tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80269377225565576222024-03-09T19:45:49.499-07:00A Day in the Life Too... a blog about modest styleA 30-something mom's blog about modest style, DIY stuff, and limiting dessert. Just kidding. We eat dessert first around here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-48817698129285936692017-03-14T05:04:00.000-06:002017-03-14T05:04:10.283-06:00How to Become a Pirate Hunter: New Book Release & Review<div class="MsoNormal">
You guys. Fun news!</div>
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Today, March 14, marks the release date of a fantastic new young adult novel, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Become-Pirate-Hunter-Marty-Reeder/dp/1462119808/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488491487&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+become+a+pirate+hunter" target="_blank">How to Become a Pirate Hunter</a>." Written by Marty Reeder, high school English teacher extraordinaire and also cousin of yours truly, this book was a delight for me to read and review. Because it's a work of young adult fiction, I asked my two oldest children to read the book after me (which they were chomping at the bit to do anyway) and give their own reviews, and then work with me on some questions to ask the author. </div>
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In this article announcing the release (TODAY!!) of this most enjoyable of works of fiction, you'll read: </div>
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(1) a review by 12-year-old Carson,</div>
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(2) a review by 10-year-old Layla, </div>
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(3) a review by *cough*-year-old me (their mom), and</div>
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(4) a Q&A session with entertaining person and humorous author Marty Reeder himself. This interview may or may not contain spoiler alerts, and the questions/answers may or may not make more sense when read AFTER you've finished reading Pirate Hunter yourself. So run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore (currently sol<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">d at: Amazon, Cardston Book Shop, The Book Table, Lyon's Den, San Juan Record, Baker and Taylor, Hastings, Ingram) and</span> pick up your own copy of this very fun, worthwhile read. </div>
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Without further ado...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reviews of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Become-Pirate-Hunter-Marty-Reeder/dp/1462119808/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488491487&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+become+a+pirate+hunter" target="_blank">How to Become a Pirate Hunter</a>"</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Carson’s (age 12) Review:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I really liked the plot of this book. In summary, this book
has Eric, a high schooler, who thinks he’s bad at everything and useless. Then,
a new girl (Charlotte) comes to school and tells him that his natural born
ability is to be a pirate hunter. They go back in time to explore his natural
born ability, which places him against dreaded pirate twins. Eric is challenged
because he’s never been a pirate hunter before (or even on a boat), but he
gains confidence as he struggles and both fails and succeeds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had no idea what was going to happen most of the time,
which made it an exciting book to read. I like the idea of natural born
abilities (my favorite idea was the natural born water buffalo hunter who plays football). I
would like it if there was a sequel (even better: if the sequel included the
water buffalo hunter), which shows more than anything else how much I enjoyed
this book. Read it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Layla’s (age 10)
Review:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I liked how there were unexpected funny parts in the Pirate
Hunter, like the pirate who should’ve been a shoe designer. (Wait, spoiler
alert.) (Am I too late?) Charlotte was my favorite character, because she’s
awesome. She said what she thought and didn’t let anyone push her around. I
wish I knew Charlotte in real life, so she could tell me my natural born
ability. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Brittney’s (age 37) Review:
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I don’t read a lot of young adult fiction in general, but I
thoroughly enjoyed the Pirate Hunter. The plot was creative and engaging, and I
found myself wondering throughout the book how Eric was going to get himself
out of predicaments. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I found Marty’s writing style in this novel particularly delightful, ripe with great descriptions and clever character details. One scene that makes me laugh every time I think of it was when cowardly Captain Pete, in battle, only responded to his duty out of pride and shame when an officer
assumed another sobbing-like-a-baby soldier was Pete. (Maybe it's a case where you had to be there... or, at least, you had to read it, to "get it.") So funny. Many of these details were subtle, “casually”
thrown in as a gift for the astute reader, which, to me, is one of the best indicators
of masterful storytelling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The concept of natural born abilities is intriguing, and I
found myself wishing Charlotte would appear momentarily in my life to give me a
hint as to mine. (Although I have a sneaking suspicion mine would be “Burner of
Suppers” or something else equally anticlimatic. So, on second thought, thanks but no thanks,
Charlotte.) The natural born abilities was a theme carried through to
perfection in this story – not too heavy, but just enough to keep the idea fresh and alive.
Which is important, because the concept of these abilities plays a critical
role in Eric’s transformation and, ultimately, the climax of the whole story.</div>
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In short, How to Become a Pirate Hunter was clever, fresh,
unique, and engaging. I would love to see more novels written by Marty
Reeder. (“Brittney” would make a pretty great heroine name. Just sayin’.)</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q&A with Author Marty Reeder</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty: I was doing construction work between college semesters in California, and I was trying to tear shingles off of a roof in the searing California heat. All the workers around me were flying, shingles dropping like mad all over while I was still struggling for hours with the small patch in front of me. I started thinking that somewhere in the world there was probably someone who was naturally born to be a roofer. That someone, I knew, was not me--nor would I want it to be! But then it made me wonder what kind of natural born ability I <i>would</i> like to have. That led pretty easily to pirate hunting. Needless to say, my pondering did not speed up my shingle removing, and I'm sure I would have been tossed down with the shingles by the other workers if they hadn't finished a long time before me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The idea tumbled around in my mind for a few years until I came up with the idea for the antagonist(s)--the Willards! At that point, the story got interesting enough to write, even if I didn't know exactly what was going to happen for everything. I had the first half of the story pretty well figured out before I started writing, and then the rest of the story came together as I wrote. In particular, I had not anticipated <i>any </i>details of the climactic scenes or the closing lines of the story really until I wrote myself into them. Writing them out when I got to them, however, came fairly, well, <i>naturally</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is honestly the hardest question because I feel as if I am making a decision for the rest of my life! Therefore, I reserve the right to change my representational writing mascot at any time in the future if I deem it necessary! Okay, so I'm going to say an albatross. It is a very symbolic bird for sailors, either good or bad. Plus, the albatross spend most of its life in the air, only coming down to land on very rare occasions. I feel that I do the same, living in a world among the clouds and coming down to earth every now and then to see what is happening in real life!</span></div>
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<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Question: What was the hardest thing about writing about Charlotte, since she's a girl and you're not? </u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Great question! I always feel a little nervous writing a female character in a way that is consistent with her gender, but once I started getting into Charlotte's character, I didn't worry about gender ... because she was <i>Charlotte</i>! My only real concern after that was making her too confident. She is a great foil for Eric because he is so self-conscious, but I didn't want her to be so confident that she was no longer a sympathetic, human character. I think (I hope!) she has her moments of wavering and concern while still maintaining her fiery, strong self.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most of the characters are a good combination of people in my life--though I can happily say that Jedediah isn't one of them! There are two sailors towards the end, Nathan and Paul, whose names and roles match a couple close friends from high school (you might recognize them!). The driver's ed instructor is a pretty close match for my own (and Eric's capabilities as a automobile driver also matched my own fairly well!). Al Lorenzo is inspired by a super-talented custodian-musician we had in our high school. Vice-Principal Olsen is a conglomeration of some of the bumbling school administrators I had in schools growing up ... absent are all the awesome ones I had, but a goofy one is more fun to write about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other characters had names that I gleaned from my favorite athletes at Utah State University while I was a student there (Curtis, Carroll, Wesley). Eric's last name, "Francis," comes from "Sir Francis Drake" one of the greatest pirates (he would say privateer) in history, and the historical figure who first sparked my interest (er ... obsession) in the pirate history. The names of two of the captured pirate ships reflect one of the character's stark change: <i>Metanoia </i>is Greek for a "change of heart," and <i>Constantine </i>points to the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is, perhaps, my favorite question and the one that will require the most constraint on my part so that I don't write about it forever!</span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Treasure Island</i>. Yes, I know, it feels like I <i>have </i>to include that considering the type of story that I wrote. But I just reread it and I am amazed by the treasure (!) trove of dynamic characters and excitement. The language is a bit dated now, so it might be more difficult to read for younger kids that might have been the original audience, but when any kid is ready to digest the writing, it is such a fantastic, fulfilling story.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Summer of the Monkeys</i>. This is the book that first showed me the power of literature ... enough power to make a sixth grader cry (it is by the same author as <i>Where the Red Fern Grows </i>... which maybe gives an idea of its emotion punch!). It is a boy book, for sure, but my 10-year-old daughter loved it when I read it to her and my 8-year-old son this summer. It has plenty of fun, laughs, and--like I said--a few tears.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle</i>. This is a Newbery Award winner and topically relevant to sailing and piracy. Plus, the main character is a girl named Charlotte! I actually started writing <i>How to Become a Pirate Hunter</i> before I read this, so I guess "Charlotte" was just meant to be a seafaring name! This story is intense and pretty accurate, technically, towards sailing.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(If I was allowed one more, I'd say <i>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</i>, but I'm not, so I won't)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes! Fantastic question. I've hidden a treasure hunt within the story of <i>How to Become a Pirate Hunter</i>. There are three clues: one in the story itself, one in a Bonus Chapter that I've written and will release in May, and a final one in the lyrics of a song composed by Tanner Lex Jones corresponding with one of the chapters. Each clue has a hint associated with it, which I'll release by the end of the summer. Those who are able to discover the answer to all three clues should be able to locate the treasure on a map and identify a specific marker on a form I'll have available. I'm hoping to send a small prize and certificate to all those who find the treasure! And since you asked, here is the hint for clue number one:</span></div>
