tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81008049158547767852024-03-12T22:49:23.201-07:00Pickles & ChapstickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.comBlogger320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-23394784964176036592013-08-08T09:29:00.001-07:002013-08-08T09:29:25.456-07:00I've moved...kinda sorta. I took the advice of the web savy people in my life and decided to move this blog over to wordpress. I've been working on the silly stuff for weeks now. In the grand scheme of life the fact that I pondered over this as much as I have is kinda silly. So I hope you will continue to follow this little blog over at<div>
picklesandchapstick.wordpress.com or picklesandchapstick.com works just as well :) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-66375555798277356372013-08-06T09:27:00.002-07:002013-08-06T09:27:38.581-07:00deliciousness: no bake cheesecake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlWdsPgpY9V7gl_1OccOEdjHhXCnZJ3JtksxfC3iJ5N10kXyXZZaZtRrDVOTeRrOH27iV7gifCesOC5wnsaOYQbHRyWjWzrWkfzWSlbPUToGvBrQSbRArgd5ZqHQxN6mz0ahJdL5S39Xo/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlWdsPgpY9V7gl_1OccOEdjHhXCnZJ3JtksxfC3iJ5N10kXyXZZaZtRrDVOTeRrOH27iV7gifCesOC5wnsaOYQbHRyWjWzrWkfzWSlbPUToGvBrQSbRArgd5ZqHQxN6mz0ahJdL5S39Xo/s640/photo-20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately I've been missing baking... a lot. The only problem is our apartment already feels like an oven most days so I avoid the oven as much as possible. While getting ideas for new things to bake, cook, etc. I came across a no bake cheesecake recipe. The moment I set my eyes on it I had to make it. That and it involved cool whip and someone may have weird liking for cool whip (yup, that'd be me). It was probably one of the easiest recipes I have ever made. Extra easy points if you buy a pre-made graham cracker crust. It's a delicious treat to wrap up summer with. On a side note - how the heck is it already august?!?! I demand a summer redo!!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened<br />
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUq-qtnub0p43y48h2Pld8qj1FtKVQje3NYcX2MoVUCgh34fuJCcgFgC_ldRUfG0uxV7W6nNmOZfdOCu1TV4KPYUJPkssAY0HBbQ14MWXTGJSewr2iPJeR3vAUVPOZYI-80j17ieMEBv1/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUq-qtnub0p43y48h2Pld8qj1FtKVQje3NYcX2MoVUCgh34fuJCcgFgC_ldRUfG0uxV7W6nNmOZfdOCu1TV4KPYUJPkssAY0HBbQ14MWXTGJSewr2iPJeR3vAUVPOZYI-80j17ieMEBv1/s640/photo-16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 1: put cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract into bowl</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpc2T3a5pgO6Z0gRNJxwLUiaojGTS9ysypoVCcgMS8g3X3RlY8hHn5vtVWYrUzIBp1I_hnSNrnQEc9xboDvKqOws_XoWccznAYz5qD-RrH-41lnGqIAHjunNPp5FBJkaaUYUBOc2K5qgI/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpc2T3a5pgO6Z0gRNJxwLUiaojGTS9ysypoVCcgMS8g3X3RlY8hHn5vtVWYrUzIBp1I_hnSNrnQEc9xboDvKqOws_XoWccznAYz5qD-RrH-41lnGqIAHjunNPp5FBJkaaUYUBOc2K5qgI/s640/photo-17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 2: beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth<br />
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Step 3: Fold in cool whip and beat/stir until smooth<br />
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Step 4: fill pie crust. chill 1 to 2 hours before serving.<br />
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If you wanted to, you could add a pie filling (apples, blueberries, cherries, etc.) on top. I may do that next time :) xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-15196723474811525702013-08-05T17:40:00.000-07:002013-08-05T17:40:32.334-07:00a weekend in pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBX_0S3NBrTzkUbhn1Px_gewj07o8o9mVVfz53YdVFbv73GYmGgR50oP0FZK09XfQOrx-p6Bg889OYuv3696DSh9no6OikDWQ5wy_3vSUIOHvyBIPHxn0ykFMNw5AY_FUv6wvRX7I6Bb/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBX_0S3NBrTzkUbhn1Px_gewj07o8o9mVVfz53YdVFbv73GYmGgR50oP0FZK09XfQOrx-p6Bg889OYuv3696DSh9no6OikDWQ5wy_3vSUIOHvyBIPHxn0ykFMNw5AY_FUv6wvRX7I6Bb/s640/photo-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a goodbye party</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXihAmHNBlFm9d0QPjykfs7wPLhnhfbJ95iEFgYNhD6RGVLQ0CvCb4snkaJDYv1M5o3Ixw8S6yg0jbQn7WJ7ZA5uxczFK_TXohKN1TLeT_uZj9tTnHzlhSKqKKxe73yF6AMCJ3kNCTSbIE/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXihAmHNBlFm9d0QPjykfs7wPLhnhfbJ95iEFgYNhD6RGVLQ0CvCb4snkaJDYv1M5o3Ixw8S6yg0jbQn7WJ7ZA5uxczFK_TXohKN1TLeT_uZj9tTnHzlhSKqKKxe73yF6AMCJ3kNCTSbIE/s640/photo-13.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the infamous dart board</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCItSxpt15MfzZqqQMbj2ul70357-b6ZvOor44qY1QDjXSC10DZdn2fb4PkqT73VS4QnA6rN5VEcpbsF1onOmXzj12KNiZ4yEgisrC8YtkSHHV3G9zCipaSTi8_e5eV1eRTc2_VJ37-4Uj/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCItSxpt15MfzZqqQMbj2ul70357-b6ZvOor44qY1QDjXSC10DZdn2fb4PkqT73VS4QnA6rN5VEcpbsF1onOmXzj12KNiZ4yEgisrC8YtkSHHV3G9zCipaSTi8_e5eV1eRTc2_VJ37-4Uj/s640/photo-11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mason jars for yummy ideas (or extra vases) </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWH0awiIAvHb1AHSpJKSceIuk87jajbn-Wl3wp37zlhTsyLqd3FFLBiT7r8zuM02YRKarXzk9SkKLAcquiz0bHBw4iJiti-Waqg0xkyI_ikxA8dPduyVDf_QyaNrDv92b0zw3IivXOPrE/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWH0awiIAvHb1AHSpJKSceIuk87jajbn-Wl3wp37zlhTsyLqd3FFLBiT7r8zuM02YRKarXzk9SkKLAcquiz0bHBw4iJiti-Waqg0xkyI_ikxA8dPduyVDf_QyaNrDv92b0zw3IivXOPrE/s640/photo-9.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sorry but you are needed, little guy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJMOWoXxvev3HAazJWMGrzAQ6viBDJa6mGdNypCu75IYjnqPs0JLlX6nQH4SPCkQ94mRpouO7JHonmmNFmpeZoT0kAJcVXI3PWsecRuumM6QD-gFQiw1UvN245o1FSMyfYkQFiM7ozChS/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJMOWoXxvev3HAazJWMGrzAQ6viBDJa6mGdNypCu75IYjnqPs0JLlX6nQH4SPCkQ94mRpouO7JHonmmNFmpeZoT0kAJcVXI3PWsecRuumM6QD-gFQiw1UvN245o1FSMyfYkQFiM7ozChS/s640/photo-10.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jalapeno infused vodka</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS0biLl6SAh-g4maVVU-LYrw1IFAZy9GH5nLsQofig-OqJ9662wWHmCbyPifmA9396GEih2K2oQtVEWjgZ5Wrt8xjgUYYrREunLTn1zBDvL1OtP38kGjGlL8ZhAqe7c2PxhLj_grJMeR1/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS0biLl6SAh-g4maVVU-LYrw1IFAZy9GH5nLsQofig-OqJ9662wWHmCbyPifmA9396GEih2K2oQtVEWjgZ5Wrt8xjgUYYrREunLTn1zBDvL1OtP38kGjGlL8ZhAqe7c2PxhLj_grJMeR1/s640/photo-12.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crushed red chili pepper infused olive oil </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bM3JtfsG-2ClU1U66Ctkc1h7fddzdYPSw6Je6j71ZK7f8teR4-0Hlbb0BCxEbZZqlUd5RzytzZ_IajMULv9KCjA4kscme0a0YkSvPQ2k9IEyK51xMK2-jw0GDsdWLiat91bAw5Fkn_dc/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bM3JtfsG-2ClU1U66Ctkc1h7fddzdYPSw6Je6j71ZK7f8teR4-0Hlbb0BCxEbZZqlUd5RzytzZ_IajMULv9KCjA4kscme0a0YkSvPQ2k9IEyK51xMK2-jw0GDsdWLiat91bAw5Fkn_dc/s640/photo-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary date and watch the sunset </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-15626667090239628762013-08-02T11:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T13:16:55.142-07:00growth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwIyvDHvZwdI-Zqfj0B18XgTSGFmZ6C5UiPczX11oWzQCy1gBanMmjtwt7ehTso47BoeuLm0n1SMEHkqr7Qg4mdFM2leauDUwRMg32vBvKmKAFH7sE4WRJuKTUMerrv_iO-aa3-djSazr/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwIyvDHvZwdI-Zqfj0B18XgTSGFmZ6C5UiPczX11oWzQCy1gBanMmjtwt7ehTso47BoeuLm0n1SMEHkqr7Qg4mdFM2leauDUwRMg32vBvKmKAFH7sE4WRJuKTUMerrv_iO-aa3-djSazr/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7uH8_G4PwtQJ-ZmfWFWz6an-IfwnpfzB_8jAR-1gGihC5UjFgJ3G23ZhZmeBWKWq9HqFGScESpmTmmrVYVCdnTZNkm6AC6iWhFQskpvKsBY22HRyijQrsFjvH9YzSyb4DOd7Q5fNtqxW/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7uH8_G4PwtQJ-ZmfWFWz6an-IfwnpfzB_8jAR-1gGihC5UjFgJ3G23ZhZmeBWKWq9HqFGScESpmTmmrVYVCdnTZNkm6AC6iWhFQskpvKsBY22HRyijQrsFjvH9YzSyb4DOd7Q5fNtqxW/s640/photo-7.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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After my post-face time session with Charlie, I was sitting on the balcony staring at our plants (mostly succulents) when I noticed something. There's little baby succulents growing! When I first moved in with my boyfriend, I had one succulent plant that was looking a little dead. I tried not to let it show how concerned I was about it. I bought it right after Charlie was born and found the perfect pot for it, etc. After all the changes I was already going through, I wasn't ready to lose that plant too. At first it was an adjustment for me, living somewhere new, living with grown ups again, trying to function and live life without having my little chicken around 24/7. Since I'm a nester at heart, I decided my little plant needed some more friends. Our plants have become my babies (along with my hermit crab). Not sure if I shared that news but yes, I'm a proud hermit crab mama. I'll discuss that topic/decision at another time. </div>
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Changes and growth aren't always meant to be easy. I find myself wanting to rush through this period and find a way to feel "okay" again or find where I "fit" in this new chapter of my life. Everything I've grown to know the past two years has changed. I'm scared because as promising as the future is, it's still uncertain. While there's a large part of me that likes to be spontaneous and jump head first into things, there's an overly cautious side of myself. The side that doesn't want to get hurt again, the side that needs some sort of stability, etc. Life is strange and it's really strange to think that people who were once huge parts of your life, are no longer a part of it. Sometimes you're left missing old friendships or the "good ole days" but I guess that's a part of "growing". Learning who wants to grow with you and who doesn't. I've been through times that were amazing, that were extremely difficult, that i didn't understand, etc. I've grown in the past two years, I've grown in the past year and I've grown in the past several months. I guess that's the beauty of life and changes, you get to keep trying to better yourself and that's what I've been trying to do.. everyday.</div>
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I love that my old & new plants have new growth happening. In a way it's kinda symbolic. We're growing quite well in our new environment. I guess a little TLC will do that for you. Every day may not be perfect but at least you tried and tomorrow is a new beginning to try again. Yeah, Yeah, I know. Totally cheesy but very true. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-84550124363148447902013-07-30T10:05:00.001-07:002013-07-30T12:07:47.851-07:00mint ice cubes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Y1aE2r1EygbaPe3QfXEoz74k6i09uiz7jlvyYjJFPkrvd99C_z3VObITzO2Qd-8-AuPAo3lcMLN88v_OGgxGtPfu8HdBsgnMdAzo7aeccMxeG16ph_0nCUjUG3L9l0rsoYAu95mzqNQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Y1aE2r1EygbaPe3QfXEoz74k6i09uiz7jlvyYjJFPkrvd99C_z3VObITzO2Qd-8-AuPAo3lcMLN88v_OGgxGtPfu8HdBsgnMdAzo7aeccMxeG16ph_0nCUjUG3L9l0rsoYAu95mzqNQ/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This may sound weird but I'm horrible at drinking water. Something has to have flavor for me to drink it. It's not even a sugar factor, it just needs flavor. I'm too lazy to constantly be cutting up cucumbers or lemons for my water. I've always wanted to make cucumber or lemon ice cubes but my freezer never has enough room to fit a cupcake pan filled with water and lemons or cucumber slices. While friends sipped on some delicious homemade mojitos for the boyfriend's birthday is when it hit me, mint ice cubes!! </div>
