tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23448858608606247762024-03-05T21:22:56.802+13:00The Cottage Diariesthecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-84023162444826146022014-06-23T13:55:00.000+12:002014-06-23T19:37:54.536+12:00Coffee Kahlua Macarons<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">COFFEE KAHLUA MACARONS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hey guys, I'm back! Where have I been? Eating macarons of course! Trust me, if you make these, you may just disappear for a while too! One bite and you will be whisked away to some cute little cafe on the streets of Paris. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/317220/raspberry-macaroons" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Martha Stewart</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup icing sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3/4 cup ground almonds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 large egg whites</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Pinch of cream of tartar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup caster sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 tsp instant coffee granules</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Espresso kahlua filling</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">100g butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup icing sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">2 Tbsp </span><span style="line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Kahlua</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">2 Tbsp strong espresso coffee</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Directions</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius (roughly 325 degrees Fahrenheit). Line oven trays with good quality baking paper, or if the baking paper is thin use two layers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Process the ground almonds and icing sugar in a food processor until fine. Sift three times, each time leaving out the lumps of almond that is left in the sieve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Beat the eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Mix on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the instant coffee and caster sugar. Continue mixing until stiff peaks form.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Sift the almond mixture into the egg mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together. This step is very important. If you fold too little, the macarons will crack. If you fold too much, the macarons will flatten and merge together into a sticky mess. In order to have a nice smooth macaron with a slight cap, and the all-important feet, you need to fold the mixture just right. Depending on your folding, this may take 50-80 folds. When you lift the spatula from the batter, the batter should flow off the spatula in a continuous line of the batter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Once this step is done, the batter should be spooned into a piping bag with a 1/2 inch round tip. Pipe 3/4 inch rounds onto the baking paper, one inch apart. It may be helpful to draw circles onto the baking paper before you start this step. Once the macarons are piped out, give each tray a good firm tap on the bench to release any trapped air, which would cause the macarons to turn out hollow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. The next step is important. The macarons should be left at air temperature for 30-45 minutes to form a skin. The macarons should lose their shine and appear dull. When touched, they should not be sticky because a skin has formed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Meanwhile, make the buttercream filling by mixing the softened butter and icing sugar in a bowl, and stirring in the Kahlua and coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. Bake the macarons a tray at a time in the oven for 15 minutes, being careful not to burn them. See oven temperature tips below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. Once out of the oven, leave for 2-3 minutes before removing each shell from the tray. Cool, and then play a matchmaking game! Find each macaron shell a matching shell of the same size and shape, then spread one side with the buttercream filling and sandwich together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. Enjoy! Even if your macarons don't turn out perfect, I guarantee they will still taste good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Let me know if you give these a go! Making macarons seems to get easier and easier each time, and I love trying new flavour combinations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-9188023213031441862014-03-12T10:06:00.000+13:002014-03-14T22:15:39.099+13:00I've got the summer blues..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XJoMvH1Hd3DiBBkS8v9ZKRPYhZSiFZvuGQVf4F3vjCO1TPfaXiDKnWgxZa2kVLBbusaOAJ-s6dkwsHogbrfb2L7thnSWzAYbG7iINPfoKDcqIjPNlxPZFZaZcOyJWasoSj7_Wj-RzUz0/s1600/blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XJoMvH1Hd3DiBBkS8v9ZKRPYhZSiFZvuGQVf4F3vjCO1TPfaXiDKnWgxZa2kVLBbusaOAJ-s6dkwsHogbrfb2L7thnSWzAYbG7iINPfoKDcqIjPNlxPZFZaZcOyJWasoSj7_Wj-RzUz0/s1600/blue.png" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Left to right: <a href="http://saboskirt.com/Shop/Product/1774/Lullaby-Overalls">Sabo Skirt Lullaby overalls</a>, <a href="http://www.princesspolly.com.au/Alabama.aspx?p57079&colourid=90">Princess Polly Alabama dress</a>, <a href="http://www.forevernew.co.nz/sale/lucille-lace-overlay-dress-21939801?___SID=U&colour=Light+Blue">Forever New Lucille dress</a>, <a href="http://www.forevernew.co.nz/sale/alysa-printed-shift-dress-21983201?___SID=U&colour=Blue+Mirror+Print">Forever New Alysa dress</a>, <a href="http://saboskirt.com/Shop/Product/1822/Voyage-Denim-Cut-Offs">Sabo Skirt Voyage denim shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.justjeans.com.au/shop/en/justjeans/women/tops/the-checkmate-tank">Just Jeans Checkmate tank</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A trend I've been loving all summer has been blue and white, particularly porcelain print dresses and the look of crisp white against denim or chambray. I've put together some of my top picks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is your fave summer look? I know so many of you are in the midst of winter and I've been bookmarking some of your winter looks because that time will soon be here for us! I particularly love <a href="http://tazandbear.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/winter-florals.html">this look</a> from <a href="http://tazandbear.blogspot.co.nz/">Taz and Bear</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-89369519480559631062014-02-26T22:01:00.000+13:002014-02-26T22:01:18.193+13:00YouTube made me do it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black; text-align: start;">As I mentioned in my </span><a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/in-summertime.html" style="text-align: start;">last post</a><span style="color: black; text-align: start;">, I'm on a mission to find my holy grail beauty products this year. I've been an everyday makeup wearer for a long time now, but I've never really experimented with different products. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After hearing many a beauty guru rave on about how amazing certain 'drugstore' products are, I decided to bite the bullet and <strike>spend all my money</strike> make a few online purchases. Here in New Zealand our makeup choices are very limited, we really only have a few big brands such as Loreal, Maybelline, Covergirl, Rimmel and Revlon, and I think the stores stock only a limited range here compared to overseas. Not to mention, everything is extremely expensive!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The products I bought were all recommended by beauty vloggers on YouTube, particularly <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpOz2KEfkSdd5JeIJh_fxw">Shaaanxo</a> (a fellow kiwi), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-szPBG7Oh4icM1FcQakQg">Fleur deForce</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC85jN0RMP-uJTIzhAcMFitA">Karissa Pukas</a>. I'd never heard of brands like NYX, Elf and Wet n Wild before, so I was super excited to try them out, especially when I found out how cheap they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The products I got are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation in 825 buff beige</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles in light and neutralizer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Rimmel Match Perfection concealer in 230 fair/light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Garnier Roll-on Anti-Dark Circles in fair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in translucent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-NYX Powder Blush in angel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-NYX Cream Blush in boho chic </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Elf Baked Blush in Pinktastic (used as a highlighter)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in sunny</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Elf Eyebrow Kit in ash</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Jordana Brow Powder Duo in 01 light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-Wet n Wild Color Icon Brow and Eye Liner in 648 Taupe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What are your favourite drugstore products and who are your favourite beauty bloggers/YouTubers?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span><br />
