tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83286624586349822182024-03-13T08:19:48.893-07:00 ruby tiara diariesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-50945391033140492252013-03-18T09:55:00.003-07:002013-03-18T09:55:56.192-07:00weekend recap<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Happy Monday everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend most of my weekend quarantined in the house with what I believe to have been the <s>plague </s>superflu. Ugh. To brighten my spirits, today I'm teaming up with <a href="http://www.samisshenanigans.com/"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Sami</span></a> for a fantabulous weekend recap.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"> Enjoy!</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">I spend the weekend with copious amounts of cherry limeade and Emergen-C. New nail polish isn’t exactly a cold remedy, but I’d like to believe it helps!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ0P5XIE2FkOKFRWaL99QIrdFTuHbYdCCuMIRcg5molOC70yOn7hw8LttQwJOpICccpXyBvn5Um_wOXvFPRGzTybI7VC2ezhXrSFG9qQDsLTX1ZKaASjyUZBsPMuntcVQGwNoPBjPg9hk/s1600/weekend.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">I watched a little bit of this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2y7YCApP3Y4ZNHw0M41r3cmd7kCL_WFDkIZGyo1qylst35ULgD87yU2yxiAkvvDTpwbQTThmPxJUzHSq1anwwIwU-ojjaVY-HFnJJuws1QtgqTJNojOQrB-9pxVPlxYLesxmnik7gyuh/s1600/real+housewives.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2y7YCApP3Y4ZNHw0M41r3cmd7kCL_WFDkIZGyo1qylst35ULgD87yU2yxiAkvvDTpwbQTThmPxJUzHSq1anwwIwU-ojjaVY-HFnJJuws1QtgqTJNojOQrB-9pxVPlxYLesxmnik7gyuh/s320/real+housewives.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">and this</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nPXJcw_Nzqt9zu0uVuQe8MSMtPx0hPLQl9mgdvVXTZy1ZmJx9CMZchA9Go1kjhAQGzQurGeEp1AGvOPqnpT0Q0odn45Wg5ceHwP6R4kFoxBzzqeRKMD-8G7Kpyp6u7vzx1fn5f56wTbp/s1600/JenelleKesha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nPXJcw_Nzqt9zu0uVuQe8MSMtPx0hPLQl9mgdvVXTZy1ZmJx9CMZchA9Go1kjhAQGzQurGeEp1AGvOPqnpT0Q0odn45Wg5ceHwP6R4kFoxBzzqeRKMD-8G7Kpyp6u7vzx1fn5f56wTbp/s320/JenelleKesha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p>I Pinterested a little and found lots of decor inspiration for my son's room in my new Casa</o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigzpoU9KFSgbY0wTa95HoixosybXCUNBGP5Lc8Gf0midQCz7JaoxlS6vMgv64jeh72CWxYIY4hsIwJ5Io_XeMMrlM6VkW6Pxa00ME0U6qU76yU0Nw-3AM3eYr-6qri3POaESV9r6N3s8x/s1600/nursery+alphabet+wall+letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigzpoU9KFSgbY0wTa95HoixosybXCUNBGP5Lc8Gf0midQCz7JaoxlS6vMgv64jeh72CWxYIY4hsIwJ5Io_XeMMrlM6VkW6Pxa00ME0U6qU76yU0Nw-3AM3eYr-6qri3POaESV9r6N3s8x/s320/nursery+alphabet+wall+letters.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfeJ_UD7ITGo_H61z7qcDK5h98pDdkUXHYHpNA0EfZN5MH0XZF-VKUTkTHLDldkzMiPx9dmJq3x417owZOOaQiBseN07BgZXFndI6Kn-0OJmTNFaTTNkJt9rX-VTvGQHqAjQE1hNchRNc/s1600/matchbookmagazine.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfeJ_UD7ITGo_H61z7qcDK5h98pDdkUXHYHpNA0EfZN5MH0XZF-VKUTkTHLDldkzMiPx9dmJq3x417owZOOaQiBseN07BgZXFndI6Kn-0OJmTNFaTTNkJt9rX-VTvGQHqAjQE1hNchRNc/s320/matchbookmagazine.bmp" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">And found some birthday party inspiration too. The boy loves his ABCs!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbV2W1AcdyiSQP1D0G7eSQVQ3IhnIrg3j-I23iD9brXfEYwRk8MpPUJjed4rUtZJKoSraTsMzttioen1whDGfEMzzuqIGJaKcT4vHpXgYp3jf3tvaTcu4QrzTQo2wk4fUpNOMps_vP-4h/s1600/abc+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbV2W1AcdyiSQP1D0G7eSQVQ3IhnIrg3j-I23iD9brXfEYwRk8MpPUJjed4rUtZJKoSraTsMzttioen1whDGfEMzzuqIGJaKcT4vHpXgYp3jf3tvaTcu4QrzTQo2wk4fUpNOMps_vP-4h/s320/abc+bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcvYCa_ci-1-pL09NXSszZTXawga5VE3ZW9ZywOfIiMaVzRSrp6aeOOare6-79RWRoCnpNdExSlp0oJKb8Zl00-Rm_CZbVCcCZ_ZMg44olVX_OZ8uGioYT_Y1a4-5syI330Se-0V4fj5U/s1600/abcfeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcvYCa_ci-1-pL09NXSszZTXawga5VE3ZW9ZywOfIiMaVzRSrp6aeOOare6-79RWRoCnpNdExSlp0oJKb8Zl00-Rm_CZbVCcCZ_ZMg44olVX_OZ8uGioYT_Y1a4-5syI330Se-0V4fj5U/s320/abcfeature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">And lastly… I treated myself to a little bit of this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA7ab-6Mmr9rezXmQ0kULOe4zhonnArRS7QttNckklDMkjnmOw1zdq2RuTNSfi20SOVmi7HKeRYSPX2De13IMB1zKgxlxkV7faJTgjye4TRws8P4RyjFq0MRfiL60bppBs61IINfr4HGs/s1600/emilygiffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA7ab-6Mmr9rezXmQ0kULOe4zhonnArRS7QttNckklDMkjnmOw1zdq2RuTNSfi20SOVmi7HKeRYSPX2De13IMB1zKgxlxkV7faJTgjye4TRws8P4RyjFq0MRfiL60bppBs61IINfr4HGs/s320/emilygiffin.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">And this. Note: Please ignore the bad lighting...and how my face looks a hot mess.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eeacKat570PMJ-uQDH0aST1WXBTwuARUQYtuR969ma_QEV1-GeIhTO2W7U6O_9C7v0jJeMacj8KmguhARFBJbaZ6gPdFtVfV_mR9Qiyo83SnZ6Q7Gj52P0aQThkAWPDva53CE9Fd0Ow1/s1600/pho1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eeacKat570PMJ-uQDH0aST1WXBTwuARUQYtuR969ma_QEV1-GeIhTO2W7U6O_9C7v0jJeMacj8KmguhARFBJbaZ6gPdFtVfV_mR9Qiyo83SnZ6Q7Gj52P0aQThkAWPDva53CE9Fd0Ow1/s320/pho1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-73566380293087969962013-03-14T10:15:00.001-07:002013-03-14T10:15:37.306-07:00finding the positive.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Happy Thursday everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologize for my recent blogging hiatus as these last few weeks have definitely been a roller coaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A roller coaster of sickness, a roller coaster of life changes, and a roller coaster of acceptance.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVAmKx7rnYyflFxmMd5UcEfrlu6uvw_ASjTtVZ6aug04Tsygzc1JaSesB4M9mk49ycE1ji7OWBW5sBaxX7pdBvKb8ZQu5RhxaaMWIzpiTWiQVGvZ1r29zz-61YVN0OSTOXC-SUVGybpK9/s1600/overthink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVAmKx7rnYyflFxmMd5UcEfrlu6uvw_ASjTtVZ6aug04Tsygzc1JaSesB4M9mk49ycE1ji7OWBW5sBaxX7pdBvKb8ZQu5RhxaaMWIzpiTWiQVGvZ1r29zz-61YVN0OSTOXC-SUVGybpK9/s320/overthink.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">See, for all of you who don’t know, I’m a<a href="http://rubytiaradiaries.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-d-word.html"> divorced</a> single mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all of you who don’t know, the big D (divorce) is no walk in the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’ve learned is that no matter how much time passes or how many Elizabeth Taylor jokes you make, it still sucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the flip side, the general suckiness (yep, I totally just made that word up) can do great things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps you be stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives you a bigger backbone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It adds character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will help you get through tough times that you never though you could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">However…it didn’t totally prepare me for this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Last week, my ex matter of factly notified me he was quitting his job and moving to Arizona….in 2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I instantly panicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thoughts and questions in my mind were frantic. How was I going to help my son adjust to this change? How was my son going to see his father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Ugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Recently, things have been GREAT in regards to routine, custody, and time spend with each parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not one of those mean villainous moms who would rather pull teeth than let their child see their father when it’s not their day. Essentially, we made it work and things were going great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Instead of becoming super emotional and making a dumb emotional decision (or two…which could have clearly happened due to me being a PMSy mess) I took a step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I send my ex a flurry of angry texts? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I run to Great Harvest for a guilty pleasure/carb party? Almost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I actually did was try my hardest to find the positive in the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’ve learned in the past is that life is going to throw crazy things your way and the outcome of the situation is completely, 100%, up to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I personally feel that in light of situations like this, people have 2 choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can either accept the situation how it is and try to find the good in it or succumb to negativity and become taken over by said situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have to tell you, sometimes..it’s reaaaaaaalllllly reaaaallllllly hard to find the postives. Crazy hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, for me, I’d rather see the good than the bad, even when the situation sucks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_Bz9Xufr_EE3Yu07kR60SkvgTgsGm2uNsIerJJ5Dn3LBSsP5e8FwliuIw8YiFTULY-1OaneKkQvRkEI0Ae1_5ZrzH0OR6TW2OroD3FT5dW4xUeOrNo7r9KDrSmhF17lDKlQrAMF-nKI3/s1600/itiswhatitis.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_Bz9Xufr_EE3Yu07kR60SkvgTgsGm2uNsIerJJ5Dn3LBSsP5e8FwliuIw8YiFTULY-1OaneKkQvRkEI0Ae1_5ZrzH0OR6TW2OroD3FT5dW4xUeOrNo7r9KDrSmhF17lDKlQrAMF-nKI3/s320/itiswhatitis.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">You live and you learn rings true in this regard as in every struggle, you learn something about yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One may learn they are stronger, more confident, or brave then they originally thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another may learn a valuable life lesson by tough love.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DLhZYksBXm7qeNn6mVHgY9SmULLxY8YTXaYplcfL5LBLnS2cXdnPdD6Z8tdoSM2NXdMEImZ6cxeaIFA4v8Etupkl08mY68PQWi1AP1Iqm6zZ6Fw-NHe4Kxsr3FGEffXIE7I25LslGKrY/s1600/changes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DLhZYksBXm7qeNn6mVHgY9SmULLxY8YTXaYplcfL5LBLnS2cXdnPdD6Z8tdoSM2NXdMEImZ6cxeaIFA4v8Etupkl08mY68PQWi1AP1Iqm6zZ6Fw-NHe4Kxsr3FGEffXIE7I25LslGKrY/s320/changes.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">You may be wondering what ‘positives’ I’ve found in this situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, I’m still searching for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The agreement with my ex and I was that he would have my son one week a month and we would alternate flying my little guy back and forth. As usual, I have high hopes the situation will work out and possibly, some fun Arizona opportunities will come my way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyi4rNd3hphBCUmuVK1M3EJ-wa4k2nFKrcCUchYH3BGRNIz9pB1Df0ypNYrCsqHXPSGvgtnwFWUp6iIaqNYeqemB7esIAz6BxUxYRTpL5NkLYSD1zgLO2Iu5_Wp6u-rvmUhAE4VPFQyJ0/s1600/pinterest_com+-+think+happy+be+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyi4rNd3hphBCUmuVK1M3EJ-wa4k2nFKrcCUchYH3BGRNIz9pB1Df0ypNYrCsqHXPSGvgtnwFWUp6iIaqNYeqemB7esIAz6BxUxYRTpL5NkLYSD1zgLO2Iu5_Wp6u-rvmUhAE4VPFQyJ0/s320/pinterest_com+-+think+happy+be+happy.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-62491541995823858932013-02-28T11:44:00.001-08:002013-02-28T11:44:29.789-08:00utah fun and blog conference<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Happy Thursday everyone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Over Valentine's Day weekend, I traveled to SLC to attend a blogging convention. The convention was ran by the wonderful girls at six sister's stuff and I was VERY impressed with the entire experience. The convention was filled with insightful tips, tricks of the trade, and lots of fun. I met so many wonderful ladies and I'm so grateful I was able to attend this conference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Other than the conference, my gentleman friend and I shopped at the fabulous City Creek, went on some fun drives through the mountains, visited with his cute sister and her family, and pretty much ate our way through the city. Below are a few snapshots from the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">B and I being the tourists that we are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6QkrML77zFBYw8ns0JiLiuiseAX7ddwmOt71O-J-b66dwNWDmKWC0exogqpJ215XxNx7gIgkqurwhANEvCTE3xeJT3jWqXug5-z-r58x6XZVJHCFlTG-CK_q1dF-HYP170sZOfmNKtmX/s1600/hihutah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6QkrML77zFBYw8ns0JiLiuiseAX7ddwmOt71O-J-b66dwNWDmKWC0exogqpJ215XxNx7gIgkqurwhANEvCTE3xeJT3jWqXug5-z-r58x6XZVJHCFlTG-CK_q1dF-HYP170sZOfmNKtmX/s320/hihutah.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">First stop, Cafe Rio of course!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiIxd8j17Q9pYFZz0FNf4cdMghBRp85Qf6u03TrpBkscyk0HmZvbq1HLSIdhTVrCGp403_C7dJn3swpk1Tion4tbuWgHtQSWq9H0_ePLOwLYRGgHopJXS24HAtHrFByVk5lvUvOs066D1/s1600/hihu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiIxd8j17Q9pYFZz0FNf4cdMghBRp85Qf6u03TrpBkscyk0HmZvbq1HLSIdhTVrCGp403_C7dJn3swpk1Tion4tbuWgHtQSWq9H0_ePLOwLYRGgHopJXS24HAtHrFByVk5lvUvOs066D1/s320/hihu.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Dinner at Ruth Chris in Park City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSeIgH7LGJRqlzj1j4GxSPwObNtp-FqnVEhQERg62V0XJSM8Ao6JJhMYXrWv5UMyf-D8Fr0ijRPZenRQnwcVMaoLwHCi2C6i1yKNJ_RWX3-TFcr1gKuf_6nF4q1GSr-RQoWjzVZrBVOYh/s1600/hihhhhh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSeIgH7LGJRqlzj1j4GxSPwObNtp-FqnVEhQERg62V0XJSM8Ao6JJhMYXrWv5UMyf-D8Fr0ijRPZenRQnwcVMaoLwHCi2C6i1yKNJ_RWX3-TFcr1gKuf_6nF4q1GSr-RQoWjzVZrBVOYh/s320/hihhhhh.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Love me some Pellegrino.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mzaYj1qISYqshAw46H-YuZ-8rqKj0X5KuNWrqIKnIMDgs38I6zxrx-xsFaTFAq8jJCqDYl2E3EZUIQQi6E3oD0tVoRcU-unRFi2mtbHxq3Xy6ACNc4SIePfRs_TcZdHs713kfxi3D6vd/s1600/hihj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mzaYj1qISYqshAw46H-YuZ-8rqKj0X5KuNWrqIKnIMDgs38I6zxrx-xsFaTFAq8jJCqDYl2E3EZUIQQi6E3oD0tVoRcU-unRFi2mtbHxq3Xy6ACNc4SIePfRs_TcZdHs713kfxi3D6vd/s320/hihj.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Yummy dessert.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA2aEI6xxFwgt-gx0KbxQEDQFSmlg3_4l81_4v0v-ucFjX1t1klSJlfUD2ydhshFELx6NOSkSjE8Wpd1iGIjN-ceeggF6l7I5SGFdVYn9SkfoDvo2_-Ow4T-JcsGW6Y0r0Fu3Z6dyhbyj/s1600/hoi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA2aEI6xxFwgt-gx0KbxQEDQFSmlg3_4l81_4v0v-ucFjX1t1klSJlfUD2ydhshFELx6NOSkSjE8Wpd1iGIjN-ceeggF6l7I5SGFdVYn9SkfoDvo2_-Ow4T-JcsGW6Y0r0Fu3Z6dyhbyj/s320/hoi.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Beautiful Utah.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-27181051822037754142013-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:002013-02-26T11:00:37.580-08:00weekend update<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Spent some time exchanging cuddles with my sweet little man.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVuvj4GUD2B1eaWfqE7IstECPQLnenFJRy6_zrOqohl57zn13eed8fuoNWGyo656XcOsUTQQw1GOdagH6q5BcRR5xvSgmTflHg3jTfqxJfyQmZ0UVIouCqop-d_hp-25jWDfTLh5txcb3/s1600/redrobin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVuvj4GUD2B1eaWfqE7IstECPQLnenFJRy6_zrOqohl57zn13eed8fuoNWGyo656XcOsUTQQw1GOdagH6q5BcRR5xvSgmTflHg3jTfqxJfyQmZ0UVIouCqop-d_hp-25jWDfTLh5txcb3/s320/redrobin.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Treated myself to some Costa Vida. This may or may not have been the 3rd time I've ate there this week.</span></b><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Booked plane tickets to sunny California in April! woohooooo!!</span></strong><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Spent some time shopping with my little guy.</span></b><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Cried my eyes out during Safe Haven. One would think that the milkshake and candy (#fatkid) I ate during the movie my comfort my tears, but I was wrong.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">and last but not least.... watched the Oscars! After I spent hours drooling over the beautiful designer gowns, I bring to you my favorite red carpet styles.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Without futher ado:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Kerry Washington in Miu Miu</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnHOx56OSbf8-9mggvdPCLkP0XRUROhyphenhyphen5Dg_er_ztDPpAZjTvAuNAqVrQwrZgZ340RV07LxkL1ggai4eTt97Ddmd7ZwvNG4T-g6ZV_HfzriRZ8EyZG8EVDLIB_uP72uVKpZfxOEFjyWtR/s1600/oscars-2013-kerry-washington-miu-miu-h724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnHOx56OSbf8-9mggvdPCLkP0XRUROhyphenhyphen5Dg_er_ztDPpAZjTvAuNAqVrQwrZgZ340RV07LxkL1ggai4eTt97Ddmd7ZwvNG4T-g6ZV_HfzriRZ8EyZG8EVDLIB_uP72uVKpZfxOEFjyWtR/s320/oscars-2013-kerry-washington-miu-miu-h724.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille</span></strong></div>