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It's pretty simple. Tear up some mint, place it in each little ice cube, fill it up with water and place it in the freezer to freeze. An hour or so later (depending on your freezer) you have a delicious ice cube to freshen up your non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage! I've been drinking a lot more water since I made these ice cubes. I may start cleaning out the freezer soon so I can make lemon and cucumber ice cubes!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-86901987369581271152013-07-26T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-26T10:08:21.873-07:00she's crafty: an artsy themed birthday on a budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a big fan of birthdays (you know, other people's). I mean that's your one little holiday all for yourself! annnnnnd since it's your own little holiday you deserve it to be tailored to who you are! My boyfriend is an artist so I kinda rolled with that idea with a few other touches that I thought he'd enjoy (and he did). My main factor was cost because the funds are super tight these days so I had to get creative.<br />
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Some guys are a fan of cake and others are a fan of angel food cake. Normally I'd bake one but we already had a box mix laying around (i may have cringed at admitting that).<br />
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Usually I like doing table centerpieces with one of my boho place mats/napkins from world market with my mason jars filled with flowers and a candle. Even if it does look nice, that's me, that's not him. I took kraft paper and splattered some paint on it. That became the place mat that I'd set everything on. I even managed to get those paints on sale at Michaels. </div>
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I incorporated his can of liquitex matte gel into the mix. It would up being the perfect size to set the easel I had made out of wooden dowel rods. The dowel rods were both under a $1. I may or may not have to replace a bread knife. I mean, not everyone had a saw laying around. You gotta do what you gotta do. <br />
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I could've done flowers but throwing paintbrushes and other art supplies into a mason jar seemed to fit the little theme I had going on. </div>
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Angel food cake with black pearls (bb lookalikes). I looked high and low for those little silver balls that used to come on Christmas cookies but come to find out they're illegal in the state of California and can kill you or something. Awesome. You know how many of those things I ate as a kid? I've been dying to own a cake stand but can never find one I actually like so I decided to improvise. I used a shot glass and sat the plate on top. Voila! </div>
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For a hot second I was feeling lazy and almost bought one of these banners in the store and after staring at the colors it hit me - you can't hang a pastel colored banner for your boyfriend! So I chose some fun scrapbook paper and made my own (it was cheaper this way too). I even made a little happy birthday sign that I put on our deer head. </div>
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All together I think I spent roughly $25 on decor (and that may be pushing it). I spent a good portion of time stressing over being able to afford a fancy dinner, the constant did I buy enough or do I buy more, etc. Sometimes when you love and care about someone you find yourself wanting to do more for them even though what you're doing may be enough. Yesterday was a nice little reminder that fancy dinners can be overrated and all that matters is being present and in the company of those you enjoy. Everything else great that may happen is just bonus points. Oh, and aren't those drinking glasses the coolest? The birthday boy has good taste :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-50081744129744485842013-07-24T09:57:00.000-07:002013-07-24T09:59:44.715-07:00wednesday wants <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLG8M-AxR3y7i6Nq5gZprZk5zSNabgO9ljyvDuUjcJNeY_WURkSvMgAy-DyqjuMfcrVE98G20rwn3NMaNfqeCzcXxxigRZpceAZGB9MeZXXk43CgkxrSGqxNkqRinpY2ZSaW8areqIpg4/s1600/il_570xN.468484519_6en0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLG8M-AxR3y7i6Nq5gZprZk5zSNabgO9ljyvDuUjcJNeY_WURkSvMgAy-DyqjuMfcrVE98G20rwn3NMaNfqeCzcXxxigRZpceAZGB9MeZXXk43CgkxrSGqxNkqRinpY2ZSaW8areqIpg4/s1600/il_570xN.468484519_6en0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a pretty opal and gold <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/153726790/opal-and-gold-solitaire-ring-14k?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=rings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade">ring</a></td></tr>
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<br />
- loving these vintage georgian topaz <a href="http://eriebasin.com/a_topazdiamear0213.html">earrings</a> from the 1800s<br />
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- this catbird <a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=18202">necklace</a> is so pretty!<br />
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- i think i could rock this leather <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104318560/leather-bracelet-in-orange-aqua-and?ref=fp_treasury_10">bracelet</a><br />
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- a sweet pattern <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/152405986/pattern-locket-necklace-vintage-style?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=locket+necklace&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">locket</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-74041613564835151692013-07-23T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-23T06:35:57.581-07:00adventure day: santa barbara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite places in California is Santa Barbara. I first paid Santa Barbara a visit in 2010 and I was hooked the moment we first met. I love how laid back this city is and not to mention the views are gorgeous. Oh, and there's always a nice little spot to hit up for wine tasting (if you're into that sort of thing). The boyfriend and I decided to take a trip up to Santa Barbara and visit the zoo. The Santa Barbara Zoo is probably one of the most beautiful zoos I have ever been to. It's not huge and it only takes an hour or so to walk through but it's gorgeous! I'm hoping next time Charlie is out here that I can take him. He'd love it! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this alligator is named Mary Lou but I named her "Aligangsta" back in 2010 and is where I got the idea to<br />
name Charlie's alligator the same thing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3fnJJgJXO-2mknsirB0-3eJ89ZcTnhNJlmu4JaOQQd7DUOzTulJ9agpT1DMSAvdPxl0QtiqSyTk2Rs5B87BW-Wm7gdOy8fI-9MSQ12XTStUlgoYN2tInLOGCTUgAOH2ewXo5eWCpFtTq/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3fnJJgJXO-2mknsirB0-3eJ89ZcTnhNJlmu4JaOQQd7DUOzTulJ9agpT1DMSAvdPxl0QtiqSyTk2Rs5B87BW-Wm7gdOy8fI-9MSQ12XTStUlgoYN2tInLOGCTUgAOH2ewXo5eWCpFtTq/s640/photo-13.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can kinda see Polly Pocket's wedding to the left of the photo</td></tr>
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Every single time I have visited Santa Barbara in the past, I've always been told to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse because apparently it's beautiful or something. Well this time it happened and well, it's actually beautiful. Really beautiful to be exact. I normally don't fall in love with buildings and who would really want to fall in love with a county courthouse but the grounds were dreamy and I loved all the little details the building had to offer. Oh, and bonus points for it not having a weird odor! After climbing what felt like stairs for days, we reached the viewing tower (oh, thank god. those stairs were torture) and got to admire the view. Oh, we also saw a wedding going on down below outside the courthouse. It looked like Polly Pocket's wedding (it was that small from our view). I found myself all day Monday dreaming of being up in that viewing tower again taking in the view (& the nice Santa Barbara breeze). <br />
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We managed to hit up a few random tastings (beer, sparking wine & a distillery) before eating at one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. The Palace is a Cajun restaurant. Every time I visit Santa Barbara I have to eat here. They have these little corn breads that I'm obsessed with. I love how their drinks are served in mason jars and how delicious the food is. I wish I took more photos while we were in there but I was starving, exhausted and in a "poop" mood (to quote the boyfriend). Missing a FaceTime session with your little one can do that to ya. Bottom line - If you're in Santa Barbara eat at The Palace. All in all it was a great little day get away and I can't wait to return. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-54093164189332194672013-07-19T18:10:00.000-07:002013-07-19T18:10:52.982-07:00an adjustment period update <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like I've mentioned before, I'm in this weird <a href="http://picklesandchapstick.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-adjustment-period.html">adjustment period</a>. I have my good days and I have my bad days. The most frustrating thing about it is, I'm not sure when this period end. Will it ever end? Am I over thinking or being too negative saying that? Decisions aren't easy. There comes a point when you look at yourself in the mirror and realize a situation isn't healthy for you. That's always been a tough one for me. Because I feel that I've somehow failed that I wasn't trying hard enough to make something work. I'm a natural fighter when it comes to certain situations. I fight for the ones I love and want to protect them. I fight to keep friendships and relationships to keep going because I see potential and a part of me wants to be extremely optimistic that everyone can be happy but that's not always case. I've learned that the hard way. I've fought so hard for relationships to change in the past but it doesn't work when there's only one person fighting for something. I used to fight so hard to keep things a certain way for Charlie because I believed it was the right thing to do. Except, I'm not the only parent and when you aren't together, you or both kinda lose when it comes to certain things. Some situations you're forced to deal with, your hands are tied. Literally. It's hard to make peace with things like that but you have to because over thinking and over analyzing makes you miserable and you don't deserve to be that miserable.<br />
