tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41354006605466007742024-02-19T07:00:50.842-08:00The Crafts CornerI love all things creative.... This blog is a compilation of cute or cool crafts that I make myself or come across... If you would like to feature your masterpiece here, send me an email.Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-35974461277923563172013-05-09T11:15:00.000-07:002013-05-09T11:15:11.264-07:00Bakery Story - Retro theme birthday cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">We don't have a Birthday party in our house for kids... we have Birthday PARTIES... </span></em>Depending on my energy level, my kids can get anywhere from 1-3 intimate birthday parties... one with just family, one with their friends and one with our friends families.... and there are lot of cakes made, like this one.</div>
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I made this fondant covered retro themed cake for princess R's 7th birthday. I chose to go very simple and plain with the design and just play with some bright colors for decorations. </div>
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I made rosettes in several different colors that I tinted myself. I then created marbled fondant by rolling the tinted colors with some white fondant multiple times.</div>
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Making rosettes is quite easy and a simple <a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=fondant+rose+tutorial&qs=AS&form=QBRE&pq=fondant+rose+tut&sc=1-16&sp=1&sk=" target="_blank">search on Bing</a> will lead you to several tutorials should you need one.</div>
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The most time consuming part was creating the different textures on the fondant. I washed a new craft stamp and used it to create this bubbles texture on rolled fondant before covering the bottom tier of the cake. The quilt texture on the top tier was creating using a blunt knife.</div>
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I also created my own decorations to go with the theme. I cut several circles and painted peace flowers and hearts before putting them up with a floral birthday banner. Everyone in my family thought, I could have bought something online for decorations. They are right, but I secretly like doing all this work, so I make excuses and do it.</div>
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The end result, an awesome birthday party and 2 very happy kids. What more could I want!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-51677649464915592212011-12-28T00:15:00.000-08:002011-12-28T00:16:32.540-08:00What's cooking Wednesday - Maple walnut biscotti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br />
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<strong><u>Ingredients</u></strong><br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
1.5 tablespoon maple extract<br />
(This recipe yields 3-4 dozen biscottis)<br />
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<strong><u>Directions</u></strong><br />
1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. <br />
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2.In a medium bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and maple flavoring until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, add walnuts and stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. <br />
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3. Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet. Place roll onto the prepared cookie sheet, and press down to 1/2 inch thickness. <br />
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4.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXhm5viU_okzudBEOSp93ShKLZNImSutpV_jspKNdRf6P52aQiKBq66zopiwBWR_7Vv6N0A8yLYfNd6D1FR5O-0xZmYpDxmE0Dx6RqoQDl2VitgQW72KXFJJL_nGYtZcjeE59zP_yAs/s1600/2011-06-08+13.30.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXhm5viU_okzudBEOSp93ShKLZNImSutpV_jspKNdRf6P52aQiKBq66zopiwBWR_7Vv6N0A8yLYfNd6D1FR5O-0xZmYpDxmE0Dx6RqoQDl2VitgQW72KXFJJL_nGYtZcjeE59zP_yAs/s400/2011-06-08+13.30.53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>5. When The cookies are cool enough to handle, slice each one crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. <br />
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6. Bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes on each side. Slices should be lightly toasted. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Unless you plan to eat it all right away, store it in a good air tight container. I only choose Lock & Lock for this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time,</div><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-73219947863550548902011-12-25T13:02:00.000-08:002011-12-25T13:02:16.824-08:00Our home grown Christmas tree!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Merry Christmas everyone!</b></span><br />
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This year, instead of buying a full size Christmas tree and throwing it out later and add to the trash, I decided to be creative and minimize the carbon footprint of Christmas in our house. And while I was at it, I also decided the kids can learn a thing or two about what "naughty" and "nice" means... And voila, the Mission Christmas tree was created...<br />
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Right after Thanksgiving, I took a green poster board and cut out a Christmas tree structure. I made the trunk from brown construction paper. This "Base" tree was then attached to the side of the fridge! I also made an ornament from cardboard as a starting decoration and did some basic decoration on the tree.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I marked one side as Reya's side and the other as Rithik's side. Then I told the kids that they had a whole month to decorate the tree, BY BEING NICE!... Basically if they are nice, they will earn stickers, ornaments and stamps that they could use to decorate their side of the tree. The kids also out up their wish lists and letters to Santa there and they started working to earn "nice" decorations.</div><br />
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By the Christmas eve, the tree was fully decorated and I had 2 NICE and happy elves who were proud of their accomplishments...<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Operation Christmas Tree was definitely a success and the kids and I are looking forward to another mission like this soon... Mission Valentines may be!!!</span><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-34257576365454035602011-11-27T22:42:00.000-08:002011-11-27T22:42:59.661-08:00Cyber Monday deals!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi all,<br />
<br />
I had a fantastic Thanksgiving and Black friday. We had family over for Thanksgiving dinner and we played Taboo which was so much fun.<br />
<br />
For the Black Friday, I got tons of stuff from Macys, Old Navy, LocknLock.com, Joann and JCPenney This was by far the most relaxing Black Friday I have ever had because I did most of my shopping online (Old Navy and LocknLock.com). I only visited Macy's store and spent 2 hours... and then I was back home... all done! JCPenney and Joann was for Saturday. <br />
<br />
I think another reason was that since the stores have had good sales throughout the year, I have already been getting things I need throughout the year.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the things that I got...<br />
* Programmable slow cookers <br />
* Belgian Waffle Iron<br />
* Panini press<br />
* Tons of clothes for the family<br />
* Lock n Lock Borosilicate glass bowls <br />
* Lock n Lock Cookplus cookware<br />
* Lunch boxes <br />
* Soft fuzzy popcorn socks<br />
<br />
Well, we also wanted to buy a TV from Costco, but when my husband reached there, it was sold out.... so we will try again in a few weeks...<br />
<br />
Anyhow, Black Friday is my favorite shopping day of the year... and the next favorite is Cyber Monday that has just started in East Coast... and for this special day, I want to share some deals with you...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav1CYs-GJvNcmQ_BDppYVzgQsheBiTG-QibTJvNpMAKYKKPnVDn7gPtFzbsHDAWI3ViWLnL-JCCsGUcO9bAGn6VrhSg7cgfN4IOWqMRB-J5SsdtZSuc5USLaMMPb4Av8s2ukWkbdcwzw/s1600/giftcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav1CYs-GJvNcmQ_BDppYVzgQsheBiTG-QibTJvNpMAKYKKPnVDn7gPtFzbsHDAWI3ViWLnL-JCCsGUcO9bAGn6VrhSg7cgfN4IOWqMRB-J5SsdtZSuc5USLaMMPb4Av8s2ukWkbdcwzw/s200/giftcard.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/content/0004/283/980/assets/cyberSav_HP_30_A.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="142" src="http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/content/0004/283/980/assets/cyberSav_HP_30_A.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Just for today, you can buy a $100 gift card from LocknLock.com for just $40.... I couldn't believe the deal when I saw the email a few minutes ago.... seriously, this is a good deal and their products are great... <br />
<br />
And 30% off at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta for the next 24 hours... so what are you waiting for... Happy Shopping!<br />
<br />
Until next time!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-1899817963273564852011-09-30T23:10:00.000-07:002011-09-30T23:10:32.761-07:00Whats cooking? Kadai chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>I have decided to be a vegetarian for the 6 months...</strong> </span><br />
<br />
