with food don't mentally deconstruct every meal that they eat away from their own kitchen). But the idea of tostadas got stuck in my head, and when I finally went to make them, this is what I came up with. DELICIOUS. Keep reading for the key ingredient...(hint: it's the #1 recipe)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/08/pulled-pork-and-creamy-coleslaw.html">Pulled Pork and Creamy Coleslaw</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52zA4fCmpNE/TGqwMJNw1lI/AAAAAAAAAuI/y6sm5eRQ8jU/s1600/pulled+pork+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52zA4fCmpNE/TGqwMJNw1lI/AAAAAAAAAuI/y6sm5eRQ8jU/s400/pulled+pork+sandwich.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>This one is kinda unfair, because it's two really good recipes in one post. I don't know why people keep coming back to it - if it's the Pulled Pork or if it is the coleslaw...but I hope it is for both. Because the Pulled Pork isn't complete without a big spoonful of coleslaw on top...trust me. And don't forget the pickles! This is a go-to crowd pleasing lip smacking belly satisfying recipe for any season. Family friendly. And the crockpot does a majority of the work. <i>How can you beat that??? </i><br />
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And now...the moment you've all been waiting for!<br />
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The number one recipe<strike> in the world</strike> <strike>in the country</strike> <strike>of all time</strike> on this blog...<br />
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1. <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/07/spicy-shredded-chicken.html">Spicy Shredded Chicken</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC5-T46G1R8/TEhdByxvP2I/AAAAAAAAAtA/gBx6zrp_gMM/s1600/1st+layer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC5-T46G1R8/TEhdByxvP2I/AAAAAAAAAtA/gBx6zrp_gMM/s400/1st+layer.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Awwwwww yeah. It really shouldn't surprise you. There have already been two recipes on this countdown that have this as the key ingredient (#9 Chicken Enchiladas and #3 Spicy Chicken Tostadas). And don't forget that you can also use this chicken to make tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or my <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/07/spicy-chicken-tortilla-soup.html">Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup</a>! How versatile is that??? Go ahead, double or triple the recipe. Make a huge batch and freeze the rest for later use. And - if you don't feel like grilling it, make it in the oven. Of course the grill is the best way to do it because of the lovely flavor it imparts, but if you are in a bind, just cook it in the oven at about 375 degrees, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks everyone! Try one or all of these recipes very soon, and don't forget to ENJOY!!! </div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-78747564697102143962011-03-30T17:00:00.000-05:002011-03-30T17:00:05.059-05:00Printable RecipesThis is a public service announcement to remind you that at the bottom of virtually every recipe on this blog, there is a link that says "Printable Recipe".<br />
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This link (when clicked) will take you to a special page that is void of my ranting, raving, and shitty photography. <br />
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It only contains the recipe...no extra words or pics.<br />
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It is here that you should go to print the recipe.<br />
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Unless you love to burn ink in your printer.<br />
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Or unless you like copying and pasting parts of my blog posts on to separate Word documents. <br />
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Or if you like to make fun of me by showing your friends my scatter-brained posts.<br />
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Otherwise, this is a convenient way to...you guessed it....<i>print the recipe.</i><br />
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Again, the link is at the bottom of the post.<br />
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Leave a comment here with any questions.<br />
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Thank you and have a nice day!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850279461710659316.post-81868305669451308022011-03-29T21:12:00.000-05:002011-03-29T21:12:58.377-05:00Recipe Revamp: Chicken Stir FryHappy Spring Everyone!<br />
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Steve and I spent a lovely weekend with my family up at the cabin last weekend.<br />
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It was just what the doctor ordered.<br />
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I actually got sunburned.<br />
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Seriously.<br />
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It was the last hurrah before the ice starts to melt. <br />
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The next time we go there, it will be by boat.<br />
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I'm ready!<br />
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But in the meantime, how about a yummy recipe for Chicken Stir Fry?!?!<br />
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If you need any further proof that I am a nut job, read the original post <a href="http://ssandjb.blogspot.com/2010/03/important-food-thingies.html">here</a>.<br />
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Yikes.<br />
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As a note: You can sub in whatever vegetables you have on hand - asparagus, zucchini, water chestnuts are all good substitutions. Also - to switch things up, instead of using hoisen sauce (which is a like a sweet asian bbq sauce), you can sub Thai sweet red chili sauce. It will give it a totally different (but delicious) flavor.<br />
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Also - 1 cup equals 16 tablespoons. 1/2 cup equals 8 tablespoons. Just so you know! <br />
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Here is the recipe without all the crazy talk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAZ93eTyfKg/TZKKmxnbkmI/AAAAAAAABA8/WHpsWAiTZGo/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAZ93eTyfKg/TZKKmxnbkmI/AAAAAAAABA8/WHpsWAiTZGo/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylVbnzQjGLc/TZKKuHw1BLI/AAAAAAAABBA/-Jf7sAiJ0bk/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylVbnzQjGLc/TZKKuHw1BLI/AAAAAAAABBA/-Jf7sAiJ0bk/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yay - can you tell that the days are getting longer here in the frozen tundra? I actually have some natural light to take pictures in!<br />
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<u>Chicken Stir Fry </u> (serves 6) <br />
<ul><li>1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cubed</li>
<li>2 teaspoons minced ginger</li>
<li>3 cloves minced garlic </li>
<li>1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, divided plus more for serving</li>
<li>1/2 cup hoisen sauce, divided</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to make it spicy!(optional)</li>
<li>2 - 3 tablespoons peanut oil</li>
<li>1 tablespoon sesame oil </li>
<li>1 tablespoon corn starch</li>
<li>1/3 cup chicken broth</li>
<li>5 cups mixed vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces (I used onion, bell peppers, pea pods, carrots and broccoli) </li>
<li>3 - 4 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice, if that floats your boat)</li>
</ul>Marinade the chicken in the ginger, garlic, 4 tablespooons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of hoisen, the crushed red pepper, and the sesame oil. Let it marinade for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).<br />
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While the chicken is marinading, wash and cut your vegetables and make your rice according to package directions.<br />
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Mix the remaining soy sauce (4 tablespoons), the chicken broth, and the corn starch in a separate bowl. Set aside.<br />
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Heat the peanut oil in a wok over medium high heat.<br />
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Add the chicken and stir fry for a few minutes or until the chicken is just cooked. Remove to a separate bowl.<br />
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Heat another tablespoon of oil (if necessary) and throw in the veggies, stir fry until crisp-tender.<br />
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Add the soy/broth/corn starch mixture and the chicken to the veggies. Turn the heat down to medium low and stir around to coat until the sauce gets thick. Yum.<br />
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Serve over rice (make sure to spoon some yummy sauce to put over the top too) with extra soy sauce as needed.<br />
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Enjoy! <br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/jellybeansrecipes/chicken-stir-fry-printable">Printable Recipe</a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00437759614296183876noreply@blogger.com0