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~ Simply living this rollercoaster of life!

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Tag Archives: Valentines Day

Part 5- Valentines Day

15 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

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couples, literature, Valentines Day

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Today concludes our week of love.  I thought that we would look at literature.  There are a lot of amazing couples as seen through some amazing authors.  As we draw this week to a close, I want to end with a top 10 list of literary couples.

Drum roll please…..

10. Mariane and Danny Pearl from A Mighty Heart.  

What a love story, though it ended tragically it was so apparent the love those two had for each other and life was magical.

9. Dr. Zhivago and Lara from Dr. Zhivago.

An epic book that will thaw your heart.  It was my first Russian experience.  Boy, did it not disappoint!

8. Julia and Paul Child from My Life in France.

Who would not have wanted to be in that kitchen???  The patience and the passion that these two had for each other was so evident in the pages of her books.

7. Tom Builder and Ellen from Pillars of the Earth.

After losing his first wife in childbirth, Tom finds Ellen.  His love for building the grand cathedral is only matched for his love of this eccentric character.

6. Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder from The First Four Years.

This was a raw love affair.  The pioneer life is not for me!  However, the romance between these two will always stand the test of time.

5. Anna Karenina and Count Alexei Vronsky from Anna Karenina.

You know from the beginning what is going to happen.  You know that it is not right.  But the connection between the two is powerful.  These characters come alive in this Russian classic.

4. Abigail and John Adams from The Letters of John and Abigail Adams.

Reading the letters of this historical couple is like taking a peak into their souls and the pains of a life of separation.  Both of them were intelligent and passionate in their own right.  The love and respect for each other was felt in every written word.  Soulmates.

3. Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables.

Aww… Prince Edward Island is the backdrop of patience, childhood exploits, and love.  Anne has a way of making every moment dramatic and Gilbert was patient.  It was a great love affair to read!

2. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

Wow!  I always wondered if the South would have won if Scarlett was in charge!  Two people who are as selfish as can be.  Two people who were made for each other.  Rhett was the mature one.  Scarlett never got that the world did not evolve around her and money until the very end.  And it was too late….  They are passion at every turn.  I just know in my mind that Scarlett ‘grew up’ and became worthy of Rhett, the ultimate bad guy!

1.  Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.

Did you think I would have picked someone else?  The love story that has lasted for generations.  The story that challenged the characters to look at themselves and to discover that they are not what they think they are.  Every word is a work of art.

What a great week it was!  Thank you for stopping by.

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Part 4- Valentines Day

14 Thursday Feb 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

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poetry, Valentines Day

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Happy Valentines Day!!!

Poetry is such an elegant way to express life, emotions.  So today, I would love to share my favorite poem for this day.

To the love of my life….

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Many poets have expressed love in words.  However, I do not think anyone said it better than Ms. Browning.

What is your favorite line of poetry that celebrates this day?

Part 3- Valentines Day

13 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Food

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cooking, peanut butter cream pie, Valentines Day

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Cooking with the Daisies

Valentines Edition

This is a week that sweet, chocolate, rich, shamefully delicious, savor, and just pure delight come to mind.  We are not ‘sweet’ people.  However, when it comes to chocolate I have a nose like a hunting dog…

Going with the mood of this week, I made something that Hubby and I do love.  Something that has that right mix of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter.

I promise there are no calories in this…. I also have some land farm land in the swamps of Florida for sale!  Indulge….. on some peanut butter cream pie!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Gather, gather!

Part 1- The Crust

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simplydaisies

Melt butter.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Measure and add graham cracker crumbs.

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simplydaisies

Combine and mix!

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simplydaisies

The results of the mixing part…

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Pour graham cracker mixture into oiled pie dish.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Using your fingers, make your crust.

Part 2- The Pie

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Combine whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Whip the whipped cream mixture and set aside.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Next two items are the peanut butter and the the cream cheese. Mix.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Again, working the mixer add milk and powdered sugar….

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simplydaisies

Until it looks something like this!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Fold the whipped cream mixture into the peanut butter mixture.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Now pour the peanut butter mixture into the crust.  Cover and chill for about 4 hours.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Chilled perfection!

Part 3- The Chocolate Part

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

In a baggie combine chocolate chips and shortening.  In a bowl pour some HOT water in.

simplydaises

simplydaises

Next add the chocolate chips.  Sit it in there for the sauna effect!  Until they melt…

simplydaises

simplydaises

Not bad!  Cut a small hole at a corner of the bag.  Drizzle the chocolate on top.  Be creative.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

I was channeling my inner Jackson Pollock!

Now enjoy!!!

Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Crust:

1/3 c butter, melted

1 1/3 c graham cracker crumbs

Pie:

3/4 c whipping cream

2 TBSP powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

8 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 c peanut butter

1/2 c powdered sugar

1/4 c milk

Chocolate Part:

1/2 c chocolate chips

1 1/2 tsp shortening

Directions:

Crust-

Combine butter and graham cracker crumbs.  Spread in pie dish.