I do this from time to time, but before I started the 6 months, I decided to eat my favorite Kadai chicken one last time... This is my no frills quick (very quick thanks to my cookplus ceramic pan) recipe to make Kadai Chicken using leftover Rotisserie chicken.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mt-xt0dWJtGTtwILVE2fCkV_U1vM3A5HWA-yfmjneRLI1Y9-aDXdwRaR3kEOCARqJpsOzyhon37IVs3IDUGAhEqfkE9TWJTHZLahKuI2QPwOPMJt0g02h5bq7wbHMtrXXZcVI8s5-kI/s1600/Las+Vegas+2011+1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mt-xt0dWJtGTtwILVE2fCkV_U1vM3A5HWA-yfmjneRLI1Y9-aDXdwRaR3kEOCARqJpsOzyhon37IVs3IDUGAhEqfkE9TWJTHZLahKuI2QPwOPMJt0g02h5bq7wbHMtrXXZcVI8s5-kI/s320/Las+Vegas+2011+1270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 1. Start by putting some oil in a pan and heat in on medium flame. Add shredded ginger and thinly sliced onions and let me fry just a bit. You don't want onions to go all soft.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzODURB-vqivcfiSOm83IHMoAiK4Df7LBzKX6NVYV6cu7kvFGxLNn5COf6wLc4PPaIY_6Om2Fxr_xWy7-i-cQOp2BT15kwQT0h41Pz4OKC8HFelyqpoAMbd-IpiczhD2BDG-ZjAEVEDw/s1600/Las+Vegas+2011+1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzODURB-vqivcfiSOm83IHMoAiK4Df7LBzKX6NVYV6cu7kvFGxLNn5COf6wLc4PPaIY_6Om2Fxr_xWy7-i-cQOp2BT15kwQT0h41Pz4OKC8HFelyqpoAMbd-IpiczhD2BDG-ZjAEVEDw/s320/Las+Vegas+2011+1271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 2. Then add carrots. since carrots are the toughest vegetable used in this recipe, you want to cut it thin. Strips work best. Add it and cook it on high heat for a bit. Keep stirring as this pan gets quite hot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDnraeoJVCwZ9JWJiJD5bdK79q0inocUBX7G95IFO0e4f_maiLDC3YjoobGj2P75HeGCRB1FbZlKW7s0Ik4puLvwrFDHs_VWSHI4x43uj3gCSzg-AGCzpjdYAFyKCT4HGenNjBCK35Uw/s1600/Las+Vegas+2011+1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDnraeoJVCwZ9JWJiJD5bdK79q0inocUBX7G95IFO0e4f_maiLDC3YjoobGj2P75HeGCRB1FbZlKW7s0Ik4puLvwrFDHs_VWSHI4x43uj3gCSzg-AGCzpjdYAFyKCT4HGenNjBCK35Uw/s320/Las+Vegas+2011+1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 3. Add bell peppers. Do not cook them for long as they get mushy very easily. <br />
4. Add turmeric, salt, cayenne pepper and a tiny bit of garam masala. Stir.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNP3jrfoQb96O-5QZ0GAnTgzBsIJNSTH1tYWkcDnAzzTs6_MNbfFfCCZ6jCPc8bfCtoYhn6emBsFCcIJE_X3D2Y-5DDPE3ybThyJRXMoqhZWR_rPsY6sNEAWan9FPaqnqcbOBJhu1rxA/s1600/Las+Vegas+2011+1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNP3jrfoQb96O-5QZ0GAnTgzBsIJNSTH1tYWkcDnAzzTs6_MNbfFfCCZ6jCPc8bfCtoYhn6emBsFCcIJE_X3D2Y-5DDPE3ybThyJRXMoqhZWR_rPsY6sNEAWan9FPaqnqcbOBJhu1rxA/s320/Las+Vegas+2011+1273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 5. Add a little bit of tomato puree. you can also deseed a tomato and dice it to use in place of puree. But I find puree has a consistent taste and you don't have to taste and adjust as much with it.<br />
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6. Add pieces of cooked chicken. I use grilled chicken strips or leftover Rotisserie chicken from Costco. If you do not have cooked chicken, pan fry the chicken pieces in a tiny bit oil, salt and a pinch of garam masala before adding it here. <span style="color: #990000;">For a vegetarian recipe, use Paneer in place of chicken.</span><br />
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7. Cook for a few minutes. Add cashews and raisins (soaked in water) if you like.<br />
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There you have it.... Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW8fgeQ56i5cio5O_cUsL9B6kgOUNWwZdcYVHzQIGTedwAcnxlAAiv27v7JMRZHi25Qk6w82AUzBkW-XQjcvNmg5m9R1MoEcsDLIJDRz0BbGHzWqbwMP4o4ljHA4Oue1NZ1LbFZd74bs/s1600/Las+Vegas+2011+1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW8fgeQ56i5cio5O_cUsL9B6kgOUNWwZdcYVHzQIGTedwAcnxlAAiv27v7JMRZHi25Qk6w82AUzBkW-XQjcvNmg5m9R1MoEcsDLIJDRz0BbGHzWqbwMP4o4ljHA4Oue1NZ1LbFZd74bs/s320/Las+Vegas+2011+1279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shilpa at The Crafts Corner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: currentColor; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-70437274750993887212011-09-28T01:17:00.000-07:002011-09-28T01:22:03.035-07:00Deal, no steal alert!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey all,<br />
<br />
If you have been reading my blogs, you already know that I love LocknLock products and actively promote them. If you do like them too then you are in for a good deal. I happened to be surfing the LocknLock website today and I saw that several of my very favorite <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-667/Zen%26Lock-Breez-Orange%2C-Rectangular/Detail">zen ceramic containers</a> were on clearance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/catalog/ZAL432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/catalog/ZAL432.jpg" /></a></div>I have these containers in both sofi and esly patterns and today I bought the Summer Breeze pattern too. They are beautiful and functional and I genuinely feel happy when I use them. I know it sounds weird, but they make me happy.<br />
<br />
I remember one of my friend telling me last month that she loved the containers but they were a bit pricey at $18 a pop. So right now, for less than $4 a piece, these are a real steal.... do check them out....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> and if you cannot think of any use for them, feel free to buy them as a gift for me</span>... I wouldn't mind filling my fridge and closet with these... just be sure to fill them with some delicacy before you give them to me... LOL<br />
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Until next time!</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-30239314813188420382011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:002011-09-08T07:00:04.306-07:00Little Hands Art #7 - Bouquet of flowers greeting card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I really like the cut and glue projects for little kids... And when you have a 2 kids, one older than the other, they make for perfect teamwork projects....<br />
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Here is one such "teamwork" project.... A "Bouquet of flowers" greeting card that the kids made by helping each other...<br />
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Reya drew and cut the yellow flowers and Rithik glued them on to the construction paper that was folded to make the greeting card.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbi0E5SzVnAPf645cRPgSWiooZ3qj0NUYeRzC_fhG8HC5UWPd3UEr713lLcfQ8FquCxIq3rHNWcFEDlzDCk27IT5RcmpmXBs19-elAR3UTqyLweTcVhCsLF23JmdH62Ie-lN1OmoY8dM/s1600/P1030349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbi0E5SzVnAPf645cRPgSWiooZ3qj0NUYeRzC_fhG8HC5UWPd3UEr713lLcfQ8FquCxIq3rHNWcFEDlzDCk27IT5RcmpmXBs19-elAR3UTqyLweTcVhCsLF23JmdH62Ie-lN1OmoY8dM/s400/P1030349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rithik drew the green stems that were then re-enforced (corrected) by Reya. I made the bow which Reya colored.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97WsyNt9o2BFgVYgGvwuHP4UQA6F_nDwEok1U3ZYBNJYrl54UZ7MXly6Y9QIZCDvC5vdel1QVk0p8qT11MV-rdz1CSrii-tjUkkZyY26jEp2CRgUZn8Ls1xSBdCrmXSaTAPptc5lIo_Y/s1600/P1030353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97WsyNt9o2BFgVYgGvwuHP4UQA6F_nDwEok1U3ZYBNJYrl54UZ7MXly6Y9QIZCDvC5vdel1QVk0p8qT11MV-rdz1CSrii-tjUkkZyY26jEp2CRgUZn8Ls1xSBdCrmXSaTAPptc5lIo_Y/s400/P1030353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> A little more decoration on the edges and voila.... it's ready....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfM06_bccyg8h3O1x-zBV0lQeiJrAIbMuyH_Eou9clcaE_pW6Qx2ULUqFZXDvNrc8pTgUfQy_WvaQV1hktEqqs4TDFbjdtuNBWL6TeR9_9TtVpdqPDet1mNSF9JUFVaetFT0BmrwlfVk/s1600/P1030354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfM06_bccyg8h3O1x-zBV0lQeiJrAIbMuyH_Eou9clcaE_pW6Qx2ULUqFZXDvNrc8pTgUfQy_WvaQV1hktEqqs4TDFbjdtuNBWL6TeR9_9TtVpdqPDet1mNSF9JUFVaetFT0BmrwlfVk/s400/P1030354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Greeting cards were quite popular when I was growing up back in India... anything you wanted to say.... there was a card for that... and I loved making them... I don't make cards any more... but I still remember how great it felt to get a hand-made one... hopefully the person who got this card felt the same way...<br />
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Until next time<br />
Shilpa @The Crafts Corner<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-60998722372810858952011-08-18T07:54:00.000-07:002011-08-18T07:54:00.192-07:00Little Hands Art #5 - Meet Aadya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today, I am going to introduce you all to a budding artist... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>7 year old Aadya!</b></span><br />
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Aadya is Princess R's dear friend who is a budding painter. She gets the creativity from her mother Rama who is an excellent painter herself. Here is a work of art from Aadya.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFcjxR6yLvsXdfF0o1_5g2KWYszpuliDus67SMR_Tpigune_KlgcoT_2C3Cf88wI38ae_4_ptglw9HWoq7lEbGjS-GI9BwGu4ykmhtqeN1lYSPyJyWtwlkx8EjgFToVw4Ggc8JCl6DSE/s1600/P1020603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFcjxR6yLvsXdfF0o1_5g2KWYszpuliDus67SMR_Tpigune_KlgcoT_2C3Cf88wI38ae_4_ptglw9HWoq7lEbGjS-GI9BwGu4ykmhtqeN1lYSPyJyWtwlkx8EjgFToVw4Ggc8JCl6DSE/s640/P1020603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am amazed that a 7 year old can do that... Way to go Aadya!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please leave a comment for Aadya here and I will be sure to pass it on to her...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shilpa @The Crafts Corner</div><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-14489175200914821182011-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-04T07:00:16.791-07:00Little Hands Art #3 - The nature cut and glue project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">These days, my son Rithik is big on PROJECTS....<br />
