tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115906722024-03-05T04:57:41.416-06:00so alaurableUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-49989205048424733952012-05-13T13:19:00.005-05:002012-05-13T13:19:43.253-05:00Dear Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love you.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-61045563209095615492012-04-17T19:00:00.000-05:002012-04-17T19:14:15.009-05:00An Adventure!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our trip to Chile and Argentina is soon, and I can't wait! This will be my first trip to South America!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will take an overnight flight to Santiago (via a layover in Dallas, where we'll drop off our dog to stay with family!), and when we get there we're renting a car and will start our drive crossing the Andes (!!) into Mendoza, Argentina, where I hope to see sights like this:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/253327547759097156/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/253327547759097156_1Rrukdkh_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will head back to Chile and spend some time in Santiago:</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176907091582125042/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/176907091582125042_nuEw42R5_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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As well as in Valparaiso:</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/161496336607896128/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/161496336607896128_b5IpqoF8_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Should be an adventure! Have you been? Where in the world are you wanting to go next?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Clicking on an image will take you to its Pinterest link</i> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-15838201605160084942012-04-08T20:00:00.001-05:002012-04-08T23:49:34.791-05:00Eternal Life<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Easter to you all. I've been thinking much about the meaning of Easter this season. My beloved grandpa passed away a month ago, and it's so hard to think about how he's no longer here with us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dXzWAI3o5Rn7OJIO86SyLT9-oLGMcT3CgLb9E9bD0HlCdjzjFUpEBoaxUkcNRsVfbDYyqpAS8-PeUvkNmqfOF6cPXm2XOCXZKldhp09q09HPjXQqQry7X9lBEfDONzVcyD27/s1600/GrandpaLauraWedding3bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dXzWAI3o5Rn7OJIO86SyLT9-oLGMcT3CgLb9E9bD0HlCdjzjFUpEBoaxUkcNRsVfbDYyqpAS8-PeUvkNmqfOF6cPXm2XOCXZKldhp09q09HPjXQqQry7X9lBEfDONzVcyD27/s640/GrandpaLauraWedding3bw.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went home to Texas last weekend for his memorial service. He was a minister of music, directing church choirs all over (including a 6 month tour of Africa), and it was so special to be able to hear his voice from a recording with one of his choirs in Dallas many years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A family friend spoke of one of my favorite memories of him -- how at Texas Rangers games, everyone within hearing distance to our seats would turn around in wonder as he unabashedly belted out the Star Spangled Banner in his rich baritone voice. One of the ministers then told a story that I hadn't heard before -- that it's tradition in their church to sing the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the Easter service, and members are invited to come up and join the choir in singing it. He said he'll never forget how last year he watched my grandfather, 91 years young last Easter, immediately get up and make his way down the aisle with a determined look in his face to join the baritone section to sing those words of joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Easter holds the promise of eternal life, and I'm thankful for that reminder. I know Grandpa was with a new choir today, singing the Hallelujah Chorus.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-26327986653722436872012-03-07T12:00:00.000-06:002012-03-07T12:35:04.272-06:00Life is Short<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Having a difficult day here, thinking about my dear, sweet, amazing grandpa and wishing I was home in Texas to give him one last hug and kiss.<br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE1Pxm4kwdyWt8MCs9AP16TpLIMPmYOhwvAR6m05DwEwZOzuJkfYY2Lt_31zRgbt1c9r-UGlWn3jqY5t_JeGIIWynPJDcGal688BM_CWRj8R8WznSjxUEGZux5IYtJT-loHl0/s1600/holsteemanifesto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE1Pxm4kwdyWt8MCs9AP16TpLIMPmYOhwvAR6m05DwEwZOzuJkfYY2Lt_31zRgbt1c9r-UGlWn3jqY5t_JeGIIWynPJDcGal688BM_CWRj8R8WznSjxUEGZux5IYtJT-loHl0/s1600/holsteemanifesto.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I really like the <a href="http://shop.holstee.com/collections/all-items/products/holstee-manifesto-poster">Holstee Manifesto</a>, and when I saw it on sale on <a href="http://fab.com/v3y230">Fab.com</a> today, I knew I needed to get it. Life is precious, and I'd like a daily reminder of that.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-54480122684331274722012-02-29T17:30:00.000-06:002012-02-29T17:30:00.104-06:00Treat Yo Self<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I finally made a New Year's resolution that I think I can stick with - 2012 is the Year of <a href="http://youtu.be/ZsABTmT1_M0">Treat Yo Self</a></span>!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each month, I'm going to treat myself to something my wardrobe needs that I didn't buy quality the first time around or I was able to put off because I wouldn't use that much. (I quickly found that dressing for when I was in Texas, where it is hot most of the year and everyone drives so much, is very different than Chicago, where you truly need gear for cold weather and for walking everywhere.) <br /><br />By the end of the year, I hope to have 12 pieces that will be around for many a season! <br />
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I will probably always be a $20 cute-shirt-from-H&M type of gal (no question when it comes to trendy pieces), but I'm really trying to think about cost per wear and embrace the "buy it once, buy it right" and the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"quality over quantity" mentality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">January</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For January, I bought the <a href="http://www.jildorshoes.com/product.cfm/hurl/carlyle-rain-boot-milk-chocolate-rubber/PI=90023">Hunter Regent Carlyle</a> rain boot that I was debating back in <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2011/11/well-i-love-rainy-night.html">this post</a>. While they were a little more expensive than other options, I kept coming back to them and I love that they go with both my black and brown coats. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Side note:</i> I thought they were the perfect solution for both a snow boot <i>and</i> for rainy days year-round. They aren't as warm as I thought they would be (after seeing ladies wearing them all around Chicago this winter and doing a little research online I thought they'd be a little bit better), but I do already have Uggs for when I just need warmth and I plan to start pairing them with some warmer socks to see if it helps. I've been blessed with a mild first winter here, so I'm hoping if it's bad next year that I don't end up <i>also </i>buying a pair of snow boots!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what next? <a href="http://matchbookmag.com/">Matchbook Mag's</a> <a href="http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/post/2944060419/our-checklist-of-50-classics-for-every-matchbook">50 Classics for Your Closet</a> is going to be a great source as I decide what to buy each month, as I am definitely missing some things on the list!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGdRi9KkYlRWQHLSk8rvnNx343tI5zg0kEvGUCE1eHVLo9pwu89qbh58zxNr9lmdLvK23tRcmwfL-0nYs_AdtG5-ZT_Do8-yX30jQvleuHkLPsljgiCqcrgXSOINoNntdNZH2/s1600/matchbook50classicsforyourcloset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGdRi9KkYlRWQHLSk8rvnNx343tI5zg0kEvGUCE1eHVLo9pwu89qbh58zxNr9lmdLvK23tRcmwfL-0nYs_AdtG5-ZT_Do8-yX30jQvleuHkLPsljgiCqcrgXSOINoNntdNZH2/s1600/matchbook50classicsforyourcloset.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">February</span></b></span><br />The very first thing on Matchbook's list is ballet flats. I had a decent all-around black pair, but they were getting a little worn and I accidentally left them in a rental car several months ago. (Oops!) So for February, I just ordered these <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-elise-zipper-edge-bow-flat/3231627?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0">zipper bow ballet flats</a> in black. