(9917,1,'2012-03-06 19:45:25','2012-03-07 02:45:25','Not too long ago I passed a sign for a peach festival while driving to an olive oil mill just outside of Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes any of this make sense to you?  An olive oil mill in the middle of the desert?  And (apparently) a peach orchard right next door?  Who woulda thunk it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe olive oil mill visit was<em> fabulous</em>, and I made a note in my Crackberry (am I the only one in the world without an iPhone or Android at this point?) to return to the peach festival in late February.  Katie Ann agreed to schlepp an hour out to the country with me to celebrate the delectable peach.  For weeks, all I could think about was eating homemade peach pie at the festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;\"><strong>As the weekend of the festival approached, friends and my mother began to ask, \"Are peaches in season this time of year?\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy standard reply:  \"Well, you know, it\'s Arizona.  The weather right now is a perfect 70 degrees.  I\'m sure that all that warmth and sunshine has something to do with it.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could almost taste the pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>When the umpteenth person skeptically questioned the early peach season in Arizona, I consulted my Crackberry notepad.  There it was:  \"Peach <em>Blossom</em> Festival -- Schnepf Farms -- end of February\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo this meant Katie Ann and I were hauling our cookies all the way out to the country to look at blossoms?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell, you know, I suppose it <em>is</em> sort of befitting for a blogger who has <em>Bloom</em> in her title to attend a <em>Blossom</em> Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd surely <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms</a></strong> canned last season\'s peaches for pie.  Surely????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlossoms.  Of the apricot variety.  (Not peach.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Late Bloomer picking cabbage.  (Not peaches.  And <em>not</em> romaine, Katie Ann.)  (Inside joke.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeach buds.  (Not yet ready to be picked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHay ride.  (Because that\'s what you do on a farm.  Yee haw!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSilly pig photo.  (Ditto above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOld farmhouse with Christmas wreath still up.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/28/are-you-a-christmas-straggler-too/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>(I was not alone in my Christmas straggling.)</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThings that make me go Awwwww.  (Farm animals that are one week old.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen animals attack!  (This one attacked trees and not humans, thankfully.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoat Gone Wild Part Two!  (Yes, he had escaped from his pen.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPEACH BLOSSOM!!!!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve joined the Green Smoothie Revolution.  (And kale is my green of choice.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nU Pick Garden at <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms.</a></strong>  (100% organic family farm = cool peeps = you should visit soon!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nKatie Ann\'s harvest.  (I\'ve enlisted her and her boyfriend in the Green Smoothie Revolution.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t totally off about the early peach season.  (Whew!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHomemade peach cinnamon roll.  (Yes, there was pie.  I forgot to take a picture of the pie, if you can believe it.  Humbug.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  The pie was everything I dreamed it would be and MORE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich means I\'m off to the <em>other</em> Peach Festival (the one where you pick peaches) in May!  So that I can bake my own pie!  Who\'s coming with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #9:  Just Peachy','','inherit','open','open','','9878-revision-22','','','2012-03-06 19:45:25','2012-03-07 02:45:25','',9878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9878-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(9918,1,'2012-03-06 19:46:06','2012-03-07 02:46:06','Not too long ago I passed a sign for a peach festival while driving to an olive oil mill just outside of Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes any of this make sense to you?  An olive oil mill in the middle of the desert?  And (apparently) a peach orchard right next door?  Who woulda thunk it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe olive oil mill visit was<em> fabulous</em>, and I made a note in my Crackberry (am I the only one in the world without an iPhone or Android at this point?) to return to the peach festival in late February.  Katie Ann agreed to schlepp an hour out to the country with me to celebrate the delectable peach.  For weeks, all I could think about was eating homemade peach pie at the festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;\"><strong>As the weekend of the festival approached, friends and my mother began to ask, \"Are peaches in season this time of year?\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy standard reply:  \"Well, you know, it\'s Arizona.  The weather right now is a perfect 70 degrees.  I\'m sure that all that warmth and sunshine has something to do with it.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could almost taste the pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>When the umpteenth person skeptically questioned the early peach season in Arizona, I consulted my Crackberry notepad.  There it was:  \"Peach <em>Blossom</em> Festival -- Schnepf Farms -- end of February\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo this meant Katie Ann and I were hauling our cookies all the way out to the country to look at blossoms?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell, you know, I suppose it <em>is</em> sort of befitting for a blogger who has <em>Bloom</em> in her title to attend a <em>Blossom</em> Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd surely <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms</a></strong> canned last season\'s peaches for pie.  Surely????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhoto Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlossoms.  Of the apricot variety.  (Not peach.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Late Bloomer picking cabbage.  (Not peaches.  And <em>not</em> romaine, Katie Ann.)  (Inside joke.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeach buds.  (Not yet ready to be picked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHay ride.  (Because that\'s what you do on a farm.  Yee haw!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSilly pig photo.  (Ditto above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOld farmhouse with Christmas wreath still up.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/28/are-you-a-christmas-straggler-too/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>(I was not alone in my Christmas straggling.)</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThings that make me go Awwwww.  (Farm animals that are one week old.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen animals attack!  (This one attacked trees and not humans, thankfully.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoat Gone Wild Part Two!  (Yes, he had escaped from his pen.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPEACH BLOSSOM!!!!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve joined the Green Smoothie Revolution.  (And kale is my green of choice.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nU Pick Garden at <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms.</a></strong>  (100% organic family farm = cool peeps = you should visit soon!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nKatie Ann\'s harvest.  (I\'ve enlisted her and her boyfriend in the Green Smoothie Revolution.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t totally off about the early peach season.  (Whew!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHomemade peach cinnamon roll.  (Yes, there was pie.  I forgot to take a picture of the pie, if you can believe it.  Humbug.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  The pie was everything I dreamed it would be and MORE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich means I\'m off to the <em>other</em> Peach Festival (the one where you pick peaches) in May!  So that I can bake my own pie!  Who\'s coming with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #9:  Just Peachy','','inherit','open','open','','9878-revision-23','','','2012-03-06 19:46:06','2012-03-07 02:46:06','',9878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9878-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(9919,1,'2012-03-06 19:47:32','2012-03-07 02:47:32','Not too long ago I passed a sign for a peach festival while driving to an olive oil mill just outside of Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes any of this make sense to you?  An olive oil mill in the middle of the desert?  And (apparently) a peach orchard right next door?  Who woulda thunk it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe olive oil mill visit was<em> fabulous</em>, and I made a note in my Crackberry (am I the only one in the world without an iPhone or Android at this point?) to return to the peach festival in late February.  Katie Ann agreed to schlepp an hour out to the country with me to celebrate the delectable peach.  For weeks, all I could think about was eating homemade peach pie at the festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;\"><strong>As the weekend of the festival approached, friends and my mother began to ask, \"Are peaches in season this time of year?\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy standard reply:  \"Well, you know, it\'s Arizona.  The weather right now is a perfect 70 degrees.  I\'m sure that all that warmth and sunshine has something to do with it.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could almost taste the pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>When the umpteenth person skeptically questioned the early peach season in Arizona, I consulted my Crackberry notepad.  There it was:  \"Peach <em>Blossom</em> Festival -- Schnepf Farms -- end of February\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo this meant Katie Ann and I were hauling our cookies all the way out to the country to look at blossoms?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell, you know, I suppose it <em>is</em> sort of befitting for a blogger who has <em>Bloom</em> in her title to attend a <em>Blossom</em> Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd surely <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms</a></strong> canned last season\'s peaches for pie.  Surely????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Peachy Keen Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlossoms.  Of the apricot variety.  (Not peach.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Late Bloomer picking cabbage.  (Not peaches.  And <em>not</em> romaine, Katie Ann.)  (Inside joke.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeach buds.  (Not yet ready to be picked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHay ride.  (Because that\'s what you do on a farm.  Yee haw!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSilly pig photo.  (Ditto above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOld farmhouse with Christmas wreath still up.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/28/are-you-a-christmas-straggler-too/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>(I was not alone in my Christmas straggling.)</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThings that make me go Awwwww.  (Farm animals that are one week old.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen animals attack!  (This one attacked trees and not humans, thankfully.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoat Gone Wild Part Two!  (Yes, he had escaped from his pen.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPEACH BLOSSOM!!!!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve joined the Green Smoothie Revolution.  (And kale is my green of choice.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nU Pick Garden at <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms.</a></strong>  (100% organic family farm = cool peeps = you should visit soon!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nKatie Ann\'s harvest.  (I\'ve enlisted her and her boyfriend in the Green Smoothie Revolution.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t totally off about the early peach season.  (Whew!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHomemade peach cinnamon roll.  (Yes, there was pie.  I forgot to take a picture of the pie, if you can believe it.  Humbug.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  The pie was everything I dreamed it would be and MORE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich means I\'m off to the <em>other</em> Peach Festival (the one where you pick peaches) in May!  So that I can bake my own pie!  Who\'s coming with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #9:  Just Peachy','','inherit','open','open','','9878-revision-24','','','2012-03-06 19:47:32','2012-03-07 02:47:32','',9878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9878-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(9920,1,'2012-03-06 19:48:21','2012-03-07 02:48:21','Not too long ago I passed a sign for a peach festival while driving to an olive oil mill just outside of Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes any of this make sense to you?  An olive oil mill in the middle of the desert?  And (apparently) a peach orchard right next door?  Who woulda thunk it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe olive oil mill visit was<em> fabulous</em>, and I made a note in my Crackberry (am I the only one in the world without an iPhone or Android at this point?) to return to the peach festival in late February.  Katie Ann agreed to schlepp an hour out to the country with me to celebrate the delectable peach.  For weeks, all I could think about was eating homemade peach pie at the festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;\"><strong>As the weekend of the festival approached, friends and my mother began to ask, \"Are peaches in season this time of year?\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy standard reply:  \"Well, you know, it\'s Arizona.  The weather right now is a perfect 70 degrees.  I\'m sure that all that warmth and sunshine has something to do with it.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could almost taste the pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>When the umpteenth person skeptically questioned the early peach season in Arizona, I consulted my Crackberry notepad.  There it was:  \"Peach <em>Blossom</em> Festival -- Schnepf Farms -- end of February\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo this meant Katie Ann and I were hauling our cookies all the way out to the country to look at blossoms?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell, you know, I suppose it <em>is</em> sort of befitting for a blogger who has <em>Bloom</em> in her title to attend a <em>Blossom</em> Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd surely <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms</a></strong> canned last season\'s peaches for pie.  Surely????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Peachy Keen Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlossoms.  Of the apricot variety.  (Not peach.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Late Bloomer picking cabbage.  (Not peaches.  And <em>not</em> romaine, Katie Ann.)  (Inside joke.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeach buds.  (Not yet ready to be picked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHay ride.  (Because that\'s what you do on a farm.  Yee haw!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSilly pig photo.  (Ditto above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOld farmhouse with Christmas wreath still up.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/28/are-you-a-christmas-straggler-too/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>(I was not alone in my Christmas straggling.)</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThings that make me go Awwwww.  (Farm animals that are one week old.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen animals attack!  (This one attacked trees and not humans, thankfully.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoat Gone Wild Part Two!  (Yes, he had escaped from his pen.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPEACH BLOSSOM!!!!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve joined the Green Smoothie Revolution.  (And kale is my green of choice.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nU Pick Garden at <strong><a href=\"http://schnepffarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Schnepf Farms.</a></strong>  (100% organic family farm = cool peeps = you should visit soon!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nKatie Ann\'s harvest.  (I\'ve enlisted her and her boyfriend in the Green Smoothie Revolution.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t totally off about the early peach season.  (Whew!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHomemade peach cinnamon roll.  (Yes, there was pie.  I forgot to take a picture of the pie, if you can believe it.  Humbug.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  The pie was everything I dreamed it would be and MORE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich means I\'m off to the <em>other</em> Peach Festival (the one where you pick peaches) in May!  So that I can bake my own pie!  Who\'s coming with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #9:  Just Peachy','','inherit','open','open','','9878-revision-25','','','2012-03-06 19:48:21','2012-03-07 02:48:21','',9878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9878-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(9921,1,'2012-02-20 21:16:56','2012-02-21 04:16:56','[caption id=\"attachment_9625\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The Jammy Brigade\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-694/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9625\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9625\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110005-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends are obsessed with jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, there are my friends at work.  At Noble Publishing Superpower, we are granted a telecommute day or two a week.  From numerous conversations that I\'ve had with my fellow telecommuters, the biggest draw of the telecommute day is the ability to work in our jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEpic tales of Working in Jammies are spun to new employees who have to wait an<em> entire 6 months</em> before they are eligible for telecommuting.  The new employees can hardly bear the anticipation of 6 months that suddenly feels like an <em>eternity</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget the steady salary, the bonuses, the benefits, and the great culture.  What can possibly outshine Working in Jammies?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>What is it about jammies that cause grownups to drool?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs it because jammies make us feel comforted and nurtured as we did when we were children?  If you were a good girl or boy and put on your jammies when asked the first time, then you might win the right to curl up on the sofa with a warm glass of milk and cookies?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMmmmmmmm . . . . That memory lane ritual does it for me.  It was a loooooooong, eye-crossing day at work today, and I could use a bit of cookies &amp; milk therapy right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friend, Dawn, (you might remember her as <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">Sister Dawn Catherine</a></strong>) (no, she\'s not a nun, it\'s just her nickname) (but she was schooled by nuns) (and the nun memories are not as warm &amp; fuzzy as the milk &amp; cookies) (so I\'m not really sure why it\'s her nickname) recently celebrated her birthday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dawn is Queen of Birthdays.  Unlike some women who start to dread their birthday past the age of 29, Dawn greets birthday after birthday with glee.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year Dawn planned her own Birthday Brunch.  She invited us girls over for a breakfasty-lunchy feast.  Dawn is World\'s Best 2nd Grade Teacher, a career designation which translates to Uber-Nurturing Personality both inside and outside of the classroom.  Which means, YES, the BIRTHDAY GIRL cooked for US as a celebration of HER birthday, and somehow we selfish wenches allowed it.  Because it\'s Mama Dawn (her alternate nickname), and it feels oh so good to be pampered and loved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dawn had only one request of her borderline opportunist party guests.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dress code:  Jammies.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe happily obliged.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause it\'s Mama Dawn and when she asks, we obey the first time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9626\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Birthday Girl cooking up a storm for her party guests. I am so ashamed. But WOW those cinnamon rolls were DELISH!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-695/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9626\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9626\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110001-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor showing up at noon in our jammies, we were rewarded not only with milk &amp; cookies, but also with waffles, eggs, bacon, muffins, chocolate, fruit, bagels, cinnamon rolls, and a few other delights that I can\'t remember because I\'ve celebrated 42 birthdays and this is what happens to your brain at 42, you 29 year-olds who think 30 is old.