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<br /><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Anne Hathaway in Prada. Okay okay... you may be thinking... Anne was a hot mess during the Oscars, why include her? Even though the dress is pretty boring, she still was stunning.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">It's your turn! How was your weekend? Who were your Oscar faves? I'd love to hear :)</span></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-15056788480392511552013-02-25T13:02:00.000-08:002013-02-25T13:02:27.721-08:00manners monday: shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGWXBr7fbimVWX8QarIchIzOkhw7ncMwC_mGefi9LNRTxQY-lOyr3J6tuV0cKA1qjucpLFaWhFI0KM8k2IvgpNnQUHFa3qt7KibYOFRXCxiW8miPxqq_a0UDV3kwswlVWjbCYwgzRM_ld/s1600/mannersmonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGWXBr7fbimVWX8QarIchIzOkhw7ncMwC_mGefi9LNRTxQY-lOyr3J6tuV0cKA1qjucpLFaWhFI0KM8k2IvgpNnQUHFa3qt7KibYOFRXCxiW8miPxqq_a0UDV3kwswlVWjbCYwgzRM_ld/s320/mannersmonday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">After spending a few years as a bridal consultant, I can honestly say I’m shocked by some people’s behavior when shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, I occasionally gave my brides the benefit of the doubt as I know firsthand how much stress is associated with wedding planning, but still… stress is no excuse for being rude.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">After leaving the bridal industry, I can justly say that I’ve seen everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That being said, I tip my hat to anyone working in retail.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p>Enjoy!!</o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Smile.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First impressions are everything and a simple smile will not only put you in a better mood, it can raise a salesperson’s spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Greet the salesperson if they don’t greet you.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the salesperson doesn’t greet you, don’t take it personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are most likely distracted or may not know you are there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">If you don’t want help, say ‘I’m just browsing/looking around’.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone who goes shopping knows exactly what they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we want to spend a leisurely afternoon just browsing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found it odd that the people who in fact just want to browse don’t communicate this to the salesperson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result from not communicating, these browsers end up feeling pressured and have a bad experience at the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in my bridal days, when I would tell people where I worked, they would ask ‘Why aren’t customers allowed to just look around’ or tell me some bad experience they had while trying to browse. Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bottom line:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communicate with the salesperson if you just want to look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will alleviate stress from both you and the salesperson… and trust me, you will end up with all the uninterrupted browsing time your heart desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you experience a pushy salesperson, the key is letting them know you’ll find <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them</i> when you need help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">If you have a question, ASK</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is pretty dang simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a question about a sale, ASK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are unsure of a price, ASK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want a price estimate, ASK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of shoppers assume the shirt they want is on sale or hope the cashier will honor their expired coupon at checkout. One can alleviate a lot of stress (and embarrassment) at the checkout if questions are brought up early on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">If necessary, make an appointment.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you plan on shopping at a venue that takes appointments or pairs you up with a personal shopper/consultant and are unsure if you need an appointment or not, I’d highly suggest calling the business and asking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also important to be respectful to the staff at businesses that require appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should you be turned away from a bridal shop because you didn’t have an appointment, its bad practice to cause a stir and be mouthy with the staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have an appointment, it’s disrespectful to show up late or even worse, not show up at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Patience is a virtue.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shopping, especially during the holidays, can be very stressful time for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind that although you can’t stand another minute shimmying through the loud, noisy, cranky holiday crowd, the salegirl probably feels the same way and has another 7 hours left in her shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, it’s important to remember the first come, first serve rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because you have a yoga class in 45 doesn’t give you special treatment to cut in front of me in line, sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Complain to the correct person.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahh, the complainers…oh how I love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dealt with MANY bridezillas back in my day and I always thought it was funny that they would complain to everyone with a David’s Bridal badge on before speaking to the manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yelling at a salesclerk isn’t going to solve your problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one needs to complain, I highly suggest going straight to the manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As tempting as it is to vent to the cashier about the lack of size 7 shoes in stock, that cashier won’t be able to help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, after one has approached the manager, I suggest framing the complaint clearly and simply. No venting, please.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Dress appropriately.