tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20189211542341801242024-03-14T03:11:19.286-04:00Adventures with AprilI've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage.
Charles De Secondat (1689 - 1755)princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.comBlogger1678125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-3488100553684720142021-01-12T13:20:00.001-05:002021-01-12T13:20:03.690-05:00What We've Watched - 2020<p>I forgot a bunch! So, just to round out 2020, here we go.</p><p>Let's see...</p><p>I watched <b>Enola Holmes</b> on Netflix which I found adorable, and I don't care if they changed up character types (someone said they softened Sherlock too much, but it's just an interpretation - chill out, people). </p><p><b>Sing On</b> was a mediocre reality show on Netflix which was not good. I don't watch reality shows so maybe some people may find it better than I did, but it was just too fake and bright and shiny for me. I didn't care about the contestants at all though I do like Titus Burgess, the host.</p><p>I watched <b>Emily in Paris</b> on Netflix which I didn't love, but then I ended up liking it by the end. I do not like love triangles, and they skirted the issue of cheating, but it was still fine. It's the clothes for me. It was all so pretty. </p><p>I caught <b>Cats</b> on HBO Max which wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. I mean, I should state that I already love Cats. I've seen the play three times (maybe 4) on Broadway. I had the DVD. I think the "big names" were the weakest but not horrible. I think the CGI was a little weird. However, I liked the additions of, you know, a plot. I loved Skimbleshanks which is my favorite cat and what they did with Mr. Mistophelees. It was a perfectly fine couch movie to watch while I played games on my phone.</p><p>For Sunday Family Movie, the family watched the animated <b>Mulan </b>on Disney+. I watched it back in the day, but the kids (and Husband) hadn't watched before. Everyone liked it, but I don't think it was anybody's favorite. No one has a big drive to see the live-action movie. It's definitely got mixed reviews from those I know who have watched it. I'll give in eventually, but I'm not there yet.</p><p>Lastly, I watched <b>Family Baking Championship</b> on Netflix. I loved the first season, but the second season mixed things up, and I didn't love that. There was a definite advantage of being ethnic. I think the strong flavors and generations cooking together played strong with the winning families. It made me want to eat some of the food, though. I guess it kind of got us a little into baking at the time, too. I just feel like we got to learn more about the families in the first season, and I liked the judges more. I still stuck with it so I guess that says something.</p><p>I did a lot of streaming services in the Fall. It was hard to keep up. Honorable mention is that I started to watch Fargo and The Big Bang Theory (which I went from Season 3 to Season 11 in the last month - not sure if I'm proud of ashamed of this). I need to get back into reading.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-77013021703617168992021-01-08T16:59:00.003-05:002021-01-08T16:59:27.430-05:00Movies We're Watching - Wonder Woman 1984<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-UTPkXhTJA/X_jUpJ762MI/AAAAAAAAdxU/6lxPSUb2eLgEf0Lsvx7EtWHwwHTxOr9eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/MV5BNWY2NWE0NWEtZGUwMC00NWMwLTkyNzUtNmIxMmIyYzA0MjNiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA2OTQ3MTUy._V1_UY1200_CR90%252C0%252C630%252C1200_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-UTPkXhTJA/X_jUpJ762MI/AAAAAAAAdxU/6lxPSUb2eLgEf0Lsvx7EtWHwwHTxOr9eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/MV5BNWY2NWE0NWEtZGUwMC00NWMwLTkyNzUtNmIxMmIyYzA0MjNiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA2OTQ3MTUy._V1_UY1200_CR90%252C0%252C630%252C1200_AL_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Christmas, the family watched Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max. I know it got some bad press, and I'm not saying the objections were wrong, but we liked it. Maybe our expectations were lower because we had just opened a ton of presents and just finished a really tasty dinner, but it was entertaining. We had the added benefit of seeing some familiar sights and sites, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Basically, a wishing stone appeared at the Smithsonian where Diana was working, and you know, people made wishes. This is how Steve showed up again if you were wondering. I liked the monkey's paw aspect of the plot where there was a dark side to every wish. Things got a little crowded with the dual villains and there was a lot of build up and setting the stage. We can't say it was an utter waste of time. It made for a solid family movie during a time where we desperately need something to do as a family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to 2021!</div></div><br /><p></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-59099000205094011652021-01-08T16:50:00.003-05:002021-01-08T16:50:38.609-05:00What We're Watching - Bridgerton<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QrkqUMS8WMM/X_jSVcQvP-I/AAAAAAAAdww/aal7M3gues0YIjxVWRP-yVlBylwUWNGigCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="203" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QrkqUMS8WMM/X_jSVcQvP-I/AAAAAAAAdww/aal7M3gues0YIjxVWRP-yVlBylwUWNGigCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div>I'm sure you know Netflix has a show called Bridgerton out. It's based on Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. This season is based on The Duke and I - which I read but kind of don't remember. Anthony's book was my favorite, but Colin and Penelope were my favorite characters (I was just disappointed in their actual book). ANYWAY, it's a solid adaptation which only a few changes and none of them really bothered me. <div><br /></div><div>Simon is the very new Duke of Hastings and all the mamas want their girls to catch a duke. Daphne was just released into Society and yet has no suitors except for a toad of a man. So, they decide to court. The sharks would leave Simon alone if he was with someone and Daphne would be more desirable after a duke was chasing her. There is some boxing, pettiness, a prince, a duel, and a happily ever after. And a whole lot of sex. So, you know, don't watch this one with the kids. Or maybe you do, maybe your kids are older and you parent differently. I'm not judging. </div><div><br /></div><div>The show is beautiful and entertaining, and it made me want to reread the book.