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I was once trying to engage him and he was not interested in "coloring" or "tracing", so I told him that we were making a "project" and from that day he doesn't color or pain anymore.... he works on "Projects"....<br />
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Here is his very first project....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RbYdLZhhVeIaX_DwMNv_LoiQCXBGVyf4qOfqIzdJgI2ydEU7claCy7nC7HlvIXygZ0Jvz8ifmhH6aE6m9ZWc_TVx-jow2ITAG99M9fsOQ43NXupmhGF5U4Ti_e4QxkiC0R14qJWqaS4/s1600/P1030314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RbYdLZhhVeIaX_DwMNv_LoiQCXBGVyf4qOfqIzdJgI2ydEU7claCy7nC7HlvIXygZ0Jvz8ifmhH6aE6m9ZWc_TVx-jow2ITAG99M9fsOQ43NXupmhGF5U4Ti_e4QxkiC0R14qJWqaS4/s400/P1030314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I took some pieces of construction paper and drew some objects like Sun, birds and flowers and let him cut.... The cutting did not go very well so I ended up cutting a few items for him. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then I handed him crayons and helped create a "blue print" for the project.... as you can see, the birds have really big legs.... so cute... </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Lastly, I handed him a glue stick and let him stick the cutouts on the "blue print" to make a picture....</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep0MeqmXZnEHvXEJ5VdeOkr7_CSziyIKnJHLyzIaWLkewFbB4ohhlLNK4YT8mL2ya5G23gDVrtwsnlD_TVPx59BTevYpLrm36oKFt5NopGGn51x88rbNh24IKjqxWHFgavbDT931jIn0/s1600/P1030316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep0MeqmXZnEHvXEJ5VdeOkr7_CSziyIKnJHLyzIaWLkewFbB4ohhlLNK4YT8mL2ya5G23gDVrtwsnlD_TVPx59BTevYpLrm36oKFt5NopGGn51x88rbNh24IKjqxWHFgavbDT931jIn0/s640/P1030316.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Here is the proud artist with his newly created masterpiece... He proudly displayed it on the refrigerator in the weekend and then took it to school on Monday where the teacher displayed it on the wall for a week... He couldn't be happier with the appreciation and encouragement... since that day, he wants to create many more projects....<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Try this at home and no matter what the end results are, be sure to praise the child and proudly display it around the house... the simple act of encouragement means a lot to the little kids ...</span><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Shilpa @The Crafts Corner<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-12981343559018261202011-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:002011-08-01T13:15:21.937-07:00Back to school shopping begins!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's Shopping time...Summer break is almost over... 3 more weeks of Summer and then school opens again. And like each year, the "Back to School" sales are in full swing...<br />
<br />
I am still waiting for the official supplies list from school, but that didn't stop me from going for several shopping trips and collect things for the upcoming school year. Take a look at my shopping and tell me if I missed anything...<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td align="center"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/447926366/new_arrival_lesportsac_tokidok_backpacks_school_bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/447926366/new_arrival_lesportsac_tokidok_backpacks_school_bags.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LeSportsac backpack.... oh I love this pattern!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td align="center"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/0e/452b9cbd12d5a2025fce704_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/0e/452b9cbd12d5a2025fce704_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock n Lock Water bottle </td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/public/oD2ZlZv5IVKixd4zV_4_WvveTyowZeAFKgdY2aDB3LWcFoVlL0II3iAFeu2EjaeI_WMQV9HkqoS-iCBWqNasUrDP3qis-SPxuZVlGuG5dLjwywsa2dJtykkZoQ_3vq9xWzOBN9jDQLtEvb0v6V8UfK2OOT8tzHtVowX4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/public/oD2ZlZv5IVKixd4zV_4_WvveTyowZeAFKgdY2aDB3LWcFoVlL0II3iAFeu2EjaeI_WMQV9HkqoS-iCBWqNasUrDP3qis-SPxuZVlGuG5dLjwywsa2dJtykkZoQ_3vq9xWzOBN9jDQLtEvb0v6V8UfK2OOT8tzHtVowX4" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ton of crayons for Rithik <br />
I prefer RoseArt brand</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td align="center"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/public/r4hH6e-9oGXMiH6FsOYXEAH3k5nDaI9jBhe1A0xyzW__njD3jpufoZkgVDjYcMbPDluUfZM8--4CraomMUtIxFGeUzJGXKddZ5tddBq0P4Wi26sOBlN9bDBeyntjBXph_LMQcHlZOH9ZPdXx59l3JgcGpEjHHM2jv34lkqA=s90-c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/public/r4hH6e-9oGXMiH6FsOYXEAH3k5nDaI9jBhe1A0xyzW__njD3jpufoZkgVDjYcMbPDluUfZM8--4CraomMUtIxFGeUzJGXKddZ5tddBq0P4Wi26sOBlN9bDBeyntjBXph_LMQcHlZOH9ZPdXx59l3JgcGpEjHHM2jv34lkqA=s90-c" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a ton of erasers... <br />
we loose about one every week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_CMLIo5WbzHgXlsupKT4McNRmtZ8da3lGZkLAcyRSX9A3m0J50LfYNFdQvOUFZtUV71G9flvnHx8dRH6SrI9R7g7usXl3DvzkUyr-w6DL2hveGxxA9IfKnTdglRQVFqf_9tgw0ogYFs/s320/Blog_LnLSpinachEggRice3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_CMLIo5WbzHgXlsupKT4McNRmtZ8da3lGZkLAcyRSX9A3m0J50LfYNFdQvOUFZtUV71G9flvnHx8dRH6SrI9R7g7usXl3DvzkUyr-w6DL2hveGxxA9IfKnTdglRQVFqf_9tgw0ogYFs/s200/Blog_LnLSpinachEggRice3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock n Lock lunch box for Reya - <br />
It's big enough for her lunch and snacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td align="center"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/public/pZIj7N2afS75wVKG6JwLLegbMKdKNiltWKWgVg9yg5U6IvTIFnHAeV1yKGqr2KjHUbclC8jdezXR2M7sZtxA002QI5kkZIiZU9HlIe7P2K9M5hI3JRFbLQ0Wjd50OqkLaPPVYM9jvmtx6ivBtgiS_BS69fGNTWwpV8wAHNDGENRwQmUtThxJGEH76LXqLLv1ajAhhN9lspUY=s90-c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/public/pZIj7N2afS75wVKG6JwLLegbMKdKNiltWKWgVg9yg5U6IvTIFnHAeV1yKGqr2KjHUbclC8jdezXR2M7sZtxA002QI5kkZIiZU9HlIe7P2K9M5hI3JRFbLQ0Wjd50OqkLaPPVYM9jvmtx6ivBtgiS_BS69fGNTWwpV8wAHNDGENRwQmUtThxJGEH76LXqLLv1ajAhhN9lspUY=s90-c" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dozen sharpeners <br />
One in every corner of the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/public/U1k1jtK5sbEelrPvOpYDMzBuCW9HSBNn5hvnsNbFT_p7mUXP2byf4k3GM3NL5XjCUpNBHf5hWiFh0YC2-6nuqRnxAya6LTTN_BMRy-OblfivBoKxosy3ed9GIV_P-E8B_5ODCN40piC4NsWrX7JS4q6F8d16mQmBMO8rleQg0Mr6dLCw6Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/public/U1k1jtK5sbEelrPvOpYDMzBuCW9HSBNn5hvnsNbFT_p7mUXP2byf4k3GM3NL5XjCUpNBHf5hWiFh0YC2-6nuqRnxAya6LTTN_BMRy-OblfivBoKxosy3ed9GIV_P-E8B_5ODCN40piC4NsWrX7JS4q6F8d16mQmBMO8rleQg0Mr6dLCw6Q" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 100 pencils<br />
of course!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td align="center"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/public/n3PFoUrWVqVdGGdetlMHSbNBQlp-7ma7Z_imjHUAakBSCGfjKz39KKr-MfiqadvH0GUVQnZ4twODGaQ0Jum3Rv7dnrvJz4Or6j934IbtGdauXuh4dBfM5ec4pmOk46k0CNvMyq4dwVmj7MBNDbJT8WvhRspZE8pcvKpvt7svv8c3=s90-c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/public/n3PFoUrWVqVdGGdetlMHSbNBQlp-7ma7Z_imjHUAakBSCGfjKz39KKr-MfiqadvH0GUVQnZ4twODGaQ0Jum3Rv7dnrvJz4Or6j934IbtGdauXuh4dBfM5ec4pmOk46k0CNvMyq4dwVmj7MBNDbJT8WvhRspZE8pcvKpvt7svv8c3=s90-c" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washable markers, pencil colors and paints....<br />
looking forward to the craft time with kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table>But there is one thing that is missing from the list this year as Reya moves from private to public school.... UNIFORMS!!! She cannot be happier....<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Shilpa @ The Crafts Corner<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-81225719033289847862011-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-28T07:00:05.208-07:00Little Hands Art #2 - Butterfly food art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">We have a lot of fun with food in our household... and I am all for it. </span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It helps feed the kids easily... Kids are more likely to eat food art than plain old dinner and it also helps them be more creative and imaginative. Instead of seeing objects in front of them, they can envision what can be made out of those objects...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here is the dinner art made by Reya. Using a butterfly cookie-cutter, she transformed rice into a butterfly and then decorated using grapes... The rice butterfly was accompanied by Sambhar in a rectangular LocknLocck glass container... I was impressed when she chose that container and gave me the reasoning that the shape goes better with the shape of the plate than a round bowl... <i>someone is developing a sense of presentation and decoration... </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpdKhULMDkdWvDRWK7pMMgn1DZNsYtbCL9ZlnS079wOTGBeU9oNa8Abe-C0IUMndYh6PReLcmk1nSC-dZjIhyphenhyphenrPNqyHXELyRMB3WETiMyvlM50pQg_Lkypu0VJoXYg4eoiWNHagESQRo/s1600/P1030124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpdKhULMDkdWvDRWK7pMMgn1DZNsYtbCL9ZlnS079wOTGBeU9oNa8Abe-C0IUMndYh6PReLcmk1nSC-dZjIhyphenhyphenrPNqyHXELyRMB3WETiMyvlM50pQg_Lkypu0VJoXYg4eoiWNHagESQRo/s640/P1030124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-12544942719196380782011-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:002011-07-21T11:55:51.528-07:00Little Hands Art #1 - Art work made with yarn and glue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">If your kids are at home this summer and you have run out of ideas to keep them engaged, try this.... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Give them a piece of paper, a pencil, some colorful yarn and some glue, and have them create a materpiece for you... it will use up the scraps of yarn at home and give them a different medium to work with... Here are some samples to get the creativity flowing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-T4gNpYFsXh83MNFu_la9BF75tG-pFx8vFg65MHWX1aFzSkSMxnfThsLjuyLNIFh4iFRfumIudzCI-h7eXDUJ5Z-XTqbvuoAQY8bLLpo1ODBUi03D9zGn6VGwQKCRW805xkaqwpa4XI/s1600/P1020596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-T4gNpYFsXh83MNFu_la9BF75tG-pFx8vFg65MHWX1aFzSkSMxnfThsLjuyLNIFh4iFRfumIudzCI-h7eXDUJ5Z-XTqbvuoAQY8bLLpo1ODBUi03D9zGn6VGwQKCRW805xkaqwpa4XI/s400/P1020596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mVgXmcO3r7U7BGlL2ufNUcwoKGMoKhgWcGdNPyWxvWC3MFWgTYAnWCMop7Sg1r6upmxvPPU5HcCSIPjQzxdzXhUt0aQRK57QjoSEwGL7O25awQX2d_3w_vqm48scWgdigjz1W2m69C4/s1600/P1020602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mVgXmcO3r7U7BGlL2ufNUcwoKGMoKhgWcGdNPyWxvWC3MFWgTYAnWCMop7Sg1r6upmxvPPU5HcCSIPjQzxdzXhUt0aQRK57QjoSEwGL7O25awQX2d_3w_vqm48scWgdigjz1W2m69C4/s400/P1020602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So go ahead, try it with your kids and do send me pictures....<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Shilpa @The Crafts Corner<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-46532131229010828922011-06-26T23:22:00.000-07:002011-06-26T23:26:52.888-07:00Where have I been?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #990000; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>I have been missing because I am spending time with my mom who is visiting me for summer... </b></span><BR/><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Having mom here is great because I get pampered... Just like I fuss about my kids, she fusses about me, feeding me vitamins, calling me 5 times to come and drink my chai, and taking care of things even before I get around to them... <b>moms are great</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">... my mother in law is very nice too, whenever any of these ladies are here, my workload becomes half and the happiness level of the house doubles...</span><BR><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">So while I have been MIA, I have been enjoying my mom's cooking... and trust me when I say that within 2 weeks she has become a big fan of my new favorite vendor, Lock & Lock... everyday she looks into my kitchen for a new Lock & Lock item to try out and then she asks me to take pictures for my blog... </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I am not kidding!!!</span></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here are some pictures of her food and her favorite items so far... Recipes <b>may </b>follow in the Wednesday "What's cooking" series :-) She is taking that section over for the time she is here... so get ready for some good food.</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">First we have Dahi-wadas and Cabbage subzi (entree). Both are served in <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-Kitchen-cln-Cookware-cln-Glass-Ovenware/Categories">Lock & Lock Borosilicate Glassware</a>. </span></span></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3f1tlzfclWvdDQLKmxjcjE-ENJhujZdPIHfQBoexam0KFp3tqeOZa6aOIS7PxYuIFWT38gj2i6ja74bgoZ6rsshTPcJASRtwZl_8QLpGz39f4tuO-QkEiJWRBRJl34BaXxbe2otqU4/s1600/2011-06-23+18.54.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3f1tlzfclWvdDQLKmxjcjE-ENJhujZdPIHfQBoexam0KFp3tqeOZa6aOIS7PxYuIFWT38gj2i6ja74bgoZ6rsshTPcJASRtwZl_8QLpGz39f4tuO-QkEiJWRBRJl34BaXxbe2otqU4/s400/2011-06-23+18.54.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 2. Next we have her signature finger-licking Tamarind-Jaggery chutney in <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-Food-Containers-cln-Glass-Series-%28Boroseal%29-cln-BOROSEAL-II/Categories">Lock & Lock Boroseal glass container</a>... I can even eat Brussels sprouts dipped in them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6WTA972kQJkmfF7Awm7VBiYK4vOD52L8tV6uThMwFbMmz1ASvq9LT-Px-q9uRQiAMeU8Z4mbq2hrvf7LseftbjL5NQ_mj_PKSqgh23wA7ow-fh6kOCt3g9MXK53eyIB6AVQnPNo3wPU/s1600/2011-06-23+18.55.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6WTA972kQJkmfF7Awm7VBiYK4vOD52L8tV6uThMwFbMmz1ASvq9LT-Px-q9uRQiAMeU8Z4mbq2hrvf7LseftbjL5NQ_mj_PKSqgh23wA7ow-fh6kOCt3g9MXK53eyIB6AVQnPNo3wPU/s400/2011-06-23+18.55.39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 3. Then last night was Butter Paneer Masala in her new favorite (and my favorite) <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-Kitchen-cln-Brand-Shop-cln-Cookplus-Ceramic/Categories">Cookplus ceramic cookware</a>. She has already declared her desire of buying a set and if that doesn't come before her departure, she says she will take mine...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_3fSCGXB1mnXASn7vp-oxvYIhCmqRotN1OD3f_hSdxW04fEpurz7JHpU6-szSWfeENNHCsT2Fx0zIJK8JtQjQGx3CbzcGrCkM6bakdnHs6l6GzIMccqXVHUBkiqG1viQQtiO-M4k6oY/s1600/P1030339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_3fSCGXB1mnXASn7vp-oxvYIhCmqRotN1OD3f_hSdxW04fEpurz7JHpU6-szSWfeENNHCsT2Fx0zIJK8JtQjQGx3CbzcGrCkM6bakdnHs6l6GzIMccqXVHUBkiqG1viQQtiO-M4k6oY/s400/P1030339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4. Last we have the Lock & Lock Borosilicate Glass pot showing the steamed vegetables for rice pilaf. This is an ovenware that doubles up for microwave cooking and has become the default microwave steamer in my kitchen now. Mom has a plastic microwave cookware back home, but when I explained her about BPA and it's effects, she has decided that it is time to awitch to glass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ0uf_GCWS3FeJFByhmzOofxr9FkTbkfeShOzL3M-b7GaVZb8Rwe-jxPmd2pNdvigLqR83HCK1_cnxkFBk1HYY6hIhevDVzIF7TGPp4Cw5jz3Qh9-mwyVpXWhddAmbqHGsf2ntPzUfy0/s1600/P1030336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ0uf_GCWS3FeJFByhmzOofxr9FkTbkfeShOzL3M-b7GaVZb8Rwe-jxPmd2pNdvigLqR83HCK1_cnxkFBk1HYY6hIhevDVzIF7TGPp4Cw5jz3Qh9-mwyVpXWhddAmbqHGsf2ntPzUfy0/s400/P1030336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So there you have it... a brief recap of what's happening in my corner and what to expect on Wednesdays from my mom! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Until next time,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Shilpa from The Crafts Corner.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border: none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-61422016553728755202011-06-08T13:58:00.000-07:002011-06-08T13:58:17.376-07:00What's cooking Wednesday - Sausage curry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Work has been terrible this week. I am working with people in 5 time zones (India, Shangahi, Cupertino, Europe and Texas) and with round the clock work, I have not been able to cook much or do anything for that matter. But when I am in a crunch like this, there are some easy recipes that I rely upon.<br />
<br />
One such recipe is "<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sausage Curry</span></strong>".. btw, this is <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">my original work</span></strong>! <br />
<br />
You will need (I am guessing since I didn't note down, so be ready to adjust to your needs):<br />
<ul><li>2 tblsp oil</li>
<li>1 tblsp minced ginger</li>
<li>1 tblsp minced garlic</li>
<li>2 cups chopped onions</li>
<li>1 cup chopped tomato</li>
<li>1/2 lb sausage chopped (any mild kind should work)</li>
<li>1 tsp turmuric</li>
<li>salt and paparika to taste</li>
<li>a few springs of chopped cilantro</li>
<li>a pinch of garam masala (or curry powder as a backup)</li>
</ul><ol><li>Start with heating the oil over medium heat. Add onion, ginger and garlic and cook until onion gets a bit brown and soft.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gkcCtvLb31R4jQgQmMKpCiU1zrdcpP7lhyphenhyphent6CG9vMmI7jtEdm7Sw44zjzUzogLwEInbb9dT1UFbml_dWmlml7yBQTeA9OCwdC91OCFaPbQ2_sl3wSIw_GMr2q85JYQDULPDFPOfGPgg/s1600/P1030342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gkcCtvLb31R4jQgQmMKpCiU1zrdcpP7lhyphenhyphent6CG9vMmI7jtEdm7Sw44zjzUzogLwEInbb9dT1UFbml_dWmlml7yBQTeA9OCwdC91OCFaPbQ2_sl3wSIw_GMr2q85JYQDULPDFPOfGPgg/s400/P1030342.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Add tomatoes and continue cooking. The tomatoes need to break down somewhat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdFlB1Kl6X_tnH7lqk7DhsErLOAYAZ4utFE18EHYPixjzQS2Uj36JgRXe886pKw0A3uxF7iXtoACjnTJQ08T6zjEyVJR9CvdOvlWvC_9bW5CRBETDktOiuS2xZVb2128tQCLfIFuYL18/s1600/P1030343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdFlB1Kl6X_tnH7lqk7DhsErLOAYAZ4utFE18EHYPixjzQS2Uj36JgRXe886pKw0A3uxF7iXtoACjnTJQ08T6zjEyVJR9CvdOvlWvC_9bW5CRBETDktOiuS2xZVb2128tQCLfIFuYL18/s400/P1030343.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Add salt, paparika and turmuric. Add chopped sausage and cook for a minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Ws-FiWLpa5_O2NFpk6lF0nJKx4neg5bfv5Am_l5f_YaZrWvM9VCajoPzjzzYUzcu0rmUVCmhpuKKdphU10q53idmvqE7wb8MrlPNwgL5LsqSNIOVnwha9QT-zBdnA-BCQtv2xIc9js/s1600/P1030345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Ws-FiWLpa5_O2NFpk6lF0nJKx4neg5bfv5Am_l5f_YaZrWvM9VCajoPzjzzYUzcu0rmUVCmhpuKKdphU10q53idmvqE7wb8MrlPNwgL5LsqSNIOVnwha9QT-zBdnA-BCQtv2xIc9js/s400/P1030345.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div> 4. Add cilantro and continue stirring. You can add a bit of water to the mix if this is too thick for you. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4GxlNvFaPS5YA4inDUl19m2qo9RdMwzcZfvNR1mH8TEhEeMrokqa-du4LajOzA21fWg1UqcRn80jF7jmeFfPLr9zE6yZasg-DvH7jBMeJHIBKHe7JTWDMGDLf19YcADn0m00CdaQc58/s1600/P1030346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4GxlNvFaPS5YA4inDUl19m2qo9RdMwzcZfvNR1mH8TEhEeMrokqa-du4LajOzA21fWg1UqcRn80jF7jmeFfPLr9zE6yZasg-DvH7jBMeJHIBKHe7JTWDMGDLf19YcADn0m00CdaQc58/s400/P1030346.