tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250662837234898052024-03-05T22:51:18.506-08:00vitae essentiaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-81137624373005777592016-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:002016-03-17T06:00:19.419-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YKJGtFmnMOU0Ncfeh7yjsXp4aC58aPmVzM6ykjYfMODG23iA-QNgRO6CVO81cOAQvm3w7RzqmHlODFTZsbNNFj1QubeHnPS-HoVuh0SI26nOEOTo67uebIu4pYKYAEsHCx0UZmvi0xI/s1600/St+Pattys+Day+imageSMall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YKJGtFmnMOU0Ncfeh7yjsXp4aC58aPmVzM6ykjYfMODG23iA-QNgRO6CVO81cOAQvm3w7RzqmHlODFTZsbNNFj1QubeHnPS-HoVuh0SI26nOEOTo67uebIu4pYKYAEsHCx0UZmvi0xI/s400/St+Pattys+Day+imageSMall.png" height="279" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-73721714259364969332015-09-28T06:11:00.001-07:002015-10-07T19:32:53.499-07:00Florence Day 3<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We woke up very early this morning and made a quick breakfast so that we could bring our bags to our new hotel for the night, and still be at the Academia before the huge crowds arrive. Our new hotel, the Florence Dome Hotel, is up many, many steps. The room would turn out to be small and the bathroom smelled of moldy cucumber. It was not the best. However, the breakfast was great and the people working at the hotel were extremely nice and accommodating. It is also located just about a block away from the Accademia gallery. We arrived at the gallery just in time, cause the lines kept growing longer and longer as we waited. We did not have to wait long and were quickly let into the gallery. The show-stopper in this gallery is Michelangelo's David statue. It was certainly more impressive that I expected. The details were exquisite. You could even see the veins in his arms.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuibXRWCIziHaQuoU8tAn-LyuHWlYnMB_PBc3588NO4lSimV1d-_YM_IE4j6AHA08loJa2_7LiBTBAsByobJ31C5ZTmN3GbKM3HaBCH5FXniVtthe44Io_JUOXXx4Vj5DCtYEs6ZU0Bdk/s640/blogger-image-1836425847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuibXRWCIziHaQuoU8tAn-LyuHWlYnMB_PBc3588NO4lSimV1d-_YM_IE4j6AHA08loJa2_7LiBTBAsByobJ31C5ZTmN3GbKM3HaBCH5FXniVtthe44Io_JUOXXx4Vj5DCtYEs6ZU0Bdk/s640/blogger-image-1836425847.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We then went to the other not-to-be-missed art gallery, the Uffizi. This museum is loaded with Renaissance paints and statues. The museum contains art by some of the most famous renassance artist, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rapheal, Botacceli, etc.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOTL2pmP37HhukAgGNaWjSsdabzeRGZ4a7yLfq2IyMvqSdKnentAjNJh0XMMbBMw1O7SsPHet_L0kKeW3rDcM_4LExuLs3A0Nbr0EmBeULnfmxGsV6qKMrvwjtiIlqqmpa5YajvWxdRQa/s640/blogger-image-1327989429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOTL2pmP37HhukAgGNaWjSsdabzeRGZ4a7yLfq2IyMvqSdKnentAjNJh0XMMbBMw1O7SsPHet_L0kKeW3rDcM_4LExuLs3A0Nbr0EmBeULnfmxGsV6qKMrvwjtiIlqqmpa5YajvWxdRQa/s640/blogger-image-1327989429.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had lunch near the Uffizi and just outside of the Galileo museum. Lunch was just some sandwiches, but it was pretty good and the sitting was AWESOME! It was so needed as our feet and backs were again in throbbing pain from standing and walking so much. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since we were right next to the </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Galileo museum, we decided to check it out next. This turned out to be one of my favorite museums of the trip. It was filled with the Medici collection of scientific tools such as old thermometers, telescopes, scales, astrolabes, sextants, globes, different types and the evolution of gears (Dylan says I should be calling these escapements-the set of gears that keep time), etc. It was really interesting and impressive to see the creativity of the people who developed these devices. The engineers also seemed to be artists, making their tools not only useful, but also beautiful. They were often made of bronze or beautifully stained wood. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66kzZFcmqkhRPfkn-kFkLEOBuvHJUVvbwxzHowk-CuuiZcZBtN4bn_1f3IMKWVSYMiRxPfOjUGaFdhmvAtSPkGa9nfs7FHrdP5Ihkx5i0KLSOR5-UUDYyria3-tB0BPStr5y4AmnD4SH/s640/blogger-image--1548698579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66kzZFcmqkhRPfkn-kFkLEOBuvHJUVvbwxzHowk-CuuiZcZBtN4bn_1f3IMKWVSYMiRxPfOjUGaFdhmvAtSPkGa9nfs7FHrdP5Ihkx5i0KLSOR5-UUDYyria3-tB0BPStr5y4AmnD4SH/s640/blogger-image--1548698579.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the Galileo museum, we went across the Vecchino bridge and wandered over to the Pitti Palazzo. This was the home of the di Medici family once it was decided that Palazzo Vecchino did not have enough nice green space. To avoid walking among the common people in the streets, the Medici's had a raised walkway build between Palazzo Vecchino and Pitti Palace. It ran over the top of the shops on the Vecchino bridge. This is not a particularly short distance between these two palaces, but I guess if you have the money, why not build it. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO_LHmKBSG0uFEONfoJGtWeJUKab651xaBatL6ixaNtcQ_NTbWbk-YjkWviff1LWjma90D4RZVZ60TmpQGBTbGpaNUu5SYH1Kg8H1fBzvIosv46-jlv446jFPWgo2kje6NEn2iheEqH17/s640/blogger-image--1570451702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO_LHmKBSG0uFEONfoJGtWeJUKab651xaBatL6ixaNtcQ_NTbWbk-YjkWviff1LWjma90D4RZVZ60TmpQGBTbGpaNUu5SYH1Kg8H1fBzvIosv46-jlv446jFPWgo2kje6NEn2iheEqH17/s640/blogger-image--1570451702.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyways, Pitti palace was grand and beutifully decorated. The palace is made up of a number of museums and was a bit confusing on what was the best route to take through the palace. So we first wandered out into the Boboli gardens to the Porcelain museum. Then we went back to the palace and walk through the costume museum, which was filled with early 20th century clothing. There were some spectacular dresses. Then we moved on to the Palantine gallery and a few of the other museums before we were completely broken from tiredness. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5O87DKDuAGpJh6yex9EYsUhgE74mXL9LRiZluPjS5BoyaVMAbI11kwk4hFuLuM1-RPlJsLZi-WShfCrkhFkRhLDOKfqJ7KrM7o9u3hn4JLMVK3qRla7eHwOccOuB_rk3tm-S7IPDTDC3/s640/blogger-image-1846280421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5O87DKDuAGpJh6yex9EYsUhgE74mXL9LRiZluPjS5BoyaVMAbI11kwk4hFuLuM1-RPlJsLZi-WShfCrkhFkRhLDOKfqJ7KrM7o9u3hn4JLMVK3qRla7eHwOccOuB_rk3tm-S7IPDTDC3/s640/blogger-image-1846280421.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We just stayed on the other side of the river and did some people watching in the plazas. We found a really good looking bakery and had some deserts while sitting on a wall overlooking a piazza and listened to music. When 6pm rolled around, we went to Archea brewery, a local microbrew company and bar. I had a great milk stout and Dylan had a double bock. We m</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">et a couple from New Zealand and another couple on their honeymoon from Long Island. Had a lot of fun chatting with them and the bar owner/brewer.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once we were feeling good again, we went to dinner at a trattoria recommended by the brewery owner down a narrow alley. It probably would have been impossible to just stumble upon. We had some really good food here.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So after a wine at lunch, 1.5 beers with 7.8% alcohol, and another wine at dinner, I stumbled home. On the plus side, all that alcohol made my italian suddenly become good! Funny that.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-38802867474502870772015-09-28T05:37:00.001-07:002015-10-05T10:06:28.681-07:00Florence Day 2<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since breakfast in Italy is little more than a crossant and cappuccino, we made a small breakfast of an egg, bread, yogurt, and coffee. We were resourceful and took the butter packs and jam from our Venice hotel and used them for breakfast. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The first stop on our self-made tour today was to stop at the Medici chapels. This is the building that the Medici family used as a church and crypt. The Medici family started as wealthy merchants and eventually built up so much power from their wealth that they became the defacto ruling family of Venice. They also had two family members that were elected (or maybe bought) Pope. You may also have heard of Catherine di Medici who married King Henry II of France and was the mother to a number of French Kings (mostly because all but one of her children were sickly and weak and did not live long lives). She has a reputation that may not be fully deserved as being a conniving and manipulating person who would poison people to get her way. The chapel had the crowns of the Medici family and other relics and paintings of them. The bottom floor was the final resting place for a number of the Medici and the chapel above was spectacularly decorated. Part of the chapel was designed by Michelangelo. The Medici family was a big patron of the arts and one could say that they helped to bring about the Rennassance era by commissioning many of the most famous buildings, statues, and paintings of that time period.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa-qazmDzenywAoCYaZ4BM0iMSvAhVB0diGv1kmQCoom05nzbXtmUjfcuy3Z5V0WEvkQh-qnXFPJVtwaLUSbv1r7BSyk1ypFUPqRQycwfvGrc9spG6qu9n6Ut7dezGJ2iGmwj24qaM88V/s640/blogger-image-1876574902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa-qazmDzenywAoCYaZ4BM0iMSvAhVB0diGv1kmQCoom05nzbXtmUjfcuy3Z5V0WEvkQh-qnXFPJVtwaLUSbv1r7BSyk1ypFUPqRQycwfvGrc9spG6qu9n6Ut7dezGJ2iGmwj24qaM88V/s640/blogger-image-1876574902.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The main chapel is covered in marble slabs all the way up the walls, which reach 59 meters tall. The pictures are done with inlayed semi-precious stones and could be summed up as just awe-striking and opulent.</span></div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOTFq0R1xK89c_tta4XUFRiVBNg8Eyy8WxNmMswGBwU9m_aKYItBabbWWbr9IYrfyWYxdYZsGnWY11CQ0soGvV2hzAAoLnQabcAR9DRvRxxp3xIdGi43mzTPYhWzXuASyjeRfFArZNKyH/s640/blogger-image-923557010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOTFq0R1xK89c_tta4XUFRiVBNg8Eyy8WxNmMswGBwU9m_aKYItBabbWWbr9IYrfyWYxdYZsGnWY11CQ0soGvV2hzAAoLnQabcAR9DRvRxxp3xIdGi43mzTPYhWzXuASyjeRfFArZNKyH/s640/blogger-image-923557010.jpg"></a></font></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After this, we went to the Galleria Accademia, but since it was already late morning, the lines were way too long. So we decided to walk to the Duomo and check that out. Our first stop was the baptistry, which had really short lines because it opened only a few minates after we arrived in the line. This was good timing for us since the lines at all the major sites in Florence can be exceedingly long. The baptestry was a circular shaped building set just in front of the Duomo. The inside was beautiful, with mosaics all over the ceiling. The mosaics looked like paintings as the tiles were so small. The roof sparkled with all the gold tiles and looked again very opulent. This seems to be a theme for Florence.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOYjMMixyy6gKcCe0_K91gWdLTJ9EAKoRXao5tPGGbhQoxEBWiBzBsYKlv3Ig0cwCw1W2tp13SR_GQZIATjBCuD_DiKLh3ZdenldEh4ML4mqm9iTBEm7fvWseVxZm97q5POgJENCSRRZX/s640/blogger-image--344647947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOYjMMixyy6gKcCe0_K91gWdLTJ9EAKoRXao5tPGGbhQoxEBWiBzBsYKlv3Ig0cwCw1W2tp13SR_GQZIATjBCuD_DiKLh3ZdenldEh4ML4mqm9iTBEm7fvWseVxZm97q5POgJENCSRRZX/s640/blogger-image--344647947.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi605LaqDTlEOPRRA4f9CquKYBsOVY_mWohv5oDalD1nj61pTJq1iah8xJVAdv5L2IUrbuupb98ownqrP79VpSENxn9x3j8V_HPKi_hoQ7jeO1Aku6WABu2GydA8nuUjYxO8LT3KOqvOcVZ/s640/blogger-image-1093991069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi605LaqDTlEOPRRA4f9CquKYBsOVY_mWohv5oDalD1nj61pTJq1iah8xJVAdv5L2IUrbuupb98ownqrP79VpSENxn9x3j8V_HPKi_hoQ7jeO1Aku6WABu2GydA8nuUjYxO8LT3KOqvOcVZ/s640/blogger-image-1093991069.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBUMnXv9L0gl8EFB0obZRggR1rR77ck2mXBZkRkC86loZ7H2xJ5b9KWHYuUfU3VZ300I8XKBwEYfYjrME0LEBPs243BM8izkEzEZ87ebtq2lBC9ZRko8GSNKbHytYnO-Z7-7Os449Ley/s640/blogger-image-1030031502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBUMnXv9L0gl8EFB0obZRggR1rR77ck2mXBZkRkC86loZ7H2xJ5b9KWHYuUfU3VZ300I8XKBwEYfYjrME0LEBPs243BM8izkEzEZ87ebtq2lBC9ZRko8GSNKbHytYnO-Z7-7Os449Ley/s640/blogger-image-1030031502.