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<span id="m_-6881097694725867564gmail-m_7469123859858106248gmail-docs-internal-guid-130017fb-818a-d507-c566-9b59a91dc156"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then seek the vital “X,”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which “marks” the “spot” one checks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To get a map, all you have to do is show that you've shared something about the book on social media and I will send it your way!</span></div>
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<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Question: What did you edit <i>out </i>of this book? (And may we have a copy of said "deleted scenes"?)</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Actually, I didn't edit a whole lot out of the book, even though there were a <i>lot </i>of little details that changed. One big detail is that the publisher changed the original title from <i>Natural Born Pirate Hunter </i>to <i>How to Become a Pirate Hunter</i>. I like the feel of the change in title (even though it's not <i>entirely </i>accurate, since I don't think many people would be able to use the book as a guide for really becoming a pirate hunter ... but I digress!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I originally had Eric and Charlotte in the world of pirating until the moon returned to its original phase, which would place them there for a month. That's a long time since most of the action in the story takes place within a week of their arrival. At my editor's savvy suggestion, I shortened it to what made more sense as the "reciprocal phase" of the moon ... cutting it down to two weeks instead of four.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another thing that got cut at some point earlier on was a subplot involving the coxswain of the <i>Rosemary</i>. He originally took part in the plot against Eric once he arrives at Port Raleigh. But things were getting complicated and I didn't want to have another explanation added onto it, so I just took it out entirely. However, I expound on it in the Bonus Chapter and the coxswain gets a chance to act on some of his bitter feelings towards Eric. Look for it in the Bonus Chapter: "Governor Rose's Thorns," which will be released in May.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the favorite things that my editor (wisely) suggested that I cut was the closing paragraph of the subordinate pirate, Captain Pete Shivers. I was having fun with this guy's blustery yet cowardly behavior, but it may have started distracting from the story ... so it got trimmed. But! Since you asked, here are the final two paragraphs that close his participation in the whole event (the second one being the deleted one):</span></div>
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<span id="m_-6881097694725867564gmail-docs-internal-guid-d9ddd1d9-8640-f951-b3e1-5b1da6506caf"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though Pete would much rather be captured by the Port Raleigh garrison than to return to the twins defeated, he could not help but glance back at his ship with regret. The treasure stored away inside of her crossed his mind first. The second thing he thought was that whoever took their ship had brilliantly turned to tide of the battle and cut off their escape in one blow.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-6881097694725867564gmail-docs-internal-guid-d9ddd1d9-8640-f951-b3e1-5b1da6506caf"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third thing to go through his mind turned out to be somewhat ambiguous. He hoped that his knee wound did not end up too serious because he did not want to lose his leg. Partially because it would inhibit his ability to get around, but mainly because he shuddered at the thought of spending the rest of his life with the unbearable nickname “Pegleg Pete.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Question: Is there going to be a sequel, or another book involving natural born abilities? Specifically: will there be a literary follow-up on how to be a successful water buffalo hunter?</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marty: You know, for the longest time I did not think there were any more stories to tell in this world (and I've been thinking about this story for a long time). For a little while I dabbled with the idea of Eric commandeering the old U.S. warship the <i>U.S.S. Constitution </i>for a dire situation, but I could not make that anything more than a personal daydream. Still, though, I often came across different careers and abilities as I read about different cultures throughout history, and I couldn't help but imagine some of the occupations through the lens of someone naturally born for them. Then, last year, I stopped trying to make a story fit for Eric and I realized that I had been neglecting the most obvious possibility for a sequel: Charlotte. There is so much not explored about her and her fascinating and unique ability. The more I thought about it, the more I explored possibilities, and the more obvious the sequel became. Long story short (usually an impossibility in my case!): I've now outlined and begun to write the sequel to <i>How to Become a Pirate Hunter</i>, which picks up a month or so after Eric and Charlotte's return.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you, Marty, for this fantastic opportunity to review your book and pick your brain! And for the rest of you readers, I hope you'll pick up your own copy of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Become-Pirate-Hunter-Marty-Reeder/dp/1462119808/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488491487&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+become+a+pirate+hunter" target="_blank">How to Become a Pirate Hunter</a>" to enjoy. Read it slowly, savor it, let the fun details sink in. I think you'll really enjoy it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brittney</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-43609382803374724572015-10-01T08:13:00.002-06:002015-10-01T08:13:36.290-06:00Exercise: How to Trick Yourself into Doing It<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're like me (or, frankly, anyone in the galaxy), you have a hard time being motivated to exercise sometimes. I've dealt with this lots and lots over the years as I've trained for marathons, ultramarathons, and just the day-to-day routine of staying generally healthy.</div>
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So I've compiled all the tips and tricks I've used over the years on days I just really didn't want to work out but knew I needed to. It's called, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Benefits-are-Real-Struggle-Realer-ebook/dp/B015YOYKRA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443584306&sr=1-1&keywords=the+struggle+is+realer" target="_blank">The Benefits are Real, But the Struggle is Realer</a>." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_GH6J8XVJWUvTDKnC6fuR3ucVwEbe6RkuwzQfITA5UHm5R85S7u84pKAYUs4iYNwzobOUmnvktrhexAWmRhXquF30w8IoIS8kkqm798E4XRYuzV0cGQmoQMN4FnGAdL1SpEdQW6sB4Y/s1600/Exercise_Cover_Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_GH6J8XVJWUvTDKnC6fuR3ucVwEbe6RkuwzQfITA5UHm5R85S7u84pKAYUs4iYNwzobOUmnvktrhexAWmRhXquF30w8IoIS8kkqm798E4XRYuzV0cGQmoQMN4FnGAdL1SpEdQW6sB4Y/s400/Exercise_Cover_Photo.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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Check it out on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Benefits-are-Real-Struggle-Realer-ebook/dp/B015YOYKRA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443584306&sr=1-1&keywords=the+struggle+is+realer" target="_blank">amazon.com</a> if you're interested! And if you do, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Benefits-are-Real-Struggle-Realer-ebook/dp/B015YOYKRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443708173&sr=8-1&keywords=the+benefits+are+real+but+the+struggle#customerReviews" target="_blank">reviews</a> are always appreciated!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-70500022825703865192015-09-20T21:12:00.003-06:002015-09-20T21:12:39.116-06:00My new eBook<br />
Just wanted to let you know I've published an itty bitty <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Rested-Mother-Other-Oxymoronic-All-True-But-Half-Finished-ebook/dp/B015M9XXFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442805078&sr=8-1&keywords=well+rested+mother" target="_blank">eBook of short vignettes</a>. It's not life-changing, it's not inspiring, it's not terribly thought-provoking. I tried to make it entertaining, but I may have failed on that front. It is, however, short. So. There's that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuiqB4E4TXKJ4wQhuGEzFD24vuubBojJjwbOp_GM9Md5t3je90DG5MuXCSK470Vt1vBHUcpdPcWTvpnEhZFsARSTU9UQK1GLXHNLBCKK9BnHYNu6E0g9IGy2T1Wu8BQuanvcP2-4BAc/s1600/Cover_Photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuiqB4E4TXKJ4wQhuGEzFD24vuubBojJjwbOp_GM9Md5t3je90DG5MuXCSK470Vt1vBHUcpdPcWTvpnEhZFsARSTU9UQK1GLXHNLBCKK9BnHYNu6E0g9IGy2T1Wu8BQuanvcP2-4BAc/s400/Cover_Photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd love it if you had a few minutes to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Rested-Mother-Other-Oxymoronic-All-True-But-Half-Finished-ebook/dp/B015M9XXFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442805078&sr=8-1&keywords=well+rested+mother" target="_blank">check it out</a>...and then a few minutes after that to read it...and (you see where this is going, don't you?) then to leave a mildly positive review. :)<br />
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- BrittneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-67029397841264859262013-10-23T15:48:00.000-06:002013-10-23T15:48:00.904-06:00Motorcycle Jacket + Paint-Splatterishness<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't gotten dressed today. Because I'm painting our dining room table and consequently live in paint-splattered clothes. Did you know it takes no less than 2.3 years to complete a dining room table paint job?</div>
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No? You finished yours in two days and it looks awesome because you didn't make three mistakes in the process that you had to go back and redo each time?</div>
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Oh. </div>
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Whatever. I just wanted to pop in and say that if I HAD gotten dressed today, I would totally have rocked a motorcycle jacket kinda like this one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc03e6Rv_Q-Q_IfcpIl3KeholQ5Oe3myejJnR5rUm97eDZQ5D7gBfYBT1zyOCjL2mPEDvHFccEVV7btQJSAufeFCVLZ_Qn_KK44lw990Al3N7u-zP4fdRNQDOzbQQBO1wL3EjQo4F1OQ/s1600/cognac_motorcycle_jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc03e6Rv_Q-Q_IfcpIl3KeholQ5Oe3myejJnR5rUm97eDZQ5D7gBfYBT1zyOCjL2mPEDvHFccEVV7btQJSAufeFCVLZ_Qn_KK44lw990Al3N7u-zP4fdRNQDOzbQQBO1wL3EjQo4F1OQ/s640/cognac_motorcycle_jacket.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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Totally. </div>
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Happy Wednesday.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-37621201534832308392013-10-22T12:21:00.000-06:002013-10-22T12:21:00.306-06:00Tweed Jacket & Topknot Bun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Dear The Gazillions of Maple Leaves In My Front Yard,</div>
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"I'm sorry my kids and I spent all day Saturday raking you up into a large family leaf reunion pile, only to go running and jumping into you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj5XT0Oma5sP3phAqnSGLMLxSHSUiyX_qZ8n_mJKzTyQ4-UBTLqm-A8wUjBxZvrv6qgL7TFaiscgMjMALChxUgRcknvEjX2zAJsCEl1g_Q7JFfOVFK-nzx03ZLMvftAOYJ4vKsEhGkCY/s1600/tweed_jacket1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj5XT0Oma5sP3phAqnSGLMLxSHSUiyX_qZ8n_mJKzTyQ4-UBTLqm-A8wUjBxZvrv6qgL7TFaiscgMjMALChxUgRcknvEjX2zAJsCEl1g_Q7JFfOVFK-nzx03ZLMvftAOYJ4vKsEhGkCY/s640/tweed_jacket1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> ballet flats: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">bootcut jeans: Big Star</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">white V-neck tee: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">scarf: gift</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">tween jacket: gift/vintage (Talbots)</span></div>