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-6808289474302323832014-01-24T10:55:00.000+13:002014-01-24T10:55:52.751+13:00In the summertime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bzStDTc1byY-edr7fipQCuOOHqG29Hvxm-jWsj6jSNIIq6ymb4lj3EMxyG1xP9rof9NsR9E5JptJbfB8rzzwFLi4vfR4WwYlwzpo3zek5MfsLPnKJORT611Qrqi-PVPhniyZzPL_e0FC/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bzStDTc1byY-edr7fipQCuOOHqG29Hvxm-jWsj6jSNIIq6ymb4lj3EMxyG1xP9rof9NsR9E5JptJbfB8rzzwFLi4vfR4WwYlwzpo3zek5MfsLPnKJORT611Qrqi-PVPhniyZzPL_e0FC/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Its summer here in New Zealand, although we haven't had too many of those long hot days that just epitomise summer yet. I haven't done much blogging lately, but this is what I've been up to:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Having date nights. We love nothing more than snuggling up with a platter full of food and a nice glass of wine. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Gardening. This is the first year I've been in charge of the vege garden and I'm loving it! We are eating lots of home-grown strawberries and tomatoes at the moment. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We've been making omelettes most weekends with fresh veges from the garden, and eggs from a friend's hens.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Baking bread. Having a bread maker is so handy for making everything from loaves of bread to pizza dough, <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/cinnamon-rolls.html">cinnamon buns</a> and focaccia. Soon I'll be making <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/hot-cross-buns.html">hot cross buns</a> again!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Buying new makeup. This year I'm on a search for my holy grail makeup products (and slowly becoming addicted to beauty gurus on YouTube).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I just bought a lion mane online for Smudge, can't wait till it arrives! I'm not usually one for dressing up pets but I just couldn't resist.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've also been flying! My brother has his license so I've been lucky enough to see New Zealand from the air. That second-to-last picture is just one of many beautiful beaches we flew over.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What have you guys been up to lately? I have a lot to catch up on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-79748960669331458342013-12-21T12:25:00.002+13:002013-12-21T12:25:55.410+13:00DIY Christmas Gift Ideas<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6P4OoOa97pSPTo5ZJ043SQ3Rf5v5BxnHja9-Wz0nfeOF8im7D7iL8LqbulwRNXM4t-bm2xOo8EggOKGYurDB-_AbwEoeFcPrIi_Lq3Jl6OSxj38tN_zhiipsKaYksq7vblDvlpdIwBuS/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6P4OoOa97pSPTo5ZJ043SQ3Rf5v5BxnHja9-Wz0nfeOF8im7D7iL8LqbulwRNXM4t-bm2xOo8EggOKGYurDB-_AbwEoeFcPrIi_Lq3Jl6OSxj38tN_zhiipsKaYksq7vblDvlpdIwBuS/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How is everyone's Christmas shopping going? I was very organised this year and started buying a few presents back in August. Whenever I saw something I thought would make a good present for someone on my list, I just bought it and put it away in the cupboard. Of course, there are always those people who are hard to buy for, and in the days leading up to Christmas I usually end up picking up some sort of gift set or a box of chocolates. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If this sounds anything like you, why not make a few gifts yourself this year? A homemade gift is much more thoughtful than the generic box of chocolates, and they're pretty fun to make! Here are some ideas:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awds6RJ_kcdaFq7dBGuDcFnLbAg1tXiBJEFpE1hprkWMDvUdvlzNqaAUhvfAg4Qb9Iw4y3UKBtzDzd_-dI93PKoYuODwtkcoPrYwjUofrc7DnqezzQhAeACEewEtP4fJTJ9k7Wn58EQM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awds6RJ_kcdaFq7dBGuDcFnLbAg1tXiBJEFpE1hprkWMDvUdvlzNqaAUhvfAg4Qb9Iw4y3UKBtzDzd_-dI93PKoYuODwtkcoPrYwjUofrc7DnqezzQhAeACEewEtP4fJTJ9k7Wn58EQM/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This DIY mint and honey lip scrub by<a href="http://www.alittleglassbox.com/2012/12/christmas-present-diy-lip-scrub.html"> A Little Glass Box</a> makes my mouth water, and is so nicely packaged.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Edible goodies are always a good idea! Why not make this brownie mix from <a href="http://call-me-cupcake.blogspot.se/2011/12/edible-gift-idea-brownie-mix.html">Call me Cupcake</a>, or a delicious<a href="http://sallyvocabulary.tumblr.com/post/61121634328"> lemon loaf</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR4A1hQv2X6H3ZPriEbfe6kPABjJ4T9MwQXxyRw0GPL9rIX4ri-tamC4ZijYpU9_aTlpUlz_ftuRCKGBNz6EumQVZkPVi5I8S7X4aeH9feSSpC_8TyktUBdm-zJHWtfN07ZpwmYQqXLQt/s640/6a00d8358081ff69e2016767a27850970b-800wi.jpg" width="640" />These personalised coffee mugs from <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/06/his-her-sharpie-mug-diy.html">A Beautiful Mess</a> are an awesome idea!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiJZk2KnAH3I7JN94O_mb5F734Rqu5b8JncCreP0gJuTdxQvWcl5m4MSppKpUQRFLP9M_IJ4X6c5S_7WSY3CuiSQl8igA1qVy0xrtCzK6hyphenhyphenHR1lrRFpfkJiqAo-9GPT9HDRsf3qkngEf5/s1600/bathbombpinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiJZk2KnAH3I7JN94O_mb5F734Rqu5b8JncCreP0gJuTdxQvWcl5m4MSppKpUQRFLP9M_IJ4X6c5S_7WSY3CuiSQl8igA1qVy0xrtCzK6hyphenhyphenHR1lrRFpfkJiqAo-9GPT9HDRsf3qkngEf5/s640/bathbombpinterest.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I can smell these delicious bamb bombs from<a href="http://spreadinsunshine15.blogspot.co.nz/2013/12/diy-bath-bombs-fizzies.html"> Spreading Sunshine</a> already! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkGMDCqfiIEncpwm0QQ8oFZXXNXPZp_WlXZ57_nqUirAXY2XbqE_oITBjG3tgZr1tV_SfFC2XwAKP7sz2HdCVaKJ7fpNOI6MtQWyiATdkWPx43TEtXAPa-36GPkc5ZgH8EY4M4RiEn8ri/s1600/Orange-Tea-Tree-Soap-3-650x472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkGMDCqfiIEncpwm0QQ8oFZXXNXPZp_WlXZ57_nqUirAXY2XbqE_oITBjG3tgZr1tV_SfFC2XwAKP7sz2HdCVaKJ7fpNOI6MtQWyiATdkWPx43TEtXAPa-36GPkc5ZgH8EY4M4RiEn8ri/s640/Orange-Tea-Tree-Soap-3-650x472.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've always wanted to try making soap, and these orange and tea-tree soaps from <a href="http://offbeatandinspired.com/2013/06/18/orange-tea-tree-soap/">Offbeat and Inspired </a>would make this perfect Christmas gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You could also think about making my <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/diy-vintage-teacup-candles.html">DIY teacup candles</a>, <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/diy-christmas-gift-homemade-muesli.html">DIY Christmas muesli</a>, or my cute <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/diy-valentines-shrewsbury-drops.html">Shrewsbury Drops</a>. My <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Macarons">macarons</a> would also make a great gift and can be packaged up so nicely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Are you still doing last-minute shopping? The crowds get crazy this time of year!</span><br />
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-46792551529565375962013-11-11T11:41:00.000+13:002016-04-01T22:54:11.407+13:00Lavender Macarons with Honey Earl-Grey Buttercream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxsHDFKKFHYLDBSa5QCfPpiKKlm9ROkmYPyqW9a-KcSqDEFPS2mfUVDCxdcFV-3xzRhPWleneHetL-U_O5OBJcSsjU2EOB_A72NQunXyhy868YTa0P9zib1H53G7seMYP-8KwzN2MrHyU/s640/102+(2).JPG" width="640" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">There is something soothing about making macarons. I enjoy spending a weekend afternoon mixing, piping, baking and then filling the delicate shells, and experimenting with different flavour combinations. This time I decided to make lightly-flavoured lavender macarons using lavender sugar, and I paired them with a basic buttercream infused with earl-grey tea and clover honey. I decided to use the same recipe as I used to make my </span><a href="http://www.thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/raspberry-macarons.html" style="text-align: left;">raspberry macarons with raspberry buttercream filling</a><span style="text-align: left;">, with a few tweaks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgxActVwfiEjFD8oprWaQAtLraOTCF8Ewu4qAxTyb86uD0Mi_qIJczHLWfWCeX7FiZjCF80DJxDD8nPsOIw8ciWzF9TdkVcZ3jhtP6LBosNcc_SPNYxn5A5TJYTAgJh8kVrfDEiKkD0mu/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCSqok5RBdi_7r6RzL8nHgDn5QvkxAJEGUNDur6fVxWNeahGakUDtKXEbV4XLsqTxhmQ4X34yyAK742GKI2TxV5vaYAmJQAPs2SPDgziJf0EfO9bURIOLD5NwxRRLlIcI0oYJvTUmKI2x/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">LAVENDER MACARONS WITH HONEY EARL-GREY BUTTERCREAM</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 cup icing sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3/4 cup ground almonds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/4 cup lavender sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/2 tsp purple food colouring </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u>Honey earl-grey buttercream</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">100g butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2 tsp earl-grey tea leaves steeped in 2 Tbsp boiling water</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To make the lavender sugar:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Measure out 1/4 cup caster sugar into a bowl. Add several sprigs of lavender and leave, covered, overnight. The lavender oils will infuse into the sugar to make a lovely lightly-flavoured lavender sugar. Discard the lavender and sift before using to get rid of any left-over lavender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u>Directions</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius (roughly 325 degrees Fahrenheit). Line oven trays with good quality baking paper, or if the baking paper is thin use two layers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. Process the ground almonds and icing sugar in a food processor until fine. Sift three times, each time leaving out the lumps of almond that is left in the sieve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. Beat the eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Mix on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the food colouring and lavender sugar. Continue mixing until stiff peaks form.