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I also had to purchase my first set of \"cheaters\" a few weeks ago.  They\'re hottie ones in the style of <a href=\"http://www.lisaloeb.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lisa Loeb</strong>,</a> but still.  Just you wait, 29ers.  Just you wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll of this aging talk makes me want my warm milk &amp; cookies therapy pronto.  I\'m off to put on my jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut before I go . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd before you\'re too freaked out, 29ers . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(And this goes for the 30-something crowd as well . . . .)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Allow me to let you in on another secret:  </strong></span><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I wouldn\'t go back to 29 for anything.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>And each year I am <em>still</em> ecstatic over my birthday.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ll see what I mean when you get there.  It\'s well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho would like to join our Jammies Brigade?  Share your favorite jammies rituals below in the comments section.  Even though the milk &amp; cookies thing never gets old, let\'s be open to new ideas in the name of self-care.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9627\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Gratuitous photo of Cutest Party Guest\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9627\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9627 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #6:  Pajama Brunch','','inherit','open','open','','9616-revision-83','','','2012-02-20 21:16:56','2012-02-21 04:16:56','',9616,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/20/9616-revision-83/',0,'revision','',0),(9922,1,'2012-03-06 21:27:39','2012-03-07 04:27:39','[caption id=\"attachment_9625\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The Jammy Brigade\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-694/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9625\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9625\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110005-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends are obsessed with jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, there are my friends at work.  At Noble Publishing Superpower, we are granted a telecommute day or two a week.  From numerous conversations that I\'ve had with my fellow telecommuters, the biggest draw of the telecommute day is the ability to work in our jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEpic tales of Working in Jammies are spun to new employees who have to wait an<em> entire 6 months</em> before they are eligible for telecommuting.  The new employees can hardly bear the anticipation of 6 months that suddenly feels like an <em>eternity</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget the steady salary, the bonuses, the benefits, and the great culture.  What can possibly outshine Working in Jammies?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>What is it about jammies that cause grownups to drool?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs it because jammies make us feel comforted and nurtured as we did when we were children?  If you were a good girl or boy and put on your jammies when asked the first time, then you might win the right to curl up on the sofa with a warm glass of milk and cookies?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMmmmmmmm . . . . That memory lane ritual does it for me.  It was a loooooooong, eye-crossing day at work today, and I could use a bit of cookies &amp; milk therapy right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friend, Dawn, (you might remember her as <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">Sister Dawn Catherine</a></strong>) (no, she\'s not a nun, it\'s just her nickname) (but she was schooled by nuns) (and the nun memories are not as warm &amp; fuzzy as the milk &amp; cookies) (so I\'m not really sure why it\'s her nickname) recently celebrated her birthday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dawn is Queen of Birthdays.  Unlike some women who start to dread their birthday past the age of 29, Dawn greets birthday after birthday with glee.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year Dawn planned her own Birthday Brunch.  She invited us girls over for a breakfasty-lunchy feast.  Dawn is World\'s Best 2nd Grade Teacher, a career designation which translates to Uber-Nurturing Personality both inside and outside of the classroom.  Which means, YES, the BIRTHDAY GIRL cooked for US as a celebration of HER birthday, and somehow we selfish wenches allowed it.  Because it\'s Mama Dawn (her alternate nickname), and it feels oh so good to be pampered and loved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dawn had only one request of her borderline opportunist party guests.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Dress code:  Jammies.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe happily obliged.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause it\'s Mama Dawn and when she asks, we obey the first time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9626\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Birthday Girl cooking up a storm for her party guests. I am so ashamed. But WOW those cinnamon rolls were DELISH!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-695/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9626\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9626\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110001-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor showing up at noon in our jammies, we were rewarded not only with milk &amp; cookies, but also with waffles, eggs, bacon, muffins, chocolate, fruit, bagels, cinnamon rolls, and a few other delights that I can\'t remember because I\'ve celebrated 42 birthdays and this is what happens to your brain at 42, you 29 year-olds who think 30 is old.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I also had to purchase my first set of \"cheaters\" a few weeks ago.  They\'re hottie ones in the style of <a href=\"http://www.lisaloeb.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lisa Loeb</strong>,</a> but still.  Just you wait, 29ers.  Just you wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll of this aging talk makes me want my warm milk &amp; cookies therapy pronto.  I\'m off to put on my jammies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut before I go . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd before you\'re too freaked out, 29ers . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(And this goes for the 30-something crowd as well . . . .)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Allow me to let you in on another secret:  </strong></span><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I wouldn\'t go back to 29 for anything.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>And each year I am <em>still</em> ecstatic over my birthday.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ll see what I mean when you get there.  It\'s well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho would like to join our Jammies Brigade?  Share your favorite jammies rituals below in the comments section.  Even though the milk &amp; cookies thing never gets old, let\'s be open to new ideas in the name of self-care.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9627\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Gratuitous photo of Cutest Party Guest\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/playdate-6-pajama-brunch/olympus-digital-camera-696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9627\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9627 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2110002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #6:  Pajama Brunch','','inherit','open','open','','9616-revision-84','','','2012-03-06 21:27:39','2012-03-07 04:27:39','',9616,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9616-revision-84/',0,'revision','',0),(9923,1,'2012-02-21 21:58:31','2012-02-22 04:58:31','[caption id=\"attachment_9705\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I found the baby! (Kind of.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00012-20120221-1248-2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9705\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9705 \" title=\"IMG00012-20120221-1248\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00012-20120221-12481-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYesterday was Fat Tuesday, and the President of Noble Publishing Superpower surprised us with not one, not two, but THREE King\'s Cakes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWasn\'t that awfully sweet of him?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThree King\'s Cakes meant there were three babies to be found!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who are completely baffled at this moment, you can learn all you\'ll ever need to know about Mardi Gras, King\'s Cakes, and baby hunts <a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who don\'t want to go <strong><a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\">there</a></strong>, here\'s the scoop:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeople in New Orleans are always looking for an excuse to party.  Starting 12 nights after Christmas (\"Twelfth Night\"), New Orleans peeps get looped on cocktails and overindulge in sugary cake until a date late in February (Mardis Gras Day aka Fat Tuesday).  Hidden inside each King\'s Cake is a wee plastic babe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I had never eaten a King\'s Cake, nor had I ever embarked on a hunt for babies, so I was pretty psyched.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I entered the kitchen, I heard Little Michelle (the other Michelle who is littler than me) SCREECHING,  \"I FOUND THE BABY!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone gasped excitedly and immediately congratulated her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then asked her what the heck \"finding the baby\" means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle shrugged and answered, \"I don\'t know for sure.  I think it means good luck.  I could use some good luck right now.  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I thought that I could use some good luck as well.  I dove into that King\'s Cake faster than you can say, \"Happy Mardi Gras, Suckers!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd there he was.  A tiny plastic baby unearthed and just resting on the table.  I didn\'t even have to unhygienically pick apart the cake!  I grabbed that baby, raised him high above my head and shouted, \"I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I realize that some might consider this cheating, but cheating is such a harsh word.  Finding a baby is finding a baby.  I like to think outside the box.  (Or outside the cake in this instance.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends immediately humored me because after the events of the past couple weeks, they only want good luck for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe scurried off to our cubes to await our impending sugar crashes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle, still unsure of the exact meaning of the baby find, Googled away.  Nothing about good luck, but \"Sometimes, discovering the baby signifies that you are Queen of the Mardi Gras Party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Woohooooo!!!!  I was QUEEN, too!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut wait a minute.  Did my outside the cake strategy mean I was an illegitimate Queen?  Kind of like when <a href=\"http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/2338/anne-boleyn-and-catherine-of-aragon-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Anne Boleyn</strong> </a>stole the crown right off of poor Catherine of Aragon\'s head?!?!  That wouldn\'t be cool.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle continued reading her Google FAQs.  \"Most often, whoever locates the baby must supply the King\'s Cake at the next party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReally????  That\'s no fun.  To heck with that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBesides . . . . Unlike Anne Boleyn, I have a conscience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Long Live the Queen!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9706\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Rightful Queen\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00014-20120221-1300/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9706\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9706\" title=\"IMG00014-20120221-1300\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00014-20120221-1300-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid anyone else feast on King\'s Cake yesterday?  Did you find the baby?  Did you think you were blessed with good luck or a Royal title, only to find out that you were roped into feeding your loyal subjects?','Unlawful Queen of the Party','','inherit','open','open','','9703-revision-41','','','2012-02-21 21:58:31','2012-02-22 04:58:31','',9703,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/21/9703-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(9924,1,'2012-03-06 21:31:50','2012-03-07 04:31:50','[caption id=\"attachment_9705\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I found the baby! (Kind of.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00012-20120221-1248-2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9705\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9705 \" title=\"IMG00012-20120221-1248\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00012-20120221-12481-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYesterday was Fat Tuesday, and the President of Noble Publishing Superpower surprised us with not one, not two, but THREE King\'s Cakes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWasn\'t that awfully sweet of him?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThree King\'s Cakes meant there were three babies to be found!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who are completely baffled at this moment, you can learn all you\'ll ever need to know about Mardi Gras, King\'s Cakes, and baby hunts <a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who don\'t want to go <strong><a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\">there</a></strong>, here\'s the scoop:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeople in New Orleans are always looking for an excuse to party.  Starting 12 nights after Christmas (\"Twelfth Night\"), New Orleans peeps get looped on cocktails and overindulge in sugary cake until a date late in February (Mardis Gras Day aka Fat Tuesday).  Hidden inside each King\'s Cake is a wee plastic babe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I had never eaten a King\'s Cake, nor had I ever embarked on a hunt for babies, so I was pretty psyched.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I entered the kitchen, I heard Little Michelle (the other Michelle who is littler than me) SCREECHING,  \"I FOUND THE BABY!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone gasped excitedly and immediately congratulated her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then asked her what the heck \"finding the baby\" means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle shrugged and answered, \"I don\'t know for sure.  I think it means good luck.  I could use some good luck right now.  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I thought that I could use some good luck as well.  I dove into that King\'s Cake faster than you can say, \"Happy Mardi Gras, Suckers!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd there he was.  A tiny plastic baby unearthed and just resting on the table.  I didn\'t even have to unhygienically pick apart the cake!  I grabbed that baby, raised him high above my head and shouted, \"I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I realize that some might consider this cheating, but cheating is such a harsh word.  Finding a baby is finding a baby.  I like to think outside the box.  (Or outside the cake in this instance.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends immediately humored me because after the events of the past couple weeks, they only want good luck for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe scurried off to our cubes to await our impending sugar crashes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle, still unsure of the exact meaning of the baby find, Googled away.  Nothing about good luck, but \"Sometimes, discovering the baby signifies that you are Queen of the Mardi Gras Party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Woohooooo!!!!  I was QUEEN, too!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut wait a minute.  Did my outside the cake strategy mean I was an illegitimate Queen?  Kind of like when <a href=\"http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/2338/anne-boleyn-and-catherine-of-aragon-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Anne Boleyn</strong> </a>stole the crown right off of poor Catherine of Aragon\'s head?!?!  That wouldn\'t be cool.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle continued reading her Google FAQs.  \"Most often, whoever locates the baby must supply the King\'s Cake at the next party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReally????  That\'s no fun.  To heck with that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBesides . . . . Unlike Anne Boleyn, I have a conscience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Long Live the Queen!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9706\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Rightful Queen\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00014-20120221-1300/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9706\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9706\" title=\"IMG00014-20120221-1300\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00014-20120221-1300-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid anyone else feast on King\'s Cake yesterday?  Did you find the baby?  Did you think you were blessed with good luck or a Royal title, only to find out that you were roped into feeding your loyal subjects?','Unlawful Queen of the Party','','inherit','open','open','','9703-revision-42','','','2012-03-06 21:31:50','2012-03-07 04:31:50','',9703,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9703-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(9925,1,'2012-02-23 20:05:19','2012-02-24 03:05:19','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-698/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9759\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9759\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>You may recall my recent history with bicycling.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your memory is as poor as mine, or if you are new to this blog, you can read all about it at <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.  </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/day-358-picked-myself-up-dusted-myself-off-and-rode-all-over-again/\" target=\"_blank\">I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and rode all over again</a> </strong>after the accident.  Once.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShortly after I returned home, a friend of mine who is practically a semi-professional cyclist -- we\'re talking spin instructor in her off time and road biking COMPETITIONS! -- was nipped by a car while cycling.  She was knocked unconscious and taken to the trauma center where she underwent numerous surgeries.  BECAUSE SHE WAS WEARING HER HELMET, she is still with us.  And because of her spunky spirit, she has miraculously recovered like a champ.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCall me crazy, but I\'ve had no desire to get back on a bike since I\'ve been back home.  My favorite outdoor activity is hiking.  Which means that I am firmly planted on the ground with my own two feet.  And since I don\'t hike during rattlesnake season, there is NO THREAT OF DEATH while I\'m working out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy dear friend and September 15 Birthday Twin, Sarah, now lives in a neighborhood where people ride their charming, colorful bikes (many equipped with baskets and bells) to cafes, farmers markets, and other leisurely weekend places of interest.  Kind of like what those lucky bastards in San Diego do, except that Sarah\'s hood doesn\'t have an ocean.  Darn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSarah had been itching for a bike riding playdate in order to better enjoy our stunning \"winter\" weather.  She invited me to bike down to a French bistro on a Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDeep breaths.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI chose to feel the fear and do it anyway.  After all, I had just come from this . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/03/photo-du-jour-im-in-italia-not-siberia/p1010175/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9437\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9437\" title=\"P1010175\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P1010175-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . and now I had the opportunity to soak in this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9750\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me and My Birthday Twin. We&#39;re alike in so many ways. Exception: Helmet Safety. (Look closely at the bikes.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-697/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9750\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9750 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120012-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCarpe Diem, sisters!   (And token brothers!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Happy Discovery du Jour for all of my peeps who happen to reside in my fair city:  The croissants at <a href=\"https://www.vincentsoncamelback.com/bistro/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vincent\'s Market Bistro</strong> </a>taste identical to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/07/photo-du-jour-petit-dejeuner/\" target=\"_blank\">those that I had eaten in France</a></strong> only one week prior.  Oo la la!  Vive la Phoenix!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-699/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9776\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9776\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-700/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9777\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9777\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only difference was that Vincent\'s croissants were free of charge.  A complimentary surprise before the meal!  After the meal you receive yet another surprise:  a gratis petite dessert.  All for $8.50.  God Bless America.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did I learn from all of this?  Wherever you go there you are.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes wherever you go is warmer and much less expensive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes you are so wrapped up in the excitement of wherever you are that you forget to change the macro/super macro settings on your camera and your photos come out blurry.  Your blog readers are too kind to say anything, but you know deep down that you probably should explore the possibility of a photography class and a better camera so that your food photos will eventually evolve into <strong><a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/pots-de-creme-a-lorange/\" target=\"_blank\">this.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography class.  Hmmm . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMethinks I smell a future blog post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #7:  Bicycling to the Bistro ','','inherit','open','open','','9749-revision-63','','','2012-02-23 20:05:19','2012-02-24 03:05:19','',9749,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/9749-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(9926,1,'2012-03-06 21:32:47','2012-03-07 04:32:47','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-698/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9759\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9759\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>You may recall my recent history with bicycling.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your memory is as poor as mine, or if you are new to this blog, you can read all about it at <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.  </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/day-358-picked-myself-up-dusted-myself-off-and-rode-all-over-again/\" target=\"_blank\">I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and rode all over again</a> </strong>after the accident.  Once.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShortly after I returned home, a friend of mine who is practically a semi-professional cyclist -- we\'re talking spin instructor in her off time and road biking COMPETITIONS! -- was nipped by a car while cycling.  She was knocked unconscious and taken to the trauma center where she underwent numerous surgeries.  BECAUSE SHE WAS WEARING HER HELMET, she is still with us.  And because of her spunky spirit, she has miraculously recovered like a champ.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCall me crazy, but I\'ve had no desire to get back on a bike since I\'ve been back home.  My favorite outdoor activity is hiking.  Which means that I am firmly planted on the ground with my own two feet.  And since I don\'t hike during rattlesnake season, there is NO THREAT OF DEATH while I\'m working out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy dear friend and September 15 Birthday Twin, Sarah, now lives in a neighborhood where people ride their charming, colorful bikes (many equipped with baskets and bells) to cafes, farmers markets, and other leisurely weekend places of interest.  Kind of like what those lucky bastards in San Diego do, except that Sarah\'s hood doesn\'t have an ocean.  Darn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSarah had been itching for a bike riding playdate in order to better enjoy our stunning \"winter\" weather.  She invited me to bike down to a French bistro on a Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDeep breaths.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI chose to feel the fear and do it anyway.  After all, I had just come from this . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/03/photo-du-jour-im-in-italia-not-siberia/p1010175/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9437\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9437\" title=\"P1010175\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P1010175-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . and now I had the opportunity to soak in this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9750\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me and My Birthday Twin. We&#39;re alike in so many ways. Exception: Helmet Safety. (Look closely at the bikes.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-697/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9750\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9750 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120012-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCarpe Diem, sisters!   (And token brothers!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Happy Discovery du Jour for all of my peeps who happen to reside in my fair city:  The croissants at <a href=\"https://www.vincentsoncamelback.com/bistro/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vincent\'s Market Bistro</strong> </a>taste identical to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/07/photo-du-jour-petit-dejeuner/\" target=\"_blank\">those that I had eaten in France</a></strong> only one week prior.  Oo la la!  Vive la Phoenix!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-699/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9776\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9776\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-700/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9777\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9777\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only difference was that Vincent\'s croissants were free of charge.  A complimentary surprise before the meal!  After the meal you receive yet another surprise:  a gratis petite dessert.  All for $8.50.  God Bless America.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did I learn from all of this?  Wherever you go there you are.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes wherever you go is warmer and much less expensive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes you are so wrapped up in the excitement of wherever you are that you forget to change the macro/super macro settings on your camera and your photos come out blurry.  Your blog readers are too kind to say anything, but you know deep down that you probably should explore the possibility of a photography class and a better camera so that your food photos will eventually evolve into <strong><a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/pots-de-creme-a-lorange/\" target=\"_blank\">this.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography class.  Hmmm . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMethinks I smell a future blog post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #7:  Bicycling to the Bistro','','inherit','open','open','','9749-revision-64','','','2012-03-06 21:32:47','2012-03-07 04:32:47','',9749,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9749-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(9927,1,'2011-12-31 21:41:05','2012-01-01 04:41:05','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYou may recall that not too long ago <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">I dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\" target=\"_blank\">Portland</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.</strong> Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.</a></strong> Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI boarded the boat feeling quite <del>cocky</del> confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my genetics.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>I assured the Nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Ten minutes into our trip, the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour).  However, the captain assured us that he could navigate through wind and water just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of guest starring on <strong><a href=\"http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\">Whale Wars</a></strong> where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> <strong>this color </strong></span></span>after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBetween the gas station smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Our tour guide, Cubby</span>*, made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I unfortunately declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  Humpback whale to the starboard side of the boat!  The captain would mercifully stop the boat for prime whale viewing. </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on video, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/GPZd1zI1hGI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the humpback for another 30 minutes and two thousand photos, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick.  He would therefore turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHallelujah.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>I stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own seasick scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Everywhere</em> we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about <span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Whale Watching Tour.</strong></span> Or more specifically, <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>The Number of Sick Peeps on </strong><strong>The Whale Watching Tour. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We overheard them a</span>t the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWas it worth it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.  I truly hope that you didn\'t wind up blowing chunks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-17','','','2011-12-31 21:41:05','2012-01-01 04:41:05','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/5395-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(9928,1,'2011-10-24 21:34:04','2011-10-25 04:34:04','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam your head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed by a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  DON\'T consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again!','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-33','','','2011-10-24 21:34:04','2011-10-25 04:34:04','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/24/7876-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(9930,1,'2012-03-08 20:13:01','2012-03-09 03:13:01','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision','','','2012-03-08 20:13:01','2012-03-09 03:13:01','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(9932,1,'2012-03-08 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CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-706','','','2012-03-08 20:22:14','2012-03-09 03:22:14','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9936,1,'2012-03-08 20:28:16','2012-03-09 03:28:16','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-707','','','2012-03-08 20:28:16','2012-03-09 03:28:16','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040013.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9937,1,'2012-03-08 20:31:54','2012-03-09 03:31:54','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-708','','','2012-03-08 20:31:54','2012-03-09 03:31:54','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040014.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9938,1,'2012-03-08 20:32:09','2012-03-09 03:32:09','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-709','','','2012-03-08 20:32:09','2012-03-09 03:32:09','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040015.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9939,1,'2012-03-08 20:38:49','2012-03-09 03:38:49','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-710','','','2012-03-08 20:38:49','2012-03-09 03:38:49','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040018.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9940,1,'2012-03-08 20:39:05','2012-03-09 03:39:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-711','','','2012-03-08 20:39:05','2012-03-09 03:39:05','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040019.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9941,1,'2012-03-08 20:39:22','2012-03-09 03:39:22','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-712','','','2012-03-08 20:39:22','2012-03-09 03:39:22','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040024.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9942,1,'2012-03-08 20:39:39','2012-03-09 03:39:39','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-713','','','2012-03-08 20:39:39','2012-03-09 03:39:39','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040027.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9943,1,'2012-03-08 20:39:56','2012-03-09 03:39:56','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-714','','','2012-03-08 20:39:56','2012-03-09 03:39:56','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040028.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9944,1,'2012-03-08 20:40:14','2012-03-09 03:40:14','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-715','','','2012-03-08 20:40:14','2012-03-09 03:40:14','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040030.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9945,1,'2012-03-08 20:40:29','2012-03-09 03:40:29','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-716','','','2012-03-08 20:40:29','2012-03-09 03:40:29','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3040033.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9946,1,'2012-03-08 20:40:41','2012-03-09 03:40:41','','429767_3474476347618_1442485015_3322993_683734900_n','','inherit','open','open','','429767_3474476347618_1442485015_3322993_683734900_n','','','2012-03-08 20:40:41','2012-03-09 03:40:41','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/429767_3474476347618_1442485015_3322993_683734900_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9947,1,'2012-03-08 20:14:03','2012-03-09 03:14:03','','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-2','','','2012-03-08 20:14:03','2012-03-09 03:14:03','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(9948,1,'2012-03-08 20:43:22','2012-03-09 03:43:22','[gallery]','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-3','','','2012-03-08 20:43:22','2012-03-09 03:43:22','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(10029,1,'2012-03-21 01:11:08','2012-03-21 08:11:08','<a href=\"http://wemetonaplane.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-10180\" title=\"homeLogo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/homeLogo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"355\" height=\"202\" /></a>If you have an <em>ounce</em> of hopeful romanticism in your DNA, then please pass this on via facebook, twitter, email, pinterest or whatever social media outlet floats your boat.  Because it\'s Spring!  And love is in the air!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThink of this as a virtual message in a cyber-bottle.  The old-fashioned message in a bottle seems ridiculously impossible, but people have tried it for centuries.  <a href=\"http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/36541\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>It\'s even worked!</strong>  </a>(And I\'m not referring to a <strong><a href=\"http://www.nicholassparks.com/books/message-in-a-bottle\" target=\"_blank\">Nicholas Sparks novel</a></strong>.  Although....<em>sigh.</em>...Does that man know the heart of a woman or what?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Since it\'s Spring, and since love is in the air, my virtual message is aimed towards a Handsome Stranger whom I briefly met on a flight from London to Geneva.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe didn\'t exchange names or personal contact info, just a few words and many glances.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knows if he\'s Mr. Right, Mr. Wrong or Mr. Unavailable?  What I do know is that he\'s Mr. Intriguing, and I am not a hope<em>less</em> romantic but a hope<em>ful</em> romantic which means . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI believe anything is possible.  With a little help from my friends.  (Cue Ringo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>And kooky, hair-brained quests with your friends on the Interwebs are fun and often life-changing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember <strong><a href=\"http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Red Paperclip Guy</a></strong>?  If he could harness the power of Internet peeps to barter his way from a paperclip to a house, then why can\'t I ask you lovely ladies and 3 token gents to help me find a gorgeous bloke in the UK?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWill you please ripple the cyber-waters and move my virtual message in a bottle along?  I\'ve made it easy for you:  See the facebook, twitter, pinterest and email icons at the bottom of this post?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPsst!  Please pass this on!  Let\'s see if this message finds its way to Mr. Gorgeous Bloke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Oh!  How could I forget?  You\'re probably wondering, \"What does he look like???\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: medium;\">Answer:  Tall, dark and handsome.</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Seriously, 6 foot 2-ish, full head of dark hair, and piercing blue eyes.  (See?  I wasn\'t exaggerating.)  Age?  I would guess early 40s.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the day of January 28th, 2012 at London Heathrow Airport, he was wearing a cream cable knit turtleneck sweater, jeans, and Sorels.  (For my fellow desert dwellers who don\'t know what Sorels are, think fashionable snow boots worn by a man who knows how to dress.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what I posted the other night on<strong><a href=\"http://wemetonaplane.com/?s=london+geneva&amp;submit=\" target=\"_blank\"> WeMetOnaPlane.com</a> </strong>-- a website dedicated to reuniting star-crossed passengers:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://wemetonaplane.com/?s=london+geneva&amp;submit=\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10181\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-03-19 at 7.41.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Screen-shot-2012-03-19-at-7.41.44-PM-1024x402.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"717\" height=\"281\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can also click the image above to take you directly to the site where you can fb, tweet, and comment your little hearts out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>If you\'d like to know the<em> rest</em> of the story -- i.e, the juicy bits -- keep reading.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU for humouring me!  May Spring fill your world with love and excitement!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt all started back in January.  I was flying into Geneva, Switzerland from Phoenix, Arizona with a tight 60 minute layover at London Heathrow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlways up for a challenge, I booked this too-good-to-be-true flight with fingers crossed.  If I could cut my travel time by 4-6 hours, then bring it!  Worse case scenario:  Blimey!  I miss my connection, drink pots of PG Tips to stay awake after my red-eye, and shop at Harrod\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFast forward to January 28, 2012.  British Airways was a tad tardy due to inclement weather.  Updated layover time:  50 minutes.  At one of the busiest airports in the world.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBloody hell!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I am not a runner.  I am <em>fit</em>, but a runner I am not.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Except on January 28, 2012 when I ran like an Olympic sprinter through Heathrow.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFantasies of PG Tips and Harrod\'s might sound appealing when you are well-rested, but when you\'ve barely squeaked in 4 hours of Zzzzz\'s on a 10.5 hour flight (and I was lucky to get that in coach), all you can think about is a comfortable mattress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks to the kindness of French and German strangers who graciously allowed me to cut in front of them at security, I made it to my gate with only minutes to spare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, I was a hot, harried mess.  Not hot as in \"I looked good\" (unfortunately), but hot as in \"I was sweating from Olympian feats performed during a severely sleep-deprived state\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Somehow, I caught Mr. Gorgeous Bloke\'s eye.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPerhaps he was sleep-deprived as well?  Although he appeared to be a local, and this was already mid-day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr perhaps it was because I was breathing heavy?  (From running, but maybe he didn\'t know that.)  Those American women are such tarts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI collected my disheveled self together and waited to board.  I tried not to notice that Mr. Gorgeous Bloke kept looking my way.  After all, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/27/photo-du-jour-begins-on-sunday/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I was in transit to see my Romeo.