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"As you most likely are aware, we played with reckless abandon in your leaf piles for hours. We probably squashed many of your cousins and dismembered most of your aunts and uncles in the process. For that, I apologize.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriabhVhgsIq6blZ3ceybbAob1w0fSkwZnw_ABiq_zcj6TlXu11H-JGu_JvZqgnNolQjAGpptCjiV-Otkw0B2uTZFJj1Cz0x6omRbdAtEIFkblq9J3EEifovxhafYuRB3jdlzTVx_F2hc/s1600/tweed_jacket2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriabhVhgsIq6blZ3ceybbAob1w0fSkwZnw_ABiq_zcj6TlXu11H-JGu_JvZqgnNolQjAGpptCjiV-Otkw0B2uTZFJj1Cz0x6omRbdAtEIFkblq9J3EEifovxhafYuRB3jdlzTVx_F2hc/s640/tweed_jacket2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"But my children had so much fun that I can't promise we'll never rake you guys up and do it again. In fact, there are so dang many of you guys still falling that I don't know if we'll ever see the grass in our yard again, even if I spend the next solid week raking and raking and back-break-raking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE13GSQnkgbHkKeS_9S3PZmy6RBdQVBTYwS9JfjU1fsfenibHRxmd7a6t3c-h9vChwvNON25bKUbUjK2I6z-wu2QD37jpS9o_l7689lUPQj0XI7_9aWSvzqX8H2f3i-bVsjHYG28vpp0c/s1600/tweed_jacket3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE13GSQnkgbHkKeS_9S3PZmy6RBdQVBTYwS9JfjU1fsfenibHRxmd7a6t3c-h9vChwvNON25bKUbUjK2I6z-wu2QD37jpS9o_l7689lUPQj0XI7_9aWSvzqX8H2f3i-bVsjHYG28vpp0c/s640/tweed_jacket3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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"I originally intended this letter to be a thank you and an apology and a bit of an Ode to Leaves in the Fall, but I've all of a sudden turned kind of passive-aggressive toward the sheer infinite quantities of you guys in my yard. And in my bed, because my kids came inside after playing and laid on my bed and left millions of leaf bits ev.ery.where. (I'm sorry if that image pains you.) You're in my furniture, on my floors, in the bathtub, on my rugs. It's never ending. </div>
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"So. Out. Get OUT. Make like a tree and leaf. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(pleaseandthankyou)</span></div>
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"Love, Brittney"</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/flats/J.Crew" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="J.Crew Flats"> J.Crew Flats</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/bootcut-jeans/Big-Star" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Big Star Bootcut Denim"> Big Star Bootcut Denim</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/v-neck-sweaters/J.Crew-Factory" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="J.Crew Factory V-Neck Sweaters"> J.Crew Factory V-Neck Sweaters</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-52834651522068597202013-10-21T13:08:00.000-06:002013-10-21T13:08:00.731-06:00Pastel Plaid & Colored Tights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what I wore to church yesterday:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDqpgogBAar6o5_QG06WsT5ZvPVwBbCkOMHtwa37Zup_v6ShmBIgmc4r_AFJx0GZeVYb3dXra_6JyFlxqojFhBDSGyfzPKFY8NHHC3rCccaIIIykAjqUbth8yFaqL8190G4AMOz5b5TE/s1600/pastel_plaid1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDqpgogBAar6o5_QG06WsT5ZvPVwBbCkOMHtwa37Zup_v6ShmBIgmc4r_AFJx0GZeVYb3dXra_6JyFlxqojFhBDSGyfzPKFY8NHHC3rCccaIIIykAjqUbth8yFaqL8190G4AMOz5b5TE/s640/pastel_plaid1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">black boots: Kohl's </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">tights: gift</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">denim pencil skirt: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">gold skinny belt: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">pastel plaid buttonup: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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Annnnd, in true Forrest Gump fashion, "That's all I have to say about that." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8FH2CorDjAiTMm725BHy1XSwm45ELBgOb1_jTyeVhHqPagCFyAiLvVh2rUO_N5A134hJIb_oFrXR2yKpQzA7Q-WGMV_oYBBHKLBK3EtP-vZEMbzfWrxUCu1khD9kblREJZlgnlU2VR8/s1600/pastel_plaid3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8FH2CorDjAiTMm725BHy1XSwm45ELBgOb1_jTyeVhHqPagCFyAiLvVh2rUO_N5A134hJIb_oFrXR2yKpQzA7Q-WGMV_oYBBHKLBK3EtP-vZEMbzfWrxUCu1khD9kblREJZlgnlU2VR8/s640/pastel_plaid3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which reminds me: Did you guys realize that Forrest Gump was made in 1994? That's almost 20 YEARS AGO?!?!?!!! Man. Not to go all granny on you with the uphill-both-ways-through-waist-high-snow and all that, but for real. I can't believe I'm getting so old.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCuPyu0HAGXBLtlNZu6AqOh1Wt-0AcS7iWk-GE5qUEzet5J96N6wIiMvCWfHZbSF19KAya30NOd2OyPyAOcrZrO7K9Xj1Qua6OAzX1QEa8P3Ju1GdZa8QC1llX0slK1KIFrl0YaDXFRA/s1600/pastel_plaid2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCuPyu0HAGXBLtlNZu6AqOh1Wt-0AcS7iWk-GE5qUEzet5J96N6wIiMvCWfHZbSF19KAya30NOd2OyPyAOcrZrO7K9Xj1Qua6OAzX1QEa8P3Ju1GdZa8QC1llX0slK1KIFrl0YaDXFRA/s640/pastel_plaid2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But whatever. I'll enjoy my long hair for the next few weeks of youth until I'm forced to chop it and perm it and dye it blue. Just kidding. I would look terrible with a perm.</div>
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Happy Monday.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/boots/Styleandco." style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Style&co. Boots"> Style&co. Boots</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/womens-tops/farfetch.com-US" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="farfetch.com Tops"> farfetch.com Tops</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/belts/Express" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Express Belts"> Express Belts</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-36030031096136195272013-10-18T12:03:00.000-06:002013-10-20T21:46:45.637-06:00On Peplum Tops and Artificial Dinners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you checked the Internet history of my iPad, you'd find that I've read every possible macaroni and cheese recipe that has ever been added to the cyberwaves since the beginning of time. Or since 2011.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5k0cDw33RNhJWqGUwrBBCikxzt0TUoP0lK1UdkEpoVebF0_5damxxmZyKBlIvKbEStc6Q0D5A-bxnLH0TLXXzM-2jU6wa4g96B2zxiSpkQqO9XJNTqyXMetUiQpEyL0YWIn5gOrjdyw/s1600/peplum_shirt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5k0cDw33RNhJWqGUwrBBCikxzt0TUoP0lK1UdkEpoVebF0_5damxxmZyKBlIvKbEStc6Q0D5A-bxnLH0TLXXzM-2jU6wa4g96B2zxiSpkQqO9XJNTqyXMetUiQpEyL0YWIn5gOrjdyw/s640/peplum_shirt1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> huarache sandals: Urban Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">skinny jeans: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">embroidered peplum top: Forever 21</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">sunglasses: Urban Outfitters</span></div>
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You'd think that would make me an expert on the dish, wouldn't you? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDuxbOxH1iv-9gzPSw8p6hXSvMNY8rDuogwgaj578KkkLCLGcbiaDFKl30pY05nwXZ_Pd-Nhp6KdN5tINGkc2WOm5qEbNM2FFbfRCaj64JipFOqwqDM9bwZ5a7ToVOEB78bzg71u2GRw/s1600/peplum_shirt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDuxbOxH1iv-9gzPSw8p6hXSvMNY8rDuogwgaj578KkkLCLGcbiaDFKl30pY05nwXZ_Pd-Nhp6KdN5tINGkc2WOm5qEbNM2FFbfRCaj64JipFOqwqDM9bwZ5a7ToVOEB78bzg71u2GRw/s640/peplum_shirt2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately for my guinea pig family tonight, though, you'd be wrong-o, because I'll be experimenting blindly. I don't think that dish was ever meant to be healthy, but I'm determined to feed my family something other than artificial orange lard-caked pasta bits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpnh9U5MpsEku2CHI5dDBjV3XNQj8XcVbRXbjVwLshE-yRmTPHUCc_mwIczuufqiX3B_prviTzsNuVMaFsKoKLpOUe3ImGpthe8-OTXCpd-k-6vUIQzJcsbQA7W3UATYLteol2O4Jg4c/s1600/peplum_shirt3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpnh9U5MpsEku2CHI5dDBjV3XNQj8XcVbRXbjVwLshE-yRmTPHUCc_mwIczuufqiX3B_prviTzsNuVMaFsKoKLpOUe3ImGpthe8-OTXCpd-k-6vUIQzJcsbQA7W3UATYLteol2O4Jg4c/s640/peplum_shirt3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which is ironic, coming from the girl who's eaten nothing but fistful after fistful of cookies today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UjzBzRUjFQ_DFszhMeTa0vK591g5pgmnl_p-sEJjSkIKEXLpfyHmyIDSQiYO67MDOpZIbaDKUbpKyhDUVCclTD_PQT67EDXIVhHwjL9pHZToPrcDutH8qmiaAZkNI2aRJ-ioJJ-dpnI/s1600/peplum_shirt4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UjzBzRUjFQ_DFszhMeTa0vK591g5pgmnl_p-sEJjSkIKEXLpfyHmyIDSQiYO67MDOpZIbaDKUbpKyhDUVCclTD_PQT67EDXIVhHwjL9pHZToPrcDutH8qmiaAZkNI2aRJ-ioJJ-dpnI/s640/peplum_shirt4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But, in my defense, the cookies contain, like, a few flecks of whole wheat flour in them, which as we all know fully equates to health food. BAM.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Ze2hgmX1myxiZTw9fvbDUmHZlat4a9Z5PMNbiNWp8oh517W2-DR2wSx1AHm0fBXHD4mpPlQIqqugai7PcNMUyBn6lGQnpgnFADthkVgtIPvqPOqHgoKTDbYYkCZ0XI6_a_DxOIkEuE/s1600/peplum_shirt5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Ze2hgmX1myxiZTw9fvbDUmHZlat4a9Z5PMNbiNWp8oh517W2-DR2wSx1AHm0fBXHD4mpPlQIqqugai7PcNMUyBn6lGQnpgnFADthkVgtIPvqPOqHgoKTDbYYkCZ0XI6_a_DxOIkEuE/s640/peplum_shirt5.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/womens-tops/Forever-21" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Forever 21 Tops"> Forever 21 Tops</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/sandals/Softspots" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Softspots Sandals"> Softspots Sandals</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/teen-girls-jeans/American-Eagle" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim"> American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{shared: <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2013/10/old-lady-in-braids-to-trust-or-not-to.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/2013/10/best-of-friday-style-link-up-trench.html" target="_blank">The Mrs and the Momma</a>, }</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-45608767388614765002013-10-17T11:50:00.000-06:002013-10-20T21:45:14.795-06:00old lady in braids: to trust or not to trust? that is the question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I read somewhere once that women over 30 shouldn't wear braids unless they were stylishly loose and messy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLKmOnG23zAWSHncTf1e46IyZlRZJ5JxiMGlB63hfXi1H2BdK5IGAhRUqPLJlMQbZbWvkjlralCoFqxA1dgpEOemcP3wRfyYjy4JgBUpicSYYl2bPiRzTSFyGMhVdbeUZhWHTs8bYT5U/s1600/blue_chucks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLKmOnG23zAWSHncTf1e46IyZlRZJ5JxiMGlB63hfXi1H2BdK5IGAhRUqPLJlMQbZbWvkjlralCoFqxA1dgpEOemcP3wRfyYjy4JgBUpicSYYl2bPiRzTSFyGMhVdbeUZhWHTs8bYT5U/s640/blue_chucks2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: Converse</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: Kohl's</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">cobalt v-neck tee: J. Crew</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">pastel striped cardigan: Gap</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">green skinny belt: J. Crew</span><br />
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Which is like a chicken-and-egg scenario, at least for me, because, hi. My hair is at the disposal of my 18-month-old all day, and believe me... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb91yAdoLgu3lcVOsQ2Has86CWSkpl4Hao1jNYRhssMc0eNRLGvL3syXlwsOHjxHeRlPICb21TO9PuDt6JoUqLQZ6A2WbU7RYTmAbHptetYSF1Qavz8WJqNTJqych0VjfhpS_Baa65ZSA/s1600/blue_chucks5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb91yAdoLgu3lcVOsQ2Has86CWSkpl4Hao1jNYRhssMc0eNRLGvL3syXlwsOHjxHeRlPICb21TO9PuDt6JoUqLQZ6A2WbU7RYTmAbHptetYSF1Qavz8WJqNTJqych0VjfhpS_Baa65ZSA/s640/blue_chucks5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...she pulls my hair Loose often and with ease, and Messy is her middle name. Practically.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe2b0xg9aaX6whlUmBGoDWY2oWgBwmGdYF81qeS1T1am-mlKmk2FEj8bm_P7u5cwfwXVNYel6cjarSJERDK6Vo0TqHw7UF1Upb9ryvA51tGfmNa5eEMDSGeJxTqgOQHekSITbCYClVRw/s1600/blue_chucks3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe2b0xg9aaX6whlUmBGoDWY2oWgBwmGdYF81qeS1T1am-mlKmk2FEj8bm_P7u5cwfwXVNYel6cjarSJERDK6Vo0TqHw7UF1Upb9ryvA51tGfmNa5eEMDSGeJxTqgOQHekSITbCYClVRw/s640/blue_chucks3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So the lesson I think we can all take away is: if you're older than 30, just hang out with an almost-toddler to keep yourself totally young and hip. Which is absolutely true if by "young and hip," you understand that I actually mean "slightly unkempt and exhausted."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTYa_ABrhjPVjhBNJfIg-hw-JbhbVclwV6g_Y5fa6R5vHew4OBqJ1GSDf4KmZSWpWJ8SDtmtnHzuBZcwZ9kUKAEYgmq2cL3yUoHEx6Kn6lRjcVlDQxcXXqmpvU7BdRCDRoaU5nygJKPI/s1600/blue_chucks4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTYa_ABrhjPVjhBNJfIg-hw-JbhbVclwV6g_Y5fa6R5vHew4OBqJ1GSDf4KmZSWpWJ8SDtmtnHzuBZcwZ9kUKAEYgmq2cL3yUoHEx6Kn6lRjcVlDQxcXXqmpvU7BdRCDRoaU5nygJKPI/s640/blue_chucks4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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But the tradeoff? Worth it. Absolutely.</div>