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just returned a cheap pair of boots and a similar pair of not-quite-right flats that I purchased late last year from Nordstrom in exchange for these, so that helped me feel better after last month's splurge! Hopefully they are comfortable; otherwise, I will probably exchange them for </span><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/me-too-patty-flat/3238472?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=76" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">this</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh_dJPXDIjCIA3X_gW81Wm0KuDHTGJu1taewuvW4KaJhf8CkvBS8CliCqFmICvlF4GQORmt3qFP9CgFRodaSE00Rm63TOUfIwsR1ohkLE7HMkpQILhKTnk_oLUshiFy95z6kt/s1600/classiquesentierbowballetflat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh_dJPXDIjCIA3X_gW81Wm0KuDHTGJu1taewuvW4KaJhf8CkvBS8CliCqFmICvlF4GQORmt3qFP9CgFRodaSE00Rm63TOUfIwsR1ohkLE7HMkpQILhKTnk_oLUshiFy95z6kt/s1600/classiquesentierbowballetflat.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>March, April, May?</b></span><br />The boots I returned where the quality was not up to snuff were a "they're cute <i>and</i> inexpensive <i>and </i>on sale" mistake. I now have my eye on the <a href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-melissa-button">Frye Melissa Button</a>. I've never spent so much on a pair of shoes, but I need to think about cost per wear -- the glowing reviews say they will last a mighty long time! (I have a Zappos credit that will make this one easier on the pocketbook, thank goodness.) I wish I had bought them last fall so that I could have been wearing them this whole time!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKoCwP5lC7Z26BMYXTB6WuUjiriBAEl1wUpyTOQiDtw2_ZZ7m4I4ITUjeG_ZzyIKYhc6wKoBPJg7_CbRXcqABnYeD4Lmc5QGBNBSxkmdVj0O59eLGL1b85-Yxtsxvr59vKyt1/s1600/fryemelissabutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKoCwP5lC7Z26BMYXTB6WuUjiriBAEl1wUpyTOQiDtw2_ZZ7m4I4ITUjeG_ZzyIKYhc6wKoBPJg7_CbRXcqABnYeD4Lmc5QGBNBSxkmdVj0O59eLGL1b85-Yxtsxvr59vKyt1/s400/fryemelissabutton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am also thinking of jumping on the <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sperry-top-sider-angelfish-boat-shoe/3234417?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=418">Sperry</a> bandwagon, which could satisfy Matchbook's entry for loafers since I don't have anything like that. I previously thought they were maybe too preppy for my style, but I've had a change of heart as I've seen how adorable they are on everyone and their mom. I've heard that they are incredibly comfortable, which is what I need for the walking I'll be doing on upcoming trips to Chile/Argentina and Disney World! (Husband, these are <i>practical</i>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And just so I don't end up with a new pair of shoes every single month of the Year of Treat Yo Self, a trench coat is in the cards, too. I have a pink one from Old Navy that I got back in college that sits in my closet because it's kind of sad, so it is time to upgrade to a classic trench! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If I were really subscribing to "buy it once, buy it right", I would get a beautiful <a href="http://news.instyle.com/2011/03/08/kate-middleton-trench-coat/">Burberry trench just like Kate</a>. I have no doubt that I would own it forever and could probably pass it down to the next generation (talk about cost per wear!), but a grand is just way. too. much. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZM7b9NXg5POZ_mAqUGzP6Q-tjh0L9BpccEiPCwL3junFXpqQiYxgwUJCpZp8-97uczt-bjjE-JMBH7B0pkfdKEfkfP7H0ODLIWaShh_yV4qdt_OW7wbjzD3jTcmu0llPJdn4/s1600/katemiddletonburberrytrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZM7b9NXg5POZ_mAqUGzP6Q-tjh0L9BpccEiPCwL3junFXpqQiYxgwUJCpZp8-97uczt-bjjE-JMBH7B0pkfdKEfkfP7H0ODLIWaShh_yV4qdt_OW7wbjzD3jTcmu0llPJdn4/s1600/katemiddletonburberrytrench.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I'm going to try this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/calvin-klein-trench-with-zip-out-lining/3196771?origin=keywordsearch">Calvin Klein trench</a> instead - cute and functional, with a removable liner and hood (hard to find!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I need to pace myself, but it's fun focusing on specific things that will improve my closet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What's on your wardrobe wishlist? Anything you've splurged on that you're so glad you did? (Or vice versa!)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-43242088619901175982011-12-31T16:24:00.000-06:002011-12-31T16:24:31.056-06:00Welcome 2012!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope everyone had a very merry holiday season! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My mom was here visiting the last two weeks, and we had so much fun showing her Christmas in Chicago. I can't believe the end of 2011 went by so fast, and I'm looking forward to what 2012 has in store!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How are you ringing in the new year? We are headed to a house party and then plan to hit up a few bars, but won't be out too late since J has to work bright and early tomorrow morning.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-15163730150546547552011-12-09T17:00:00.000-06:002011-12-09T17:00:02.251-06:00Destination Unknown<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hi friends, I'm off on a destination unknown weekend! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpCz5KuMawfABXUw3EjbaLxCYP1JJhJO_517B14eR8K0hyphenhyphenXcpWzo0cUMhP-x-RuQf7pVeBfhyphenhyphen0BnJ8Bv3UgxyqrDPUKAmCD1m-c1dYI8L7kC__KKAZHXtkq0UfKKehNWlG3R6/s1600/Yelton_Manor_Bed_and_Breakfast_South_Haven_Michigan_25159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpCz5KuMawfABXUw3EjbaLxCYP1JJhJO_517B14eR8K0hyphenhyphenXcpWzo0cUMhP-x-RuQf7pVeBfhyphenhyphen0BnJ8Bv3UgxyqrDPUKAmCD1m-c1dYI8L7kC__KKAZHXtkq0UfKKehNWlG3R6/s1600/Yelton_Manor_Bed_and_Breakfast_South_Haven_Michigan_25159.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband has been working nights all week and booked a little getaway somewhere nearby to give him something to look forward to during call...and didn't tell me where! My only hint is that it's Wisconsin or Michigan. We had our first sticking snow in Chicago last night, so I'm hoping I'll be able to look out the window at some pretty snow while sipping hot chocolate in a quaint little B&B <a href="http://www.yeltonmanor.com/">like this one</a> above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a wonderful weekend! Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-90489953516213453022011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:002011-11-16T07:00:08.032-06:00Oopsie<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I was watching <i>Ringer</i> last night* and during an intense scene at the end of the episode I kind of kicked my leg up in the air (um, an act of self defense in case the bad guy wanted to jump out of the television at me?) <i>and ripped my jeans up around the top of my inner thigh. </i>I'm going to say it happened because they are skinny jeans and just don't have a lot of give, and not because I've been eating too much cheese lately.</div>
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They're my only pair of skinnies, and I've pretty much been living in them since it's turned to boot weather. I need to get a replacement pair (or two!) right away! The <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/matchstick/PRDOVR%7E50520/99102502005/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E0%7E90%7Eall%7Emode+matchallany%7E%7E%7E%7E%7Ematchstick/50520.jsp">J.Crew matchstick jean</a> is definitely on my list to try.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjvO5GfXN0fi2_-bW3xey996_DkOpVtwIc1uPgMfH7da0DujQT6I-8OQjiDHsbgjNtHQxG0o9n7FjZO3tBm7vk8DWnKqaqOd9IDobG88hUv_R0CaKR87vj7qQSTREBYnLr7sB/s1600/jcrewmatchstickjean.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjvO5GfXN0fi2_-bW3xey996_DkOpVtwIc1uPgMfH7da0DujQT6I-8OQjiDHsbgjNtHQxG0o9n7FjZO3tBm7vk8DWnKqaqOd9IDobG88hUv_R0CaKR87vj7qQSTREBYnLr7sB/s1600/jcrewmatchstickjean.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I also scored a $50 for $25 <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gx-aa-national?utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=uu858002">Groupon for American Apparel</a> today. I've never bought anything there before, but I've heard their <a href="http://store.americanapparel.net/rsatt328.html">winter leggings</a> are nice and warm and therefore have been on my shopping list. I used to be anti-legging, but I think they're now going to be a staple in my winter wardrobe.</div>
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* I tried explaining to a friend the plot of <i>Ringer</i> and I sounded ridiculous, but it's pretty addicting. What is the real Siobahn up to? How does Siobet keep from getting everything mixed up?</div>