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then to the Duomo dome, but I must remark first on the outside of the Duomo. Wow, just wow. The details are not so fine as other cathedrals that often have a gothic style with heads and gargoles all over. Instead it was covered in mostly flat rectangular lines with the detail coming in the form of patterns made by they marble covering the walls. The effect is unique and inspiring. The lines into the Duomo were long, so we went directly to the dome entrance. We were able to cut the line with our Firenze card that we bought (a very worth wild investment if you will be in Florence for at least 3 days). The climb up was about 450 steps and had us climbing up some old, very tight, and spiraled staircases. Once we got to the base of the dome, we were let out on a ledge that circled around the base of the dome. It is not recommended if you are afraid of heights! However, the view of the inside of the dome was much better than it would be from the floor of the Duomo. Here we could really see the detail in the mosaics that covered the dome ceiling. Again, like the baptistry the dome shimmered and sparked with gold tiles. Then it was back to the small, steep staircase to go up even further. Finally, we emerged on the roof. It was raining and slippery, but the view out over Florence and Tuscany was still; beautiful. The hills in the distance all seemed to have a castle or manor house perched on top and made me long for a trip to the countryside of Italy. On this trip, we are just seeing the major cities. I suppose that means we will have to come back to see the more rural areas of the country!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uOEFd2t637fXon_fa9UjJWP9gcYAPhXgI1OptOfucVt6ZM0dVggrZ2EDJvTeq8S3bZZNC3WbPteIph3SsLSRg3Ie22D9YT95rHxJvGmaxvPyGPynOdabi3tmt12j5N5R6SiGnjET61RM/s640/blogger-image-1053465765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uOEFd2t637fXon_fa9UjJWP9gcYAPhXgI1OptOfucVt6ZM0dVggrZ2EDJvTeq8S3bZZNC3WbPteIph3SsLSRg3Ie22D9YT95rHxJvGmaxvPyGPynOdabi3tmt12j5N5R6SiGnjET61RM/s640/blogger-image-1053465765.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5_T6As57j933nt4H_AmBpRfh53qzqUlGcxCE9KDFjVP6ORA6uJuu_KFiH9n9KHkfX7Wqbtj2e6H0OUC2dGqCBLE60R15xyndVp3LfUzgDWbfygomHsHjUt_R5meDS5rF6TBAnwd3X0zd/s640/blogger-image--1918006183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5_T6As57j933nt4H_AmBpRfh53qzqUlGcxCE9KDFjVP6ORA6uJuu_KFiH9n9KHkfX7Wqbtj2e6H0OUC2dGqCBLE60R15xyndVp3LfUzgDWbfygomHsHjUt_R5meDS5rF6TBAnwd3X0zd/s640/blogger-image--1918006183.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSZLHtxBG1ik-ciZCm7q8DGj_Rt_ykSV9kYzAPHUQfyiuhIW_aRO5SfbgkFGN0iYrbKwloHgqT_pSbnvAbrj_kF58jDN6Sqdt_GU8la-QYa9hsMSgT1LKGwJFL8eYZx2-6wJduseXPzVa/s640/blogger-image--1297282554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSZLHtxBG1ik-ciZCm7q8DGj_Rt_ykSV9kYzAPHUQfyiuhIW_aRO5SfbgkFGN0iYrbKwloHgqT_pSbnvAbrj_kF58jDN6Sqdt_GU8la-QYa9hsMSgT1LKGwJFL8eYZx2-6wJduseXPzVa/s640/blogger-image--1297282554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxymgPbgj-XOT24IHwL9xILoHk6Dolg72leGwY7ltp1-SRoME4I1OywpsuNbljh_UC_gVJgX9cvcyUuAoyHCdf7_Ett7JT9bwRhHDn3IIwwzKwuAg1ZCxoshK0tih-A-WWr2gB2HwMBnu/s640/blogger-image-162577522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxymgPbgj-XOT24IHwL9xILoHk6Dolg72leGwY7ltp1-SRoME4I1OywpsuNbljh_UC_gVJgX9cvcyUuAoyHCdf7_Ett7JT9bwRhHDn3IIwwzKwuAg1ZCxoshK0tih-A-WWr2gB2HwMBnu/s640/blogger-image-162577522.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4fAxtskh-1wed9MZUoFChdmtHm2GxhC63NsPzzdTkgI4TUrmehULu4nuhkTUkPJpnwSwHZDlSAOvUHZF3xNWMMK9z9flKbRWnkHyHV2WKTUf3MYJNUSzFWjzFzK4xlKhnYjQBZ62H7_h/s640/blogger-image--1349205907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4fAxtskh-1wed9MZUoFChdmtHm2GxhC63NsPzzdTkgI4TUrmehULu4nuhkTUkPJpnwSwHZDlSAOvUHZF3xNWMMK9z9flKbRWnkHyHV2WKTUf3MYJNUSzFWjzFzK4xlKhnYjQBZ62H7_h/s640/blogger-image--1349205907.jpg"></a></div></div></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the descent, we had some </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">coffee near the duomo (though not really very good coffee) and a cupcake. We people watched for a bit and then walked down to the river to see the Vecchio bridge covered in silver and gold jewelry shops and make our way to Palazzo Vecchio for a secret passages tour we booked. The tour took us through some areas not accessable to the general public and we got to go through some of those hidden doors that are often found in old palaces and castles. It was a fun and interesting tour, but seemed a little short. It was cool to see how the roof and ceilings were held up. The ceilings are basically just hanging from the roof rafters. This is why they can have huge rooms without the large steel I-beams that we need today to hold up large ceilings. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc0ruH1MaUaNuaKgOKtkDSu5EGb_6WTrC44CbDsOWaBKjIc8l1Zg1G0KgIR7JrNORmc3-FmZ97q0XqHE-8AkEwhWkrRCgr4bjaqG0SiEhuDHQD7XACNkCAH2O874pEU2cwrfnGncMWKQv/s640/blogger-image-296217172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc0ruH1MaUaNuaKgOKtkDSu5EGb_6WTrC44CbDsOWaBKjIc8l1Zg1G0KgIR7JrNORmc3-FmZ97q0XqHE-8AkEwhWkrRCgr4bjaqG0SiEhuDHQD7XACNkCAH2O874pEU2cwrfnGncMWKQv/s640/blogger-image-296217172.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ79-7kuOoN9aLQZNDMevKAw2jzTTU9-I7I9ZHwA7E3HXSnj1IYgBMtrHb_O_VPo-yzTPFytbAYsqaMwFU9jgtkS9G4SK6AHGMiJrBxtcUYKRLenKluYtBJT9bvNXreH-UxqpBfQ4qQCF/s640/blogger-image-1958811649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ79-7kuOoN9aLQZNDMevKAw2jzTTU9-I7I9ZHwA7E3HXSnj1IYgBMtrHb_O_VPo-yzTPFytbAYsqaMwFU9jgtkS9G4SK6AHGMiJrBxtcUYKRLenKluYtBJT9bvNXreH-UxqpBfQ4qQCF/s640/blogger-image-1958811649.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we finished exploring all of Palazzo Vecchino, we went to centrale mercado and bought some fruits and veggies to make our dinner tonight. We thought we would get the fresh pasta made just next to our apartment, but the store was not open when we arrived. This ment that </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">we had to walk all to back to the duomo to get some good pasta from the shop Eatily. When we finally got back tot he apartment we </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">made dinner which consisted of salad, tortelinni, and bread. Dylan made a delicous sauce for the pasta with some tomatoes, garlic, wine, and olive oil. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-10640095304040684012015-09-23T12:23:00.000-07:002015-09-28T13:28:05.592-07:00Venice to Florence<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today we ventured out to a cool costume museum in Venice. The building itself was quite pretty with painted ceilings and other beautiful detailing. The first room had a temporary exhibit with small art pieces made from natural materials, many of which could be used to make clothing. Some of these were pretty spectacular.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDLh5G9Bhrr7itjCJ1DgzjNaKsB3BpTI6MEBr47WdmzAH15cK3xbdNf3uk9KacAp4oP0zuXDFPD93LAkH8EjNnAqoKwRnGko_yct3Mo9u1lcnpo5lCo3oev-3Nk74Q_rKPQIfY7NAaLQc/s640/blogger-image--1681991649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDLh5G9Bhrr7itjCJ1DgzjNaKsB3BpTI6MEBr47WdmzAH15cK3xbdNf3uk9KacAp4oP0zuXDFPD93LAkH8EjNnAqoKwRnGko_yct3Mo9u1lcnpo5lCo3oev-3Nk74Q_rKPQIfY7NAaLQc/s640/blogger-image--1681991649.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The clothing was awesome. The museum contained both men`s and women`s clothing. The dresses had the typical corset and large hips shape. The details on the clothing was immaculate. Think of the hours and skill that would go into these one-of-a-kind pieces and the sewing or details was likely all done by hand. There was an entire room filled with men`s vests and they all again had very fine embroided details. Just beautiful!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_SMSwOcxi_Wh1sKGqXfVMVvSr6FPBrkW4HeAjEONtuB8X4b3h4KbYPMbGPB_IpPgt9TdXc7_89To4E_9Jn-cVyepGeO_TRwtzC2cN3J21stv85gNKsre6h5zPooQ6dYz-gXy8mjWGhsf/s640/blogger-image-791327876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_SMSwOcxi_Wh1sKGqXfVMVvSr6FPBrkW4HeAjEONtuB8X4b3h4KbYPMbGPB_IpPgt9TdXc7_89To4E_9Jn-cVyepGeO_TRwtzC2cN3J21stv85gNKsre6h5zPooQ6dYz-gXy8mjWGhsf/s640/blogger-image-791327876.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpqSeYiiSJu7mKTBmdV8BzFE1yAbf0pvn6tIPMyVVzwKk2XR-hEY1apX_bGkAv_r7sCyy_y1IPig7KzwCq6iW4yzxCK7zqd3D9qK3hhAAJ1KkfiF7AlMHcpl9_5f69YIyxeXMkGkNNzI/s640/blogger-image-1808701681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpqSeYiiSJu7mKTBmdV8BzFE1yAbf0pvn6tIPMyVVzwKk2XR-hEY1apX_bGkAv_r7sCyy_y1IPig7KzwCq6iW4yzxCK7zqd3D9qK3hhAAJ1KkfiF7AlMHcpl9_5f69YIyxeXMkGkNNzI/s640/blogger-image-1808701681.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9etWDoxYZcZ7ga5Tv4f_WdVtXXA-zeRElEpMQQcq1-aPhoAVW9GsvaDwuPCMJHsFj0QJY669FS1smIcIMPKyR08eIRBS1MXWHQ69EWIQohYUBv7VTO5iGAOaANsvPKlSAE2C5RuOjhHf/s640/blogger-image--1012288277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9etWDoxYZcZ7ga5Tv4f_WdVtXXA-zeRElEpMQQcq1-aPhoAVW9GsvaDwuPCMJHsFj0QJY669FS1smIcIMPKyR08eIRBS1MXWHQ69EWIQohYUBv7VTO5iGAOaANsvPKlSAE2C5RuOjhHf/s640/blogger-image--1012288277.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
The museum also contained a section on perfume manufacture during the same time period as the clothing. I really enjoyed this part as I am starting to play around with making perfumes in my own home lab. If only my lab could look as pretty at this one! Mine is still a pretty great lab, but I just LOVE the wood. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT9bztGUdJx8GtclDlyQdJP6Y5NlcV5yzH0lhLeir2x8axSeTP2hpDuDkCBsjLOlwLchvIB6jkeBNCPKST24MTTS_g1wfNTRFqo4D5xIjCjURXYlZtKezqQ57eWch-zCAudQyL0wnBeLJ/s640/blogger-image-2014767663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT9bztGUdJx8GtclDlyQdJP6Y5NlcV5yzH0lhLeir2x8axSeTP2hpDuDkCBsjLOlwLchvIB6jkeBNCPKST24MTTS_g1wfNTRFqo4D5xIjCjURXYlZtKezqQ57eWch-zCAudQyL0wnBeLJ/s640/blogger-image-2014767663.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They must have had thousands of dollars worth of essential oils, musks, and other fragrances in the museum that you could smell. It will probably be the only time I ever get to smell real musk, Sandalwood, and rose essential oils as they are either endangered or prohibitively expensive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the museum, we stopped for a cappuccino and a quick break to rest our tired feet and backs. Then walked around the Rialto bridge and did some browsing and shopping. We bought a cool mask from La Bottega dei Mascareri, which is a tiny shop run by a pair of brothers located at the bottom of the Rialto bridge. They make top quality Venician masks by hand. Their masks have been in many movies and in famous Shakesphere festivials.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHLRRE34W7Xcmw6nYBNgwZA7ik-MzElhmiqHdAhSygVCgF6G4WIclATiiKXjSmARd4a838E35MDbhuVo3ivNw95_THW90PTa2W-n_lPiFn2S-VD1hCD63qkGC8VF32VWK6EExJleclQMw/s640/blogger-image-36187396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHLRRE34W7Xcmw6nYBNgwZA7ik-MzElhmiqHdAhSygVCgF6G4WIclATiiKXjSmARd4a838E35MDbhuVo3ivNw95_THW90PTa2W-n_lPiFn2S-VD1hCD63qkGC8VF32VWK6EExJleclQMw/s640/blogger-image-36187396.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For lunch, we found a really good stand up pizza and calzone type sandwich shop and then it was back to the hotel to get our bags and make our way back to the train station for our trip to Florence.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Florence~</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It felt almost like a culture shock to go from quiet, car-free Venice to the bustling city of Florence. We were greeted with a traffic jam and lots of horns. We made our way to the Airbnb apartment we rented for our first two nights in Florence. It was a cute little two floored apartment in the historic center.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULuxYWZnkezg-_FAw0hFMH7Bng8vspj74FP5nASiFKm8ATSg1Z7oEXJra-a9hXT2v28vOba6z8pG0x_zztdCX6ZCojgeXsi6i0qCO06oASntU9DLbToeEnkeMKaA0heNb2v-KvloL6l2b/s640/blogger-image-1864069420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULuxYWZnkezg-_FAw0hFMH7Bng8vspj74FP5nASiFKm8ATSg1Z7oEXJra-a9hXT2v28vOba6z8pG0x_zztdCX6ZCojgeXsi6i0qCO06oASntU9DLbToeEnkeMKaA0heNb2v-KvloL6l2b/s640/blogger-image-1864069420.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGcEhN1kEcQTumVT9zGf9nD2Qikx_CVVJBp96Bmj1TEXl5t8y8aBlScd-IhDMggpG5ciHgkCwvY_4AvyXlb2N_taq9Ds_ykiA9xBomY6kKoQ-GuHM3AZOVYpRfsGhaFfCfz8gbn8z6jup/s640/blogger-image-1122425794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGcEhN1kEcQTumVT9zGf9nD2Qikx_CVVJBp96Bmj1TEXl5t8y8aBlScd-IhDMggpG5ciHgkCwvY_4AvyXlb2N_taq9Ds_ykiA9xBomY6kKoQ-GuHM3AZOVYpRfsGhaFfCfz8gbn8z6jup/s640/blogger-image-1122425794.