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Happy Thursday.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/plus-size-sweaters/ModCloth-US" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="ModCloth Plus Sweaters"> ModCloth Plus Sweaters</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/skinny-jeans/Diesel" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Diesel Skinny Denim"> Diesel Skinny Denim</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/athletic-tops/Athleta" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Athleta Sport Tops"> Athleta Sport Tops</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: <a href="http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com/" target="_blank">Everyday Fashion & Finance</a>, <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/i-feel-pretty-in-leopard-leather/" target="_blank">Get Your Pretty On</a>, <a href="http://www.herandnicole.com/2013/10/lovely-thursdays-link-up.html" target="_blank">Her & Nicole</a>, <a href="http://www.kiwiwomensstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kiwi Women's Style</a>, <a href="http://myfashionforwardblog.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=8362958ad896a67ca2d051ae7&id=915ca630c7&e=175df4e964" target="_blank">My Fashion Forward Blog</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/fridays-fab-favorites-the-sweater-and-shoe-edit-join-the-link-up.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.thelifeofthepartyblog.com/" target="_blank">The Life of the Party Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/2013/10/best-of-friday-style-link-up-trench.html" target="_blank">The Mrs and the Momma</a>, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>, }</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-56347140287435071892013-10-16T13:13:00.000-06:002013-10-20T21:44:11.261-06:00snakeskin may be a neutral, but my loathing of snakes isn't<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not a short person. I'm 5'8". That's pretty average, right? Maybe on the taller side of average?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQR5nVFjtU6QDwVMjgYbX2naOsV3zxZui2pZnoP-fOyPVMZiKeJhylvcfWgPkgsMqdlCPrrcmF1HKWc7n0tqfvILUdfJr0uhhirYXnmnpp4gzQcR_MWRAUwqXJwa9dOG16Q57MgBdQTk/s1600/paisley_top1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQR5nVFjtU6QDwVMjgYbX2naOsV3zxZui2pZnoP-fOyPVMZiKeJhylvcfWgPkgsMqdlCPrrcmF1HKWc7n0tqfvILUdfJr0uhhirYXnmnpp4gzQcR_MWRAUwqXJwa9dOG16Q57MgBdQTk/s640/paisley_top1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize how short I could appear, though, until I sat down to post these pics. Holy shortlegs, Batman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu6ELWw7TD4XpyKFyDaew_iZdy5T03U3kNXqgDLwBJ_JvjRsYSbIGR0g2-z5xOMm9PHEmFV3mAAQSHjZeZQx_i0jbNUmbgH8PDiSgnP34oMNvKLbGQwJ64l9zIh5Q4MG1dPzoxU7xvNQ/s1600/paisley_top2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu6ELWw7TD4XpyKFyDaew_iZdy5T03U3kNXqgDLwBJ_JvjRsYSbIGR0g2-z5xOMm9PHEmFV3mAAQSHjZeZQx_i0jbNUmbgH8PDiSgnP34oMNvKLbGQwJ64l9zIh5Q4MG1dPzoxU7xvNQ/s640/paisley_top2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">houndstooth shoes: Kohl's (I think)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: Big Star</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">snakeskin belt: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">paisley-ish shirt: don't remember</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">olive green jacket: Kohl's</span></div>
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I've had this jacket for a while now. I love its color and cropped length and the front pleating details. I don't love the short short sleeves (especially on my loooong monkey arms) and how it's not quite a military jacket but not quite a school-boy (-girl?) (-lady? yes, that must be right. school-lady. yep.) blazer, either.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD0OhQfIVuo4l12jk2O_D1F1SHxhpc4vnnIngMHE0uNd-1crCFH-7Z7AhuWml1tAFMpGBweBZvM14XiPmBExhYoKyVdTqbnfuwr85vD3MucGZZglSAETWilJi97jDb5MLLLKe5WTlEVM/s1600/paisley_top4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD0OhQfIVuo4l12jk2O_D1F1SHxhpc4vnnIngMHE0uNd-1crCFH-7Z7AhuWml1tAFMpGBweBZvM14XiPmBExhYoKyVdTqbnfuwr85vD3MucGZZglSAETWilJi97jDb5MLLLKe5WTlEVM/s640/paisley_top4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All that aside, let's hear it for a (faux, of course) skinny snakeskin belt and some leather-and-houndstooth loafers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyRJrq3c2ZyJas16MlI0PNSfar9y-jomjex-XU050Vy-tKFwrrYTZtaatdog2xo9LX4Nvx8VVM2kLIT2X2ddGfxfSyrCKqApjvFGBgXxs8vmKZsIhD96JyUdgxFW071IUCF7DZ6m2jsk/s1600/paisley_top3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyRJrq3c2ZyJas16MlI0PNSfar9y-jomjex-XU050Vy-tKFwrrYTZtaatdog2xo9LX4Nvx8VVM2kLIT2X2ddGfxfSyrCKqApjvFGBgXxs8vmKZsIhD96JyUdgxFW071IUCF7DZ6m2jsk/s640/paisley_top3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The perfect accessories for any stumpy-legged non-military school-lady.</div>
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Happy Wednesday.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/casual-jackets/Prana" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Prana Casual Jackets"> Prana Casual Jackets</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/flare-jeans/J-Brand" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="J Brand Flare Denim"> J Brand Flare Denim</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/womens-shoes/Skechers" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Skechers Shoes & Boots"> Skechers Shoes & Boots</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: <a href="http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com/" target="_blank">Everyday Fashion & Finance</a>, <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/i-feel-pretty-in-leopard-leather/" target="_blank">Get Your Pretty On</a>, <a href="http://www.herandnicole.com/" target="_blank">Her & Nicole</a>, <a href="http://www.kiwiwomensstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kiwi Women's Style</a>, <a href="http://myfashionforwardblog.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=8362958ad896a67ca2d051ae7&id=915ca630c7&e=175df4e964" target="_blank">My Fashion Forward Blog</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/fridays-fab-favorites-the-sweater-and-shoe-edit-join-the-link-up.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.thelifeofthepartyblog.com/" target="_blank">The Life of the Party Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/2013/10/best-of-friday-style-link-up-trench.html" target="_blank">The Mrs and the Momma</a>, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>, }</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-69635190776475337692013-10-15T11:45:00.000-06:002013-10-15T20:42:32.624-06:00An Abstract Print Dress and an Award<div style="text-align: center;">
It should be a crime, wearing a knit drawstring-waist of a pajamas-esque maxi dress out in public. But it isn't. So I'm still an upstanding citizen...the dang comfiest citizen ever. Yessss.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-UeWr4vJ14BU210lu5n75t_dWkDexBxzLvKZsP-KZWB2xrG0mmMePGq7gYMS4kmjVPJnRxb2I30CmVPGNMJo98EC-rdq-eKvI90NqufylcDNbLZMTS1DZHvimASqB_zBs-ynVp8DIIo/s1600/abstract_dress1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-UeWr4vJ14BU210lu5n75t_dWkDexBxzLvKZsP-KZWB2xrG0mmMePGq7gYMS4kmjVPJnRxb2I30CmVPGNMJo98EC-rdq-eKvI90NqufylcDNbLZMTS1DZHvimASqB_zBs-ynVp8DIIo/s640/abstract_dress1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">mary jane heels: Mudd brand</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">abstract print dress: Gap</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> cardigan: J. Crew</span></div>
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I was nominated by cute <a href="http://www.fashionmommaintraining.com/2013/10/liebster-award.html" target="_blank">Kimberly</a> for a Liebster Award, and I'm totally honored. To receive said award, I'm supposed to spill a little about myself. Here are ten random facts about me:</div>
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1. I have six brothers and three sisters. One sister died as an infant; I've never met her.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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2. I was deathly afraid of being kidnapped as a kid.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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3. My eyes squint and look like they're closed when I smile big and/or laugh.</div>
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4. I discovered I'm not a pet person...shortly after having a pet.</div>
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5. I'm addicted to sugar. Other than that, I actually eat pretty healthily.</div>
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6. There are no fewer than three (and probably many more) times in my life when I almost literally died of mortification. The memories make me blush now, decades later.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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7. I secretly want to author a book but feel like I have nothing to say.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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8. I have five pierced holes in my ears from my younger years but now only wear earrings in two because the LDS prophet said to. And, deep down, I miss those three other earrings.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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9. Geez, I have no idea. Ummm...I love steak. Medium-rare.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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10. I fall asleep to late-night movies but can read all night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHayjVfnA4K8GooiIgQCS2VTw2x0eaKRJfJqddQDCQHXaruhV9cJnE9-0Z3cdzeivq4WtT-6GSUjxpIYWtCjLIEhue5klKpeBP9NHGM9rMwGbqRAt0CXGhFBB8eVW8yg3z2qknhOJPUv0/s1600/abstract_dress2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHayjVfnA4K8GooiIgQCS2VTw2x0eaKRJfJqddQDCQHXaruhV9cJnE9-0Z3cdzeivq4WtT-6GSUjxpIYWtCjLIEhue5klKpeBP9NHGM9rMwGbqRAt0CXGhFBB8eVW8yg3z2qknhOJPUv0/s640/abstract_dress2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, so now that we're BFFs (and/or you're weirded out by me and are never visiting this slice of the cybersphere again), here are my answers to Kimberly's questions:</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">1. What was the best birthday celebration you've
ever had?</span></div>
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My birthday is on Christmas Eve, which is every bit as big a bummer as it sounds, with so many other things going on at that time of year and on that day. I'm okay with it now, but growing up with this birthday was the worst! </div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">2. What is one thing you can't leave the house
without doing (excluding using the bathroom)?</span></div>
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Putting on shoes. And, yes, slippers count as shoes when I drive the kids to school.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">3. If you were a kid, what would you dress up as
for Halloween?</span></div>
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As a kid, I usually went with the easiest possible costumes - cowgirl, farmgirl, hobo(girl). Flannel shirt and jeans/overalls, BAM. Done. I'd probably do the same. Because I'm exciting like that.</div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">4. All time favorite song, ever?</span></div>
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<em>How Wonderful Life Is (That You're in the World)</em>, by Elton John</div>
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<em>In My Dreams</em>, by REO Speedwagon</div>
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and many songs by Pink Floyd</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">5. When you get home, do you stay in your outfit
from being out/running errands/working or do you change into something
cozy?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm like that law of physics - Once dressed, I stay dressed until something forces me to change. That's usually either exercise or bedtime. But, let's be honest, bedtime.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">6. Name one makeup product (including the brand!)
that you can't live without and tell us why.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can live without makeup pretty easily. (Hello, family camping trips.) But for the sake of argument, I love waterproof mascara. Cover Girl.</div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">7. What's your biggest pet peeve?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When people are on their phones in public for lengthy periods of time and completely ignoring their kids. Makes me sad for the kids.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">8. Favorite junk food?</span></div>