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What about you? Any new TV shows you're loving? Any skinny legwear you want to sing the praises of?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-42313328987531778722011-11-08T22:00:00.000-06:002011-11-09T00:24:51.022-06:00Well I Love a Rainy Night<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't mind when it's raining outside...as long as I'm inside and cuddled up with a blanket! (Bonus if my husband and/or dog is next to me.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The past few days have been gloomy and rainy in Chicago, and I'm counting my blessings that I work from home and haven't had to deal with it. But I know my day is coming and it's only going to get worse as we roll into winter, so I need to get some rain boots sooner rather than later so I can walk through the slushy snow in style!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A friend ordered a <a href="http://www.zoubaby.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=boot-wo">monogrammed pair</a>, which I think is super adorable, but I think they took over 6 weeks to arrive!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMmrka8homN2mSDevKhGedzKIzkOpgm17OhkRZTkm8LrEqhMLRg5syInVklYooC8KZM1NqVqAF5fCkqKW78Z-l9pZzZe91EKzoG_VULkGH_5tOW8ARSmEBJsdSrku2kUh6Cvt/s1600/monogrammedrainboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMmrka8homN2mSDevKhGedzKIzkOpgm17OhkRZTkm8LrEqhMLRg5syInVklYooC8KZM1NqVqAF5fCkqKW78Z-l9pZzZe91EKzoG_VULkGH_5tOW8ARSmEBJsdSrku2kUh6Cvt/s1600/monogrammedrainboot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />And of course, the clear popular choice these days is the Hunter wellie, and for good reason.</span></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/46192749/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="700" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/253679391479961428_OduDEhEm_c.jpg" width="467" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://mainenmasonjars.tumblr.com/page/6" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;">mainenmasonjars.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/soalaurable/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0S-yLi8kFD1lZQ9b6TSwqMb5aAk2FDcHpYePhOu0gVERSXvefa0HCgOOsseHPMG2ExOY39v-ZWQZOHv3Y5UROOSF4aYGH-ZQjio5C-dECtgeDPx9iTU8ke-2rR60wP_YaRdjY/s1600/hunteroriginaltallrainbootblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But oh, so many colors from which to choose! I like the always classic black, and think they'd blend in well so it's not super obvious if I step into somewhere nice that I have on rain boots. (Although I hear no one cares what you are wearing come winter in Chicago.)<br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/474936548/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/253679391480090999_eyWEECvi_c.jpg" width="465" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrACBBA-7QpblxdvzuGl6MfSru2xAhKPH2-CZzBdINUR1btD6AmD7Z-ZsIHw3ZidwqnhK8U6zxk39LEj-rLBYGDhNRg-5ASQIgrZ5FYhc8sT4kJYrcVdpPSWtcY3GdExvju8/s1600/redwelliesatlanticpacific.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrACBBA-7QpblxdvzuGl6MfSru2xAhKPH2-CZzBdINUR1btD6AmD7Z-ZsIHw3ZidwqnhK8U6zxk39LEj-rLBYGDhNRg-5ASQIgrZ5FYhc8sT4kJYrcVdpPSWtcY3GdExvju8/s1600/redwelliesatlanticpacific.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Doesn't Blair from <a href="http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2011/03/rain-check.html">Atlantic-Pacific</a> look amazing in her red pair?<br /><br />
As a lover of all things blue, of course turquoise is a frontrunner. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP24sSf8rSU_2rkf8c39GVd88Vcpn4kMTYvGyVS3eQFgYUdkEFHkdbpP9LqFP4OAmfA50obwkGT-hHkGuOu_58459ozm4o0FtjWNcGrqPIGl3eXToAxaO3R7V4zJSe4kKtbiUc/s1600/hunterbootrainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP24sSf8rSU_2rkf8c39GVd88Vcpn4kMTYvGyVS3eQFgYUdkEFHkdbpP9LqFP4OAmfA50obwkGT-hHkGuOu_58459ozm4o0FtjWNcGrqPIGl3eXToAxaO3R7V4zJSe4kKtbiUc/s1600/hunterbootrainbow.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://thosealaskangirls.blogspot.com/2010/06/hunter-boots-rainbow-during-rain.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">via</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The plus for the turquoise blue over basic black is that it goes with both of my main coats: a brown down parka and a <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/10/bon-weekend.html">navy trench-style wool coat</a> that I love to pieces. (The brown one was purchased on crazy deep clearance last spring back in Dallas, because who needs one in Texas? If it turns out to not be warm enough, I'll probably replace it with one that is black or charcoal.) Hmm, red would also go with all of these colors...</span></div>
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And then these fancy Hunters would go with both black and brown:</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/475074720/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/253679391480091019_2RzgUbG8_c.jpg" /></a><br />Source: <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/regent-carlyle-hunter-boots/vp/v=1/845524441916007.htm?folderID=2534374302090411&fm=whatsnew-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11141&extid=affprg" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">shopbop.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/soalaurable/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ah, what to do, what to do.</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-80203712800302890122011-10-06T23:18:00.001-05:002011-10-06T23:18:54.928-05:00Scarf Me!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While I'm not a colder-weather lovin' gal, the upside of my first fall in Chicago is that it's scarf time! I can't wait to try all 25 ways to a tie a scarf in this cute video:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm back in Dallas this week and it still feels like summer here. I was shopping with my mom last night at <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/">Charming Charlie</a> and was looking for a burnt orange accessory to wear this weekend for TX-OU (because I will be wearing burnt orange in some form all weekend) and came across two differently adorable burnt orange scarves, and I was kind of wishing the forecast called for cold! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found this orange necklace instead...and this bright blue scarf...and this awesome belt with triangle arrows...and this wallet clutch thingy. I was a little out of control, but I loved this place, where all of the jewelry/accessories/clothes are organized by color. I found something new I wanted every time I made a lap around the store. (As compared to <a href="http://www.sammoon.com/">Sam Moon</a> for you TX ladies, where I get a little overwhelmed by wall after wall of earrings and necklaces crammed together, and I always have to elbow my way in to get a good look.) Charlie, I will be back!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's your favorite way to tie a scarf? And how many colors do you own? Off the top of my head I count black, white, red, fuchsia, aqua, grey plaid, and the new bright blue, and I'm sure I'll find more than that in the coat closet!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Hook 'em!</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-74540135317610238492011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:002011-09-21T06:00:01.298-05:00Good Things Come to Those Who Wait<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Or, "<i>How I No Longer Have Rug Regret"</i>.</div>
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When we moved, a living room rug was in order since we went from carpet to hardwood floors. I was immediately drawn to a geometric, navy rug:</div>
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<a href="http://www.elledecor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Elle Decor</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4NsukyDU4F4dKVVwpme0uXgzXgVRkhzM68px3yh0KIu4bCdEZ3pgmYRKP0y2wI3Bbr_uWx12SHk7MVkeHidzieofTM_KGoMGO9JG7HjsNOfeypyHFxOTk4aWdpiv72iy83yb/s1600/emilyaclarklivingroompotterybarnchainrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4NsukyDU4F4dKVVwpme0uXgzXgVRkhzM68px3yh0KIu4bCdEZ3pgmYRKP0y2wI3Bbr_uWx12SHk7MVkeHidzieofTM_KGoMGO9JG7HjsNOfeypyHFxOTk4aWdpiv72iy83yb/s1600/emilyaclarklivingroompotterybarnchainrug.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2010/11/where-to-start_09.html">Emily A. Clark</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.dianebergeron.com/">Diane Bergeron</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79820/Western-Springs-Living-Room-eclectic-living-room-chicago">Houzz</a></span></div>