</strong> </a> I don\'t flirt with other men when I\'m with someone.  I\'m not <em>that girl</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that a mere 48 hours later, the smoke would clear, the mirrors would crack, and Shakespeare would roll in his grave.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that a mere 48 hours later, my heart would be sliced to bits.  Because broken mirrors wield sharp edges.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\">Sniff, sniff.</a></strong>  (Cue hauntingly heartbreaking violin music.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Bloody, <em>bloody</em> hell!  I should have snogged Mr. Gorgeous Bloke while I had the chance.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.heathrowairport.com/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/love-is-in-the-air-at-heathrow\" target=\"_blank\">This kind of thing happens every 49 seconds at London Heathrow.</a></strong>  Haven\'t you seen <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/\" target=\"_blank\">Love Actually</a></em></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Gorgeous Bloke boarded the plane directly in front of me.  You know how long that takes.  10 minutes of looky-looing later (I tried not to notice -- Really I did!)  it was time to hoist my luggage into the overhead bin.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Gorgeous Bloke chivalrously offered to lift my flowery purple carry on for me.  He stood there and smiled.  If I remember correctly, he donned a Colgate smile which . . . . Always.  Does.  Me.  In.\r\n\r\nBut honestly, I was delirious from lack of sleep, so I\'m not completely sure about his chompers.  Good teeth or not-so-good teeth, it doesn\'t matter.  He was hot.  Hot as in \"he looked really good\", not as in \"sweaty mess\" although I\'m sure he . . . . never mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFocus, Michelle.  Focus!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>He stood there and smiled.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think he expected for me to sit next to him.  I awkwardly mentioned that my seat was two rows behind.  His expression wilted.  I noticed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFast forward to baggage claim at Geneva Airport . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI collected my luggage and stepped out into the greeting area.  I gazed into a sea of Europeans whilst trying to spot my Romeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Me:</strong>  </span><em>(inner monologue)  </em>Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>The Ex Formerly Known as Romeo:</strong></span> <em> (shouting out loud)  </em>What, are you blind?!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">(Cue eerie music of foreshadowing.)</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Ex Formerly Known as Romeo then laughed as he approached me.  Because an insulting greeting for the woman who just crossed the ocean to be with you is hysterically funny.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Gorgeous Bloke passed by just as The Ex Formerly Known as Romeo snogged me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBloody hell.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut no need to feel sorry for me, my friends.  I\'m the kind of woman who turns lemons into lemon chiffon cake!  I recently signed up for April\'s <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy</strong> </a>where I will turn my Fairytale Gone Bad story into a screenplay in 30 days flat.  Think <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/\" target=\"_blank\">Under the Tuscan Sun</a></em></strong> meets <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337741/\" target=\"_blank\">Something\'s Gotta Give</a></em>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">Let The Ex Formerly Known as Romeo eat lemon chiffon cake!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd you already know what the sequel is about, right?  Do I need to completely make up the Hollywood Happy Ending, or can you help me to base it on True Events?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Psst!  Please pass this on!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>P.S.  If you happen to be Mr. Gorgeous Bloke, why hello there, handsome stranger.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\">Would you care to chat this time around? </a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  My name is Michelle.  What\'s yours?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  If you are brave enough to write, then I promise not to blog about you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you know of any real life message in a bottle stories (virtual or old-fashioned)?  Have you ever Met On A Plane, went your separate ways, and later wondered \"What if\"?  Please share your stories  in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Psst.  Pass it on.  Because Love is in the Air!','','publish','open','open','','psst-pass-it-on-because-love-is-in-the-air','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/27/photo-du-jour-begins-on-sunday/\nhttp://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/36541\nhttp://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/\nhttp://www.heathrowairport.com/\nhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/\nhttp://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/','2012-11-26 19:37:15','2012-11-27 02:37:15','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=10029',0,'post','',30),(9950,1,'2012-03-08 21:38:25','2012-03-09 04:38:25','[gallery]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut this Arizona dog show was special indeed.  One of the contestants was featured way back when in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  I love all dogs, and I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat little floppy-eared bunny lookalike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery.  Can you stand it?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhoto Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory all grown up\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory posing for the judge\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my Woofie?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPoodle spa day\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-4','','','2012-03-08 21:38:25','2012-03-09 04:38:25','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(9951,1,'2012-03-08 21:50:30','2012-03-09 04:50:30','[gallery]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut this Arizona dog show was special indeed.  One of the contestants was featured way back when in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  I love all dogs, and I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat little floppy-eared bunny lookalike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery.  Can you stand it?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhoto Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory all grown up\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory posing for the judge\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPoodle spa day\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne pooped pooch\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-5','','','2012-03-08 21:50:30','2012-03-09 04:50:30','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(9952,1,'2012-03-14 15:41:34','2012-03-14 22:41:34','[gallery]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut this Arizona dog show was even more special.  One of the contestants was featured in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  (I may love all dogs, but I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat little floppy-eared bunny look-alike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery!  Can you stand it?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory all grown up\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRory posing for the judge\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPoodle spa day\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/4068228/The-Artist-Film-star-dog-Uggie-was-nearly-put-down.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Celebrity doppelganger </strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne pooped pooch\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-autosave','','','2012-03-14 15:41:34','2012-03-14 22:41:34','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(9953,1,'2012-03-08 21:51:06','2012-03-09 04:51:06','[gallery]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut this Arizona dog show was special indeed.  One of the contestants was featured way back when in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  I love all dogs, and I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat little floppy-eared bunny lookalike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery.  Can you stand it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhoto Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory all grown up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory posing for the judge\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPoodle spa day\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne pooped pooch\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-6','','','2012-03-08 21:51:06','2012-03-09 04:51:06','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(9954,1,'2012-03-08 21:53:45','2012-03-09 04:53:45','[gallery]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut this Arizona dog show was special indeed.  One of the contestants was featured way back when in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  I love all dogs, and I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat little floppy-eared bunny lookalike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery.  Can you stand it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory all grown up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory posing for the judge\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPoodle spa day\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne pooped pooch\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-7','','','2012-03-08 21:53:45','2012-03-09 04:53:45','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(9955,1,'2012-03-08 21:58:21','2012-03-09 04:58:21','[gallery]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut this Arizona dog show was even more special.  One of the contestants was featured in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  (I may love all dogs, but I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat little floppy-eared bunny look-alike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery!  Can you stand it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory all grown up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory posing for the judge\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPoodle spa day\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne pooped pooch\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-8','','','2012-03-08 21:58:21','2012-03-09 04:58:21','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(9956,1,'2012-03-08 21:58:33','2012-03-09 04:58:33','[gallery]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut this Arizona dog show was even more special.  One of the contestants was featured in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  (I may love all dogs, but I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat little floppy-eared bunny look-alike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery!  Can you stand it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory all grown up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory posing for the judge\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPoodle spa day\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella\'s vet thinks she has wire-haired Jack Russell in her.  Can you see it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne pooped pooch\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-9','','','2012-03-08 21:58:33','2012-03-09 04:58:33','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9957,1,'2012-03-08 22:11:21','2012-03-09 05:11:21','[gallery]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m really into these photo gallery posts lately.  Forgive me.  I\'ll return to my normal posts with a photo or two or three soon.  How could I <em>not</em> post a gallery of photos after returning from a real live Dog Show?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs you already know, I\'m a big fan of dogs.  I\'m particularly fond of <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">this dog</a></strong>, but I love all dogs.  When Megan invited me to the biggest dog show in Arizona, I immediately accepted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had been to a dog show a looooooong time ago.  In fact, it was so long ago that I forgot about it until my mother reminded me.  That\'s right, my 60-something mother has a better memory than I do.  Scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow I <em>do</em> remember watching the National Dog Show after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.   <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s an honored tradition.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut this Arizona dog show was even more special.  One of the contestants was featured in one of my favorite blog posts of all time:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/26/day-29-puppy-breath/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Puppy Breath.</strong> </a>  (I may love all dogs, but I absolutely fall to pieces over puppies.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat little floppy-eared bunny look-alike in the Puppy Breath photos is all grown up and pictured in the top row of today\'s photo gallery!  Can you stand it?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory performed well for his group, but he didn\'t advance to Best in Show.  Obviously, there would have been a very different outcome had I been asked to judge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t stay until the end of the day to see who won the grand prize.  I didn\'t need to.  They\'re all Best in Show to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Photo Gallery Glossary pictured left to right and top to bottom:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you would like to enlarge the photos, click once to open the photo in a new page and then click again.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory all grown up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRory posing for the judge\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe floppy-eared bunny boy returns!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you like my pre-show hairdo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIbizan hound and Italian Greyhound (I\'m partial to sighthounds.  Remember my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/day-126-an-odd-mix-of-puppy-power-mr-anal-retentive-hiker-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">Woofie</a></strong>?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPoodle spa day\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I vant to be alone.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor my fam:  The Whippets!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfor the fam again:  Memories of our sweet Griffin the Whippet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/4068228/The-Artist-Film-star-dog-Uggie-was-nearly-put-down.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Celebrity doppleganger </strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTalk about a hairdo!  This Afghan Hound is a therapy dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA happy and bouncy Portuguese Water Dog (rescued and newly adopted!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIrish Wolfhound -- the Gentle Giants of the Dog World\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne pooped pooch\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I say I was partial to <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound\" target=\"_blank\">sighthounds</a></strong>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #10:  They\'re All Best in Show to Me','','inherit','open','open','','9929-revision-10','','','2012-03-08 22:11:21','2012-03-09 05:11:21','',9929,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/08/9929-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9958,1,'2011-12-31 21:14:23','2012-01-01 04:14:23','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>share you play idea for my 52 Playdates project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 52 slots to fill, and I only have a few ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-98','','','2011-12-31 21:14:23','2012-01-01 04:14:23','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/2-revision-98/',0,'revision','',0),(9959,1,'2012-03-10 21:57:33','2012-03-11 04:57:33','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>share you play idea for my 52 Playdates project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 52 slots to fill, and I only have a few ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n\r\nLast year, I embarked on a 365 day project dubbed \"The Year of Living Curiously\".  I injected one soul-scintillating curiosity into each day for the year.  Somehow I balanced work, life, blog and a new puppy without having a major meltdown.  (Although my mother reminded me that I did experience a few mini \"episodes\".)  You can read about what evolved into the best year of my life (so far) <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong>\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-99','','','2012-03-10 21:57:33','2012-03-11 04:57:33','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/2-revision-99/',0,'revision','',0),(9960,1,'2012-03-10 22:04:42','2012-03-11 05:04:42','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>share you play idea for my 52 Playdates project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 52 slots to fill, and I only have a few ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n\r\nLast year, I embarked on a 365 day project dubbed \"The Year of Living Curiously\".  I injected one soul-scintillating curiosity into each day for the year.  Somehow I balanced work, life, blog and a new puppy without having a major meltdown.  (Although my mother has reminded me of a few mini \"episodes\".)  You can read about what evolved into the best year of my life (so far) <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-100','','','2012-03-10 22:04:42','2012-03-11 05:04:42','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/2-revision-100/',0,'revision','',0),(9961,1,'2012-03-10 22:05:04','2012-03-11 05:05:04','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>share you play idea for my 52 Playdates project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 52 slots to fill, and I only have a few ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n\r\nLast year, I embarked on a 365 day project dubbed \"The Year of Living Curiously\".  I injected one soul-scintillating curiosity into each day for the year.  Somehow I balanced work, life, blog and a new puppy without having a major meltdown.  (Although my mother has reminded me of a few mini \"episodes\".)  You can read about what evolved into the best year of my life (so far) <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-101','','','2012-03-10 22:05:04','2012-03-11 05:05:04','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/2-revision-101/',0,'revision','',0),(9962,1,'2011-12-31 21:26:29','2012-01-01 04:26:29','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/samchurchill/4182826573/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-8132 alignnone\" title=\"Gold top 10 winner\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/4182826573_3c20158212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"347\" height=\"346\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned yesterday, I originally intended to list my Top 10 Favorite Blog Adventures on Day 365, the final day of this journey.  A <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/26/day-365-a-love-letter/\" target=\"_blank\">Love Letter</a></strong> upstaged the list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to confess that it was quite a challenge to pick only 10 favorites.  This insane-yet-gratifying project contained so many highlights, surprises, and life lessons which I will wax philosophical on at another time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Today, here are my Practically-Impossible-to-Pick Top 10:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n10.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 57:  We Saw Dead People (or if you want to be technical, \"orbs\")</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  Three friends and I checked into the Jerome Grand Hotel, considered one of America\'s Most Haunted Places.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Because I have 3 friends who are as zany as me and agreed to this nonsense.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n9.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  I teamed up with a fellow male blogger for a He Said/She Said cooking project of chocolate croissants.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  I laughed so hard throughout the day from Todd\'s texts and emails that my stomach hurt.  And the Lady of the Lake (long story -- you\'ll need to read the post) showed up in the comments section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n8.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/16/day-50-uncle-keek-needs-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 50:  Uncle Keek Needs You! </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  I attempted to my make my beloved great uncle into a YouTube star.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  I made my uncle (whom I have adored since I was a baby) very, very happy.  He\'s currently at 1,146 views!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTied with ....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n8.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/day-347-guest-post-from-worlds-most-precious-niece-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 347:  Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered to give me relief for a day (at the suggestion of a reader) by posting her own music video blog.  