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We then went out to the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">perfume shop. It is a convent that is famous for its production of perfumes, herbal medicines, and body care products. It was a beautiful shop, but very crowded and pretty pricey, so we did not buy anything.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For dinner we went to a Trattoria across the street from our apartment. It was an establishment that caters to locals with cheap, excellent food. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-44412996342827421112015-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:002015-09-28T13:26:59.877-07:00Venice Day 2<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Woke up with a sore throat and swollen glands...this is no good. I almost never get sick. I am placing bets that it was from the lack of air on my face when on the plane. Stupid cheap airline...but saving $800 on flights and getting sick still might be worth it! I guess I just better not die from it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our hotel provided a nice little breakfast brought right to our room. It consisted of a powdered crossant, a roll, yogurt, capuccino, cookies, and toast. Along with an assortment of butter, jams, cheese, honey, and nutella. The hotel Ca' Bonvicini was decorated to reflect a regal design seen in many of the palaces. The furniture had a French feel, being white with gold painted trim and the walls were fabric covered Damask. It was located directly on one of the canals, but we had a room overlooking the road. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZmWGqVw69w3pQKlBKlxNs8Ls3q-jVJAfpcPBqrTbbYiWe3HTP2l4_hXptgmEsAq5XkAh4WNeQyjHGtaWb-kIyDGm1O8jqERmzdo3yxcfTuXddCWh3kvvRj0u30RGHIkuwqJ8NfZd2bK4/s640/blogger-image-1312496753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZmWGqVw69w3pQKlBKlxNs8Ls3q-jVJAfpcPBqrTbbYiWe3HTP2l4_hXptgmEsAq5XkAh4WNeQyjHGtaWb-kIyDGm1O8jqERmzdo3yxcfTuXddCWh3kvvRj0u30RGHIkuwqJ8NfZd2bK4/s640/blogger-image-1312496753.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing that I really appreciate about Venice is the lack of all cars. Even with people walking around slighty drunk all night, it is still quite quiet and peaceful at night. Clearly cars would not fit down the roads and alleys in Venice, but I am sure in other places people would have modified the bridges so they could use mopeds. Instead, everyone walks and even delivery of goods is done using true man power and carts that are specially designed to go over the bridges, which are full of steps. It must be a really exhausting job!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDMFTdRTrarANRCYGx832Hebe_vhaJsHmMU-7cjSZdPyFO0h5o7lz44zOhyphenhyphen1uTm7DtekRV0wO82khyphenhyphenER2vbf8BfP_YsYRVHpVW8pQoV7221DI6n-B9-2iVLAuUNp_Lo_vgBUPbfKTKwC/s640/blogger-image--100415005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDMFTdRTrarANRCYGx832Hebe_vhaJsHmMU-7cjSZdPyFO0h5o7lz44zOhyphenhyphen1uTm7DtekRV0wO82khyphenhyphenER2vbf8BfP_YsYRVHpVW8pQoV7221DI6n-B9-2iVLAuUNp_Lo_vgBUPbfKTKwC/s640/blogger-image--100415005.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today we started our day on the other side of the island at the A</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ccademia art museum. This museum is filled with Venice renaissance art. We found it interesting that in some of the paintings you could see the people using the ancient Roman ruin, such as one where there were Renaissance people bathing in an ancient Roman bath house that was partially collapsed. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW1yRtlCn0bqMnuNJ0VaPruZayldFn9WkgWn-u5_RwbXsMcR_QuF0QQClGsFaz6Jgd-AulY44vGRyHoD9eHpmcPZE042_V6Aph5kGvmuG-LfE7xzGmy6UL-zR6gRngn__oU3VjqrvZ19-/s640/blogger-image-455536033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW1yRtlCn0bqMnuNJ0VaPruZayldFn9WkgWn-u5_RwbXsMcR_QuF0QQClGsFaz6Jgd-AulY44vGRyHoD9eHpmcPZE042_V6Aph5kGvmuG-LfE7xzGmy6UL-zR6gRngn__oU3VjqrvZ19-/s640/blogger-image-455536033.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I thought this painting was funny. There is just something about the guy on the left with his hand positioning and his face that makes me come up with funny stories in my mind about what he is saying.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We then walked back to San Marco Square and went to the Correr Museum. This museum was filled with armour and weapons, paintings, lots of statues, old coins, coin presses, Egyptian mummys, and Doge memorabilia, plus the building was itself a work of art.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRDy4rmz_WCQ4J-b5XcTOuI-HQiv5Wx7UpKtSFqECrsiP2zGiwoNd4_dWfbbHVa9TQlPFU5Nb2CS0K3LmKeTf7W3cSMhDXxHXca6q4fh9yoBx68tR4OO4Q-678jt-d0WNTI2vVaNKlQqe/s640/blogger-image--901860598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRDy4rmz_WCQ4J-b5XcTOuI-HQiv5Wx7UpKtSFqECrsiP2zGiwoNd4_dWfbbHVa9TQlPFU5Nb2CS0K3LmKeTf7W3cSMhDXxHXca6q4fh9yoBx68tR4OO4Q-678jt-d0WNTI2vVaNKlQqe/s640/blogger-image--901860598.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At this point, we had a low point in the day when Dylan started complaining about his feet hurting from his sandals. We started back towards the hotel to get different shoes for him. Since this was a very long walk, grumpiness ensued and food indecisiveness took over as we were both tired and very hungry. We f</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">inally found a quick cheap pizza place and got two large slices to go. We decided to</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> eat in the empty fish market on the canal and watch the Gondolas float past. This restored our senses and we were again happy.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tUao6wzmomNMgIpWXxh_5YYWUI2LRTXx3tYzUzlWdqVYtMFt8cmqVV8MaaNImjfIMQ0leGVC6M9-3UxH7pb10GkNKCtqIB1v2KcTq8RLD2xaRqm1AceJ2XwLXCCd0vihTY5fD18790Ab/s640/blogger-image--1757476196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tUao6wzmomNMgIpWXxh_5YYWUI2LRTXx3tYzUzlWdqVYtMFt8cmqVV8MaaNImjfIMQ0leGVC6M9-3UxH7pb10GkNKCtqIB1v2KcTq8RLD2xaRqm1AceJ2XwLXCCd0vihTY5fD18790Ab/s640/blogger-image--1757476196.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We spent some time in the hotel to relax and get ready to go out for dinner and an opera at Musica a Palazzo.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For dinner we decided on a restaurant close to our hotel. It turns out that this restaurant had a crazy (perhaps drunk) Turkish waiter. He put on quite an entertaining performance with his skill at getting customers to eat there. Dylan and I split a huge plate of pasta e fruitta del mare and another 0.5L of red house wine. This food was not as good as yesterday's dinner, but it was still pretty decent. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From there it was on to the opera. Even though Dylan went pee before we left the restaurant, he had to go again within a few minutes of leaving the restaurant due to a bladder full of wine and we had a 20 minute walk to the opera. We nearly ran there for him, but when we arrived the opera was not letting people in yet. So at this point he just runs off like a crazy person to pee in a dark alley.* It is known that Dylan must defile every place we go. I suppose it could be worse, it might have been poop and the colleseum. Though, I suppose we still have plenty of time for that to occur! *Dylan would like me to point out that out of repect for Venice, he did not empty his entire bladder. (This, he later found out was a mistake as we still could not get into the opera right away and he had to hold it again for a bit!)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The opera was a unique experience, the show is limited to 75 guests and it has three acts. Each act is held in a different room, with wine or presecco being served between the first two acts. We saw the opera La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. By the clothing, it appeared to be set in the early 1920's. I didn't really know what was going on as it was in Italian, but it was beautiful singing and music. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoeBKL98HdWn8vpwjoudduCW5ks4IOz1T5w8xV-ZXvzeizogleAgiXyzb4HThuTckQKxH4U-uydkKOh68awNzI4rSjaCsX-jFM_Zaqp7WlcgoZcILCA1NT9HBpfV9vlVsTNWf0KI0ljHD/s640/blogger-image-731105383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoeBKL98HdWn8vpwjoudduCW5ks4IOz1T5w8xV-ZXvzeizogleAgiXyzb4HThuTckQKxH4U-uydkKOh68awNzI4rSjaCsX-jFM_Zaqp7WlcgoZcILCA1NT9HBpfV9vlVsTNWf0KI0ljHD/s640/blogger-image-731105383.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7oSK_ICGJFr7YHj_BAxhyphenhyphenzf0zbLw921KGmymT0NmsC9BhuKFQaDSggP81ZceOalugXzrxvg3pFiluWQaqRzXE5yb-b1ZpsnmUfOnKH5ZtBKqmVlQhBoc3en39GMmngdf5fdXsn3kv5Sr/s640/blogger-image--8202019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7oSK_ICGJFr7YHj_BAxhyphenhyphenzf0zbLw921KGmymT0NmsC9BhuKFQaDSggP81ZceOalugXzrxvg3pFiluWQaqRzXE5yb-b1ZpsnmUfOnKH5ZtBKqmVlQhBoc3en39GMmngdf5fdXsn3kv5Sr/s640/blogger-image--8202019.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNa2vw-suCUM1WoTT8AkK3Nn9BJfv9hgO0x9QLM8XEnp44-imJHdRoiR_p-HrMqTJOly78WtLtI8rk_fTfzG7nkvaB9UWrTG8_Loh4W9m8obKHae6HFI3-NBhmizRG8qh2gzjOeN6_yi2/s640/blogger-image-501424502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNa2vw-suCUM1WoTT8AkK3Nn9BJfv9hgO0x9QLM8XEnp44-imJHdRoiR_p-HrMqTJOly78WtLtI8rk_fTfzG7nkvaB9UWrTG8_Loh4W9m8obKHae6HFI3-NBhmizRG8qh2gzjOeN6_yi2/s640/blogger-image-501424502.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBd2iw8JCmPG0e_ZYIHT-rpHPDiDcPcIjJeU-7RBWWKzN8Xkh3KmCBau7O1grXxBqdZm973IFuxYTDvN9shTBJp2XMIaeZoNPF7gZ2alHsMZbw9GfoNIpiGHkQzVliSgPCn0ydIq-juPG/s640/blogger-image-923876333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBd2iw8JCmPG0e_ZYIHT-rpHPDiDcPcIjJeU-7RBWWKzN8Xkh3KmCBau7O1grXxBqdZm973IFuxYTDvN9shTBJp2XMIaeZoNPF7gZ2alHsMZbw9GfoNIpiGHkQzVliSgPCn0ydIq-juPG/s640/blogger-image-923876333.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-31333718023737997072015-09-22T12:01:00.003-07:002015-09-23T12:59:02.439-07:00Venice explored<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">W<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">e woke up this morning nice and early so we could make our way to Venice. We took the metro to Milan Centrale Station and found a little cafe where we got some yogurt with granola and fruit and a cappuccino. I am pretty sure that every food establishment in this country has a really nice espresso machine. </span></div><div><br></div><div>We would be on the train for lunch, so we also picked up a salad, baguette, fruit, and some brie to have for lunch. The train we were on was pretty nice, it was the second fastest type of train in the country. While I don't feel that they can compare to Japan's trains, they sure beat out the US train system. They are fast, comfortable, and on time! </div><div><br></div><div>Once we arrived in Venice, we had to take the ACTV boat 1 to San Stae stop. This boat/bus service is a huge rip off. I mean we spent 7.50 Euro each to go 4 stops which took only about 5 minutes. Also, it was really confusing to figure out how and where to get tickets for the boat. So we wasted a lot of time running back and forth between the different boat docks. This ment that we were now in a rush to get to the Basilica by our reservation time. So we rushed to our hotel and checked in. </div><div><br></div><div>With a map in hand we then had to find our way through the maze that is Venice while trying to run through swarms of humans browsing shops to get to the basilica in time. We did not make it on time and instead arrived 10 min late, but thankfully they people at the cathedral did not seem to care. Saint Mark's Basilica is nice from the outside, but I don't feel that the outside was even close to being as impressive as the Basilica in Milan. The inside was covered in tiny mosaic tiles, the majority of which were gold. This made the ceiling an impressive golden dome. The floors were also covered in mosaic designs. We noticed a few animal mosaics that were really cute. We decided to pay the 5 Euro each to get into the museum and terrace level. This was well worth it even just for the view out over Saint Mark's Plaza. The museum had a number of old mosaics that had fallen off the walls over the years and some information on how they restored some of the mosaics from the outside-in. It seemed like a highly complicated restoration process.