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4. Sift the almond mixture into the egg mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together. This step is very important. If you fold too little, the macarons will crack. If you fold too much, the macarons will flatten and merge together into a sticky mess. In order to have a nice smooth macaron with a slight cap, and the all-important feet, you need to fold the mixture just right. Depending on your folding, this may take 50-80 folds. When you lift the spatula from the batter, the batter should flow off the spatula in a continuous line of the batter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">5. Once this step is done, the batter should be spooned into a piping bag with a 1/2 inch round tip. Pipe 3/4 inch rounds onto the baking paper, one inch apart. It may be helpful to draw circles onto the baking paper before you start this step. Once the macarons are piped out, give each tray a good firm tap on the bench to release any trapped air, which would cause the macarons to turn out hollow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">6. The next step is important. The macarons should be left at air temperature for 30-45 minutes to form a skin. The macarons should lose their shine and appear dull. When touched, they should not be sticky because a skin has formed. </span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3fGMgQ7ytPf66Sobo-y7EA-dtgwnTx_gRXuan10lTTpSL-ELCHowrpUNE8zQWoDFKISMe5vXmNjT8DhW5DZMSsm4-AN8-9cDpIchgzgpG5Q5ein6LL3rGZrwd-sFClF_fKSgUBGHi3GT/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b_26g_Gw_54e-7Yc-RqTGnO_-qkOnQ89GJnW1yLjyUlf3PCBydHyPMyIwDjfEbUHld8R8mYpY6zR4JFPIy_Qw-9T0Yy5eVb9n7nWrqQfvcnDw8rPEPwcAq251xaFvTyPHNsSkAzSBwtb/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 28px;">7. Meanwhile, make the buttercream filling by mixing the softened butter and icing sugar in a bowl. Microwave the honey for 20 seconds to soften it slightly, and add this to the buttercream mixture. Make a strong brew of earl-grey tea using 2 </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">tsp tea leaves steeped in 2 Tbsp boiling water, and stir this in to the buttercream. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">8. Bake the macarons a tray at a time in the oven for 15 minutes, being careful not to burn them. See oven temperature tips <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/raspberry-macarons.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 28px;">9. Once out of the oven, leave for 2-3 minutes before removing each shell from the tray. Cool, and then play a matchmaking game! Find each macaron shell a matching shell of the same size and shape, then spread one side with the buttercream filling and sandwich together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">10. Your macarons are ready! Take your first bite before everyone else swoops in. Even better, hide them away and don't tell anyone you made them! Macarons? What macarons?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Before you start baking, have a look at my <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/raspberry-macarons.html">tips and tricks for making macarons</a>. But remember - the second most important step in the macaron-making process is getting the macaronage right. If you fold too much or not enough, your macarons will not turn out with feet and a nice smooth cap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The first most important step? Just do it! Don't be put off by all the articles around the net stating the do's and don't's of making macarons. Just have a go, and if they don't work out the first time try to work out what went wrong, and have another go! Making a whole batch of macarons is much cheaper, and more satisfying, than buying them one at a time from that little french bakery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-46863023427868892422013-10-25T22:25:00.000+13:002013-10-25T22:25:22.514+13:00A rainy spring day and a cat dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What I'm wearing: <a href="http://temt.co.nz/">Temt</a> dress, <a href="http://www.glassons.com/">Glassons</a> anorak, thrifted satchel, shoes from <a href="http://www.numberoneshoes.co.nz/">Number One Shoes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How cool is it that there are so many cat-related clothes, shoes and even hats out there at the moment? Speaking of cats, these shoes are no longer wearable because <a href="http://thecottagediaries.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Smudge%20Saturday">Smudge</a> attacked them! He's ruined my best two pairs of shoes now, but he's such a sweetie I can't stay angry with him for long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hope you all have a lovely weekend, its a long one for us here in Kiwi-land!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span><br />
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-45625491988153122972013-10-09T21:18:00.000+13:002013-10-09T21:48:43.465+13:00DIY Coconut and Lemon Body Scrub<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaUaPwZRRImqXzRDD7aeecrz_EhPMfesz-uMku5VQVkpJbpTlJzB_Ajk-p6J9Qe9WGSePv0JhnTKVwL2pCgNHM9VawRX0RKEr8v5hN7osPh_wRIAcA8P1H935q089RFasVym-sS78UtYk/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My skin is in dire need of some TLC after being covered up all winter, so I thought I'd make some sugar scrub. I love the feel of my skin after having a good scrub in the shower, and then smothering it with body butter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The best thing about making your own body scrub is that you know exactly what goes in to it, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your house already. With all the chemicals I put onto my body and face daily, its good to be able to use some natural products for a change.</span><br />
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<u>Coconut and Lemon Body Scrub</u></span><br />
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You will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 C sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C shredded coconut</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Juice and rind of one lemon</span><br />
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Directions:</span><br />
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1. Add the sugar, coconut, and lemon zest to a mixing bowl.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqw5Xac-j8HF9SgRi8fAytoIdPpObiKvVUlrTzwurAh6m02QLtB5NEwQvHVCPhR_ug19F9DRPPcK47ZSa8PLepGqxDPlwun-qQj6Jmz8yb8kRNSVHM9gYKDNmhdIenenwtchz93ivPdaH/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqw5Xac-j8HF9SgRi8fAytoIdPpObiKvVUlrTzwurAh6m02QLtB5NEwQvHVCPhR_ug19F9DRPPcK47ZSa8PLepGqxDPlwun-qQj6Jmz8yb8kRNSVHM9gYKDNmhdIenenwtchz93ivPdaH/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Add the oils and the lemon juice and mix it all up. </span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF38ZbdDoJB3gPBmMVbUO_hmdavi0_SVpH_bafq8AX1uyJkVOSDGhvADFmWkIqxQ2qN51qepIzLvzUEiGNmZJjLWqJv4WtDyq-QPEQK_yyJpTRsmYsMtfogGHUwspEMtNqymZExa-axtc/s640/053.JPG" width="640" />3. Find a pretty jar for your sugar scrub<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxFLzXP9EhR1_RzCtSeZDfc8y_bzF4hjct9fSj9B3P5RDooYZiroNt2O7keWrZ3yXv2N9xQAO7GrKa9ZezDIZ8R4MRdLOz7hCm4JjnjdhEbbgG_UGltyYKnJ0VYM6GzqgsLq9kp9Vnj0c/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxFLzXP9EhR1_RzCtSeZDfc8y_bzF4hjct9fSj9B3P5RDooYZiroNt2O7keWrZ3yXv2N9xQAO7GrKa9ZezDIZ8R4MRdLOz7hCm4JjnjdhEbbgG_UGltyYKnJ0VYM6GzqgsLq9kp9Vnj0c/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></span>4. Fill the jar with your scrub and get scrubbing! Its as easy as that.