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s 2013 and by now everyone should have seen Peopleofwalmart.com, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clothing that certain individuals think is socially acceptable for wearing in public still amazes me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, if you know you’re going to the mall why not put on a bra?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just last week I was at Bed Bath and Beyond and saw a girl wearing cotton bootyshorts with ‘lovergirl’ on the behind, a white tank top (that barely covered her tummy) with a hot pink lacy bra peeking out, and boots on a 43 degree day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah…. You get my point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Clean up after yourself.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve all been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We excitedly rush into the fitting room and not being able to hang our clothes up due to the 5 shirts taking up hanger space, 3 pairs of jeans laying on the ground, and a couple dresses, inside out, strewn across the bench in the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Don’t expect a personal shopper.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve witnessed plenty a women get their feathers ruffled after a salesgirl went to help another customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s common in retail to have 3 or 4 scheduled workers on the sales floor each shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to weekends, sales, and holidays stores are slightly busier and although the salesgirl assisting you would like to give you one-on-one attention the entire afternoon while you try on everything in the petites section, the salesgirl has other customers to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a dire need for one-on-one attention, I suggest shopping during hours where the store is less busy or calling the manager ahead of time to make arrangements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-62847155641962958332013-02-24T11:42:00.002-08:002013-02-24T11:42:45.672-08:00if you give a baby a camera...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Sunday!!!</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-3454545598371691102013-02-21T16:51:00.000-08:002013-02-23T08:27:06.771-08:00things i don’t understand thursday: the female edition<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><i>Happy Thursday everyone! A couple weeks ago I posted a few things that puzzle me about the male species. I’m going to flip the script this week as this post is aimed towards to female side of things. If you have ever been in a sorority, on an all-girls team, or been in an environment with tons of women you are bound to meet LOTS of different personalities.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><i>Diversity is a wonderful, fabulous thing…but occasionally you may encounter gals that make you take a step back and think to yourself ‘Seriously!! What is her deal?’<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><i>Contrary to popular belief, not all girls fit into the ‘sugar and spice and everything nice’ camp. Not all women have tact and know what’s appropriate. Not all ladies actually know how to act like ladies.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><i>Here we go!! Enjoy!</i></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Frenemies.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Call me crazy, but I’ve never understood the dynamic of having a ‘frenemy’. The whole idea is just so unhealthy. I’m a competitive person by nature, but I’ve never ever ever ever had the need to want to compete with a friend.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Workout wear.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> As glamorous as I try to be, I seriously don’t understand why some girls doll themselves up the way they do. The whole shebang consisting of a face full of make-up, perfectly curled hair, and a perfectly matched outfit is a tad too much in my opinion. You’ve probably seen them, glistening gently, while attempting to read their Glamour mag, take a drink of water (from a bottle that coincidently matches their outfit), and text while going half the normal speed on the elliptical.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Checking boyfriend/husband’s phone.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> I know MANY of girls who are prone to checking their boyfriend’s phone on occasion. I’ve seen it all, everything from the simple run to the bathroom with his phone for a quick peak into who he’s been texting to actually checking his phone, nightly, after he goes to sleep. It’s understandable that different girls have different relationship dynamics and they are probably used to this type of thing, but it still makes me think that they need to be looking at <i>why </i>they need to do this. What do they think they’ll find? If they feel their man is keeping things from them and the only way they’ll find out is through being sneaky and checking his phone, there is definitely a big problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">The Mark Zuckerberg effect.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Facebook, Facebook, Facebook….where shall I start? Facebook does great things. It connects people and gives you the opportunity to keep in touch with family, friends, and loved ones. Facebook gives you the opportunity to share personal milestones and expose new chapters in life in real time. That being said, some gals see where others are in life and start to feel a bit bad. The 20s are a tough time for everyone, so seeing Jane’s status update about her new corporate job in a high rise can be a tad unsettling if you are still shuffling papers at your (unpaid) internship. Tuning in over Christmas break and seeing shiny rocks and happy engagement posts can really put life in perspective for someone who has struggled dating. I’ve had a few friends come to me while they were in major slumps in life. At first they couldn’t identify why they were in such a slump, but after breaking things down a bit they discovered it was triggered by a couple Facebook posts. Long story short, no matter how secure a woman is, Facebook does have a weird way of making us think ‘Wow, she has a hot husband/clean house/big house/Louboutins/better figure/kids/better job than me/more friends/more money/better hair…What am I doing wrong?’</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Lindsay Lohan syndrome.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Bless her sweet little heart. What has happened to the sweet Lindsay causing a ruckus in the Parent Trap? What happened to the Lindsay I was so jealous of because she got to kiss Chad Michael Murray during Freaky Friday? Somewhere between Georgia Rule and her 1<sup>st</sup> rehab stint, she went downhill…fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Back to my point. I have always questioned why certain females have a Lindsay Lohan-syndrome where staying out all night partying, getting arrested, and assaulting people is common. I have known a few girls that execute the Vegas/bachelorette style drinking every weekend. These weekend warriors live to party. I’m all for people celebrating what’s important to them, and hey…if you’d rather spend every weekend partying it up, more power to them. The only problem I have with these pre-funk princesses is their reluctance to enjoy situations that aren’t fuelled with alcohol. I’ve seen major anxiety and discontent at events where drinking isn’t present. I’ve seen lots of anger over brunch invitations, who knew suggesting 11:00am on a Saturday was such a big no no? Ugh. Another thing I wonder is if these folks are so used to drinking, how in the world do they still lose things, get into altercations, and get sick? One would think that a seasoned person would know their limit, know NOT to ask another girl at a charity event if her dress is real or a knock off, or for goodness sakes know NOT to leave your TB clutch on the table when you go to the restroom because that shiz will be gone before you know it and you’ll be out $350 dollars.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Kettle black criticism.