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The only problem was, I couldn't find anything like this anywhere on the vast interwebs -- well, at least not anything in our price range. <a href="http://overstock.com/">Overstock</a> and <a href="http://rugsusa.com/">Rugs USA</a> turned up the best options in terms of modern patterns, but all the ones I loved came in every color <i>but </i>blue. I considered some other colors, but kept coming back to navy: a beige rug against a beige couch would be blah, a gray rug might clash, and a lot of other colors would mean changing out art and other accents that we wanted to continue to use.</div>
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Although it doesn't have a pattern, we were strongly considering this <span id="goog_1881348364"></span><a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Royal_I_Area_Rug/310/?aid=cj/">ombre rug<span id="goog_1881348365"></span></a> after seeing it in person and both liking it, but we weren't ready to pull the $500 trigger yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPpnA9jECpZOfiSjwBxzCFAEUF_2psTOeBsiz4sz53FrpxR9ZzVVefpM-fU796I80or0B9lEbEl50XwU10YvNZfe9etZ1L9fj9hIkYE4El0cciWyJkdNvuG6I6HtbVM75t5AZ/s1600/ombrebluerug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPpnA9jECpZOfiSjwBxzCFAEUF_2psTOeBsiz4sz53FrpxR9ZzVVefpM-fU796I80or0B9lEbEl50XwU10YvNZfe9etZ1L9fj9hIkYE4El0cciWyJkdNvuG6I6HtbVM75t5AZ/s1600/ombrebluerug.jpg" /></a></div>
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Stalking rug websites again, I came across <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Blue-Fusion-Wool-Rug-8-x-10/4224229/product.html">this similar rug</a> (the positive reviews said it had several shades of vibrant blue) and decided to order it and be done with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRJNAIWp_wJpuGEFY4HYR0VnIxumqEfPa4aYW01X1NthIWzD2nCPr2-MogfUzRe7j7nR60hgU2FbtyfI7aSzvElvdKNa9A9LdaexwmQNZ2Vjs-_TSP-7ZvUqOXcU_pvPRKoqs/s1600/bluefusionrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRJNAIWp_wJpuGEFY4HYR0VnIxumqEfPa4aYW01X1NthIWzD2nCPr2-MogfUzRe7j7nR60hgU2FbtyfI7aSzvElvdKNa9A9LdaexwmQNZ2Vjs-_TSP-7ZvUqOXcU_pvPRKoqs/s640/bluefusionrug.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
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While I still longed for something like my inspiration photos, we needed to get something in there, and I figured I could bring in those patterns through throw pillows. Plus, the price couldn't be beat.</div>
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And then it came, and it certainly had different shades of blue. Different shades of light blue and purplish blues, which isn't what I was going for and didn't exactly match the product photo. Whomp whomp.</div>
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I was having major rug regret. It wasn't going to be super cheap to ship back, but I really didn't want to spend that much on something I wasn't crazy about, even if it was cheap compared to most area rugs this size. I contacted customer support through a forum and they were nice enough to offer up a free shipping label, so we stuffed it in the Prius and hauled it to UPS. </div>
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Back at square one, I vowed never to buy something so big without seeing it in person first.</div>
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And then about a month later I was catching up on my Google Reader and came across a post on rugs and saw <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/clearancerugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-trellis/navy-blue/200HJHK03F-508.html">this Moroccan Trellis gorgeousness</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6exLayHRqPGI__rUOAB0SjO968ZtJuIrrA9iuNlEYoouVxhCROOF26v9Kmmr7aWKBrHXx2Xxigvg1HC_33OP3C3ROzWI15PUe04QUz-DpNO_oLLxAEvIdwEpLMHaKJhnMjjWZ/s1600/moroccantrellisnavyrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6exLayHRqPGI__rUOAB0SjO968ZtJuIrrA9iuNlEYoouVxhCROOF26v9Kmmr7aWKBrHXx2Xxigvg1HC_33OP3C3ROzWI15PUe04QUz-DpNO_oLLxAEvIdwEpLMHaKJhnMjjWZ/s1600/moroccantrellisnavyrug.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello pretty thing, you're <i>exactly</i> what I have been looking for over the last few months! How had I missed you?!<br />
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I looked back through some old <a href="http://pinterest.com/soalaurable">pins</a> and found that I had actually pinned it at the very beginning of my search because I liked the trellis pattern, but it didn't come in navy at the time.</div>
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Both of my main rug resources were selling it, but Rugs USA ended up winning out with their 40% off coupon code. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(They always seem to be running at least 30% off, which is what is was at when I found the rug, but I waited a day or two and it ended up going to 40% off -- so hold out for that if you ever order from there!)</span> It ended up being only $40 more than the original failed rug. Yes, I had vowed not to buy another one sight unseen, and I knew it was going to be around $50 to ship back if I didn't like it, but I decided to risk it.</div>
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And I love it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqKILEiuPJ6XtdmBBp9zTxmsSaCJov-92NJPBLFLGF1K1BWZDeEahCM8BrErXpSPCgG4F4VSRJ71-muMM2zI9MfEWqU8XcwoLDE8KX6Hhpo7VRbm7i4ny9C2j1Lcl_msAR-Yq/s1600/Rug+in+action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqKILEiuPJ6XtdmBBp9zTxmsSaCJov-92NJPBLFLGF1K1BWZDeEahCM8BrErXpSPCgG4F4VSRJ71-muMM2zI9MfEWqU8XcwoLDE8KX6Hhpo7VRbm7i4ny9C2j1Lcl_msAR-Yq/s640/Rug+in+action.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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J and Trixie seem to like it too, as well as this Boston Terrier we're dog-sitting. What a cutie!</div>
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The living room is almost finished! I really ought to post a house tour up here -- that will get me motivated to finish off what's left in the other rooms!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-36945418447269742072011-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:002011-09-16T06:00:05.060-05:00His, Hers, Yours, & Mine<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love when there's no mix up over whose is whose:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAFI7yvHuGjUrwaN4LTEd8C82gg5ZVB4qGMiZ3YCY88mWlUwqURnHBUcbjArwZgRl4cuSggEDN1TMSNJQC8rvz3_DzDQlZFl_6RwKVaRsJ49L8gLO_9yV47KG-fjgmTOfTGwE/s1600/katespadehishershighballs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAFI7yvHuGjUrwaN4LTEd8C82gg5ZVB4qGMiZ3YCY88mWlUwqURnHBUcbjArwZgRl4cuSggEDN1TMSNJQC8rvz3_DzDQlZFl_6RwKVaRsJ49L8gLO_9yV47KG-fjgmTOfTGwE/s1600/katespadehishershighballs.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lenox.com/cat/index.cfm?fuseaction=prod&pid=35182&kf=e4294966950&pagenum=1">kate spade His & Hers Highballs, $50</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/America-Retold-Carafes-Etched-16-Ounce/dp/B0042VJZI6" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mine & Yours Mini Carafes $40</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu-l5BGbFWlvTbUHPm8VuPPgiuHoNImv-uM8g8fzZLbdDit2jOyjLa1-SKHmkmdFpbRyt5hlNXVw8Be23vyJaE1YCI09GyMKCd5x4kQypuF7R9RlRVjRBmdVTlJ8fMGkUVpsw/s1600/madamemonsieurminicarafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu-l5BGbFWlvTbUHPm8VuPPgiuHoNImv-uM8g8fzZLbdDit2jOyjLa1-SKHmkmdFpbRyt5hlNXVw8Be23vyJaE1YCI09GyMKCd5x4kQypuF7R9RlRVjRBmdVTlJ8fMGkUVpsw/s1600/madamemonsieurminicarafe.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/America-Retold-Madame-Monsieur-Carafes/dp/B0042VJZE0" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Madame & Monsieur Mini Carafes, $17</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">According to my Amazon wishlist, I've had my eye on this last set since March. Sometimes it pays to hold off, since they're <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">now over half off. So cute for water on the nightstands!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To get free super saving shipping though, I need to throw in at least $8 more of stuff. And for someone who always has quite a wishlist going, and for a site like Amazon that sells everything imaginable, I can't really think of anything that's not practical, like hand soap or dog treats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I remembered last time we were at the <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/">Art Institute</a> that J really liked the nightlights in the museum store. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(At first I thought he was kidding, but I guess he likes the idea of some Monet illuminating his path to the restroom in the middle of the night. And I suppose it would also be nice for me, since he goes to bed super early for work and when Trixie and I come up later we rely on my iPhone to make it down the hallway to the bedroom instead of risking waking him up by flipping on the light switch.) <span style="font-size: small;">True to form, I told him I could track it down cheaper than the museum store and found them on Amazon in a few seconds. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Is that my superpower?) <span style="font-size: small;">Too bad I can't remember which one he liked the best. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I have such a hard time coming up with Christmas gift ideas for him that it would be nice to save this for a stocking stuffer surprise.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTJriUmYy8lcT21TeN2LN6cnZXdLWfUCzSfFPhsAUjwEoBe1GIzFnpl_uSJWdS9Qsj6AiDfVq7tGTfACUE4elZexubkzKVDa6UtLGKaHAE_8mo4pPArUBw2UoIXD7cvMGTNxy/s1600/vangoghcafeterracenightlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTJriUmYy8lcT21TeN2LN6cnZXdLWfUCzSfFPhsAUjwEoBe1GIzFnpl_uSJWdS9Qsj6AiDfVq7tGTfACUE4elZexubkzKVDa6UtLGKaHAE_8mo4pPArUBw2UoIXD7cvMGTNxy/s1600/vangoghcafeterracenightlight.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1520041027"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Van Gogh Caf</span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="btAsinTitle">Ă©</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Old-Masters-Night-Light-Terrace/dp/B005DEU4FE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1316146627&sr=8-9"> Terrace at Night</a>? </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAne8gMghgqXbhLFSu6oWqMNGILOFFwOo_kwkzj2yyycveE0LGSKQgCYfv4EfnfGx-sA_9KZq3b7OPjwosR0xiV7z-tmzSkhR3bb1d79IzI5U2uN98s0Gt8wAAjwdg4ygQoeM/s1600/monetvioletlilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAne8gMghgqXbhLFSu6oWqMNGILOFFwOo_kwkzj2yyycveE0LGSKQgCYfv4EfnfGx-sA_9KZq3b7OPjwosR0xiV7z-tmzSkhR3bb1d79IzI5U2uN98s0Gt8wAAjwdg4ygQoeM/s1600/monetvioletlilies.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monet-Violet-Lilies-Night-Plates/dp/B002X1ZKZE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1316146881&sr=8-4">Monet Violet Lilies</a>? </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Perusing my Amazon wishlist again, maybe I should take these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Dharma-Beautiful-Bends-Drinking/dp/B0033CXY7I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8&coliid=I22M0PGQOPHTCR&colid=2Q59KBOVGRWXV">glass drinking straws</a> for a spin. I'll use them to drink vin right out of my Madame carafe. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdGeDRVR1kcraAEMbP5U6-nlifeJFlGyCHIOHyOKlLSBJXlRtk4FA6DoXccDekM7fdSTcBbLCVNXn3IwcELB2-ahsPD3Gwxy65Q1OZqlYcIwjI8kTsEh1uV9-gohJnZWVB831/s1600/glassdrinkingstraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdGeDRVR1kcraAEMbP5U6-nlifeJFlGyCHIOHyOKlLSBJXlRtk4FA6DoXccDekM7fdSTcBbLCVNXn3IwcELB2-ahsPD3Gwxy65Q1OZqlYcIwjI8kTsEh1uV9-gohJnZWVB831/s1600/glassdrinkingstraw.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What's on your wishlist right now? Anything as random as glass drinking straws? Do you and your significant other or roommate ever have issues remembering whose glass is whose or is it just me?</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-24287036197808046072011-07-18T07:00:00.173-05:002011-07-18T07:00:16.067-05:00Obsessed with Photo Editing<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I stayed up way too late the other night playing with photos. Our guest bathroom needs some black and white prints for some frames I already have, so I went looking through pictures we've taken on trips to see if anything struck me.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First, I took these taken on our <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2011/03/channel-tunnel-time.html">trip</a> this past Spring and converted them to black and white using <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a>: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-RghLAlT6tejsgtEK8rAHE6llbrBnvllIJWJo0Wp4vk67gsQCOJvRJSW58Jlirf61QDDmVEg4RhwTlGtH93eVYXleYfci3DSM9Y5KPYd6XbmevsqT4_o8ZxFDg7R_ZFh0lRr/s1600/Europe+-+Spring+2011+421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-RghLAlT6tejsgtEK8rAHE6llbrBnvllIJWJo0Wp4vk67gsQCOJvRJSW58Jlirf61QDDmVEg4RhwTlGtH93eVYXleYfci3DSM9Y5KPYd6XbmevsqT4_o8ZxFDg7R_ZFh0lRr/s640/Europe+-+Spring+2011+421.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eiffel Tower - even though I've seen photos of it so many times, coming up from the subway and seeing how large it is took my breath away</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwRErW3QRHbIxO1m-3FNbzXN0yrV81zvwaqqAcmhFSXBoLlu2kEdWhLCa5xv1-W0xYoWP3VVMFFUie8CpCSNBOP6bl7PwQH1mRaCky1BzX_pZYVKqK1136e1EPhETWvDhJf4C/s640/arc2.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arc de Triomphe</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4jELem4zgjk6j31poVEr9jQh_U3D1z9csUg1U0rApkhtGuI10_wkhi6VyOoZYIHTd2GqyJbgYgTByUqO4dg7phFL_HPtuPPdpoB5U-JQJW4kVAdrxqNZ9faieEuQ6pPk4EI0/s1600/notredame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4jELem4zgjk6j31poVEr9jQh_U3D1z9csUg1U0rApkhtGuI10_wkhi6VyOoZYIHTd2GqyJbgYgTByUqO4dg7phFL_HPtuPPdpoB5U-JQJW4kVAdrxqNZ9faieEuQ6pPk4EI0/s640/notredame.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Notre Dame Cathedral </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKRETeYERQlLLSS_q3nvJAkWd71N6xkV8EzgQHXMH7srmT9OBCUYio0ogkwk-c6uxgDhIN-daHxdlViIpWZ7fSeZ7PZBLJIHKCpvW_ymhTcl5dMWX8BEy-NuwjhlvxSAUpSlk/s1600/louvre2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While pretty, they seemed a little generic. And then I played around in Picnik with this one taken from the top of Notre Dame and liked the mood:</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Before</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvcuSU4Q2zshBfg9LnY4SkxM3MwUim4B-YeSq0WPmtdEQ1hhHfK8l6GR8OKIp6ipHebKNYF0pQDXIL6Wgk1-w7bGYrtKr2VcEPH-vIotlUqHMRViIVeyThn7nkxiWwQtEh0_y/s1600/topofnotredame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvcuSU4Q2zshBfg9LnY4SkxM3MwUim4B-YeSq0WPmtdEQ1hhHfK8l6GR8OKIp6ipHebKNYF0pQDXIL6Wgk1-w7bGYrtKr2VcEPH-vIotlUqHMRViIVeyThn7nkxiWwQtEh0_y/s640/topofnotredame.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlikRygqaI_t9cfs6qbYes5rTbe7BPodpimarjZMKx3iPD-vWMXnaFudf5vzm3EHg7hNT4bFoL0ZlTagkC5FV1I8faDwIakoP8uD4-6lC5L0nZPHlaDTiOzgF_qu89EK7tv_ME/s1600/topofnotredamebw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlikRygqaI_t9cfs6qbYes5rTbe7BPodpimarjZMKx3iPD-vWMXnaFudf5vzm3EHg7hNT4bFoL0ZlTagkC5FV1I8faDwIakoP8uD4-6lC5L0nZPHlaDTiOzgF_qu89EK7tv_ME/s640/topofnotredamebw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the other one, J helped me decide to go with a photo I took from the Bridge of Sighs in Venice back in 2005. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Which I will always be fond of because someone found it on Flickr and short-listed it to be on an online travel guide...even though I don't think it was ultimately selected.)</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was originally thinking of blowing it up along with some other photos from that trip and putting them in large frames in our living room, but we decided it was just too much with the other things we have going on in there, so it freed it up to complete the pair of black & white prints needed in the guest bathroom. I like that they're both taken from a vantage point of a well-known place, and that it's not immediately clear where the picture was taken.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPRdEVzIqbvSLJWEiTtTeU_lMU6MrUxc_36dQ8-Jd2p0bNRCjM8PLuFlJOtE37pq3tI-aHon8Wom1losd0yc9buI-k3DJnU3SaHlJM9QMMhwS2ueEMlzsGrCUGTYIIMvgH9Ej/s1600/bridgeofsighs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPRdEVzIqbvSLJWEiTtTeU_lMU6MrUxc_36dQ8-Jd2p0bNRCjM8PLuFlJOtE37pq3tI-aHon8Wom1losd0yc9buI-k3DJnU3SaHlJM9QMMhwS2ueEMlzsGrCUGTYIIMvgH9Ej/s640/bridgeofsighs+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Sighs">story</a> that goes along with the Bridge of Sighs is that it was the last view of Venice a prisoner would see before being led through to the executioner <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(although not true by the timing of when the bridge was built</span>)...but what a view to think of!