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- 7/8 cup warm So Delicious coconut milk (no more than 110°F [43°C])
- 1¼ tsp. ( 1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 4 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 flax “eggs” (2 Tbsp flax seed meal + 6 Tbsp warm water) (mix and set aside for 5 min)
- 4 Tablespoons Earth Balance margarine, room temperature
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 4 Tablespoons Earth Balance margarine
- 5 to 6 medium to large apples (I used Fuji), peeled, cored and cut into small chunks
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- juice of two lemons
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons So Delicious coconut milk
New York in 24 hours—Part 2
November 13th, 2012
We left our hotel pretty late but it was a gorgeous morning and pretty warm. Warm for us was in the low 60s, high 50s, so our walk was pretty comfortable.

As we were headed to Central Park, we noticed sights. We checked our St. Patrick’s Cathedral but it was all under construction. Not pretty at all!

We finally reached our brunch spot. It had been recommended to try Sarabeth’s right in front of Central Park. There was a 30 minute wait when we got there but as we thought about leaving after 15 min, we were seated. I knew I had heard about this place but it did not hit me until I saw their products. Their preserves were amazing and their breakfast was delicious. Even though my omelette was nothing special I enjoyed tasting Ryan’s scrambled eggs with lox. YUM!

I know breakfast had not been over with but Ryan insisted that it was tradition to buy some roasted almonds and peanuts. Yummy and crunchy!

By the time brunch was over it was a little past Julianne’s first nap. She was struggled to go to sleep but after 5 minutes she she fell asleep in the Ergo. Can I tell you that this carrier is a lifesaver?

We had not back carried until this trip and Ryan was VERY happy with it. He wondered why we had been front carrying her all this time. I thought it was perfect to back carry her as we traveled. She soaked every moment. We were SO glad we did not take the stroller.

We walked a lot more and finally got to Times Square when we met long lines of people waiting to do an American Eagle interview and others waiting in line for shows and tickets. We just stood there and took pictures of people and the environment. It was nice. Julianne looked all over and just stared at the signs.

After that, we split again with my sister and BIL. They wanted to go the World Trade Center memorial and we wanted to go to Chinatown. We initially thought we could go with them but I realized I was starting to feel a bit worn. Time quickly flew by and we knew we had a train to catch. We ended up taking an earlier train than my sister because we were thinking of our little girl.

We checked Joe’s Shanghai again after visiting this place back in 2011. We simply HAD to go back. They have the best steamed pork buns and crazy long lines. We thought if we had an early dinner that perhaps we would not have to wait to long. WRONG. We waited 30 min with a very tired toddler. I was not quite sure we would survive.
As we got seated we had Julianne in a booster chair between our seats. She had some dinner and then she proceeded to have some delicious broth. She loved it! Ryan ordered Kung Pao Chicken and I ordered fried green beans and fried noodles with beef. SO GOOD and worth the wait!


New York in 24 hours —Part 1
November 12th, 2012This past weekend we decided to make a quick trip to New York City. My brother-in-law had never been to New York so we decided to take a train from PA to NYC. What I did not realize or what others in our party did not realize is that the train ride would be a little over 4 hours. I did not realize having a toddler plus a few small bags would make this trip challenging but it was definitely an experience. I believe I am now much more prepared for my airplane trip to Texas in December.
Since Ryan had some classes to teach on Friday we were not able to leave until after 11 am but I was fine with that because I could get Julianne to nap. She napped more than an hour but then I had to get her up which was sad because she was still very much asleep. How cute!
We took the subway back to the hotel and got off one stop before our hotel so we could show Julianne Grand Central Station. She loved it, especially the constellations on the ceiling.

When we got to the hotel, Julianne was SO excited to roam around and jump on the soft pillows on the bed.

The hotel provided a crib that she enjoyed sleeping in but it was not so exciting when she woke up at 3:30am. It is hard to have 4 people sleep in one room plus a baby but it was doable.
What happened the next day? Stay tuned tomorrow!
All these pictures were taken with the LG Intuition, a sample phone from Verizon. Disclosure: I’m a part of the Verizon Savvy Gourmet program and have been provided a wireless device to use and review. I have not been compensated for a positive review; the opinions shared are all my own.

Fashion Friday: Maternity Winter coats
November 9th, 2012It hit me this past week that I was not pregnant during the winter months the first time around. I have been going a little batty trying to find time to go to consignment stores and inquiring on area mommy boards if anyone would have a coat to lend me.
I found a peacoat among my winter clothing that will fit me one more month so I am doing okay with that. I have had someone let me borrow their red coat so I think I am doing well in that department.
Then I realized the sweaters I owned covered half my tummy. Sheesh. How silly could I look.

Apple Cinnamon Almond Rolls
November 8th, 2012

.Sprouts. Jewelry Review
November 7th, 2012I am really excited to share this review with you this week. I am a huge fan of jewelry, especially when it comes to sterling silver. If there is something you did not know about me is that I love making my own jewelry but it is all more focused on designing and beading and nothing compared to what Rose Kren makes in her daily life.
I find myself endorsing Rose because well, even though I now live in Pennsylvania, I still miss Michigan and local business there. I somehow did not experience local businesses while living in Texas, so as I learned about small towns and cities in Michigan, I discovered fun and amazing companies.
I actually came across Rose Kren’s jewelry company, .Sprouts., through a friend on Facebook. I perused her Etsy shop and I was floored by the quality and design of each piece posted in her store. Rose hand crafts each piece of jewelry using the highest quality of products.
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| Rose in her studio (picture from .sprouts. FB page) |
Even though my review is focused on sterling silver, Rose uses copper, fine silver, and antiqued nickel free brass to make numerous pieces. Another point to make is that she purchases all her supplies from locals.
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| Pendant made with the antiqued brass (photo from .sprouts. FB page) |
What did I get from her shop? One of my favorite pieces of jewelry happen to be rings. My husband knows it and depending on our vacation or trips we look for special local shops to purchase a special sterling silver ring. Okay, I lie, it has only happened once and it was in New Mexico. I wear that ring a lot too! I only wish I could but when I go to shows I always gravitate towards the rings.
As I perused the Etsy shop I stopped and stared at all the stacked ring options.
Don’t these look fun? I love them! Even though Rose allowed me to review this piece of jewelry I ordered another piece from her store that I am giving as a gift. I could not share that picture of disclose any information as it might ruin someone’s birthday but I LOVED THE FINISHED PRODUCT! I cannot wait to share it with my friend.
Are you a jewelry lover? Go to the .sprouts. Etsy page and check out all the beautiful pieces. Rose can make anything special order especially for friends or family.
If you order now, here is what Rose is doing. She in general donates 10% of her profits to charity but for now until the end of the month she is doing this:
