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There are a few things that I'm going to be very honest about. They are things that I'll kinda feel weird admitting but I'll admit them anyway... I feel creatively dead. Dead. Which is difficult thing for me to handle. I am the furthest thing from being an artist but when I walk into an art or craft store, I wander the aisles like a lost puppy where before I'd see something and another idea would pop from there. Which kinda sucks because I live so close to an art store AND a craft store now. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise so I won't blow my money? Holidays, birthdays, parties, etc. is when the creative bug would really bite and I'd get all these ideas. I'm struggling with finding a full-time job and even though I loathe the idea of being in a cubicle again doing the same stuff over and over again, I have to. Which is weird considering when I was pregnant I was certain I'd never want to be a stay at home mom. When I first went back to work I was excited to converse with adults even if they were just crazies on the other end of the phone. The idea of not working freaked me out. That quickly changed when I noticed how much I was missing out on. Kinda like how single parenting never bothered me until I was in it day in and day out and not always having extra hands around became at times painful. At one point in my life I wanted (& had) a job that I basically lived at and the cash was rolling in and I was so busy and other than a boyfriend and my friends, nothing else really mattered. I was on the path to success but my views on that sort of success (at least for myself) have changed. While having those fat paychecks rolling in would help a lot, it's not the most important thing to me anymore. I just want someone who loves me for who I am (the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly), my chicken to return, and eventually start a family. Maybe I shouldn't write "start a family" because I already have one, maybe I should say one day expand it? Even if I'm stuck working a job that I'm not thrilled with, being creative on the side, etc. As long as I would have those things I think I'd be pretty content. Oh, and lets throw in the ability to go on a decent vacation every now and then. Sometimes I feel like society makes me feel like I should be aiming much higher but what's wrong with just wanting to care and love for your family or the ones you love? That brings me the greatest joy in my life. I have a slew of other creative goals but since I'm in a creative slump they're difficult to discuss. I used to follow a standard of how I'd write this blog. I guess it's kinda like how a majority of most bloggers blog. But what happens when life isn't all rainbows and roses? You're supposed to sweep it under the rug and pretend the white elephant doesn't exist? What happens when you don't have those same things around to blog about that you once did? I'm still supposed to pretend like everything is okay? Writing is my outlet and I guess in a way this blog (along with my amazing support system) is saving me. It's giving me a voice that sometimes needs to be heard but sometimes can't find the verbal words to say. <br />
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This adjustment period does have a silver lining. They're little things but they're still nice. Grocery shopping isn't a race even though I find myself still zipping through Ralphs like a mad woman for no reason. I've been devouring books like there's no tomorrow. As a small child I loved books but when it came to chapter books as I got older I preferred a magazine or the newspaper. Children books are still some of my favorite books. When I worked for a children's clothing company, I loved their book selection and I'd read all of them so I knew not only what I was trying to sell but because they gave me enjoyment. I love picking out books for Charlie. The lesser known and more interesting books are my favorite (sorry cat in the hat). My love for reading came along the same time my love for cooking started. Hold up - I love to cook as long as I know I have other mouths to feed. If it's just for me - game over. In my newspaper and magazine filled days were the days of baking. My step-mother passed along the love the baking to me along with the love for photography. One day I picked up a book Anderson Cooper wrote at an airport bookstore and devoured the entire book in a 2 in a half hour flight. Shortly after that started my love for cooking (for others). While I love having company, it's always nice to have those bits of alone time. That's when I normally get my reading done. I guess you could say I'm kinda a secret bookworm because I never discuss what I'm reading. I'm almost certain I'd bore someone to death or they'll silently judge me because some of the stuff I read I silently judge myself while devouring the entire book. I love having mouths to feed and nothing makes me happier when they actually enjoy what I've cooked (yes!!). It's also kinda nice to start dinner by yourself. I don't have to worry about running into someone in the kitchen. It's just me, what I'm preparing and Jay-Z. Yes, I usually listen to Jay-Z while I'm cooking. I don't really share that tidbit with anyone for whatever reason. When everything is cooking is when I treat myself to a glass of wine and turn on my Pandora hair band station or the indie rock station. In those few little minutes I'm in complete heaven. Bonus points if Warrant's "Heaven" comes on while I'm enjoying my little bit of "heaven". Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-1122877170264400952013-07-18T13:11:00.000-07:002013-07-18T13:11:21.840-07:00Sunday Night Supper (on a Thursday): Crockpot Garlic Lemon Chicken & Garlic Oven Roasted Potatoes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuZ2GZ3EGwWLVMd-XvguMCL-YKeKBZNUHLlDm9mEVK111cj0SWaF8wVykOayfy36NO-QnA6KjbCpPQrQQ7yguYMHDQRVloezpOjQWJQGCv6YR_cXWoBA231PPU0KLN65_Ywa_NCuE8Vfo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuZ2GZ3EGwWLVMd-XvguMCL-YKeKBZNUHLlDm9mEVK111cj0SWaF8wVykOayfy36NO-QnA6KjbCpPQrQQ7yguYMHDQRVloezpOjQWJQGCv6YR_cXWoBA231PPU0KLN65_Ywa_NCuE8Vfo/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you don't already own a crockpot, I suggest you go buy one. It's especially helpful when you're working all day and don't want to come home and cook a meal. It's also AMAZING in the summer months. That's right A M A Z I N G. My place doesn't have a/c and tends to get really hot when it's warm outside so turning on the stove or oven can sometimes become a chore. This is where the lovely crockpot comes in handy. I'm always looking for delicious recipes to cook up and I recently had a craving for lemon garlic chicken and was flipping through the notes on my phone when I found the recipe I had saved a year in a half ago. I decided to pair the chicken with garlic oven roasted potatoes and I'd steam broccoli and carrots. It's safe to say this dish was a hit. It was a light healthier dinner and the amount of time I spent using the oven and stove was minimal so I wasn't getting overheated while trying to put together a meal. </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2lbs chicken pieces (i used breasts) </div>
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1 teaspoon dried oregano</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/4 teaspoon pepper</div>
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2 tablespoons olive oil</div>
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1/3 cup water</div>
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4 tablespoons lemon juice (I used cut up lemons instead) </div>
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4 garlic cloves, minced </div>
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Step 1: Rinse chicken and dry on paper towels. (this was the least fun part for me since I don't do well raw meat)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4qtIHpqX1TyaGgVYUmkjxrGxQMVcRvSLPrJBgQg8UdlGsfdM4RAQw6rQdGSUP5hvAGyMr-g8tb3mVwrYjeMzzl4GeTy_9EZwRDHzR1h0nljTaslEaZuvOqV9nsxid-3vOR8BFBaSRamj/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4qtIHpqX1TyaGgVYUmkjxrGxQMVcRvSLPrJBgQg8UdlGsfdM4RAQw6rQdGSUP5hvAGyMr-g8tb3mVwrYjeMzzl4GeTy_9EZwRDHzR1h0nljTaslEaZuvOqV9nsxid-3vOR8BFBaSRamj/s640/photo-7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 2: In a small bowl combine the oregano, salt, and pepper<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXgfGLyGhG_l_KpIJTsDPyyvOb_yMM_RnUuuPBOpGo9mfrmlXUg-rvlQNjAokZHFvX3ZHHMierSwsg4Ci0h0iYLCJvfg3G7vppE3AkOWWGw28N3xZegF1pyPFVRZAtxgs-sgfr0xCfwSV/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXgfGLyGhG_l_KpIJTsDPyyvOb_yMM_RnUuuPBOpGo9mfrmlXUg-rvlQNjAokZHFvX3ZHHMierSwsg4Ci0h0iYLCJvfg3G7vppE3AkOWWGw28N3xZegF1pyPFVRZAtxgs-sgfr0xCfwSV/s640/photo-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 3: sprinkle the oregano, salt and pepper onto chicken</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-23IFhUSvoCXp_SzV-pMybTu1b5n5RKuecwK668QfZQNtm6DYiFHvVK4fs_SBQ4KC7UlMzlfP10vvJ6y7ZwI7L4DkbKHJNPqdvQYHA_fuvj53tDmIIHJVh6ptzzwDMQW-f8DRDb_b-L3F/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-23IFhUSvoCXp_SzV-pMybTu1b5n5RKuecwK668QfZQNtm6DYiFHvVK4fs_SBQ4KC7UlMzlfP10vvJ6y7ZwI7L4DkbKHJNPqdvQYHA_fuvj53tDmIIHJVh6ptzzwDMQW-f8DRDb_b-L3F/s640/photo-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 4: In a large skillet put in the olive oil and brown the chicken<br />
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Step 5: Once the chicken is brown, transfer it into crockpot<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97CFbW9rJUGTBU8pe_uE2sPuNiPpSBz6YWUsTrJLVci2R5Imhf3s7Rm3g6U7jZSiowaamC_h1QU7mIXDS7erllwAANMjuuGl-1FMMk5oxoWsyHxX1V_ax2spmX3XG3MFrSIY-kZ3dcxDX/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97CFbW9rJUGTBU8pe_uE2sPuNiPpSBz6YWUsTrJLVci2R5Imhf3s7Rm3g6U7jZSiowaamC_h1QU7mIXDS7erllwAANMjuuGl-1FMMk5oxoWsyHxX1V_ax2spmX3XG3MFrSIY-kZ3dcxDX/s640/photo-11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Add water, lemon juice and garlic and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.<br />
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**I cut up lemons and squeezed two lemons to make lemon juice then I cut up lemons and let them cook with the chicken and garlic. I thought it gave it a better taste.<br />
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Garlic Oven Roasted Potatoes </div>
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Ingredients: </div>
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3 pounds small red or white potatoes </div>
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1/4 cup olive oil</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</div>
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</div>
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2 tablespoons minced garlic (i used garlic powder instead)</div>
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Directions:</div>
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Step 1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees </div>
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Step 2 - Cut potatoes in half or quarters and place in bowl </div>
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Step 3 - Add olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic and toss potatoes around in it. Make sure they're well coated</div>
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Step 5 - Transfer potatoes to a sheet pan and spread out so they aren't on top of one another</div>