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 5. Turn the heat off and add a pinch of garam masaala. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIhp13tIrvu_VuHEfDUU26qS4HcQOen4xrVNMgMF_iKaS1tPV6RzxXk-vnHEjARLsPput85BvncSIihvyoDwoblyLud9pPfzIvlP5zZgR2QPQr1cGRV7dm2wWLbkqJOcx8NkI3MFWmnw/s1600/P1030348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIhp13tIrvu_VuHEfDUU26qS4HcQOen4xrVNMgMF_iKaS1tPV6RzxXk-vnHEjARLsPput85BvncSIihvyoDwoblyLud9pPfzIvlP5zZgR2QPQr1cGRV7dm2wWLbkqJOcx8NkI3MFWmnw/s400/P1030348.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">All done... Serve it with roti or rice... </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Not only is this recipe fast, I cook it even faster in my new <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-template/event_ceramic/Page">cookplus ceramic coated cookware</a>. It conducts heat very fast and I feel the cooking time for everything is less when I use it. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">And 3 days ago, I also got the cutest <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-674/Zen%26Lock-Esly%2C-Rectangular-Ceramic/Detail">ceramic containers </a>to serve this in... Too bad we ate the food before I thought about taking a picture.. But here is the bowl... and you guessed it right... it is from Lock n Lock (I am crazy about this website)</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/0e/452b9cbd12d5a1feaa6905_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/0e/452b9cbd12d5a1feaa6905_m.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Until next time,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Shilpa from The Crafts Corner</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthecraftscorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">(C) The Crafts Corner 2010-2011 All rights reserved.</div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-22695672694128010922011-05-25T02:53:00.000-07:002011-05-25T02:53:44.389-07:00What's cooking Wednesday - Sooji (Semolina) Halwa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last week, I got my new <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-Kitchen-cln-Brand-Shop-cln-Cookplus-Ceramic/Categories">Ceramic Cookplus cookware</a> from Lock and Lock and I was intrigued. I loved the color and it is very different from my existing heavy copper bottomed cookware.<br />
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As I couldn't wait to try it out, I made "Sooji Halwa" in it immediately. Here is the recipe for you to try as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHUKuRLuoHjY_QzoyK-LxtAcZb0A_9pxvOc1ldCFG1rt22sWOl8B1lReSq84M5MTijZ4ZvjPofS0XyHnVp9bvqK-YSxYKoRqiY1JxqT3bqN9ioWuSBg2aDwzLhGOswyUDHV17IHK96D0/s1600/P1030335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHUKuRLuoHjY_QzoyK-LxtAcZb0A_9pxvOc1ldCFG1rt22sWOl8B1lReSq84M5MTijZ4ZvjPofS0XyHnVp9bvqK-YSxYKoRqiY1JxqT3bqN9ioWuSBg2aDwzLhGOswyUDHV17IHK96D0/s320/P1030335.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjquD67D2b-tYv8Euez3UIcz6UThimViPvARd5sY0qssUBbWhctHhwgEYqLHCVs9Fc7YaTynvMeODN1ZHUP_55UaeEQlidLIqgjgnELoiVBQ_gqHNfiPDAdx-usDl8EK3ElvVcBC5HaUE/s1600/P1030325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjquD67D2b-tYv8Euez3UIcz6UThimViPvARd5sY0qssUBbWhctHhwgEYqLHCVs9Fc7YaTynvMeODN1ZHUP_55UaeEQlidLIqgjgnELoiVBQ_gqHNfiPDAdx-usDl8EK3ElvVcBC5HaUE/s320/P1030325.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>Ingredients</u></strong></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup Sooji (Semolina) </li>
<li>0.5 cup oil or unsalted butter (The original recipe from my mother in law calls for 1 cup ghee, but I have found that 0.5 cup olive oil works just fine for our taste)</li>
<li>1 cup Sugar (Again, the original recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sugar, but we prefer a bit less sugar... your preference)</li>
<li>5-6 strands of saffron</li>
<li>3.5 cups water.</li>
<li>0.5 cup mixed nuts (Optional - slivered almonds, dried coconut, cashews and raisins mix works best, but you are free to omit what you don't like)</li>
<li>3 pods cardamom, broken</li>
</ul><br />
<div> <strong><u>Procedure</u></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1. Soak saffron in a tablespoon of water.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Put the water and sugar in a pot to boil. I prefer doing it in the microwave so I can proceed to step 3 while it happens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHu8vxalcnDQAjSpG-kyxFrq0UtTXAukt2H431nxlNlYMR34Zg5kGDIpe8KMQYNlHybcmo-vZiRv0gZzpc14GQ_jGCPQY8kVjMzv12Fi6M2Bj3C7_TviJ_205-ov3Kfl1Wto9jTaW2dg/s1600/P1030328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHu8vxalcnDQAjSpG-kyxFrq0UtTXAukt2H431nxlNlYMR34Zg5kGDIpe8KMQYNlHybcmo-vZiRv0gZzpc14GQ_jGCPQY8kVjMzv12Fi6M2Bj3C7_TviJ_205-ov3Kfl1Wto9jTaW2dg/s200/P1030328.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">3. Heat the oil in the pan on medium heat. This pan heats really really fast, so don't go anywhere... <span style="color: #990000;">The smoke alarm will call you back though!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJHQ6Sl-2WsL5diZSEm02L5vxKBe6UYXgZwY_0Nto9ysxhme-YjQzEHHzLf3grTq9mfadXdDqYI5pv8jovLGPCDmsVap8CWbVVFaVDbV93QgquheoiG-7jCUrGeA9fy34ZdJIhPH03io/s1600/P1030126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJHQ6Sl-2WsL5diZSEm02L5vxKBe6UYXgZwY_0Nto9ysxhme-YjQzEHHzLf3grTq9mfadXdDqYI5pv8jovLGPCDmsVap8CWbVVFaVDbV93QgquheoiG-7jCUrGeA9fy34ZdJIhPH03io/s200/P1030126.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a>4. Add the Semolina and the cardamom seeds and keep stirring it <span style="color: #990000;">with an enthusiasm of a child picking up candies after the pinata is broken...</span> otherwise the semolina will get burned. Again, this pan was conducting the heat so fast that the step was over in about 2 minutes. Couldn't believe it. Since I forgot to take a pic, here is an old pic for reference on how it would look when done.. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCpp9jpKVRz33tz3Br2NbXdws6q7JCzN2bkX6coTlrxqX6Mg5xim5Y_xCWhd4q9WUUfKWPHOOJMoJZmmtU5oLgYmZDtYWPtCLh_93UMZbysM2vzCPJTlElHnqxyk8zs86zvJKUMsHJj4/s1600/P1030329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCpp9jpKVRz33tz3Br2NbXdws6q7JCzN2bkX6coTlrxqX6Mg5xim5Y_xCWhd4q9WUUfKWPHOOJMoJZmmtU5oLgYmZDtYWPtCLh_93UMZbysM2vzCPJTlElHnqxyk8zs86zvJKUMsHJj4/s200/P1030329.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a> 5. Add the soaked saffron and boiled water sugar mixture to the cooked semolina. Be very careful while doing this as lots os steam gets created that can burn you. <span style="color: #990000;">Stir like a crazy person trying to crank up a time machine... otherwise you will end up with lumps.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNJbUzFrJOaEKFqrBh421jNLYBBV9D8MzFKxi9a5-Fo5Ink2l74RuZh1eAFlYEC0ZPsfXvY47Rre6soKT9kTkYrahYt6GRLso7y4DM-XVMxjxBc7uubee7IinV4_8Yw_pjB0ZNEbQZjY/s1600/P1030330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNJbUzFrJOaEKFqrBh421jNLYBBV9D8MzFKxi9a5-Fo5Ink2l74RuZh1eAFlYEC0ZPsfXvY47Rre6soKT9kTkYrahYt6GRLso7y4DM-XVMxjxBc7uubee7IinV4_8Yw_pjB0ZNEbQZjY/s200/P1030330.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. Add the nuts mixture if you decided to use it... <span style="color: #990000;">Continue stirring like a crazy person...</span> If it makes you feel better, complain to your husband about your arms hurting and make sure to say <span style="color: #990000;">"I am only doing this for you!"</span> when the reality is that you are craving the halwa as much as anyone else in the house...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKcLpWR9kTxJyB5ZGtE2wsRA2Yn3Kgb2x4lZqTJpxGWBL-0qmffzKrxepfgcRP_O0iJmlDrczZYPr1js8vx6zhARJCNs_dudkfS7f9WQxI7V9oW7E3rUjvtKo4GFeSY2C_32ls0WaTzA/s1600/P1030331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKcLpWR9kTxJyB5ZGtE2wsRA2Yn3Kgb2x4lZqTJpxGWBL-0qmffzKrxepfgcRP_O0iJmlDrczZYPr1js8vx6zhARJCNs_dudkfS7f9WQxI7V9oW7E3rUjvtKo4GFeSY2C_32ls0WaTzA/s200/P1030331.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a>7. When the Halwa thickens, turn the stove off (and transfer the halwa pan to another burner if you use an electric stove). Now eat some Halwa before anyone else gets a chance and if anyone complains, tell them that you are tasting it to ensure the quality of the food... <span style="color: #990000;">works everytime! Then eat it again with everyone else!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">ENJOY!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Until next time,</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Shilpa</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FReyaAndRithik&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-11325836282831090642011-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-23T08:48:37.039-07:00A really cute Spice Kit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It is no secret that I am a fan of Lock n Lock.... I go all giggly and happy when I have a new Lock n Lock product in my hand... and my family thinks this obsession will stay for some time until replaced with something else.<br />
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So let me spread the love and introduce you to the <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-485/Lock-%26-Lock-Spice/Detail">Lock n Lock Spice kit.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/1a/452b9cbd12f8edaf4cddeaf_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/1a/452b9cbd12f8edaf4cddeaf_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/13/452b9cbd12f8ecc373ac692_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/13/452b9cbd12f8ecc373ac692_m.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Being of Indian descent, I have a special affinity for any "masaledani", "masale ka dibba" or spice kit in plain English. When I was little, it was one of my chores to refill the dabba once a spice ran out. </div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>When I moved to US, I needed a "dibba" with me to keep my kitchen organized. I got one of those 30 jar revolving spice racks which were oh so cute... but I could never love it the same way as a dibba, not to mention it needed counter space whereas the dibba could be tucked in a drawer. Finally I ended up getting one from India.<br />
