tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57710207612874740392024-02-18T18:26:28.045-08:00Trimmed & TayloredUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-5539349966461675962013-03-05T16:06:00.000-08:002013-03-05T16:22:27.542-08:00Say "I do" - Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The year since I last posted has been was a big one. Derek and I got engaged, planned a wedding, and pulled it all off when we said "I do" on January 12, 2013. Since I'm back in blogging-action, I thought what better come back than to share the details of this very special year!<br />
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So to kick it off, we'll go back to the beginning--the engagement!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engaged!</td></tr>
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Derek and I have known for a long time that we wanted to be together forever. We'd looked at rings several times and settled on a style in the summer of 2011, so I knew it was coming soon. I just wasn't sure when!<br />
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In late October, Derek and I were out to dinner after I returned from a business trip when he said, "So, should I tell you after I talk to your dad?"<br />
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Of course I replied, "No!" I knew once he had "the talk" with my dad, the proposal would be any time, so I wanted it kept a secret. A few minutes and a few bites later he blurted out, "I just have to tell you! I talked to him!"<br />
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All I could do was laugh. Derek told me it was such a big conversation, he wanted to share it with his best friend. He just couldn't hold it in! That's how I found out the proposal was on the immediate horizon.<br />
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Over the next few weeks, I was on the alert for anything out of the ordinary that might signal the proposal was coming. I made sure to dress extra cute every day, so I would be just picture perfect when he pulled out the ring.<br />
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The Friday before Thanksgiving, Derek suggested we stay in, pick-up food, and watch a movie. After a long work week, I was game, and totally sure the proposal was coming after the holiday. We grabbed some Chipotle, I put on my sweats, and we snuggled in for the night.<br />
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I was watching TV, nibbling on chips, when Derek started acting totally strange! He wasn't forming sensical sentences and smiled like a maniac! I thought he was just being silly so I ignored him, but he kept it up. After a few minutes, I finally saw it! A beautiful, fancy ribbon tied around our dog, Arnold's, neck. I called Arnold over and pulled off the ribbon. Tied onto it was the ring! When I turned around, Derek was on his knee and asked me the big question. Obviously, I said "yes!"<br />
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For me, it was the perfect proposal. I was caught totally off guard, it was private between the two of us (something I wanted), and it involved our third musketeer--Arnold. I couldn't have asked for better. Sweatpants and all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after the proposal with the ring bearer himself.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two thumbs up! We're getting married!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-67145862897373016012011-07-31T08:25:00.001-07:002011-07-31T08:25:52.064-07:00We're headed here for the week ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.media.kiwicollection.com/media/property/PR006714/xl/006714-03-outdoor-pool-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://cdn.media.kiwicollection.com/media/property/PR006714/xl/006714-03-outdoor-pool-night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
See you soon! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-48110685029683522162011-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:002011-07-13T21:32:33.453-07:00Leftover Lovers Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bap4pbQi5PQ/Th5ll9-a0cI/AAAAAAAAEGY/Fmpn65oTiuA/s1600/Arnold+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bap4pbQi5PQ/Th5ll9-a0cI/AAAAAAAAEGY/Fmpn65oTiuA/s640/Arnold+001.jpg" width="508px" /></a></div>When you're cooking for two, chances are you'll get to the end of the week and have a few leftover items - be it veggies, cheese, or proteins - that won't make it past the weekend. You could just throw them away, but if you're anything like me, you hate to waste! Well luckily I live with a pizza-holic who could eat the stuff for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday of the week. So I came up with Leftover Lovers pizza - an almost weekly ritual that helps me use up whatever's in my fridge!<br />
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You can start with a store bought crust or a homemade version. My personal favorite is a recipe from Bon Appetit. It's thin, crisp, and absolutely perfect. Here's how it's done ...<br />
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In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp sugar with 3/4 cup water and 1.5 tsp active dry yeast. Stir it up, it will look like this:<br />
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Let it sit around for about 5 minutes until it looks spongy. Something like this ...<br />
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Now stir in 1.5 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 2 1/4 cups flour. Knead it up for about 5 minutes. You'll find it therapeutic ...<br />
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Now take the dough out and coat the bowl with a dab of olive oil. Add your dough ball back into the bowl, cover it with a towel, and leave it alone for about 1.5 hours. It should go from this:<br />
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To this:<br />
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Now you'll want to turn your oven to very hot (500 degrees) and put your pizza stone or pans in the oven. This is key because the hot pan will help crisp up the dough when you put it on. While the pans are warming, stretch your dough out with hand, a rolling pin, sheer will, whatever works! I like to make mine into two long flatbreads, but you can do two traditional circles or even squares. Here's mine:<br />
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Now toss that towel back on top of your dough, and let it rest for another 15 minutes while you drink a little pre-pizza beer and get your toppings out of the fridge and chopped up. After your crust rests, take the hot pans carefully out of the oven and put the crust on them. You'll hear them start to crisp up a bit on the bottoms. It's lovely! <br />
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Now you're ready to top it off. For these two pizzas I did:<br />
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Pizza #1 which was out of this world<br />
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1 cup Manchego cheese<br />
About 1/3 link of crumbled chorizo<br />
Around 10 large shrimp chopped up <br />
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Pizza #2 which was decent but paled in comparison to its oven-brethren<br />
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Smear of olive oil on the crust<br />
About 6 blanched green onions<br />
A couple of slices of shredded Prosciutto <br />
1 cup grated Mozzarella<br />
1/3 cup grated Parmesan <br />
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Now bake these in your 500 degree oven for 10 minutes, slice 'em up and enjoy! The beauty of these pizzas is you can really top them with whatever you like. I'll keep you updated on what combinations I successfully come up with in the future! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-47350716143015975182011-06-28T08:12:00.000-07:002011-06-28T08:14:01.938-07:00Oh happy day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last week Derek had a birthday. <br />