</div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhakzh3_4bXJ2PF30M6SN1rTphkSviVaPveLbBQowNVTerx3Y-b1sX8BGpJZxWD32pFJPymS5Vy6ccPRYVCNWq-tldiNI4bPs7-xsAC_b1OPm4nH5vJIKXT1060r81keecdkLqD5_qNo2-/s640/blogger-image-1874636938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhakzh3_4bXJ2PF30M6SN1rTphkSviVaPveLbBQowNVTerx3Y-b1sX8BGpJZxWD32pFJPymS5Vy6ccPRYVCNWq-tldiNI4bPs7-xsAC_b1OPm4nH5vJIKXT1060r81keecdkLqD5_qNo2-/s640/blogger-image-1874636938.jpg"></a></font></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSABcHEELSZyvL4q8BQq10pLIduVhyqU1Lf5fXK7lqFfT1hAbIqpowXJlHeCfQX5TQiEIh61xlNTzukR6FTHZ-L077jDHkK8JTMxFGj5riLpmmB1S75LukvVkW2loWdC7vndlbEiOe6ktV/s640/blogger-image--1615619978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSABcHEELSZyvL4q8BQq10pLIduVhyqU1Lf5fXK7lqFfT1hAbIqpowXJlHeCfQX5TQiEIh61xlNTzukR6FTHZ-L077jDHkK8JTMxFGj5riLpmmB1S75LukvVkW2loWdC7vndlbEiOe6ktV/s640/blogger-image--1615619978.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtWy85Zxtivl2l2FDqIXX-Oxv9mzXWLBhDYIII4HRKlySI2joWkOtGLDgS4mD59WoiyfcA3jUarNzohXZYjo56vWTQrvEgfknseEM5m6n_WxZ3bNiUSj3ghJeGIADDoDCYgr4_lGmzc08/s640/blogger-image--467499831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtWy85Zxtivl2l2FDqIXX-Oxv9mzXWLBhDYIII4HRKlySI2joWkOtGLDgS4mD59WoiyfcA3jUarNzohXZYjo56vWTQrvEgfknseEM5m6n_WxZ3bNiUSj3ghJeGIADDoDCYgr4_lGmzc08/s640/blogger-image--467499831.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy0jTm_ooDGrHUE_BS5mTPMwL30Fp-1hMLs5O06nKdB2ktUm0RCaz9MszXXT6NVgXnzdc2inMhpo0uxJINAmxxMIVSlxCpZaFZDG45J5JOuAArZlid82CR9R6VRsOhOYdPOWoUNgudYZv/s640/blogger-image-1596132018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy0jTm_ooDGrHUE_BS5mTPMwL30Fp-1hMLs5O06nKdB2ktUm0RCaz9MszXXT6NVgXnzdc2inMhpo0uxJINAmxxMIVSlxCpZaFZDG45J5JOuAArZlid82CR9R6VRsOhOYdPOWoUNgudYZv/s640/blogger-image-1596132018.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p8MLEGNuOd6OOB23G79gF2JfZAuM-x9K3RDEvzKkv2FitEeiNbEftv43DyL-M1uDdeINLLlIlDtdudqbzv01ApXGeng3hZ8HGN0bjYriSAycTXhHwFhwdJgYL7WepVbaDPdO1uVbkJr1/s640/blogger-image--542193612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p8MLEGNuOd6OOB23G79gF2JfZAuM-x9K3RDEvzKkv2FitEeiNbEftv43DyL-M1uDdeINLLlIlDtdudqbzv01ApXGeng3hZ8HGN0bjYriSAycTXhHwFhwdJgYL7WepVbaDPdO1uVbkJr1/s640/blogger-image--542193612.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>After some coffee and gelato, we made our way to the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Doges Palace, just next to the Basilica. This was the home and seat of the government for hundreds of years when Venice was it's own city-state and self-governed. The Palace was sparse in furniture, but was loaded with Renaissance era art. The detail put into the ceiliings in the rooms of the palace were spectacular. I can only imagine the man hours that went into producing buildings like this. One of the rooms in the palace holds the title of the largest room or 2nd largest in Europe. You have to wonder how the ceiling does not collapse. For a room even a quarter of the size, we would now need a large steel beam to hold up the ceiling. Just amazing. Seriously.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1caGyi7atXIfLdGBg-ND50UuMM73TJGOo5AXKg5Gre5XvN49Tqdkll5Tj2r-ksqVNbewTl0eBS6OQyUAyJdqCCby5CbrR1-x4gL8IdwqJnfeDk0BkCkH-Js-Onae01LRKflgWQ2SgQlJ/s640/blogger-image--975249240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1caGyi7atXIfLdGBg-ND50UuMM73TJGOo5AXKg5Gre5XvN49Tqdkll5Tj2r-ksqVNbewTl0eBS6OQyUAyJdqCCby5CbrR1-x4gL8IdwqJnfeDk0BkCkH-Js-Onae01LRKflgWQ2SgQlJ/s640/blogger-image--975249240.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y0PosmVyL5tjlNnPTnQVL37I3Fp2Dpr5zUTBBtTPs3O9MelIjadJzqBw3IlL7M0cm8L8_zfGp3xjpNMG4sVsYuLqw4udgv9iBTws9SOIGQK59ahpMcRI5ZeksvfB1d6PmIsE3g2BeQil/s640/blogger-image--1290746408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y0PosmVyL5tjlNnPTnQVL37I3Fp2Dpr5zUTBBtTPs3O9MelIjadJzqBw3IlL7M0cm8L8_zfGp3xjpNMG4sVsYuLqw4udgv9iBTws9SOIGQK59ahpMcRI5ZeksvfB1d6PmIsE3g2BeQil/s640/blogger-image--1290746408.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For dinner, we went to a little restaurant that was recommended by our hotel (Ca'Bonvicini-which was amazing by the way). Dylan got a squid ink pasta and I got a grilled Turbot fish with grilled veggies. They had some amazing snack food-sweet coated macadamia nuts and caramel popcorn. We shared a half liter of the house red wine, which turned out to be a very good tasting wine. And as if we were not full enough, Dylan ordered a Tiramisu for desert which was so fresh and delicious. It must have been made in house or at least locally from scratch. It had a pale yellow color instead of the typical american white Tiramisu. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ko1cwHlXMOurv6QLGQQF1jJD2LvxwBMoOKdHa0Y_aqxxdEwFaIoqn-Bk1DnMfGJR8ZKIWJ9KJ58Ea_FAxqR0sBFrz3mJ1znu0T_bB8DlcwBrn7neeIQKrgZPrPTJuoW8yBDntr3KwoBp/s640/blogger-image--16935479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ko1cwHlXMOurv6QLGQQF1jJD2LvxwBMoOKdHa0Y_aqxxdEwFaIoqn-Bk1DnMfGJR8ZKIWJ9KJ58Ea_FAxqR0sBFrz3mJ1znu0T_bB8DlcwBrn7neeIQKrgZPrPTJuoW8yBDntr3KwoBp/s640/blogger-image--16935479.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Typsy and stuffed, we wandered back to the hotel for the night. A good day overall.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ3xOVgErAiCZvyngYQaom32Ko971Sqj6LmZ-lV-zJVrJsETHSaHBtGeRUPOsUgpJpW4dxght3Nt5Ou0sKXUQIkm7froHPaqW1mXJs1aeYWqnszU3c8k4EsLdEjro3to46P2LhjN6FwXM/s640/blogger-image--1502279438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ3xOVgErAiCZvyngYQaom32Ko971Sqj6LmZ-lV-zJVrJsETHSaHBtGeRUPOsUgpJpW4dxght3Nt5Ou0sKXUQIkm7froHPaqW1mXJs1aeYWqnszU3c8k4EsLdEjro3to46P2LhjN6FwXM/s640/blogger-image--1502279438.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-41444051192844646452015-09-22T12:01:00.001-07:002015-09-23T12:40:39.575-07:00An Italian Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We started off our vacation with a long day of travel. Our flight left JFK airport at 3pm and arrived in Milan Italy at 9:25am. This basically resulted in us pulling an all nighter as not much sleep was had on the flight. We found some very cheap flights to Italy on Meridiana, but they can with the caveat of not having many common amenities one would expect of a flight. For instance there was no air over the seats, just the reading light, and the seats were very narrow and very thin. Also, most international flights have personal entertainment systems/TVs at each seat, this flight however only had a couple old school TVs. </span></div><div><br></div><div>We took a quick train ride from the airport into Milan and then the metro to our Airbnb apartment that we rented. The apartment was located on one of the few remaining canals in Milan. This road turned into party central at night and in the morning was covered with garbage and empty glasses. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_WsGn0itslmDzM-ogWmAl-tuKmBVfDvH6DtvPil-uQjSGMHJq7HC5Kzk01UvGhdZ3MK2BQOehqSvJo2VGdc1tMm8c3RqO6cN70Tg1FMfF7DA8Qv3yi28LDb6FC8_4lZ4E4d1UoVAtPQT/s640/blogger-image-1012108081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_WsGn0itslmDzM-ogWmAl-tuKmBVfDvH6DtvPil-uQjSGMHJq7HC5Kzk01UvGhdZ3MK2BQOehqSvJo2VGdc1tMm8c3RqO6cN70Tg1FMfF7DA8Qv3yi28LDb6FC8_4lZ4E4d1UoVAtPQT/s640/blogger-image-1012108081.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The apartment was incredibly adorable and was decked out in a Parisian style. It was a little two floored, two roomed apartment with a little iron spiral staircase connecting the two floors. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk_Bju6Ot6CLlzxXNBlS0j4OS80yvFyAh2V-YOjGSEwrzB3NgE1G4SMtocP1pVRgb0v5ymE2y1Ie5_os3ZIZogf1M6Gyd2sVY0xWwbtHZRaH8NY-I82ZVVBlbNuqZ1liC81EiEx-oUdr4/s640/blogger-image-677027188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk_Bju6Ot6CLlzxXNBlS0j4OS80yvFyAh2V-YOjGSEwrzB3NgE1G4SMtocP1pVRgb0v5ymE2y1Ie5_os3ZIZogf1M6Gyd2sVY0xWwbtHZRaH8NY-I82ZVVBlbNuqZ1liC81EiEx-oUdr4/s640/blogger-image-677027188.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqRQbEqdN0xVlqdbk1rYZ6uYStpQVih2-l_n0Mkw7fy5q76YlMqDaN7yaCh2CbQsNUq6HHtPWo67rOihD93JlSk62SBirNkXtWf_KDPRVVTobfsyYaQSYrXUmMKtS1-PjgF_Q9KbpPP2f/s640/blogger-image--326671751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqRQbEqdN0xVlqdbk1rYZ6uYStpQVih2-l_n0Mkw7fy5q76YlMqDaN7yaCh2CbQsNUq6HHtPWo67rOihD93JlSk62SBirNkXtWf_KDPRVVTobfsyYaQSYrXUmMKtS1-PjgF_Q9KbpPP2f/s640/blogger-image--326671751.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjZqAsWzkRKRpiI4EQNkTUU3pjmh0G9Lvor2Jvv-bO6tl1ZZY6aoc9-m031WK7Y14h-ZuW6LavUSbStnKSgEhH13Tt-TCYS5zLF5SWSXH1uhlAUgt1f7tbEDauc1M3TBq-6vje8KxMZgl/s640/blogger-image--1563627285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjZqAsWzkRKRpiI4EQNkTUU3pjmh0G9Lvor2Jvv-bO6tl1ZZY6aoc9-m031WK7Y14h-ZuW6LavUSbStnKSgEhH13Tt-TCYS5zLF5SWSXH1uhlAUgt1f7tbEDauc1M3TBq-6vje8KxMZgl/s640/blogger-image--1563627285.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>We went out for some lunch while we waited for the apartment to be ready. The shop we ended up it had one of those pretty old wooden bars that are reminiscent of what I would expect an old school pharmacy/soda fountain bar would look like. We had some veggie sandwiches which turned out to be pretty decent. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally, we were able to get into the apartment and wash that travel stink off of us! (Did I mention the plane had not air and it felt like 100F in there!) Yeah, we were really gross! Then we were off to explore the Leonardo di Vinci Museum of Science and technology. This museum was huge and has a lot of interesting exhibits. There was a section with models of the machines that Leonardo had sketched out and lots of other more modern machines and equipment. We saw sections on communication over the years, telegraph to phone, food production and cooking machines, a submarine, old boat, planes, energy machines, and much more. Then we walked a long way to the Duomo. It is a really impressive cathedral, it looked like it was made from pink marble. Unfortunately, we stopped to take a few pictures, and by the time we made it to the entrance they were closing it up and wouldn't let us in. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn97JVhjWmx8kmocOuiHU85Y4BGGK-HrGOF6oBZO6oHSCgc-vKdMd9IN2lYaOERGxyI1C71LrWrtYs6kobOpLzZ5yC9Ut5Q-PElwtxbDeLz83xwt9btZMrXnms7XCzVculy3XiaLaVBBq/s640/blogger-image--1301667114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn97JVhjWmx8kmocOuiHU85Y4BGGK-HrGOF6oBZO6oHSCgc-vKdMd9IN2lYaOERGxyI1C71LrWrtYs6kobOpLzZ5yC9Ut5Q-PElwtxbDeLz83xwt9btZMrXnms7XCzVculy3XiaLaVBBq/s640/blogger-image--1301667114.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk2BiVi0RoIkNlwi8CW2JrSEEa4TYAdnh0u19A3PJuPjWWIYNCvkaYL4sL3Odsd3w8xCyaPZCtiMDbZRzrBDWo6-F8cuv3rnDIi3g4IHnOYaq1SaM4ULMUWQE0kbte4lgX78WVEPLTPca/s640/blogger-image-1072735899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk2BiVi0RoIkNlwi8CW2JrSEEa4TYAdnh0u19A3PJuPjWWIYNCvkaYL4sL3Odsd3w8xCyaPZCtiMDbZRzrBDWo6-F8cuv3rnDIi3g4IHnOYaq1SaM4ULMUWQE0kbte4lgX78WVEPLTPca/s640/blogger-image-1072735899.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybUcLniFf8cvCuwZloEW0Cbim0Y8qJO5-XSAUMMATPHZOx_fseY0L7bkgF3WXZYsWI9a2i9OxbvRiuB7-yMGxmdwJ10ODXVCp_R15W-B-vdPdOgaevWlvinHZqypWMPSTq6kRGmcH6FvF/s640/blogger-image--1061503998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybUcLniFf8cvCuwZloEW0Cbim0Y8qJO5-XSAUMMATPHZOx_fseY0L7bkgF3WXZYsWI9a2i9OxbvRiuB7-yMGxmdwJ10ODXVCp_R15W-B-vdPdOgaevWlvinHZqypWMPSTq6kRGmcH6FvF/s640/blogger-image--1061503998.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>By this time we were both feel really exhausted and decided to make our way back to the apartment, stopping for dinner on the long walk back. We found a nice place and sat outside. Dylan had a meh, as he would say, fish dish and I had a delicious linguini with lobster. </div><div><br></div><div>After walking some more and we finally arrive back at the apartment. At this point I am feeling so sick from being tired, I basically collapsed in the bed and passed out for the night.</div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-5003427863548048182013-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:002015-03-28T17:45:39.375-07:00Soap Cupcake Giveaway!!Enter to win a Dark Chocolate soap cupcake on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ladybug.Soapworks/app_228910107186452" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. All you have to do is go to the giveaway page and either friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ladybug.Soapworks" target="_blank">Ladybug Soapworks on Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LadybugSoapwork" target="_blank">follow me on Twitter</a>, or tweet about the giveaway. Or you can do all 3 and get entered into the giveaway 3 times!!! Easy peasy, right?!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMF9O1jTqHsSL9H3-nGNyROKCpJ0Gg3F-5riwAqHwxDw2b2jrzczyIZvzyHIk8d2Sxw1tLsmuinQTb_n2V2qdbjzw2NJeZ2PC5jRWKhQp7Ni4IBYp22r69MOP5ilNdPGO7yiNVeQTMuk/s1600/2013-01-06+18.06.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMF9O1jTqHsSL9H3-nGNyROKCpJ0Gg3F-5riwAqHwxDw2b2jrzczyIZvzyHIk8d2Sxw1tLsmuinQTb_n2V2qdbjzw2NJeZ2PC5jRWKhQp7Ni4IBYp22r69MOP5ilNdPGO7yiNVeQTMuk/s400/2013-01-06+18.06.23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can win one of these babies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