</div>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-52526923377303476042021-01-08T16:39:00.003-05:002021-01-08T16:39:50.212-05:00Books We've Read - How to Catch a Queen<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IH3QGb8ryqM/X_jJNzWIAqI/AAAAAAAAdwk/P0Uyhy6vh_YS84CQiRi9WUIRk3IJ-kRnwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="314" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IH3QGb8ryqM/X_jJNzWIAqI/AAAAAAAAdwk/P0Uyhy6vh_YS84CQiRi9WUIRk3IJ-kRnwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="152" /></a></div><p></p><p>I kept my Alyssa Cole streak up with How to Catch a Queen. This is a spin-off from the Reluctant Royals series, but it starts a new series, Runaway Royals. Sanyu and Shanti start the series (and their appearance in A Prince on Paper) married. They're strained for many reasons - death of a parent, political climate, pressures of running a country (or rebelling against a monarchy). You know, typical marital issues... </p><p>I thought this book was super unique, and I felt for Sanyu. I mean, he was kind of a jerk, but it was interesting to learn his point of view and where he was coming from. Ugh, Daddy issues, they're the worst. </p><p>What I love about Alyssa Cole's books is that the tropes are there. The plot seems like you know where it's going, but then there's more or it doesn't go the place you thought. I love that. I wouldn't say it's a twist so much as a misdirection. I can't wait for the next book (still have one in my to be read pile at least).</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-6972806868778322682021-01-08T16:05:00.005-05:002021-01-08T16:05:24.957-05:00Books We've Read - A Prince on Paper<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTI9Niw4u2A/X_jAccenYzI/AAAAAAAAdwY/j7hUG3nqbOkDWGaBS7YYfJkTpVkgQTuhACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="572" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTI9Niw4u2A/X_jAccenYzI/AAAAAAAAdwY/j7hUG3nqbOkDWGaBS7YYfJkTpVkgQTuhACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="152" /></a></div><p></p><p>I slowly got back into writing over the holidays. I had this one in the ereader for quite awhile. I love Alyssa Cole's books, but somehow they get buried in a mountain of books, but I'm always so happy when I read them. A Prince on Paper is some secondary characters from her Reluctant Royals series. Johan was the playboy prince from the previous book. Nya is heading home after a disappointing time in New York City. They both end up in the same bed in a private jet (because who hasn't that happened to before?) and get thrown together during mutual friends' wedding.</p><p>I loved the characters. I love a good fake relationship/engagement. I loved seeing all the beloved characters from the previous book. There's such great character development, believable dialogue, and chemistry between the characters even if the premise, from a distance, seems a bit much. That's usually a consequence of the genre in general. Plus, during one scene, you get to meet the characters from the next book/series.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-43252708574951794682020-12-19T12:40:00.001-05:002020-12-19T12:40:00.879-05:00Books We've Read - Mistletoe in Paradise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6UOv7GMcQ8E/X9j1Tsmo0uI/AAAAAAAAc74/Z-Tonzphp7UgVf0_K_m5Dgw_OSbEhM9WwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="851" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6UOv7GMcQ8E/X9j1Tsmo0uI/AAAAAAAAc74/Z-Tonzphp7UgVf0_K_m5Dgw_OSbEhM9WwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br />I read this book as a light little diversion to keep my reading going. I love Jill Shalvis, and this was a perfect book for a Saturday. It opens with 2 brothers - James and Jason - and a childhood friend, Hannah. Their families always spend Christmas together on a yacht sailing around the Carribean. This year, Hannah, James, and Hannah's step-father are on the yacht for a most awkward trip. <p></p><p>There is some reunited love, some father/daughter moments, warm temperatures when it is definitely cold where I am, some sexy times. It's perfectly adorable - light in parts, funny in parts, and really touching and moving in parts. This is loosely part of the Wildstone series, but you definitely do not need to read any of the series for this one. It's very stand alone.</p><p><br /></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-70604558061930996462020-12-17T12:31:00.001-05:002020-12-17T12:31:01.829-05:00Books We've Read - What You See<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rexlDeXt310/X9jzH7ooD8I/AAAAAAAAc7s/Z54Fnqes_NYAHbESsDNTYTtZu97Ab8zxwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rexlDeXt310/X9jzH7ooD8I/AAAAAAAAc7s/Z54Fnqes_NYAHbESsDNTYTtZu97Ab8zxwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br />What You See is the latest book in the Sons of the Survivalist series by Cherise Sinclair. You don't have to read the previous books though it does help of course. Cherise Sinclair's books get a little graphic - there's some violence - hand-to-hand combat, gun, abuse, there is some sexy times that are described with a fair amount of detail.<p></p><p>This series takes place in Rescue, Alaska, and is about 4 boys who grew up together, foster brothers who form a strong brotherhood between them. They end up being raised by a survivalist after being taken from an abusive foster home. </p><p>In this one, Bull meets Frankie. Bull is owner of the local bar/restaurant though he has other business ventures in Alaska. Frankie takes time off from her job at her family's modeling agency to rescue her friend being held in Alaska by the local religious cult. We've seen the cult gain more and more attention throughout the book, how local law enforcement wants to shut it down, but they have no evidence. So, this comes to a head a bit in this book. </p><p>I liked this one. I liked the action. I completely understand that this book/series is not for everybody. It gets very gritty and rough around the edges. That said, it is typical for Cherise Sinclair's books and, truthfully, it is a little tamer than her other series in terms of subject matter and content. So, if this is your jam, check out the series.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-58178731360181916592020-12-15T12:26:00.001-05:002020-12-15T12:26:45.285-05:00Movies We've Watched - The Prom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdtR3eqCquc/X9jwKKd68PI/AAAAAAAAc7g/JzixIRKs43stQQqRvRhaSRwhfPJhCDn8wCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdtR3eqCquc/X9jwKKd68PI/AAAAAAAAc7g/JzixIRKs43stQQqRvRhaSRwhfPJhCDn8wCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><br />I watched The Prom on Netflix last weekend. I liked it. It was fine. I totally understand the criticism, but as one who has not judged Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman's singing kindly in the past, I thought they were entertaining. I don't have a huge issue with James Corden. Could there be better performances? I'm sure. Could they have chosen some/all of the original cast from Broadway? Definitely. However, I get that I should either not watch it or I take it for what it is. <p></p><p>With that out of the way, I'll say nice things. I love Keegan Michael Key. I thought he did a good job, and now I want to see Jingle Jangle. I thought the leads were adorable. I don't think this movie version falls as flat as some other (most) movie adaptations, and it does make me want to see the play. </p><p><br /></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-41229115004544197942020-12-11T10:21:00.003-05:002020-12-11T10:21:00.129-05:00Movies We've Watched - The Society of Second-Born Royals<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfkAgKHUzJA/X85JsBl5wSI/AAAAAAAAcxg/XYtAkk5h-wcSC7g5_67mv2zJ7OdgcskEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s224/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfkAgKHUzJA/X85JsBl5wSI/AAAAAAAAcxg/XYtAkk5h-wcSC7g5_67mv2zJ7OdgcskEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/images.