I'm pretty darn happy this guy was born 26 years ago, so celebrations had to be made.<br />
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While Derek was out golfing (his favorite past time) I prepared the surprises ...<br />
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</div>Like a yummy cake - I used <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/04/big-berry-birthday-cake/">this recipe</a>. <br />
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</div>And a delicious meal including a signature drink featuring two of Derek's favorite flavors - strawberry and basil - <a href="http://www.thenest.com/Recipes/45892/detailview.aspx?id=45892&type=7&recipe_ingredients=Alcohol&pageIndex=2">recipe here</a>. <br />
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And balloons and other birthday decor that Arnold adored ...<br />
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until he popped one.<br />
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There was some music and dancing.<br />
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And of course candles to blow out.<br />
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</div>Happy birthday love! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-80395643479948475682011-06-23T19:52:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:52:14.092-07:00The cutest time crunch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Allow me to introduce you to one of the major culprits of my lack of time ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSna_7jtkC4/TfQWpoYSgMI/AAAAAAAADvk/vCn694MRYUs/s1600/Arnold+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSna_7jtkC4/TfQWpoYSgMI/AAAAAAAADvk/vCn694MRYUs/s640/Arnold+081.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
Meet Arnold. He's our new 3-month-old Vizsla puppy and Derek and I are pretty much obsessed with his little face. As in we've already taken about 500 pictures mamarazzi obsessed ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Or make-up-songs about him and talk to him in silly voices obsessed ...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhVG6SWbN3E/TfQWyZtSZ9I/AAAAAAAADwE/kVutCZ08ct8/s1600/Arnold+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhVG6SWbN3E/TfQWyZtSZ9I/AAAAAAAADwE/kVutCZ08ct8/s640/Arnold+103.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
Even triple-spoon sleeping arrangements obsessed. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's call it puppy love. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-21391051692646540762011-06-22T20:06:00.000-07:002011-06-22T20:06:49.232-07:00Making a comeback<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you're here and you're reading this after my several-month hiatus, you are AMAZING! Although I've taken the last few months off from blogging myself, I haven't stopped reading all of your awesome blogs. It's been nice to enjoy the blogosphere without worrying about what I'm going to post, and my crazy busy life just got in the way of spending additional hours beyond my workday at my computer each night. <br />
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After reflecting on the time investment and what I enjoy most about blogging, I've decided to begin again, albeit quite casually, blogging on the fly when I have something I want to share or a memory I want to capture for my own benefit. Hopefully you enjoy reading along! <br />
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Thanks again for stopping by! One of my favorite things about blogging is reading your lovely comments checking out your own fabulous blogs.<br />
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xox,<br />
Taylor </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-29423616794632901382011-03-28T21:22:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:22:35.431-07:00Weekenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Oh, I have had a crazy couple weeks: a visit to NYC for work and fun, sake and sushi, karokee (pictures too embarassing to share here), shopping galore, and a few new projects! I'm trying to get myself in order but thought I'd share a couple of pictures from my trip so I'm not not totally stagnant on here!<br />
<br />
Visiting friends ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxD7QOpWug/TZFb54GMHrI/AAAAAAAADYc/inyq-g2tfHU/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxD7QOpWug/TZFb54GMHrI/AAAAAAAADYc/inyq-g2tfHU/s640/Picture+013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS26mjP6rCY/TZFb9xIrWBI/AAAAAAAADYo/5cPo55nm0Mc/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS26mjP6rCY/TZFb9xIrWBI/AAAAAAAADYo/5cPo55nm0Mc/s640/Picture+016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
and vintagey NYC views from my hotel ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9Fzf236vIc/TZFcBfbG4gI/AAAAAAAADY0/XKuyicYNOHE/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9Fzf236vIc/TZFcBfbG4gI/AAAAAAAADY0/XKuyicYNOHE/s640/Picture+019.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3EEHi_YWhw/TZFcDZ3xklI/AAAAAAAADZA/9VXRQvkbdeQ/s1600/Picture+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3EEHi_YWhw/TZFcDZ3xklI/AAAAAAAADZA/9VXRQvkbdeQ/s640/Picture+021.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-33368083398513635622011-03-18T06:51:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:51:45.214-07:00For Japan with love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRzZ82vC8mXjJ-wLZfMMeOrCt9v6pK2ElPNOJc9eonELRGd587kYKxL1ux32ArZ0R0cZ23l7rLBXnDrEFckU_iIl3P0XU8hKg2FyCC1ZsrfhYbjDUfoztHty3DkIWGuC8t7B0UCDryQTg/s1600/forjapanwithlove_blog.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRzZ82vC8mXjJ-wLZfMMeOrCt9v6pK2ElPNOJc9eonELRGd587kYKxL1ux32ArZ0R0cZ23l7rLBXnDrEFckU_iIl3P0XU8hKg2FyCC1ZsrfhYbjDUfoztHty3DkIWGuC8t7B0UCDryQTg/s640/forjapanwithlove_blog.gif" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I'm joining with <a href="http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/">many others</a> in a bloggers day of silence for the victims of the disaster in Japan. You can help them and the victims of other natural disasters by donating <a href="https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4882.donation=form1&idb=1826476805&df_id=4882">here</a>. Have a happy weekend and keep Japan in your thoughts! </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-74490323809794577012011-03-17T08:54:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:54:15.385-07:00They call me mellow yellow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://somethingapropos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/yellow-living-roomp70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://somethingapropos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/yellow-living-roomp70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://somethingapropos.com/2009/03/25/wednesday-want-yellow-grey/">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://apartmentsilike.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/grey-and-yellow-living-room1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://apartmentsilike.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/grey-and-yellow-living-room1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/trend-yellow-and-grey/">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbnG35vtJLOT5-Bf78ORCiF6lDvdhfnyuESvz3fV8LcjCJJhCv0xje9KNKhC79HAxXPjmXZTEdJjMhKcbtC-nIQitnCW1WzwgMYr7Gw-aGxhiTUdNmihR4OFozei33NJo1ob7YSE7BN4/s400/yellow+and+grey+without+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbnG35vtJLOT5-Bf78ORCiF6lDvdhfnyuESvz3fV8LcjCJJhCv0xje9KNKhC79HAxXPjmXZTEdJjMhKcbtC-nIQitnCW1WzwgMYr7Gw-aGxhiTUdNmihR4OFozei33NJo1ob7YSE7BN4/s640/yellow+and+grey+without+text.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2010/02/mellow-yellow-and-grey.html">via</a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3481369882_21e3bcb59e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3481369882_21e3bcb59e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saimasaysstyle.com/category/living-room/">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelennoxx.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/yellow-sliding-door-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://thelennoxx.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/yellow-sliding-door-l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/?tag=beachy-dining-room">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annesage.com/.a/6a00e55225716d88330111689a38a5970c-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://www.annesage.com/.a/6a00e55225716d88330111689a38a5970c-pi" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annesage.com/blog/2009/02/index.html">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://st.houzz.com/simages/18084_0_8-2697--living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/18084_0_8-2697--living-room.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21295/list/Bringing-Yellow-Back-">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://homeklondike.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/3-2011-2012-best-kitchen-colour-schemes-yellow-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://homeklondike.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/3-2011-2012-best-kitchen-colour-schemes-yellow-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://homeklondike.com/2011/03/03/2011-2012-best-kitchen-colour-schemes/">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When I posted about <strong><a href="http://trimmedandtaylored.blogspot.com/2011/03/couch-potato.html">this Chloe couch</a></strong> last week, my friend Kayla text me that she was considering the same piece! It's a small sofa world out there people, and while Derek and I have yet to commit to the Chloe, Kayla is ready to take the plunge with the beautiful couch in sleek granite.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, we talked paint colors and agreed we both love the soft but modern combination of yellow and grey, so I thought I'd pull some images for inspiration! Which do you like best? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-18090671239702408312011-03-16T08:33:00.000-07:002011-03-16T08:33:05.714-07:00Cherry swirl cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JkszolJaJuY/TX7mbHVtaqI/AAAAAAAADVg/WH7xAVe3DkE/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JkszolJaJuY/TX7mbHVtaqI/AAAAAAAADVg/WH7xAVe3DkE/s640/Picture+004.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Awhile back, I picked up a cookbook called <em>101 Things to do with a Cake Mix</em> at a thrift store for about cents. It's a cute little book and all the recipes are effortless - involving cake mix and just a few other ingredients. When I was craving something sweet the other day, I thought I'd whip up one of these simple recipes and was delighted with the result! It took almost no time to make and was just as quickly gobbled up. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<strong>Cherry Swirl Cake</strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from <em>101 Things to do with a Cake Mix</em></span><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 white cake mix<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 cans or 21 ounces cherry pie filling<br />
Whipped cream or powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Prehat oven to 350 degrees<br />
2. Mix cake mix and eggs together and stir in half of the cherry pie filling<br />
3. Pour batter into a greased bundt cake pan and bake 40-50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean<br />
4. Invert hot cake onto a platter and dust with powdered sugar<br />
5. Serve with reserved pie filling and whipped topping <br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-56853858997358148702011-03-15T08:48:00.000-07:002011-03-15T08:48:35.135-07:00Want to see something cute?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F5Y4n39gJe0" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Miss Chelsea in the above video is a <strong>Teach For America</strong> corps member, one of 8,200 teaching this year to change the lives of over 500,000 students growing up in some of our nation's most impoverished school districts. <br />
<br />
Want to help students like the super scholars? All you have to do is shop! That's right! This weekend (March 17 - 20) when you use the <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/bSrNT9">coupon at this link</a></span></strong>, you receive <strong>30% off at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic </strong>(outlets included) while 5% of what you spend goes to support Teach For America's efforts to close the achievement gap.<br />
<br />
Just <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/bSrNT9">click</a></strong>, print, and shop! And feel free to pass the link onto friends, family, and your own readers. You can even pass the coupon to the shopper behind you in line after you check-out and ask her to do the same! <br />
<br />
So spread Spring style and help our kids get an excellent education.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much! <br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-57384466930459349312011-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:19:10.256-07:00Weekenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XtR8JpkWSlg/TX7mnD2e4qI/AAAAAAAADTc/ZpJ_CaNyzyY/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XtR8JpkWSlg/TX7mnD2e4qI/AAAAAAAADTc/ZpJ_CaNyzyY/s640/Picture+012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gLaNQj3m2JQ/TX7m1L25bRI/AAAAAAAADT8/ZkePj1EVI0Q/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gLaNQj3m2JQ/TX7m1L25bRI/AAAAAAAADT8/ZkePj1EVI0Q/s640/Picture+020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--oRTkhrNILQ/TX5IqjSFljI/AAAAAAAADSI/j3CcLUQmLzo/s1600/2011-03-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--oRTkhrNILQ/TX5IqjSFljI/AAAAAAAADSI/j3CcLUQmLzo/s640/2011-03-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ria7_kNw0_Q/TX7mo5-A0hI/AAAAAAAADTg/42oH7mF9nWQ/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ria7_kNw0_Q/TX7mo5-A0hI/AAAAAAAADTg/42oH7mF9nWQ/s640/Picture+013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GcGKRhJtNcc/TX7mrnL3BzI/AAAAAAAADTo/Pf6cQwh8HVY/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GcGKRhJtNcc/TX7mrnL3BzI/AAAAAAAADTo/Pf6cQwh8HVY/s640/Picture+015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y5v3ravxEac/TX7m5Scd4VI/AAAAAAAADUE/Tj5mV_T263E/s1600/Picture+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y5v3ravxEac/TX7m5Scd4VI/AAAAAAAADUE/Tj5mV_T263E/s640/Picture+022.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UvtWmpTnM-0/TX7mzK_MtrI/AAAAAAAADT4/VTDSv4hTDOQ/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UvtWmpTnM-0/TX7mzK_MtrI/AAAAAAAADT4/VTDSv4hTDOQ/s640/Picture+019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g_H0ehaPBWc/TX7nUolIbAI/AAAAAAAADU8/UsSiUrY2sIE/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g_H0ehaPBWc/TX7nUolIbAI/AAAAAAAADU8/UsSiUrY2sIE/s640/Picture+034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The sun was out this weekend in full force and we made sure to soak up plenty of it! Friday we went to the drive-in movies, our favorite way to watch a new flick since we can bring as much candy as we want <em>and </em>a bottle of wine. <br />
<br />
Saturday we drove up in the mountains to Julian, an old mining town that has retained much of it's historic charm. We even ate at an original drug store soda fountain! Yum!<br />