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Before you start shaking your finger at me, let me retract for a second. I strongly believe that EVERYONE is beautiful. No matter what disability, race, creed, gender, height, jean size, hair color/texture, amount of freckles, skin complexion, or what labels your rocking, I see beauty in everyone. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that don’t. What is even more unfortunate is sometimes people who may be battling an certain vanity/self-esteem issue will target others with the same issue and criticize them. It happens all the time and it seriously bugs the crap out of me. Just last week, I heard a women with a stronger build gossip about another, making several comments about her weight and went on to state that her husband should maybe limit her diet because she’s ‘let herself go’. Rude, rude, rude. I wanted to march over to the gossipy lady and snatch the greasy fried chicken and fries from her just because of the weight comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">I’ve noticed over time that someone who is unhappy with their looks, will highlight other’s problems instead of working on their own. In the past, I had a beautiful friend who had very intense vanity/self-confidence issues and went about criticizing others in a very unique way. At first, instead of being judgmental towards others she would ‘fish’ for negative comments about other girls. When talking to guys, she would suggest a friend that was definitely not the guy’s type and fish for reasons why he didn’t want to date her. Normally the reasons would include the gal’s weight, which was interesting as this gal’s main problem was with her weight. She then would go about setting up a group gathering after telling the friend that the guy was interested. Normally, the girl’s feelings would be majorly hurt because hey, it would totally suck to think a guy totally digs you and then find out in an embarrassing way in front of both his friends and yours that he doesn’t. In the end, the gal who set everything up would take conscious effort in comforting her friend who was rejected and act as if she had no clue in the world that this would happen. The gal that I spoke of was able to feel better about herself, but it was at the cost to others. Although I don’t have much communication with this gal anymore, I sincerely hope that she will outgrow this pattern and learn that she has so much to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Jealousy.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> I don’t mean to be that girl, but Keri Hilson was spot on when she said ‘jealousy is the ugliest trait’. Jealousy IS ugly and very unproductive. I heard somewhere that jealousy is essentially counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. I love that quote because if you look at everything and covet what they have, you don’t have time to notice what you actually have. It’s sad how girls will become jealous of someone else and assume that the person is stuck up/mean/rude just because they are pretty. I don’t like the notion that all ‘pretty girls’ <i>know </i>they are pretty. It’s true, some girls let the beauty go to their head, but most don’t. Some of the most beautiful people I’ve met have turned out to be the nicest, most humble girls around. I’ve also seen jealousy turn a great friendship into a toxic one. In this day and age, I’m saddened to see that us women can’t be happy for each other.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Cliquiness and exclusivity.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> The hardest part of planning a party/get together for me would be finding people’s addresses. For some girls, the hardest part is the guest list. Who knew creating a guest list would be so trying? Personally, I’d be exhausted if I took half the time other’s spend deciding who they should invite, who will be upset if they aren’t invited, how to deal with ones who didn’t make the cut, what to say to the people that aren’t coming, how to respond if someone questions why a person isn’t coming, wondering if people judge them by not inviting said person, and so forth. Not much ticks me off more than this. If I have a party, I invite <b>everyone</b>. If there is strife between the girls I’m inviting, I’d suggest they put their big girl panties on and deal with it. Never in a million years would I let someone talk me out of inviting another friend. This actually happened to me a couple of years ago where a vacation was planned, the plane tickets were bought, and guess who wasn’t invited…me. My being an advocate for never excluding people I was more annoyed with the situation than sad. The funny thing was that the gal who was planning it didn’t really try to keep it private. I actually didn’t find out about said trip until not 1, but 2 coworkers AND my brother questioned why I wasn’t going. It gets worse. To add insult to injury, the following week I was approached by a female acquaintance who alerted me that she was invited, but politely declined because she didn’t know the girls too well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This seems silly, but this situation really put things in perspective for me. Despite my girly girl, pageant loving, let’s do our nails while we watch the bachelor nature, I’ve never had too many female friends growing up. Being pretty naïve and inexperienced in female friendships, I was quick to give the benefit of the doubt, quick to let things slide, and even quicker to forgive. Sadly, this isn’t the first time things have gotten rocky with this particular group of gals. Something about this situation just stuck out and made me see things clearly. As much as I wanted friends, I didn’t need to lose my self-respect in order to keep them. Bottom line: friends don’t exclude friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><i>I apologize for getting SO off track there! Sometimes we all need to vent, right? Now it’s your turn!! What things puzzle you about the wonderful female gender?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><i>Much love!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-68201560893371721432013-02-20T08:32:00.002-08:002013-02-20T08:32:31.614-08:00an ode to spencer hastings<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Over the past few years, I have tuned in weekly to enjoy one of my favorite guilty pleasures formally known as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pretty Little Liars</b>. Despite being aired on ABC Family, the show has kept my attention with its mature plotline and great casting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite character is Spencer Hastings, played by </span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Troian Bellisario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hard to please when it comes to fashion, but Spencer definitely wins my vote of best fashionista on TV.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVquMcdRStzLSV-lsQCfMMNV2PrxdG6Z-qp15wXoqYvrEZUV4oWr3fhaoN_J6j_bZZMJTuuAgnTMVka2IJusYvvj93Kr4cN5M60GhKMcLr6MSaUh229wXcjeGX_WIFlWHsdmGqIVF1YEk/s1600/spence3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVquMcdRStzLSV-lsQCfMMNV2PrxdG6Z-qp15wXoqYvrEZUV4oWr3fhaoN_J6j_bZZMJTuuAgnTMVka2IJusYvvj93Kr4cN5M60GhKMcLr6MSaUh229wXcjeGX_WIFlWHsdmGqIVF1YEk/s320/spence3.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p><a href="http://www.witandfancy.com/2012/01/19/character-style-profile-spencer-hastings-all-american-overachiever/"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Spencer rocks it each and every episode with her New England prepster style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She keeps it classy and simple by sticking with muted colors , mixing up masculine and feminine basics, and layering up to add that extra something to a somewhat blah outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Take a look at some of my favorite Pretty Little Liars fashions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=spencer+pretty+little+liars&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=9DEkUaXmMunsiQLFzoHQDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=598#imgrc=1vFZKGaXt51f0M%3A%3BsXKtc6J-gHM_DM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimages5.fanpop.com%252Fimage%252Fphotos%252F31300000%252Fpretty-little-liars-Spencer-pretty-little-liars-tv-show-31378129-480-640.