<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ3WQi9ecu5eyCHgKG9uB004dji0Jk5-yIBbvSGohkzB4soMHpa_VC2FLmdeSrrTFbOM3GGaFx7SvsdbdcEnQOy0ZZDDoSpjakAQnJykkdGmVWf3VDYrKXBXWB9WwDwghhSGMgWJ2r6OQ/s1600/058+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ3WQi9ecu5eyCHgKG9uB004dji0Jk5-yIBbvSGohkzB4soMHpa_VC2FLmdeSrrTFbOM3GGaFx7SvsdbdcEnQOy0ZZDDoSpjakAQnJykkdGmVWf3VDYrKXBXWB9WwDwghhSGMgWJ2r6OQ/s640/058+(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHzRMFNCzSm-mSAItLnlXekxeLU25wT7ppyhoNKD2dyQ4Qe5ybRhA6_mcLcpyOBa-JEgBt5w3u9C8t2gaA2wpBiutrqFpV91Cfz2fYmfvdhu2aAZTfiquARYlGH5lEnoTBZrQVJkCiLi2/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHzRMFNCzSm-mSAItLnlXekxeLU25wT7ppyhoNKD2dyQ4Qe5ybRhA6_mcLcpyOBa-JEgBt5w3u9C8t2gaA2wpBiutrqFpV91Cfz2fYmfvdhu2aAZTfiquARYlGH5lEnoTBZrQVJkCiLi2/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Smooth legs, feet and hands are only minutes away! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-58818016316585071482013-10-07T22:19:00.000+13:002013-10-07T22:19:40.243+13:00Stuff I Luff #14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. How cute are these tassel pillows? See the step-by-step instructions on <a href="http://paperumbrellablog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/anthropologie-hack-tassel-pillows.html">Paper Umbrella</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Mmm <a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2013/10/roasted-fig-and-ricotta-crostini/">roasted fig and ricotta crostini</a>. Need I say more?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. So into monochrome right now! This dress is from <a href="http://www.asos.com/Vila/Vila-Stripe-Crew-Neck-Jumper-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3086180&cid=2623&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black+%26+cream">Asos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Love this simple painted kitchen utensils DIY by <a href="http://sincerelykinsey.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/painted-kitchen-utensils-diy-inspiration.html">Sincerely, Kinsey</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Summer is nearly here, and that means its time for fruity cocktails. This <a href="http://wearychef.com/raspberry-bourbon-lemonade/">raspberry bourbon lemonade</a> will do the trick!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. How cute are these <a href="http://maedeforyou.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/chocolate-amaretto-cupcakes-with-cherry.html">chocolate amaretto cupcakes with white chocolate dipped cherries</a>? I bet they are delicious too</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. I could hang out in this space all day</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-44377230007629192242013-10-03T13:12:00.000+13:002013-10-03T13:12:45.697+13:00Clean eating: Home made banana and coconut ice cream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_iFhSzHz_2IdBKPbAEIqwCWGYGY_7ot__ZcIfGv6yErNAtZCuRzHTlfwbnFrlixnPQLzORTv5NvQ9PQxWJG62TS0vpHGf0Kby4lTrHtL7wfJwQfk1N4nzztDPgBWedbUP1V0JdbKNgf/s1600/377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_iFhSzHz_2IdBKPbAEIqwCWGYGY_7ot__ZcIfGv6yErNAtZCuRzHTlfwbnFrlixnPQLzORTv5NvQ9PQxWJG62TS0vpHGf0Kby4lTrHtL7wfJwQfk1N4nzztDPgBWedbUP1V0JdbKNgf/s640/377.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Banana and Coconut Ice Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Per person: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 Tbsp shredded coconut</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Optional extras: Peanut butter, nutella, anything else you can dream up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Peel the banana, slice it up, and put it in a plastic bag or container in the freezer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once frozen, simply place the banana and coconut into a food processor or blender, along with the other ingredients. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every so often. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Blend until smooth, then serve up and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is super easy, and a nice way to replace store-bought ice cream if you are trying to cut down on your sugar and fat intake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ice cream can now be a guilt-free, mid-afternoon snack!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let me know if you try it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-17566488185682263722013-09-29T17:57:00.000+13:002013-09-29T17:57:44.355+13:00Daffodil season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Spring is in the air! The blossoms are out (finally), spring bulbs are up in full force, and the trees are coming out in new growth. I love this time of year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The best part though - we started daylight savings today here in NZ, and while today seems to have gone super fast because we lost an hour, it means we can start enjoying after dinner walks and bike rides!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-61801872205395200232013-09-24T20:23:00.000+12:002013-09-24T20:23:25.965+12:00Girl behind the blue door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWVRCXRsLB9IEtdOjeuvVC9PfWy9wedsbNBZmJ4LkblH2gzg-3FloLbVCJUpO6SIXkoLcdzKtVz7hjfFB5Eeq48q65BhyphenhyphenyMcLR8_K6ImhL-TjhQ9_pV_S5DyHvOW7QRFvbxjGKH6zCkNl/s1600/casperandpearl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWVRCXRsLB9IEtdOjeuvVC9PfWy9wedsbNBZmJ4LkblH2gzg-3FloLbVCJUpO6SIXkoLcdzKtVz7hjfFB5Eeq48q65BhyphenhyphenyMcLR8_K6ImhL-TjhQ9_pV_S5DyHvOW7QRFvbxjGKH6zCkNl/s640/casperandpearl1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa6VXO_kL9tBuMyoNObSkv72pwpj0x6QdDWcu3T7O4rdkGzRrS0gnOfg4ZvmeufnBubQd9-B_vx75fy1PYnM-PTlQyrhHtbcSbLMJRx2fEUk-ZXJDscSyM8o6_X7qg8q0uR_fcgXlT8u9/s1600/casperandpearl5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa6VXO_kL9tBuMyoNObSkv72pwpj0x6QdDWcu3T7O4rdkGzRrS0gnOfg4ZvmeufnBubQd9-B_vx75fy1PYnM-PTlQyrhHtbcSbLMJRx2fEUk-ZXJDscSyM8o6_X7qg8q0uR_fcgXlT8u9/s640/casperandpearl5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0QUx-mAw4V9Kn6cNdYRvPSosrSjETXWfAeen4iiavxibB7M24EfjNEu4CUTZDNHTCXZda0YUAvp52kI1OPPPEkHmSTUxjTo8buCGUHCnjkUcJ2ckUMz6ucO_tqaOvresy7yAEEIDYUKU/s1600/casperandpearl7+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0QUx-mAw4V9Kn6cNdYRvPSosrSjETXWfAeen4iiavxibB7M24EfjNEu4CUTZDNHTCXZda0YUAvp52kI1OPPPEkHmSTUxjTo8buCGUHCnjkUcJ2ckUMz6ucO_tqaOvresy7yAEEIDYUKU/s640/casperandpearl7+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm in love with this new collection from Australian label, <a href="http://casperandpearl.com/">Casper & Pearl</a>. The label was started by an 18 year old self-taught designer, and is now available in Australia, New Zealand and the US (read the full story <a href="http://casperandpearl.com/story.html">here</a>).</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These pictures have me dreaming of long, carefree summer days, and makes me nostalgic for a bygone era. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do you like?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span><br />
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-51014008822038914932013-09-20T20:22:00.000+12:002013-09-20T20:22:08.913+12:00Down by the river<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3shdPDdVGSs6yCtRERRuIViT6Cj41ZhLxr2hc9RNRzxXFjwm5_0ONa7IYNKyO-AiwOEYiqFZN1FPbwIeD89ykjqX9lxelf1ZFV4t6NA43xldm2uPpzWlCo3c9gA6B_C0LAelAvHpm7HK/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3shdPDdVGSs6yCtRERRuIViT6Cj41ZhLxr2hc9RNRzxXFjwm5_0ONa7IYNKyO-AiwOEYiqFZN1FPbwIeD89ykjqX9lxelf1ZFV4t6NA43xldm2uPpzWlCo3c9gA6B_C0LAelAvHpm7HK/s640/126.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctXE-s1keT9gzan91U2XJVl8UytaSNT6jYXnRlBBmu4ljicQsQLMF6LeCNvx7xHMl2qoYN-B0q5qSgm1Cq_cdQbDNT6gSg4fpGDWjfQL5iwsUIyKPXTgrRzOquRoKWijnCz0fHjSprJlA/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctXE-s1keT9gzan91U2XJVl8UytaSNT6jYXnRlBBmu4ljicQsQLMF6LeCNvx7xHMl2qoYN-B0q5qSgm1Cq_cdQbDNT6gSg4fpGDWjfQL5iwsUIyKPXTgrRzOquRoKWijnCz0fHjSprJlA/s640/135.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />What I'm wearing: Dress and belt - <a href="http://www.dotti.com.au/shop/en/dotti">Dotti</a>, denim jacket - thrifted, bag - gift from Thailand, Boots - <a href="http://www.numberoneshoes.co.nz/">Number One Shoes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love this time of year, when the days are getting longer and its slowly getting warm enough for bare legs. Its been a while since I've shared an outfit of mine, but I'm hoping now there are more sunshine hours in the day I will be able to fit in a few more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Is anyone else finding it crazy how fast this year is going? September is already flying by, and the last few months of the year always seem to go by even quicker! Things get pretty crazy in the lead-up to Christmas. I have actually bought one present already, which is surprising as I don't think I've ever started Christmas shopping earlier than December before! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Looks like it will be another quite weekend for us, catching up on things we didn't get done during the week. Do you have any special plans?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-34291188614900610472013-09-18T19:52:00.000+12:002013-09-18T19:52:00.825+12:00Bravado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was thinking recently that I don't share enough about my love of music on here. I always find it amazing how a good song can change my mood instantly, almost in the same way a sunny day does. Most of the music I listen to is older, as I feel that musicians these days are all talent show and no talent. However, slowly but surely my faith in new music is being restored - this time, by a 16 year old girl from Auckland, keeping it real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Meet Lorde.