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And Sunday, I was majorly spoiled as Derek insisted on doing all our chores (vacuuming, dusting, laundry, etc), while I lounged in the sun with a book. He even managed to be a sneaky photographer in the process.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-89868586337617651592011-03-10T21:43:00.000-08:002011-03-10T21:48:40.804-08:00Have pure joy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjgyLi7LR6E/TXXAdrIT9YI/AAAAAAAADRU/vF12O3NskW0/s1600/Picture+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjgyLi7LR6E/TXXAdrIT9YI/AAAAAAAADRU/vF12O3NskW0/s640/Picture+063.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V3GEcgW-8iM/TXXAuBBXexI/AAAAAAAADRg/r1fB6TlAkX8/s1600/Picture+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V3GEcgW-8iM/TXXAuBBXexI/AAAAAAAADRg/r1fB6TlAkX8/s640/Picture+072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OpHKAz1O6Qo/TXXAT4KYDjI/AAAAAAAADRQ/SV0JMFp1xd4/s1600/Picture+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OpHKAz1O6Qo/TXXAT4KYDjI/AAAAAAAADRQ/SV0JMFp1xd4/s640/Picture+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDOMgudkPWQ/TXXAu41BAUI/AAAAAAAADRk/Ja0fV2-wnsA/s1600/Picture+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDOMgudkPWQ/TXXAu41BAUI/AAAAAAAADRk/Ja0fV2-wnsA/s640/Picture+073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MDMVL2ABdFI/TXXAhJcq0eI/AAAAAAAADRY/gnf8_jFuD9A/s1600/Picture+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MDMVL2ABdFI/TXXAhJcq0eI/AAAAAAAADRY/gnf8_jFuD9A/s640/Picture+064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dW2OkGbs9P8/TXXAnGZvZKI/AAAAAAAADRc/8nNyZIPDB6I/s1600/Picture+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dW2OkGbs9P8/TXXAnGZvZKI/AAAAAAAADRc/8nNyZIPDB6I/s640/Picture+067.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxWjBsX9SyI/TXXA0kUfsTI/AAAAAAAADRs/wCteld2DfxY/s1600/Picture+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxWjBsX9SyI/TXXA0kUfsTI/AAAAAAAADRs/wCteld2DfxY/s640/Picture+078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
During last weekend's stroll on the beach, Derek and I wandered onto the leash-free dog beach so I could drool openly over how much I want one of my own, and not even look out of place! And I must say, there is nothing more joyful than a dog at the beach - frolicking in the waves, chasing toys, and meeting new friends - it reminds me of a book called <em>Dog Heaven</em> I read as a child. <br />
<br />
So this weekend, I hope you're as joyful as a dog at the beach! Here are some links I liked this week to help the happy factor. <br />
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<a href="http://thebabsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/black-white.html"><strong>Black and white</strong></a> and read all over! <br />
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I simply can't wait to have a non-community laundry room, but if I had <strong><a href="http://themangoarchives.blogspot.com/2011/02/laundry-room-reveal.html">this one</a></strong>, laundry would feel glamorous! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://framed-mylifeonepictureatatime.blogspot.com/2009/11/shrimp-tomato-and-basil-linguine-with.html"><strong>This pasta dinner</strong></a> we made this week was light, easy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Mmm, baked goat cheese! <br />
<br />
Be prepared for astonishment,<strong> <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2010/10/painted-people.html">these</a></strong> are real people, painted! <br />
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Oooh! I think I'll wish for an <strong><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/problem-solving-products-00000000053764/page3.html?xid=df-03-04-2011">herb mill</a></strong> in my Easter basket.<br />
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I'm quite jealous of <strong><a href="http://thischarminghouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-art-make-over.html">this find</a></strong> and DIY art idea! Fabulous! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-27046675878515404712011-03-10T08:24:00.000-08:002011-03-10T08:28:50.141-08:00Couch potato<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kristancunningham.com/gallery/adorable-affordable/chloe-velvet-macys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" q6="true" src="http://kristancunningham.com/gallery/adorable-affordable/chloe-velvet-macys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/1/optimized/863941_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/1/optimized/863941_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" width="522" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Derek and I moved in together, I left the limited furniture I had in NYC behind, shipped my small belongings, flew across the country with a couple of suitcases, and agreed to use Derek's acquired (mainly free stuff he got from friends who were moving/deploying) furniture as we slowly and frugally worked to acquire pieces of our own. </div><br />
Thus far, we've been incredibly fortunate with some awesome Craigslists finds including a kitchen table, desk, and stereo cabinet, but the pieces I'm most eager to replace are our very oversized couch, loveseat, and chair which are not only too big for our space, but require annoying couch covers which slip, slide, and constantly look disheveled.<br />
<br />
This past weekend, we started the hunt for a new couch and loveseat (we'll do a separate set of patterned chairs) and fell head-over-heels for the <a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=351407&CategoryID=35419#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D415">Chloe set from Macy's</a>. As far as furniture costs go, it's pretty reasonable (will be about $1,200 with coupons and can be financed) but Derek and I aren't positive it's the right time to make the investment. <br />
<br />
I've been on the hunt for a less expensive but similar alternative, but everything I see pales in comparison to this set. Do you have any tips on where to buy a stylish sofa? Seen anything like my Chole set out there? Please do let me know! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">images from macys.com</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-29510099462664459932011-03-09T07:54:00.000-08:002011-03-09T07:56:10.284-08:00Marsala mushroom pizza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vz5U5E4gYJ0/TXW-gQ4iUeI/AAAAAAAADLM/Lgqk6l2Rjmg/s1600/Picture+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vz5U5E4gYJ0/TXW-gQ4iUeI/AAAAAAAADLM/Lgqk6l2Rjmg/s640/Picture+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of my favorite veggies out there are mushrooms - when cooked, mushrooms take on the flavor of whatever they are mixed with, making them delicious little morsels that can serve as a "meaty" substitute in a vegetarian meal. <br />
<br />
So when I had some leftover Marsala wine from a chicken dinner, mushrooms were the clear ingredient to soak up some great Marsala taste. And thus this mushroom marsala pizza was born! Delicious, filling, and bursting with mushrooms, it was a great weeknight meal!<br />
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<strong>Mushroom Marsala Pizza</strong><br />
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Ingredients: <br />
<br />
One, 12 inch thin pizza crust (I created this mine from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/01/pizza-and-the-limits-of-diy/"><strong>this recipe</strong></a> using half whole-wheat flour) <br />
<br />
20 ounces mixed mushrooms (I used cremini, baby portobello, and portobello)<br />
1 cup Marsala wine<br />
3 TB butter<br />
3 TB heavy cream<br />
Pinch of fresh herbs (I used sage but thyme or rosemary would also work well)<br />
1 cup Parmesan cheese<br />
2 cups mozzarella cheese (you could use a variety of cheeses you have on hand: asiago, fontina, etc)<br />
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Steps:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 475 degrees.<br />
<br />
1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat than add in the mushrooms - this will look too many mushrooms at first but they cook down. <br />
<br />
2. Continue to cook and stir the mushrooms as they release their moisture (it will look like water is filling the pan) and stir to thoroughly coat them in their own juice. <br />
<br />
3. When most of the liquid has boiled away, add a pinch of salt, butter, and fresh herbs. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until nicely sauteed and browned.<br />