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">To continue my young adult viewing, I watched The Secret Society of Second-Born Royals on Disney+. The first time I tried to watch, it seemed a little silly which I attributed to the fact that I was old and not the target demographic. However, I waited a little bit and then gave it another go. It was really cute. I didn't see the ending coming and really liked the unique take on the superhero origin story. This could definitely be a series if they wanted. </span><span style="text-align: left;">I've also loved the recent string of movies, mostly for young people, with Asian stars. Younger April would have definitely been into it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sam is the second-born daughter in the royal family of Illyia. Her mother is temporarily ruling after her father dies. Her sister is about to take the throne upon her birthday. Sam bucks the monarchy (despite being part of it). Sam also finds herself with heightened senses. After a crazy night, Sam winds up in summer school which turns into her introduction to the Secret Society of Second-Born Royals. She, and 4 others, learn to control their powers and learn that their job is now to protect the heads of their families. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of it all, I found it super cute. The kids did a good job of making you care about their characters after seemingly like caricatures at the start (similar to The Breakfast Club where they are stuck together and seem like the Jock and the Princess but turn into more). I'd love a sequel where you meet other second borns and other powers, but this one was fun.</div></div></div><p></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-33152448063376944372020-12-09T10:12:00.001-05:002020-12-09T10:12:01.512-05:00Movies We've Watched - The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l9epsgIQ9A/X85GjZh5SQI/AAAAAAAAcwo/SXms9hwJCnY0ON4bcmSyGWu2r9rlT2CagCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l9epsgIQ9A/X85GjZh5SQI/AAAAAAAAcwo/SXms9hwJCnY0ON4bcmSyGWu2r9rlT2CagCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="192" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We settled into Disney+ all weekend long. I watched the latest episode of The Mandalorian on Friday night and went straight into Godmothered. On Sunday, for Sunday Family Movie, we got into the holiday spirit with The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special and the Disney Family Holiday Singalong (which previously aired on ABC earlier in the week).</p><p>I was wondering how the holiday special would fit into canon. It turns out it fits in well with the timeline(s). It also brings in almost all the timelines and main characters. Little Miss and Husband loved all the little quick nods to famous scenes, and Captain liked the sight gags and the Child from The Mandalorian. It was a really enjoyable little special and the beginning of our holiday viewing for December. </p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-80510912730703010532020-12-08T10:03:00.001-05:002020-12-08T10:03:01.654-05:00Movies We've Watched - Godmothered<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kVp6svLj86U/X85Ef6goxWI/AAAAAAAAcwc/02m3gNhiCvMshSombZcZNS9uU_Ts-GBaQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kVp6svLj86U/X85Ef6goxWI/AAAAAAAAcwc/02m3gNhiCvMshSombZcZNS9uU_Ts-GBaQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've been taking more advantage of Disney+. This past weekend, I caught Godmothered. It's the story about Eleanor and Mackenzie. Eleanor wants to be a fairy godmother very badly, but she's finding out no one believes anymore, and she and all of her classmates are being trained to be tooth fairies which is unacceptable to her. She finds the last letter sent and goes to earth to help in one last ditch effort. She finds Mackenzie's letter, but she soon realizes that the letter has been filed for awhile and now Mackenzie is all grown up. Still, she tries to make her fall in love and live happily ever after.</p><p>Of course, hijinks ensue. The movie doesn't go exactly where you'd think though which makes it even more adorable and puts at least a glass slipper in reality which I liked. It was a fun little holiday movie though Christmas is more the backdrop and less a story plot point.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-31486610729575694372020-12-07T10:03:00.004-05:002020-12-07T10:03:53.024-05:00Books We've Read - Final Gravity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFee2hTnaLs/X85DWWg2r6I/AAAAAAAAcwQ/_U1WZ7cEj0cGTijVfXoy3N7-e1ocRLwWwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFee2hTnaLs/X85DWWg2r6I/AAAAAAAAcwQ/_U1WZ7cEj0cGTijVfXoy3N7-e1ocRLwWwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last weekend, I dipped my toe into reading again with a little short story. Final Gravity by Layla Reyne is a little short story that brings all of her teams together for a surprise wedding where the grooms are surprised. It's got all of the action and steamy sexy times as a regular books except no shoot out, and it is very condensed. I definitely wanted more, but it's always great revisiting all of the characters. This book stands on its own, but it's not appreciated at all if the other books aren't read first.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-5600039640014658532020-12-04T16:24:00.001-05:002020-12-04T16:24:00.141-05:00Movies We've Watched - Goosebumps 2<p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWqg7hhOpe4/X8VjP-WCBcI/AAAAAAAAcoI/MQQ8LW6L7TEG60xUA1tbmker-Ze23439QCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1012" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWqg7hhOpe4/X8VjP-WCBcI/AAAAAAAAcoI/MQQ8LW6L7TEG60xUA1tbmker-Ze23439QCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last Sunday, Captain picked the family movie and chose Goosebumps 2. He loves scary things (though I don't know if he has picked up on the correlation between the nights he spends in our bed and his viewing of scary movies). We've definitely seen worse movies. The special effects are rough, but it's creepy without being scary. Both kids enjoyed it enough for an early morning rental. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trigger warning - there is a ventriloquist dummy which is kind of terrifying. To balance it out, there are some killer gummy bears that are not scary at all. Some monsters which weren't that scary but probably would have scared me as a kid (or even young adult). The dummy in Toy Story 4 is scarier for scale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-66449076853690141542020-12-03T10:09:00.004-05:002020-12-03T10:09:45.696-05:00Movies We've Watched - Knives Out<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_SFf5RixFw/X8j9Vly9FSI/AAAAAAAAcrg/8EjIaVmdCFIoAaYVS6JafrLrSR-pawvLwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="635" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_SFf5RixFw/X8j9Vly9FSI/AAAAAAAAcrg/8EjIaVmdCFIoAaYVS6JafrLrSR-pawvLwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="169" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>OK, first of all, I should say that these are called "Movies We've Watched", but it's almost always movies I'VE watched. Sometimes, they include movies for Sunday Family Movies or movies I've taken the kids to. However, this movie is one Husband and I watched together. Weird! This movie is on Amazon Prime (and included in Prime viewing if you have that option).</p><p>Knives Out was a really fun mystery. It opens a little choppy - different points of view and jumping backwards to the night of the murder. I think seeing how the different characters viewed the same event but differently gets you settled in to the mystery of it all and deciding what to trust. I am a very impatient mystery viewer/reader. I hate not knowing. I generally love a good spoiler for example. For this one, I did know some spoilers, but it did not spoil anything because I kind of forgot and I liked seeing how it all played out enough. So, that's a sign of a good mystery. I will say that the only thing that bugged me was Daniel Craig's accent, but it did keep it a bit lighter and silly in a sea of unlikable characters - unlikable isn't necessarily bad though.</p><p>We both really liked it though which is the big news. We rarely watch movies together and also have very different tastes so it's nice when we both enjoy entertainment.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-187154681337766542020-12-02T16:09:00.001-05:002020-12-02T16:09:00.183-05:00Movies We've Watched - The Mandalorian<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZ4lKOf0TMw/X8VfmBblHZI/AAAAAAAAcn4/D_AG9iFuXKIvtK7ZAAw_Y3qXb8sIG5C3gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZ4lKOf0TMw/X8VfmBblHZI/AAAAAAAAcn4/D_AG9iFuXKIvtK7ZAAw_Y3qXb8sIG5C3gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><p></p><p>I don't want to say I'm NOT a Star Wars fan. I've seen most of the movies (except maybe the last one). I grew up with the series. I'm just not OBSESSED with it or remember a lot of the details. So, I didn't gravitate towards The Mandalorian. I know Little Miss watched it, and I kept hearing good things about it this season so I gave it a go last Sunday night. And then, by Monday night, I finished all of it.</p><p>I believe The Mandalorian takes place between The Return of the Jedi and the The Force Awakens. I still have some questions about the details, but at the heart of it, the Mandalorian was tasked a job of bringing a 50-year-old in to a client. It turns out the 50 is the equivalent of a toddler in whatever species it is. He turns the child in to his client, but he can't leave it because of a hinky feeling. So, he flees with the cutest being ever. </p><p>You've got some folks who want the Empire to make a comeback. You've got all of the Mandalorian group. There is a bunch of secondary characters from all the different Star Wars iterations. This is great if you paid attention to any of the anything OR you can be me and Wikipedia everything. I think it's fairly easy to follow as a superficial fan though. It does have a modern, yet classic, feel to it. I've decided to watch the Behind-The-Scenes show next (also on Disney+).</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-152328025369523652020-11-30T16:09:00.002-05:002020-11-30T16:09:18.365-05:00Movies We've Watched - Happiest Season<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJMYusOtK10/X8VZD_iMymI/AAAAAAAAcns/9wKc6V11z6U1-YjNPLu8pdWUGH2GbCWsQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJMYusOtK10/X8VZD_iMymI/AAAAAAAAcns/9wKc6V11z6U1-YjNPLu8pdWUGH2GbCWsQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last weekend, I watched Happiest Season on Hulu. I thought it was super cute. It was heartbreaking at times but also hilarious and heartwarming. </p><p>This movie is about Abby and Harper. We see their relationship blossom quickly in an illustrated montage in the opening credits and then a sweet moment with the two of them. Then, Harper invites Abby home for Christmas with her family. Abby accepts and plans to propose on the visit. Right before they arrive at Harper's family's home, Harper tells Abby that she has not come out to her parents. This results in both girls entering the house going along with the parents' assumption that they are straight. Through it all, Harper's parents are trying to set her up with her ex-boyfriend and an ex-girlfriend shows up. </p><p>I found it difficult to agree with all of Harper's actions at first, but I understood her more and more throughout. Overall, it was a good romcom to get me into the season. I so rarely get to movies around this time because it's so busy so I am glad it premiered on Hulu so I got to watch it. I know it's not ideal for movies, but these are crazy times.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-47390094813386487172020-11-21T17:02:00.001-05:002020-11-21T17:02:01.398-05:00Books We're Reading - Eerie Elementary<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYeo72SqReY/X7WaDwP_VTI/AAAAAAAAcZU/QsyXyPiSqCIYpHYt1rZSL20LwwKOXtokACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYeo72SqReY/X7WaDwP_VTI/AAAAAAAAcZU/QsyXyPiSqCIYpHYt1rZSL20LwwKOXtokACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="171" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.scholastic.com/branches/eerie.htm">Eerie Elementary</a> is a new series Captain and I have been reading. When we read The Witches, he LOVED it in a way that he's never loved a book before. He wanted all of the scary books. However, there aren't a lot of scary books for first graders. I did a search and this series came up. So, we learned about the pandemic safety measures at the library and put the first book on hold. It was a hit! So, we put the next 4 books on hold. </p><p>This is a super cute series. It's for kids 6-8 or a 2nd grade reading level. Captain is a little below benchmark for his reading, but he loves listening to books, and he can now read select words on each page. Sam is chosen to be hall monitor and starts to be in tune with the creepy school. Mr. Nekobi is the grounds keeper and keeps all the kids safe from the school. It turns out the school is angry and wants to absorb the children. Sam and his friends, Antonio and Lucy, save the school in the first book. </p><p>In the second book, Antonio and Lucy get promoted to Assistant Hall Monitors and continue to figure out how the school is haunted/possessed? We're only 3/4 of the way through the second book so I don't know much more than that. Anyway, if you have a young reader who likes a bit of the creepy, these are fun.