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But when I found this set, I was so delighted. It's so pretty and colorful and the shape of the removable containers use the space in the round box so efficiently. I can think of so many uses beyond just spices... How about a container for pre-cut herbs, garlic, ginger etc... ready to be used while cooking... or a container for storing loose beads for Princess R, or even a small snack box for using in the car trips.<br />
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So many possibilities.... What do you think... why don't you share a good use for this container in the comments section!<br />
Until next time!</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-3273323722825573382011-05-18T07:30:00.000-07:002011-05-23T08:48:21.586-07:00What's cooking Wednesday - My first fondant cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em> My very first fondant cake...</em></span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;">I made it in Feb 2009 for my 10th wedding anniversary. I made everything from scratch including the chocolate fondant. The inside cake was black forest and number 10 on top are sugar cookies covered in molding chocolate... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_RGGEt-0DSHi2ZMSmuyJE4li9YuVPlrLSpKWq-HdKF3REYlMF6LpqUh9TTRxC2P1J79kQtNfvs3J-BTLoUUJBPD56C7tPIGxNCvUoe7q8iICfD2WXjfib_GvfZd-o_H_jqb3FOxBSs8/s1600/P1010192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_RGGEt-0DSHi2ZMSmuyJE4li9YuVPlrLSpKWq-HdKF3REYlMF6LpqUh9TTRxC2P1J79kQtNfvs3J-BTLoUUJBPD56C7tPIGxNCvUoe7q8iICfD2WXjfib_GvfZd-o_H_jqb3FOxBSs8/s400/P1010192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_RGGEt-0DSHi2ZMSmuyJE4li9YuVPlrLSpKWq-HdKF3REYlMF6LpqUh9TTRxC2P1J79kQtNfvs3J-BTLoUUJBPD56C7tPIGxNCvUoe7q8iICfD2WXjfib_GvfZd-o_H_jqb3FOxBSs8/s1600/P1010192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NBGJcBQu-rFeTMpvCWmZk5XnGFgd5K2T5_EnpwztXvsq4htrd5BNxlsrERTC8n3cQWn2FeZU6QCXTgnTudac7JWZRl_agCMwUCYPzWB2GoLO1Vgk5gxw8occEMy9ifxooyEwFjh88qM/s1600/P1010188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NBGJcBQu-rFeTMpvCWmZk5XnGFgd5K2T5_EnpwztXvsq4htrd5BNxlsrERTC8n3cQWn2FeZU6QCXTgnTudac7JWZRl_agCMwUCYPzWB2GoLO1Vgk5gxw8occEMy9ifxooyEwFjh88qM/s400/P1010188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
Since this was my very first time making fondant or even working with fondant and molding chocolate, I made a ton of mistakes.... which is why I never shared this with you before... As you can see the no 10 didn't come out smooth and I used green frosting to attach the roses and cookies when I should have used brown but it's still not that bad... and it tasted great...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna2XOR3_5g1taN7bunrB-Hjb5MwmJQQ6SlRbgdXccsut4fD264-ivdu_cuTxEHTBQdqTz7ALmnuF1q5s2fv3GYZAxI3Q-aS9H19iEAA2d3xOSs2nBV4q2nqEvQLRAb8pbIrBCqQESMWU/s1600/P1010194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna2XOR3_5g1taN7bunrB-Hjb5MwmJQQ6SlRbgdXccsut4fD264-ivdu_cuTxEHTBQdqTz7ALmnuF1q5s2fv3GYZAxI3Q-aS9H19iEAA2d3xOSs2nBV4q2nqEvQLRAb8pbIrBCqQESMWU/s400/P1010194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All these Roses took forever to make and my hands hurt in the end... I still don't know why I made so many when just 10 would have suffice...<br />
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<b><i>Tips for Newbies (Look at me.... acting like a professional, as if I know a lot about cakes)</i></b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you don't have experience working with fondant, start with store bought fondant and get used to working with it before you make your own fondant. That way you will know what good fondant feels like and can adjust the recipe to get a good results</li>
<li>Start with a simple design. No need for 100 roses in your first cake. Infact, start by decorating regular cakes with fondant cutouts before moving to cover cakes with fondant.</li>
<li>Dipping in chocolate candy melts is a better option than molding chocolate if you don't have experience working with chocolate. And if you don't have access to candy melts, it's best to use cookies covered with simple sugar frosting.</li>
<li>Use the smoothest rolling pin you can find. Glass or marble are the best.</li>
<li>Don't beat yourself up if the mistakes show. In the end, it will be eaten. Just make sure it tastes great.</li>
</ul><div>Until next time!<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCraftsCorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-84975261903846911652011-05-15T23:21:00.000-07:002011-05-16T17:03:59.954-07:00Reya's "Around the World" Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The least 2 weekends were spent celebrating Princess R's birthday as she turned 7 the first of which was an "Around the World" Party. All her school friends were invited and I asked a couple close friends to join and help with the party.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5qN_hd8PO60xvx7KzkI8N5HgxpGPELWsTglLoTIusY7ygthHx8ho7ABmCaVW7C7A6Iea2HKe4Ccg_Ng-gVDz8p-0wxsyK741WCLQs52BVQ36fT_s2QC3UOMwd7KNO4-rFpeI6ppUws/s1600/blog_reya_invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5qN_hd8PO60xvx7KzkI8N5HgxpGPELWsTglLoTIusY7ygthHx8ho7ABmCaVW7C7A6Iea2HKe4Ccg_Ng-gVDz8p-0wxsyK741WCLQs52BVQ36fT_s2QC3UOMwd7KNO4-rFpeI6ppUws/s400/blog_reya_invite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is the birthday invitation I made for the party.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I decked up the house with decorations covering the whole globe. The wall of the family room was decked up with flags of all the countries around the world. This also served as a backdrop for pictures of the kids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqxBQ3mhZxpeHmNkPUK8cYbUBJR77n3KCh7JAAa0Vi1weOa5VUvyl-yGSPBvOlyPZFpXqB2-NbfU8bqXHagYOL-toHoHksoUJpKLM4FjxrqZ_u2HveV4c0P4G96hVV7p6ccuCoPL2kgM/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqxBQ3mhZxpeHmNkPUK8cYbUBJR77n3KCh7JAAa0Vi1weOa5VUvyl-yGSPBvOlyPZFpXqB2-NbfU8bqXHagYOL-toHoHksoUJpKLM4FjxrqZ_u2HveV4c0P4G96hVV7p6ccuCoPL2kgM/s400/blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthecraftscorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe><br />
We Asked all the kids to dress up in clothing from any country of their choice and the kids really had fun with it. Kids came dressed in clothing from Spain, Japan, China, India, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Thailand and of course USA. Here is the Japanese Ninja.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrv97dnKyg32B4EXIU6omLSoRHx7kooEpc1wB7ClLr0lgKvQTFusFml0uWbC1_PMEAAKraAZQ2P0TRoizMfEpZSKPYereeeRi18b4IWQyaU0vGxeTmunG-y0TcT5wY4rZAwhVEyT9Sc/s1600/japanese_ninja_costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrv97dnKyg32B4EXIU6omLSoRHx7kooEpc1wB7ClLr0lgKvQTFusFml0uWbC1_PMEAAKraAZQ2P0TRoizMfEpZSKPYereeeRi18b4IWQyaU0vGxeTmunG-y0TcT5wY4rZAwhVEyT9Sc/s640/japanese_ninja_costume.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the kids arrived, they all got a passport for their journey around the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6LnVN09Ujf_CWK8QrU26breN06-Y65kN3k9JyeJ9iBtMWKkSO9G1ihaYE7eZIaTK1tMOwEwpUvofCuswjtLoW-HkqVUcPa2uoZDQKoeHjsvtJ9GQvqqfn-MBz6PnrIrA1y7tHHBDTPQ/s1600/P1030121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6LnVN09Ujf_CWK8QrU26breN06-Y65kN3k9JyeJ9iBtMWKkSO9G1ihaYE7eZIaTK1tMOwEwpUvofCuswjtLoW-HkqVUcPa2uoZDQKoeHjsvtJ9GQvqqfn-MBz6PnrIrA1y7tHHBDTPQ/s400/P1030121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ndxtRDwyH7VS50gchPbq-iZbRvqPKK7GW8rEMDUJy0AzL1N3GDFlqUPvfuUw0Uu-JhApOkHIc4RVqfkMRMHdayRvUYhycjL6fmzsBtxBEx5xxVViSBOwayPDRWv37HaCzYFYo3aUD6w/s1600/P1030122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ndxtRDwyH7VS50gchPbq-iZbRvqPKK7GW8rEMDUJy0AzL1N3GDFlqUPvfuUw0Uu-JhApOkHIc4RVqfkMRMHdayRvUYhycjL6fmzsBtxBEx5xxVViSBOwayPDRWv37HaCzYFYo3aUD6w/s400/P1030122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I divided the backyard in 7 sections and decorated each of them as a different continent. Here are South America and Antarctica.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZkXauIr-nFH-u5ymf24G3Fx8Dn6q6WDsMfcFyGEaTvRmkdU8Ad3b55MnEoLILGBcJJkRTsoPnlssvXAJjww98eXcNt4qAFR2YgATdMeYSPmmY_kXh6S_qtFh95SlOHtoXonp61ZFxEs/s1600/P1030065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZkXauIr-nFH-u5ymf24G3Fx8Dn6q6WDsMfcFyGEaTvRmkdU8Ad3b55MnEoLILGBcJJkRTsoPnlssvXAJjww98eXcNt4qAFR2YgATdMeYSPmmY_kXh6S_qtFh95SlOHtoXonp61ZFxEs/s400/P1030065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CS7spEKT7KKHniIIkrr0Mawe0aXpG1dEJEQcMZZfxOpbKQeIlgRl6wBW3yKMHy6xTHgMCmZBKR75biWBRCKuAiyMnovJA1c6d1vDkUKiJu0G4i2GFmjO08EQGGkYDofQN91h_Yuw0A4/s1600/P1030066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CS7spEKT7KKHniIIkrr0Mawe0aXpG1dEJEQcMZZfxOpbKQeIlgRl6wBW3yKMHy6xTHgMCmZBKR75biWBRCKuAiyMnovJA1c6d1vDkUKiJu0G4i2GFmjO08EQGGkYDofQN91h_Yuw0A4/s400/P1030066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