Pie-

Mix whipping cream, 2 TBSP powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks are formed.  In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and peanut butter.  Add 1/2 c powdered sugar and milk. Fold in whipped cream mixture.  Pour into crust and chill for about 4 hours.

Chocolate Part-

In a baggie, pour chocolate chips and shortening.  In a bowl pour some hot water and place baggie in.  When everything is melted, snip corner of bag.  Drizzle chocolate on the pie.

source:  Cooking.com but tweaked by the Daisy!

Part 2- Valentines Day

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Travel, Whatnot

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romance, travel, Valentines Day

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Part 2 of this week’s series will cover Romantic Destinations….

I love to travel.  Exploring, learning, and experiencing what other cultures, countries, or cities have to offer is just awesome.  Over the years, we have been lucky enough to go to some amazing places.  I always look forward to dusting off the passport and packing a bag!

Since this week is Valentines Day, I started thinking about the places that we have been that I would classify as romantic destinations.  I realize that everyone has a different definition of romantic destination.  Different strokes for different folks and all that!

Here are the destinations that we have been that just seem picturesque. They are not in any order!

Venice, Italy

venice

Talk about history, atmosphere.  This was just breathtaking.  Yes, we even rode on a gondola.  I cannot wait to return!

Rome, Italy

rome

It was the fountains, the gelato, the relaxed pace of the Italians that brought this city alive.  Sitting on the Spanish Steps watching Romans passing by is about as romantic as it gets!

Heidelberg, Germany

heidelberg

We had the privilege of living in this gorgeous city for 5 years.  We never got tired of walking up to the castle and walking the grounds.

Killarney. Ireland

ireland

Yes, we walked this!  I have never experienced green as I did in Ireland.  This was the highlight of the trip.

Vienna, Austria

vienna

We went to Vienna over Thanksgiving a few years ago.  It was amazing.  The museums, the Christmas Markets.  The city where so much music came from.  You cannot help but want to walk the streets with the one that you love.

Brugge, Belgium

brugge

Known as the Venice of the North, this was a quaint joy to visit.  I will not begin to mention that Belgium chocolates are mouthwatering.

Edinburgh, Scotland

edinburgh

As soon as we stepped out of the taxi, it was love.  Medieval love.  I never enjoyed having wind blowing in all directions before.  The Scots were always smiling!

Bar Harbor, Maine

bar harbor

Hubby and I spent 2 amazing weeks touring the Northeast on our 20th anniversary.  This was the highlight of the visit.  Talk about great food, and views….

Paris, France

paris

Of course.  Whether you are sitting at a cafe, strolling along an avenue, or at a museum, the romance of Paris is drawing you in.

Those are the places that bring out the romance in me.  I know I will soon be able to add to that list.

What is your dream or favorite romantic destination?

Part 1- Valentines Day

11 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

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Tags

cards, Valentines Day

I am not an outwardly emotional person.  I have a very realistic view on life.  When someone rants, I usually allow them to finish and then calmly state what needs to be done.  Maybe, I need to be more passionate.  Maybe, I need to express more emotions.  I just figure they are my emotions and who really cares except for me!

I bet you are wondering what that has to do with Valentines Day.  I love holidays.  I do celebrate them in my own way.  Usually, low-key and with those that are the most important in my life.  We do not go all out in a materialistic way.  That is not our style.  To me, holidays are about family and friends.  I do not need big expensive gifts.  I treasure conversations, excellent meals, and moments that when you look back on them are the makings of priceless memories.

This week I will focus on this day set aside to commemorate all things love.  Should be a lot of fun!

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Cards

Did you know that the British Museum is the owner of the oldest known Valentine?  Did you know that the act of giving cards dates back to the Middle Ages?  Interested……

The Chinese started the tradition by using them to send messages about the new year to family.  The Egyptians used papyrus scrolls to make cards, and the Germans used woodcuts.

However, it was not until the 1850s that the common man/woman could afford them. Can you say thank you to mass printing?

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This is the oldest known Valentines card.  Pretty simply really.

I love history.  So I went on a search of Valentine cards.  Here some that I found that I really liked!

valcard3

Obviously, British because of the steering wheel.  Cute!

valcard4

Got to love Pebbles and Bam Bam!  What a woman!

valcard2

This one is so simple.

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I’m a sucker for a soldier…. I married one!

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Julia and Paul Child.  Love this!

valcard1

Lastly, again, simple.

I love the tradition of giving cards.  I have saved every single card that Hubby and Amazing Daughter has ever given me.  The idea that they took the time to pick it out and  added a handwritten note is just about the best this gal would ever want!  See, maybe I am passionate after all!

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