</p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-46980396675131544912020-11-20T15:10:00.001-05:002020-11-20T15:10:00.464-05:00Books We've Read - Country Boy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LRpDRm8bTTg/X7V_7RCsICI/AAAAAAAAcZI/EF97E8aQ5kYU5_8ap5xLdWME6BLdvaEdgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LRpDRm8bTTg/X7V_7RCsICI/AAAAAAAAcZI/EF97E8aQ5kYU5_8ap5xLdWME6BLdvaEdgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br />I won the first three books of this series, Hot Off the Ice. Country Boy is the first in the series by A.E. Wasp. During a night of insomnia, I sped through the first book. I have some nitpicks, but overall, I liked the story. It was everything I needed at 3 in the morning.<p></p><p>It's about a professional hockey player nearing the end of his career. He is recovering from injury and decides to spend the holiday (it takes place right before Thanksgiving) recuperating at his new house he inherited. He has a meet cute with the current tenant of the house (and, of course, he has no idea that's who he is). </p><p>A couple of things to know: main character has a best friend on his hockey team as well as is still good friends with his ex-wife. Pretty much everyone suspects he's gay (you know this from page 1). When the dude meets his meet cute, it all kind of clicks. </p><p>There are some clunky parts with the legalities of the inheritance and the ex-boyfriend, but the main couple was cute as was all of their relationships with friends and family. I would have been happy just to read the Thanksgiving portions - full of family, friends, sexy times. I think the family and friendships were written really well.</p><p>I'm also reading The Nickel Boys so it's all either very light or very heavy for me.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-33757689212332329112020-11-19T15:02:00.001-05:002020-11-19T15:02:00.668-05:00Movies We've Watched - Dash & Lily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrLrJC8k7JY/X7V-CfEvCxI/AAAAAAAAcY8/EEncOQJLlIYoL8brXVMjK5AF-Zm5tQbYwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrLrJC8k7JY/X7V-CfEvCxI/AAAAAAAAcY8/EEncOQJLlIYoL8brXVMjK5AF-Zm5tQbYwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="163" /></a></div><br />I binge-watched Dash & Lily on Netflix last weekend. It was adorable. Yes, you need to suspend a bit of disbelief as Dash & Lily are teenagers in NYC at the holidays and somehow are allowed free reign of the city as well as have the cooperation of the entire city in their scheme.<p></p><p>Dash is a cynic stuck at home alone at Christmas with each of his parents thinking he is with the other parent. He's a book snob, hates Christmas, and somehow still has friends. Lily is a wide-eyed awkward girl who loves Christmas. Her family is very close, but her parents decide to go to Fiji for Christmas which leaves her a bit bothered. </p><p>Lily's brother starts a little dare book in order to hook Lily up with a like-minded boy. So, enter Dash who plays the little scavenger hunt and tries the first dare. With each task/dare, the two learn more about each other. Meanwhile, they are distracted by real people in their lives - an old rival (possibly a new boyfriend) and an ex-girlfriend. </p><p>There is a fairly large supporting cast and a lot of color and music. It was just really cute. It's a fast, little series. I have owned the book for a bit so I look forward to reading that as well.</p><p><br /></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-17716868123411376672020-11-18T15:02:00.005-05:002020-11-18T15:02:24.480-05:00Movies We're Watching - Ted Lasso<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFAGE7VQP1c/X7V7CC7vCsI/AAAAAAAAcYw/1aANMuKOxN8xVdVIS4YBdDp3tN4HxPcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFAGE7VQP1c/X7V7CC7vCsI/AAAAAAAAcYw/1aANMuKOxN8xVdVIS4YBdDp3tN4HxPcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I broke down and got the free preview of Apple+ (though I haven't decided if I'm keeping it or not). Anyway, I binged Ted Lasso to watch within the free week. I ended up watching it in a couple of days. I know almost nothing about football (soccer). I don't think you need to know anything about football, but I think it helps a lot if you do. I did need to look up relegation for example. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a funny show with a lot of laughs between the sports, culture shock, and just general physical comedy, but it had a lot of heart, too. I did feel for the characters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ted Lasso is an American college football coach that gained fame from a viral video of him dancing. He's hired by the new owner of a British football club who gains the club in her recent divorce. The ex-husband only cared about the football club (and cheating). So, her plan was to tank the club. However, Ted is very earnest and determined to do his best. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think it would have been easy to make any number of the characters two dimensional from the duck-out-of-water coach to the egotistical athlete to the model girlfriend to the scheming owner, but it never did other than to use those stereotypes to turn your expectations around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-37318838116307923372020-11-11T16:21:00.004-05:002020-11-11T16:21:36.815-05:00Movies We're Watching - Staged<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QENDz41UOHM/X6xU1YWK7-I/AAAAAAAAcLM/P1il1JUHpn0QHTxTTMJ5x315CrsP_zrkwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="603" height="180" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QENDz41UOHM/X6xU1YWK7-I/AAAAAAAAcLM/P1il1JUHpn0QHTxTTMJ5x315CrsP_zrkwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I tumbled upon Staged during a time where I was bored and wanted something to watch that didn't require any brain power. I'm at that time at work and pandemic lockdown where I can barely function during business hours, let alone in my personal time. </p><p>Staged is a short, little series we borrowed from the BBC. David Tennant and Michael Sheen and a small cast of characters play, for the most part, exaggerated/fictional versions of themselves. Simon Evans decides to direct a play during lockdown starring David and Michael and there are some shenanigans. I found it utterly lovely. It was funny, relatable in parts, and surprisingly touching. Thumbs up to the surprise cameos, too. It's playing on Hulu if this seems like something that appeals to