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Yes.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">9. What is your most worn piece of clothing?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pajamas. And jeans.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">10. Favorite blog?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little Green Notebook.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">11. Tell us a guilty habit!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Reading a good book until it's finished, even if my house is a disaster and a meal needs to happen.</span></div>
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Thanks again, <a href="http://www.fashionmommaintraining.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kimberly</a>. That was fun!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/style-sessions-fashion-link-up-polka-dots-gold-metallics.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, </span><a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-i-wore-wednesday-kate-spade-wrap.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Transatlantic Blonde</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">}</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-79644487400008996252013-10-14T11:16:00.000-06:002013-10-15T20:33:01.664-06:00it may be real boring, but at least it's real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In my former life on this blog (as in, prior to my recent 2-year hiatus), I found myself altering my true style for the blog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8nYom99yePkSMyDSwF8xtDt_Jrk45hVTJ9mx_COFIbh7Lb-T7GIIAZlIL6mR3IzqCaMcqd-LMHfm4AV-PW2AnuC3piBWKkeYx1TEm4xmv3LSlx1aU_VRz0cCSIBwl2HPqZM5HhQHBM4/s1600/shirtdress1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8nYom99yePkSMyDSwF8xtDt_Jrk45hVTJ9mx_COFIbh7Lb-T7GIIAZlIL6mR3IzqCaMcqd-LMHfm4AV-PW2AnuC3piBWKkeYx1TEm4xmv3LSlx1aU_VRz0cCSIBwl2HPqZM5HhQHBM4/s640/shirtdress1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">boots: Target</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: American Eagle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">shirtdress: hand-me-down</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">floral coat: Old Navy</span><br />
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I used to (subconsciously, I think, but still) add in all sorts of accessories and stuff just to make an outfit more photographically interesting than what I really wanted to wear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VKDiNUDBEO9Pq3f1EriKiBbu172mg8hIVUDFN_66KlV9PUlshK3Jem8dr7y9BqvYZv4i9_jjkJJEVilSspvw9B88qSA3hgsKZqz6xk_E8jj_O6Ku7XZAdtfSQsRo2YSFwY5ZKIE6vaY/s1600/shirtdress3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VKDiNUDBEO9Pq3f1EriKiBbu172mg8hIVUDFN_66KlV9PUlshK3Jem8dr7y9BqvYZv4i9_jjkJJEVilSspvw9B88qSA3hgsKZqz6xk_E8jj_O6Ku7XZAdtfSQsRo2YSFwY5ZKIE6vaY/s400/shirtdress3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think it's a combination of old age, self-discovery, integrity, and sheer laziness that helped me learn what my true style is now. In a word, it's simple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3oRimO5RSfDpIfq244BCKEKyh68yS-9ZVv6j9bI0fL-xstXmeOZ-XVXST66rca-C6yGm1AnTjNEC_u6xjBZrnHClYhvXaPpXFGovUlLjrB52RCsuQs-gYyWNvBT6ThWTxzhFRmM82K0/s1600/shirtdress4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3oRimO5RSfDpIfq244BCKEKyh68yS-9ZVv6j9bI0fL-xstXmeOZ-XVXST66rca-C6yGm1AnTjNEC_u6xjBZrnHClYhvXaPpXFGovUlLjrB52RCsuQs-gYyWNvBT6ThWTxzhFRmM82K0/s640/shirtdress4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like it or not, what you see here now is completely what you get. Even if it's an outfit full of solid neutral chunks and wet shower-hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2GnL7PkTohPP6A74PHtw5YPCK-sKm6gV6nmWGf7o-eLsKwsMYZwYihMY6izaAlXdK0Iodg8ttLsM0bOlKN21Inp3sdBPzxJWY-ehyKOIkbvmNy9w7X-ekgeci4S75NAX74pN9vJCOvg/s1600/shirtdress2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2GnL7PkTohPP6A74PHtw5YPCK-sKm6gV6nmWGf7o-eLsKwsMYZwYihMY6izaAlXdK0Iodg8ttLsM0bOlKN21Inp3sdBPzxJWY-ehyKOIkbvmNy9w7X-ekgeci4S75NAX74pN9vJCOvg/s640/shirtdress2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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But this Mary Poppins carpet-bag of a canvas trench coat? This baby is real. I adore it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5eZgA5gEd01WEfXX8BdMJXCy1IlyETvJSaeLLcXF_ovz1KEGjvdzrz0BNrl8ypHQ7PG3vSjSOKP-xsrQNbA34mogk3j1JxS9H4OjGgKG1Jk-aikXJR4-5-wQ2nYXg6WYttpkwyzNm8/s1600/shirtdress5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5eZgA5gEd01WEfXX8BdMJXCy1IlyETvJSaeLLcXF_ovz1KEGjvdzrz0BNrl8ypHQ7PG3vSjSOKP-xsrQNbA34mogk3j1JxS9H4OjGgKG1Jk-aikXJR4-5-wQ2nYXg6WYttpkwyzNm8/s640/shirtdress5.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy Monday.</div>
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<em>Shop for similar styles below:</em></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="170" scrolling="no" seamless="seamless" src="http://social.popsugar.com/shopsense/slider?w=600&h=170&r=1&ids=434887975%2C437507178%2C432904633%2C433268054%2C434328579%2C431652252%2C434501084%2C436323305%2C417220008&color=0029eb8e957c13373d885a7747463392%2Ccc1a11c73bd20e97c69966d3528ca21d%2C6b880054db70fa2b3eaece398b9d9ad7%2Cde7cf2248dbe60ed012690bd0307024f%2C3594270880ea90dd20e65d9100d03b36%2Ccb8bb4fd759f112fc1b00f3549418c52%2Ccf9cca1633d3c8d0238a14d7321a13dd%2C10b74108dea3f17d32033aa9b8340b4c%2C560419bc877528693aede72987c6ae3c&pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px auto;" width="600"></iframe><br /></div>
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<div id="details" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 10px auto 20px; padding: 10px; width: 620px;">
<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/day-dresses/Halston" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Halston Day Dresses"> Halston Day Dresses</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/teen-girls-jeans/American-Eagle" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim"> American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/boots/Dorothy-Perkins" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Dorothy Perkins Boots"> Dorothy Perkins Boots</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-65935378972975865282013-10-11T12:40:00.000-06:002013-10-16T14:37:53.784-06:00Oh, this old thing? Just a little lumberjack-chic...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday our whole family got flu shots. And/or flu mist. Myself, I toughed it out and got the shot... and then flaunted said toughness for the rest of the day with a blue cupcake bandaid on my arm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnijRufu26K56GH7Gnl3WTBJrc9sWZCIOV_fIh_jMeXtal9b7k5nnL92s-C5yrTDNNTY5ARCCx5htme5vo8H91INwSu0sCB7ivth9NFb_LevKSm86I6W2Zuq3-TioqgGS6aY8xwxx781I/s1600/puffy_vest1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnijRufu26K56GH7Gnl3WTBJrc9sWZCIOV_fIh_jMeXtal9b7k5nnL92s-C5yrTDNNTY5ARCCx5htme5vo8H91INwSu0sCB7ivth9NFb_LevKSm86I6W2Zuq3-TioqgGS6aY8xwxx781I/s640/puffy_vest1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: Clarks Desert Boot</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">striped boatneck shirt: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">vest: Gap</span></div>
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Speaking of proactive health: I don't have an exercise routine, per se. I squeeze it in each day when I can. Which means that, some days, I don't shower until noon. Or night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-agysS3EOosrn0D9w4YSnAxUhBevV-ArbaoGj7vxtMTwoWJJmjdsDJ7EeHmBgjGQiFMoJJx7MW1YoqB0Vg98RnOvB0lncBF33xtakn83tyeOwVNZi_A58Gt74WImVKSKXaZTLbJdyRn4/s1600/puffy_vest2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-agysS3EOosrn0D9w4YSnAxUhBevV-ArbaoGj7vxtMTwoWJJmjdsDJ7EeHmBgjGQiFMoJJx7MW1YoqB0Vg98RnOvB0lncBF33xtakn83tyeOwVNZi_A58Gt74WImVKSKXaZTLbJdyRn4/s640/puffy_vest2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's looking like a 9-p.m.-shower kind of day. Which, apparently, means dressing like a lumberjack and letting loose the lion's mane of hair in the interim. I often wonder what other women/moms do when they sincerely don't a) have time or b) want to do their hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEt0zDn2ARYFJ7C_zs9NrVvi42XcnlP1AzgIx3b85BeGMlL9_50WLY4GoWHZRz0sPUsJUpZ-kVGghxYhutqmAFXsjq1QSf3VMyp1gg_VASj4M-vqJH9tDnYC16av8TfFdpZziiw9OFLo/s1600/puffy_vest3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEt0zDn2ARYFJ7C_zs9NrVvi42XcnlP1AzgIx3b85BeGMlL9_50WLY4GoWHZRz0sPUsJUpZ-kVGghxYhutqmAFXsjq1QSf3VMyp1gg_VASj4M-vqJH9tDnYC16av8TfFdpZziiw9OFLo/s640/puffy_vest3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Me? I throw it in a side pony and embrace the Lady Lumberjack within. Or without.</div>
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Happy Friday.</div>
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<em>Shop similar styles below:</em> </div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/bootcut-jeans/Miss-Me" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Miss Me Bootcut Denim"> Miss Me Bootcut Denim</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/boots/Blowfish" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Blowfish Boots"> Blowfish Boots</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/longsleeve-tops/J.Crew-Factory" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="J.Crew Factory Longsleeve Tops"> J.Crew Factory Longsleeve Tops</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: </span><a href="http://www.coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/i-feel-pretty-in-leopard-leather/" target="_blank">Get Your Pretty On</a>, </span><a href="http://lambaround.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lamb Around</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.thelifeofthepartyblog.com/category/fashion-informant-link-up" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Life of the Party</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/" target="_blank">My Girlish Whims</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/fridays-fab-favorites-join-the-link-up-5.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, </span><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/sunday-linky-30.html#more" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Suburbs Mama</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Mrs and the Momma</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Pleated Poppy</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">}</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-76539884981133512672013-10-10T14:05:00.000-06:002013-10-15T20:37:35.889-06:00Book Club Attire (and why you can't necessarily trust someone just because they're in a book club)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm going to my first book club meeting tonight. The book club is an established entity, but I'm a shiny new member this year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l-GS1YGLhHArD5CMFri52-W213-LjZKE9sBEQtZ3LIIJ-wroRrz1vm8NzJoA-MRlTM3OBl8vYVq68DH_d8fP9U_MtpeH3s1BtfbeC5CVS5HKhCySO86av65-bC-7SZbMGyOArUKhyphenhyphenF0/s1600/striped_maxi3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l-GS1YGLhHArD5CMFri52-W213-LjZKE9sBEQtZ3LIIJ-wroRrz1vm8NzJoA-MRlTM3OBl8vYVq68DH_d8fP9U_MtpeH3s1BtfbeC5CVS5HKhCySO86av65-bC-7SZbMGyOArUKhyphenhyphenF0/s640/striped_maxi3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">red patent flats: Kohl's (maybe?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">b&w striped maxi skirt: eBay</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">coral v-neck tee: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">denim jacket: Gap</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">cluster necklace: Downeast Outfitters</span></div>
