3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

project365

Day 75/365: Raspberry Brownie Dessert

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Raspberry Brownie Delight

There is nothing better than church dinners. Especially the desserts! The day before Valentines Day, the combined youth groups of Trinity Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. I was lucky enough to find this chocolate brownie with whipped cream and fresh raspberries sitting on the table.

There is a commandment,”Do not covet..” Let’s say I had covetous eyes scoping out my dessert. It was as good as it looks. No, it was even better.

Ingredients:

  • Brownie Mix
  • Whipped cream (Cool Whip)
  • Fresh raspberries

Directions: Prepare brownie mix according to directions, bake on round pizza pan. When cool cut brownies in pizza style triangles. Just before serving top with whipped cream and raspberries.

So easy and yet so good.

Photoshop CS2 Notes: Added standard adjustment layers color, contrast, saturation, and a minor smart sharpen. Then I touched up and erased the stray whipped cream on the brownie that was distracting. Tried using the shadow and highlights tool to bring out the texture in the whipped cream, but it didn’t make too much of a difference.

Day 74/365: Sweet Sixteen Today

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Sweet Sixteen Cake and Candles

Sometimes I get so caught up in being your Mom-

still trying to look out for you

and worrying about every little thing-

that I don’t take the time to tell you what you deserve to hear.

 

I’m amazed by you-

with everything you’ve accomplished,

and how busy you are every day,

you’re still one of the kindest,

most thoughtful people I know.

 

I’m inspired by you-

your courage, your ambition,

the way you look at life.

Even when things are challenging,

you keep your positive attitude.

 

I’m proud of you-

and always have been.

You know exactly you you are

and you do a beautiful job of expressing it.

I love watching you be “you”

And I love being you Mom.

 

Happy Sweet Sixteen my Wonderful Daughter, Love Mom

Valentine Day Dance Ideas – Dancing Shoes and So Much More

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Valentine Day Dance Ideas

The Sweetheart dance at our local high school gave me the idea for this photo.

Day 73/365 Project: Dancing Shoes

I had photography Valentine Day dance ideas in my head. My thought was Valentines decorations of red hearts, glitter, lights and fun dresses for Valentines Day. But for my 365 Photo Project, this plan went straight out the window when I saw two girls standing in the middle of the floor in their red and black dresses and shoes.

I want to thank Kolbi and Emily, thanks for being my leg models this evening.

oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Women’s Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women’s A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Women Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine’s DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayAyli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women’s Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women’s Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women’s Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)

Of course, the Skull Candy dresses are more appropriate for the high school or a college Valentine’s Day Dance. High school sweetheart dances aren’t as formal. My daughter would have loved the Floral Sugar Skull Cap dress.

OTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women’s Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women’s Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart Small

Red Dress Shoes for Dancing

You can’t go to a Valentines Day dance without the proper shoes. When else can you wear red shoes? Ok, for Christmas, but red red dress shoes and pumps just scream Valentine fashion and fun!

Christian Louboutin ShoesChristian Louboutin Shoes, red dress shoes for womenChristian Louboutin ShoesCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women’s Lancer Suede Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women’s Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women’s Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUPrada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8Prada Women’s – Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels Red dress shoes for women Prada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8

Valentine Day Dance Ideas

To complete the whole Valentine Day dance ideas theme you need decorations for the room and tables. An elegant theme for a Valentines Day dance is using white window curtain lights.  This theme can be used to decorate for other parties and special occasions such as an anniversary party, company Christmas or even a New Years Eve party.

Neretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forBright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Ambox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100′ Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationHanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations – Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother’s Day, Valentin’s Day and Everyday Use –DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -

Quick Easy Valentine Desserts

Don’t forget to serve Valentine desserts and appetizers. Chocolate covered strawberries are super easy! Check out my easy homemade chocolate covered strawberry instructions and you can wipe them up in less than 30 minutes.

Chocolate covered strawberries recipe
Chocolate covered strawberries recipe

So I hope you have a Happy Valentines Day and find a Sweetheart dance to go to with your sweetheart. 

Day 72/365: Super Target, It’s Huge!!

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Day 72: Shopping

The Super Target in the Omaha L Street Market is huge!  It goes on forever and ever! I went in for a Valentine card, my daughter Birthday card, and socks for my son. Ended up walking a half a mile. Really it did. Never fails, whatever you’re needing is in opposite sections of the store. Then you remember something else you need and trek back to the far section again. This particular store is 174,000 sq feet and one half is the grocery section which I didn’t even venture into on this trip.

I do like Target, much more than Walmart. Target has higher quality items and for a chain department store the home decor section makes me drool.  I did resist, I made the conscience decision not to get a cart. That strategy has worked more than once. You can only buy what you can carry.

This store was so bright, clean, such a contrast from the Walmart at the other end of the shopping plaza, which feels like warehouse. Target has an actual finished ceiling, instead of open pipes and heating ducts. The floor is finished and not polished concrete, again like Walmart. Makes the shopping experience so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe the concept is people will feel more comfortable, shop longer and spend more money. I might have, it I had a cart.

Photoshop Notes: In addition to the standard adjustment layers I posterized the image and it really made a difference in the image clarity giving it more depth. The original was looked  a dull and boring. I wasn’t getting the same bright crisp effect in the photograph that I got in person. First time experimenting with this function and I’m going to have to use it more often.

Day 70/365: Elmwood-Murdock High School

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Day 70: Elmwood-Murdock High School

I’ve mentioned my kids high school a few times in this blog, yes I’m not only a proud parent, but a proud member of the Elmwood-Murdock community. This is the school sign outside the high school located in Murdock Ne. Murdock has a population of about 267 people, give or take a few, and is located in Eastern Nebraska between Omaha and Lincoln. The Village of Elmwood is just six miles south comprised of approximately 700 citizens.

As you can see sports isn’t the only area the students pf Elmwood-Murdock High School excel. Academic recognition is just as important and the FLBA (Future Business Leaders of America) has made it to Nationals every year since 1992. My daughter is in FBLA, FCCLA, Speech, Track, and Volleyball. With such a small school if there is going to be any activities just about everyone has to participate.

Participate they do, in a big way. It’s cool to be involved, fun, and from a parents perspective it really builds character, confidence, and skill sets that will take them far. Over 50 students participate in FBLA and more than 20 in speech.  The high school student body  is comprised of approximate 120 students from 9-12th grade. We have a 100% graduation rate, and an average ACT score of about 24, would have to check that again as two years in a row we had students that got a perfect score.

Anyhow, more to come on the school as the year progresses.