<br />
4. Add Marsala wine to the pan and increase the heat to high. Boil until most of the Marsala has evaporated. <br />
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5. In the last minute, add in the cream and stir well until coated.<br />
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6. On your rolled-out pizza crust, pour out the mushrooms and any remaining sauce and spread around until evenly coated. Top with the cheese.<br />
<br />
7. Bake either on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and brown. Bon appetit! <br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-15442347202507691492011-03-07T21:42:00.000-08:002011-03-07T21:46:46.280-08:00Weekenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pARXckvEoDQ/TXW_Ykd75SI/AAAAAAAADMo/Bro55lISzRM/s1600/Picture+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pARXckvEoDQ/TXW_Ykd75SI/AAAAAAAADMo/Bro55lISzRM/s640/Picture+024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-akUZ-0221OI/TXW_ccoEfPI/AAAAAAAADMw/5Nr6MwB035g/s1600/Picture+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-akUZ-0221OI/TXW_ccoEfPI/AAAAAAAADMw/5Nr6MwB035g/s640/Picture+026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0YDls7jM4qg/TXW_df7zciI/AAAAAAAADM0/cS4-mokWBJA/s1600/Picture+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0YDls7jM4qg/TXW_df7zciI/AAAAAAAADM0/cS4-mokWBJA/s640/Picture+027.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oDY2-SCP1qE/TXW_sjK4oOI/AAAAAAAADNc/XPaR1-lCz74/s1600/Picture+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oDY2-SCP1qE/TXW_sjK4oOI/AAAAAAAADNc/XPaR1-lCz74/s640/Picture+036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-neI5cqEkOR8/TXW_vEWdrqI/AAAAAAAADNk/6nTHxsXrK1M/s1600/Picture+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-neI5cqEkOR8/TXW_vEWdrqI/AAAAAAAADNk/6nTHxsXrK1M/s640/Picture+038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zLVdSgGqaEw/TXW_zpWJzLI/AAAAAAAADN0/lFzRqDj-q6s/s1600/Picture+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zLVdSgGqaEw/TXW_zpWJzLI/AAAAAAAADN0/lFzRqDj-q6s/s640/Picture+042.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrHWdllloPQ/TXXAHbgYJ9I/AAAAAAAADOQ/SXMm2-Akkg4/s1600/Picture+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrHWdllloPQ/TXXAHbgYJ9I/AAAAAAAADOQ/SXMm2-Akkg4/s640/Picture+049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EMkU5HbGmVs/TXXAI25g69I/AAAAAAAADOU/NAmjrj0yEJQ/s1600/Picture+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EMkU5HbGmVs/TXXAI25g69I/AAAAAAAADOU/NAmjrj0yEJQ/s640/Picture+050.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jRS3tGekI6I/TXXA3Zyr0UI/AAAAAAAADQQ/iCvRmpc_41E/s1600/Picture+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jRS3tGekI6I/TXXA3Zyr0UI/AAAAAAAADQQ/iCvRmpc_41E/s640/Picture+079.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ah weekend, I miss you so much already. Friday night Derek and I made a scandalous maneuver when after seeing an early (and disappointing) showing of <em>The Adjustment Bureau, we </em>decided to walk unabashedly into a showing of <em>Rango </em>that had just begun. It was a very daring and deceptive maneuver, but <em>Rango</em> was a much, much better movie and it gave us an excuse to eat more candy.<br />
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After such a sugar rush on Friday, Saturday morning we went for a bright and early hike, then got dressed and went down to Coronado Beach and the Silver Strand for a bike ride. We worked up such a sweat we decided we deserved some chips, salsa, and margaritas. I was particularly tickled pink when Derek's prickly pear margarita turned out to be the girliest looking beverage on the menu. <br />
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We finished our day off with a stroll along the beach, some shopping, and dinner at a wine bar. A perfect Saturday I must say! <br />
<br />
Sunday was full of errands - particularly the hunt for a new place to live (we're out of this apartment at the end of May and are picking the perfect new neighborhood) and a sofa/loveseat living room set. If you have any ideas on where to get an affordable but stylish set please let me know! I think we've exhausted all our options. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-66872522352822966502011-03-04T06:40:00.000-08:002011-03-04T06:40:50.068-08:0010/30 So nice to see you, Friday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uIER68jqKuA/TWsvHEtnGlI/AAAAAAAADIs/6Vf6bh1Gik8/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uIER68jqKuA/TWsvHEtnGlI/AAAAAAAADIs/6Vf6bh1Gik8/s640/Picture+013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uWdXyDK5m7I/TWsuXo5qBhI/AAAAAAAADJA/QY1KDMj79Pw/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uWdXyDK5m7I/TWsuXo5qBhI/AAAAAAAADJA/QY1KDMj79Pw/s640/Picture+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7nZbv_wnJg/TWwaaNJmj1I/AAAAAAAADI4/9rk7ZgskLjQ/s1600/2011-02-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7nZbv_wnJg/TWwaaNJmj1I/AAAAAAAADI4/9rk7ZgskLjQ/s640/2011-02-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fv9DVyTkn1Q/TWsuo1cy0JI/AAAAAAAADJw/50o1lzfCDi4/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fv9DVyTkn1Q/TWsuo1cy0JI/AAAAAAAADJw/50o1lzfCDi4/s640/Picture+007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62rcK4qyBoE/TWsuZYaOBcI/AAAAAAAADJI/yYsFUCsbChs/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62rcK4qyBoE/TWsuZYaOBcI/AAAAAAAADJI/yYsFUCsbChs/s640/Picture+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XplAniyxRTU/TWsusZSsWzI/AAAAAAAADIU/tGerrmBmMC8/s1600/Picture+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XplAniyxRTU/TWsusZSsWzI/AAAAAAAADIU/tGerrmBmMC8/s640/Picture+008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shirt: Old Navy, Jeans: Old Navy: Belt: thrifted: Shoes: thrifted, Necklace and bracelet: gifted</span><br />
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Ah Friday, it has been too long. Thanks by stopping by! <br />
<br />
I hate to make my cold weather friends sad, but I must confess it is predicted to be in the 70s and very sunny all weekend, and Derek and I intent to spend every moment outside. The weather we've been having lately has left me with a serious Vitamin D deficiency and I plan to cure myself all weekend long. <br />
<br />
For those of you lacking this sunny luxury, I feel for you. You have two options. 1) Come visit me ASAP or 2) Check out some of these springy images to get you through. Happy weekend!<br />
<br />
Oh la la! Can I have my birthday dinner<strong> <a href="http://weddings.craftgossip.com/tutorial-cascading-pom-poms/">here</a></strong>?<br />
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You'll never feel down surrounded by sunny yellow! <strong><a href="http://blog.livelikeyou.com/?p=7179">All these images</a></strong> are amazing but I'm particularly enamored with the stairs.<br />
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I love, love the application of wallpaper to <strong><a href="http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/internet-is-cool.html">this nightstand</a></strong>. <br />
<br />
Please someone try to make <a href="http://shannonsouth.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/upcycled-doily-lamp/"><strong>this lamp</strong></a>! <br />
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Did I mention how much I love <a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/editors-favorite-rooms-00414000067591/page37.html"><strong>yellow</strong></a>? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-35504053297788861952011-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-03T20:23:19.806-08:009/30 Who needs TV when you have customer service at Barnes & Noble?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsNZhln1Y34/TWsnfkzl9fI/AAAAAAAADD8/d6gGJ732PdY/s1600/Picture+024-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsNZhln1Y34/TWsnfkzl9fI/AAAAAAAADD8/d6gGJ732PdY/s640/Picture+024-1.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hQ9U8KulpEA/TWpuyAVTJqI/AAAAAAAADBQ/orE154HZ3uQ/s1600/2011-02-261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hQ9U8KulpEA/TWpuyAVTJqI/AAAAAAAADBQ/orE154HZ3uQ/s640/2011-02-261.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shirt: Elle for Kohls, Jeans: Old Navy: Shoes: Steve Madden: Scarf, Ralph Lauren, thrifted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Yesterday morning I awoke to a downed Internet and a repair guy who couldn't show up until "sometime between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and midnight, never," so I was forced to scramble over to the nearest Panera to mooch off their free wi-fi and gorge myself on pastries. <br />