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.fanpop.com%252Fclubs%252Fpretty-little-liars-tv-show%252Fimages%252F31378129%252Ftitle%252Fpretty-little-liars-spencer%3B480%3B64"><span style="background-color: white; color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?start=185&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbnid=lQU8oYl8JgAH2M:&imgrefurl=http://makemelovemaya.blogspot.com/2011/07/dressing-like-spencer-hastings.html&docid=JS4SoZcyq3oKxM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSTwMwPLUxlFLVk1tL-EGAxaYHGLdLb29Cq3fw1qVY5AWXW7r-8YDoy_7ockl8kleRwOTb8rqPqgFMfUqHgStuWwwdeckCJV2WQFmjEKaUPWpONUh1imiecDsaI4wcSkvnPNKOPnyP5iZ/s320/pretty-little-liars-spencer-in-the-calderbrook-blouse.png&w=264&h=320&ei=rG4kUcTmNsrKigKojIDwAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,i:301&iact=rc&dur=833&sig=114928148765678064721&page=10&tbnh=195&tbnw=153&ndsp=19&tx=93&ty=64"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?start=311&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbnid=17UgbFr_mmg2TM:&imgrefurl=http://www.youknowyoulovefashion.com/prettylittleliars/tag/byron&docid=49r7DgESxtLeFM&imgurl=http://www.youknowyoulovefashion.com/storage/prettylittleliars/season3/0308/0308Spencer04.jpg%253F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%253D1343965537435&w=592&h=627&ei=c28kUbf8I4LIiwKfnoCAAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,i:58&iact=rc&dur=1295&sig=114928148765678064721&page=16&tbnh=178&tbnw=179&ndsp=20&tx=39&ty=61"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=spencer+pretty+little+liars&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=9DEkUaXmMunsiQLFzoHQDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=598#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=troian+bellisario+spencer&revid=613543292&sa=X&ei=_3AkUfu3FNHOigKvwYDYCQ&ved=0CFsQgxY&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42661473,d.cGE&fp=1ac909f05d3d0fd&biw=1366&bih=598&imgrc=xV6Sa-0SQ3b4UM%3A%3BvZPlFZbJQ3mMNM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsashalondon.files.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F02%252Ftroian-bellisario-pretty-little-liars-spencer-5.jpg%253Fw%253D620%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsashalondon.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F02%252F20%252Ftv-show-divas-pretty-little-liars%252F%3B500%3B281"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=spencer+pretty+little+liars&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=9DEkUaXmMunsiQLFzoHQDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=598#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=troian+bellisario+spencer&revid=613543292&sa=X&ei=_3AkUfu3FNHOigKvwYDYCQ&ved=0CFsQgxY&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42661473,d.cGE&fp=1ac909f05d3d0fd&biw=1366&bih=598&imgrc=xV6Sa-0SQ3b4UM%3A%3BvZPlFZbJQ3mMNM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsashalondon.files.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F02%252Ftroian-bellisario-pretty-little-liars-spencer-5.jpg%253Fw%253D620%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsashalondon.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F02%252F20%252Ftv-show-divas-pretty-little-liars%252F%3B500%3B281"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4eBSBrmU4gN3psgw569q1JXe3WVIS8-ESZex5lI6t2A0M6bxo1U8Isw8qZk-tfPOsLsfQdOD-a2_yoD7WrCf6AV9zWBA4yKzksrrTjc30OI9BBNRvmSSCjpRitSl3La0zlcjgbNOcKCF/s1600/spencer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4eBSBrmU4gN3psgw569q1JXe3WVIS8-ESZex5lI6t2A0M6bxo1U8Isw8qZk-tfPOsLsfQdOD-a2_yoD7WrCf6AV9zWBA4yKzksrrTjc30OI9BBNRvmSSCjpRitSl3La0zlcjgbNOcKCF/s320/spencer.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.witandfancy.com/2012/01/19/character-style-profile-spencer-hastings-all-american-overachiever/"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://dollygoesfashion.blogspot.com/2011/12/spencer-hastings-troian-bellisario.html"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: xx-small;">cred</span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-67632607878942486782013-02-07T11:26:00.002-08:002013-02-08T07:07:59.544-08:00things I don’t understand thursday: the ‘man’ edition<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">For the most part, the male species is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes, you wake up and realize the honeymoon phase is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The honeymoon phase is often referenced in relationships when one becomes settled in a relationship and stops the gogo eyes and pet names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the honeymoon phase ends, it’s really confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that the relationship loses its original luster…you just become comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">The same thing happens somewhere down the road when you’re married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When everything was once sunshine and puppydog tails, you’ll eventually start noticing new lovely ‘man habits’ that you once ignored before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listed below are examples of such ‘man habits’ and other manly traits I will never understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Their ability to forget important dates and conversations.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">What has always baffled me is that men can sit and appear ‘all there’ when you remind them that they need to drive Sarah to school on Wednesday, but when Wednesday morning comes…the somehow have no clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do they forget important things, they somehow seem to recover from their premature dementia and have the knowledge of Rain Man when it comes to sports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">They act shocked when us women don’t understand their manly interests/topics.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Not only do men expect us to be up to date with sports knowledge and what’s all the rage in the workout world, they make things even harder for us by using shortened names or code/slang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Durant was on fire in the Boston game last week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry, but I know a lot of women who’d be very confused by that statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Outfit choices.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Most men are clueless when it comes to fashion. I’m still amazed with some of the ensembles they come up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Us women have the added joy of redressing our children after daddy thought a red, sleeveless Cars pajama top, tan and plaid pants, and grey slippers go together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">They forget where everything is.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Have you seen the remote? Do you know where my blue shirt is? Can you call my phone for me? I can’t find it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Man colds.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">The funny thing about a ‘man cold’ is that a simple cough or cold mean they have the plague.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A once manly man will end up laid out in bed complaining every 5 minutes (just in case you didn’t notice they were sick) and refuse any medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Insatiable hunger.