If you haven\'t checked it out yet, please watch WMPN as she delivers a PSA on bullying, followed by singing and playing guitar like a mini Taylor Swift.  She was 9 at the filming, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Because she\'s World\'s Most Precious Niece!  And I, as well as her teachers, think she\'s brilliant.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n7.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to catch a glimpse of whales in the wild.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Wish fulfilled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n6.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/18/day-28-70s-and-chicago-slideshow/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 289:  70s Party and My Kind of Town</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  After a long day penned up in a business conference, Britt and I escaped to an impromptu tour of downtown Chicago.  Britt teased me that I was like a kid -- excited about <em>everything</em>!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Because this was <em>a business trip</em>!  And I was <em>still</em> able to Carpe Diem in a Top 10 kind of way!  We\'re never too old to discover sights with child-like eyes and find the wonder in what could be the most mundane of days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/day-342-reliving-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  I found a friend to go to Def Leppard with me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Heart opened the show, and blew us away.  We witnessed a living legend that night -- arguably the best female voice in the history of rock and roll.  One of my most memorable concert experiences.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n4. <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> Day 252:  Soul Explosion </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  Mondo Beyondo rocked my world at The World Domination Summit in Portland, Oregon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  I subsequently signed up for their online class about dreaming BIG.  And BIG dreams are seemingly coming true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n3.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/day-351-siena-ti-voglio-tanto-bene/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  My cousins and I visited Siena, Italy for the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  If towns could be soulmates, Siena would be mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . .  Montebelli.  Sigh. </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  I sat out a day of my cycling tour in the support van because of the previous day\'s crash-boom-splat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Because spending the day in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male has its perks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/13/day-47-let-the-puppy-worshipping-begin/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Day 47:  Let The Puppy Worshipping Begin! </strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adventure:  I found myself in the midst of an unplanned puppy rescue.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason why this is a fav:  Because my heart and home are once again filled with furry love.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Extra Credit Day 366:  Top 10 Most Curious','','inherit','open','open','','8120-revision-23','','','2011-12-31 21:26:29','2012-01-01 04:26:29','',8120,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8120-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(9963,1,'2011-05-08 14:47:06','2011-05-08 21:47:06','[caption id=\"attachment_5461\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Dogs prefer Macs.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5461\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nHi, everybody!  It\'s Bella aka World\'s Most Precious Pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think my human, Michelle, reported not too long ago that I graduated summa cum laude from my puppy preschool.  I guess this means that I\'m REALLY smart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery night I watch Michelle type away at her computer on something that she calls a \"blog\".  Last night, I decided to hop on when she was \"indisposed\" and check things out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not old enough to be a Late Bloomer, but I was really curious to check out what all the other kids are drawn to these days:  facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHey,<strong><a href=\"http://blogs.forbes.com/kashmirhill/2011/03/07/mark-zuckerberg-gets-a-dog-gives-it-a-facebook-page/\" target=\"_blank\"> if Zuckerberg\'s dog can have a page</a></strong>, why can\'t I?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd his dog is a purebred.  They can be a bit on the snooty side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am here to tell you that I am <span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">m</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">e</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">r</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">i</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">c</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">a</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\'</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">s</span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">D</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">o</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">g</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">! </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\">RESCUES ROCK!!!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out my new page!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWill you be my friend?','Day 220:  My Dog Hijacked My Computer','','inherit','open','open','','5457-revision-8','','','2011-05-08 14:47:06','2011-05-08 21:47:06','',5457,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/08/5457-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(9964,1,'2012-03-10 22:12:30','2012-03-11 05:12:30','[caption id=\"attachment_5461\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Dogs prefer Macs.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5461\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nHi, everybody!  It\'s Bella aka World\'s Most Precious Pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think my human, Michelle, reported not too long ago that I graduated summa cum laude from puppy preschool.  I guess this means that I\'m REALLY smart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery night I watch Michelle type away at her computer on something that she calls a \"blog\".  Last night, I decided to hop on when she was \"indisposed\" to check things out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not old enough to be a Late Bloomer, but I was really curious to check out what all the other kids are drawn to these days:  facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHey,<strong><a href=\"http://blogs.forbes.com/kashmirhill/2011/03/07/mark-zuckerberg-gets-a-dog-gives-it-a-facebook-page/\" target=\"_blank\"> if Zuckerberg\'s dog can have a page</a></strong>, why can\'t I?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd his dog is a purebred.  They can be a bit on the snooty side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am here to tell you that I am <span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">m</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">e</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">r</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">i</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">c</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">a</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\'</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">s</span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">D</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">o</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">g</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">! </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\">RESCUES ROCK!!!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out my new page!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWill you be my friend?','Day 220:  My Dog Hijacked My Computer','','inherit','open','open','','5457-revision-9','','','2012-03-10 22:12:30','2012-03-11 05:12:30','',5457,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/5457-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9965,1,'2012-03-10 22:13:37','2012-03-11 05:13:37','[caption id=\"attachment_5461\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Dogs prefer Macs.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5461\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nHi, everybody!  It\'s Bella aka World\'s Most Precious Pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think my human, Michelle, reported not too long ago that I graduated summa cum laude from puppy preschool.  I guess this means that I\'m REALLY smart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery night I watch Michelle type away at her computer on something that she calls a \"blog\".  Last night, I decided to hop on when she was \"indisposed\" to check things out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not old enough to be a Late Bloomer, but I was really curious to investigate what all the other kids are drawn to these days:  facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHey,<strong><a href=\"http://blogs.forbes.com/kashmirhill/2011/03/07/mark-zuckerberg-gets-a-dog-gives-it-a-facebook-page/\" target=\"_blank\"> if Zuckerberg\'s dog can have a page</a></strong>, why can\'t I?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd his dog is a purebred.  They can be a bit on the snooty side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am here to tell you that I am <span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">m</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">e</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">r</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">i</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">c</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">a</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\'</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">s</span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">D</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">o</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">g</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">! </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\">RESCUES ROCK!!!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out my new page!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWill you be my friend?','Day 220:  My Dog Hijacked My Computer','','inherit','open','open','','5457-revision-10','','','2012-03-10 22:13:37','2012-03-11 05:13:37','',5457,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/5457-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9966,1,'2012-01-07 16:26:16','2012-01-07 23:26:16','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\">365 or Bust!</span></h4>\r\nHerein lies the story of the year in which I had an <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis and took on an insane 365 day blog project.  You can locate all 365 days, spanning from September 2010 - October 2011 under the \"Archived Adventures\" section on the righthand side of the blog.\r\n<h4></h4>\r\nYou might also get a kick out of the<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\">Top 10 Most Curious</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lessons Learned from The Year of Living Curiously.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSeptember 15, 2010\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Welcome to my existential crisis.</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Recently, I fell into the mother of all ruts.  In an attempt to hoist myself out of this Funk, I am on a mission (and I do choose to accept it) to try one new/inspiring/interesting/uplifting/provocative/\r\n</span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">or curiosity-injected thing each day for 365 days.  I will then blah, blah, blog about my experiences.  </span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some might call this insanity.  </span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I call it salvation.  </span></p>\r\n\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>\"Do one thing every day that scares you.\"</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>  <span style=\"color: #993300;\">                                                    --- Eleanor Roosevelt</span></strong></span></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I would love to, Ms. Roosevelt, but with all due respect, I don\'t necessarily want to be scared every day.  That sounds to me like high blood pressure waiting to happen.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">But I really dig your point, Eleanor.  Instead, may I take a healthy dose of artistic license and change this to...</span>\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>\"Do one thing every day that scintillates your soul.\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>                                                                           -- Late Bloomer</strong></span></blockquote>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">What Brought on \'Da Funk </span></h4>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Last year I celebrated my 40th birthday and promptly freaked out like every other American woman who turns 40.  How very cliché of me.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mid-life crises lead people to crazy and outrageous acts such as buying an expensive sports car, cheating on a significant other, or packing up one\'s life to run away across the country.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I started a blog.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Granted, this was neither particularly outrageous nor crazy, but nevertheless indicative of the 40 year-old undercurrent bubbling, \"What is next?\" and \"Where has all the time gone?\" and \"I need some sort of change or I will surely go insane!\"</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I turned 40, and I suddenly felt like the hourglass of time was half empty.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of course, when I flipped both the hourglass and my perspective upside down, I noticed that the hourglass was half full.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This reminded me of the quintessential Late Bloomer.  Late Bloomers don\'t acknowledge societal timelines in life.  They bloom whenever the hell they\'re good and ready.  They focus on the sand in the hour glass, not the empty space.  </span>\r\n\r\nI can live with that.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I have always sensed that the Late Bloomer seed was planted in my childhood and has been sprouting ever since.  This seemed like a natural focus for my blog:  musings and ramblings of a Late Bloomer.  You can see my embarrassingly green (literally and figuratively) first attempt at a blog at <a href=\"http://www.latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  </span>\r\n\r\nAnd then...\r\n\r\nLife got in the way.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Big time. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I will spare you the details, but to give you an idea, \"Life Got in the Way\" involved: Internet Dating Hell, swine flu (yes, I survived), run of the mill job stress, horrific insomnia, an unrequited mongo crush, and a very sick little doggie. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Life Got in the Way evolved into Life is Downright Cruel when after doing everything in my power to help Woofie, my constant companion of nearly 14 years, I finally had to say goodbye.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Every animal lover knows how saying goodbye shatters your heart and soul.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">And so I plummeted into a Funk.  Life seemed like one buzz kill after another.  The Late Bloomer seed may have still been in there somewhere, but my petals wilted.  Needless to say, my blog withered away as well.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I felt disappointed, disenchanted, and in general, dissed by life.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I hate to say it, but I even started to flip out about my upcoming 41st birthday.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Side note:  Why do we women torment ourselves with this aging crap???  Oh, yeah -- the media and its obsession with Hollywood.  I also happen to live in a city of Mr. &amp; Ms. Skin Deeps.  But I digress.  Back to \'Da Funk...</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Funk pushed me into the abyss of the aforementioned mother of all ruts.   I was on auto-pilot cruising at same old, same old altitude.  </span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span>\r\n<blockquote><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">\"If you are tired of the same old, same old, then try something different new, different new.\"</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>            -- Late Bloomer</strong> </span></blockquote>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Funk Begone! </span> </span></h4>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shortly after life dissed me, it threw me a few bones, as it always does.  Sometimes you have to go digging through the dirt for the bones, but they are there if you are willing to get your hands dirty.  </span>\r\n\r\nPathetic as it sounds, I somehow rediscovered  <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl005muyttQ\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>\"Dark Road\" by Annie Lennox</strong></a> and listened to it over and over and over again.  It became my personal anthem.\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>\"I wanna come in from the cold\r\nAnd make myself renewed again.\"</strong></span><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong> </strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>                                            -- Annie Lennox, Rock Goddess </strong></span></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then one night -- on facebook of all places -- I came across an old Fast Company article that a friend had posted.  The article highlighted a few Late Bloomers with an \"it\'s never too late\" attitude.  Powerful reminder.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Who knows how these things happen upon us, but at that very moment, I was compelled to watch <a href=\"http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Elizabeth Gilbert\'s TED talk</strong></a>.  I had only been meaning to view this since she mentioned it...oh...6 months prior at her book signing.   (I tend to be a bit of a procrastinator.)</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liz uttered the magic words: </span>\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">\"Check it out.  I am pretty young.  I\'m <em>only </em>about 40 years-old.  I still have maybe another 4 decades of work left in me. \"</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">                                                           -- Elizabeth Gilbert, author </span></strong></span></blockquote>\r\nWow.  Well...when you put it <em>that</em> way, Liz.  Thank you.  You are officially my idol.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I was so jazzed by Liz\'s Late Bloomer mojo that I ran to my kitchen and furiously began jotting notes on a new blog project.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">When Liz found herself in crisis, she heeded her inner voice, ran away and traveled the world.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">While I certainly have entertained the escape fantasy, my inner voice tells me that I can create my own little adventure right here, right now.  </span>\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">\"Carpe diem and all that jazz. \"</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>                          -- Horace and Late Bloomer</strong> </span></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">How many times do we say \"carpe diem\" and then actually seize the day?  We say it wholeheartedly, but do we truly <em>live </em>it?    </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Curiosity Revived this Kat</span></h4>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So here I am ready to live curiously for 365 days.   My goal is to \"Carpe Diem\".  For real.  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\'s time to get out of my head and into life.  (I am an <a href=\"http://www.personalitypage.com/INFJ.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>INFJ</strong></a><strong>,</strong> so this in itself is a challenge.)</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ultimately, I hope that this blog inspires women (and my 3 token male readers) to break out of their own ruts and Funks.  Just say \"no\" to \'da Funk!   Instead, let\'s get funky in a good way.  Let\'s inject a little curiosity into our lives and get on with it! </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I would love for you to join me in my quest.  <a href=\"http://feeds.feedburner.com/latebloomerdiary\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Subscribe to my (almost) daily updates through email or RSS</strong></a> .  (If you don\'t know what RSS is, just click the email option.  I didn\'t know what it was either a year ago.  It\'s o.k.)  You can also follow me on <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diary-of-a-Late-Bloomer/155985501079157?ref=sgm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Facebook </strong></a>or <a href=\"https://twitter.com/latebloomer365\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Twitter</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Go ahead and make my day by <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>submitting your own 365 idea for me to try</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  I may just take you up on your offer.  Wouldn\'t that be uber-cool?  </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better still -- maybe we could try these ideas together and create an entire tribe that exudes Late Bloomer Mojo.  </span>\r\n<blockquote><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">\"If variety is the spice of life, then this year is going to be <a href=\"http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_muy_caliente_mean\" target=\"_blank\">muy caliente</a>!\"</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>                                                                                                        -- Late Bloomer</strong> </span></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Are you ready to get spicy with me?  I look forward to spending the year with you.  </span>','Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously ','','inherit','open','open','','103-revision-49','','','2012-01-07 16:26:16','2012-01-07 23:26:16','',103,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/07/103-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(9967,1,'2012-03-10 22:07:22','2012-03-11 05:07:22','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>share you play idea for my 52 Playdates project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 52 slots to fill, and I only have a few ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n\r\nLast year, I embarked on a 365 day project dubbed \"The Year of Living Curiously\".  I injected one soul-scintillating curiosity into each day for a year.  Somehow I balanced work, life, blog and a new puppy without having a major meltdown.  (Although my mother has reminded me of a few mini \"episodes\".)  You can read about what evolved into the best year of my life (so far) <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-102','','','2012-03-10 22:07:22','2012-03-11 05:07:22','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/10/2-revision-102/',0,'revision','',0),(9968,1,'2011-12-31 21:08:09','2012-01-01 04:08:09','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n*Source:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-68','','','2011-12-31 21:08:09','2012-01-01 04:08:09','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-68/',0,'revision','',0),(9969,1,'2012-03-12 21:29:54','2012-03-13 04:29:54','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do enjoy other fabulous perks such as telecommuting in my jammies two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n*Source:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-69','','','2012-03-12 21:29:54','2012-03-13 04:29:54','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/12/8681-revision-69/',0,'revision','',0),(9970,1,'2011-12-31 21:49:45','2012-01-01 04:49:45','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>I mentioned previously that I consumed a bit too much (half a bottle) of my new favorite wine on Night 358.  This wine is indeed fab, so if you ever come across it, then cin cin!  (That means \"drink half a bottle\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRocket scientist that I was that day, I also chose to celebrate my \"feel the fear and do it anyway\" bike moment with a mojito at lunch.  And a nightcap later that evening.  And I think I may have tasted someone\'s homemade beer.  I don\'t even like beer.  But I\'m a gracious guest.  I would rather take a few sips than insult someone\'s pride and joy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I mention that I really don\'t drink too much or too often?  I\'m that girl who always orders water.  It drives my friend, Sarah, nuts.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCombine the day\'s sloshfest with only a few hours sleep, and you have a woman who has no business boarding a bus headed for Rome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7926\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You know you&#39;re hungover when...you&#39;re at an autogrill in Italy and the only thing you can even think about stomaching is Pringles.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7926\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208-300x263.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"263\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShame.  On.  Me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am an embarrassment to all Foodies across the good ol\' U.S. of A.  I misrepresented our kind, and I am truly sorry for my actions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets worse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What I <em>really</em> wanted more than <em>anything</em> that day was Taco Bell.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I would have sacrificed an entire week\'s worth of cappuccinos for two Crunchy Taco Supremes (hold the tomato, please).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHorrific, isn\'t it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>As fate would have it, I was SOL because tacos don\'t exist in Italia.  I believe they are banned.  </strong></span>Along with any other ethnic cuisine that isn\'t Italian.  Except for Pringles.  The CEO\'s grandmother more than likely hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the longest, bumpiest, and most nauseating bus ride of my life, we arrived in Roma.  Upon exiting the bus, I kissed the ground.  (Not really.  I added that for dramatic effect.  My parents, however, <em>did</em> suffer through a nightmare of a plane trip once from Cancun.  After vacating the plane, the passengers actually kissed the ground before racing to the nearest restroom.  I suppose that I should be thankful for small miracles.  It can always be worse, my friends.  It can always be worse.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and I discussed lunch.  Bill voted for McDonald\'s.  Apparently, a junk food demon possessed my body that day.  I heard myself uttering, \"I\'ll have McDonald\'s!\"  I don\'t even like McDonald\'s.  But I am a gracious cousin who supports my kin when he needs me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Rhonda gasped.  I thought she might grab the nearest crucifix (we were a block away from the Vatican) and shout, \"Begone, vile junk food demon!!!!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, she put her foot down and insisted on a trattoria, God bless her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI scoped out the menu.  \"GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!\"  That would suffice as hangover cure.  Another small miracle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill carefully studied every menu item as he always does.  \"FRENCH FRIES!!!!\"  A miracle of biblical proportions!  It must have been our close proximity to the Vatican.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTime passed.  And passed.  And passed.  Italians enjoy leisurely meals.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe waiter arrived with our lunch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is what grilled cheese in Rome looks like:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7927\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You got it! It&#39;s a piece of cheese that is grilled.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7927\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill immediately looked around for our waiter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time, it was I who gasped, \"NO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am by no means going to insult an Italian because his grilled cheese is different than my grilled cheese.  I am not going to be one of <em>those</em> Americans.  I AM A GRACIOUS GUEST!!! Even when I\'m nursing one of the worst hangovers of my life and want to cry at this point.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead of crying, I turned lemons into lemonade.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7930\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Or, if you want me to be literal, I turned a piece of cheese that is grilled and a hunk of bread into an American grilled cheese sandwich.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200230.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7930\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200230-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith a full belly, I was ready to conquer the Ancient World!  I had only the rest of the afternoon.  (I would leave for the airport at 3 a.m. the next morning!)  Rome wasn\'t built in a day, and I had only 1/2 a day to explore.  Not ideal, but neither is a lack of a Taco Bell nor a piece of cheese that is grilled slapped on top of a slice of bread.  When in Rome, you make do.  It\'s Roma!!!  It\'s magnificent!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe descended upon Ancient Rome, and I stood transfixed.  I started to cry.  Not from my throbbing head and iffy stomach, but from a sense of awe that I had never experienced.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am from a baby country.  Since I had never been outside of North America, I had never witnessed anything of such historical depth.  Sure, I had just seen medieval villages all over Tuscany, but those remains were <em>new</em> compared to these!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve never been you <em>must</em> go.  Please leave more than 1/2 a day.  In the meantime, you can cyber-visit through my photo portal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200250.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7933\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200250-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200254.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7934\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200254-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200302.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7938\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200302-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200307.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7939\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200307-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200322.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7940\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200322-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200319.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7941\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200319-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200269.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7935\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200269-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200333.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7937\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200333-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering about the final photo.  Remember when I mentioned in Day 358\'s post that Italians graffiti <em>everything,</em> and I do mean <em>everything</em>?  I learned in the coliseum that Italians have been graffiti-ing since the beginning of time.  Yes, there\'s <em>ancient</em> graffiti depicting gladiators in the coliseum!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe graffiti above is modern day <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Texas A &amp; M</span> graffiti.  Not in Texas, but in Rome.  IN THE COLISEUM!!!  Where my cousin just so happened to be wearing his Texas A &amp; M shirt.  Oh, the oddities and surprises of life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA couple days of sightseeing packed into 1/2 a day made us hungry.  Italians eat all the time, so why shouldn\'t we?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe stopped at a bar (translation:  sidewalk cafe in the States) for a light supper.  Bill and I decided to order french fries for a SECOND time that day at dinner, much to Rhonda\'s horror.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200334.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7942\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200334-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was no ketchup to be found.  Italians eat their french fries with mayo.  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  Since we are gracious guests, we ate our french fries with mayo, too.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 359:  When In Rome...Eat French Fries with Mayo! ','','inherit','open','open','','7878-revision-28','','','2011-12-31 21:49:45','2012-01-01 04:49:45','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/7878-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(9971,1,'2011-01-03 20:46:48','2011-01-04 03:46:48','<p>Watch me brave the dark woods with 2 noisy kids, a scaredy cat sister, under-powered flashlights, and a night-vision camera.  It\'s all fun and games until something goes bump in the night...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<object style=\"width: 640px; height: 390px;\" classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_crMLXrV-jM?version=3\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed style=\"width: 640px; height: 390px;\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_crMLXrV-jM?version=3\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"></embed></object>\r\n</p>','Day 97:  Remember The Blair Witch Project?  What about The Pygmy Bear Project?','','inherit','open','open','','3061-revision-9','','','2011-01-03 20:46:48','2011-01-04 03:46:48','',3061,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/3061-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9972,1,'2012-03-06 21:31:50','2012-03-07 04:31:50','[caption id=\"attachment_9705\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I found the baby! (Kind of.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00012-20120221-1248-2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9705\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9705 \" title=\"IMG00012-20120221-1248\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00012-20120221-12481-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYesterday was Fat Tuesday, and the President of Noble Publishing Superpower surprised us with not one, not two, but THREE King\'s Cakes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWasn\'t that awfully sweet of him?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThree King\'s Cakes meant there were three babies to be found!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who are completely baffled at this moment, you can learn all you\'ll ever need to know about Mardi Gras, King\'s Cakes, and baby hunts <a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who don\'t want to go <strong><a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\">there</a></strong>, here\'s the scoop:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeople in New Orleans are always looking for an excuse to party.  Starting 12 nights after Christmas (\"Twelfth Night\"), New Orleans peeps get looped on cocktails and overindulge in sugary cake until a date late in February (Mardis Gras Day aka Fat Tuesday).  Hidden inside each King\'s Cake is a wee plastic babe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I had never eaten a King\'s Cake, nor had I ever embarked on a hunt for babies, so I was pretty psyched.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I entered the kitchen, I heard Little Michelle (the other Michelle who is littler than me) SCREECHING,  \"I FOUND THE BABY!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone gasped excitedly and immediately congratulated her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then asked her what the heck \"finding the baby\" means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle shrugged and answered, \"I don\'t know for sure.  I think it means good luck.  I could use some good luck right now.  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I thought that I could use some good luck as well.  I dove into that King\'s Cake faster than you can say, \"Happy Mardi Gras, Suckers!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd there he was.  A tiny plastic baby unearthed and just resting on the table.  I didn\'t even have to unhygienically pick apart the cake!  I grabbed that baby, raised him high above my head and shouted, \"I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I realize that some might consider this cheating, but cheating is such a harsh word.  Finding a baby is finding a baby.  I like to think outside the box.  (Or outside the cake in this instance.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends immediately humored me because after the events of the past couple weeks, they only want good luck for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe scurried off to our cubes to await our impending sugar crashes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle, still unsure of the exact meaning of the baby find, Googled away.  Nothing about good luck, but \"Sometimes, discovering the baby signifies that you are Queen of the Mardi Gras Party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Woohooooo!!!!  I was QUEEN, too!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut wait a minute.  Did my outside the cake strategy mean I was an illegitimate Queen?  Kind of like when <a href=\"http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/2338/anne-boleyn-and-catherine-of-aragon-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Anne Boleyn</strong> </a>stole the crown right off of poor Catherine of Aragon\'s head?!?!  That wouldn\'t be cool.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle continued reading her Google FAQs.  \"Most often, whoever locates the baby must supply the King\'s Cake at the next party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReally????  That\'s no fun.  To heck with that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBesides . . . . Unlike Anne Boleyn, I have a conscience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Long Live the Queen!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9706\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Rightful Queen\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00014-20120221-1300/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9706\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9706\" title=\"IMG00014-20120221-1300\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00014-20120221-1300-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid anyone else feast on King\'s Cake yesterday?  Did you find the baby?  Did you think you were blessed with good luck or a Royal title, only to find out that you were roped into feeding your loyal subjects?','Unlawful Queen of the Party','','inherit','open','open','','9703-revision-43','','','2012-03-06 21:31:50','2012-03-07 04:31:50','',9703,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/06/9703-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(9973,1,'2012-03-12 21:42:50','2012-03-13 04:42:50','[caption id=\"attachment_9705\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I found the baby! (Kind of.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00012-20120221-1248-2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9705\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9705 \" title=\"IMG00012-20120221-1248\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00012-20120221-12481-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYesterday was Fat Tuesday, and the President of Noble Publishing Superpower surprised us with not one, not two, but THREE King\'s Cakes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWasn\'t that awfully sweet of him?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThree King\'s Cakes meant there were three babies to be found!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who are completely baffled at this moment, you can learn all you\'ll ever need to know about Mardi Gras, King\'s Cakes, and baby hunts <a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor those of you who don\'t want to go <strong><a href=\"http://www.mardigrasday.com/history.php\" target=\"_blank\">there</a></strong>, here\'s the scoop:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeople in New Orleans are always looking for an excuse to party.  Starting 12 nights after Christmas (\"Twelfth Night\"), New Orleans peeps get looped on cocktails and overindulge in sugary cake until a date late in February (Mardis Gras Day aka Fat Tuesday).  Hidden inside each King\'s Cake is a wee plastic babe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I had never eaten a King\'s Cake, nor had I ever embarked on a hunt for babies, so I was pretty psyched.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I entered the kitchen, I heard Little Michelle (the other Michelle who is littler than me) SCREECHING,  \"I FOUND THE BABY!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone gasped excitedly and immediately congratulated her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then asked her what the heck \"finding the baby\" means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle shrugged and answered, \"I don\'t know for sure.  I think it means good luck.  I could use some good luck right now.  I FOUND THE BABY!!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I thought that I could use some good luck as well.  I dove into that King\'s Cake faster than you can say, \"Happy Mardi Gras, Suckers!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd there he was.  A tiny plastic baby unearthed and just resting on the table.  I didn\'t even have to unhygienically pick apart the cake!  I grabbed that baby, raised him high above my head and shouted, \"I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!  I FOUND THE BABY, TOO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I realize that some might consider this cheating, but cheating is such a harsh word.  Finding a baby is finding a baby.  I like to think outside the box.  (Or outside the cake in this instance.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends immediately humored me because after the events of the past couple weeks, they only want good luck for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe scurried off to our cubes to await our impending sugar crashes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle, still unsure of the exact meaning of the baby find, Googled away.  Nothing about good luck, but \"Sometimes, discovering the baby signifies that you are Queen of the Mardi Gras Party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Woohooooo!!!!  I was QUEEN, too!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut wait a minute.  Did my outside the cake strategy mean I was an illegitimate Queen?  