you. </p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-13459848700085481272020-11-11T16:16:00.003-05:002020-11-11T16:16:21.807-05:00Movies We've Watched - The Witches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDtXVK9jBZo/X6xNJPX6RTI/AAAAAAAAcKY/E-XW0LJGtjs8AJBgNFBkmzPGBVgXahJJgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDtXVK9jBZo/X6xNJPX6RTI/AAAAAAAAcKY/E-XW0LJGtjs8AJBgNFBkmzPGBVgXahJJgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Captain has been loving most of Roald Dahl's books. He loved Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The Witches. He did not take to The BFG so far. The Witches has been his favorite by far. He really loves the darkness in the books. I found this one disturbing on a few levels, but those parts just captivated him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is the original movie. I've never seen it because it seemed too scary. Then, HBO Max came out with a version in October. Captain counted down the days. I tried to warn him that it may not follow the book exactly. It didn't, but it followed the general tone and arcs of the book. It was American-ized and softened a little. For example, you didn't see the Grand High Witch peel off his face or the boy (turned mouse) have his tail cut off, and the end was slightly tweaked. It was still fun and flashy. I think it was a tricky one to adapt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe we'll try to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together next. Currently, we're going through the Eerie Elementary series. Captain loves dark and creepy books which are near impossible for the 6 year old reading level!</div><p></p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-22654575390784283892020-11-11T16:11:00.005-05:002020-11-11T16:11:33.563-05:00Movies We've Watched - James and the Giant Peach<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WV_pGl5yJ6A/X6xNi4DoytI/AAAAAAAAcKg/WPy03SOwWiMs21RNZxygSqCEFUeQY7u-gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="264" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WV_pGl5yJ6A/X6xNi4DoytI/AAAAAAAAcKg/WPy03SOwWiMs21RNZxygSqCEFUeQY7u-gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="169" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Captain rewards himself with the movie versions of all the books we've read together. James and the Giant Peach is not my favorite book or movie, but he loved it. That said, if you are a fan, I highly recommend T<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29LDBdpNMRc">aika Waititi's YouTube reading of this book</a>. It's delightful. We sped through the book very quickly. </p>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-30196397206186158522020-11-11T10:28:00.000-05:002020-11-11T10:28:03.193-05:00Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Receipe<p><span style="font-family: times;">I gifted myself Harry & David pears and could not eat them all. So, I did a search for recipes and came up with this one. I needed the oven for something else, but I normally would have roasted everything a bit longer. Also, I'm not in love with my honey. It made this too sweet. I think I would have gone with a balsamic reduction drizzle. Either way, it was good enough for one lunch, and then I gave the rest to my parents who said they liked it. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZAD1nVNKSI/X6wCo0uyrDI/AAAAAAAAcH8/UK8BbhFVPfgZEImlXLE5uzfZJSeF3JSXQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img alt="" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZAD1nVNKSI/X6wCo0uyrDI/AAAAAAAAcH8/UK8BbhFVPfgZEImlXLE5uzfZJSeF3JSXQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/roasted-pear-and-cranberry-brussels-sprouts/">Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Recipe</a> (link to recipe)</span></p><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="40600" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; counter-reset: wprm-advanced-list-counter 0; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-recipe-ingredients-header wprm-block-text-normal wprm-align-left wprm-header-decoration-line wprm-header-has-actions wprm-header-has-actions" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-size: 36px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Ingredients</span><div class="wprm-decoration-line" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); border-left-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); border-right-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); border-top-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 auto; height: 1px; margin-left: 15px;"></div><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></h3><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="adthrive-ad adthrive-recipe adthrive-recipe-1 adthrive-ad-cls" data-google-query-id="COvUvfPe-uwCFYbOyAodK28O_A" id="AdThrive_Recipe_1_desktop" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; float: right; justify-content: center; line-height: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 250px; overflow-x: visible; text-align: center; width: auto;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/18190176/AdThrive_Recipe_1/52e41fac28963d1e058a1027_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; flex-basis: 100%; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto !important; width: 120px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><iframe data-google-container-id="7" data-is-safeframe="true" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="50" id="google_ads_iframe_/18190176/AdThrive_Recipe_1/52e41fac28963d1e058a1027_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" scrolling="no" src="https://f86b437703be117d8634a3128cf5050c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: bottom;" title="3rd party ad content" width="120"></iframe></span></div></div><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 ½</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">pounds</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Brussels sprouts</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">pears</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-normal" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #616161; font-style: italic;">cored and cut into 8 wedges each</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">½</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">finely chopped yellow onion or red onion</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tablespoons</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">extra-virgin olive oil</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">Kosher salt</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">Freshly ground black pepper</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or 4 lemon wedges</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tablespoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">honey</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">¼</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">dried