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Step 6 - Roast in oven for 45 minutes to an hour (or until they're brown). Remember to flip them every now and then while they're roasting. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-77887365500575942842013-07-16T10:16:00.001-07:002013-07-16T10:16:44.317-07:00wouldn't it be loverly: take 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1unnXS5PEm4Dzko7gEhDEHFIKr3h7fMV0YqSt7hyphenhyphenpFbHBgYO1OAjEBt41brd8KEWJie-q4tNj797C42Welh2nRwT2Ebc2ueJP5uIhEV4GMS9YsIa9ynYqw3RzcynQIReS70PemjCoTDe/s1600/0dd00c2ec5dc7c1a0fb96184a6502575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1unnXS5PEm4Dzko7gEhDEHFIKr3h7fMV0YqSt7hyphenhyphenpFbHBgYO1OAjEBt41brd8KEWJie-q4tNj797C42Welh2nRwT2Ebc2ueJP5uIhEV4GMS9YsIa9ynYqw3RzcynQIReS70PemjCoTDe/s1600/0dd00c2ec5dc7c1a0fb96184a6502575.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dream-marauder.tumblr.com/post/20248037802/digbicks-beauty-with-an-orange-iris-anam-cara">source</a></td></tr>
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One of my favorite things to come across when I'm pinning is beautiful photos. Some days all I need is to see something that I find visually appeasing to brighten my day up a bit. I normally pin these photos to my board and then whomever follows me gets to see them but some of them are so beautiful that I wish more people could see them. Which is why I've decided every now and then I've decided to start sharing them on here. Maybe they will even brighten up your day as well :) <br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2I3kSiuF_A5t7j3ojJ9PpupncshPNYz1TCOFM_W67KEiorONkIrAnQA6k_eHBevIDjF7p5BCN623vwGYhnqemYbnY-ZAXc8mr9VvJ8GYzPJvTPmwJ3xQ5y5TasPOv7iP35TT_l2TcRVA/s1600/b150a4836821779bddf3af8e61603b0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2I3kSiuF_A5t7j3ojJ9PpupncshPNYz1TCOFM_W67KEiorONkIrAnQA6k_eHBevIDjF7p5BCN623vwGYhnqemYbnY-ZAXc8mr9VvJ8GYzPJvTPmwJ3xQ5y5TasPOv7iP35TT_l2TcRVA/s1600/b150a4836821779bddf3af8e61603b0e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://venetians.tumblr.com/post/51269840146/par-sumeja">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ABEWr0z878vVC_QJijTp9Ak373uSqE3-Q2sNijFGYmu0ExMC3nADoxq9s4iVD7T7wzbWrFRkvf4tmN38BNA2XueOvT8P9SvxRz38gpi-4DJ4IyfrIYOcNs4EMmXOLoLR752i3RzOABu5/s1600/fdb8bfe4ee4d54a602c0958fad780d20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ABEWr0z878vVC_QJijTp9Ak373uSqE3-Q2sNijFGYmu0ExMC3nADoxq9s4iVD7T7wzbWrFRkvf4tmN38BNA2XueOvT8P9SvxRz38gpi-4DJ4IyfrIYOcNs4EMmXOLoLR752i3RzOABu5/s1600/fdb8bfe4ee4d54a602c0958fad780d20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toniqut/5295322872/sizes/l/in/photostream/">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NHBn_y4_CAPXuNPtVTMKS7ZxQkuwdojhF40bU6Cs1Fy7wAlgSu5Yx3gCskoi3HwqzHoTO7twAA7zAOAtDdmwVD6QHvWjDVqKBq4NeEaCR1KlqAw0BObbMfV2-m3zzd8ml8mIRmJYXKrt/s1600/7ab83917f2dd3aa8c90ab6278a9b15ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NHBn_y4_CAPXuNPtVTMKS7ZxQkuwdojhF40bU6Cs1Fy7wAlgSu5Yx3gCskoi3HwqzHoTO7twAA7zAOAtDdmwVD6QHvWjDVqKBq4NeEaCR1KlqAw0BObbMfV2-m3zzd8ml8mIRmJYXKrt/s1600/7ab83917f2dd3aa8c90ab6278a9b15ef.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flowerwildevents.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-08-24T23:35:00-07:00&max-results=10">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrY89PUHw8oJ9cCrXVqxbAkNMkKeJm0IKStRNlaevwSDS_Z2x1KRp3zVgkpID9_N-do3cq0hI8bwLvhVNouz8qjvzzqPSV6jqvWxSDQNBHXtN0hjvh2XxahOSYj-rEcluoQsl95arbtzn/s1600/e5dd03d1a2741872631a3b88edf50d3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrY89PUHw8oJ9cCrXVqxbAkNMkKeJm0IKStRNlaevwSDS_Z2x1KRp3zVgkpID9_N-do3cq0hI8bwLvhVNouz8qjvzzqPSV6jqvWxSDQNBHXtN0hjvh2XxahOSYj-rEcluoQsl95arbtzn/s1600/e5dd03d1a2741872631a3b88edf50d3d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wetpaint.tumblr.com/post/54736159256/chanelcops-malformalady-pink-sand-beach">source</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-44777929323329479252013-07-15T07:19:00.000-07:002013-07-15T07:21:37.801-07:00adventure day: cabazon dinosaurs & palm springs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYVW6BslMf72QA3RHM5R476JiEr29r-kBlSn-oAYviprSISiKon6xKQhIsbRh1gD46Ym2aaDuJqwhgyky_9AUARGhGwgJdnSCKfP-fZqccvdJzHeOxYLvBSrfK0zjQo22RCFzgpyjPkJm/s1600/rsz_1dsc_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYVW6BslMf72QA3RHM5R476JiEr29r-kBlSn-oAYviprSISiKon6xKQhIsbRh1gD46Ym2aaDuJqwhgyky_9AUARGhGwgJdnSCKfP-fZqccvdJzHeOxYLvBSrfK0zjQo22RCFzgpyjPkJm/s640/rsz_1dsc_0294.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask a t-rex to do push-ups </td></tr>
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In this <a href="http://picklesandchapstick.blogspot.com/2013/06/another-saturday-another-adventure-day.html">post</a>, I've explained what Adventure Day is. It usually falls on a Saturday but sometimes if we're lucky (& the funds are in a "okay" zone) we get another day here and there (especially if it's a three day weekend). My best friend and her boyfriend invited us to go with them to Palm Springs for the day. I of course thinking it was the best idea in the world agreed to it. So we hit the road semi early and headed for Palm Springs. On the way to Palm Springs there are the Cabazon dinosaurs. In my 9 in a half years of living in California and on my several trips in the past to Palm Springs, Coachella, etc. have never once visited them. I know, I know, pathetic - Especially considering my borderline dinosaur obsession. If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch Pee Wee's Big Adventure. After we said "peace out" to the dinos, we were on our way to Palm Springs. We spent the rest of the day sipping on yummy adult beverages, soaking up the sun and relaxing by the pool. After that trip it was decided, Palm Springs is not a day trip kinda place. I suggest staying over night or for the weekend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHuNMvZJ-JKFlw5kFz0FjVXa_TuxcA-yvPCAxB5UheRXVU_IrWzmKz5dUaORSsI8r3p_c88Bzci5vOkzOEXLJG0CNqbCEFi2MUvjSWjG1Xc-9hGZpVUXxu1Ie-yBG7bjb-TZJwFukTsfG/s1600/rsz_dsc_0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHuNMvZJ-JKFlw5kFz0FjVXa_TuxcA-yvPCAxB5UheRXVU_IrWzmKz5dUaORSsI8r3p_c88Bzci5vOkzOEXLJG0CNqbCEFi2MUvjSWjG1Xc-9hGZpVUXxu1Ie-yBG7bjb-TZJwFukTsfG/s640/rsz_dsc_0287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4fMo-RxOVA01KKf2dui5z2hkDG70496UtctVJwKbtFEquhiGi16IXmWFQ7e9oZ8hJ-JCTuvVCIMUyMRDhwpvb1oCMXEldQVpiBF4uWImHuStVEDHhSrK0smjSJuiV-JW0JJxd_vQWR8J/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4fMo-RxOVA01KKf2dui5z2hkDG70496UtctVJwKbtFEquhiGi16IXmWFQ7e9oZ8hJ-JCTuvVCIMUyMRDhwpvb1oCMXEldQVpiBF4uWImHuStVEDHhSrK0smjSJuiV-JW0JJxd_vQWR8J/s1600/photo-14.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXUZ9Tbft7IaWeOQwY55yrGtFYd8gzfjD8uYWrBqsKJOIUB81mCdKTB9_EnYoKpzs8ohJATUA6YSofPmOFdGgGiwqyyKXeRDX9iHbh8gRNZdU1EIbDvl-LG-CeTBsQLJAQlHv1SLhkqqX/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXUZ9Tbft7IaWeOQwY55yrGtFYd8gzfjD8uYWrBqsKJOIUB81mCdKTB9_EnYoKpzs8ohJATUA6YSofPmOFdGgGiwqyyKXeRDX9iHbh8gRNZdU1EIbDvl-LG-CeTBsQLJAQlHv1SLhkqqX/s640/photo-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Dukp2bgi-ogQSS8BIQyN0H-6d4kYor7eMmatCbLo0Dq0BLsdRJfWWLqbbgY2fenLq84kHk1ChpEJqqG5qkwgZJPv9HPt0kHaCGWG0mpHBTyqnKzCLZUbom22xn3ZQbXaWtgJwfHXy8yJ/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Dukp2bgi-ogQSS8BIQyN0H-6d4kYor7eMmatCbLo0Dq0BLsdRJfWWLqbbgY2fenLq84kHk1ChpEJqqG5qkwgZJPv9HPt0kHaCGWG0mpHBTyqnKzCLZUbom22xn3ZQbXaWtgJwfHXy8yJ/s1600/photo-17.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPpz59PDZQutDcPvxq1uEOu28HBB-nBVpEBigf6U-w4rotg25p0jTbou-JbhXFYfNImIbRSx43PFbOeZHVq-MEGWEOzzyjoEfq9q7XY3mGF-quNzeuC-pM0obc-6nujbXtO2J-CKJhL1C/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPpz59PDZQutDcPvxq1uEOu28HBB-nBVpEBigf6U-w4rotg25p0jTbou-JbhXFYfNImIbRSx43PFbOeZHVq-MEGWEOzzyjoEfq9q7XY3mGF-quNzeuC-pM0obc-6nujbXtO2J-CKJhL1C/s1600/photo-16.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-71836347548970240122013-07-12T12:40:00.002-07:002013-07-12T12:40:33.108-07:00a little ramble for a friday <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQymOycZCX3BhpWkpGouvlxihiY6vlFLqIs2luXDTDNbInvK1fXtsBzcnc5qWuzTBb18uJhseoM9eLH1OX2t2tDHW7fAom0BJDpJFK8iM8Yv24Vk8EwB346jT_5hG2gDQ2XjdMSFOulxS/s1600/88a6146bc299330c80fab39d992363fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQymOycZCX3BhpWkpGouvlxihiY6vlFLqIs2luXDTDNbInvK1fXtsBzcnc5qWuzTBb18uJhseoM9eLH1OX2t2tDHW7fAom0BJDpJFK8iM8Yv24Vk8EwB346jT_5hG2gDQ2XjdMSFOulxS/s1600/88a6146bc299330c80fab39d992363fb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecollegejuice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/quote.bmp">source</a></td></tr>
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Even though "30" is roughly 7 months away, it's been on my mind lately. I'm not a big fan of my birthday. I've tried but it just doesn't happen. I won't sit here and try to make it seem like my twenties were the best years ever because that would be a lie but I won't sit here and say they were the worst ever. I will be happy to "peace out" to them. I spent a lot of my twenties waiting around for things to happen. I waited patiently in romantic relationships hoping they'd figure out what they wanted and trying to be supportive along the way. I sometimes invested time in friends who didn't value friendship the same way I did. I spent a lot of time trying to find happiness in the wrong places I guess. Maybe that's not the best way to describe it but sometimes that how it felt. Becoming a mother was a whole new level of my twenties and probably one of my favorites regardless of how difficult the situation was. I also learned a lot about my interests and who I really was. </div>
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Remember when you were a kid and you were asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?". I love this question and I hate it. Yes, it's important to find something you love and you should pursue that but isn't it just as important as "who do you want to be?" or "how do you want to be?". It's a loaded question for a young child so it's easier to ask what kind of job/career you'd like. At my pre-school graduation I told everyone I wanted to be a model or a rockstar. I'm not really sure I wanted to be either but I thought it would get a good laugh. I know my mother wasn't too pleased with that response and the inability to make her laugh probably ended any comedy career at the ripe age of 5. I always wrote stories as a kid and did into my late teens (nerd!!) but never had dreams of becoming a writer. I did theater as a kid and thought acting might be fun but no. I loved art class but got frustrated because I couldn't draw very well and I had a few art teachers who told me I had no talent. I'm pretty sure that stuck with me because my boyfriend tried giving me an art lesson the other night and I was a horrible student because I couldn't get past my 6th grade art teacher telling me I didn't have a creative bone in my body. I danced my entire childhood into my teens but that was in hopes that one day I could do a front walkover on a car tawny kitaen style. Oh, and on and off for two years I secretly dreamt of being a back up dancer for Britney or some other pop tart. Don't worry I now have my eyes set on being one of Beyonce's. Beyonce, if you're reading this, e-mail me. Let's talk. I think I'm the missing piece to your tour. Okay.. Okay.. getting off track here... I sometimes wish someone would've asked me the type of person I wanted to be. I'm pretty sure I would've answered in some rebellious nature just to tick someone off but it would've made me think regardless. </div>