*This giveaway is in no way affiliated, administered or endorsed by Facebook. Giveaway ends at midnight on Wednesday, February 20th. Winner will be notified by email by 2/22/2013 and will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway open only to people in the USA (sorry)! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-71385038457868255812013-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.883-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-OqQaQSSSnEMTvNFxIYmfA5afa7rJRyQLBxfI7fsoSOGO9OHlZ7eLRyj0WWAzhFkLCBjYSU0BAdDWdUeR61KGpZopLCijxwwnU3e9pWQqx9yP-yHhu-cJrP3XGofa2lFeyEpbL9W1OI/s1600/Happy+Vday+pict+for+blog+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-OqQaQSSSnEMTvNFxIYmfA5afa7rJRyQLBxfI7fsoSOGO9OHlZ7eLRyj0WWAzhFkLCBjYSU0BAdDWdUeR61KGpZopLCijxwwnU3e9pWQqx9yP-yHhu-cJrP3XGofa2lFeyEpbL9W1OI/s400/Happy+Vday+pict+for+blog+copy.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.</span> ~<span class="bodybold">Aristotle</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-15684730670891938472013-02-13T05:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.814-08:00Ingredient Spotlight: Lavender Essential Oil<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;">Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and well known essential oils. It is generally known to calm and relax the body to the point that it is often used to promote sleep. Did you know that it is also antibacterial and helps burns to heal faster and without scaring? Lavender oil is also one of the safest essential oils and can be used to treat children’s minor cuts and scrapes. Many essential oils are not safe to use on children.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7GvTo9mI8QOUaG8zRkLPGFFTN6iVpfHQJjHaGij85G85RT6VmqD7XwJ0AQ-eprhHsUD4oT5SKSH_o92RIXebU9_G14zjlVqwgd42hSQxfHoWThNpv0h3Zw1zTmaPfGUBgcPyanMc544/s1600/freeimage-5975768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7GvTo9mI8QOUaG8zRkLPGFFTN6iVpfHQJjHaGij85G85RT6VmqD7XwJ0AQ-eprhHsUD4oT5SKSH_o92RIXebU9_G14zjlVqwgd42hSQxfHoWThNpv0h3Zw1zTmaPfGUBgcPyanMc544/s400/freeimage-5975768.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">© Beisea | <a href="http://www.stockfreeimages.com/">Stock Free Images</a> & <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/">Dreamstime Stock Photos</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lavender essential oil comes from over 20 different species and they can be grouped into 3 main varieties. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><b><u>True lavender</u></b><u>.</u> <i>Lavandula angustifolia, L. officinalis, </i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">and </span>L. vera</i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"> are commonly known as common lavender or English lavender. </span></i>These plants feature narrow leaves, short, crooked stems, and barrel-shaped flowers. The flower gives off a sweet, floral scent that sooths, calms, and relaxes.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><b><u>Spike lavender essential oil.</u> </b><i>L. spica </i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">and </span>L. latifolia </i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">are </span></i>coarser plants, with broader leaves than true lavender (<i>L. officinalis</i>). While these varieties yields up to three times the amount of essential oil as true lavender, the scent is less highly prized. The oil from spike lavender flowers is more akin to a combination of eucalyptus and lavender. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><b><u>Lavandin essential oil</u></b><u>.</u><i>L. hybrida</i> is a sterile hybrid plant that results from the cross-pollination of English lavender and spike lavender. This oil is more camphorous than <i>L. angustifolia </i>and has similar, but less pronounced, therapeutic properties. It can be included in formulations intended for pain relief or disinfection. Compared to true lavender plants, these plants have larger leaves, longer stems, and larger flowers that are pointed at the tip. Lavandin produces more oil than true lavender; however, the scent is quite different from true lavender. Lavandin tends to have a woody scent with a hint of a spicy-green, camphor aroma. While Lavandin does have therapeutic properties, it is not be used as a substitute for true lavender since the therapeutic properties differ. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lavender Oil is often the first essential oil that is used to help recover from burns. <u>Here is an interesting tidbit:</u> This amazing property of lavender essential oil was first discovered by René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1910. The following is a tale traditionally told about his discovery:</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“In 1910 French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the virtues of the essential oil of lavender. Gattefossé badly burned his hand during an experiment in a perfumery plant and plunged his hand into the nearest tub of liquid, which just happened to be lavender essential oil. He was later amazed at how quickly his burn healed and with very little scarring. This started a fascination with essential oils and inspired him to experiment with them during the First World War on soldiers in the military hospitals.”</i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">While there is some truth to this tale, the real story as told by Gattefossé himself, in his book </span></i><i>Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales </i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">(buy </span></i><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gattefosses-Aromatherapy-First-Book/dp/0852072368"><span style="font-style: normal;">here</span></a> </i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">translated into English), states:</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“The external application of small quantities of esences rapidly stops the spread of gangrenous sores. In my personal experience, after a laboratory explosion covered me with burning substances which I extinguished by rolling on a grassy lawn, both my hands were covered with a rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped “the gasification of the tissue”. This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day (July 1910).”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG42YTlNIkoKJNKyNgNjc8N88_qn_R6_af9l3tC-dw15WRggdz72PgXK_kvPgVFMj-hi3SxbXQ468jhnSRFn6Md0mBU5r71lbkvTJIM5zh3QAJgdabligFCkFPCFXA4zOUYr9Lg2RiFc/s1600/SOAP+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG42YTlNIkoKJNKyNgNjc8N88_qn_R6_af9l3tC-dw15WRggdz72PgXK_kvPgVFMj-hi3SxbXQ468jhnSRFn6Md0mBU5r71lbkvTJIM5zh3QAJgdabligFCkFPCFXA4zOUYr9Lg2RiFc/s400/SOAP+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3><span style="font-size: small;">Ladybug Soapworks Lavender Soap<i><b><br /></b></i></span></h3></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ladybug Soapworks uses lavender essential oil in our <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=15">lavender soap</a>, <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=53">lavender bath salts</a>, <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=54">lavender roll-on perfume oil</a>, and <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=44">lavender bath oil</a>. Try some of these products to experience the calming and relaxing properties of lavender oil.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For more information see:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lavender-oil.asp" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Aromaweb.com </span></a> - Great website with lots of information on essential oils. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/04/gattefosses-burn/">http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/04/gattefosses-burn/</a>- Good site with the true story of how René-Maurice Gattefossé found the burn healing properties of lavender. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:12.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-86159955805950348732013-02-12T05:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.902-08:00Top 5 Cleaning Tip Links<ol></ol>My unemployment time has been filled with trying to my business in gear, cleaning, painting trim in my house, and cooking! So you will see a lot of this coming into my posts. This weeks "Top 5" list is filled with cleaning tips that I have come across recently and just love. <br /><ol><li>Rain-x to keep glass shower door soap scrum free! This might also be great to do on the out side of windows. <a href="http://www.idreamofclean.net/2011/04/05/a-surprising-way-to-prevent-soap-scum-build-up-on-glass-shower-doors/" target="_blank">here </a></li><li>Spring cleaning tips at <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2012/03/spring-cleaning-tips-3.html" target="_blank">a bowl full of lemons</a>. It is almost time to start thinking about this!</li><li>Non-toxic bathroom cleaning plus links to recipes for making many of your own cleaning solutions at <a href="http://chiotsrun.com/2012/04/11/non-toxic-bathroom-cleaning/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chiot's Run.</span></a></li><li>I have been trying to get a lot of house painting done before I have to go back to working full-time and cleaning my paint brushes is always a dreaded pain. So this tip from the <a href="http://creeklinehouse.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-easiest-laziest-way-to-clean-your.html" target="_blank">Creek Line House</a> titled "the Easiest, Laziest Way to Clean Your Paintbrushes" should help! </li><li>Green cleaning tips using common household items over at<a href="http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/top-green-cleaning-tips" target="_blank"> cozi.com</a>. </li></ol><br />PS. Don't forget to clean the pets!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbEORyv6kI43hznZX_VtBl2z8Ue_O4zPg2uvJUKQq8jbo_8jNGGx6ffzq7vfbq_ThOOFvYH5-W9LTqLZe80THxI4qzMqoAznFoYUm26JY7OcF6TwtCtgkx2mL5teqYkH4pw9pevYrBHg/s1600/dog+lick+cat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbEORyv6kI43hznZX_VtBl2z8Ue_O4zPg2uvJUKQq8jbo_8jNGGx6ffzq7vfbq_ThOOFvYH5-W9LTqLZe80THxI4qzMqoAznFoYUm26JY7OcF6TwtCtgkx2mL5teqYkH4pw9pevYrBHg/s320/dog+lick+cat.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><br />Okay, I just thought this was too cute and I needed to post it! Meow<br /><ol></ol>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-75988325699144127312013-02-11T12:08:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.889-08:00The most beautiful flower treasury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Geranium rose soap has been featured in a beautiful Etsy treasury. Check it out below or<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTgxNjM3MTl8MjcyMzk1ODk3OA/the-most-beautiful-flower" target="_blank"> here</a>. If you like it, you can comment on the link and it may get to the front page of Etsy! You can pick up some of this pretty soap <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/39676244/rose-geranium-soap" target="_blank">here</a>. I love having people select my products to go into their treasuries and I feel like they all turn out so beautiful. Have you made a treasury on Etsy? I still have not, but I probably should try to put one together someday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/39676244/rose-geranium-soap" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfxU1mhHgXWc3Ut2_D7TXAYunwfMEFaEu72FbGYGKueR399a9avlGPkVri-M8v4hNAq2UoqlhG6ibXLvOKs44241mN-NoUDau1_38oEknaI3H2dzJ7r5gIEv11CQ2DrVAyXUbCfqQPf0/s640/treasury+02102013.png" width="580" /></a></div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-12469779508625091122013-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.809-08:00Nemo Attacks! Snow Overload!Well, the Blizzard Nemo has come and gone and left about 3 ft of snow behind. We have drifts over 6 ft tall and no place to put the snow from our drive way. We spend hours shoveling the sidewalks (note to self never buy a corner lot house again as you have twice as much sidewalk to shovel!) and still need to figure out how to do the driveway. Our road still is not plowed and may not be plowed until tomorrow. Pretty crazy! Here are some pictures for you all! Enjoy!