cranberries</span></span></li></ul></div></div><div class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="40600" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; counter-reset: wprm-advanced-list-counter 0; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-recipe-instructions-header wprm-block-text-normal wprm-align-left wprm-header-decoration-line wprm-header-has-actions" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-size: 36px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Instructions</span><div class="wprm-decoration-line" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); border-left-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); border-right-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); border-top-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 auto; height: 1px; margin-left: 15px;"></div><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></h3><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><ul class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="adthrive-ad adthrive-recipe adthrive-recipe-1 adthrive-ad-cls" data-google-query-id="CMin0_Pe-uwCFRRWcgod5ccNsQ" id="AdThrive_Recipe_2_desktop" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; float: right; justify-content: center; line-height: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 250px; overflow-x: visible; text-align: center; width: auto;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/18190176/AdThrive_Recipe_2/52e41fac28963d1e058a1027_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; flex-basis: 100%; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto !important; width: 120px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><iframe data-google-container-id="8" data-is-safeframe="true" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="50" id="google_ads_iframe_/18190176/AdThrive_Recipe_2/52e41fac28963d1e058a1027_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" scrolling="no" src="https://f86b437703be117d8634a3128cf5050c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: bottom;" title="3rd party ad content" width="120"></iframe></span></div></div><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-40600-step-0-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-40600-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="font-family: times;">In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, pears, and onion and toss to coat with the olive oil. Season with a few pinches of salt and pepper.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-40600-step-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5rem; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Place the mixture on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and have started to crisp and the pears have caramelized, about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-40600-step-0-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Squeeze 3 of the lemon wedges over the pan and drizzle with the honey. Add the dried cranberries and toss to combine well. Taste and season with more lemon and salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately.</span></div></li></ul></div></div>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018921154234180124.post-90010682069872754072020-11-11T10:08:00.003-05:002020-11-11T10:08:25.699-05:00Fall<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> How is it Fall already? I haven't been doing much in any measurement. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We've hit a groove with school. The marking period ended. Little Miss has straight A's after taking a bit to acclimate to virtual learning. Captain doesn't really get grades, but he's improved so much and has taken to virtual learning (with a lot of help and guidance from us). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I've been mostly "catching up" on The Big Bang Theory. I watched the first two seasons, but then I drifted away so I picked up at Season Three and am steadily making my way through the seasons. I still enjoy it, but I think I'm hitting some fatigue. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I haven't read one book in months, but I may have to make myself sit and do it to get back in the groove. On the plus side, my book buying has slowed (though not stopped).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We celebrated Little Miss's 13th birthday. We tried to make it as special as we could without going out or seeing people. She briefly saw some friends outside to receive gifts. We gifted the friends with cupcakes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">These cupcakes were very involved, similar to the other cupcakes and cake I made earlier in the year. I don't think my meringue was perfect. It wasn't thick enough, but it was starting to separate, and I didn't want to redo it so I just stopped where it was. It was still smooth and tasty, just not the right texture. I don't think we also heated it high enough, but the cake part is delicious. I don't always find plain cake recipes that extraordinary versus doctored box mixes, but this one was so good (it may have helped that I paid a lot for the gourmet cocoa).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRLqiNHM3HQ/X6v8br6i2-I/AAAAAAAAcHs/tjTv7EDELdQ8zUmt86k9s5CJQX1YkJNOQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRLqiNHM3HQ/X6v8br6i2-I/AAAAAAAAcHs/tjTv7EDELdQ8zUmt86k9s5CJQX1YkJNOQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Here is the <a href="https://www.onesarcasticbaker.com/chocolate-oreo-cupcakes/">recipe</a> if you are interested.</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container" data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h3><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h4 class="wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-ingredient-group-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px !important; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Swiss Meringue Buttercream</span></h4><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">6</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Large</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Egg whites</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sugar</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(250 g / 8.5 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tsp</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cream of tartar</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Unsalted butter, soft</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(454 g / 16 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">20</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Oreo Cookies</span></span></li></ul></div><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h4 class="wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-ingredient-group-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px !important; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Chocolate Cupcakes</span></h4><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/2 </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">AP Flour</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(180 g / 6 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup + 2TBS</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cocoa powder</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(65 g / 2.5 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/8</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tsp</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baking Powder</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tsp</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baking Soda</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tsp </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Salt</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Large</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Egg</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Large</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Egg yolk</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Milk</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(180 ml / 6 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Canola Oil</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(90 ml / 3 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tsp </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vanilla Extract</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sugar</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(275 g / 10 oz)</span></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2/3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Boiling Water</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.7;">(150 ml / 5 oz)</span></span></li></ul></div></div><div class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container" data-recipe-ads-inserted="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">Instructions</span></h3><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h4 class="wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px !important; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">To Make the Buttercream</span></h4><ol class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In a bowl of a standing mixer, pour the sugar then add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Use a hand whisk to blend it all.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Place the bowl on top of a pot with simmering water on the stove. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Use a hand whisk to stir the mix and cook until it reaches 130F or when the sugar has dissolved.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Remove bowl from stove and back to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Mix until a stiff meringue has formed and the bottom of the bowl is cool to the touch of your hand.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Reduce speed to low-medium and add the butter a piece at a time, gradually increase speed to medium-high and mix until a smooth creamy buttercream has formed.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Measure 1 cup of buttercream and place in a medium bowl</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Separate the Oreos cookies remove and place the filling in the bowl with the small amount of buttercream.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Use a fork or a hand whisk to blend the filling and buttercream then in a piping bag fitted with a round tip.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Place the separated cookies in a food processor and process it into a very fine meal. Remove and lumps or large pieces you notice.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Sprinkle the ground Oreos on top of the buttercream and mix until a cohesive buttercream has formed.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Fill a large piping bag fitted with a large tip (your choice of shape).</span></p></div></li></ol></div><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group" data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h4 class="wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px !important; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Baking The Cupcakes</span></h4><ol class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix to blend.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In a bowl of a standing mixer, place the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla pour the sugar on top then add the dry ingredients.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Use the paddle attachment to mix on low until completely smooth then pour the boiling water and mixing carefully until smooth. Let sit for 15 minutes. (do not over mix)</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Fill cupcakes liners 3/4 full and bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out dry from the center of the cupcakes.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Preheat oven to 350F, line 1-12 cup muffin tines with cupcakes liners.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Remove from stove and allow to completely cool before filling and decorating.</span></p></div></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="wprm-recipe-container" data-recipe-id="6840" data-servings="0" id="wprm-recipe-container-6840" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><div class="wprm-recipe wprm-recipe-simple" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top: 1px solid rgb(170, 170, 170); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px; zoom: 1;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container" data-recipe-ads-inserted="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h4 class="wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px !important; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Filling and piping the cupcakes</span></h4><ol class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Using a sharp knife, cut an inch sized circle at the center of each cupcake. Make sure you insert the knife 1" deep and as you cut around, create a cone-shaped piece you can easily remove.</span></p></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Use the white buttercream to fill the center of the cupcakes then the dark buttercream to pipe the cupcake.</span></p></div></li></ol></div></div></div></div><p data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px 0px 28px;"></p><div class="adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-728x90 mv-dynamic-size" data-wrapper="content_5_btf" id="content_5_btf_wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: 20px; height: 104px; margin: 10px auto 20px; min-height: 104px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 728px;"></div></div></div></div></div>princessaprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.com0