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I remember reading this quote a few years ago and I probably rolled my eyes at it and thought nothing of it. Then I read it again a year in a half ago and it started to make a bit more sense and now I believe it. I'm a notorious "just jump and figure it out later" type of person. Which is sometimes weird because I'm over thinker or worry wart about other things. I've come to realize the best decisions I have made are ones that I didn't give too much thought to. It was solely based on if it made me happy or not. It's something that I've learned to love about myself and appreciate but at the same time it can be annoying. I wasn't happy living in Pennsylvania anymore so I jumped ship and moved to California on a whim. When I found out I was pregnant with Charlie it was a horribly difficult time in my life but it just felt right even if the situation wasn't the greatest and I was doing it alone. I knew I'd figure it out. Same thing with a bunch of different things. If something or someone makes you happy, just go for it and go all the way because you will eventually figure it out. The hardest part is the initial "jump". Everything else will make itself work along the way - promise. </div>
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That's my little ramble for this Friday. Hope everyone who reads this has a lovely weekend!! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-721011827148559652013-07-10T23:39:00.000-07:002013-07-11T06:40:52.117-07:00wednesday wants<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99usfz8Lh9eyjBPp0C4fOAxUyJKHFGpemQzZLf0neu5b4pdXcm5eRnB4DiK7zwD4-mrmV-2YoWrhIPTgoGs-h2UUHD7AdAjlPiOlv7Op-bK7fk_EULqe8vZoFgI-43fbZ6QwdK-dF2U8P/s1600/il_570xN.468310338_dehy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99usfz8Lh9eyjBPp0C4fOAxUyJKHFGpemQzZLf0neu5b4pdXcm5eRnB4DiK7zwD4-mrmV-2YoWrhIPTgoGs-h2UUHD7AdAjlPiOlv7Op-bK7fk_EULqe8vZoFgI-43fbZ6QwdK-dF2U8P/s1600/il_570xN.468310338_dehy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116777384/moonstone-necklace-gold-moonstone-a?ref=shop_home_active">necklace</a>. Think it might be the perfect addition to my necklace collection. </td></tr>
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- To keep up with my bag addiction, I kinda need <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/beachwear/large-jacquard-pattern-handbag-c437589p1048523.html">this</a> - stat! It's even on sale!!</div>
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- Cute <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2059110041&VariantID=">dress</a>. Great price. Oh, the outfits I could make with this.....</div>
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- eeeek!!! a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126175623/yacikopo-handmade-bulldog-ring-us-size-5?ref=shop_home_feat">french bulldog</a> ring?! gimme!!</div>
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- I probably don't need another purse/bag but i'm drooling over this <a href="http://uncovet.com/featured-goods/lou-s-big-bag">one</a> </div>
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- Haven't used a <a href="http://uncovet.com/shops/man-cave/no-215-lunch-tote">lunch bag</a> since elementary school but I'd totally sport this one.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-37429582067181573752013-07-09T23:58:00.000-07:002013-07-10T18:23:23.424-07:00a peek into my new home <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHTLKNmmm_G2i1uGbutHCwnfTsCNoAFcJEEL4AlzCSkwpYHh5bGTcF-LAYS-OdaS7nvGbHiUxqMzz6n2-hvnLGi0nNB0bwVLRn2u8kVxPctqHyz3Zd2Rg34xbwljJpI6Cfd6bZYzfvzPp/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHTLKNmmm_G2i1uGbutHCwnfTsCNoAFcJEEL4AlzCSkwpYHh5bGTcF-LAYS-OdaS7nvGbHiUxqMzz6n2-hvnLGi0nNB0bwVLRn2u8kVxPctqHyz3Zd2Rg34xbwljJpI6Cfd6bZYzfvzPp/s640/1.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but I love getting a glimpse into people's homes. I'm still learning to get comfortable in my surroundings without the company of a majority of my belongings (they're currently residing in storage). It's starting to make me realize what I really need and what I really don't. Kinda makes me want to throw everything out - just kidding (sorta). Moving on, there are a few nooks and places in my new home that bring me happiness. The boyfriend gave up his bedside table so I had a little more room to move some of my belongings. I haven't had a bedside table since I lived in PA and that was 9 in a half years ago! I know, I know - getting excited over a night stand? It's the little things, people! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-krFtgbUiVoqR51ZpUFQcpPZIuBzMjtFRz0rBfQJg5c4F9xjNgRuVS77EctwZhh4JTbrlmPy7FDERYfyRMGZd3FuH3PrG56-TtpeTFlkjlK26vVRKiJx23taFRqQH2KugHvhMXNQ0Kmt/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-krFtgbUiVoqR51ZpUFQcpPZIuBzMjtFRz0rBfQJg5c4F9xjNgRuVS77EctwZhh4JTbrlmPy7FDERYfyRMGZd3FuH3PrG56-TtpeTFlkjlK26vVRKiJx23taFRqQH2KugHvhMXNQ0Kmt/s640/2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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The top of my night stand is home to my favorite lamp, my tiny jewelry collection (not a huge fan of jewelry (i'm so picky) so that's why it's so small), a blue mason jar that houses my spare change, a trinket box from Africa that my wonderful step-momma brought back for me, a flower my boyfriend picked for me on our anniversary & one of my favorite photos of my little man. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUilwd8exQek01GYa3Vo8UExBbrMrXCFK3aRs5biS28bTQ2K19BCWmtdvhVApwwFq-SX5HncpoHk13LMrIsp3EZ_F8skg-ABGzuB5_iqwOKusoqcb4HcHUWipuoNqm6y3rVyzFOSRLxjkB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUilwd8exQek01GYa3Vo8UExBbrMrXCFK3aRs5biS28bTQ2K19BCWmtdvhVApwwFq-SX5HncpoHk13LMrIsp3EZ_F8skg-ABGzuB5_iqwOKusoqcb4HcHUWipuoNqm6y3rVyzFOSRLxjkB/s640/3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but I've had my share of pretty crappy mirrors. Maybe it's the way this one is hung, etc. but it's proven helpful in several outfit dilemmas and helping with bad hair days. High five, mirror! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjae6D7mk66QcErCnEzpRngL0STADY8DiyCohYm9FufnLCqZmwg1jmd0xunFGuGE0xjSwxL67FkuO2XpsKMsMayTGyldPiqmy89XVI7A26xHil287ZaDSo5F-xe1imRVmDKHfZb1XidWbQ6/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjae6D7mk66QcErCnEzpRngL0STADY8DiyCohYm9FufnLCqZmwg1jmd0xunFGuGE0xjSwxL67FkuO2XpsKMsMayTGyldPiqmy89XVI7A26xHil287ZaDSo5F-xe1imRVmDKHfZb1XidWbQ6/s640/4.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Every week I buy fresh flowers for the apartment. I also like to keep candles burning. I feel it makes a home a "home". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCICQYsnqq4Km-Nnjh5ptustn3pJkV7IZqnV9zmHAfbEHzf3cK0z2qgL-fTVOlw4HxTkwSI0ezkCaZJk4mqADojOvzJyJXH1KNB2pZnitlxXmVtSO5PTWm6GqZwAJfaIUxJ2FlE92bvAN/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCICQYsnqq4Km-Nnjh5ptustn3pJkV7IZqnV9zmHAfbEHzf3cK0z2qgL-fTVOlw4HxTkwSI0ezkCaZJk4mqADojOvzJyJXH1KNB2pZnitlxXmVtSO5PTWm6GqZwAJfaIUxJ2FlE92bvAN/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My last fridge was home to all things Charlie and the amazing people in our life. So I'm beyond happy that this fridge is home to Charlie's artwork and one of my favorite magnets that a friend made for my first mother's day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckKYNUlXcmxxRiuxgzGXKghuiFQp253BEBzFQhEXcwJlnJUHiMiPr-O9BHu9JTk8ouBdGhURUXilk4IlePa2yiEZBJ_lpzULpBvQM88jF_scF2FiqdDVN0J-wienwAAMRKYxl2IbBoQEJ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckKYNUlXcmxxRiuxgzGXKghuiFQp253BEBzFQhEXcwJlnJUHiMiPr-O9BHu9JTk8ouBdGhURUXilk4IlePa2yiEZBJ_lpzULpBvQM88jF_scF2FiqdDVN0J-wienwAAMRKYxl2IbBoQEJ/s640/6.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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My boyfriend made that lamp and re-did that chair. He's pretty darn talented and I'm so proud of all his work. I'll be honest, this is probably my favorite part of the living room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6g5Q3IyKHCyF1OyqhlJVqz6iRlMbsDKChcj8KD7lk2ZTAayLulTo7q40Q_cqLvOq-P0VlJG_e1MJ5oT3Taegb1bdU2AKDbVGmZPd-InvW7t_IjXq2F3ugYuFOvhQxP_qzJyUp3XF1IJb/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6g5Q3IyKHCyF1OyqhlJVqz6iRlMbsDKChcj8KD7lk2ZTAayLulTo7q40Q_cqLvOq-P0VlJG_e1MJ5oT3Taegb1bdU2AKDbVGmZPd-InvW7t_IjXq2F3ugYuFOvhQxP_qzJyUp3XF1IJb/s640/7.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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The balcony is home to our plant collection. The balcony is another favorite part of the apartment. I feel the plants have help give the balcony a tranquil vibe. It's a nice change of pace to sit outside and work or just relax :) </div>
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ps: if you haven't already, start following me on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2971359">bloglovin</a>. I finished adding all of my favorites this past week. It's kinda nice to have a home for all of them in one spot! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-78874909468108709742013-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:002013-07-07T11:47:00.165-07:00learning and growing <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD26L4crYF6AB5JYmovg17quIZCjNP4aMW-sR0kIMJ6W0qGyop3ikgxFMfKYsRX0iPKDhHiKubcpyLfHdhaeKOe5gtA_i_6NEDu8CIAP2wHE-EY2h_X4U2kzFrPmbYcRBd-6IuBjoQtcH/s1600/4b934299fbdceb3d9cdd4c8ec3db880d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD26L4crYF6AB5JYmovg17quIZCjNP4aMW-sR0kIMJ6W0qGyop3ikgxFMfKYsRX0iPKDhHiKubcpyLfHdhaeKOe5gtA_i_6NEDu8CIAP2wHE-EY2h_X4U2kzFrPmbYcRBd-6IuBjoQtcH/s640/4b934299fbdceb3d9cdd4c8ec3db880d.jpg" width="413" /></a></td></tr>
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I've had a rough few days (emotionally). The days leading up to "that time of the month" are always grueling and annoying as hell. I hated just writing that last sentence but it comes along with the territory of being a woman. I'm overly sensitive about the stupidest things and I have moments where I hate the way I look and feel about myself. Ex: There were many things that made me upset on the 4th of July (some of them being valid) but what did I cry about at one point? Not having access to sparklers. Sparklers!! Sparklers are considered fireworks and are illegal in Los Angeles. Don't worry I managed to cry about that one in the shower where no one would find me because the sane part of me knew crying over sparklers was indeed just silly. </div>
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One thing I'm learning about myself is that I can't let others actions and feelings towards me dictate how I feel about myself or ruin my day which at times I allow it to. I can't give power to my fears and irrational fears (oh and there are so many that are just downright hysterical). In the past I'd let others actions and words ruin my day and I have the past few days. Which at times is strange I allow this to happen because I'm the first person to get annoyed when someone tells me what to do. I try very hard not to hate or dislike people. I try my best not to let someone else's judgement on something or someone cloud how I feel about someone or something but not everyone does that. I know you can't please everyone and not everyone will like you (no matter how hard you may try). I know that no matter how much you give, not everyone will reciprocate. annnnd the biggest one I've learned is, just because you wouldn't do something to someone, doesn't mean that they wouldn't have a problem doing it to you. It's hard but these are just facts about life. </div>