</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Sure men have heart appetites and are built bigger than us dainty women, but do they need to eat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I say everything, I mean everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you think that your Applebee’s take out will be there in the morning to bring to work, you better think twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are thinking of going back for seconds, that food is probably gonna be gone before you hit your main course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also while we are on the subject of hunger, I’ve never understood men’s fast food choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 big macs, a large fry, a McFlurry, and a diet Coke?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who does that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Goodness, I could go on and on but I should really stop now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">How about you guys? Can you think of anything that baffles you about our male counterparts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any annoyances?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-74432274065646996902013-02-04T15:10:00.001-08:002013-02-04T15:10:57.102-08:00Manners Monday: the modern career woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycqvKv41tLDWGmkMToVh9jZrbpqCAodex15Cd4jwgDeGiX0sColEzp9d8SuJu-RygW-jeADuelxMg0AWfrEx-JqqnA6Ob5hgyv7gcWb7jpo1NECscO2U9XZxcwYarLKn3IvTGJz3ZlrmU/s1600/mannersmonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycqvKv41tLDWGmkMToVh9jZrbpqCAodex15Cd4jwgDeGiX0sColEzp9d8SuJu-RygW-jeADuelxMg0AWfrEx-JqqnA6Ob5hgyv7gcWb7jpo1NECscO2U9XZxcwYarLKn3IvTGJz3ZlrmU/s320/mannersmonday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Hi all! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Unfortunately, the weekend ended too soon for me and now it's Monday. Yuck. Back to life, and back to the reality of heading back to work. For all of you who may be sharing a manic Monday with me, I hope you enjoy my career inspired post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">For us women, times AND expectations have changed for us job-wise. In the early days, it was much easier for children to live off their parent's dime then it is today. Gals could breeze through college and if they weren't married, they could move away to 'find themselves' without the expectation of them getting a job. Today, things are way different. College is spendy. So is life after college. Sure, there are a few trust fund babies who can bat an eyelash and daddy will buy them a Bentley and cover their bills, but for most of us...this doesn't happen. That being said, entering the workforce can be tricky and us ladies may encounter several unexpected roadblocks. Below I have listed a few tricks and tips and tricks that have always worked for me. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 1: Be on time<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">This shouldn't be too hard, right? Wrong. For some folks, getting to work on time after a morning of juggling children, commuting, or even primping yourself for the day can be a total chore. The truth is, not everyone is a morning person. Even if we aren't we should try are hardest to fake it for our employer's sake. Getting to work on time shows that you are reliable, and reliability is very important in the eyes of our employer's. Even if your manager is totally lax in regards to punctuality, you may still run the risk of losing a promotion to another team member due to this.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 2: Choose your attire wisely. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">'First impressions are everything', 'Dress for success', 'Dress for the job you want, not the job you have'. I bet you have heard these phrases more than once, right? I can't stress these 3 statements enough. I feel it's very important to be conscious of what you wear to work. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Some jobs out there are filled to the brim with singles who have just graduated college. The girls who take these jobs want to look cute and sometimes looking cutes enables them to become lax about dress codes and modesty. Yes, these girls will probably snag some attention from their male counterparts but may snag some negative attention as well. Employers notice what we wear way more than we actually realize. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A simple shift dress, skirt (knee length preferably) and cute top, or slacks and a blouse can do wonders for your professional image. Some may think that work clothes are boring and ugly. If you are one that frowns upon frumpy work wear, I'd suggest jazzing up and outfit with accessories. A scarf, statement necklace, or fun pair of shoes can add a little spice to what once was a bland outfit. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 3: Don't gossip or buddy up. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">As simple as it sounds, not gossiping can be extremely hard for some. One of the worst things a person can do to their personal and professional image is gossip in the workplace. Not only can it damage another person’s character, it can ruin your credibility as an employee. I will get into the subject of gossip another time, but I'd like to reiterate that it's an absolute no-no in the career world. Keep the gossip and snark for after work, please.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">At a conference a few years back, one speaker noted the importance of not eating with the same person at lunch every day. The speaker went on to explain that if you lunch with the same person every day, others may be less likely to approach you or connect with you. Why you may ask? The reason is, by spending each lunch with your work BFF, you will be viewed as cliqueish. Bosses are drawn to employees who can get along and engage with everyone and even something as small as this can cause your manager to get the wrong idea about you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 4: Find your ‘groove’…and stick with it. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Establishing your personal groove/routine is an essential part of being successful in your career. When I first started at my job, I was a unorganized mess. I had poor time management skills and I let task just pile up. One day, I buckled down and decided I’d create a routine each morning to eliminate being drowned with work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out, this totally worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if your routine/groove is a bit silly, it will not only help you stay organized, it will reduce your stress level and leave you feeling that you are on top of things.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 5: Communicate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A past mentor once told me to ‘communicate until I’m blue in the face’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communication with your management and team members is VERY important. Keeping work at work and home at home is all well and good, but this occasionally causes employers (and teammates) to feel left in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are juggling a busy schedule outside of work, let your boss know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He or she may be able to work with you and adjust your schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have children and you need an occasional afternoon off to volunteer at their school, keep you leader in the know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrary to popular belief, managers are quite empathetic towards situations with children. If you keep them in the know, they are willing to work with you if you need a couple days off to be with a sick child, a morning off to take your child to preschool, and even may send you home early on days that work is slow.