<br />
After several hours in my booth, I ran out of things to order, and the Panera staff ran out of patience with me stealing table space from their dining customers. So I picked up my computer, capitalized on free refills at the coffee carafe for the 20th time, and headed down the road to Barnes & Noble to see how long I could stay before the magazine section caught my wandering eye.<br />
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Turns out, I was not the only one turning the bookstore into my office, and the sole open seat I could find was a recliner set directly next to the customer service counter. And in this position, I discovered it wasn't the magazines that I had to worry about, the customers at the counter were a far better distraction. <br />
<br />
Here's some highlights:<br />
<br />
- Middle-aged man approaches counter looking for a book called <em>Magnetics</em>. Employee asks who it's by. Customer: "No one that I know of, I'm just hoping there is one." <br />
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- Man in construction gear looking for <em>The Sourdough Cookbook</em>. Looks like someone's aiming to please at the company bake sale.<br />
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- Mohawk man in search of <em>The Ultimate Pregnancy Journal</em>. What a sweetie, right? And please, oh please, give your baby a matching 'do. See <a href="http://family.go.com/contests/crazy-baby-hair-photo/cute-baby-girls-1/madison-s-mohawk-no-gel-required-10689/"><strong>here for why</strong></a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">- Middle-aged woman looking for a book with a title I couldn't make out. Employee says they don't have it, but she can put it on order. Customer: "No thanks, my book group is meeting to discuss it at 6:00." Tsk tsk procrastinator. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-86314435969878586032011-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:36:51.905-08:00Black cow cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1mj4GN1MNY/TWsvVZm2QCI/AAAAAAAADIM/j6nV5UC9KL4/s1600/Picture+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1mj4GN1MNY/TWsvVZm2QCI/AAAAAAAADIM/j6nV5UC9KL4/s640/Picture+021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gp_OvSqAXjc/TWsvWsWRtgI/AAAAAAAADGU/4uWubD3rihM/s1600/Picture+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gp_OvSqAXjc/TWsvWsWRtgI/AAAAAAAADGU/4uWubD3rihM/s640/Picture+022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Growing up, on special TV watching nights in our house, my mom, dad, sister and I would curl up in our pajamas on the couch, skip dinner, and instead have black cows (aka root beer floats) and popcorn. It was my very favorite thing - no vegetables, no table, <em>and</em> TV! How good does it get?!<br />
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So with the Oscars approaching last Sunday, I knew I wanted to serve up something special for a TV night-in, and to give my old favorite a little kick, I transformed black cows and popcorn into a cupcake! Complete with popcorn bucket!<br />
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They were delicious, fun, and the perfect mix of salty and sweet. Here's how I did it.<br />
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Black Cow Cupcakes<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.bakedperfection.com/2009/09/root-beer-bundt-cake.html">Baked Perfection</a><br />
Makes 24 cupcakes<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 cups root beer <br />
1 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder <br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar<br />
2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 large eggs<br />
<br />
whipped cream or ice cream<br />
popcorn (I used a sea salt variety)<br />
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1.Preheat the oven to 350F and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners (this will prevent the moisture of the cake from leaking onto your "bucket")<br />
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2. In a small saucepan, heat the root beer, cocoa powder, and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the sugars and whisk until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.<br />
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3.In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together.<br />
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4. Whisk eggs into the cooled cocoa mixture until combined. Gently fold the flour mixture and cocoa mixture together. The batter will be slightly lumpy.<br />
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5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a fork inserted in the middle of a cake comes out clean. <br />
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6. Once the cupcakes are cool, wrap each in a popcorn "bucket."*<br />
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7. Add a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream to the top of each cake, inside the bucket. <br />
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8. Sprinkle popcorn on top so it looks like the whole bucket is full and enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nV5gOl6HqY/TWsvK5x4XpI/AAAAAAAADFE/MzwU4ALriWw/s1600/Picture+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nV5gOl6HqY/TWsvK5x4XpI/AAAAAAAADFE/MzwU4ALriWw/s640/Picture+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>* I created my buckets in inDesign, printed them, then used a scalloped edge scissor to cut them out. I then wrapped each cake in one and secured it at the back with tape so it could be easily unwrapped and eaten. Let me know if you would like this and I'll send you the PDF! <br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-31680697390372203292011-03-01T06:43:00.000-08:002011-03-01T06:43:53.821-08:008/30 aka Cowls are perfect for hiding candy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0xKt0ZTrxA/TWsnIPqvdvI/AAAAAAAADCs/ok6_-e6ce34/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0xKt0ZTrxA/TWsnIPqvdvI/AAAAAAAADCs/ok6_-e6ce34/s640/Picture+012.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gT_d2xR7sGk/TWptJLnHJNI/AAAAAAAADBE/_rlDMRrmmB8/s1600/2011-02-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gT_d2xR7sGk/TWptJLnHJNI/AAAAAAAADBE/_rlDMRrmmB8/s640/2011-02-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: Old Navy, Jeans: Old Navy, Cowl: Forever 21: Shoes: Steve Madden</span><br />
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After I saw <a href="http://tandsdaybook.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-in-bag.html"><strong>this post</strong></a> on <a href="http://www.tandsdaybook.blogspot.com/"><strong>The Daybook</strong></a>, I crunched some numbers and realized I could save approximately 89.322 minutes per week if I switched to a smaller purse, thus avoiding the time spent rooting around in the depths of my suitcase-sized giant to find a pen or some change. <br />
<br />
Since that revelation, I've switched to a teeny-tiny purse and in my new spare time have traced my family lineage back 600 years, done 100 <em>New York Times'</em> Sunday crossword puzzles, and broken the world record for longest hula-hoop.<br />
