Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I like the one pictured above — With little instruction, effort and money put forth, I received these logos.  Not bad at all.  I used Fiverr.com and reported about them previously.  One is able to buy and/or sell graphic design services there and more, which has seamlessly served me well so far.

I appreciate the time that I didn’t spend creating all.Each can be used at any time, but the first, top one is the winner of this batch of inexpensive logos.

Have you heard of Fiverr.com?  It’s where I got the cartoon above created.  Fiverr.com is a fun, useful, creative place where one can commission a custom cartoon, caricature, logo or other graphic design for a great price.  One can buy and/or sell graphic and design projects, as well as writing, translation, video, audio, programming and marketing projects, and much more.  Check it out.

I’m currently hooked on graphics — I commissioned a couple cartoons, vectors and logos.  At approximately $5 – $20 each, I can afford it.  It’s interesting working with artists/sellers around the world.  I’ve had good experiences so far.  Comparison Photo:  A Pie I made won an honorable mention at the Orange County Fair a few years back and this is a photo of me behind it.

Much is growing here this year.  It’s something I’ve always wanted.  An edible garden.  I want to grow everything possible to eat — Fruit, herbs, vegetables, berries, nuts, you name it.  It would be a dream come true. Though we’re unable to grow everything, it’s a better crop than last year.

Blackberries.

Pineapples.

Grapes forming on healthy vines.

Six different types of Tomatoes, four stalks of Corn, seven Walla Walla Onions, and three types of Sweet Peppers are growing strong, while Cesar the tortoise mows the backyard lawn.

Before (above) and after (below) in just weeks — Corn, Tomatoes, Peppers and Onions are taking off.

Herbs (Baby Basil, Oregano, Mint, Chives and Thyme), Jalapenos, Arugula, Fennel, Dill and various kinds of Lettuce are doing well in our other raised garden.  A couple seeds we planted I can’t recall.

Heirloom Tomatoes are starting to form — It’s a beautiful sight.  All looks healthy.

Boysenberries — We bought a Boysenberry plant from Knott’s Berry Farm and now see a mini berry.

Lemons — A staple for zest and juice in many dishes.

Strawberries — The birds or something else usually gets them before we do.

Too many Tangelos sometimes, but we appreciate the tree.

Two Pineapples are clearly visible with the potential for two more.

Spring is springing — We’re grateful for all that grows and lives.  Thanks to God.

If all goes well, we’ll be thrilled to show a bounty this summer.

Garden Update:  June 12, 2016 (check back for future updates and bounty).

Oh boy, I’m actually going to Camp Blogaway this year.  It’s already paid for.  No turning back now. It happens in Southern California so I have to attend at least once.  I’ll learn a few things I’m sure, enjoy the outdoors, and probably have a lot of fun, but it’s a bit uneasy setting out for it alone. Overall, adventure combined with food, and the topic of food prevails — I’m looking forward to it.

Photo from Calico Ghost Town, not Camp Blogaway this May — See what will be included there.

It’s become necessary to make improvements and upgrades to Nibbles of Tidbits — THANKS to Cornell Care, we’re moving on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky.  They’ve been working hard behind the scene to make all here the best it can be.  Cheers to that!  Now let’s eat.

We made the paper yesterday — The Orange County Register printed an article on me (Shelly Borrell), Nibbles of Tidbits, Shelly’s Jellies and more.  You’ll need to enlarge it to read it here or try this link, though you may need to sign-in or up to view it on the OC Register’s website.

Look at the Cake I didn’t make — It’s pretty and proper since today is Nibbles of Tidbits 5 Year Anniversary.  Time sure flies and life is short so savor each moment.  Happy Anniversary to us!

The top line may push it a bit, but I concur with the general finding.  All is good — Thank God.

What else would a food blog want?  Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!  Bon appétit.

It’s what I daydream about.  Forget shopping — Is it time to eat again? 

While contemplating the next color in Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, The Funny and The Bad will be similarly featured in photographs in between — Fortunately The Good usually prevails here, and we laugh at the funny and learn from the bad that happens around FOOD and in life.  This prelude is a taste of funny that can also be bad.  I’ve experienced 7 of the Food-Related Injuries identified above, most commonly Wasabi Nose.  How about you?

Nibbles of Tidbits and company doing my kind of camping.

We also celebrated Bailee’s Birthday (Kids in the Kitchen) — The pictured Cake design is not recommended.  Don’t these things happen (lost a hunk) when it matters most?!  It tasted good, so I made the best of it.  It’s Chocolate Mountain Cake with an Orange Juice/Zest Glaze.

Unusually warm and extra beautiful in January on the South Carlsbad Cliffs.

Food, walks and painting rocks.

It’s mostly a rock beach now, after a storm a couple years ago.

Moments of branding wrapped in family time.

Christmas Crackers from Cost Plus — Wanted to try them.  A pop with jokes & prizes inside.

We had plenty of Dips, Salads, Chips, Coronas, Cactus Coolers and Mimosas at bay.

Talented Kids in the Kitchen — You’ve seen their work.

Simple eats to compliment all — Ground Beef Tacos.  The kind I grew up with.

Don’t you love the smell of a campfire?  I do!

Must have S’more ingredients on hand for these occasions.

Watching the surf with tunes and lazy dogs.

The sunsets were striking, like always, it seems — I’ve never seen a bad one.

Picnic tables are resourceful.

Playing games, flying kites, painting, taking pictures and eating — Ahhhh, free time.

Uniquely shaped rocks inspire — What’s its story?

Well wishes to your family in 2012 — Explore and eat together.

Enjoy all when and while you can.  Traveling mercies.

Branding on a rock in Carlsbad by Kids in the Kitchen — Need Freelance Writing Services?