The Kids sat in an imaginary plane with their pilot (my friend) and the tour guide (me). We went to each continent where kids first answere trivia question to earn jelly beans, and then they got to play games. My favorite game was played in Egypt (Africa) where the kids wrapped some volunteers in streamers to make them into mummies. They also did crafts from different continents. Here is a decorated mask for a carnival in South America.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1UfwrreZ8AOfnaKVIVws7tk5Cr9qPAUUNaxVqptNazSHXrEztAhvaohmWZXuE08cb0XSJ-JhmD6mhDD6lYNJ5oI2k1kd97fqFSKc2x_eqhpX8BvKDDDEowKaonToFkDffIGe1w2Vg2M/s1600/P1030123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1UfwrreZ8AOfnaKVIVws7tk5Cr9qPAUUNaxVqptNazSHXrEztAhvaohmWZXuE08cb0XSJ-JhmD6mhDD6lYNJ5oI2k1kd97fqFSKc2x_eqhpX8BvKDDDEowKaonToFkDffIGe1w2Vg2M/s400/P1030123.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lastly we reached England where we cut the cake to celebrate the Birthday of our Princess. I spent all night making it to match the theme on the invitation. The lower layer was a chocolate cake filled with strawberry banana chocolate ganache. The top layer was a pineapple cream cake. For the first time, my cake matched in taste and decoration. Usually it's one or the other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrxRJFZRZ_mz0YdSB2-HD0OwXe5TDpGbMT8i4pWDymc-rmFwG2QBHV8nFtFhBxJBsMa3DpWEkJcC0cVeD1KQFRzyEf_y_OuxifWqU1tBO1A4hIuSXG2tzTOm1yCm62vzPwoSLcqft008/s1600/P1020995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrxRJFZRZ_mz0YdSB2-HD0OwXe5TDpGbMT8i4pWDymc-rmFwG2QBHV8nFtFhBxJBsMa3DpWEkJcC0cVeD1KQFRzyEf_y_OuxifWqU1tBO1A4hIuSXG2tzTOm1yCm62vzPwoSLcqft008/s400/P1020995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>All the kids (big and small) had a ton of fun and the party was a success. What do you think?<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Shilpa<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthecraftscorner&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-73479863289774673472011-05-11T23:51:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:31:16.483-07:00Need your help!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello all,<br />
<br />
I think being a mom or dad rocks... <br />
<br />
For the most part, it'a big challange because at times you will go insane, but some precious moments like when you watch your child sleeping, or when you get a wet drooly kiss froom your child, or when your little one simply gives you a bright smile make it totally worth the hard work... and as a bonus, you learn to appreciate your own parents fully for the love they have given you. <br />
<br />
If you agree with me... Vote for my picture in the "Moms rock!" contest... PLEASE I NEED YOUR HELP!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/moms_rock/entry/168318">http://apps.facebook.com/moms_rock/entry/168318</a> <br />
<br />
Until next time, <br />
Shilpa</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-87464784112117951802011-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-05T15:52:38.295-07:00My first diaper cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV3n6obGJVZriYL9-UQGZacyBCVu9V4C3Ms9uPwHBGb4rHzkcTNpiEzp6npn_t_nvjv5QdMPo5lupZ_3fFWVHvnIlwpH-lvgnjvx9UrzUM9ew9DdhOR8-7MvGuiOyubae8HGTrjKnQ2w/s1600/diaper_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV3n6obGJVZriYL9-UQGZacyBCVu9V4C3Ms9uPwHBGb4rHzkcTNpiEzp6npn_t_nvjv5QdMPo5lupZ_3fFWVHvnIlwpH-lvgnjvx9UrzUM9ew9DdhOR8-7MvGuiOyubae8HGTrjKnQ2w/s1600/diaper_cake.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">My very first diaper cake. </span></b><br />
<br />
My co-worker and I made this cake for another colleague as a baby shower gift. She was expecting twins, hence the 2 duckies on the top. I do not remember the exact no. of diapers at each layer, but we used size 1 diapers box from Costco and we had a few left over. The bottom layer had approximately 36 diapers, the middle layer had 20 and the top layer had about 10. Again, I do not remember.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Follow these instructions to make this cake</u></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Roll each diaper and secure with a rubber band.</li>
<li>Make the bottom layer around an empty paper towel tube and secure with a ribbon. </li>
<li>Do the same with other layers.</li>
<li>Insert baby goodies in each layer such as receiving blankets, bibs, wash clothes, rattles etc.</li>
<li>All done!</li>
</ol>This was 2 years ago. I was reminded of this cake because the co-worker who helped make this cake went on her second maternity leave a couple weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Time flies... doesn't it?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
Until next time!<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F%23%21%2Fpages%2FThe-Crafts-Corner%2F221917734485702&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-45385525341707398082011-05-04T23:08:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:03:25.858-07:00Lock n Lock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey all,<br />
<br />
Just wanted to write a note to let you all know that my blogs were selected for the <a href="http://locknlockplace.blogspot.com/2011/04/1st-lock-supporters.html">Lock n Lock Supporters program</a>. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I will be sent 2 items for review and I am asked to provide my honest feedback on them. I am really looking forward to getting my package as I am already a big fan of Lock n Lock (which is why I submitted my blogs for this program in the first place). <br />
<br />
I have bought from them many times and have always loved their products. So much so that I already have a box full of unopened lock n lock products (am planning to replace all my kitchen containers with them) and yet I am anxiously waiting for my package to arrive. The excitement is killing me. I wonder what will be in the pack.<br />
<br />
If I could have a pick of what I want in the box, I would like to try out the new <a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/servlet/-strse-2007/Lock%26Lock-Cookplus-Ceramic-10-dsh-Pieces/Detail">Cookplus ceramic set</a>. It is intruiging and as I have never cooked in ceramic cookware before, I am dying to try it out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/17/452b9cbd12f2235b641c440_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://www.locknlockplace.com/media/17/452b9cbd12f2235b641c440_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aren't these lovely? But I guess I will just have to wait and see what I get in the shipment. Will keep you posted and promise an in-depth honest review.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F%23%21%2Fpages%2FThe-Crafts-Corner%2F221917734485702&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 62px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-83480417843042186162011-05-03T22:27:00.000-07:002011-05-03T22:27:41.305-07:00The Crafts Corner is now on Facebook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am happy to announce that you can now find "The Crafts Corner" on facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crafts-Corner/221917734485702">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crafts-Corner/221917734485702</a><br />
<br />
Please visit the page and get connected to the blog by "Liking" the page. I would greatly appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Until next time!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-77602891938561743002011-04-14T09:01:00.000-07:002011-05-05T08:15:37.505-07:00A wild wild gift wrap for the zoo birthday party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you liked the <a href="http://thecraftscorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/zoo-themed-birthday-cake.html">Zoo animals cake</a> I shared in the last post...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well when I came back home after helping my friends make the cake, I was super psyched and felt that I was not DONE with the theme yet. So I decided to wrap the birthday boy's gifts to match with the party theme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichrFzJzWV2ZyDSSNX_FJQmoTYzrpPlPGoy87PORs9-3Z8hVpUpiwVemNharW49pDl0bAqmbjRxkxQKxeN5SWqAQnzr6CdH-8FvvX7n0gkC1Q0JRct2DSVGnyNadYy6yJEInvPcTv5bVA/s1600/HPIM0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichrFzJzWV2ZyDSSNX_FJQmoTYzrpPlPGoy87PORs9-3Z8hVpUpiwVemNharW49pDl0bAqmbjRxkxQKxeN5SWqAQnzr6CdH-8FvvX7n0gkC1Q0JRct2DSVGnyNadYy6yJEInvPcTv5bVA/s400/HPIM0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So? Does it fit well with the "Zoo" theme? Here's how I did it.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Start with the Zebra gift base. Since I did not have a white wrapping paper, I wrapped the gift with a wrapping paper turned inside out.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT-R8Nc9m41q3T8fpdQHnWpnTjtKr6p-aIBXeNX-p-qsKudSwORX2nTiDs-SNrLGDCEm9SiR5DUaFzG6wzm_BlTYE_L-SZS-zGLJuDs3wyF8XrqQu1d_zNsJrW_9AgY6tjpDxtdIb3OY/s1600/HPIM0032.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT-R8Nc9m41q3T8fpdQHnWpnTjtKr6p-aIBXeNX-p-qsKudSwORX2nTiDs-SNrLGDCEm9SiR5DUaFzG6wzm_BlTYE_L-SZS-zGLJuDs3wyF8XrqQu1d_zNsJrW_9AgY6tjpDxtdIb3OY/s400/HPIM0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
2. Then I cut black construction paper to make Zebra stripes and glued it around the gift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFa8b3umy6PuRgJFcRuMJcVU1xTkkTa8Q17QDzeGklIp8BU95JEqIbP5rtg399o6EMsSuO3jKP57Czrl0AeKi3qw4gHOjZQRmvs0PygnGsMhq8xapBsLmVEjXPOu8ZbEypZ7zJ5-8z98/s1600/HPIM0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFa8b3umy6PuRgJFcRuMJcVU1xTkkTa8Q17QDzeGklIp8BU95JEqIbP5rtg399o6EMsSuO3jKP57Czrl0AeKi3qw4gHOjZQRmvs0PygnGsMhq8xapBsLmVEjXPOu8ZbEypZ7zJ5-8z98/s400/HPIM0033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9zaf8OR2eRDQTOMmvITC-HNHoJLT2tVTH6NQ8apUQERG2ewkdHj2ugkyNvdUCpw88faLczVCIyuSFCNMIeFhQo5D_qWFDE89M6HRkTfsVhDNLYh0_uUwYFIAdAc4ZU10TVs23rQpmBQ/s1600/HPIM0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9zaf8OR2eRDQTOMmvITC-HNHoJLT2tVTH6NQ8apUQERG2ewkdHj2ugkyNvdUCpw88faLczVCIyuSFCNMIeFhQo5D_qWFDE89M6HRkTfsVhDNLYh0_uUwYFIAdAc4ZU10TVs23rQpmBQ/s400/HPIM0034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Zebra is now ready.<br />
<br />