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It's a weird transition learning who you are when your child isn't always around. Somedays I walk around feeling like one of my limbs is missing. Sometimes I struggle because the person who I was b.c. (my abbreviation for "before Charlie) is no longer the same person. In the beginning I'd be sad for a short time and sometimes I find myself dwelling on being "sad" a bit longer and I get frustrated with myself. I'm sure a lot of this right now is my hormones (damn you, hormones ::shakes fist:: ). When you're an adult I feel a lot of your "worth" is determined by your job, career, salary, etc. While I don't determine any one's worth by that, there's a part of me that is hard on myself for that because I feel that I'm not contributing much even though I may try. That and I'm annoying busy body who has to constantly be doing something or I fall asleep. No joke, the moment a movie is turned on I fall asleep or I have to be doing something while watching the movie. Unless it's at a movie in a theater and then I hope to god that theater serves nachos but that's a little off subject. So since the funds have been tight, I've found myself a little more "down" than usual. </div>
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I guess the silver lining in this is that, life goes up and down. It won't always rain forever but that doesn't mean that it will stay dry forever either. I guess in a weird way that is what makes life worth the ride (even if it's annoying at times). It's in those moments of pouring rain when you find some sort of inner strength to learn to dance in it. While I know life isn't as bad as it could be and I'm so blessed and thankful for everything and everyone I do have, I'm embracing this time because it's giving me a weird amount of strength I never knew I had in me and is a learning lesson. I also want to show Charlie that even in times of struggle you don't curl up and give up. It's important to find something special in everyday and everyday (even if it's a struggle), I know two things are always the highlight of my day, my conversations and FaceTimes with Charlie and the moment my boyfriend gets home from work. Everything else is just icing on the cake. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-7168972939991248792013-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:002013-07-01T09:04:07.394-07:00phew!! my wedding season is officially over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf3UXJiY8OMdDAZ1ygvS9YL61NK0HUT5dmQBubW1hvzI6KHeMmWg730M5qoOJ7Lvu5_ShGyJrWw5dM84AVfAIdmqmGN9ZAX3cMHjfXRvjg8gw4n8XQMwuPb06ZrGw4eoOjCsD7suFL82z/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf3UXJiY8OMdDAZ1ygvS9YL61NK0HUT5dmQBubW1hvzI6KHeMmWg730M5qoOJ7Lvu5_ShGyJrWw5dM84AVfAIdmqmGN9ZAX3cMHjfXRvjg8gw4n8XQMwuPb06ZrGw4eoOjCsD7suFL82z/s640/photo-16.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The month of June is over which means my "wedding season" has officially wrapped. The past two weeks have been very busy for me and I feel like every day was filled with at least one (if not more) responsibilities that was wedding related. Instead of writing a list like I usually do, I kept it all in my head which led to little sleep which to caffeine overdose which eventually leads to anxiety (at least for me). So lesson learned - lists are your friend, Rachel!! In the midst of the chaos I enjoyed every minute of it (for the most part). I enjoyed visiting with friends from out of town and getting to spend some quality time with my favorite munchkins. My best friend Lauren came to the hotel to do everyone's make up and she did a beautiful job (like always). Everyone looked beautiful especially the bride! I did one of the bridesmaids updo and I did my own. With help from one of the bridesmaids I was able to work with my dress malfunction (I hope I never to buy another dress from a certain inexpensive bridal chain again). I'm so happy for my friends and so excited for their future together!! </div>
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ps: In the midst of all this wedding hoopla one of my best friends (more like my seeeeeester) got engaged!! So stinkin' excited and happy for her!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sucked up every moment I could with my favorite little Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PiZOkwcrIBVdOIAab1ncU0FTaixDlkaBMusP1kcpsOsUQp07hrIEZGlOOJz-0j3BbFfh8lT1o-liJXxTCOUbOZlq5RWu2IJfJ5Yy9rR9D_kOxBVnG07g3vXhL0jagABYIuzLG59jJker/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PiZOkwcrIBVdOIAab1ncU0FTaixDlkaBMusP1kcpsOsUQp07hrIEZGlOOJz-0j3BbFfh8lT1o-liJXxTCOUbOZlq5RWu2IJfJ5Yy9rR9D_kOxBVnG07g3vXhL0jagABYIuzLG59jJker/s640/photo-12.JPG" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the day i consumed at least 5 red bulls </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these kiddos were a huge help when i was preparing one of the rehersal dinner appetizers </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-38952468493778698222013-06-27T09:03:00.000-07:002013-06-27T09:03:07.051-07:00success<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/rapper-birdman-owes-8-million-oneofakind-maybach-exelero/">image</a></td></tr>
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Forgive me if I start to ramble. Pretty sure I've been on a rambling cycle this past week. Moving on - For as long as I can remember, teachers and sometimes even parents try to embed their idea of what success is or try to give you pointers on how to lead a successful life. They're using their knowledge, life experiences, etc. to help guide you down a certain path. Maybe it's the oldest child syndrome, or the fact that I hate being told what to do or perhaps it's the Aquarian in me but I've never 100% agreed with what their ideas of success was. </div>
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I believe an education is very important and I may be a nerd in secret (i keep most of my old text books and reread them when I'm bored - dork!) but I know for a fact that college isn't for everyone and I know not everyone is ready to attend college at the same time. I'd never advise someone not to go to college but I do know how I was around 18 and the idea of making me go to college was like trying to teach a pig how to fly - it wasn't going to happen. I was very stubborn in my mind set and I was going to do things my way (interesting - some things never change). So what did I do? Move out to California after just turning 20. I needed to move away from a place where I felt suffocated. It didn't hit me until five years later but I realized that was one of my first successes. </div>
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By most people's standards (& sometimes my own) I'm not a very successful person. I don't have some amazing job or career where I'm bringing in the cash or have a 401k, I don't drive a fancy car (fact - I never desire to drive a fancy car), I don't own a home, I have never been outside North America, I have debt & yes, i'm a single mom. I'm sure there a bunch more things to add on here but that's not what I'm trying to focus on here. To some or maybe to most this looks like an unsuccessful person but these things don't define success to me. I think success is more personal than some may realize. When I was pregnant I had gnarly morning sickness and managed to still go to work. I managed to deal with a very difficult pregnancy by myself. These may not like seem much to someone else but it was a huge success for me. It taught me a lot about myself and my nature. I've had highs with jobs where money wasn't a huge issues and I've had a lot of lows where it was and have lived paycheck to paycheck and somehow still managed to stay afloat. Mostly everyone has been there, its tough and it sucks and sometimes it does a number to your self esteem but you're a success in my eyes cause that's tough to do and you aren't throwing in a towel. If you're doing something that you love and not making much money as you would like but you're still doing it - you're a success in my eyes. You could be homeless or perhaps even crazy but still the most gentle and loving human being - you're a success. </div>
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My Opa pretty much grew up in poverty and my Oma had nothing after WWII because Germany was completely bombed out, but they found one another and got married and had nothing upon moving back to the states (where my Opa was from). But they worked and somehow managed to make a little life for themselves and made a life for their children. My mama and uncles went to catholic school and never went without anything they didn't need. My Opa was a mechanic who would also work a part-time job here and there and my Oma was a full-time mom up until my mom went to school all day then got a part-time job. I've seem them struggle and I've seen them overcome lots of things. My grandparents are the most giving and loving people you'd ever meet and they've given my brother and I so much. They'd give you the shirt off their backs if meant you'd be clothed. I'm pretty sure my they love me more than my own parents do (no joke). They are two of the most successful people I have met in my entire life. They may not have the best of everything but they make the best of everything and for everyone around them. </div>
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Don't get me wrong, I don't enjoy constant struggle and having more money would be amazing but I'm not going to sit here and think of myself as a failure because I'm still working towards things I want in my life. I want to eventually gallivant around the streets of Paris, snuggle a koala bear in Australia and hike machu picchu. Oh, and lets not forget sporting a pink wig and run around Tokyo like Scarlett Johnansson did in Lost In Translation. At some point would like a little family that I can dote on. I want to own a home so I can have a beautiful garden of my own vegetables and sit outside on warm summer nights and watch the lightening bugs come alive. I know for a fact that it can't rain forever and brighter days are ahead but for now I will dance in the rain and make the best of it. So if you're going through a rough time and you don't feel like much - I think you're a success. So if you come across this post somehow - I think you're pretty darn awesome! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-67071291665272736322013-06-26T17:46:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:46:39.785-07:00wednesday wants<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNb9vwq5MTK5s_8UXHFziJlpXdRWTb9diU5R42JHZaS356vUKr86jwQGQdv_BZxJEPiX__uwoXqL9Tt6eilWnrU8ZYcoonIMQAkK8PNho2ce_AyJkwuQbrLJoIw4x5AZ3hWgPZYglOFd3/s1600/il_570xN.441032385_kx9z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNb9vwq5MTK5s_8UXHFziJlpXdRWTb9diU5R42JHZaS356vUKr86jwQGQdv_BZxJEPiX__uwoXqL9Tt6eilWnrU8ZYcoonIMQAkK8PNho2ce_AyJkwuQbrLJoIw4x5AZ3hWgPZYglOFd3/s1600/il_570xN.441032385_kx9z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not that I need anymore <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127254069/hey-boo-i-said-to-kill-a-mockingbird?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=tote+bags&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=tote+bags">tote bags</a> but I'm kinda digging this one. Oh, and the same cute<br />little shop has an Edgar Allen Poe one woot! woot! </td></tr>