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I must admit, I'm a little nervous. I don't know how many of the ladies I'll know. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC653Gwyp0JZivMD5vLutrVW4BvqMu_yRSxR9eH_5CV52N1Ncd3N5F9dP1PS37BGRejH-di9z4gEKAAYm7icx0YEY9kQ5cHdxIUrZOwYyY7sNmoACkEO3HDqMp0Pu38HMBh1op38y0A_M/s1600/striped_maxi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC653Gwyp0JZivMD5vLutrVW4BvqMu_yRSxR9eH_5CV52N1Ncd3N5F9dP1PS37BGRejH-di9z4gEKAAYm7icx0YEY9kQ5cHdxIUrZOwYyY7sNmoACkEO3HDqMp0Pu38HMBh1op38y0A_M/s640/striped_maxi2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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For security blanket purposes, I'm wearing my comfiest knitwear. But as a nod to the societal nature of the event, I tried to accessorize appropriately.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0NiaTRoycfoieEhyphenhyphenp_yQJ3_JRrVCl0hlmAFG9Hc1v813mCAYHtFaamU2kfcCoPp3_g2HC66YvJvGkAfKr-1IsTHWuqV0cOsu0iDMPtQKyCcvu2d-y1dSibDu61Zx4MIA8qAytcOOwz0/s1600/striped_maxi5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0NiaTRoycfoieEhyphenhyphenp_yQJ3_JRrVCl0hlmAFG9Hc1v813mCAYHtFaamU2kfcCoPp3_g2HC66YvJvGkAfKr-1IsTHWuqV0cOsu0iDMPtQKyCcvu2d-y1dSibDu61Zx4MIA8qAytcOOwz0/s640/striped_maxi5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because nothing says "literary pundit" like a girl in pjs and a bobble necklace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQJu5mSAbnpVyNk0TUITQM8ttIYrWUlEfdF25EtMWVE75fjWc9wuuLbI6eX1iXOVXjjMUPFF55i4LdGupTwMC0YSygrN8LVDuaE19HdTtY2eGeicTRbO568cUqOn4P3S7b2kNNI1Y3Jw/s1600/striped_maxi4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQJu5mSAbnpVyNk0TUITQM8ttIYrWUlEfdF25EtMWVE75fjWc9wuuLbI6eX1iXOVXjjMUPFF55i4LdGupTwMC0YSygrN8LVDuaE19HdTtY2eGeicTRbO568cUqOn4P3S7b2kNNI1Y3Jw/s640/striped_maxi4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Wish me luck. And happy Thursday!</div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/long-skirts/INC-International-Concepts" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="INC International Concepts Long Skirts"> INC International Concepts Long Skirts</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/flats/Tory-Burch" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Tory Burch Flats"> Tory Burch Flats</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/tees-and-tshirts/Splendid" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Splendid Tees"> Splendid Tees</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: <a href="http://www.coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Beans & Bobby Pins</a>, <a href="http://www.herandnicole.com/2013/10/lovely-thursday-link-up.html#more" target="_blank">Her & Nicole</a>, <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2013/10/09/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-109/" target="_blank">Katherine's Corner</a>, <a href="http://www.kiwiwomensstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kiwi Women's Style</a>, <a href="http://myfashionforwardblog.com/" target="_blank">My Fashion Forward Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/" target="_blank">My Girlish Whims</a>, <a href="http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Penniless Socialite</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/fridays-fab-favorites-join-the-link-up-5.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/" target="_blank">The Mrs. and the Momma</a>, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>, <a href="http://twothirtyfivedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Two Thirty-Five Designs</a>, <a href="http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/" target="_blank">Vodka Infused Lemonade</a>, }</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-37270507152156634772013-10-09T14:16:00.000-06:002013-10-11T12:54:50.435-06:00when the going gets tough, the tough do laundry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm having trouble thinking about anything to write about today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeaQG8XuCxd8ptBZZZ5VhNjRclhGTOFS_2OYEzqdj_0_PUqfQPJ24-4HxxcClZOTuatb-x58QHIlLltIjUK-7Kc0rdFYImNn5-zt0B_bJfg6HhhqSfKoP3qZFof5nypEVbqNGmKqzIhI/s1600/trench_coat1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeaQG8XuCxd8ptBZZZ5VhNjRclhGTOFS_2OYEzqdj_0_PUqfQPJ24-4HxxcClZOTuatb-x58QHIlLltIjUK-7Kc0rdFYImNn5-zt0B_bJfg6HhhqSfKoP3qZFof5nypEVbqNGmKqzIhI/s640/trench_coat1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">wedges: 6pm.com (Eagle Mountain brand, maybe? I can't remember)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">skinny jeans: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">v-neck tee: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">trench: Forever 21</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">sunglasses: Urban Outfitters</span></div>
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I suppose I could gleefully describe how I successfully completed the household's laundry. Everyone's stuff, washed and folded and put away. All of it. Except, now that I think about it, maybe there's still one more load in the dryer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR0vwqXhkcbs5kM5FKrVhA8YNY23kAtL6Mbo-gtlCZ4M8UssQO1BbQu9sTj3fgV4YvhxLMgvrcQpMT4aOkGRaNlLyjXIyDqwYXggmQV7KI-A_CWQ5OMDHine2I7xpRm-d0ClMsTOC3K0/s1600/trench_coat2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR0vwqXhkcbs5kM5FKrVhA8YNY23kAtL6Mbo-gtlCZ4M8UssQO1BbQu9sTj3fgV4YvhxLMgvrcQpMT4aOkGRaNlLyjXIyDqwYXggmQV7KI-A_CWQ5OMDHine2I7xpRm-d0ClMsTOC3K0/s640/trench_coat2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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But if I leave it there until next week, I can still count this week's laundry done. Right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_yHiLy9lA43B7sV-7sCjphQYjx18yxyiSffgwBkq8UWPmditfYQMFA8ouhCCGToqZzJoamqdUpONc2dx-ZIovAVUOuxhfp_Xr0xH9TWHbgjrvtoHtcV9Jr4PL0hab5txxZMfrE9PrX4/s1600/trench_coat4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_yHiLy9lA43B7sV-7sCjphQYjx18yxyiSffgwBkq8UWPmditfYQMFA8ouhCCGToqZzJoamqdUpONc2dx-ZIovAVUOuxhfp_Xr0xH9TWHbgjrvtoHtcV9Jr4PL0hab5txxZMfrE9PrX4/s640/trench_coat4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, this is my life. These are the realities I think about, people. You can't make this stuff up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiYqoDbwmUB9wDAmuNk-3e8QpEYDUqviJirb_Ad-Tl0ylWTh9WHR_96yCh2WBpv694RtwevhsrCyh3_4sbd6HvF85aZSPVAW-xS3_BUx-tggWeY63I-WiXjRcKfpkrKJ9XrObBxQMNhE/s1600/trench_coat3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiYqoDbwmUB9wDAmuNk-3e8QpEYDUqviJirb_Ad-Tl0ylWTh9WHR_96yCh2WBpv694RtwevhsrCyh3_4sbd6HvF85aZSPVAW-xS3_BUx-tggWeY63I-WiXjRcKfpkrKJ9XrObBxQMNhE/s640/trench_coat3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy laundry-day Wednesday.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{Shared: <a href="http://www.coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins</a>, <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/i-feel-pretty-in-floral-stripes/" target="_blank">Get Your Pretty On</a>, <a href="http://www.herandnicole.com/2013/10/lovely-thursday-link-up.html#more" target="_blank">Her & Nicole</a>, <a href="http://lambaround.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lamb Around</a>, <a href="http://www.thelifeofthepartyblog.com/2013/10/fashion-informant-a-look-at-the-past.html" target="_blank">Life of the Party</a>, <a href="http://myfashionforwardblog.com/" target="_blank">My Fashion Forward Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/" target="_blank">My Girlish Whims</a>, <a href="http://www.perfectlycoutured.com/" target="_blank">Perfectly Coutured</a>, <a href="http://www.prowessandpearls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Prowess & Pearls</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/" target="_blank">The Mrs and the Momma</a>, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>, <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Transatlantic Blonde</a>, }</span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-80821103432132153842013-10-08T14:24:00.000-06:002013-10-08T15:12:43.242-06:00American History 101 & some mixed patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I felt like an American flag today after getting dressed. Until I remembered that it's stars, not polka dots, on Old Glory. Phew. Crisis averted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwWT42iqLOrrQ35s27yeIANl2pw2cmkHYsCUSYPSCtryHQuyV-Q08pQ141XENLSlGr-5Vg1jOKEk8dxKgM6jiSzsqsKEZ9j-V8F_hlSi5Xl3ZEveuBc8CVl7wojIbQEdYFquCDiqwA7E/s1600/polka_dot_cardigan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwWT42iqLOrrQ35s27yeIANl2pw2cmkHYsCUSYPSCtryHQuyV-Q08pQ141XENLSlGr-5Vg1jOKEk8dxKgM6jiSzsqsKEZ9j-V8F_hlSi5Xl3ZEveuBc8CVl7wojIbQEdYFquCDiqwA7E/s640/polka_dot_cardigan.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">plaid trousers: GAP</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">striped shirt: Lands End Canvas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">polka dot cardigan: Coldwater Creek (I think)</span></div>
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I sometimes wonder if I'm too old for such bold pattern mixing. But then I remember that I bought this cardigan at a store that specializes in total Christmas-vest-wearing-teacher, mom, and even gramma gear. I think I'm a good decade or two below the targeted consumer there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjqgFLaF4QPov-1DJsp2uoeCLSiKEySE391PvnZGvJkMijH-LKqxUFly9NMJUQJTVZBAg8xBLVq-azx4gCxqdnjDWUsktso_RGtAeBAuUZIGfzzlqt8eaCPYArsGJTaOl6NPVQ5GRnOA/s1600/polka_dot_cardigan2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjqgFLaF4QPov-1DJsp2uoeCLSiKEySE391PvnZGvJkMijH-LKqxUFly9NMJUQJTVZBAg8xBLVq-azx4gCxqdnjDWUsktso_RGtAeBAuUZIGfzzlqt8eaCPYArsGJTaOl6NPVQ5GRnOA/s640/polka_dot_cardigan2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which makes me feel young and wild enough to throw on a random plaid pants to complete the ensemble. I'm cuh-razy like that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNmfUYIte7290CnfU5MSM_vze2rM55XVf6zC4l_0jb34dsEuOFRcZo9AN2HSvjH7BKMsAfu26YDoIgU2Oq2CpGBfA5qEBZQkkfvOdBDweB5VEBlsFf2jRCwuix0PFiQ5fHp23ZsekCI0/s1600/polka_dot_cardigan3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNmfUYIte7290CnfU5MSM_vze2rM55XVf6zC4l_0jb34dsEuOFRcZo9AN2HSvjH7BKMsAfu26YDoIgU2Oq2CpGBfA5qEBZQkkfvOdBDweB5VEBlsFf2jRCwuix0PFiQ5fHp23ZsekCI0/s640/polka_dot_cardigan3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Honestly, I'm just hoping that the pattern trio is distracting enough that you'll fail to notice my fresh-out-of-shower, major-roots-showing hair. It's a complicated life I lead, people, chock full of deception and shampoo.</div>
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Happy beautiful Tuesday.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Shared: <a href="http://www.coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Beans & Bobby Pins</a>, <a href="http://www.kiwiwomensstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kiwi Women's Style</a>, <a href="http://www.momtrends.com/2013/10/fall-fashion-leopard-prints/" target="_blank">Mom Trends</a>, <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/" target="_blank">My Girlish Whims</a>, <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet</a>, <a href="http://www.thelifeofthepartyblog.com/" target="_blank">The Life of the Party</a>, <a href="http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/" target="_blank">The Mrs and the Momma</a>, <a href="http://www.transatlanticblonde.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Transatlantic Blonde</a>}</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-86606473544206576392013-10-07T15:20:00.000-06:002013-10-08T14:36:58.320-06:00maybe I'm practicing being a pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a very witty and pithy blog post written to accompany these pics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIv8MB5J3qp590lf7GJGM6v7MfKknfO2PBNDxz0HJikPU-xDnHUdIfuO4DMgpfI6AHF2_aipYnDwhhglb_bljKvjh4w9f6bhKB0_LwhJsvyWM3fg4sCImTjX34GJiTRJlr0ZZvY0ggq0/s1600/chambray_shirt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIv8MB5J3qp590lf7GJGM6v7MfKknfO2PBNDxz0HJikPU-xDnHUdIfuO4DMgpfI6AHF2_aipYnDwhhglb_bljKvjh4w9f6bhKB0_LwhJsvyWM3fg4sCImTjX34GJiTRJlr0ZZvY0ggq0/s640/chambray_shirt1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">flats: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: American Eagle Outfitters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">chambray shirt: J. Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">orange cableknit sweater: J. Crew</span></div>
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The post was warm and endearingly clever and funny and would've made you all want to be my friend, even though I self-deprecatingly referenced Jay Leno's love for denim-on-denim and coined the phrase "pumpk rock" in reference to my sweater.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdw3y7OKE_vKhqAzNHj3uQKTNzJR89mJpnApZIJs-FzIVAVRNVl3Z-kzd4BuNazEIYwFV-gvpshNa6ZTs949Xa-6npvBXlniFzJ-57fCxlBkSdqVjypK5JzfObjc_rWcggEK6vTNECL8/s1600/chambray_shirt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdw3y7OKE_vKhqAzNHj3uQKTNzJR89mJpnApZIJs-FzIVAVRNVl3Z-kzd4BuNazEIYwFV-gvpshNa6ZTs949Xa-6npvBXlniFzJ-57fCxlBkSdqVjypK5JzfObjc_rWcggEK6vTNECL8/s640/chambray_shirt2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQVT9LptWtkyU-W9CJ6pJS6L0QFwKaTxMUc9kHsX2s5NqXK4VK1Hld_SWUSBkm0r_9CsT4wrk27oNJydqq52M0uY1dTcOengG8VU950yg1A_er2WHeJLpMDjwfY_-P_rCUn9l_tnSKuw/s1600/chambray_shirt4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQVT9LptWtkyU-W9CJ6pJS6L0QFwKaTxMUc9kHsX2s5NqXK4VK1Hld_SWUSBkm0r_9CsT4wrk27oNJydqq52M0uY1dTcOengG8VU950yg1A_er2WHeJLpMDjwfY_-P_rCUn9l_tnSKuw/s640/chambray_shirt4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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So you're left with these photos, an incomplete pop culture reference of questionable style, and a view of my feet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6latdCbig-_VtLzoSVaPQJUyda5Pmq4PKQl8ulq1dQ4PZRAJPUaize2vLQwBc9DDCg7p5Hxng5Rc-vvb9mSZkqohidGr9NQfEotgejnXbExB3VQHnR-dWja5mqwXeeOz5kWrXCk6uAQI/s1600/chambray_shirt3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6latdCbig-_VtLzoSVaPQJUyda5Pmq4PKQl8ulq1dQ4PZRAJPUaize2vLQwBc9DDCg7p5Hxng5Rc-vvb9mSZkqohidGr9NQfEotgejnXbExB3VQHnR-dWja5mqwXeeOz5kWrXCk6uAQI/s640/chambray_shirt3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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At least the flats are cute. </div>