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-59821143087767573702013-09-16T19:24:00.000+12:002013-09-16T19:24:27.511+12:00Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hey my lovelies! Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine was pleasantly uneventful. On Friday night the hubby and I had a quiet night in playing scrabble and indulging in a lovely chocolate fondue (with fruit- that makes it healthy, right?). After all that chocolate, I needed a sleep-in on Saturday morning - minus the husband, as he had a date with his dirt bike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The rest of the weekend was a blur of long walks (thanks Spring!), housework, and time with Smudge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now to take on the new week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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<span id="goog_1173260685"></span><span id="goog_1173260686"></span><br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-19758949337520336212013-09-12T20:12:00.000+12:002013-09-12T20:12:34.701+12:00Crunchy rosemary and parmesan fries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhj3N24PZQpCt-Xx5l8tNp1HhOjtOONmM-H5t7mi7SXe-F8__lvX0jndIlNA5Mk2u_LMkzwCNAz4i43T2fF-HmLLoWydrfFao9kN9VtWAjG4g2qmcaEo7JNKJc9QdtN3f478wY25O07kn/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhj3N24PZQpCt-Xx5l8tNp1HhOjtOONmM-H5t7mi7SXe-F8__lvX0jndIlNA5Mk2u_LMkzwCNAz4i43T2fF-HmLLoWydrfFao9kN9VtWAjG4g2qmcaEo7JNKJc9QdtN3f478wY25O07kn/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These rosemary and parmesan fries are so good! Enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or as a side with dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Crunchy rosemary and parmesan fries</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 medium potato per person</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Scrub the potatoes and cut into chunky wedges. Pat dry with a paper towel and drizzle with oil oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, fresh rosemary and grated parmesan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bake at 180 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the fries are tender and golden brown.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg1GPVV27gVF2NhY0eD7_CjHGDyDmKO54Fj2VzaVDXjinxG1ZA7deg88whJyQixFWijq6nt2bTn8E0B3OjvXA6R7aWPCWAzgaFbhkrPx3-zTn7SXV0t5cpdGXekRca-amYuV1lJkC0M7p/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg1GPVV27gVF2NhY0eD7_CjHGDyDmKO54Fj2VzaVDXjinxG1ZA7deg88whJyQixFWijq6nt2bTn8E0B3OjvXA6R7aWPCWAzgaFbhkrPx3-zTn7SXV0t5cpdGXekRca-amYuV1lJkC0M7p/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyhwvwpEHVz7ADMkGiWYakN3W7_v5G2XT0ICJtRhFCMMApPCx1xzcwfPi13g8GA9Ve09nstrJRTPxfVFYcwS__gGEoRIjPeHELwT3w7lOv008u8uwaLGR1nAc9Me41OKDToBTc5nQisYw/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyhwvwpEHVz7ADMkGiWYakN3W7_v5G2XT0ICJtRhFCMMApPCx1xzcwfPi13g8GA9Ve09nstrJRTPxfVFYcwS__gGEoRIjPeHELwT3w7lOv008u8uwaLGR1nAc9Me41OKDToBTc5nQisYw/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1P7CwrzXYSdCOODbvchujp86OKTJEWYOy-Uhr4nlDf9ixth_QNwleDEUcVXCpX-tTvJYtVcOUExHpQuep4OCr9lcJbEExn-9xPi5JD7CUhPzAPkpnWGj6cUuREhd0CBUDVGNKUzlc4F3/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1P7CwrzXYSdCOODbvchujp86OKTJEWYOy-Uhr4nlDf9ixth_QNwleDEUcVXCpX-tTvJYtVcOUExHpQuep4OCr9lcJbEExn-9xPi5JD7CUhPzAPkpnWGj6cUuREhd0CBUDVGNKUzlc4F3/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These are so easy and so good. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-59963758074037437402013-09-07T16:25:00.000+12:002013-09-07T16:25:09.988+12:00Smudge Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2oAHcAB2_ZnNlJEB9NfiHYs_66f1GAKgyWgR-upeWLFEGGoEuZuwNmwTNFJ-eY-DL3AfkYMP_iwgHBHe7orQ1bFzN4AmFB0poLZJLgYH1ee_RQfS5pWq9bUI7DvUgo1NC8wfN9pg33bB/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2oAHcAB2_ZnNlJEB9NfiHYs_66f1GAKgyWgR-upeWLFEGGoEuZuwNmwTNFJ-eY-DL3AfkYMP_iwgHBHe7orQ1bFzN4AmFB0poLZJLgYH1ee_RQfS5pWq9bUI7DvUgo1NC8wfN9pg33bB/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I love watching Smudge play outside. Some days he spends all day curled up on my bed, and other days I barely see him at all! Oh to have a cat's life. If he's outside and he notices me watching him, he always runs towards me and tries to get inside. He doesn't really get the concept of windows! Such a treasure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This weekend has started off really good. Date night with the hubby last night - we tried out dinner and a movie at a new cinema. The food was amazing and the cinema is straight out of the 1920's. It is available for hire, it would be so perfect for a Great Gatsby party!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Today we plan on doing some housework, taking a walk and maybe doing some baking - the best kind of Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What are your weekend plans?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-27054208496659377252013-09-05T20:57:00.001+12:002013-09-05T20:57:25.229+12:00South Island: Collingwood and Havelock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">These are some pics from our last few days in the South Island. The top of the South Island has to have some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, and they are so secluded. I don't even know if I should be telling you guys this! I'm probably giving away some of New Zealand's best kept secrets.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">We had breakfast at a gorgeous seaside cafe in Collingwood</span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdDK_5pDaiNOnRb0day3Q2gQxx3uyPTEMZNAr5i40OCE2Xy0OmuszYJeOWRjJkiL51wMSKvjfCR0D4H07nZjU5ivI-Pjr3OEOQwEte_cwGMBuz3kmV5pEbf5aMiZCvFsxvQMQSlUdin5i/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdSjsc8Njwe0Gc7KpdeiYPUkLJYieLg11bvhn6zGVfXktTOT72VmvEOcn2zmXowaJgY4ojg25Ek19v8vSHPgdt1p1nnjD-3Ll77AJOhHpZAojvInW9cR7or5wxAj0xdXdpWBO9QCIj6zl/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdSjsc8Njwe0Gc7KpdeiYPUkLJYieLg11bvhn6zGVfXktTOT72VmvEOcn2zmXowaJgY4ojg25Ek19v8vSHPgdt1p1nnjD-3Ll77AJOhHpZAojvInW9cR7or5wxAj0xdXdpWBO9QCIj6zl/s640/067.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrFWBwJ_9bg3PLI54FHCSwfo_ukOLLy33HAkJjq89xZNKZNjhgDVxeiIJ2IeqFpBjxV8TQB6-TbkrHmJMmiwFbP5S8HM0QShh_WoijbQgE_hQmXzn5yUirCQlO3I0jNXIm-ISWF94j9r9/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrFWBwJ_9bg3PLI54FHCSwfo_ukOLLy33HAkJjq89xZNKZNjhgDVxeiIJ2IeqFpBjxV8TQB6-TbkrHmJMmiwFbP5S8HM0QShh_WoijbQgE_hQmXzn5yUirCQlO3I0jNXIm-ISWF94j9r9/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a>The cutest little chocolate shop! Love the paint job.<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSFS2uwlWw9Ww7qu1_uDlrT2DAiIaig880Y-MmIwEw9a3uCPGI_4i_xm7csmXzOC713Z9qnZbmQyqjyXNzplCL2YiQfleUdF2aNSA9gIV-Pdi_f1DsUWJb_pQzaeTamwl1Pt8OzkDoBTU/s640/038.JPG" width="640" />After begging the husby to pull over every time I saw a 'real fruit icecream' sign he finally gave in on the very last day of our trip. Love a good boysenberry frozen yoghurt!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh86YNZSaM67SqQsvsUAEyqhjw1bVQpjBL9FdzvCYQc-AZyXpO7ZbGYA3j06BrVOs4vM18EbZzhZh1r-3S-OQEY02WqZR9Pm-mUMn4cOYAmqopJASpUlklN5-IvR_FxgZYVZpoabt7sel/s1600/254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh86YNZSaM67SqQsvsUAEyqhjw1bVQpjBL9FdzvCYQc-AZyXpO7ZbGYA3j06BrVOs4vM18EbZzhZh1r-3S-OQEY02WqZR9Pm-mUMn4cOYAmqopJASpUlklN5-IvR_FxgZYVZpoabt7sel/s640/254.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Beautiful scenery</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTlXT7NIEppDq4EvP8wvCEXschO2z6mIRJEtO9NL98XPeFi0H_jZkuhdFAd5ZQbQh9crIqjMSb_00UU4WXAej4dt9LVJA6HBBpALhcjWgI-9BtaACQGuNcRf5yIPa3LOF8it1v9vKyfts/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTlXT7NIEppDq4EvP8wvCEXschO2z6mIRJEtO9NL98XPeFi0H_jZkuhdFAd5ZQbQh9crIqjMSb_00UU4WXAej4dt9LVJA6HBBpALhcjWgI-9BtaACQGuNcRf5yIPa3LOF8it1v9vKyfts/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYJ76znrIoMDqR7RLmq9QCBEQFV5jHn0ooYkWQjo1xxvDGkOqkHTZxSopr_lkdcD55y5JLuqI14HcZPBsbnUSgFfHc6XcV_NpXRdc0lLz_hc6M02gvUaHWyCgSlnmOU0CxXSWlinYQm4X/s640/061.JPG" width="640" />This photo was taken on the last night of our trip. We were travelling back to Picton to catch the ferry and stopped in Havelock to cook up the salmon we caught that day for our dinner. So yummy!<span style="clear: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLt6O2rEEvyi79neRRLG_1GFpKewRXb5E99_hq2zQOqTZGhIbBxZiM92XDh-LSV9g84d9S9AfyihwCAe4BEjvzUK4YkYPuUEv8klMPQtlJyf6qYg3Uf-VqgZgTQwMYyoIV_lkKbhB_ZF/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLt6O2rEEvyi79neRRLG_1GFpKewRXb5E99_hq2zQOqTZGhIbBxZiM92XDh-LSV9g84d9S9AfyihwCAe4BEjvzUK4YkYPuUEv8klMPQtlJyf6qYg3Uf-VqgZgTQwMYyoIV_lkKbhB_ZF/s640/292.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">X</span></span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Molly</span></span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><br />
<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-28399729632246547132013-09-03T21:48:00.000+12:002013-09-03T21:48:32.073+12:00Advertising shake-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpXJrp9xUaQ8I1WZwn8sN3cU2ZAeaIbmzxylotVoo7rpz8rrReeqyrobkJ7gBsDB5txUlw0hek00-PydsOHBJdZiJA5t80vWyqOhRrZSM9ReoSdk4M9EHD_NCGd-_qdP5J5-l1APYgKC9/s640/019c.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hey my lovelies!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just letting you all know that I am no longer with Passionfruit, which means no fees - so cheaper advertising options for you guys!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My large ad space is now $5, or $12 for three months, and my small ad space is just $2, or $5 for three months. </span><br />