A few of our most popular recipes were recently noted in this post — Here they’re linked and featured in photographs starting with the Quick Tender Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs.

Have you tried Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef?  I love it and created a copycat recipe.  It may be the most viewed post on Nibbles of Tidbits — It’s a darn good recipe too.  If you know the flavors, you’ll see.  Our preparation starts by searing the Beef, then on to slow cooking to easily shred.

Though the above photo doessn’t look that appetizing, it’s tasty as all get out topped with Goat Cheese.  It’s another copycat recipe that works — Houston’s Braised Red Cabbage.

Have you ever gone through the hassle of preparing Amish Friendhship Bread?  When I did, I thought it was quite burdensome, but after tasting the finished product, I’d do it over and over again.  It’s one of the best Breads I’ve had — Complex, flavorful, moist and magical.

It’s been a stimulating FOOD YEAR that started from day one — And here we are again, full circling on to another year with the same kick off as last.  Exciting stuff, since we’ll be VIP Media at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Come on out the weather is fine.

In 2011, I won and judged several food competitions and I’m THANKFUL for the ribbons, prizes, food, drinks and invitations — Faithfully gratified I aspire to experience more of all in 2012, officially commencing at midnight.  It’s time to eat, dance and gamble at the Block Party.

Toast to 2012 and pray for the best — It’s going to be a big year!

Happy New Year from Nibbles of Tidbits, I Need Text Company and Shelly Borrell.

We pause for a moment of branding — For information regarding Freelance Writing Services, please visit I Need Text Company or feel free to send an inquiry through Nibbles of Tidbits.  The special of the day will always be FOOD, but ANY TEXT can be served up hot.  Thank you.

My favorite flavor is probably Orange — It’s what I choose most in everything.

And I’m currently based in Orange County, made known in About and About the Writer.

In addition to cooking adventures, mishaps, discoveries and more, Nibbles of Tidbits posts about Orange County events, restaurants, happenings, living, and everything food related.

To enhance all, an Orange County Food Blogroll is set apart — Met a few about town.

Peel open the OC with the list of Orange County Food Blogs linked on the right.

Orange Art — How to make Orange Guy.

Lovin’ these photos — Thanks and credit go here, here, here, here and here.

I didn’t order the hit on table tent inserts at Hof’s Hut, but appreciate having one with my name on it.  For the record, my parent’s friends actually asked if they could take it.  I should’ve photographed it instead of scanned it — It’s hard to read, despite its wannabe size progression.  Only 15 more days to get the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger at Hof’s Hut.  Still celebrating…

Keep tuned in WORLD, as recipes, homemade dishes, contests, food news, cooking tips, experiments, brand comparisons, product testing, and interesting fodder will continue to be reported here — And ORANGE COUNTY residents and travelers to/from the OC should pay special attention, as we’re soon adding a New Category and Blogroll, Orange County (OC) Food and Orange County (OC) Bloggers, respectively.  It’s slated to happen in early July.

Nibbles of Tidbits will carry on as a source for world inhabitants, and become a go-to for restaurant reviews, event information and topics of interest to OC residents and visitors.  If looking for something specific (worldly or local), before or after the additions, check the related Category or use our Search Box.  Much is readily accessible, if not immediately seen.  You know what I mean Jelly Bean?!  Interested in the Strips and Cheese in HB?  See here.

In many cases, Saturday is the only day one gets to do what one wants to do.  Today I choose to write two lines, then get out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it just so happens.

Grateful for the opportunities and my abilities, and the nibbles in between.

Obviously the cow came before the Milk, as I Need Text Company (“INTC”) came before Nibbles of Tidbits.  Freelance Writing Services continue to be available by way of INTC, as Nibbles of Tidbits thrives.  A Nibbles of Tidbits Facebook Page was created to bifurcate our presence there — If you “Like” Nibbles of Tidbits fka “Fan” (A FB name change: It’s less committal, 😉 ), I may Like you too.  I get the change, I’m not a fan of many things, but like a lot.  I’d be more apt to like YOU.  Aside from all that, inquire within regarding professional writing services.

Maggie likes Nibbles of Tidbits.

In contrast to our new-fangled fork on Facebook, the Vintage Milk Truck serves to connect the post title and highlight a historical relationship with Milk.  All are presented to establish capability and experience, with more to be learned at INTC — And to celebrate creative freedom here on Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s a balanced association, amply liberated for your benefit too.  Though I sometimes resemble Mr. Bill, the words are King.

My Play-Doh face, modeled by Chef Lexi the day all photos were taken.

Nibbles of Tidbits, Shelly Borrell is on Twitter as FoodBlog — Our last five tweets, so they’re called, are always posted here (below on the right).  FYI: I’m not that into it and frankly think Twitter is a bit overrated, but it does have its benefits.  A presence is necessary to participate in some events/happenings and it comes in handy while traveling to meet up with groups.  The Carrot is poker-faced about the idea, but if you’d like to follow us, see here.

The Red Wine I drink most often is (and has been) Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel.  The price is right, especially when it’s on sale, and it has a nice depth of flavor, thus I was excited to stumble upon Ravenswood’s No Wimpy Wines Assignment just in time.  YOU now have 8 more days to create and submit a video using Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel as the star.  Since we already think it’s a star, it was fun to experiment with Windows Movie Maker and the ideas bouncing around my head.  Wish us luck!

We submitted 2 videos (above and below), as YOU may submit as many as you’re able to create.  Ravenswood looks to purchase at least 4 videos for use — Creators will receive a one-time usage fee of $5ooo for each video chosen.  Enter your video here now.

* In consideration of the pending competition (and embarrassment), the above videos are only posted now on Nibbles of Tidbits — It took a lot to work up to that. 🙂