Kind of like when <a href=\"http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/2338/anne-boleyn-and-catherine-of-aragon-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Anne Boleyn</strong> </a>stole the crown right off of poor Catherine of Aragon\'s head?!?!  That wouldn\'t be cool.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Michelle continued reading her Google FAQs.  \"Most often, whoever locates the baby must supply the King\'s Cake at the next party.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReally????  That\'s no fun.  To heck with that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBesides . . . . Unlike Anne Boleyn, I have a conscience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Long Live the Queen!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9706\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Rightful Queen\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/22/unlawful-queen-of-the-party/img00014-20120221-1300/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9706\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9706\" title=\"IMG00014-20120221-1300\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00014-20120221-1300-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid anyone else feast on King\'s Cake yesterday?  Did you find the baby?  Did you think you were blessed with good luck or a Royal title, only to find out that you were roped into feeding your loyal subjects?','Unlawful Queen of the Party','','inherit','open','open','','9703-revision-44','','','2012-03-12 21:42:50','2012-03-13 04:42:50','',9703,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/12/9703-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(9974,1,'2011-01-01 14:26:52','2011-01-01 21:26:52','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2974\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Today&#39;s Rock &#39;n Roll Fashion Tip: When you are trying to look like a Rock Goddess, don&#39;t wear your niece&#39;s hoodie. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki004.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2974  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki004-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 94 started out as Go Kart Racing with World\'s Most Precious Niece and Nephew.  I hadn\'t driven a Go Kart since I was a kid, and we all know how I love to play with my Inner Child as often as possible. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What I didn\'t realize was that I was going to be utterly humiliated by a video game. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I mistakenly thought that since I play the guitar, I might excel at Guitar Hero.  Seems logical, doesn\'t it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I intended to start off as a bad ass.  No chick songs here.  Give me some Rage Against the Machine! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2975\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bad Asses don&#39;t get booed off the stage by cyberbullies in less than 60 seconds. Hmph.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki007.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2975\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki007-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that channeling Nancy Wilson might bring me luck.  I attempted \"Barracuda\" with an equally abysmal score.  I was so distraught that I forgot to take a photo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Texas, try ZZ Top.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2976\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Booed again! Bite me, Guitar Hero! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghzztop.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2976\" title=\"ghzztop\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghzztop-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A 10 year-old boy approached me with a smirk.  In an attempt to salvage by bruised ego, I told him that I played real guitar.   Young Brendan did not play real guitar, but apparently rocked at Guitar Hero.  I asked him if he could show me how it\'s done, but his parents were waiting for him at the Go Karts.  I asked him to find me later when he was ready. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About 30 minutes later, young Brendan tapped me on the shoulder and walked me over to Guitar Hero.  He explained to me that the key is to not strum the fake guitar like a real guitar.  That makes A LOT of sense, Makers of Guitar Hero, whoever you are. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Young Brendan then spent 5 seconds loading his game.  I previously spent 5 minutes picking out the best character, outfit, guitar, etc.  Oh, the kids these days!  Brendan was all business and no fun. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He started playing to Foghat which...Cracked.  Me.  Up.  :-))  And made me grateful that even though these kids are learning nothing that will actually help them play guitar, at least they are being introduced to 70s classic rock, which just so happens to be my favorite genre. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Young Brendan rocked on to the bitter end.  In the Gaming World, he is a Rock God. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2978\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Young Brendan Rocks Foghat\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghbrendan.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2978 \" title=\"ghbrendan\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghbrendan-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feeling confident after Brendan\'s masterful lesson, I picked up my ego, dusted it off, and tried yet again.  When in Texas, and when ZZ Top gets you nowhere, try a Texas Blues Legend instead. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2977\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"SRV, I apologize from the depths of my soul. Although...if you were still alive, you would probably suck at Guitar Hero as well. RIP.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghsrv.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2977 \" title=\"ghsrv\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ghsrv-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If any random kids stumbled upon this blog, here is my advice to you:  get off the Internet and do your homework. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After that, stop playing Guitar Hero and pick up a real guitar.  Start to take lessons.  Or...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You have my permission to get back on the Internet and look up countless free guitar lessons.  Or...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Aunt Michelle taught herself how to play in 3rd grade with the John Denver songbook.  True story!  Pick up an easy songbook of your favorite musician and \"Just Do It\"! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Practice every day, and you will be amazed at how quickly you learn.  Email me with any questions.  If I can\'t answer them, 99.9% of my ex-boyfriends play guitar.  They would be happy to help you, too. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which reminds me...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Boys,</span></strong> girls LOVE boys who can play guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Girls,</strong> </span>boys LOVE chicks who can play guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Boys</span> &amp; <span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Girls</span></strong>, when you are at FunTiki or similar family entertainment center, stick to the Go Karts. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2979\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"If I had only stuck to the original game plan, my ego would not have been hurt.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki001.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2979 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fun-Tiki001-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 94:  I Play a Real Guitar, but I SUCK at Guitar Hero.  ???  ','','inherit','open','open','','2971-revision-36','','','2011-01-01 14:26:52','2011-01-01 21:26:52','',2971,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/01/2971-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(9975,1,'2012-03-12 21:32:26','2012-03-13 04:32:26','<p>Watch me brave the dark woods with 2 noisy kids, a scaredy cat sister, under-powered flashlights, and a night-vision camera.  It\'s all fun and games until something goes bump in the night...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<object style=\"width: 640px; height: 390px;\" classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_crMLXrV-jM?version=3\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed style=\"width: 640px; height: 390px;\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_crMLXrV-jM?version=3\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"></embed></object>\r\n</p>','Day 97:  Remember The Blair Witch Project?  What about The Pygmy Bear Project?','','inherit','open','open','','3061-revision-10','','','2012-03-12 21:32:26','2012-03-13 04:32:26','',3061,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/12/3061-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9979,1,'2012-03-12 22:12:13','2012-03-13 05:12:13','<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Holy crap!</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"> </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">You\'re not going to believe the photo below!!</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst I need to set up our ghostly adventure.  You didn\'t think I was going to whip out the photo right away and kill the suspense, did you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 57, the four Ghost Huntresses (me, Christy Jo, Becky Jo, and Sarah) abandoned the comfort and safety of our homes to check into one of the most haunted places in the world.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you were wondering, yes, we\'re nuts.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd also a lot of fun.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd exceptionally brave when Patron is involved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe arrived at the <a href=\"http://www.jeromegrandhotel.net/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Jerome Grand Hotel</strong> </a>around dinner time.  The dark and <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">stormy</span> chilly full moon night set the stage for an eerie everning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Jerome Grand Hotel sits on the top of the hill over the town of Jerome which we all agreed looked uber-creepy.  Christy Jo started panicking as she drove up the hill.  Apparently, she noticed a bedroom light flashing on and off.   This coupled with the (no) vacancy sign flickering only a \"cy\" reminded her way too much of the Bates motel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Even I, with all of my bravado, had a \"What the hell have I gotten us into?!?!\" moment.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all shrieked like school girls as we unloaded our bags from the car.  We schlepped up to the hotel and checked in with a front desk attendant who (God bless him) had no idea that I was about to grill him with 15 minutes worth of questions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think about it, his rambling and long-winded answers were probably a ploy to keep the excited hottie girls from Phoenix down in the uneventful lobby for as long as he could.  His scheme worked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">We found out that our Room 10 had seen \"activity\".  </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo flipped through the guest log and found entries for Room 10 which included bed covers flung off in the middle of the night.  The rest of it I can\'t tell you.  I seemed to have blocked it out as a protective mechanism.  If you want, I can go through hypnosis for another blog day to uncover the lost memory.  Or Christy Jo could just comment below, I suppose.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled around the hotel website prior to our visit, I unearthed stories of wheezing and coughing coming from room corners.  (The hotel was formerly a hospital.  And yes, there were mental patients because I asked in my 15 minute round of questioning.  I knew there had to be some reason why their restaurant is named The Asylum.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'re not catching my drift, there could be crazy ghosts floating around the hotel which is somehow more unnerving than sane ghosts.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOther guest experiences have included (but have not been limited to) strange noises, TVs turning on and off, voices, and unexplained smells of dust and flowers.  There have also been reports of cigarette and whisky smells which I think is most obviously a dead country music singer living it up in the afterlife.\r\n\r\n<br class=\"spacer_\" />Guests also claim to have seen orbs of light, ectoplasm (wtf?!), apparations of a nurse, and a woman in white.  According to legend, the woman and her baby died in childbirth.  The woman in white is distraught over the treatment of her child who was buried in an unmarked grave.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Are you scared yet?  :-o </span></span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s a first-hand account from my friend, Perry, who didn\'t believe in ghosts until after his stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the middle of the night, Perry heard kids running up and down the hall.  The kids didn\'t let up, so Perry exited his room to tell them to stop.  There was no one there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen he returned to his bed, the kids ran amuck again.  Perry was officially pissed.  He swung open the door to an empty hallway.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPerry then camped out behind the door with his hand on the knob.  As soon as he heard the kids directly outside his room, he flung open the door.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>No one was there!!!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<br class=\"spacer_\" />At that moment, Perry converted to a believer.  <em>Duh. </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, back to the Ghost Huntresses stalled in the lobby by the wordy front desk attendant...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen the girls wanted to strangle me for delaying dinner, I graciously thanked Mr. Front Desk Guy, and we were off!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr up, to be precise.  We boarded an old-fashioned elevator that is supposed to be haunted by the ghost of Claude Harvey.  Claude reportedly met with foul play in the elevator shaft.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe creaked open the door to Room 10 and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Boo!  </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNothing happened.  Just wanted to make sure you are still with me.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGhost Huntress Sarah immediately scoured the room while I acted like a ghost paparazzi with my camera.  Guests previously captured images and orbs of light at various locations in the hotel.  You can see those pictures <strong><a href=\"http://www.jeromeghosthunting.com/Ghost%20Hunt%20Photos.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\nTech savvy Ghost Huntresses Christy Jo and Becky Jo whipped out their iPad and iPhone featuring the Ghost Radar app.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Apple, you crack me up.  Ghost Radar app?!?! </span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGhost Radar not only lit up like a Christmas tree with \"activity\", but it also spat out words that Becky Jo swore pertained to us!  Again, I have blocked out those words in my post-haunted-amnesia, so the other Ghost Huntresses really need to chime in and comment below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the midst of all this mayhem, I excused myself to the ladies room.  After I finished my business, I stood in the bathroom and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">I screamed bloody murder!!! </span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo freak the girls out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNothing happened this time either.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe girls gasped, \"Michelle?!?!\" from the room, but when I threw open the door, I found them huddled on the other side of the room ready to make an escape.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI made a mental note that I seriously hoped nothing otherworldly happened that night.  My fellow Ghost Huntresses would be of no help and would be outta there faster than you can say, \"Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter this flurry of photo ops and ghost radar apps, we decided to step out to dinner.  The restaurant was conveniently located right outside our room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs we entered the lobby, a really ugly/scary statue of a twisted wee man sat on an old wheelchair.  Christy insisted that I pose for a photo.  She directed me to pretend to push the wheelchair from behind.  I, always the method actress, performed a mute scream this time around.  A false alarm with your friends is one thing; a false alarm with dinner guests could get me kicked out of the joint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo then spazzed out about something with my camera.  I tuned her out while wondering what kind of food The Asylum served.  Becky Jo flipped out as well as she brought me my camera.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now it\'s time for the photo reveal.  May I have a drum roll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200193.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200193-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-huh.  Those are orbs, baby.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Holy Sh#%balls!!!!! </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI nearly hyperventilated.  I just took dozens of photos of the room, and those images were crystal clear!!!  Well...all of them except one.  Look closely at the back of Sarah\'s leg.  It\'s not a bleach stain, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2109\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s a frickin\' orb!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow...when Kimeee saw this photo upon my return, she asked, \"What are these \'orbs\'?  Have you researched them?  What are they supposedly comprised of?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Kimeee is an attorney, and therefore thinks about things logically and rationally on a daily basis.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI, as her right-brained artsy fartsy friend, see balls of unknown nature in a photo, think back to the mention of orbs on the hotel website, and need no further explanation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Do you?!?! </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLadies and 3 token gents, let\'s be perfectly candid with each other, shall we?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>THERE IS NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION!!!! </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was nothing on my camera lens.  There were no special lighting effects in the hotel lobby as evidenced by subsequent photos in the same location.  You have my word that I did not alter the photo in any way, shape or form.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI believe I mentioned that the location of the orbs was merely several feet from our room?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you experience the supernatural within 15 minutes of arriving at your room, it\'s time to call out the big guns.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200196.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the rest of the evening, our fear<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">less</span>ful heroines had become comfortably numb.  So who knows if anything else happened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe did scour the hallways with our Ghost Radar and cameras later on with no trace of anything alarming.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn my humble opinion, the orbs were more than enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo there you have it.  The Ghost Huntresses continue to be ghost magnets. <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/17/day-51-we-see-dead-people/\" target=\"_blank\">(See Day 51 for our backstory.) </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">We are now accepting offers for our own </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ghost </span></span></strong><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Huntresses TV show. </span> </span></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe\'re prettier, smarter, and infinitely more talented than those morons on <em>The Jersey Shore</em>.  If they can land a TV gig, why can\'t we?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Here\'s my pitch to The Discovery Channel:  </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong> </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDreams do come true, my friends.  Dreams do come true!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***************************************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nScroll down for more \"interesting\" photos.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210233.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2111\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210233-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNone of us noticed this on that fateful night.  You can see another orb in the foreground.  Click the photo, enlarge, and look at what is near Ghost Huntress Becky Jo\'s ankle.  (She\'s the one sitting on the bed while checking out Ghost Radar.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Is that ectoplasm?!?!</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200194.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2134\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200194-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis was taken immediately after discovering the orbs in the Orbs Gone Wild! photo above.  