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<select name="os0"> <option value="Large (one month)">Large (one month) $5.00 USD</option> <option value="Large (three months)">Large (three months) $12.00 USD</option> <option value="Small (one month)">Small (one month) $2.00 USD</option> <option value="Small (three months)">Small (three months) $5.00 USD</option> </select> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm also looking for some new ad swaps so if you feel that your blog or business would be a good fit with The Cottage Diaries, flick me an email!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">thecottagediaries@gmail.com</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-74929198836582059402013-09-01T15:34:00.000+12:002013-09-01T15:34:32.794+12:00Stuff I Luff #13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLRgrGAYIklowxDkzYItLfjFUV4o-mQMW7OJSQ19okeDFqFe2wzCEUtOeoK4X0gmppzAYGyOHqrsJpmdQtPcz9IuiS96YFaAVT3ZjFtqqZTZpjy6oDbHCw-cAD-QU13rWkraX6Ge9Th4I/s640/Stuff+I+Luff.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;">Some mouth-watering quinoa recipes:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oTrb7vStfpkIa9o31qCRwqDAknSn8W_shYOP6-ZiPZ-mrt3VE92ORfz41py3Er__USov3WgkKY2GqEoWF1kiO3CNaYAhzt3LI5U5hlhjEeikTNi6U4kGR8fUeID5ief0bwNgryxGutts/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oTrb7vStfpkIa9o31qCRwqDAknSn8W_shYOP6-ZiPZ-mrt3VE92ORfz41py3Er__USov3WgkKY2GqEoWF1kiO3CNaYAhzt3LI5U5hlhjEeikTNi6U4kGR8fUeID5ief0bwNgryxGutts/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://noshingwiththenolands.com/mouth-watering-mondays-55/">Roast sweet potato and quinoa soup</a> <a href="http://homegrownbeets.com/2013/08/08/sweet-quinoa-tabbouleh/">Sweet quinoa tabbouleh</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: start;">Gorgeous gift wrapping by <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/12/holiday-memories-with-elmers-gluenglitter-wax-paper-bow-tutorial-giveaway.html">Whipperberry</a></span><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmadNtFX1vcrRZ3UrrsWXER2PH-Cc_swDobaUlGeHepyb_rx4bya1J4Nch2GcCWOglplGZi8x4iU3UDzQiI707TAWFCyKccHjb8CAjhDXIxkGPyp11M_QxJrTFzgTo456pxPksJlzkEYm/s640/Elmers-076.jpg" width="640" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Cute outfit by <a href="http://www.rachelthehat.com/2013/08/gold-tipped-boots.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RacheltheHat+%28Rachel+the+Hat%29">Rachel the Hat</a><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nfsJYyhNpFGMUIBsRDA_hMUcioQDP4vWZcQyvPs6_3Gyfmu6eeyuSvrvJKvj5L3xaZqmeLe6v0cZFmzOXvvyERIgUD9jGrZ9jwrpxmTMhsJoAM3YGHXFfw3LhdIoCw2T1SJaekeUWjGL/s640/IMG_1541.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Gorgeous <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sternology/3399667418/">kitty</a> <a href="http://www.designeverydayblog.com/diy-book-headboard/">DIY book headboard</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx0p_J0xlEjUGQoPQL7AGrXuwJkuQYQseA8ROckW74DQ5LlO4VHzUm-rMdSjKObBLqujXDtIinHqqcFF76COw60iLfj6xgYZDQaitYb3nhyphenhyphenQLwEpTt10cJuYVOsKqTQ2gUNO40rE9x2zo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx0p_J0xlEjUGQoPQL7AGrXuwJkuQYQseA8ROckW74DQ5LlO4VHzUm-rMdSjKObBLqujXDtIinHqqcFF76COw60iLfj6xgYZDQaitYb3nhyphenhyphenQLwEpTt10cJuYVOsKqTQ2gUNO40rE9x2zo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Gorgeous home styling by <a href="http://inkandspindle.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/a-case-of-mono.html">Ink and Spindle</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrmZ9cLSnDOusHBzC-WDl0Hw_Uv0O-2ez2E-YhzNpPbKrP36HM_9XAe43Evf9IXD5W7tSIBF0b4bHr2QtX7M_hkwal7l3_UaVD4JRX39jp1t3jZFlY09tYl-4wwyzAP_tfTpAxd1JccFS/s1600/8069636337_b182f540ce_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrmZ9cLSnDOusHBzC-WDl0Hw_Uv0O-2ez2E-YhzNpPbKrP36HM_9XAe43Evf9IXD5W7tSIBF0b4bHr2QtX7M_hkwal7l3_UaVD4JRX39jp1t3jZFlY09tYl-4wwyzAP_tfTpAxd1JccFS/s640/8069636337_b182f540ce_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope your all having a fab weekend! Ours has consisted of housework, baking and watching movies, along with a good dose of spring sunshine!</div>
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X</div>
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Molly</div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-36197390731642826422013-08-30T13:23:00.001+12:002013-08-30T13:23:07.190+12:00Guest Post by Wonderful at Home - Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hi! My name is Kristen, and I blog over at <a href="http://wonderfulathome.blogspot.co.nz/">Wonderful at Home</a>. I have the great </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">pleasure of guest posting for The Cottage Diaries today! My husband and I are trying </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to get healthier, and take in more foods that are better for our reproductive health </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">while we go through our <a href="http://wonderfulathome.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/infertility-and-pcos.html">fertility treatments</a>, so I decided to make this very tasty </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">dish, and share it with you all! I bet just by looking at this, your stomach is starting to </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">grumble with hunger, so let’s get started! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFncYVIaIcWYOc1aK1sqgKajNkz1tCbhxyXvhuIYUdoxQTiiUSd2Zngjc7OhAOfZaCuMNjN2hG_DJp9x1I9uXBBEwQHRf7JVxSmilhLDxkBrmPbG1glXyRoiNiDNoOtkuLnF7LC3fBhHzI/s1600/image01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFncYVIaIcWYOc1aK1sqgKajNkz1tCbhxyXvhuIYUdoxQTiiUSd2Zngjc7OhAOfZaCuMNjN2hG_DJp9x1I9uXBBEwQHRf7JVxSmilhLDxkBrmPbG1glXyRoiNiDNoOtkuLnF7LC3fBhHzI/s640/image01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If the name of this dish doesn't immediately send you into the kitchen, trust me that </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the taste will. Let's start gathering our ingredients. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(Makes 4 servings)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cups of vegetable stock, and 2 cups of chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 tbsp of olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 tbsp of butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 small onion, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6-8 sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 cups of risotto rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8 oz of fresh asparagus, cooked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">freshly grated Parmesan cheese</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Finely chop the onion, and slice the sun-dried tomato and set aside</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and simmer over low </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">heat while you cook the risotto</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet. Stir in the onion and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">for about 5 minutes, until the onion is golden brown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4. Reduce the heat and add the risotto. Mix to coat the grains in the oil and butter </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">mixture. Cook, stirring continuously until the rice is translucent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5. Gradually add the hot stock with a ladle, stirring between each pour so the rice </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">absorbs. Increase the heat to medium so that the liquid simmers. Add the salt and </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">pepper. Cook for 25-30 minutes (most importantly, until the risotto is tender, the </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">liquid is mostly absorbed but creamy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6. While the risotto is cooking, cut your cooked asparagus spears into one inch pieces </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and slice. Fold into the risotto in the last 5 minutes of cooking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">7. Sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and stir</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8. Divide into warm serving bowls, and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I hope you all love this dish as much as we do. I was pretty happy when my husband </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">finished his last bite and said "I really want to eat the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!" - </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yes! Winner Winner! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for spending some time with <a href="http://wonderfulathome.blogspot.co.nz/">Wonderful at Home</a> today. I hope you will </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">stop over and see me more often!