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But then on Friday night, Derek and I went to the movies, and I was reminded why I used to carry that big ol' purse - to sneak candy in to theaters of course! Yes, you heard me right, I refuse to pay $5 for a box of Red Vines when they are $1 at Walgreens. So as I pondered my situation, I looked from my tiny purse, to my candy, to my cowl, and thought, hmm ... could my knit neck warmer not only snuggle but smuggle?<br />
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Then I decided, good idea, but no, and did what any normal gal would do, put my little purse, inside my old big purse, along with all the candy I could manage.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-90471174318033936262011-02-27T21:20:00.000-08:002011-02-27T21:20:24.500-08:00Weekenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was a very hairy weekend at the Burke-Engler house. For quite some time now, I've been due for a haircut ... a process I never enjoy. Every time it's time for a snip, I hem and haw over what route to go. Should I cut it all off? Just take care of the dead ends? Layer it or go for something blunt? I Google pictures of every possible cut, but inevitably I go with something pretty much the same as before. In fact, the most drastic thing I've done to my hair in the past ten or so years, is let it go back from platinum blonde to my natural darker color. Well that and then this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s4uIbvvOAgI/TWskq2u-dqI/AAAAAAAADBs/96gvgY-tX8s/s1600/n5513021_37992476_6651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s4uIbvvOAgI/TWskq2u-dqI/AAAAAAAADBs/96gvgY-tX8s/s640/n5513021_37992476_6651.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />
Anyways, my very first plan for this weekend's hair appointment was to go for the same-old-same-old. Then I saw this photo of Heidi Klum, and in a fit of bravery, printed it out and put it in my purse. Haunted by the memories of sparkly hair clips holding back my awkward-length bangs when I grew them out in the fifth grade, I was unsure if I would actually ever pull it out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashiolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/091508_klum_400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="http://fashiolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/091508_klum_400x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
.But with my man cheering me on from the sidelines while he read his <em>In Touch Weekly,</em> I felt the courage and I went for it. And voila! Here is the result:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Qc3ghTM3cE/TWsnWGWy4yI/AAAAAAAADDg/yLfZngdJ1tM/s1600/Picture+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Qc3ghTM3cE/TWsnWGWy4yI/AAAAAAAADDg/yLfZngdJ1tM/s640/Picture+024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I love it! Hooray for going out of my box. And in other hairy news. Someone went from this: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8hHFrTmY4iI/TWSLU7TrQbI/AAAAAAAADEA/M84AVyDpHFE/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8hHFrTmY4iI/TWSLU7TrQbI/AAAAAAAADEA/M84AVyDpHFE/s640/Picture+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
To this (cue dreamboat photo treatment): <br />
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<span id="goog_1850072137"></span><span id="goog_1850072138"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z85clW3gSdI/TWsvX2r8fnI/AAAAAAAADFo/a6mWR-Ujkeg/s1600/Picture+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z85clW3gSdI/TWsvX2r8fnI/AAAAAAAADFo/a6mWR-Ujkeg/s640/Picture+023.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Terry, you'll be glad to know your son still listens to your advice. Though I must say, while I spent Oscars' night admiring the dresses, Derek spent Oscar night nostalgically admiring the facial hair. <br />
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Happy Monday! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-71056767138137666402011-02-24T21:05:00.000-08:002011-02-24T21:10:45.670-08:007/30 aka Now do you believe I live in my sweatpants?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNTDnVbx3Vk/TWcv-edfnZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/zLabgKe27Ww/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNTDnVbx3Vk/TWcv-edfnZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/zLabgKe27Ww/s640/Picture+007.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m55GWF-xVxA/TWcvFx8CYwI/AAAAAAAAC-8/zf-C5mLTYd4/s1600/2011-02-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m55GWF-xVxA/TWcvFx8CYwI/AAAAAAAAC-8/zf-C5mLTYd4/s640/2011-02-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SF_7aNZhDlw/TWcvZgRFnDI/AAAAAAAAC_I/CCIbkRdMwlA/s1600/2011-02-241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SF_7aNZhDlw/TWcvZgRFnDI/AAAAAAAAC_I/CCIbkRdMwlA/s640/2011-02-241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pants: Gap, Denim shirt: Herve Bernard at Marshalls, Grey Shirt: Banana Republic, Cardigan: Polo by Ralph Lauren at Marshalls, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklaces: don't remember!</span><br />
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Happy Friday my friends! As you can see, I'm still in the first third of my outfit postings, while my compadres in this process are in their final leg. If there was any denying that my work-from-home job keeps me in thoroughly un-internet-worthy clothes, you better believe it now. Luckily I have a boyfriend who prefers the no-makeup ponytail me, and when I do get gussied up, it makes it all the more fun. <br />
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And now, the weekend is here, and I'm finally going to be home, dressed, and have the time to snap some shots. So except more to come! I also have some fun recipes and projects coming next week so stay tuned.<br />
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In the meantime, here's some posts that caught my eye this week. <br />
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Wouldn't <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/ModCloth%2FWomens%2FDresses/-Ebullient-and-Flow-Dress"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>this</strong></span></a> or <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/ModCloth%2FWomens%2FDresses/-Art-Collector-Dress"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>this</strong></span></a> dress be fun to change into for your wedding reception? Or wear the whole time if you want a short dress! And both under $70.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/sole-grenobloise"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>This fish dinner</strong></span></a> we made this week was melt-in-your-mouth good. <br />
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If I'm good, can I please have <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/traditional-house-makeover-0211?click=main_sr"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">this kitchen</span></strong></a> when I grow up? <br />
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Oh <a href="http://www.visionsofsugarplum.com/2011/02/cookies-n-cream-kiss-cookies.html"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">yum</span></strong></a>!<br />
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Are you looking forward to the Oscars this weekend? I am! <a href="http://www.thecheapgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/julia-roberts-oscar-dress-2001.jpg"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>This</strong></span></a> was my favorite Oscar dress growing up, though I think if I went, I'd want to wear something like <a href="http://sweetfuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/znk6sh.jpg"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">this</span></strong></a> or even <a href="http://ficdn.fashionindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/ahepburn.jpg"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">this</span></strong></a>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-34015608084974401122011-02-23T21:20:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:20:13.759-08:00Weekenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well if it says anything about my Vegas vacation, it's almost the next weekend, and I'm just getting around to posting this last weekend. It was a whirlwind to say the least. <br />