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One day I'll own the perfect cake stand and when I do, I hope it looks like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113795709/milk-glass-cake-stand-fenton-hobnail?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=milkglass+cake+stand&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=milkglass+cake+stand">this</a> </div>
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I may or may not have spent some of the morning drooling over this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153011322/ethiopian-opal-jewelry-opal-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=opal+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=opal+necklace">necklace</a> </div>
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Fell in love with these <a href="http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=9734242&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&searchTerm=32F12DSLV&resultCount=1&geoip=home">sandals</a> today</div>
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Well, aren't you the perfect little <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-new-perforated-leather-crossbody-bag/3555593?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_C">bag</a><br /><br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-51175660171725363832013-06-25T11:21:00.002-07:002013-06-25T11:21:45.910-07:00visually appeasing <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEx-YCC2V5Y5N8t4McLFY0by8jn7b1NxLBcZLiF-fRcOQFCLjq5TdiyN4CxUXxJHL4JzbYl3cXXoTEL4EJc5Cw8ye6OcGjpge8eHdgl8-ragC-f63YP8-8ePR01YyP_l5oqRRu7_rJ27L/s1600/ab839b67e31ec33a862fa92cae48b611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEx-YCC2V5Y5N8t4McLFY0by8jn7b1NxLBcZLiF-fRcOQFCLjq5TdiyN4CxUXxJHL4JzbYl3cXXoTEL4EJc5Cw8ye6OcGjpge8eHdgl8-ragC-f63YP8-8ePR01YyP_l5oqRRu7_rJ27L/s1600/ab839b67e31ec33a862fa92cae48b611.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Like most these days, I'm addicted to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. I've heard people complain that they don't like Pinterest because it makes them feel bad about their life or their belongings or it sometimes makes people want more than they can afford, etc. Pinterest has been extremely helpful in my everyday life. Not only is it the perfect place to find a quote that you may relate to but it's the perfect source for recipe and beverage ideas. It's also helped my creativity. It's given me ideas that have led to other creative outlets for myself. Creativity is something that is extremely important to me. I need it to function like food or water (& sometimes that much needed glass of wine). Pinterest is also a home to some of the most beautiful images I have ever seen. Sometimes I like to clock out of the real world and get lost in the beauty of images. Today I'm going to share with you a few of my favorite finds on Pinterest. annnnd now for this: if you're a fellow pinner, please follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/rachellawson">me</a> on Pinterest! It's always exciting to see what other people are pinning :)<br /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-78369465434650196962013-06-24T12:57:00.002-07:002013-06-24T12:57:35.631-07:00learning to love yourself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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The other morning I had a conversation with one of my friends and she mentioned how she loved herself and explained why. While some people would take that as being conceited, I admired her in that moment. We live in a world where we love to watch the demise of public figures, we're encouraged to point out our flaws, we pick other people apart, etc. When I sit down and really think about it, it makes me sick because we're all guilty of it. Instead of celebrating our differences, we find ways to tear them apart. I think sometimes guys have it a little bit easier than girls. Girls are terrible and the thing is, it never stops. It starts when we're young and continues into adulthood and yet we're somehow surprised when the cycle starts again with your daughter, niece, cousin, etc. You should like yourself. No scratch that, you should love yourself.<br />
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In the past I'd let others influence and determine my self worth. I had a lousy self esteem. Regardless of what I was going through or how I felt about myself there were things that never changed. Looking back those qualities about myself or even the small things were the things that I should've really focused on. Instead I'd focus on how someone felt about me or the mistakes I've made along the way. When the reality of all of this is, nobody is perfect. "don't judge someone because they sin differently than you" pretty much sums it up. Oh well, you live and you learn.<br />
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A lot of my life changed the moment I had Charlie. I had someone who needed me to love and care for them. Even though circumstances were less than ideal and I feel that I've struggled more than I've succeeded in all of this, I finally found that place where I belonged. My life made sense in a unconventional way. He brought me back to reality to appreciate what life is really about. He didn't care how much money you made, or how much debt you were in or what you were wearing or what your mistakes might've been in the past. He doesn't judge. He loves you for being you and that's beautiful.<br />
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In the mornings are usually my happy time. I normally lay in bed and reflect for a few and think about what I'm thankful and happy for. For the first few moments I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I may not be rich or have the best of everything but I have a lot and more importantly I have some of the most amazing people in my life who make my life rich. I could be worse off. Then it all goes to hell when I realize I have to wake up and brush my teeth. Don't worry these teeth are brushed regularly but it doesn't mean I enjoy doing it. Some may roll their eyes at my little morning thought session but it's what makes me and it's something I've grown to love about myself (along with the fact that I hate brushing my teeth). <br />
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I think the more we learn to love ourselves, the more we can learn to love others. We should be building each other up, not tearing one another down. This all may sound like hippy talk but I like the idea of Charlie and any future children that I may or may not have grow up in a better world than the one we are currently in. Think about the lovely things you like/love about yourself. Makes you feel a little bit better, doesn't it? :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-19586408240607466392013-06-21T14:08:00.001-07:002013-06-21T14:28:12.831-07:00the adjustment period <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like life, change doesn't come with a book of instructions. There's no proper way to cope with any sort of change that enters your life. Sometimes good changes come into your life that leave you wanting to pirouette in aisles of Target. Or sometimes change comes in forms that leave you feeling at times empty, useless and you wind up crying by the succulents in Home Depot. I'm currently in the midst of experiencing both of these things. With any sort of change there comes the "adjustment period". You're learning to adapt to these new changes.<br />
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In the past I had no issues opening up and sharing however I was feeling at the time. I was an open book. While parts of me are still an open book, there's parts of me that rather keeps things to myself. Sometimes because I'm afraid that the really good things will disappear but mostly because I don't like hurting people's feelings even if it's in a passive aggressive manner. I no longer enjoy being that person and I'm not sure I ever really did. While life was getting crazy with all these changes I found myself not on the Internet much and as much as I enjoyed it, I also missed blogging. Except I found myself having writers block. I had thoughts, I had photos of things that were going on, I documented meals, etc. I just couldn't put anything into sentences. There was a part of me that started to feel that I was very unoriginal. I sort of felt like that awkward 13 year old who doesn't really know where they fit.<br />
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Having a child isn't easy and it's especially a little harder when you have to share custody with someone else. For the past two years (roughly) my life has revolved around motherhood. This blog even turned mostly into everything Charlie but that's where my life was at. Now I'm sharing custody from a different coast. It's a big adjustment and as painful as most days are, I think it was the best decision. I'm sure there are people out there who have their own thoughts and feelings and that's fine but keep it to yourself. I'm thankful Charlie has two parents who love the crud out of him. I'm thankful that his father and I have people in our lives who also love and care for that kid. I'm thankful that this kid has been constantly surrounded by so much love. What more can a parent want for their kid?<br />
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So here I am.... in this weird strange adjustment period. The past few days have been very rough. Normally sad moments only last a moment and I'm able to snap out of it. However, the past few days have been a little tougher to snap out of and that's frustrating to me because I don't like being the "sad one". I've been living on a toddler schedule since Charlie became one. I still find myself getting up when he would and getting beyond exhausted around the times he'd nap. It's very frustrating because right now he isn't around so why is my body still hooked on this routine? I'd look at myself in the mirror and I wanted to punch it but that would hurt my hand and who needs all those years of bad luck anyway. I had moments where I hated all my clothes, my hair, my face, etc. I've been so used to being a mom that I sometimes forget what I actually enjoy doing. It's extremely difficult at times to focus primarily on myself and if I do I feel selfish. I find random articles of his clothes and breakdown bawling in the hallway when no one is around. Some people in life are good at facials, art, creating something out of nothing, picking sushi, etc. I'm really good at being domestic. I'm pretty sure this was one reason motherhood came so easily to me. It's frustrating because I don't enjoy doing anything as much as I've enjoyed being a mother on a daily basis. Oh, and party planning. I can plan a darn good party but that's a little off subject right now. Oh, and crafts. Okay moving on with this... I miss planning our daily activities and his weekly finger friendly food meals. I miss seeing the way his face would light up when he'd see our favorite people and watch their face light up as they saw his. It's pretty amazing to watch your kid interact with the special people in your life. It's just a difficult adjustment. After my daily FaceTime with Charlie this morning, I looked at my tear stained face in the rear view mirror and decided I had to snap out of it. I was determined to snap out of it. Crying hysterically in the shower because you aren't sure where your life is going anymore was starting to get old. Crying over other people's family instagram photos was annoying. I had to put an end to this "funk". I'm not sure why driving straight home would make me feel better but it did. I changed out of the dress that made me feel fat, I made the bed and opened the curtains in the bedroom. I lit candles in the dining room and bathroom. I plopped my new favorite smelling votive candle (because I can't afford a real size version of it right now) into a very girly looking candle holder (pretty sure the boyfriend might cringe at it) and lit it. Then I opened my laptop and started writing this entry. A quarter into my cherry coke zero and two bites into my piece of candy and I'm feeling a little bit better. I'm not sure if it was the nesting that made me feel better or maybe it was just being able to put my thoughts into sentences again. Or maybe it was knowing that I had a place to return to that makes me feel appreciated, supported, wanted and cared for and I'm happy to call it "home". I know I'll have good days and bad days but I think the best feeling is knowing that you have a group of supporters who believe in you and support you even when you're being grumpy because you're hungry.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-74816128488366984512013-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-18T06:00:01.036-07:00one wedding down <br />