<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFk8XSRiFLBG5FuBY9AN77e3ghwYMw5abP8o2xmULBpW5ErsLpRCX3ajhyphenhyphenh0Mp6TH_BJJRvCC7hy3RAOviUhm6I-J6tHleO6Svxd99AXijGlcX65xZfOJR5NLM7XqYX2eXkMz/s1600/bridgeofsighs+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFk8XSRiFLBG5FuBY9AN77e3ghwYMw5abP8o2xmULBpW5ErsLpRCX3ajhyphenhyphenh0Mp6TH_BJJRvCC7hy3RAOviUhm6I-J6tHleO6Svxd99AXijGlcX65xZfOJR5NLM7XqYX2eXkMz/s640/bridgeofsighs+bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I kind of love it in color more, so I continued to play around with some other effects on it. The cross process used below is my new favorite one to slap on every photo I upload just to see how it looks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXbgHErcHdda9x456cQY5wusMAkv4WglUtJcCvEhyphenhyphenkJ3m-Y8MR-cBtOYHr9R882-_-yqd-GU0OJmW14-AwaViqoKwvXIk33CMBQMda4u4NNxEPGQ1kW8fpyWNHlgDWEFJA8lQ/s1600/bridgeofsighs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXbgHErcHdda9x456cQY5wusMAkv4WglUtJcCvEhyphenhyphenkJ3m-Y8MR-cBtOYHr9R882-_-yqd-GU0OJmW14-AwaViqoKwvXIk33CMBQMda4u4NNxEPGQ1kW8fpyWNHlgDWEFJA8lQ/s640/bridgeofsighs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I haven't ordered any photos in a long time, so I ordered <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">quite a few as long as I was paying for shipping. The mats for the frames I'm going to use are a weird size (6x8), so I ordered from RitzPix since that was the only place I could find that offered 6x8s -- hopefully the quality is okay. </span>If I do end up doing some enlargements of the other photos I was thinking of, I will most likely go with Mpix and get their metallic finish. What's your favorite place to order photos from?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And since I'm loving that cross process effect, and because I found a coupon code for 2 free 8x10s, I ordered these that I took for the gallery wall in my office area:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKVTtWRc2CLp6v02Wg4Vv5J244wj8AGHqFvGtYPaG7MYa2H8_cIl0049XCHaz_AH7RJSlc09dZDKRY9fNqdLSZ-8VfAX9igI8vuX88OAonoi5traSsP-p4lagkJieuVKbEF1d/s1600/astatefairoftexas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKVTtWRc2CLp6v02Wg4Vv5J244wj8AGHqFvGtYPaG7MYa2H8_cIl0049XCHaz_AH7RJSlc09dZDKRY9fNqdLSZ-8VfAX9igI8vuX88OAonoi5traSsP-p4lagkJieuVKbEF1d/s1600/astatefairoftexas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKVTtWRc2CLp6v02Wg4Vv5J244wj8AGHqFvGtYPaG7MYa2H8_cIl0049XCHaz_AH7RJSlc09dZDKRY9fNqdLSZ-8VfAX9igI8vuX88OAonoi5traSsP-p4lagkJieuVKbEF1d/s640/astatefairoftexas2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the Texas State Fair a few years ago after the TX-OU game...I think my friends may be riding the swings at that moment. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2Id8RecgNjvGWHof6QiksVIqzz-bFAbuevHK_8uFelIUqTCwcxpvnbeX9bEifX0ETZIPYCa1MhqG9eSdh5WqsLiKn1NKJDQthDEiKFgji2OFjtYS2WuIAf8nbnf2Y2DFSFS/s1600/2010+729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2Id8RecgNjvGWHof6QiksVIqzz-bFAbuevHK_8uFelIUqTCwcxpvnbeX9bEifX0ETZIPYCa1MhqG9eSdh5WqsLiKn1NKJDQthDEiKFgji2OFjtYS2WuIAf8nbnf2Y2DFSFS/s640/2010+729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Point Dume in Malibu taken during a residency interview trip...J may have taken this but I think it was probably me. (We each like to think we're the best photographer.) This is also where <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_296127092">this </a></span><a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2011/01/11111-i-turn-29.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">fave photo of us</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> was taken by a kind stranger, which I also finally printed out!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What do you use to edit your photos? Maybe some day I'll be fancy and own Photoshop, but for now Picnik and I are BFFs.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-81984644641446684592011-07-14T07:00:00.000-05:002011-10-07T00:09:34.236-05:00What We Do for Fun<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
To keep in touch since we've moved, J and I and our nieces send each other photos back and forth of what we did that day. (And if it's particularly interesting, we include the whole family.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Often the photos are of our respective dogs, sometimes with captions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Exhibit A:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ8pnK0aqHOGYgteGuwMuseXx2psAufGC4ZtmclenDwHBC1HLP-hixTGRvKJVEPTIsMTUigyxJ74F58lwZ1iObZDiUrOL0D9JWFa7V01N3SkuBV1ryFOHdwlbBMyEKAP6iD8i/s1600/sadieandtrixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ8pnK0aqHOGYgteGuwMuseXx2psAufGC4ZtmclenDwHBC1HLP-hixTGRvKJVEPTIsMTUigyxJ74F58lwZ1iObZDiUrOL0D9JWFa7V01N3SkuBV1ryFOHdwlbBMyEKAP6iD8i/s400/sadieandtrixie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I love my email buddies.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-62835019898513337082011-06-30T06:00:00.001-05:002011-09-21T01:26:58.498-05:00Greetings from Chicago!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYrRE6kFnu5o4AsPCECuRaR_2B6Q5HD3wJu-DVU3OAhAX4lodYs8uPvaqAil1zLgV8ePlujkApnRA_MokWiO4P5g5BoF0wLxHqmoJUGoLI3CxGKVfMNVlIWU_HayBqHphxSDV/s1600/bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYrRE6kFnu5o4AsPCECuRaR_2B6Q5HD3wJu-DVU3OAhAX4lodYs8uPvaqAil1zLgV8ePlujkApnRA_MokWiO4P5g5BoF0wLxHqmoJUGoLI3CxGKVfMNVlIWU_HayBqHphxSDV/s400/bean.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Greetings from Chicago! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let's see, when I <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-second-city-i-go.html">last left off</a> (which was a long time ago, forgive me!), we still had to: find a place to live up here, rent out our condo in Dallas, and pack up everything and get up here. We were successful on all accounts, although finding a good place proved stressful until a last-ditch browsing of Craigslist apartment postings led us to where we are today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hey there!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Moving went more smoothly then I had envisioned. (I attribute that to not riding in the moving van being driven by my husband - I am a <i>horrible</i> backseat driver and no one driving a large Penske wants to have to deal with that.) The keys did get locked in the moving van, but this was luckily after everything was unloaded, so we just ordered some deep dish pizza while waiting for the locksmith. It became a bit of an impromptu party with J's parents, two friends that came up with us to help, and some other friends that stopped by to help out and have some 'za. (Future moving note: pack a box with things like paper towels, plates, cups, and a wine opener, and label it to be unpacked first.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trixie got up here on her own and made a bed...I think she was just as tired as we were!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We've been here about two and a half weeks now and are doing as much exploring as we can before J's residency starts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My first Cubs game!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Free concert in Millennium Park<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All of the neighborhood kids and dogs are so adorable. We passed 2 lemonade stands and easily 10 strollers and 20 dogs on a walk this weekend. I feel silly, but everywhere I go I marvel at how many people are out -- one of the first walks we took was to a nearby park at lunch on a weekday and it was <i>packed</i> with people -- nothing like I would see in Dallas, even when the temps are lower. I feel like we lucked out in where we ended up - it was a little out of the zone we were originally looking, but it's still very much a part of things (with the bonus of not having the same level of traffic and noise from the bar scene) and is an even closer drive to J's hospital than anywhere else we looked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sorry these are all iPhone-quality photos. I couldn't for the life of me find my camera from day 2 on of being up here: it was on a table in the living room, and I moved it so nothing would happen to it as we rearranged furniture for the 18th time, and then I couldn't remember where I put it! I looked in my purse, in my bedroom, kitchen drawers, cabinets, the utility room, boxes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Guess where I found it last week after I was convinced it was somehow thrown away with moving materials?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My purse. It must have a door to Narnia in it that my camera was hiding in. That, or I have too much junk in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll let you decide.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-6708243701208112202011-05-24T07:00:00.001-05:002011-05-24T07:00:14.958-05:00Beautiful Knot Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelxMYWVduh_TXkzFwoHkAP2w292liqEX7EsE0vGDV5zK7wptqClVZks1h06eLuwCbrNtQC8gTfpaqWEtN67bpkQPOv_TYcV-B3yUzV9rrER49hsgxGpzTcih8fmwlsv-NIB0K/s1600/turquoiseknotnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelxMYWVduh_TXkzFwoHkAP2w292liqEX7EsE0vGDV5zK7wptqClVZks1h06eLuwCbrNtQC8gTfpaqWEtN67bpkQPOv_TYcV-B3yUzV9rrER49hsgxGpzTcih8fmwlsv-NIB0K/s1600/turquoiseknotnecklace.