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxsKp5FRlR9t1ZVLEHL_pHQXYToV0SCL1s8zW64GmIMFKcC9xGdjefJkCYjLgew9luRpL1N3NYEiJRIkatTEkIoea05IT8iV-19ZPVCOPO-cwY5xberQHJ41qe6s4tCn77EQM4_D8caQ/s1600/sarah+snow+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxsKp5FRlR9t1ZVLEHL_pHQXYToV0SCL1s8zW64GmIMFKcC9xGdjefJkCYjLgew9luRpL1N3NYEiJRIkatTEkIoea05IT8iV-19ZPVCOPO-cwY5xberQHJ41qe6s4tCn77EQM4_D8caQ/s400/sarah+snow+angel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Angel!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_vaH9q_d5Ht6PA66VG2guVoo0ivoxmgK4ZQE-AxodJFLGXk7SAmRmqTyku6kb19E69oDpptYk7NnMWiWVT81_Lbwi8aRz7a_OqW_diwxTkoD67iDb8NbzmIhcQ3G-NpR9ERZXzhDZy8/s1600/iphone+Nemo+02092013+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_vaH9q_d5Ht6PA66VG2guVoo0ivoxmgK4ZQE-AxodJFLGXk7SAmRmqTyku6kb19E69oDpptYk7NnMWiWVT81_Lbwi8aRz7a_OqW_diwxTkoD67iDb8NbzmIhcQ3G-NpR9ERZXzhDZy8/s400/iphone+Nemo+02092013+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have walls leading up to the house.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMQHNhwNSno2Djqit9yWAXilGJzMFAgunhlWpU-0yC7XrtfuWvy1ko-H5nqanfFqInhLXMl-q2UWjlfT0aqF7WoY7AsQkaITFa4uCCZ5pCC-tLJIeTR_ljfj420m9Kd-eP0L0GFTWs4I/s1600/iphone+Nemo+02092013+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMQHNhwNSno2Djqit9yWAXilGJzMFAgunhlWpU-0yC7XrtfuWvy1ko-H5nqanfFqInhLXMl-q2UWjlfT0aqF7WoY7AsQkaITFa4uCCZ5pCC-tLJIeTR_ljfj420m9Kd-eP0L0GFTWs4I/s400/iphone+Nemo+02092013+034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dylan action shot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ae9qWvwS_vOrsLsSw6yNFfvwCCJ4dBHBoJK_KdW4cQG99dDYk3fz1KuHm0ZYJYxgwIThDTla6YCjjcONdj8myz4bn3IJEZVA1jSG91FNYZg4Ome7KilsmbEqO-4TXdZagMJ1QAcLW2M/s1600/iphone+Nemo+02092013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ae9qWvwS_vOrsLsSw6yNFfvwCCJ4dBHBoJK_KdW4cQG99dDYk3fz1KuHm0ZYJYxgwIThDTla6YCjjcONdj8myz4bn3IJEZVA1jSG91FNYZg4Ome7KilsmbEqO-4TXdZagMJ1QAcLW2M/s400/iphone+Nemo+02092013+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only reason you can tell there is a road here is cause the stop sign!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Maybe I should make some soap with the snow! Like a wintery peppermint....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-74845735678847523092013-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.887-08:00Ingredient Spotlight: Neem oilIf you don't know anything about Neem oil, I can assure you that the first time you encounter the oil it will make a strong impression. Strong in the sense that it has a very powerful odor! Boy does this oil stink! If you can get past the smell though, Neem has some wonderful properties and has been used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine for over 2000 years! In India, the tree is often referred to as the "Sacred Tree" and the "Panacea for all diseases". Obviously, this tree has made a huge impact on their culture. Neem oil is a liquid vegetable oil that is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the Neem tree (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) which is originally from India.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC6EsUaqiJ8IBsZSHsUJKZYAqoeeH06WW5gVhJL9pf7ndX7Xln2w6EdRZtBEEA4Nge1LSEJJfJCZHHRF1l-zy19DmZXwVoXW_wBvH0oqaWjRtdu_iHTM9UBVBrUVX8qp-ANXz6XNdWFE/s1600/neem+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC6EsUaqiJ8IBsZSHsUJKZYAqoeeH06WW5gVhJL9pf7ndX7Xln2w6EdRZtBEEA4Nge1LSEJJfJCZHHRF1l-zy19DmZXwVoXW_wBvH0oqaWjRtdu_iHTM9UBVBrUVX8qp-ANXz6XNdWFE/s400/neem+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neem tree with fruit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Neem oil or a tea made from the leaves can be drunk, but it has a bitter taste, which is often a signal of medicinal properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, Neem is used as a blood purifier and is also heavily used to treat skin disease and irritations, fever. Small twigs were traditionally used to clean teeth like a toothbrush.<br /><br />Neem is also known to be an all natural pesticide and can be simply sprayed on plants that need protection from pests, but is not harmful to mammals, birds, earthworms, and if not sprayed directly on their food source, butterflies, honeybees, and ladybugs.<br /><br />I use Neem oil in my <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=21" target="_blank">sensitive skin soap</a> that I have specifically formulated to be gentle irritated skin. This soap works great for me when I have eczema flair-ups.<br /><br />Have you encountered Neem oil? What do you think of it? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-40088645029819174632013-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.838-08:00Lentil and brown rice casserole recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I have not been working outside of my home for the past month, I have been spending more time cooking dinners. This next recipe is a modification from a recipe in the Vegetarian cookbook pictured below. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 349px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 251px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8VfpCB91j2s0YFGoPmZOXWRkmdspuPlVmQp6H3l9pBfef6gGe_asMQyhxSPeYPOqK76_GxcAcMgh7KbRLznEt2eJiYpEqYEy1Wf8C9WVydBpCNSzXVz7n98tMqW2ftHi_OxhkYzCp7Y/s320/iphone+084.JPG" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/4 cup red lentils</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup brown rice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 cups vegetable broth </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cloves of garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 small leeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 red bell pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 can baby corn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">about 4 oz fresh green beans </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">head of broccoli florets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">28 oz can of diced tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Directions: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Add the lentils, rice, and vegetable broth to a large pot. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia73kjX62X_BhUy2K79EvZ3t8dltWIuxocNWC5fAtgISWeiRkavwS8XrCj55KpswJ35U0jZms0K0Q8ueK1aM5LPP5wVBh18Yxw9z2c3wIyDwKu474_6MDI9qx-N6tGbdchd5uajS69Ml8/s320/iphone+083.JPG" width="240" /></div><br /><br />2. Cut the vegetables up into small to medium sized pieces.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kfaClDXcOb_oGdEEusZUHAxmr_jLB79BUk3d4kP1XWYzEJ0B7x2p-pbZ9p12er3bqhZHIeDvBKpEqDBA-si2WvCZBteggsAxkeuoQ031xMDPzt0QfFSc4BMBfdf2pbI8-YOlWdNBwjk/s1600/iphone+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kfaClDXcOb_oGdEEusZUHAxmr_jLB79BUk3d4kP1XWYzEJ0B7x2p-pbZ9p12er3bqhZHIeDvBKpEqDBA-si2WvCZBteggsAxkeuoQ031xMDPzt0QfFSc4BMBfdf2pbI8-YOlWdNBwjk/s320/iphone+092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sliced and diced!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />3. Add the cut vegetables, spices, and canned tomato to the pot and boil for abut 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGkpv66UEdJk7PGxEiKvNjM2dYjZq6SkCw3PQl4BxU15yjToAorU8Hpjj1YPioaaWzp7m8IjXsy9FYL8HmB1Ng8p2Wd1iqp-z-zmBTOWLxt-fgbcfoOswlDkHSRnyABinL3ApBby9tKs/s1600/iphone+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGkpv66UEdJk7PGxEiKvNjM2dYjZq6SkCw3PQl4BxU15yjToAorU8Hpjj1YPioaaWzp7m8IjXsy9FYL8HmB1Ng8p2Wd1iqp-z-zmBTOWLxt-fgbcfoOswlDkHSRnyABinL3ApBby9tKs/s320/iphone+096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />4. Garnish with some fresh basil and serve it up! It will continue to thicken over time. Mine started out like a soup and ended up being a thick casserole.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituUnqx2ndhX20ItX4ht20YAlTjYhxbQ1YDleuQlyaPn0_Nbpx290UaiOxeejugVKnWmcfFMVRyExV30B0UAs2ZkkkTTl0US4R8ORpaP0JS0dZ5nqvTWewV0wfSWdIJjGZ4AgkGvZSU9A/s1600/iphone+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituUnqx2ndhX20ItX4ht20YAlTjYhxbQ1YDleuQlyaPn0_Nbpx290UaiOxeejugVKnWmcfFMVRyExV30B0UAs2ZkkkTTl0US4R8ORpaP0JS0dZ5nqvTWewV0wfSWdIJjGZ4AgkGvZSU9A/s320/iphone+102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now I found that once it becomes really thick that it tastes nice if you shred some cheese on the top and mix it in. But then again there isn't much that I don't like when covered in cheese!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-45970849488324149472013-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.846-08:00Bulk Whole Wheat Pancake RecipeI mentioned in my last post that I had plans to mix up some bulk pancake mix. I tend to eat only whole wheat products and most whole wheat pancakes tend to be hard and thin. I found this great recipe in the Martha Stewart magazine (see original <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/317181/whole-wheat-pancakes-with-berry-compote" target="_blank">here</a>) a few years ago and have been making it since as my only pancake recipe. It produces nice, fluffy pancakes that are thick, soft, and delicious. The wheat germ just helps to round out the flavor perfectly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8GNr8Umier4L4fVluKPOqHQSBALSRA34rKIYvJGgvsR92A5vwEdHC1IoHWhI8ky2G3NxaTPUR_oGfMdwXOiV27J2jXZRJfU9V414BWihyphenhyphenPnI5d6p8vQf7tZf8x5NJ7yLfjYIO3a9DWI/s1600/iphone+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8GNr8Umier4L4fVluKPOqHQSBALSRA34rKIYvJGgvsR92A5vwEdHC1IoHWhI8ky2G3NxaTPUR_oGfMdwXOiV27J2jXZRJfU9V414BWihyphenhyphenPnI5d6p8vQf7tZf8x5NJ7yLfjYIO3a9DWI/s320/iphone+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Ingredients:</u><br /><i>Dry</i><br />1.25 cups Whole wheat flour <br />0.25 cups Wheat germ<br />2 Tbsp Sugar<br />1.5 tsp Baking powder<br />0.5 tsp Baking soda<br />1 tsp Salt<br /><br /><i>Wet</i><br />1.5 cups Buttermilk<br />0.25 cups Vegetable oil<br />2 Eggs, lightly beaten <br /><br /><u>Recipe:</u><br />Combine and mix dry ingredients.<br />Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix.<br />All to rest for 10 minutes.<br />Cook on griddle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcB7fHNmv2c9PbGxPHQpVvQYYg66sTW1Et9YlRt5Fwk0lAuTiYqDACa7Mc3K2iXrzx9daiAYredMuXsKYgz27DJX1tZ1Q3QnVeZIVY7ItAHQuxeWcNUUOcXisQLCxZLnwwsbTYQdY2XQ/s1600/iphone+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcB7fHNmv2c9PbGxPHQpVvQYYg66sTW1Et9YlRt5Fwk0lAuTiYqDACa7Mc3K2iXrzx9daiAYredMuXsKYgz27DJX1tZ1Q3QnVeZIVY7ItAHQuxeWcNUUOcXisQLCxZLnwwsbTYQdY2XQ/s320/iphone+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />For the bulk batch that I made, I multiplied the dry ingredient volumes by 5 and mixed them together. I then placed the mixed dry ingredients into a storage container. When I go to make pancakes next, all I have to do is measure out 1.5 cups and 3 tbsp of the dry mix and add to it the wet ingredients as listed above. This might make it quick enough that I get back into making them every Sunday! If you are like me and never have buttermilk, you can easily substitute any type of cow's milk (skim-whole) with a bit of lemon or lime juice added. If you make this with low-fat buttermilk the calories, fat, etc should be correct in the photo below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAOd8ProJmdpltaWZsLTNAY72osVcLTI8Y3QIJMTBp6xdreQuJcdyuPGt1nU2-eCHylkpWI6vnbecdEkR7K0U-0G8fOw9sGt0SFyZJjj32j9euHASJyYE7UvK9M6ZnaCTR6v2-hPpSqk/s1600/iphone+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAOd8ProJmdpltaWZsLTNAY72osVcLTI8Y3QIJMTBp6xdreQuJcdyuPGt1nU2-eCHylkpWI6vnbecdEkR7K0U-0G8fOw9sGt0SFyZJjj32j9euHASJyYE7UvK9M6ZnaCTR6v2-hPpSqk/s320/iphone+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-34993107052895887532013-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.834-08:00My 5 favorite links of the weekI am spending way too much time on<a href="http://pinterest.com/LadybugSoapwork/" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a>, but I am finding so many great projects to do on everyone's boards! I think all of these links come from Pinterest finds. So here is my list of top five links for the week. <ol><li>Homemade baking mixes at <a href="http://fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com/2012/02/fake-betty-crocker-cookie-mixes.html" target="_blank">Fake-it-frugal</a>. I plan to make these plus a bulk pancake mix and homemade instant oatmeal! This will save money and time!