</span>thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-47719134255849231542013-08-28T15:02:00.000+12:002013-08-28T15:02:58.524+12:00Cinnamon Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">CINNAMON ROLLS<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic90UGu0XmigJP6CSt-d664zhHy78UmggvfvsDT46EhTFKdjaS4ZANmhiYz9TlPOPaVufnUPYlpV018pyGIBUNZyhyphenhyphen1ipEY5xnYWOCRdenEOm-_baPk_OJbtHPfP_VzSHYllt3N0YGekLS/s640/462.JPG" width="640" /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dough:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3/4 C milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 1/4 C flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 1/2 tsp yeast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C white sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 C water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 egg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 C brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Filling:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 Tbsp cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 C butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 C raisins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Vanilla Glaze:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">115g icing sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 Tbsp warm water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp vanilla essence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in butter; stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">2. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. Add water, egg and the milk mixture; mix well. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 17px;">When the dough has just pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 17px;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">4. Mix together butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIgwAZlMM1vYKFAqF9Ue8WN3Ovg1l_SUUKackDyM3aUpfoC30aikBHaGI-zN0CWTAOfkXjFRTmjXZJ6FtmMpwbC5-94nZsadfBON3VLSq2W8i5geVKwp8ez-YNiM7oOPq1hoBkslXOj5S/s1600/435+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIgwAZlMM1vYKFAqF9Ue8WN3Ovg1l_SUUKackDyM3aUpfoC30aikBHaGI-zN0CWTAOfkXjFRTmjXZJ6FtmMpwbC5-94nZsadfBON3VLSq2W8i5geVKwp8ez-YNiM7oOPq1hoBkslXOj5S/s640/435+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 23 x 30 cm. <img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb3l0ypzr5LjsYWW3Wr3OoY-Xk7avDokori91lldKhI62bQq8ehCP34xyV8bMAXxBl20cWRDCk2hW7VKN944F9h1lTOAiXmQ1ZXvFx5FIkdmu4cAZDfYA1sXR5Raub6ul2b5Pr8Yv5QOG/s640/451.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6. Spread with the raisin mixture.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwZ8FqajGZ1AhdQzQBea1phtz91wBHaR1zPTVpaR6ekoQHzUD2XZvHS-2rjFZ5AcID00ggs9f3bthvJ995En6Y2_Uq5RYBZLXB7FICryNFViHf8IGnGfiHRZmHQ5l2AMSSe9_7zkOcwof/s1600/454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwZ8FqajGZ1AhdQzQBea1phtz91wBHaR1zPTVpaR6ekoQHzUD2XZvHS-2rjFZ5AcID00ggs9f3bthvJ995En6Y2_Uq5RYBZLXB7FICryNFViHf8IGnGfiHRZmHQ5l2AMSSe9_7zkOcwof/s640/454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO_KeJSJtaNVFAppBJ2P2nDIIXpFa9i8enWrWaejfqXafOYQEX4gE__0KeDodDhn3xgBg5e-ZV1WGrqF3MCVrWidlL8pGf_tC3eeQWGOmPqdQNy1dezNe5OHuIf4DecLwFMmsy8IS1qRk/s1600/435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Roll up tightly from the longest side. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. <img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYRzkst7QFpgxgTmR_Rrf3Ar8STW3t_56N9-zbl7WZ2Cy_oVHcn9X4mVXjsInMoNlSLFS18Z3yXsSf6NjZuMDNWNGKOBfMuwTkdGURaCo4r5xdSHFKlG1daAIN5ngZQu3VRvKF8umXrfm/s640/457.JPG" width="640" /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPK69kC8ObucDkLQeI-DHwMqgfenM1zZr_D8_vSDFpG943OmaxpAhv9jANGNZ7sR9o4pQacSjPQpjb2OpPiAOIh9nFCYvYuqJlgQe2pJMgvqFzzJFBzBGWACrlLK2o6tNrNhyphenhyphenG8HqwF6-/s1600/466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. Place the rolls on an oven tray, cover with oiled clingfilm and set aside in a warm place for about one hour, until doubled in size. </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3HoJO52GObCyYTcQ1JAe5Ig1G7fPZw3b63lOsFw18zuw9mwuOhGTXjzgcGU9OJz4xHcsgILCQFpvfTHk5eIIhjtz07XD-B1-FCmbqcNrm_LwXOkPPkXg66UaF92V9y8fTVm8lHmUnob/s1600/461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3HoJO52GObCyYTcQ1JAe5Ig1G7fPZw3b63lOsFw18zuw9mwuOhGTXjzgcGU9OJz4xHcsgILCQFpvfTHk5eIIhjtz07XD-B1-FCmbqcNrm_LwXOkPPkXg66UaF92V9y8fTVm8lHmUnob/s640/461.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. Bake at 200 degrees celcius for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. Make the vanilla glaze by mixing the ingredients together. Drizzle glaze over the buns once they have cooled slightly. </span><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPK69kC8ObucDkLQeI-DHwMqgfenM1zZr_D8_vSDFpG943OmaxpAhv9jANGNZ7sR9o4pQacSjPQpjb2OpPiAOIh9nFCYvYuqJlgQe2pJMgvqFzzJFBzBGWACrlLK2o6tNrNhyphenhyphenG8HqwF6-/s640/466.JPG" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" width="640" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPslu01QXWc7oRft2r-OiIDkBU65Le5UpxrucktAW5DfvwFoVbW5dQ9KnfBb_bqMTA-d9U8TqunST5uuUgEaU9snDha_SSM2EU13mM0VvWkhqsNkEtAVUHj0g6WEUBfsA9ZAbGy5b5m0u/s1600/467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPslu01QXWc7oRft2r-OiIDkBU65Le5UpxrucktAW5DfvwFoVbW5dQ9KnfBb_bqMTA-d9U8TqunST5uuUgEaU9snDha_SSM2EU13mM0VvWkhqsNkEtAVUHj0g6WEUBfsA9ZAbGy5b5m0u/s640/467.JPG" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Enjoy the cinnamon rolls warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Best eaten fresh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span><br />
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<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-30231548387621978802013-08-26T21:23:00.000+12:002013-08-28T19:39:59.356+12:00Winter<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">EIGHT REASONS WHY A NEW ZEALAND WINTER IS THE BEST:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1. Some days I can enjoy my morning coffee on the back porch looking out onto this beautiful blue sky, and I can pretend its summer</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARGs8u3Wlt9jpp9eH7-p1OScyowDOB3j5CvEuWwPeLF08Yq8AFGeWWRWjeXutYkIxmYs804r02r7sP3JtBBX826VGYWNXIQxFA_iAGmSgYUNq3GoyRLd8mM_v6PRAw8Kgx9tzi-kp9DXU/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARGs8u3Wlt9jpp9eH7-p1OScyowDOB3j5CvEuWwPeLF08Yq8AFGeWWRWjeXutYkIxmYs804r02r7sP3JtBBX826VGYWNXIQxFA_iAGmSgYUNq3GoyRLd8mM_v6PRAw8Kgx9tzi-kp9DXU/s640/095.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. The odd cold and windy rainy day gives us an excuse for this:</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNyO8MHBQcR_OI1mPIm0lxpY_Nfhi9mm94OJ-yHDOsJ6zyy8ZbE10Czv1O4UFKAABoCvah1AdjAf9Og-27J0UsfomyN4bwZv2ATj35dmvB36HPhzyVS2vEMG-jfifCbC4OL9GhvoGCXvg/s640/069.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Tamarillo pie, poached tamarillos in red wine sauce, tamarillos on my porridge...</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rAK7gQfQ0hx0Cf63mXJT1IK4Yz3t2KoFgPve08OQxuPD2J60SZc3r219vAHtCn5TtI5nR0ETVmz4pidKeseYD1DDW9YTTa0RKiLR3CRm2XvTGiYNGUE5dyByj-Vr1voYIoErwG1rdKBw/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rAK7gQfQ0hx0Cf63mXJT1IK4Yz3t2KoFgPve08OQxuPD2J60SZc3r219vAHtCn5TtI5nR0ETVmz4pidKeseYD1DDW9YTTa0RKiLR3CRm2XvTGiYNGUE5dyByj-Vr1voYIoErwG1rdKBw/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. The beaches are empty</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6WrCX-hUdmB_neocilTQCShnssC6KdE4tfTGn5QOv_5UpqDfWYmhyx5iGE8mzBvIP31yTTQmJFPYT1zQqjdLjZiSzTWG9EThTgkNrNVRhi12DaERGBmRwKPYMgUe9JSZSHSwKCTRXoJu/s640/131.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Smudge stays inside more, which means more cuddle time</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpd4zjDaGD8ZGuar-vBLSIWsVQ7VzwRaQoT7aW_t9DzKFandpmdxtFDH_TCqDaX-ItmR-msGk7RpIkkOOcCCN0zSSMqpAnZf1LMIDtm0tiG76-mr_HrS3CSs6QRYNohG-YlOZtCHfSCu2/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpd4zjDaGD8ZGuar-vBLSIWsVQ7VzwRaQoT7aW_t9DzKFandpmdxtFDH_TCqDaX-ItmR-msGk7RpIkkOOcCCN0zSSMqpAnZf1LMIDtm0tiG76-mr_HrS3CSs6QRYNohG-YlOZtCHfSCu2/s640/134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. I get to sleep in while the hubby makes breakfast</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3thJAE2Oe1gAZDxyYjTYqoAYTtdBhyphenhyphensxreWD-3ihVL-DpH3VpHhd3mCFAEX3fd7RlT7qalDHGMEVgBZEX2mR3sv_xN132bnWkcWbPyMItzHdGn5PsIhsbgDjWMTw8jEgNKZ6dB_7AYW2/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3thJAE2Oe1gAZDxyYjTYqoAYTtdBhyphenhyphensxreWD-3ihVL-DpH3VpHhd3mCFAEX3fd7RlT7qalDHGMEVgBZEX2mR3sv_xN132bnWkcWbPyMItzHdGn5PsIhsbgDjWMTw8jEgNKZ6dB_7AYW2/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Then the next day I let hubby sleep in while I make him breakfast</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE_zBpqFfjCRzVYXAKggWC7LxG8Y7ohemkKd8PP8Chc50LYbimUv1xQHZIYwb6WEiSzeK0DbS3CFpV1k_dq43Qva7rQXWRRlXSfC51z2x1zsMbVXOhgEsPFduLKcOcTLR9KKFiGnYacGb/s640/089.JPG" width="640" /><span style="text-align: left;">8. One last reason a New Zealand winter rocks? Because it gives me a reason to look forward to summer, bare feet and floral dresses!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What do you love about winter? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-51139042018994214302013-08-22T22:56:00.000+12:002013-08-22T22:56:55.339+12:00South Island: Farewell Spit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PcEfG-Dn3FK6GwMTbW7vE5v0E1Zn8dECvNHQjor5g-Gz76JQ-HUr5yuGG4KFg6S-cn1_mNypTgr-GhksoilAHE7e7o6PzZ1NLQFl09SSWPpt1oScBUr4mYWx28rVHtcaXsLZQ4_n3SIj/s1600/295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PcEfG-Dn3FK6GwMTbW7vE5v0E1Zn8dECvNHQjor5g-Gz76JQ-HUr5yuGG4KFg6S-cn1_mNypTgr-GhksoilAHE7e7o6PzZ1NLQFl09SSWPpt1oScBUr4mYWx28rVHtcaXsLZQ4_n3SIj/s640/295.