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Here's a few highlights ...<br />
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First sights of Vegas, lots of flashing lights! (That's me holding up my high-rollin' $5 chips)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_rwh-RMoKg/TWQUSeTXtdI/AAAAAAAAC18/p1IBAfj6bwg/s1600/2011-02-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_rwh-RMoKg/TWQUSeTXtdI/AAAAAAAAC18/p1IBAfj6bwg/s640/2011-02-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Doing the classic tourist poses at the buffet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9U_m8NwjTE/TWSLO9hvyMI/AAAAAAAAC2c/lXMJpljwAWo/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9U_m8NwjTE/TWSLO9hvyMI/AAAAAAAAC2c/lXMJpljwAWo/s640/Picture+006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFXzNcjZDB0/TWSLQY0XdeI/AAAAAAAAC2g/Bm5TXgl0CPo/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFXzNcjZDB0/TWSLQY0XdeI/AAAAAAAAC2g/Bm5TXgl0CPo/s640/Picture+007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I may live in Cali, but I never tire of palm trees.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWAPSiwhbGI/TWSLgv99MPI/AAAAAAAAC3A/klq15_Kg_Zk/s1600/Picture+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWAPSiwhbGI/TWSLgv99MPI/AAAAAAAAC3A/klq15_Kg_Zk/s640/Picture+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Derek showing off our hotel, the MGM Grand. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so3NUtDVP78/TWSLcflYJkI/AAAAAAAAC28/gk0uraoJbv0/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so3NUtDVP78/TWSLcflYJkI/AAAAAAAAC28/gk0uraoJbv0/s640/Picture+013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbmHDHckPU0/TWSM4APqkpI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ywBN38uQZjI/s1600/Picture+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbmHDHckPU0/TWSM4APqkpI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ywBN38uQZjI/s640/Picture+080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The look on my face every time I thought I was going to lose some money, ghostly white (I didn't whew!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kA37VVQ3jC4/TWSLiFdogRI/AAAAAAAAC9U/i1HgvEaN79c/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kA37VVQ3jC4/TWSLiFdogRI/AAAAAAAAC9U/i1HgvEaN79c/s640/Picture+016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Fabulous food and whimsical decor at Serendipity 3.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrygTXAmdQ/TWSNEpCOC1I/AAAAAAAAC78/wVjQLHVtjns/s1600/Picture+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrygTXAmdQ/TWSNEpCOC1I/AAAAAAAAC78/wVjQLHVtjns/s640/Picture+090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O7xoe-77Zk/TWSNHfpkkCI/AAAAAAAAC9c/6ZVwf2XAOHw/s1600/Picture+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O7xoe-77Zk/TWSNHfpkkCI/AAAAAAAAC9c/6ZVwf2XAOHw/s640/Picture+092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mEMSpgb988/TWSNKKUG2pI/AAAAAAAAC9s/DBUa9kO9LjQ/s1600/Picture+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mEMSpgb988/TWSNKKUG2pI/AAAAAAAAC9s/DBUa9kO9LjQ/s640/Picture+093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Derek evoking his inner jungle king at the lion habitat at MGM.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gTv9p6KsZg/TWSLlSti_SI/AAAAAAAAC3U/4RQ9089T6c8/s1600/Picture+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gTv9p6KsZg/TWSLlSti_SI/AAAAAAAAC3U/4RQ9089T6c8/s640/Picture+018.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Ready for a night on the town.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cR-GOsmlC8/TWSMEHx8HGI/AAAAAAAAC4o/8DSfgfck7Ew/s1600/Picture+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cR-GOsmlC8/TWSMEHx8HGI/AAAAAAAAC4o/8DSfgfck7Ew/s640/Picture+039.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br />
The luxurious pool at Caesar's Palace.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eyr_zMeDe0/TWSNQ-zv-vI/AAAAAAAAC8c/QdZ1N53lkg0/s1600/Picture+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eyr_zMeDe0/TWSNQ-zv-vI/AAAAAAAAC8c/QdZ1N53lkg0/s640/Picture+097.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vegas calls for getting dressed up! And you may notice, I'm not in my 30 for 30. Don't hate me, please! I'm actually swapping out a few of my picks I haven't worn yet for these new items - more on that to come. I think that's totally illegal but the weather has been particularly nutty as has my travel schedule and sacrifices must be made. More on new 30 for 30 pieces and outfits this week! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REyOzI_-DSs/TWXmUMmk6GI/AAAAAAAAC-A/d23SUBPfXgk/s1600/2011-02-211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REyOzI_-DSs/TWXmUMmk6GI/AAAAAAAAC-A/d23SUBPfXgk/s640/2011-02-211.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I leave you with this important bit of advice ... Live long and prosper </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f5n1BWYhR4/TWSNOySixII/AAAAAAAAC8Y/1tQR5CNUZ8I/s1600/Picture+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f5n1BWYhR4/TWSNOySixII/AAAAAAAAC8Y/1tQR5CNUZ8I/s640/Picture+096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-34237746787449590452011-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:002011-02-22T20:35:41.436-08:00L-O-V-E love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Betcha thought I became a blackjack professional and stayed in Vegas, didn't ya? Well, I thought about it, but in the end, I thought the buffets would get to be too much for my waist line. So instead I'm home, I'm catching up on life and working on getting my vacation pictures uploaded while having way too much fun with <a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Picasa/Picnik</a> (see below). I have a crazy week ahead so posting might be light, but I promise to soon catch up on my outfit posts and share some DIYs I have in store! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wE23aFmEy9g/TWSMo7D20nI/AAAAAAAAC6g/H52fxCHCGpE/s1600/Picture+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wE23aFmEy9g/TWSMo7D20nI/AAAAAAAAC6g/H52fxCHCGpE/s640/Picture+068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771020761287474039.post-54082554506082707862011-02-18T09:18:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:18:44.686-08:00Viva Las Vegas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJenR4EKd1g/TV6nNQOlkII/AAAAAAAAC1k/p1nkovY1krc/s1600/vintage_vegas04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJenR4EKd1g/TV6nNQOlkII/AAAAAAAAC1k/p1nkovY1krc/s640/vintage_vegas04.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>Derek and I are off to Vegas, baby! It's my very first time so send a little luck that the (minimal) amount I'll be gambling will turn into some big bucks! Meanwhile, some links to keep you busy.<br />
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Derek and I always talk about having a chicken coop for eggs someday. <strong><a href="http://heatherbullard.typepad.com/heather_bullard_collectio/2010/03/our-chicken-coop.html">This</a> </strong>would be my dream one. <br />
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Check out what we had for dinner this week, <strong><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/pasta-with-tomato-blue-cheese-sauce/">here</a></strong>,<strong> <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_shrimp_with_tomatillos/">here</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/2009/04/16/a-good-start/">here</a></strong>. <br />
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I'm in love with this <strong><a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2011/02/max-rants.html">explorer room</a></strong> for a little boy. <br />
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Killer <a href="http://aisle-candy.com/blog/posts/311"><strong>bridesmaids dresses</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3