</li><li>Make your own microwave popcorn at <a href="http://www.frugallivingnw.com/tips-tricks/frugal-tip-make-your-own-microwave-popcorn/" target="_blank">Frugal Living NW</a>. I spend way too much money on microwave popcorn.</li><li>Homemade pizza crust at <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2010/04/29/perfect-homemade-pizza-crust-tips-and-tricks/" target="_blank">Annies eats</a>. I want to make up a big batch of this and freeze it to have on hand for quick dinners.</li><li>Homemade chocolate sauce at <a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2009/07/10/homemade-chocolate-syrup/" target="_blank">Small notebook</a>. This looks like it would be good on ice cream and in alcoholic drinks as well as to make chocolate milk.</li><li>Make your own instant oatmeal at <a href="http://amylovesherlife.blogspot.com/2012/01/who-likes-saving-money.html" target="_blank">Amy Loves Her Life</a>. I plan to make this and store it in a jar instead of individual bags. I will probably modify it a bit to cut down on the sugar and replace some with stevia (I think they have a brown sugar version!). I'll let you know what I come up with!</li></ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 281px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 155px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2009/07/10/homemade-chocolate-syrup/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8zobxxDC4qZGwYi8Bacnvqk_6VowgRKif3MpabXiCB-a7X_oqM0MiR-4azr8Q0GPiSZdUEhgwQYnNd9hyphenhyphenWIBToewSkimeuFUzP97oCeym026t-KaGaSprYJ7qfw0BhlbH9g9Flxxk6g/s320/chocolate-syrup.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2009/07/10/homemade-chocolate-syrup/" target="_blank">Picture from smallnotebook.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As you can see my mind must be on food! I will be going back to work soon and I really want to get the kitchen prepped for quick homemade dinners. I have really enjoyed cooking good food while I have been at home, but once I start working again it will be hard to find the time. So, I am hoping to stock up my pantry and freezer with prepared or quick to prepare foods so I can continue to eat well!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-68586140075896682342013-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.877-08:00Custom soap orders for weddings or showersPlanning a wedding or a baby shower and need small gifts for your guests? Did you know that you can order custom soaps from Ladybug Soapworks? You choose the scent, color, and shape and I do the rest! Beautiful, moisturizing handmade soap a great way to give your guests a special treat that will not clutter their house or add pounds to their hips! If you are interested in setting up an order contact me at contact@ladybugsoapworks.net.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgdnWzTFqSVw-TGQWKY5cEFPa5AytlNLPKh1OpsthdWtwQA-OY1yU6PRRu2JtHxFyYKP7Sh_Qf3hkq1CG5CE2A_Ix10G0oseu92vImZl0imNQWsxgZuxzIb_rdvpt-RpuZdqXSIwsy1w/s1600/ayrurvedic+ladybug+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgdnWzTFqSVw-TGQWKY5cEFPa5AytlNLPKh1OpsthdWtwQA-OY1yU6PRRu2JtHxFyYKP7Sh_Qf3hkq1CG5CE2A_Ix10G0oseu92vImZl0imNQWsxgZuxzIb_rdvpt-RpuZdqXSIwsy1w/s320/ayrurvedic+ladybug+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybug Shaped Soap</td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see from the pictures, I can make soap in different style molds or in the regular rectangle shape. Wouldn't the little animals just be perfect for baby shower gifts!?! I can also make heart shaped soap which is a great shape for wedding and bridal showers gifts. It gets even better though, all custom orders over $50 get 10% off and orders over $100 get 20% off! This is a great savings. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXJ-zF65zvOTq5BYX_ZguVz8_hDALew6G8RmIqSf-paEf785J8Nl_Cg_UpzUTc9V4ArVRrJZdvubFRBVWjwvczmyE38ygLQWJodZHaoSd_81TsgZErIspY_yPOR_ycVn1tWWnBEk2I-M/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXJ-zF65zvOTq5BYX_ZguVz8_hDALew6G8RmIqSf-paEf785J8Nl_Cg_UpzUTc9V4ArVRrJZdvubFRBVWjwvczmyE38ygLQWJodZHaoSd_81TsgZErIspY_yPOR_ycVn1tWWnBEk2I-M/s320/IMG_3695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animals!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRLiL5e5fsuEcRdTVYItntTkOhINGo3Y4144nP8PAIkcxS6vDrMDpvFX7T6U8PflY0_dZtyfSKZaFbP3PqlwkJYmwHbMn7poWZ9mhcbtQE2T2oNl_HiOvXNMwasbaTgg3pFRZm7gh0Jg/s1600/IMG_3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRLiL5e5fsuEcRdTVYItntTkOhINGo3Y4144nP8PAIkcxS6vDrMDpvFX7T6U8PflY0_dZtyfSKZaFbP3PqlwkJYmwHbMn7poWZ9mhcbtQE2T2oNl_HiOvXNMwasbaTgg3pFRZm7gh0Jg/s320/IMG_3693.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Animals!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-87291749190986705832013-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.906-08:00Mochacchino Butter Sugar Scrub Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Need an extra boost to wake you up in the morning? This Mochacchino sugar scrub should do the trick. I like to scent mine with a mix of coffee, vanilla, and chocolate fragrance, but the butter already has a delicious scent so you could really just eliminate the added fragrance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Ingredients:</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 oz Mochacchino butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 oz sweet almond oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup Demerara sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/8 cup ground coffee </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">25-30 drops of fragrance or essential oil </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Procedure:</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Weigh out the Mochacchino butter and melt in the microwave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Weigh out the sweet almond oil and add it to the melted butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o78brZDiDaI9o5mKHANdP6STQdZKVPW7VVx22ZGbg3r_Cuw80mH_qvpuIjRylYupG0-3IaYmcF1vDnO8qFE6kSP-byNLNhPB51Lkcexyo2hVDpUiUOqZOemWXGvwVQI0aQXMSq7nI-0/s320/2013-01-21+14.10.47.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted butter and oil</td></tr></tbody></table>3. Add the sugar and coffee grounds to the melted oils and stir.<br />4. Add fragrance to the mixture and stir.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYNy09Wu7aMNEsCq_kh3y2014OcmlbN8Mpc5vkcjtDysuxZzmtKCM8dizGXpfnja8oMPrgVKTSZD4orZe3aMJvJliQ26gYwbLhlwgn9nBSQd9_di79cJRvN4jctNvhDWWOGoKjC1WVW0/s1600/2013-01-21+14.27.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYNy09Wu7aMNEsCq_kh3y2014OcmlbN8Mpc5vkcjtDysuxZzmtKCM8dizGXpfnja8oMPrgVKTSZD4orZe3aMJvJliQ26gYwbLhlwgn9nBSQd9_di79cJRvN4jctNvhDWWOGoKjC1WVW0/s320/2013-01-21+14.27.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing up the sugar and oils</td></tr></tbody></table> 5. Package it in a pretty container and then rush off to the shower for a nice scrub down!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6azLezNDBkygxL7vnrUqoU7fYCsBLpN3XRuOUq29EylvSdiRRnQ157CgongVRgb7xbeHLAQnhmR4tMSvcwdUXdZ6Rh-jtMKwO8fVWYbkR3tpreX6uAs5tSUQk0iYCRVSptKCXh3T9ak/s1600/2013-01-21+14.30.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6azLezNDBkygxL7vnrUqoU7fYCsBLpN3XRuOUq29EylvSdiRRnQ157CgongVRgb7xbeHLAQnhmR4tMSvcwdUXdZ6Rh-jtMKwO8fVWYbkR3tpreX6uAs5tSUQk0iYCRVSptKCXh3T9ak/s320/2013-01-21+14.30.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty and packaged</td></tr></tbody></table>You may find that this needs more or less liquid oil depending on your taste. I would let the mixture cool to room temp and then modify it if needed. <br /><br />Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-17709350949915849262013-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.816-08:00Ingredient Spotlight: Shea ButterShea butter is one of my favorite ingredients to use in soap. It comes from the nut of the African Shea (Karite) tree (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> (also known as <i>Butyrospermum parkii</i>)). It is typically a yellowish or ivory color, but can be refined to remove the nutty scent and color leaving it pretty much pure white. I find that the the raw unrefined butter is great when used in soapmaking, but if you are wanting to make a lotion or whipped Shea butter, the white refined version tends to suit that purpose better.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd-suHzfGIUtetCuuXxoHTjeAgwYRPi0Q80406BcWaJxv1RrowqxPzQ7aBxIgKm3Z71kCii-ACwN6NRpGbv05fsNOEs4qoD8wFfgVYHWL58TngFSsIqSB4l5_JY5TKK5opq7mVr8fFlg/s1600/shea-butter-and-nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd-suHzfGIUtetCuuXxoHTjeAgwYRPi0Q80406BcWaJxv1RrowqxPzQ7aBxIgKm3Z71kCii-ACwN6NRpGbv05fsNOEs4qoD8wFfgVYHWL58TngFSsIqSB4l5_JY5TKK5opq7mVr8fFlg/s320/shea-butter-and-nuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shea Butter and Shea Nuts</td></tr></tbody></table>Shea butter is mainly used in the cosmetic/body care industry though it is also used as a cooking oil in some African countries. You will find Shea butter as an ingredient in many products such as lotions, creams, salves, lip balm, soap, and hair conditioners. Shea butter is made of a variety of fatty acid components and many unsaponifiable (they do not react with the alkali (sodium hydroxide) and will not become soap) components. This results in soap that is more moisturizing. Shea butter melts upon contact with our bodies and is highly emollient. It has been traditionally used to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and skin discolorations and sooth skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. The unsaponifiable components are also thought to protect the skin against sun damage by absorbing the ultraviolet radiation. Another great fact about Shea butter is that it has a long shelf life and can easily last 1-2 years or more when stored in a cool, dry location. This means I can buy it in bulk to keep costs down and then include it in almost all of my soap! Only my Castile soap, shampoo soaps, and salt soap bars are formulated without Shea butter.<br /><br />Want to know more? Check out this great page of information on Shea butter over at the National Geographic<a href="http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/shea-butter-benefits-2153.html" target="_blank"> website</a>. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-44154972924930125122013-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.840-08:00Ladybug Soapworks blog now available on Kindle!I am so excited to announce that the Ladybug Soapworks blog is now available on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Soapworks/dp/B00B6FL1HE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359332556&sr=1-1&keywords=ladybug+soapworks" target="_blank">Kindle store</a> for a monthly subscription cost of $0.99. This allows you to read my blog even when you are not connected to the internet. This is also a great way for you to take my recipes and tutorials with you into your kitchen or soap "lab" and have them easily accessible without printing them out and wasting paper. Want to sign up? Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Soapworks/dp/B00B6FL1HE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359332556&sr=1-1&keywords=ladybug+soapworks" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Soapworks/dp/B00B6FL1HE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359332556&sr=1-1&keywords=ladybug+soapworks" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jeQv-Isxy8ZMxpaSCeRezaDGWa6so9gmkZs1W7oM1NF2BztErP2hW225OyuvVRnWH5yu01RpI-Cd4NtR6VRxN-1ZqGRkTN8eTMdpvdlR83RoBykBO6VaeHyyDKatetKVR8XnhPY1eCY/s640/blog+on+kindle+store.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-78639590060092514542013-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.891-08:00Indian Samosa CasseroleIf you know me, then you know I LOVE Indian food. If I could, I would eat it every night! So when I came across this recipe for a Samosa casserole, I just had to make it! The recipe below is based off of the one on the vegetarian times website (see it <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/indian-samosa-casserole/" target="_blank">here</a>). I have modified a few things in my recipe to suit my tastes, but you may prefer to use the original.