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/07/sailor-knot-headband.html">I've said before</a>, I can't resist something with a nautical knot. Sadly, this baby will not become part of my collection -- <i>at least for now</i> (moving in less than 3 weeks and must pare down possessions, not add to them!).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So please feel free to snag this <a href="http://www.karmaloop.com/products.aspx?ProductID=159936&VendorCode=EXT">$18 beauty</a> for yourself...I promise not to be too jealous.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-75864766511260925512011-05-06T07:00:00.018-05:002011-05-06T07:00:00.191-05:00To the Second City I Go<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I haven't disappeared, I promise. (</span><a href="http://pleasesendparentingbooks.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tam</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, thanks for reminding me that I haven't blogged in forever!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfWA-BvU-zc2pcdC_u2lA0eAg9cpacoAqM2pLf956aPGy7GMrO4TcSCaxR7vg62E981RjemT8qFlwENT98Nmy9eh_dHXyU7X7iA1ZXaankjLSVoK_AtliVezh0_B4r0vS4Rt/s1600/rentalsweetrental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfWA-BvU-zc2pcdC_u2lA0eAg9cpacoAqM2pLf956aPGy7GMrO4TcSCaxR7vg62E981RjemT8qFlwENT98Nmy9eh_dHXyU7X7iA1ZXaankjLSVoK_AtliVezh0_B4r0vS4Rt/s1600/rentalsweetrental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfWA-BvU-zc2pcdC_u2lA0eAg9cpacoAqM2pLf956aPGy7GMrO4TcSCaxR7vg62E981RjemT8qFlwENT98Nmy9eh_dHXyU7X7iA1ZXaankjLSVoK_AtliVezh0_B4r0vS4Rt/s640/rentalsweetrental.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">from Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/judythejazzcat?ref=pr_shop_more">Remixed Vintage</a></span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've just been a little busy with my to do list below:<br />
1. Pack up house</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Rent our place out <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please, please rent...unfortunately not a good time to sell)</span><br />
<strike>3. Find a new job in Chicago</strike> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Taken care of! When I talked to my boss about how we're moving for J's residency, she offered to let me work remotely up there and come back to Dallas when needed. (I foresee I will be needed in TX <i>a lot</i> in the winter.) I'm so excited, and I wish I had talked to her earlier -- I had already started to put in a lot of time searching job postings and talking to recruiters.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Find a place to live in Chicago </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am crossing my fingers that #4 will be accomplished this weekend! (I don't know what we'll do if not...eep!) J flew up Thursday morning and will be seeing 6 or so places today. I fly up this evening, and we'll see some more places tomorrow and hopefully will find the perfect place to spend the next 3 years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm a little nervous, because so many that we see online and like are gone in an instant, and not a lot are dog-friendly. (But many will take cats; what's up with that? Our poodle is 12 pounds dripping wet <span style="font-size: x-small;">(what is the origin of that phrase?)</span> and stretches and pounces on her toys like a cat. We've been joking about passing her off as a feline, much like this <a href="http://www.snopes.com/critters/lurkers/poodlesheep.asp">urban legend</a> of sheep being passed off as poodles.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So to the Second City I go! Wish me luck...I'm going to need it! (And not just this weekend...I need a lot of luck packing and getting through the move with my nerves intact. Have I mentioned I don't like change?)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-77328636504296628702011-03-01T07:00:00.004-06:002011-03-01T07:00:11.296-06:00Channel Tunnel Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNTPeFHA7ApsWTs9o5ykKC_iFW4FPc60GaqbCQgYYtFT8gZxbaz3RupqtSKi7pnTgi-dfLt2CsA4f3qn7dCuip-Bnai1wPvEo5WM7RgDsGJpTu9Ru7bK7VAn8XMEo6T2wOH09/s1600/paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNTPeFHA7ApsWTs9o5ykKC_iFW4FPc60GaqbCQgYYtFT8gZxbaz3RupqtSKi7pnTgi-dfLt2CsA4f3qn7dCuip-Bnai1wPvEo5WM7RgDsGJpTu9Ru7bK7VAn8XMEo6T2wOH09/s1600/paris.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and today we take the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Tunnel">Chunnel</a> from London to Paris. Cannot wait to catch my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-76966838164455157022011-02-21T20:24:00.000-06:002011-02-21T20:24:24.998-06:00Oh, Olivia<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I'm packing for our trip (we leave Thursday!), I can't help but wish I was taking Olivia Palermo's suitcase. She always look so amazing, no?</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9MOWgOw4oEmuaKHqTYdA4_imuZrQ6PnvospyZWLVF1Mezkr3mfJ_6poW5nxfXEoRTW1kh-SJqEsG38DfrmKubCpfCEk3bwdpNb01QHzb5_AfoXZITTBd3gq31zQHwF4PWgEM/s1600/oliviapalermo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9MOWgOw4oEmuaKHqTYdA4_imuZrQ6PnvospyZWLVF1Mezkr3mfJ_6poW5nxfXEoRTW1kh-SJqEsG38DfrmKubCpfCEk3bwdpNb01QHzb5_AfoXZITTBd3gq31zQHwF4PWgEM/s1600/oliviapalermo4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QTjVrS1uvugiNyIYCs176zgBNlAo-LVjKe8xSaxCHgjfjS2w_SAtqynIkz_SCXw1d7YiZN8uT8rYrs7z6PSacdBGr_Mj2b-n5y-7FV5AOvgqL7n4JJ7_KQV3BXLjoxboPfqA/s1600/oliviapalermo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QTjVrS1uvugiNyIYCs176zgBNlAo-LVjKe8xSaxCHgjfjS2w_SAtqynIkz_SCXw1d7YiZN8uT8rYrs7z6PSacdBGr_Mj2b-n5y-7FV5AOvgqL7n4JJ7_KQV3BXLjoxboPfqA/s1600/oliviapalermo3.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now I'm off to try and figure out what to take that will be comfortable, warm, and stylish...if it's possible to have all three!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Sources: </i>All saved to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/soalaurable/fashion-inspiration/">Fashion Inspiration boar</a>d on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/soalaurable/">Pinterest</a> account...so addicting!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-55818908056545202742011-02-14T21:08:00.001-06:002011-02-14T21:08:42.199-06:00It's Match Day! We're moving to...<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DUPxEI0DEy0?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-42346397396427591792011-02-09T18:00:00.030-06:002011-02-09T18:00:03.710-06:00Golden Sparkles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxMK8_Pua9_fm-Qm0kx2-1KCFSxhdE7Fgi6TA946FAJ2S5YftxQH6trRQ8c2rSWoWCS8uXaGeTDqwoqklkwuHWCJlOiLup0a_f98-aoooVAzdhN3rOBT-zdU-So2X8MR0Wfis/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxMK8_Pua9_fm-Qm0kx2-1KCFSxhdE7Fgi6TA946FAJ2S5YftxQH6trRQ8c2rSWoWCS8uXaGeTDqwoqklkwuHWCJlOiLup0a_f98-aoooVAzdhN3rOBT-zdU-So2X8MR0Wfis/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Love the gold sequined skirt</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI7FzgfbDzhM-B3NXarRQJ-aPhPH-3Hk6u2176_ZNiKFDl3GF9dbfgRTVxz8j9cuqQhNc5TePxHXh3W_yt30e6BlwbgFU2HpTZ8UwPpck3XWyF1boCPEzRS-gmd5lCl2pTjqx/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI7FzgfbDzhM-B3NXarRQJ-aPhPH-3Hk6u2176_ZNiKFDl3GF9dbfgRTVxz8j9cuqQhNc5TePxHXh3W_yt30e6BlwbgFU2HpTZ8UwPpck3XWyF1boCPEzRS-gmd5lCl2pTjqx/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Love the gold sequined star stirrer-thingy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpH0hz4UfK_pyG2ioQPwPERsmpC3CJMojF99oUOpStcIC60dkrI4VoGVIb746b3_pkQ0OpujiygqPFfkz22qzv7GH2ZjC9HSBYNCnYVEizRWr-bVjgjW8FkHZ4Dq_TbeLVqAY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpH0hz4UfK_pyG2ioQPwPERsmpC3CJMojF99oUOpStcIC60dkrI4VoGVIb746b3_pkQ0OpujiygqPFfkz22qzv7GH2ZjC9HSBYNCnYVEizRWr-bVjgjW8FkHZ4Dq_TbeLVqAY/s1600/4.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Love the gold sequined pillow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig49-YMTsCgEkvARtNpuvkHNBo6s1wSCH7rnmlOmgub0zkPwUsyVmF_GqhfkDq671vhj3zNfuowvZdFRoqGoUnGzLeabOK91SIGWeLsW3ixzD4iHrMtceVtyOiv3bhMi4SX6o5/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig49-YMTsCgEkvARtNpuvkHNBo6s1wSCH7rnmlOmgub0zkPwUsyVmF_GqhfkDq671vhj3zNfuowvZdFRoqGoUnGzLeabOK91SIGWeLsW3ixzD4iHrMtceVtyOiv3bhMi4SX6o5/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Love this tablescape!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://carterandcookeventco.com/blog/details/shimmer-bold-tablescape/">This</a> would make for a lo</span>vely Valentine's Day f</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">ĂȘte</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, no?