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Happy Monday. (or is it?)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shop similar styles & products below:</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="170" scrolling="no" seamless="seamless" src="http://social.popsugar.com/shopsense/slider?w=500&h=170&r=1&ids=435111152%2C357997170%2C354979502%2C402041882%2C350389310%2C428798064%2C317407876%2C409944100%2C437106780&color=90a578b5dd530edffd8975fbd0694c95%2Cf2c42b35b564b62bb019709c147ebde2%2Ce6a9e8c20c4baea59fab140304854961%2C8b6e20a2844c21b332dc344393aa6c61%2Ccc6b5b1b8081b952f7585cca01ae9c7e%2C38fac6aa2d8ca2484102b29a3e757616%2C3dd91acd26067d0ffcb55dacae16d18b%2C0b455419d2481674856eeda2548e1e21%2C6144b7fdec9bb0d6d63bd84940a4a66c&pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px auto;" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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<div id="details" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 10px auto 20px; padding: 10px; width: 520px;">
<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/crewneck-sweaters/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="MICHAEL Michael Kors Crewnecks & Scoopnecks"> MICHAEL Michael Kors Crewnecks & Scoopnecks</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/button-front-tops/J.Crew-Factory" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="J.Crew Factory Button Front Tops"> J.Crew Factory Button Front Tops</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/flats/CeCe" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="CeCe Flats"> CeCe Flats</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{shared: <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/style-sessions-fashion-link-up-printed-pants-and-a-leather-jacket.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/sunday-linky-28.html#more" target="_blank">SuburbsMama</a>, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>}</span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-30028594369720199112013-10-04T07:00:00.000-06:002013-10-07T14:42:27.671-06:00Jeans and a Neon Belt<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey guys! I've missed you. It's been, what, a couple decades since I did an outfit post? Like, your children are college graduates and you now own a Buick since I last posted. Awesome. Congrats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9RsrRsdR-Q0ukOzQ39eGd0v1h9OU7LnbEBYVAyBHEaK6HQJOpaDODqaDdVeLB-XE8bxbE64KAtGUSocABKJvjwnckCrHcT4ayG3K6Ub9ksDW5wD27sEKZGWSctaPjoUgmu6o-Sc9PvI/s1600/Neon_Belt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9RsrRsdR-Q0ukOzQ39eGd0v1h9OU7LnbEBYVAyBHEaK6HQJOpaDODqaDdVeLB-XE8bxbE64KAtGUSocABKJvjwnckCrHcT4ayG3K6Ub9ksDW5wD27sEKZGWSctaPjoUgmu6o-Sc9PvI/s640/Neon_Belt2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: SO brand</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">jeans: American Eagle</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">belt: J.Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">henley: J.Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">sweater: Motherhood Maternity (I know, I know)</span></div>
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Today I lounged around the house and dodged snowflakes (!!!) while taking my 18-month-old's dirty diapers to the garbage can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgETgUuS6I3btHPyMuhcR4X1vR76QIseJo3zyoaQKqdLVB97Orf4HE11ZXnXOmKJNqF2gBoEtn336scBL8QdOtrIObIMjhvTMvHl48mbmWqAvqIeSv44x-MZa42W6dkvt6cvCREfP0gk/s1600/Neon_Belt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgETgUuS6I3btHPyMuhcR4X1vR76QIseJo3zyoaQKqdLVB97Orf4HE11ZXnXOmKJNqF2gBoEtn336scBL8QdOtrIObIMjhvTMvHl48mbmWqAvqIeSv44x-MZa42W6dkvt6cvCREfP0gk/s640/Neon_Belt1.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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A freezing itinerary like this, in early October, calls for my busting out ultimate comfort-wear. And fancying things up with a neon belt. I dunno. Something about wearing a shiny neon accessory makes me feel like I could pass for a contributing member of society...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpf4QoLqBNE5hGh_07a5LEeeJ8U1KHZ7lE7LWYflnpDBDJGpHX2fhqaw6eNLAYn07ekR0hInYqWPv5pZhnTbRiS-K-x0FJP2h6bYGvy-JFbygnf_LB0BaMHDlbuv1sv7ixctibbgCf0Q/s1600/Neon_Belt4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpf4QoLqBNE5hGh_07a5LEeeJ8U1KHZ7lE7LWYflnpDBDJGpHX2fhqaw6eNLAYn07ekR0hInYqWPv5pZhnTbRiS-K-x0FJP2h6bYGvy-JFbygnf_LB0BaMHDlbuv1sv7ixctibbgCf0Q/s640/Neon_Belt4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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...until observant passersby spy my thick socks within my Toms knockoffs. Tacky, sure, but oh so warm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIFtcZ1o79nrQtc73UcqdNd5vDh2QiPH44NN21yjIYfz9c6rDbhw55r1wwAQJz2v_XeHLP7dSfcdZbtemQPSHXzXkh2BPgUT-oeAPO2CvhLpHX5hSY4m3BOt7tZc_NOaiTkHiRUTShB0/s1600/Neon_Belt3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIFtcZ1o79nrQtc73UcqdNd5vDh2QiPH44NN21yjIYfz9c6rDbhw55r1wwAQJz2v_XeHLP7dSfcdZbtemQPSHXzXkh2BPgUT-oeAPO2CvhLpHX5hSY4m3BOt7tZc_NOaiTkHiRUTShB0/s400/Neon_Belt3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm afraid I may be getting too old to care about style tackiness when it comes to the warmth of my toes. Which, I fully recognize, is a slippery slope that will inevitably lead to mu-mus and order-by-mail orthopedic shoes for everyday wear. </div>
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Which, speaking of...mmmmm...COMFY.</div>
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Happy Friday.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="180" scrolling="no" seamless="seamless" src="http://social.popsugar.com/shopsense/slider?w=550&h=180&r=1&ids=401444851%2C431333558%2C394502426%2C362994637%2C434193933%2C324860959%2C418063503%2C346910557%2C430352767%2C434229872&color=75aff0002457a9d960adc15a83408270%2Ccd4a148a3daa00ee6aaa2fe56ca4522b%2Cf938a08abad8fa748be77fc08d61d09f%2C09e1642bf49144a0ec86f2a943673873%2Ceed030db478c0bda032d4775d8777e5d%2Cf108859b4923b793c49a6acf6462e191%2C7cf1c3e00b7af2580ba7d170997cb921%2C1600c5030ac246df19514da9cd7e8243%2C056637ddf69a953985f47a35e776635a%2C9a85a7ab2d0332120b20bcb3ce64c61b&pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px auto;" width="550"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/cardigan-sweaters/A.L.C." style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="A.L.C. Cardigans"> A.L.C. Cardigans</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/belts/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="MICHAEL Michael Kors Belts"> MICHAEL Michael Kors Belts</a> · <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/teen-girls-jeans/American-Eagle" style="color: #999999; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim"> American Eagle Teen Girls' Denim</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{shared: <a href="http://fashionsgreatesthits.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fashion's Greatest Hits</a>, <a href="http://www.ihaveadegreeinthis.com/" target="_blank">I Have a Degree in This</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2013/10/fridays-fab-favorites-join-the-link-up-4.html" target="_blank">Style Elixir</a>, <a href="http://www.themollybuckley.com/2013/10/07/comeback-trend-funday-monday-linkup/#more-8928" target="_blank">The Molly Buckley</a>, <a href="http://thefoleyfam.com/" target="_blank">The Foley Fam</a>, <a href="http://www.watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Watch out for Woestmans</a>, }</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-31363870695329495192013-10-03T14:30:00.001-06:002013-10-07T13:42:07.595-06:00Modest Wedding Gowns<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know who of you is in the market, but just in case you are or know of someone who is...</div>
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I've recently learned of <a href="http://www.stasiabridal.com/" target="_blank">Stasia Modest Couture</a>, an online-based boutique that designs and creates 100% of its gowns in the USA (Chicago, IL to be exact). Stasia Modest ships bridal gowns worldwide, catering specifically to modest brides.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QngEmLiRtDh-sZnHtez1QMUNLsGSTHHLF6AckUatAapeow04B6yOJq4-Ksfb5HMpSCc3-uBQS1OZF_iIukqhFSwgr93y-sJ9bfJqesY_gewP4923XzH_VOGvFS_rUlasxxDraHozDuM/s1600/stasia_wedding_gown2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QngEmLiRtDh-sZnHtez1QMUNLsGSTHHLF6AckUatAapeow04B6yOJq4-Ksfb5HMpSCc3-uBQS1OZF_iIukqhFSwgr93y-sJ9bfJqesY_gewP4923XzH_VOGvFS_rUlasxxDraHozDuM/s400/stasia_wedding_gown2.bmp" width="306" /></a></div>
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You can basically design your own dress (customized tailoring for wedding gowns can be very expensive...on top of the price of the original wedding gown) by choosing from a variety of sleeves, bodice tops, and skirt options. There's an e-dressing room for you to use, and your dress is built to match your specific measurements.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtmukeKiLBt31_NDzSx1tDMFFAvO_EK9onHXVj7GGhWNwoUIttcJN2HH8KcQHwPt1q9A2ZiXbKTBTbRzSLpJFh2T8D-3dtCpU5i8zyS4ZdblMmjbpbANmNQVyNskEUPfWvjM_Khk2zX0/s1600/stasia_wedding_gown3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtmukeKiLBt31_NDzSx1tDMFFAvO_EK9onHXVj7GGhWNwoUIttcJN2HH8KcQHwPt1q9A2ZiXbKTBTbRzSLpJFh2T8D-3dtCpU5i8zyS4ZdblMmjbpbANmNQVyNskEUPfWvjM_Khk2zX0/s400/stasia_wedding_gown3.bmp" width="306" /></a></div>
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Best of all, the talented Stasia people will create a muslin form to your measurements and send it to you within 7 days so that alterations can be made from that point on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDWFeoonpCnqPXHRaWsbF8-zWqiDv7molWGQt2uDwHLov4N1scUnXMpS-Te494_qtGiG1aqKixSwNdlUUWlL_F77tE-lw3nCJ_DLflmlikv1clN2HuPTw-HiIorS6-OcS7t5EpxvjzyM/s1600/stasia_wedding_gown4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDWFeoonpCnqPXHRaWsbF8-zWqiDv7molWGQt2uDwHLov4N1scUnXMpS-Te494_qtGiG1aqKixSwNdlUUWlL_F77tE-lw3nCJ_DLflmlikv1clN2HuPTw-HiIorS6-OcS7t5EpxvjzyM/s400/stasia_wedding_gown4.bmp" width="306" /></a></div>
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You get (this is awesome) photo updates of your gown every 2 weeks thereafter. (This feature seems super duper exciting to me...like video monitoring your baby or pet or something. I love this!) Oh, and you can choose a color-coordinated sash for your wedding party, if you want. Tres cool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb_TjN9OKUENVqCUl1U0WxK2EvOxpnn2Sm-mpipBXFVxIiCcfmoJlqoVqSvxNRNmNPVl9yGTpI39N4EE7ZSKpcDyaykICSq052PKgttMJGXVl0W7S5WebMxv41VpdGZ7S3eUwDmVrOQ4/s1600/stasia_wedding_gown.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb_TjN9OKUENVqCUl1U0WxK2EvOxpnn2Sm-mpipBXFVxIiCcfmoJlqoVqSvxNRNmNPVl9yGTpI39N4EE7ZSKpcDyaykICSq052PKgttMJGXVl0W7S5WebMxv41VpdGZ7S3eUwDmVrOQ4/s400/stasia_wedding_gown.bmp" width="306" /></a></div>
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Typically, from the time your approved muslin form is returned to Stasia, your final beautiful wedding gown will be in your hot little hands within 4-6 weeks. What an incredible process and service that simplifies an inevitably chaotic time.</div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380830375885_3226"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380830375885_3225" style="font-size: small;">Good news: Stasia is offering A Day in the Life Too... readers 10% off all wedding gowns through December 31 of this year. Use the code ADITLT10 at checkout.</span></span></div>
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Seriously, you guys, if you need a wedding gown or know of someone who does, you should check <a href="http://www.stasiabridal.com/" target="_blank">Stasia Modest Couture</a> out. Beautiful, custom, AND modest wedding gowns? I die.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-18632190241656493492013-06-13T10:57:00.002-06:002013-06-13T10:57:34.605-06:00FreeCountry Tankini & Swim Skirt (Product Review) <div style="text-align: center;">
Welp, swimsuit season is upon us. (I know, right? *gulp*) Which somehow gives me more reason to justify feasting on the deliciousness that are Swedish fish. But it also gives me more reason to check out cute swimwear.</div>
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I've stumbled upon a fantastic swimwear source, actually, with versatile style and high quality pieces. <a href="http://www.freecountry.com/" target="_blank">FreeCountry.com</a>. And they were nice enough to offer me a suit for a product review this year. Bingo. </div>
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They specialize in mix-and-match pieces, so you can imagine how hard it was for me to figure out what pieces I really really liked. I narrowed it down to about four tops and three bottoms, then just rolled the dice on which ones I'd go for. (Because I'm professional like that. Heh.)</div>