<br /><br /><h4 class="entry-title full-title" itemprop="name">Indian Samosa Casserole Recipe</h4><div class="ingredient-div"> <strong>Crust</strong><ul><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">½ cup all-purpose flour</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">½ cup whole-wheat flour</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">¼ tsp. salt</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 Tbsp vegetable oil</li></ul><strong>Filling</strong><ul><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 Tbs. yellow mustard seeds</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 tsp. curry powder</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 tsp. ground ginger</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 tsp. ground cumin</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">5 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered (1 ¼ lb.)--I used closer to 2 lbs</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 ½ tsp. vegetable oil</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 large onion, diced (~1.5 cup)</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 large carrot, diced (~1 cup)</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 cup frozen peas</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 tsp. agave nectar or sugar</li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 Tbsp milk</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>1. To make crust: Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together flours and salt in bowl. Stir in oil and then add 6 to 10 Tbsp cold water until dough holds together. Shape into ball, cover with damp towel, and set aside.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6h6AToIivcpdnEbyKCECAsTesQ45F4yf7hT1-BIeEcIeVtr-lLeoDlT-eM-BuS0stlfq_cttQg0qypL_iBbNXcPr2xM-QmXpnj4aOCZG0CH9xQHZyUwbR5mmCzJ-9cjrwa2SJ36hdb4/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crust dough</td></tr></tbody></table>2. To make filling: Stir together mustard seeds, curry, ginger, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl and set aside.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR58Vcwsh1dUlCAS2sIv1xanm6jvnz1wg-Mwo9QohBIECwBmWM3ytU5d9SROpIMGzuqN2sZYvkMMCjtzLWPtTXwQd7j5mBBOz-mxdovErn2PW6oDHLBNQYgA-Uf4bT9kgHD4RlKrm3vY/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR58Vcwsh1dUlCAS2sIv1xanm6jvnz1wg-Mwo9QohBIECwBmWM3ytU5d9SROpIMGzuqN2sZYvkMMCjtzLWPtTXwQd7j5mBBOz-mxdovErn2PW6oDHLBNQYgA-Uf4bT9kgHD4RlKrm3vY/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasonings</td></tr></tbody></table> 3. Cook potatoes in boiling salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain, return to pot, and mash, leaving small chunks.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXMoFk-2sNlCWOuhghdD6VwytARFcBriQ7mu6azz8Scy3LFYiNFCGZGQPC-LTGrtdG_tGE79Dqi1Af1AgW253hmyrqmXWGkYRHaqlJq2QWLsnKBjIm4gCNHajPQEO6zOEgvN4LibsKqQ/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXMoFk-2sNlCWOuhghdD6VwytARFcBriQ7mu6azz8Scy3LFYiNFCGZGQPC-LTGrtdG_tGE79Dqi1Af1AgW253hmyrqmXWGkYRHaqlJq2QWLsnKBjIm4gCNHajPQEO6zOEgvN4LibsKqQ/s320/IMG_1597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potatoes mashed</td></tr></tbody></table>4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic, and sauté 5 minutes, or until carrot is tender. Move onion mixture to side of pan, and add mustard seed mixture in center. Toast for about 30 seconds. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW1ScJFO4hBglTKJnFWPLVkXZYUEz2kDJP_s7DdWScF-GZegQZWTFQlmM8pHITPeqdyX0iSWR3sXpL0_Xcz7qFNk-Z36D6ZDUfW_TeUgkiPISu8Tsg7I94dBxb-j5tXYJdEk_ReMDFpU/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW1ScJFO4hBglTKJnFWPLVkXZYUEz2kDJP_s7DdWScF-GZegQZWTFQlmM8pHITPeqdyX0iSWR3sXpL0_Xcz7qFNk-Z36D6ZDUfW_TeUgkiPISu8Tsg7I94dBxb-j5tXYJdEk_ReMDFpU/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasting seasoning</td></tr></tbody></table><br />5. Stir in frozen peas and broth. Fold onion mixture into potato mixture; stir in agave nectar or sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. <br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvJVDk5OUSz1NeqHbIBRCdNmPlioDP45E_FJdaenjQg5NZIOtfVrFy_4HrWk6fr9dNiNjCzHhD3p0aE9iv3dtoQTuLzvSCddR9kZDefm9E1CVKia1XhntUm_RcTd7PN7Eb0QGT7SueSU/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvJVDk5OUSz1NeqHbIBRCdNmPlioDP45E_FJdaenjQg5NZIOtfVrFy_4HrWk6fr9dNiNjCzHhD3p0aE9iv3dtoQTuLzvSCddR9kZDefm9E1CVKia1XhntUm_RcTd7PN7Eb0QGT7SueSU/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing the onions, carrots, and pea mixture into the mashed potatoes.</td></tr></tbody></table> 6. Spread filling into a 9-inch pie pan and set aside. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yaep1O0JESDbWc91ajY8QHiCLG6zWs4zdTEMmvfodiDMu7E9etEqlmFgt7Hg5qOuPMQs4VpJjFNphv9LfzRGF_MWQ6SGnDkhW_ocPGPRbpr0RytcSVkqdaeZY7GwxqbzIXpmOwvl2X8/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yaep1O0JESDbWc91ajY8QHiCLG6zWs4zdTEMmvfodiDMu7E9etEqlmFgt7Hg5qOuPMQs4VpJjFNphv9LfzRGF_MWQ6SGnDkhW_ocPGPRbpr0RytcSVkqdaeZY7GwxqbzIXpmOwvl2X8/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling spread in pie pan</td></tr></tbody></table>7. Roll out crust dough to 11-inch circle on a lightly floured work surface. Cover filling with dough and crimp edges with fingers. Cut X in center to vent steam and lightly brush with milk just before baking. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaCd34WOv0jMLqKYTx2Pm1SFE8CLv2x7x2dZGUgBHZuBny2tnhJoG19KJK-ZoTJ5pi_BXy2E12yWCKuZvFKMzTI2gdELZBbnA1uH6-aA1gGuZXkKRjjM3CFkBfNsmmFD2GS-eZHfCC4I/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaCd34WOv0jMLqKYTx2Pm1SFE8CLv2x7x2dZGUgBHZuBny2tnhJoG19KJK-ZoTJ5pi_BXy2E12yWCKuZvFKMzTI2gdELZBbnA1uH6-aA1gGuZXkKRjjM3CFkBfNsmmFD2GS-eZHfCC4I/s320/IMG_1602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling covered with crust dough.</td></tr></tbody></table>8. Place pie on baking sheet to catch any potential bubbling over and bake 40 to 50 minutes, or until crust is golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9vpbFk9srraQYMcog18RufpK_59U-xveWmBbw4vMj_n9kvbX7zPnniim9gUeXRkgmyxaM6srH0aPjrFmswGxKn_O8miw0HjuBSvThFanqdijTbAdremTVB5wNLY5uk6I7wU06Ndvkgg/s1600/IMG_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9vpbFk9srraQYMcog18RufpK_59U-xveWmBbw4vMj_n9kvbX7zPnniim9gUeXRkgmyxaM6srH0aPjrFmswGxKn_O8miw0HjuBSvThFanqdijTbAdremTVB5wNLY5uk6I7wU06Ndvkgg/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked until the crust was golden brown</td></tr></tbody></table> 9. I topped it with a tamarind-date sauce I bought from an Indian grocery store. Yum!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4f9yfDX-yclRMvQputduF1NdSsCR_KaYvXZDDwcM9F2ABuZMxfaZ4AI28HXuuOeiriY-xfoZLLdL4728LvCRd233JyCYjyJEhouEPpc05e-I4kpamG5LJhz6kiuaYsZG0tXFqoc7H9Y/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4f9yfDX-yclRMvQputduF1NdSsCR_KaYvXZDDwcM9F2ABuZMxfaZ4AI28HXuuOeiriY-xfoZLLdL4728LvCRd233JyCYjyJEhouEPpc05e-I4kpamG5LJhz6kiuaYsZG0tXFqoc7H9Y/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious!</td></tr></tbody></table>Let me know if you make this and how it turned out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-72994269377514567852013-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.885-08:00Sweet treats for your Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking for something great for that special person in your life? Ladybug Soapworks has an assortment of products that would make anyone happy. To find the items in the picture below, go <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_18" target="_blank"> here</a> for the cupcake soaps, the bath melts <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12" target="_blank">here</a>, the bath salts <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=17" target="_blank">here</a>, and the geranium rose soap can be purchased <a href="http://ladybugsoapworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=32" target="_blank">here</a>. Order soon as Valentine's day is in only 20 days! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you prefer, you can find all the same items listed at my etsy store <a href="http://www.ladybugsoapworks.etsy.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Be sure to friend me on <a href="https://twitter.com/LadybugSoapwork" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and get a 15% off discount for use on either site!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ladybugsoapworks.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAD8XyR0b6jKJDOSnfhl03eYp4mRwYWOjnapj4_1h9vu6Pk1IgUiMGNUJvJLaAzEJsr-UXwLOAyu_hceKavMaD_ZRWW26CqK51-SU45ylmjqmjyDCN9lwzATbfe9kq4rRbXujNxE1EKA/s640/Valentines+day+filer+copy.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-60979015746700793242013-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.867-08:00Soaps, Drugs, & Rock and Roll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to admit that this is really old news, but I am sure that most people have not heard this story and I wanted to share this great video. The video below explains how real soap tests positive (false-positive that is!) for the date rape drug. This is simply a problem with the drug testing kit, but it turns out to be a great way to find out if what you are using is indeed real soap and not a mixture of synthetic detergents. Their are many cases of products being mislabeled and claiming to be soap when they are in fact detergent. While this test is a pretty cool trick for us soapmakers, I am sure most people will not want to check their soap with a drug kit to determine if it is really soap. An easier way to determine what is in your product is to look at the labels. Be on the look out for "soaps" that have Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, or Cocomidopropyl Betaine as these are all common detergents used in soap-like products. On the other hand, if the label lists oils and sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide as the ingredients, then you have real soap. I should note that real soap and detergent products can be found in both solid (bar) and liquid forms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the video below and at the very end you will see a list of companies that are falsely advertizing their product as soap. As a consumer, you should be able to make an educated choice about what products you are putting on your body. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-6E19OUBNhM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725066283723489805.post-52219873368935520912013-01-24T07:32:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:50:48.859-08:00Geranium rose bath (oil) melts tutorial<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Bath melts are a wonderful way to to add scent and skin nourishing oils to your bath. They are essentially bath oils made up in a solid form. All you have to do is drop 1 or 2 of them into a nice, warm bath and they will melt dispersing the oils and scent into the bath water. The melts pictured below are made from a combination of cocoa butter, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. The are scented with a Geranium Rose essential oil and topped off with some red and iridescent glitter, because sparkles make everything better!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnrm2MUOCCEZph4UAfMfaqqQ6_JaDzYJHumeFw5ayEn20CmpEoJ3pZO1qnuKNWfV2yimyGnoYUD02teRLYabJ5zr0iW1_ltxEyYOthCTsHCgSPagZrSpZ6pEsdhyHX8o1K_hqqwuifD0/s1600/2013-01-21+15.21.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnrm2MUOCCEZph4UAfMfaqqQ6_JaDzYJHumeFw5ayEn20CmpEoJ3pZO1qnuKNWfV2yimyGnoYUD02teRLYabJ5zr0iW1_ltxEyYOthCTsHCgSPagZrSpZ6pEsdhyHX8o1K_hqqwuifD0/s320/2013-01-21+15.21.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium Rose Bath Melts</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A simple recipe to make your own bath melts is given below. <br /><ol><li>Melt 1 part cocoa butter and 1 part shea butter in the microwave.</li><li>Add to the melted butters 1 part liquid oil.</li><li>If needed, let the oils cool to below 120 degrees F and then add your fragrance (1-3% for fragrance oils and 1-2% for essential oils).</li><li>Mix and pour into small molds (about 1 oz mold size is good)</li><li>Allow to cool and harden either at room temperature or for a faster cooling place in your fridge until solid. </li></ol><br />If all these "parts" are confusing, here is an example using oz.<br />1 oz cocoa butter<br />1 oz shea butter<br />1 oz liquid oil (sweet almond, hazelnut, hemp oil, or pretty much any other liquid oil would be fine).<br />17 (1%)-50 (3%) drops of fragrance<br /><br />You may want to play with the ratio of hard oils (butters) to liquid oil to find what looks and feels best to you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17138854950761004976noreply@blogger.com2