</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-8572609858570172852011-02-02T15:00:00.004-06:002011-02-02T15:04:39.713-06:00Baby, It's Cold Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvSJOJwC9hLfuk3i605Qr2Qfo41b3_ZYZifZLTEjpzx56OJCE7jB79v5_G2_WLfHpWohVJTgopOB8HKo9GEU78LeWA9SvD3Lo7KhsoVdMarFD9kIwm25fWzg7h-X-vMcBJVvh/s1600/snowday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvSJOJwC9hLfuk3i605Qr2Qfo41b3_ZYZifZLTEjpzx56OJCE7jB79v5_G2_WLfHpWohVJTgopOB8HKo9GEU78LeWA9SvD3Lo7KhsoVdMarFD9kIwm25fWzg7h-X-vMcBJVvh/s1600/snowday.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and we've been holed up inside ever since the snow and ice came to Dallas Monday night! (With the exception of making a trip to the grocery store together that had me super nervous on the icy patches <i>where you can feel the tires making absolutely no traction</i>. You may think Texans overreact to bad weather, but it really can be like a skating rink, and I was hoping not to go out at all and risk repeating <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2009/12/im-on-seafood-diet.html">this near miss</a>, which happened coming from the same grocery store under the same weather conditions. But when your husband is out of essentials like <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/09/do-not-trifle-with-me.html">Ben & Jerry's</a>, you go with him and get the essentials. If that's not love, I don't know what is.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My office has been closed and J was luckily off yesterday and today until he goes into the ED this afternoon...which means he'll be coming home in the middle of the night. Which of course means I'll be a worrywart until he's home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope you're staying nice and warm if it's cold where you are. It's hard to believe temps were in the 70s this past weekend and that we had a windchill of around 0 this morning! Now off to find some more hot cider...</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Image from <a href="http://downtownfrombehind.tumblr.com/post/2812799487">here</a> via <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/inspirations/downtown-from-behind">honestly...wtf</a></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-67739150978351781192011-01-11T06:00:00.097-06:002011-01-11T06:00:04.394-06:001/11/11 - I Turn 29!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, I didn't intend for my <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful.html">last post</a> of 2010 to be a Thanksgiving one...but I'm back in 2011!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And what a day to come back - I turn 29 today!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibG8Ae8DxYmGnFzjKf8LIYeO_TFBd9kfQidUhtp35CIw1AHWZffKNNR3tFxrfXtlD2I1HJqsG9WRNf-xogOKnCmr17ya6c6JuQdIbSI1nVG57Wnmg1WpsbO7jOUP7EN54rCFt/s1600/malibu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibG8Ae8DxYmGnFzjKf8LIYeO_TFBd9kfQidUhtp35CIw1AHWZffKNNR3tFxrfXtlD2I1HJqsG9WRNf-xogOKnCmr17ya6c6JuQdIbSI1nVG57Wnmg1WpsbO7jOUP7EN54rCFt/s1600/malibu2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Love from Malibu, CA*</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's hard to believe that my 20s are almost over.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (Although after this, aren't you supposed to celebrate the 1st anniversary of your 29th birthday, and then the 2nd, and so on, so that you never really leave your 20s?)</span> So much still to do, so I better crackin' on making and crossing things off a 30 Before 30 list!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What have I been up to?</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/10/winner-is.html">mentioned</a> that I might get laid off from my job. Well, it happened at the beginning of December. But it's okay! I had been interviewing and (so luckily) had something lined up. Whew!<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I started my new job the week before Christmas, which allowed me to join James on the interview trail in St. Petersburg, FL, the LA area, and Chicago! It was so much fun, and we got to stay 3-4 days in each city. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The photo above is from <a href="http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=point+dume+malibu&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1299&bih=902">Point Dume</a> in Malibu. We had hiked up to the top and there was a group of 3 other guys up there...one a photographer, one a cinematographer, and I happened to ask the guy who was neither but just so happened to take my new favorite photo!)</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christmas and New Years were there before I knew it. I hadn't finished Christmas shopping by the time I was laid off, and I was in town only for a few days up until the week of Christmas, so I pretty much ordered everything online this year! All of our family is here in Dallas, so we spent the holidays at home and had a wonderful time.<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I got rid of 100 things in December...and I'm hoping to do it again in January! As it gets closer and closer to Match Day, the idea that we are moving is slowly sinking in, and we have some major decluttering to do! The sad part is, getting rid of 100 things didn't make a noticeable dent. About 25 things were books (we still have a million left), and 60+ were items of clothing (sadly, I had not cleaned out our closets in forever, seeing as how lots of things dated back to high school, and many items had been out of site, out of mind in a box under my bed). The books we sold to Half Price Books for like $10 (probably not worth it, I should look into other sources as well since we still have a lot of medical ones that may be worth <i>something</i>), and the clothes that were in good shape were all donated. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has this much stuff.<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We've been slowly planning <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/09/so-excited.html">our trip</a> to Europe, and this month we're going to kick it into high gear and finalize everything! As always, we're trying to be frugal about things like our accommodations, so that always takes a lot of research. Our steal so far is that we got a 3* hotel in London on <a href="http://www.hotwire.com/">Hotwire</a> for $70! (We used Better Bidding to help guess what the hotel was beforehand so we could scout location and read reviews before pulling the trigger, as described in <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-road-again.html">this post</a>.)</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, Happy Birthday to me! It's going to be a great year. Any ideas for my 30 Before 30 list? What is/was on yours?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P.S. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I figured out where the leopard flats from <a href="http://soalaurable.blogspot.com/2010/11/leopard-love.html">this post</a> are from: they are the <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Joe's-Jeans-tan-leopard-pony-hair-'Stella-III'-flats/cat870094/311241001/detail.fly?referer=ca_froogle&cm_mmc=ca_froogle-_-na-_-womens_shoes-_-311241001&PROMO=promo970009&mr:trackingCode=D1464144-0BF4-DF11-B690-001517384909&mr:referralID=NA">Joe's Jeans Stella III</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-58737488937582808372010-11-25T07:00:00.009-06:002010-11-25T07:00:13.036-06:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxbj1KFkLDEnHkMNDvdffvyJ8ilW_4o9HecfrQZ_Ji-K-eUo29KTeFW94xAdGuovHmgcH-p0tVOzhUYFXo7kLTHH2SbH9okhtMww1THVXavGNE4kV2oN1ZZ1RlgPHyTx3-nlm/s1600/dogpilgrims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxbj1KFkLDEnHkMNDvdffvyJ8ilW_4o9HecfrQZ_Ji-K-eUo29KTeFW94xAdGuovHmgcH-p0tVOzhUYFXo7kLTHH2SbH9okhtMww1THVXavGNE4kV2oN1ZZ1RlgPHyTx3-nlm/s1600/dogpilgrims.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curlsandcoffee.blogspot.com/2010/10/gobble-gobble.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">via</span></span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590672.post-87657625016591451682010-11-20T07:00:00.008-06:002010-11-20T07:00:01.503-06:00My Sweetie Comes Home Tomorrow!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Excited to pick up my better half from the airport tomorrow after a month apart!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFngXX2XTLj1LzwYMi4zjamxG9q_g-yHE1MRQpCeruHV6-r3dDIN6C1jIT5Dp1eZR1IOw14jTnxpHgbGIlP7TSbLpamLfqGf34RpXup5DFxIcV2aX0014091TNQV2HwtSwZfM/s1600/trueloveisabigdeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFngXX2XTLj1LzwYMi4zjamxG9q_g-yHE1MRQpCeruHV6-r3dDIN6C1jIT5Dp1eZR1IOw14jTnxpHgbGIlP7TSbLpamLfqGf34RpXup5DFxIcV2aX0014091TNQV2HwtSwZfM/s1600/trueloveisabigdeal.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photographed by <a href="http://jonaspeterson.com/">Jonas Peterson</a> via <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/33178/wedding-blog/real-weddings/a-sweet-colorado-wedding-ii/">Once Wed</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2