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Phew! One wedding down, one more to go. I hear stories about women who are in several weddings over the course of "wedding season" and I have no idea how they do it. My mother's wedding took the place the other weekend. I loved the dress she chose and I'm so happy she's happy. It's also pretty awesome she got to return to Europe for her honeymoon and is having a wonderful time. </div>
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I did learn that you can plan the heck out of something and something will go wrong and they did. My beautiful bridesmaids dress had an altering issue and I had to find something else (very quickly and I hated the dress). Scary organ music + toddlers don't mix. I already knew Charlie wouldn't sit for 30 minutes. So I decided I'd be the one to hang out with him and run around with him while the ceremony was going on and my mom had one of her friends fill in as maid of honor. There were several other issues that kept popping up as the night went on but by the end of the night, who cares? All that matters is she had a wonderful day, she looked beautiful and she was surrounded by the ones she loved. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I quickly put together a "case of emergency" bride kit for her </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">cutest ring bearer ever! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">and what's the best part of this union? I got three sisters! Pretty great deal if you ask me :)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-36725578195709615932013-06-17T13:09:00.001-07:002013-06-17T13:09:21.450-07:00another saturday, another adventure day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh wait, I'm blogging? Yeah, it's been pretty interesting around these parts and by interesting I mean busy. Between moving, weddings, traveling, etc. It's gotten pretty hectic and it's starting to slow down just a bit (I hope). </div>
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Saturday's in this place are dedicated to "Adventure Day". Adventure Day is just that, an Adventure. We visit places we've never been or haven't been to in a long time. Depending on what our funds are looking like is how we decide what we're going to do. In the past we've taken adventures to Chinatown (i've lived in for 9 years and have never been - say whaaaa?) & Alvera Street (in search for the perfect cinco de mayo decorations) and trips to Solvang and Santa Barbara. Another key factor of making this day an adventure is we find places that we've never eaten at before. </div>
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We live in a world of fast food and chain restaurants and if you aren't eating at one of them sometimes you find yourself at over priced places and all of these types of establishments lack "soul" to them. When I talk about "soul" I'm not talking about soul food, I'm talking about food that has a little "sumthin sumthin" about it. When I was a child I always enjoyed a good BBQ (& most southern foods). I'm always down to find real BBQ places but unfortch we don't live in the south and it's harder to find those types of places out here in LA. </div>
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We decided to try out JNJ Burger Shack. There's a burger side and a side strictly dedicated to BBQ. It's a little shack and they have outdoor seating. It was hands down one of the best places I've eaten at recently. The key is to order two separate dishes, sides, etc. I ordered the chicken with potato salad and corn on the cob and the boyfriend ordered the ribs with yams baked beans. Ohmylanta it was heaven! The potato salad was whipped and delicious. The yams pretty much left me speechless. That's how much I enjoyed them. If you live anywhere near LA, I highly suggest paying JNJ Burger Shack a visit. You won't be disappointed! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100804915854776785.post-26820414162617927502013-05-28T22:18:00.000-07:002013-05-28T22:18:16.978-07:00life lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The only thing constant in life is change. That has been the major theme in my life lately. There's a lot of changes that have happened and there are a lot more changes that are going to happen. Like most changes in life some are good, some break your heart and some there's nothing you can do about it. I've been focusing on the "silver lining" of all of these changes and situations. It's what's been getting me through some of the tough stuff. The weather in LA has been pretty warm and it's given me that itch to explore the city as much as I can with my favorite little man. I've been trying to suck up the time I do have with him. Which is one of the main reasons I haven't been blogging. Misc. projects, cooking up some yummy recipes, packing and "unplugging" has also been keeping me busy these days, Along with a new camera that my boyfriend bought me for Mother's Day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh-LUzHBMw2kQRFPIIm_wvURuZfA6jt17eauq8pMWUIvSVV3subtwpqjyD_uwEJHC-tY2AV1kxFjDxQZYN51iq2HrJHbkdzeSKwaiv8IzeDoGIFKhX-7ro435H6L91UpowOrT9rm2s18Q/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh-LUzHBMw2kQRFPIIm_wvURuZfA6jt17eauq8pMWUIvSVV3subtwpqjyD_uwEJHC-tY2AV1kxFjDxQZYN51iq2HrJHbkdzeSKwaiv8IzeDoGIFKhX-7ro435H6L91UpowOrT9rm2s18Q/s640/photo-12.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I've been taking Charlie to various museums all over Southern California lately. I label our museum days "educational field trips". My best friend and I used to take them all the time when we lived together. I think it's important to immerse your child in culture and take them to all sorts of places. Even if he's too young to remember museums or places I've taken him, I still find it important to do these sorts of things with him. It's fun getting to experience these types of adventures over again with your little one. Sometimes it's just the two of us and sometimes our favorite people accompany us. </div>
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Lacma offers free children memberships up until the child is 18. When they visit the museum they're allowed to bring one adult with them for free. Score! It was fun getting to visit the children's museum there where children get "hands on" and get to create their own artwork. It was fun watching Charlie pick up a paint brush and slather the paint on the paper. He was very proud of himself. After every stroke he'd look over at me with his cheesy grin that I just can't get enough of. </div>
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Also, if you live in the LA area and have children I recommend the Ziggler Children's museum. It's a hands on kid museum complete with story time and music hours. They have a life sized small airplane and ambulance that the kids get to play in. They also have fake homes, stores and even a small cushion area for the infant crowd. It's a child's dream and a germophobic mother's worse nightmare. Charlie had a blast just pushing around the child size shopping carts and gathering fake groceries and putting them back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fI4pLXjimo4kl-igjEHockrelJ6aYdvdSmVZk3k3TkPzjMTy937qc9dN6rk53_HabQ7eBzo14zTRFrBlSYGVM0wtWaV_pT0o-hGY6XqmBKJuwZF0SjMmbEq9_H9kWWsvU4B4ZH5U__t0/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fI4pLXjimo4kl-igjEHockrelJ6aYdvdSmVZk3k3TkPzjMTy937qc9dN6rk53_HabQ7eBzo14zTRFrBlSYGVM0wtWaV_pT0o-hGY6XqmBKJuwZF0SjMmbEq9_H9kWWsvU4B4ZH5U__t0/s640/photo-17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMRcgOrb1fqBeP_hyphenhyphenZK2Upe9bvzExqQBZpEqUToQZvoPHITh7OxEULTitOhC_9VNtU5IIdN8nTMg8Zjcs78xxzquFGP28joYdhUKsZVibPF6OkUyd45SsrASkVEp4p3kv_222AGgMVFoJ/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMRcgOrb1fqBeP_hyphenhyphenZK2Upe9bvzExqQBZpEqUToQZvoPHITh7OxEULTitOhC_9VNtU5IIdN8nTMg8Zjcs78xxzquFGP28joYdhUKsZVibPF6OkUyd45SsrASkVEp4p3kv_222AGgMVFoJ/s640/photo-15.JPG" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this cheesy grin </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97fUJFS28uOzYCzV0aBq6DenUZGbBH03pGEMHHeC7N4xRwYVKDNXl_dkSCQxPcgNSCUUH4W5uQEBq2GPC2gzXhyTbLXSXI19ylDGDEAN-wIMtgIIZTabTEC6EEUF6rL3JX95CocyWgTVG/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97fUJFS28uOzYCzV0aBq6DenUZGbBH03pGEMHHeC7N4xRwYVKDNXl_dkSCQxPcgNSCUUH4W5uQEBq2GPC2gzXhyTbLXSXI19ylDGDEAN-wIMtgIIZTabTEC6EEUF6rL3JX95CocyWgTVG/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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On a very very sad note, our beloved Penelope ran off last week. I was warned by the vet that since she's a stray she may have a tendency to run off. At first she had no desire to but as time went on she kept trying to escape every chance she got. Then last week it happened - she darted out the door and by the time I could scoop Charlie into my arms and run after she was out of sight. I can't tell you how many laps around the neighborhood and neighboring neighborhoods we searched through. I like to think that Penelope likes to enter people's lives and bring them joy and love and when she thinks her work there is done she finds a new home to bring love and joy to. That's me trying to have a "silver lining" outlook on it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhltd2KKaity04v6U5T_mOkn_m4XSWms2ipMhhr3DaEJBzTlzpjE-uY_vfsWg1fhhHeQMqJJJ5layXb6ns-sDU6TD1B5YQnnu_ORTeI9r3hSnV0aLzNMKEGgSXjRU9I5wFJrPJQxgAua5/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhltd2KKaity04v6U5T_mOkn_m4XSWms2ipMhhr3DaEJBzTlzpjE-uY_vfsWg1fhhHeQMqJJJ5layXb6ns-sDU6TD1B5YQnnu_ORTeI9r3hSnV0aLzNMKEGgSXjRU9I5wFJrPJQxgAua5/s640/photo-16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703227190465345565noreply@blogger.com5