A few remnant orbs are still around and ready for their close-up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210198.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2136\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nInnocuous photo of me goofing off again.  This and the tequila shot photo were both taken with my camera.  I told you there was nothing on the lens!  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 57:  We Saw Dead People (or if you want to be technical, \"orbs\")','','inherit','open','open','','2098-revision-66','','','2012-03-12 22:12:13','2012-03-13 05:12:13','',2098,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/12/2098-revision-66/',0,'revision','',0),(9981,1,'2012-03-13 18:51:01','2012-03-14 01:51:01','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anway.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never challenged myself in an urban setting.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it\'s really thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by World\'s B','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision','','','2012-03-13 18:51:01','2012-03-14 01:51:01','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(9982,1,'2012-03-13 19:03:25','2012-03-14 02:03:25','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by World\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is Regina.  Regina is a real, live Italian American woman.  wunderkind\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-2','','','2012-03-13 19:03:25','2012-03-14 02:03:25','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(9983,1,'2012-03-13 19:26:25','2012-03-14 02:26:25','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake bis\n\n&nbsp;\n\nphoto\n\n&nbsp;\n\nphoto\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-3','','','2012-03-13 19:26:25','2012-03-14 02:26:25','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(9984,1,'2012-03-13 19:46:21','2012-03-14 02:46:21','','DSCF6174','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6174','','','2012-03-13 19:46:21','2012-03-14 02:46:21','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9985,1,'2012-03-13 19:54:07','2012-03-14 02:54:07','','DSCF6177','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6177','','','2012-03-13 19:54:07','2012-03-14 02:54:07','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9986,1,'2012-03-13 20:01:07','2012-03-14 03:01:07','','DSCF6184','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6184','','','2012-03-13 20:01:07','2012-03-14 03:01:07','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9987,1,'2012-03-13 20:02:33','2012-03-14 03:02:33','','DSCF6191','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6191','','','2012-03-13 20:02:33','2012-03-14 03:02:33','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9988,1,'2012-03-13 20:12:27','2012-03-14 03:12:27','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to do that, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce, twice, THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Unless you\'re )\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-4','','','2012-03-13 20:12:27','2012-03-14 03:12:27','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(9990,1,'2012-03-13 20:14:27','2012-03-14 03:14:27','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce, twice, THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-6','','','2012-03-13 20:14:27','2012-03-14 03:14:27','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(9989,1,'2012-03-13 20:13:21','2012-03-14 03:13:21','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to do that, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce, twice, THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-5','','','2012-03-13 20:13:21','2012-03-14 03:13:21','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(9992,1,'2012-03-13 20:18:15','2012-03-14 03:18:15','','DSCF6195','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6195','','','2012-03-13 20:18:15','2012-03-14 03:18:15','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9991,1,'2012-03-13 20:14:46','2012-03-14 03:14:46','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-7','','','2012-03-13 20:14:46','2012-03-14 03:14:46','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(9993,1,'2012-03-13 20:19:28','2012-03-14 03:19:28','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-8','','','2012-03-13 20:19:28','2012-03-14 03:19:28','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(9995,1,'2012-03-13 20:20:28','2012-03-14 03:20:28','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nyou actually cut the logs of delectableness for the twice and thrice bakings.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-10','','','2012-03-13 20:20:28','2012-03-14 03:20:28','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9994,1,'2012-03-13 20:20:20','2012-03-14 03:20:20','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nyou actually cut the logs of delectableness for the twice and thrice bakings.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-9','','','2012-03-13 20:20:20','2012-03-14 03:20:20','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9996,1,'2012-03-13 20:34:46','2012-03-14 03:34:46','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong>challenged myself in an urban setting</strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Although it really means thrice baked.)  Nor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake the heck out of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into Sweet Italiano -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  (And if you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and mail it fresh to your doorstep for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe carries cartons of culinary goodies with her including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, homemade vanilla and anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is the Mary Poppins of cooking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nyou actually cut the logs of delectableness for the twice and thrice bakings.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-11','','','2012-03-13 20:34:46','2012-03-14 03:34:46','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/13/9980-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(9997,1,'2012-03-14 19:26:18','2012-03-15 02:26:18','','DSCF6198','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6198','','','2012-03-14 19:26:18','2012-03-15 02:26:18','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9998,1,'2012-03-14 19:31:16','2012-03-15 02:31:16','','DSCF6205','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6205','','','2012-03-14 19:31:16','2012-03-15 02:31:16','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9999,1,'2012-03-14 19:33:37','2012-03-15 02:33:37','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-717','','','2012-03-14 19:33:37','2012-03-15 02:33:37','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10000,1,'2012-03-14 19:51:10','2012-03-15 02:51:10','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-12','','','2012-03-14 19:51:10','2012-03-15 02:51:10','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(10002,1,'2012-03-14 19:53:10','2012-03-15 02:53:10','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-14','','','2012-03-14 19:53:10','2012-03-15 02:53:10','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(10001,1,'2012-03-14 19:53:01','2012-03-15 02:53:01','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-13','','','2012-03-14 19:53:01','2012-03-15 02:53:01','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(10006,1,'2012-03-14 19:57:10','2012-03-15 02:57:10','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Biscotti Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Biscotti Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Bis','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-18','','','2012-03-14 19:57:10','2012-03-15 02:57:10','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(10003,1,'2012-03-14 19:54:12','2012-03-15 02:54:12','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-15','','','2012-03-14 19:54:12','2012-03-15 02:54:12','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(10004,1,'2012-03-14 19:54:12','2012-03-15 02:54:12','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-16','','','2012-03-14 19:54:12','2012-03-15 02:54:12','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(10005,1,'2012-03-14 19:55:06','2012-03-15 02:55:06','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  Biscotti Babes','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-17','','','2012-03-14 19:55:06','2012-03-15 02:55:06','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(10008,1,'2012-03-14 20:00:38','2012-03-15 03:00:38','','DSCF6185','','inherit','open','open','','dscf6185','','','2012-03-14 20:00:38','2012-03-15 03:00:38','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10007,1,'2012-03-14 19:57:34','2012-03-15 02:57:34','Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Biscotti Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Biscotti Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-19','','','2012-03-14 19:57:34','2012-03-15 02:57:34','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(10009,1,'2012-03-14 20:02:39','2012-03-15 03:02:39','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-20','','','2012-03-14 20:02:39','2012-03-15 03:02:39','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(10011,1,'2012-03-14 20:09:18','2012-03-15 03:09:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-22','','','2012-03-14 20:09:18','2012-03-15 03:09:18','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(10010,1,'2012-03-14 20:08:15','2012-03-15 03:08:15','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer of your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-21','','','2012-03-14 20:08:15','2012-03-15 03:08:15','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(10015,1,'2012-03-14 20:16:09','2012-03-15 03:16:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao, amici miei!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-26','','','2012-03-14 20:16:09','2012-03-15 03:16:09','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(10012,1,'2012-03-14 20:10:17','2012-03-15 03:10:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-23','','','2012-03-14 20:10:17','2012-03-15 03:10:17','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(10013,1,'2012-03-14 20:10:17','2012-03-15 03:10:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.  (SP?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).  (sp?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-24','','','2012-03-14 20:10:17','2012-03-15 03:10:17','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(10014,1,'2012-03-14 20:11:05','2012-03-15 03:11:05','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and is shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . . . <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-25','','','2012-03-14 20:11:05','2012-03-15 03:11:05','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(10017,1,'2012-03-14 20:17:09','2012-03-15 03:17:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao, miei amici!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-28','','','2012-03-14 20:17:09','2012-03-15 03:17:09','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(10016,1,'2012-03-14 20:16:55','2012-03-15 03:16:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-27','','','2012-03-14 20:16:55','2012-03-15 03:16:55','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(10018,1,'2012-03-14 20:17:12','2012-03-15 03:17:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10008\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9984\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9985\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9986\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9987\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9992\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9997\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9998\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9999\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-29','','','2012-03-14 20:17:12','2012-03-15 03:17:12','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(10019,1,'2012-03-14 20:18:17','2012-03-15 03:18:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chop.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao, miei amici!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-autosave','','','2012-03-14 20:18:17','2012-03-15 03:18:17','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(10020,1,'2012-03-14 20:17:12','2012-03-15 03:17:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-30','','','2012-03-14 20:17:12','2012-03-15 03:17:12','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(10021,1,'2012-03-14 20:21:50','2012-03-15 03:21:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-31','','','2012-03-14 20:21:50','2012-03-15 03:21:50','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(10022,1,'2012-03-14 20:21:50','2012-03-15 03:21:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-32','','','2012-03-14 20:21:50','2012-03-15 03:21:50','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(10023,1,'2012-03-14 20:23:21','2012-03-15 03:23:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough using an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-33','','','2012-03-14 20:23:21','2012-03-15 03:23:21','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(10024,1,'2012-03-14 20:23:21','2012-03-15 03:23:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough using an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, then THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso has to be ordered online and shipped from Italy.  Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-34','','','2012-03-14 20:23:21','2012-03-15 03:23:21','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(10025,1,'2012-03-14 20:24:40','2012-03-15 03:24:40','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough using an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso is ordered online and shipped from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-35','','','2012-03-14 20:24:40','2012-03-15 03:24:40','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(10026,1,'2012-03-14 20:24:40','2012-03-15 03:24:40','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6185/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10008\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10008 alignleft\" title=\"DSCF6185\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6185-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Groupon, I can hardly remember life without you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/27/day-300-climb-every-mountain-or-every-rock-gym-wall-if-its-112-degrees-outside/\" target=\"_blank\">felt the fear and climbed that rock gym wall anyway.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/05/189-urban-scavenger-hunt/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>challenged myself in the concrete jungle</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithout you, I would have never learned that biscotti means \"twice baked\".  (Even though biscotti is actually thrice baked.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNor would I have ever been taught how to bake biscotti in the comfort of my own home by Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, if you were a man, I would immediately and shamelessly solicit an invitation for a hot date.  (Although I\'m kinda sorta not dating until after April 30th because I\'ve taken on yet another <a href=\"http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extreme \"project\"</strong>.</a>  If you stick around until May 1st, I\'m worth the wait.  But you\'re not a man, you\'re a cyber-coupon, so why am I even waxing on about this?  It\'s embarrassing.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGroupon, enough of the man talk.  Thank you for introducing me to Regina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina is a real, live Italian-American woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina was a biscotti apprentice of her grandmother who is a real, live Italian woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis translates into Regina knowing how to bake one heck of a biscotti!  (Not once, not twice, but thrice!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since she also happens to be a savvy businesswoman, she has transformed her skill and passion into<strong> <a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Italiano</a></strong> -- a culinary adventure for the masses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is what you can expect when you invite the dynamo that is Regina into your kitchen to work her magic.  And mark my words, you will solicit her services pronto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you live outside of my fair city, fret not!  Regina will bake biscotti of almost any flavor imaginable and<a href=\"http://sweetitaliano.com/revieworder-desserts.html\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>mail it fresh to your doorstep</strong></a> for an insanely reasonable fee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina enters your kitchen with cartons of culinary goodies including pre-measured ingredients, recipes, utensils, aprons, chef hats, Italian mood music, photos from Italia, an espresso service, homemade vanilla &amp; anise extracts and 12 year-old parmesan cheese.  (As for the cheese, it\'s a long story.  Every party needs a conversation piece.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I think of it, Regina is The Mary Poppins of Baking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6174/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9984\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9984\" title=\"DSCF6174\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6174-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRegina also plays the role of Official Photographer for your event.  All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stir.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6177/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9985\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9985\" title=\"DSCF6177\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6177-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chop.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6184/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9986\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9986\" title=\"DSCF6184\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd mold the edges of the dough using an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down by Regina\'s Nonna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6191/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9987\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9987\" title=\"DSCF6191\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6191-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVery good, bellas!  Now it\'s time to place the logs into the oven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6195/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9992\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9992\" title=\"DSCF6195\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6195-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd how many times are we going to cook those logs of delectableness, ladies and 3 token gents?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot once, not twice, but THRICE!  (I\'m obviously infatuated with that word.  It\'s exceedingly fun to say, and how often do we ever get to use it?  Shakespearean actors?  All the time.  Contemporary peeps in our fair cities?  Never.  Until now!  Huzzah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the first baking, you cut the logs of delectableness with an Ancient Italian Secret Technique passed down to Regina by her Padre (who just so happens to be a real, live Professional Chef).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6198/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9997\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9997\" title=\"DSCF6198\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou then bake twice, THRICE, and presto!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/dscf6205/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9998\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9998\" title=\"DSCF6205\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCF6205-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor the perfect finishing touch . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/15/playdate-11-in-home-biscotti-baking-class/olympus-digital-camera-717/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9999\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9999\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3110006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe espresso is ordered online and shipped from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEveryone who knows me would tell you that I am very . . .  <em>particular</em> about my espresso.  I would just tell you straight out that I am an espresso snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPreviously, I purchased only Illy.  Now, I will turn over half my paycheck to a <a href=\"http://www.espressovero.com/attibassi_products.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>company in Bologna</strong> </a>because their espresso is <em>orgasmic</em>.  And since I\'m currently not dating, I need to get my kicks somehow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  Hey, Mom -- We all sampled the raw dough and no one contracted salmonella!  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever baked biscotti?  How did yours turn out?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you need the tutelage of Regina aka Phoenix\'s Best Biscotti Bakeress aka The Mary Poppins of Baking, you can reach her at 708.927.7803.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao, miei amici!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #11:  In-Home Biscotti Baking Class','','inherit','open','open','','9980-revision-36','','','2012-03-14 20:24:40','2012-03-15 03:24:40','',9980,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/03/14/9980-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0);