3. Next I wanted giraffe. But I did not have yellow wrapping paper and did not have time to paint it. So I settled on Monkey as I had a ton of brown paper from packaging supplies. Here is the wrapped box.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsHAnNGpMyOU9eMaJJprxi1YthJuan5VfhAxqwcA_s1GNTI_efqSrgPux9TKowIksq_prf9XZjPKBN46nsAsM2gNyL84LLP6nrh2k6eL6uOTVMjbP7hSKUYJ65NIYBOSPR35bWhRG2b4/s1600/HPIM0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsHAnNGpMyOU9eMaJJprxi1YthJuan5VfhAxqwcA_s1GNTI_efqSrgPux9TKowIksq_prf9XZjPKBN46nsAsM2gNyL84LLP6nrh2k6eL6uOTVMjbP7hSKUYJ65NIYBOSPR35bWhRG2b4/s400/HPIM0035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichrFzJzWV2ZyDSSNX_FJQmoTYzrpPlPGoy87PORs9-3Z8hVpUpiwVemNharW49pDl0bAqmbjRxkxQKxeN5SWqAQnzr6CdH-8FvvX7n0gkC1Q0JRct2DSVGnyNadYy6yJEInvPcTv5bVA/s1600/HPIM0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichrFzJzWV2ZyDSSNX_FJQmoTYzrpPlPGoy87PORs9-3Z8hVpUpiwVemNharW49pDl0bAqmbjRxkxQKxeN5SWqAQnzr6CdH-8FvvX7n0gkC1Q0JRct2DSVGnyNadYy6yJEInvPcTv5bVA/s400/HPIM0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
4. Finally, a bit of handiwork and you have an odd looking monkey. I was trying to make curious George, but it looks like George went to visit the "Planet of Apes".<br />
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<strong>And there you have it... What do you think!</strong><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Shilpa</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-5045250767280046832011-04-11T14:08:00.000-07:002011-05-05T08:37:37.509-07:00Zoo themed birthday cake!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This weekend I attended a special boy's Birthday Party at the Oakland Zoo. The mother of the 4 year old teamed up with a friend and made the cutest birthday cake. As her Facebook updates showed the progress of the cake, I got impatient, left office early and reached her house to help make the cake... <span style="color: red;"><strong>I couldn't help it, I just had to.</strong></span> Even though I could only stay a short while, I contributed to the cake by making the giraffe and the snake.<br />
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Here is a picture of the finished cake.... Isn't it lovely!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg74OXxmVgy2z6I7EcFLG2K4DSJG2CEB6V3jwIXVE5lp8dSAC-dBYPVkHvg8h2sbjlmNj8tPalKIMgtEr3Der2erMzXP85A5FXytYDB8v614VDdd-qitCrUE1iRFIoUbRi5V2WktQ1q-A/s1600/P1020765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg74OXxmVgy2z6I7EcFLG2K4DSJG2CEB6V3jwIXVE5lp8dSAC-dBYPVkHvg8h2sbjlmNj8tPalKIMgtEr3Der2erMzXP85A5FXytYDB8v614VDdd-qitCrUE1iRFIoUbRi5V2WktQ1q-A/s400/P1020765.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Here is a close up of the cute animals</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQOMrCq_UA2pXy5D1_4wtorKL4T_r_64pJ9SkKCb6plejWC9abLtmefs8TirOfEUJXG52TUuMrJTZec_aLQPzP2qHZtsR1YgwCXWQnSNbr53m0O-Y2ySMiNNc0aG6-oS3wWwDo4hIBOY/s1600/fondant+lion+and+Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQOMrCq_UA2pXy5D1_4wtorKL4T_r_64pJ9SkKCb6plejWC9abLtmefs8TirOfEUJXG52TUuMrJTZec_aLQPzP2qHZtsR1YgwCXWQnSNbr53m0O-Y2ySMiNNc0aG6-oS3wWwDo4hIBOY/s400/fondant+lion+and+Zebra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwedZDHzFcrPqGbc17YU52z1rvPXIbu4frPVq1VX6wgkY3Dwf8mrL5UvK0rUhnVyiSmFNPfUOyj-Ii0UKWJCkevgugbBNsnsMVB7A0inYMbPIxBwLMMx5W_GBjSMFOLT5FO0gVBpyzzUY/s1600/fondant+monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwedZDHzFcrPqGbc17YU52z1rvPXIbu4frPVq1VX6wgkY3Dwf8mrL5UvK0rUhnVyiSmFNPfUOyj-Ii0UKWJCkevgugbBNsnsMVB7A0inYMbPIxBwLMMx5W_GBjSMFOLT5FO0gVBpyzzUY/s400/fondant+monkey.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOytVW4Tv2l8vt_vOstOl7Q4Fe0YbVL_Zh6QhQsgcO6dxxeN1BI9rtElCL2u_i-Pp8PrRzqJOsrj71A4DOrY0PWOcmXxSZDpD4a7UO7JNBwspjZxKebhHMuybn28FBDy2JCWFYKFfsrcw/s1600/fondant+giraffe+and+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOytVW4Tv2l8vt_vOstOl7Q4Fe0YbVL_Zh6QhQsgcO6dxxeN1BI9rtElCL2u_i-Pp8PrRzqJOsrj71A4DOrY0PWOcmXxSZDpD4a7UO7JNBwspjZxKebhHMuybn28FBDy2JCWFYKFfsrcw/s400/fondant+giraffe+and+elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFGOkAfPwHRMuFTDTD0OVAJ-XIFM0xzT4hofI4wgtgdNqvAbZm3znX1XEziHvuETMtoVIhomqp5-R7eozoPtmfF6iRDw887u50jZtf8nDpd7CD3pNm6th2_k92f-29TfwCUe1M6M66cM/s1600/fondant+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFGOkAfPwHRMuFTDTD0OVAJ-XIFM0xzT4hofI4wgtgdNqvAbZm3znX1XEziHvuETMtoVIhomqp5-R7eozoPtmfF6iRDw887u50jZtf8nDpd7CD3pNm6th2_k92f-29TfwCUe1M6M66cM/s400/fondant+snake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a blast helping out with the cake. BTW, this wasn't my first time working with fondant, but it certainly was the first time, I loved the results so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And <strong>for the first time</strong>, I actually met a person who is as enthusiastic about cakes as I am (may be even a bit more)... and if you know me well, you know how enthusiastic I can get ... about anything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135400660546600774.post-21180363413094388122011-04-05T14:37:00.000-07:002011-04-11T22:50:43.772-07:00Farm Animal Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3yCAtmSVxnbvWYQAZ7C-GpMfpEe2HyBow4NCMMXVX8lR-cxF0pgc9mbW1HM8xwMJNu63D-vWYyLf3iiKmSJIxRS76lgAJvZCPX4Z4smPnlTxJN3fCPMO2xesqWaFXin-2dWrGbhNub4/s1600/P1020490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3yCAtmSVxnbvWYQAZ7C-GpMfpEe2HyBow4NCMMXVX8lR-cxF0pgc9mbW1HM8xwMJNu63D-vWYyLf3iiKmSJIxRS76lgAJvZCPX4Z4smPnlTxJN3fCPMO2xesqWaFXin-2dWrGbhNub4/s400/P1020490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week, my darling boy just turned three and we celebrated his Birthday in his classroom with these "Farm animals" cupcakes. It was so much fun to make these cupcakes and my kids could not wait to eat these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was up till 2 AM making the cupcakes, but they were worth the effort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My son's favorite was the dog, while my daughter loved the duck the best. My husband thought the pig was the best and I was in love with the sheep... would you please settle our argument and let us know which one you like the best?</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0zm7GP9hHL41hee0ZILE-12mF9WCp9H30G4fKQmzQLKkT323UYXn6EWVNy3fWCaH1lMadovoUt8In95FAWi2GQyH0LNnQA7-7ONXoSJqtMFlLWW77UaqRjA6jhf0AdbhH_yW897QwWI/s1600/P1020466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0zm7GP9hHL41hee0ZILE-12mF9WCp9H30G4fKQmzQLKkT323UYXn6EWVNy3fWCaH1lMadovoUt8In95FAWi2GQyH0LNnQA7-7ONXoSJqtMFlLWW77UaqRjA6jhf0AdbhH_yW897QwWI/s400/P1020466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The Duck cupcake</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFIzCNchtEkRvpc2El7QSueRZdqiZl46qyM5IGIuTL0Bnn7WcSSYzgNhyXcQAgsY-c5qsE1s8APfprj4sex6Eq47BqIdNDP-_xyroexXUHJxfrqo9ogitqpmCYPYNOsZgYKTP0vBb7zI/s1600/P1020471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFIzCNchtEkRvpc2El7QSueRZdqiZl46qyM5IGIuTL0Bnn7WcSSYzgNhyXcQAgsY-c5qsE1s8APfprj4sex6Eq47BqIdNDP-_xyroexXUHJxfrqo9ogitqpmCYPYNOsZgYKTP0vBb7zI/s400/P1020471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>The Dog Cupcake</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqTKJJzjGu4s0mPdTF1jBvxdm9RDDgf-B4kw63TVo3-xwlMIrzOOiKhFmGRmnXJcw_RPkydnJH6h0s7vQBu-2aJdzTLmk0tuaRlpD0s0SUabhe4-yT5iQBUsX9ihxI-rI6qEIVFdVWTM/s1600/P1020473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqTKJJzjGu4s0mPdTF1jBvxdm9RDDgf-B4kw63TVo3-xwlMIrzOOiKhFmGRmnXJcw_RPkydnJH6h0s7vQBu-2aJdzTLmk0tuaRlpD0s0SUabhe4-yT5iQBUsX9ihxI-rI6qEIVFdVWTM/s400/P1020473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>The Sheep cupcake</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rbfIIU239jrVbhUJrL-Ot-mhCanrlYy_QWGdUlB09Vnn72B9NVK_Y3tKjKA7XlDR4SRsT7r5sW_Wy_nk3bCNwRjKTbsKA35UrjGr5HSSstniyn9Hw00jnrwCRe1AHBdtOBLBUJ6d-8E/s1600/P1020474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rbfIIU239jrVbhUJrL-Ot-mhCanrlYy_QWGdUlB09Vnn72B9NVK_Y3tKjKA7XlDR4SRsT7r5sW_Wy_nk3bCNwRjKTbsKA35UrjGr5HSSstniyn9Hw00jnrwCRe1AHBdtOBLBUJ6d-8E/s400/P1020474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>The Pig Cupcake</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXE1vQlIHzPBmfKz1WICYqiAQIicPdTRxkYARu98YqwOIwBZssXr6_BkMoRZJU-_F6y81Ahyphenhyphen-h-nfjU2oDRjHsbSg0D90smHvBwntf38Dxv6rgwlu2-X0ZYKdhP2nQ29025XXf0mjjxM/s1600/P1020484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXE1vQlIHzPBmfKz1WICYqiAQIicPdTRxkYARu98YqwOIwBZssXr6_BkMoRZJU-_F6y81Ahyphenhyphen-h-nfjU2oDRjHsbSg0D90smHvBwntf38Dxv6rgwlu2-X0ZYKdhP2nQ29025XXf0mjjxM/s400/P1020484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Ready for the Classroom</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And no party can be complete without the goodies...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gafxKJLOE-y3kuTPKzrDPfzjqQC2l4N5R-GkyatA3hpU8YSvkPOL7htFkpEYTON7KKkZhzbbPGJR0RoE0qnzjKNfVu4O89FoPFhuMoFbdoCJFNQBEUN2ja_MNd0tkZKCO6Q_5JOG2vg/s1600/P1020498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gafxKJLOE-y3kuTPKzrDPfzjqQC2l4N5R-GkyatA3hpU8YSvkPOL7htFkpEYTON7KKkZhzbbPGJR0RoE0qnzjKNfVu4O89FoPFhuMoFbdoCJFNQBEUN2ja_MNd0tkZKCO6Q_5JOG2vg/s400/P1020498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And after the class party, the weekend was spent celebrating the event with family and friends...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzbpZQlcY0y973I0FHFYYaO3qo4DGK5fDI9Vl3Lbl6sRKIyQi9fcUtTQKaYIa7F2BcNL5nQobovytWAg6ObNIP6DXzanKyT0P_x9o4jegGPwZheRGABNHrdBW1Kr-6-N0dWGNcLQXt-A/s1600/P1020537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzbpZQlcY0y973I0FHFYYaO3qo4DGK5fDI9Vl3Lbl6sRKIyQi9fcUtTQKaYIa7F2BcNL5nQobovytWAg6ObNIP6DXzanKyT0P_x9o4jegGPwZheRGABNHrdBW1Kr-6-N0dWGNcLQXt-A/s400/P1020537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>See you next time!</div>Shilpa Vir speaks!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08792776716792072555noreply@blogger.com2