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwhs8xXU5QK3kJ6UxYodnHMP6TgrGNeYnnI2znqapk5iABjuu_6oSsTUH7OnhtCBDzBhqF-i5vycjnsuEIWHXIrpJifrkGInMKtdyMKfgNyHtl1U1PNZt6tbZchGdE_hurxKH-EyC1TLT/s1600/296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPQrJoQFfQJwkr32KRpcr4SOhW1qbC2Bjez1ASVHjE8PUDtgmotb8-zpxcrEIs3lXMm5JKNU5burx9uKFMrJHGXhKAIWXX7StsgbT0k3VjpaPbfNZcE8l4Owf-OdcsohY5D_G7BIdLXQl/s1600/150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPQrJoQFfQJwkr32KRpcr4SOhW1qbC2Bjez1ASVHjE8PUDtgmotb8-zpxcrEIs3lXMm5JKNU5burx9uKFMrJHGXhKAIWXX7StsgbT0k3VjpaPbfNZcE8l4Owf-OdcsohY5D_G7BIdLXQl/s640/150.JPG" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwhs8xXU5QK3kJ6UxYodnHMP6TgrGNeYnnI2znqapk5iABjuu_6oSsTUH7OnhtCBDzBhqF-i5vycjnsuEIWHXIrpJifrkGInMKtdyMKfgNyHtl1U1PNZt6tbZchGdE_hurxKH-EyC1TLT/s640/296.JPG" width="640" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUtKLFhY7jRtz_V4AXk_BgLP9CdI8Fccd5kQV3QtxvEqfy1xnQrhryiRiE9oVTN5P0t5hh6CAYscAkT5tax6nJ9IdSj6TjWH_abB36Mr99NKbiVnPzcmp7RnBSB4aJ5Y8L4-_Ir6wsYxo/s1600/299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUtKLFhY7jRtz_V4AXk_BgLP9CdI8Fccd5kQV3QtxvEqfy1xnQrhryiRiE9oVTN5P0t5hh6CAYscAkT5tax6nJ9IdSj6TjWH_abB36Mr99NKbiVnPzcmp7RnBSB4aJ5Y8L4-_Ir6wsYxo/s640/299.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfeLW7zSMI44uRwTimNL2FBlTYt5PTkAJrGkKXtE4_6vlVjgSC93osP3GD10CIfstvn4bn7jGRAx7ebQ_iPDgLCnfON3lupFXGqWg_ldTkwYlPmMN7w91O8bL83Fe5X2e-hrR80OfkkKI/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfeLW7zSMI44uRwTimNL2FBlTYt5PTkAJrGkKXtE4_6vlVjgSC93osP3GD10CIfstvn4bn7jGRAx7ebQ_iPDgLCnfON3lupFXGqWg_ldTkwYlPmMN7w91O8bL83Fe5X2e-hrR80OfkkKI/s640/088.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE02VFH51D5mPEU6khu4-rZ_2IOYEz0VTWaXp9bPoIkbTKEdENI-rgbuEVD7zkOgF_fW_TKkv27ZIs6sZ-rOXV7K9pdJJvPw2AhXf2csYCqvZIhE_FcUblUve7m-WaBFmmSlcaF8Nmh-w/s1600/182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE02VFH51D5mPEU6khu4-rZ_2IOYEz0VTWaXp9bPoIkbTKEdENI-rgbuEVD7zkOgF_fW_TKkv27ZIs6sZ-rOXV7K9pdJJvPw2AhXf2csYCqvZIhE_FcUblUve7m-WaBFmmSlcaF8Nmh-w/s640/182.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2_iEy5_I1u7UpM9XzlCRaqpoQV1E2DK_RSWCZM1P4Nw9fGpzCtNU8y4O-69Ulvc3v8OKHUBUS35CxxMUJZw5Z0QPPl8biuGV_tUxaaMODbzjoc8ItvxdsCUrr143hNIJxgv-3ofw8grM/s1600/303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2_iEy5_I1u7UpM9XzlCRaqpoQV1E2DK_RSWCZM1P4Nw9fGpzCtNU8y4O-69Ulvc3v8OKHUBUS35CxxMUJZw5Z0QPPl8biuGV_tUxaaMODbzjoc8ItvxdsCUrr143hNIJxgv-3ofw8grM/s640/303.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwtpyolUPwH0u6Vuvqjaja8G-kT9F4cc5PGnTGPiV3eee9JRe7m7XGON0QoQL3pvUz1ImyvAKIngFGpdIIx_eeYsQxBHhwTnBcK1LqPFcXt2UkQSPRvu2KwCOwyYQpNfWtaOABvVNDUZ6/s1600/283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwtpyolUPwH0u6Vuvqjaja8G-kT9F4cc5PGnTGPiV3eee9JRe7m7XGON0QoQL3pvUz1ImyvAKIngFGpdIIx_eeYsQxBHhwTnBcK1LqPFcXt2UkQSPRvu2KwCOwyYQpNfWtaOABvVNDUZ6/s640/283.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyh8kvw2j3RVWSC6uI__zMe_nP_TOyycW98_ZxpWrrQ1gLIKmAPSvvGtlynP3_9L2Kxnm8ArTP7LQzxyoO7NAGQbEm9_LUQ8R0gxNY9CiCeabDf5ZSct6DUHIPnLBF0_fE6hedRGSOgww/s1600/201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyh8kvw2j3RVWSC6uI__zMe_nP_TOyycW98_ZxpWrrQ1gLIKmAPSvvGtlynP3_9L2Kxnm8ArTP7LQzxyoO7NAGQbEm9_LUQ8R0gxNY9CiCeabDf5ZSct6DUHIPnLBF0_fE6hedRGSOgww/s640/201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These photos were all taken at the top of the South Island around a secluded little beach front town called Puponga, which is nestled in at the start of the Farewell Spit. The rock formation you see in Cape Farewell. </span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Staying here was probably one of the highlights of our South Island trip. People rush up here on tourist buses to drive along the Farewell Spit, but they miss out on this beautiful little beach. That's probably a good thing, because it is so peaceful and secluded, and if the tourists knew how beautiful this place is it wouldn't be the same. </span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></span></div>
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thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344885860860624776.post-29776079198195439862013-08-18T22:39:00.000+12:002013-08-18T22:39:04.879+12:00Stuff I Luff #12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YBTuaGrLwIBjWrU6LgS0iYZlUdX63Lk9W9E7EF98CvVBTcR6ar5tlwAgQDuq491QkpFSYmyhCeoiShDp3jZYsZ4VPW6jiFwnX65Pfsj7DVw0I7E2BfsCeQa3mKjZiPy_UpnkvmLXcCo0/s1600/Stuff+I+Luff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YBTuaGrLwIBjWrU6LgS0iYZlUdX63Lk9W9E7EF98CvVBTcR6ar5tlwAgQDuq491QkpFSYmyhCeoiShDp3jZYsZ4VPW6jiFwnX65Pfsj7DVw0I7E2BfsCeQa3mKjZiPy_UpnkvmLXcCo0/s640/Stuff+I+Luff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These </span><a href="http://tazandbear.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/blueberry-fig-healthy-flapjacks.html" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">healthy flapjacks</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> by </span><a href="http://tazandbear.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Taz and Bear</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> look so good!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHyrBPTpp64pcY0PYLPxg55k9aNzguTiwueAcw53dx5g-DZIfJ-j7-aiL1DnCaa_4G6LtIh7exXbDcrubpIrRQaLtUGAHLdyLFoOdRkz0FlhnWFODUDze_CtvtTNQw-XaJorYoBNmoic2/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHyrBPTpp64pcY0PYLPxg55k9aNzguTiwueAcw53dx5g-DZIfJ-j7-aiL1DnCaa_4G6LtIh7exXbDcrubpIrRQaLtUGAHLdyLFoOdRkz0FlhnWFODUDze_CtvtTNQw-XaJorYoBNmoic2/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How cool are these tissue pompoms featured on <a href="http://www.throughtheeyesofthemrs.com/2013/08/how-to-make-tissue-pompoms.html">Through the Eyes of the Mrs</a>?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMmlf7faSoCnBPBvK8bZy9NYnmdlvgXnHkxocDzd5uygOBJbWSS2nUQYgE_OvM6vGfe7g6L013t4Hok1hzv28QxCZyDv0T3S6VhoPbDhvfIGi-TFH7rBUlyRAz57g8v4I7Pfnko8KTQ25/s1600/pompoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMmlf7faSoCnBPBvK8bZy9NYnmdlvgXnHkxocDzd5uygOBJbWSS2nUQYgE_OvM6vGfe7g6L013t4Hok1hzv28QxCZyDv0T3S6VhoPbDhvfIGi-TFH7rBUlyRAz57g8v4I7Pfnko8KTQ25/s640/pompoms.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love this cute <a href="http://ignitelight.tumblr.com/post/5481550760">entranceway</a>:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0jf2qqJpDO5pKAApEQiNBRTjt2tQa9-sZg6paF2WFoOZ_VV4x_7rBVsBJWozqxHAvfABfD0_ncb5zG38kWKwnquDm_879mIqx7ByGeIOQzJqXTMUKfz0zRhRtj7vIVrfCTO8oZfgrE6h/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0jf2qqJpDO5pKAApEQiNBRTjt2tQa9-sZg6paF2WFoOZ_VV4x_7rBVsBJWozqxHAvfABfD0_ncb5zG38kWKwnquDm_879mIqx7ByGeIOQzJqXTMUKfz0zRhRtj7vIVrfCTO8oZfgrE6h/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Must try this DIY fabric softener by </span><a href="http://blytheponytailparades.typepad.com/my-blog/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Blythe Ponytail Parades</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0EF7abeHim2YbzUPAIsDyH3wH4mEcnkz7jUpLQHQRXIl-UwXBk5ikqbOJIe5rIJvKACizATuySC3Mu7rsUwSVH5k0Sj-_JvwFy5Z3Lm-qfZgrXduXmgRUN3sg9bdcmVaSlLn4XEendVl/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0EF7abeHim2YbzUPAIsDyH3wH4mEcnkz7jUpLQHQRXIl-UwXBk5ikqbOJIe5rIJvKACizATuySC3Mu7rsUwSVH5k0Sj-_JvwFy5Z3Lm-qfZgrXduXmgRUN3sg9bdcmVaSlLn4XEendVl/s640/3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Cool <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1441967951&group=0&frame_type=fb&blog=7650589&link=aHR0cDovL2hvbWVzaWNrLm51LzIwMTMvMDgvb3VyLWNvbmNyZXRlLWRpeS1wcm9qZWN0Lw&frame=1&click=0&user=0">concrete tealight</a> DIY by <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1441967951&group=0&frame_type=fb&blog=7650589&link=aHR0cDovL2hvbWVzaWNrLm51LzIwMTMvMDgvb3VyLWNvbmNyZXRlLWRpeS1wcm9qZWN0Lw&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Homesick</a>:</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh90pFKsqw7qjP2lcdwoP8a2dZ4KXHEnKcLY4H2m3GtRqKnJnPLC7ygBAHoTCtGjI6hXEJehcayBECEXUPp0BrRcrglAqSDkrl9EHQ4pTJGqGBYR0tk2d9BAtwiD7bbrqaKmLDM-L5y8Q/s1600/bet2_zpse37b7e71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh90pFKsqw7qjP2lcdwoP8a2dZ4KXHEnKcLY4H2m3GtRqKnJnPLC7ygBAHoTCtGjI6hXEJehcayBECEXUPp0BrRcrglAqSDkrl9EHQ4pTJGqGBYR0tk2d9BAtwiD7bbrqaKmLDM-L5y8Q/s640/bet2_zpse37b7e71.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Loving the gorgeous and whimsical photography by Kiana of <a href="http://www.finchandfawn.com/">Finch and Fawn</a>. You must check out her blog!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkRQmEUTGCatA9Dg-MfWB3-1EyaJf_cSQ6i-ityb2Ks42p6ROUm-wdzEMBsWDD8Ef-Pa5BYuCFZ1iLcLlTcCH5c0Iuo739qpUFtnY41m9EQqGgvzFXWo5Nap1eJYiAzUE9Cb2Scm9uTvc/s1600/finch_and_fawn-big_sur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkRQmEUTGCatA9Dg-MfWB3-1EyaJf_cSQ6i-ityb2Ks42p6ROUm-wdzEMBsWDD8Ef-Pa5BYuCFZ1iLcLlTcCH5c0Iuo739qpUFtnY41m9EQqGgvzFXWo5Nap1eJYiAzUE9Cb2Scm9uTvc/s1600/finch_and_fawn-big_sur.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What has caught your eye around the interweb lately?? Leave me a link below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">X</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Molly</span></div>
<br />thecottagediarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807699635813121800noreply@blogger.com1