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The company has been great to work with. There was a mailing problem with my order, but the nice Free Country people sorted it all out, and my adorable swimsuit arrived yesterday. (Mailing problems = a headache for them, I'm sure, but they made it easy for me. Quality customer service from the get-go. Me likey.) </div>
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(Note to self: Never put the words "me" and "likey" back-to-back in the same statement again. Ever.) </div>
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And yesterday, to my delight, I opened up the package and found these beauties waiting for me:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JvbaEyIdSLF9ObPPTlW006aHKcNMGmLzfhpsMULN0-TLj-LhK1dqYk9gpnlSDiX6YAwBSj2JJ9O3L8fg8pfZYcPF8bXjLkkqMgetTFlqNr2vhdMSGuuIQKkLpzZLm0mm1TZK9JK2qsw/s1600/starburst_swimtop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JvbaEyIdSLF9ObPPTlW006aHKcNMGmLzfhpsMULN0-TLj-LhK1dqYk9gpnlSDiX6YAwBSj2JJ9O3L8fg8pfZYcPF8bXjLkkqMgetTFlqNr2vhdMSGuuIQKkLpzZLm0mm1TZK9JK2qsw/s400/starburst_swimtop.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freecountry.com/categories/womens/swimwear/products/starburst-tiedye-molded-cup-tankini-top" target="_blank">starburst tie-dye tankini top</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DZuS-ygR8yRFw53xN9ecEckMwcjXXoUba-zhhHLahGBIhWX4zkt2bnfKVSKt9sGcrExnG6bwi8qO27Cr7tZe9BCCVPp6mm-4YS4yo5hYd3hbtGjq1YBqPV8BohmjVtGFan29LViu2w0/s1600/swimskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DZuS-ygR8yRFw53xN9ecEckMwcjXXoUba-zhhHLahGBIhWX4zkt2bnfKVSKt9sGcrExnG6bwi8qO27Cr7tZe9BCCVPp6mm-4YS4yo5hYd3hbtGjq1YBqPV8BohmjVtGFan29LViu2w0/s400/swimskirt.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freecountry.com/categories/womens/swimwear/products/adjustable-swim-skirt" target="_blank">adjustable swim skirt</a></td></tr>
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The first thing I noticed was the quality of the pieces. The swim fabric (lycra, I think? don't quote me on that) is thick and seems durable, and the stitching is impeccable. The colors and pattern of the swim top are just as vibrant in real life as on my computer screen, and I adore them. My favorite piece is the swim skirt -- it's a flattering length, not too long, not too short, and the attached swim bottoms underneath the skirt is modest and a fun bright blue. Love.</div>
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I'm not kidding, you guys. This suit is a chicken dinner winner. With Swedish fish for dessert, even.</div>
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Here are some things that might be helpful as you go to <a href="http://www.freecountry.com/categories/womens/swimwear?utf8=%E2%9C%93&sort=top_rated&per_page=45" target="_blank">order your own from FreeCountry</a>:</div>
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I'm 5'8", ~135 pounds, and ordered a size Small. I'm shaped kind of like a rectangle (translation: flat-chested, hips like a boy), so the bottoms fit me perfectly, although I probably will go up a size in top next time. </div>
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The top I got fits great when I'm standing up or lying down, but if I were to sit in the sand and lean over to build sand castles with my kids, I'd be a little (lot) exposed. Because I'm a bit smaller chested than the suit plans for. </div>
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That being said, I sincerely love these swimsuit pieces. I see myself wearing them lots and lots this summer. I mean, starburst tie-dye? Hello. I love you.</div>
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I hope you all go and check them out and find a swimsuit piece (or three...four?) of your dreams. </div>
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Thanks, <a href="http://www.freecountry.com/" target="_blank">FreeCountry</a>, for hooking me up! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-65855833884033104442013-01-11T15:32:00.000-07:002013-01-11T15:32:58.061-07:00How to Make a Headboard out of Pallet Wood<div align="center">
Sorry if you're sick of these home projects updates of mine, friends, but I've just got to tell you: I'm always (yes, ALways) up for something free and thought maybe one or two of you are, too. </div>
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And pallet boards are free. Headboards, typically, are not.</div>
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Therefore, I present to you: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d_35p8SnAoY4DJcM-SXcPuyG27YnoQ-XMUxDjG7FRX7QP_H8R_Vpmk6p_-GDhAQ1r-_hcdKrRBU-sDIr8r2vDqwf0hbywERvznX2x_Tx2nZVdV_Q3rckXApPLZgCGyc0vcSBIXSObts/s1600/0_Pallet+Headboard+DIY+Easy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d_35p8SnAoY4DJcM-SXcPuyG27YnoQ-XMUxDjG7FRX7QP_H8R_Vpmk6p_-GDhAQ1r-_hcdKrRBU-sDIr8r2vDqwf0hbywERvznX2x_Tx2nZVdV_Q3rckXApPLZgCGyc0vcSBIXSObts/s400/0_Pallet+Headboard+DIY+Easy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/bedroom-makeover-pallet-headboard.html" target="_blank">step-by-step tutorial</a> for how to make one yourself. </div>
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And truthfully? If I can do it, anyone can. Plus, hello, did I mention it's $free$? </div>
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I did? Twice now? Oh. Okay.</div>
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xox, </div>
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Brittney</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-26868890964463121542013-01-03T15:39:00.004-07:002013-01-11T15:33:18.072-07:00DIY Animal Bookends<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry, but I just can't help sharing these. I think they're fantastic...even if no one alive knows what the heck kind of animal that is.<br />
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<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" closure_uid_n3jokb="41" height="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSgrSp3s4VfAQ0Yd35f_avXWJNYL9d9uMtVXfsMLsPZJg6ZxiwhzYQKALDp-bKXEU1M7VA_xhySLlTQ00KsWcXVxR2_4chMkulvv0DK5OSe7ejJOOBQr2ln2zMcUsHY96agG2SzoinY9U/s1600/animal_bookends3.JPG" style="height: 679px; width: 453px;" width="800" /><br />
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And <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-animal-bookends.html" target="_blank">you can make some</a>, too! So so easily!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U5c_cgpySM972-sLEjJuSVuOGgSIGqLT0UC8lk_MBnb0uQVSSIRvVaa188kw7w0RaaDk46bDztPeuIWQD2s4P7zGga4oJt5zWiPqpjccqjR9kDQBRq-ytJpuRZEHiv60H4dMi1uZeb_L/s1600/animal_bookends4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_s5bap="12" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U5c_cgpySM972-sLEjJuSVuOGgSIGqLT0UC8lk_MBnb0uQVSSIRvVaa188kw7w0RaaDk46bDztPeuIWQD2s4P7zGga4oJt5zWiPqpjccqjR9kDQBRq-ytJpuRZEHiv60H4dMi1uZeb_L/s400/animal_bookends4.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Check out how, <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-animal-bookends.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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xox<br />
Brittney</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-74359386407816332402012-12-30T23:10:00.000-07:002012-12-30T23:11:04.606-07:00Ombre + Ruching + DIY = Colorful Bliss<div align="center">
If you love ombre, and you love ruching, you just might love this little DIY project I did this month...either for yourself or the favorite little girls in your life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5htF8lOcK9thof3ncoXJ6YCJCoxuyXBuwF_mSpYvoDLuuI8toKFbZFAtBkqwot5No-LDQGC9XPGAC24b8MjE8nfIFONpPs8YTJBQJtIQDEIYJctEEhrLSKDcfq-LnG9qlkwrOx2fclv4/s1600/0ombre_duvet4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5htF8lOcK9thof3ncoXJ6YCJCoxuyXBuwF_mSpYvoDLuuI8toKFbZFAtBkqwot5No-LDQGC9XPGAC24b8MjE8nfIFONpPs8YTJBQJtIQDEIYJctEEhrLSKDcfq-LnG9qlkwrOx2fclv4/s400/0ombre_duvet4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's right. An ombred ruched duvet cover...out of a plain ol' cheap ol' Walmart flat sheet. I don't think it gets cuter than this. Really.<br />
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Come on over and <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-ombre-ruched-duvet-cover.html" target="_blank">check it out</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-70493370619140873072012-12-03T21:55:00.002-07:002012-12-03T21:56:16.063-07:00House Tour is Live!<div style="text-align: center;">
A long time ago, some of you were interested in a house tour. Probably because you got sick of looking at that same white couch and blue-and-white rug every day.</div>
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Well, the good news is: my <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">house tour</a>'s available. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RPHrcHc9z2KdAz2o3YD24f-5GjyO1A0QWd91HfqeksPVIBCx8FMthe87S3h4pdAIHKWLMjERaoTqRfTUSuf6tbePsxvJ4Brv2IrLf1nuUmUsCy96yCJC2Cn934dFCzxXEsLe35hdyyM/s1600/Dining_Room2(11.12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RPHrcHc9z2KdAz2o3YD24f-5GjyO1A0QWd91HfqeksPVIBCx8FMthe87S3h4pdAIHKWLMjERaoTqRfTUSuf6tbePsxvJ4Brv2IrLf1nuUmUsCy96yCJC2Cn934dFCzxXEsLe35hdyyM/s400/Dining_Room2(11.12).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bad news is: I haven't figured out how to serve cookies through the Internet for those of you who stop by.</div>
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I can't guarantee it's worth it, then. Because I make a pretty mean snickerdoodle.</div>
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But, if you want, here it is: <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">My House Tour</a>.</div>
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xox</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-1608870529064459352012-11-15T15:35:00.002-07:002012-11-15T15:35:47.400-07:00Gift idea: DIY Tray (out of an old Photo Frame)<div style="text-align: center;">
Got kids?</div>
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Got parents to get gifts for?</div>
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Got limited funds?</div>
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Get this: Take an old photo frame and make a snack tray out of it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zlJFXensruzBKFTzqdL8NfQrO4lsphfvfBdXRF2OsR6dqOfKwwdEUFvoSOwc20ZkLzeDjTll76gsTAOHBTC0wGNF1iexd15hFq7q0jhNFPAykNDfjGPC3aGIBIjt0MH_roV4xXl8kno/s1600/gift_tray3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zlJFXensruzBKFTzqdL8NfQrO4lsphfvfBdXRF2OsR6dqOfKwwdEUFvoSOwc20ZkLzeDjTll76gsTAOHBTC0wGNF1iexd15hFq7q0jhNFPAykNDfjGPC3aGIBIjt0MH_roV4xXl8kno/s400/gift_tray3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wrap it up, give it to your parents, and let your kids feel so proud when your parents open it up and LOVE it.</div>
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Or just make one for yourself. Because it's pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWRQmTGuwXJZMlVLDUwdHdTxglL2r2A1RAShFlvFwizwooR6x-JYVTnHMvzNeATeTiphTX_DA2tR1Df6XaBk6C4eLZDNsVfj1MzzX-9MIhFv5sp8BgQZSq4SGAXxqAUE-XtFhzVJCJPI/s1600/vanity_redo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWRQmTGuwXJZMlVLDUwdHdTxglL2r2A1RAShFlvFwizwooR6x-JYVTnHMvzNeATeTiphTX_DA2tR1Df6XaBk6C4eLZDNsVfj1MzzX-9MIhFv5sp8BgQZSq4SGAXxqAUE-XtFhzVJCJPI/s400/vanity_redo5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Check out more about this tray <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2012/11/master-bedroom-makeover-vanity.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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And have a lovely Thanksgiving!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026937722556557622.post-33569682643735445872012-10-26T16:33:00.005-06:002012-10-26T16:33:41.184-06:00Harlequin diamonds, anyone?<div style="text-align: center;">
You guys, I'm a sucker for argyle. It's the inherent nerdiness in me -- I blame genetics, you know. Just can't help it.</div>
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The home-dec version of argyle, as far as I'm concerned, is harlequin diamonds. And I've been wanting to do something like this little DIY project forEVer:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD0rP0UZHH41SsM3GqGkP0NTbkc-B19mUWSDJdEnm7Dytu6HQ1Vwl19wyrseaoZUW7HvOGdsuUhcguZCBbgw1uopPGuq5MxjNWseb3S7oKyYJvIoisfNFS0VSgqLd4vgxMy8zY6qxPek/s1600/harlequin_table0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD0rP0UZHH41SsM3GqGkP0NTbkc-B19mUWSDJdEnm7Dytu6HQ1Vwl19wyrseaoZUW7HvOGdsuUhcguZCBbgw1uopPGuq5MxjNWseb3S7oKyYJvIoisfNFS0VSgqLd4vgxMy8zY6qxPek/s640/harlequin_table0.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
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Fortunately for me, Forever arrived earlier this week.</div>
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<a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-paint-harlequin-diamond.html" target="_blank">Come see</a> how you can do one, too! Or just check out <a href="http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my house stuff in general</a>. Just because it's fun.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com