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Another point that I often stress is the importance of asking for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the workplace, there is no such thing as a stupid question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, not asking can get you in more trouble and make you look for silly than actually asking the question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past, I was one to keep to myself and not ask anyone for help when I was overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What resulted from this was a huge workload and me second guessing my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short: It never hurts to ask. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 6: Be open to differences in ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">The workplace is a melting pot of all different types of people, views, beliefs, and customs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to such diversity, you may run into people that you’ll butt heads with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t yet, it’s bound to happen…very soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in the situation, my best advice is to take a step back and realize that if everyone in the world thought exactly the same, the world would be a pretty boring place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if think your co-worker is the most ridiculous, annoying, airhead, it’s important to be open to their ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind it takes a lot of balls for some to vocalize and suggest new ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">The same thing goes for differences in people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s never polite to exclude co-workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you feel like you have nothing in common with the 50 year old secretary, the timid girl in finance, or the slightly nerdy guy in engineering, it’s important to include and be friendly to everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, you never know….that shy timid girl in finance could end up being your new best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 7: Keep your word<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">If you are going to call a customer back, do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you told billing you’d have all invoices in by noon, make sure they have been sent and on the billing manager’s desk by 11:59.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s plain and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you say are you going to do something, do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you run into obstacles or need an extension on time, communicate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By not keeping your word, you will appear unreliable…and hey, who wants that?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 8: Go the extra mile<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Sometimes the going the extra mile on a task/project/report can set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Think about it, you may have spent the last few hours working on a mind numbing excel spreadsheet and would love nothing more than to press send then bolt out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What harm would it cause make a quick follow up phone call to the recipient to confirm the work is done and offer support should any questions arise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you go that extra mile, it will not only benefit your professional image, it will make you feel better about yourself and more proud of your work.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 9: Don’t be a ‘yes girl’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">For some, saying no is pretty dang easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, for pleasers out there (like me), this can be a tad bit tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all of us who love to lend a helping hand, knowing when to say no is a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My best advice for fellow’ yes girls’ is to take a step back and look at your own workload before adding another’s to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally, our willingness to serve can be misconstrued, thus causing us to be viewed as pushovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone asks you to complete a last minute project and you already have a lot on your plate, I suggest being up front about your current workload: ‘Oh no! I wish I could help you, but I am swamped with repair tickets.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they push or give you an excuse why they reeeallly need your help, suggest they come back and ask in a day or two: ‘I’m busy with repairs and tickets, but can possibly get to it in a couple days. Check back with me on Thursday and I’ll have a better idea of what my workload is like.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Number 10: Be careful about what you post online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">If you want to be taken seriously in the workplace, I’d highly suggest tweaking your Facebook (and Twitter) privacy settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HR departments are checking your social media sites more than you think these days and even the smallest amount of unsavory content can keep you from getting a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your friends may enjoy the pics from last summer’s trip to Vegas, but your company may not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may think your table dancing pictures are cute, but I bet your potential employer won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One should be very careful about what is posted on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are one who isn’t into the whole privacy setting thing, I suggest spot checking your social media sites for anything that may put you in a bad light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good rule of thumb is: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t want your mom to see it…your boss won’t want to see it either.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Now it's your turn! Do any of you have any pointers that or tips that I missed? I'd love to hear!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-28148816385505944722013-02-02T15:49:00.002-08:002013-02-02T15:49:48.325-08:00bavarian bliss + cabin fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Saturday everyone! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last weekend was my son's weekend with his father, so a few friends and I rented a fun cabin a few minutes outside of Leavenworth Washington. Leavenworth is a gorgeous little town with tons of Bavarian charm. This was my first visit and I totally fell in love. I was very impressed as every business in town (even streamlined ones like Starbucks and Safeway) went along with the Bavarian theme. Below are a few snapshots from the trip, enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH7C-ET8A_JzFUqtRweVnXRXH8lUt99udhnaY8q5xbMjXRf39_9rnxy-F-xciUkKrxg-SrNPQK7x2d7u_CplYmBuY4K1Vpz2qtXYqtTZNN4MaBO1LKpEjN4pB9HiPk_IF_v5dfIflWeh3/s1600/town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Downtown Leavenworth (the city was filled with Christmas lights, even in January)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDWW1kwY4dZYRmM5uTrG5XL6Y8ElVGRSsz_HgbOJ4EiJgatiwZQrhXJHFCLQvzw_NaC_GFFjszYHm-c3tby1w2JQ7ByslCWukNWuuFbcsLh0xUdCLu_LUOS0nOjJrngPaaj0OtE0iOrB7/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGAy6JKPTOgnqMNyscvOWMiKyytMtysd2PmUP0V3vMmxzoB4Cljw9Oy-5s_NVVg52zN22CP3Im2Yz7RyIAyX8jae9-01xo7biKLP7j_Fl4qTH71jvbI5Phu3F2THjDm6j9c5k0JPxW6oH/s1600/lights454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGAy6JKPTOgnqMNyscvOWMiKyytMtysd2PmUP0V3vMmxzoB4Cljw9Oy-5s_NVVg52zN22CP3Im2Yz7RyIAyX8jae9-01xo7biKLP7j_Fl4qTH71jvbI5Phu3F2THjDm6j9c5k0JPxW6oH/s320/lights454.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDWW1kwY4dZYRmM5uTrG5XL6Y8ElVGRSsz_HgbOJ4EiJgatiwZQrhXJHFCLQvzw_NaC_GFFjszYHm-c3tby1w2JQ7ByslCWukNWuuFbcsLh0xUdCLu_LUOS0nOjJrngPaaj0OtE0iOrB7/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDWW1kwY4dZYRmM5uTrG5XL6Y8ElVGRSsz_HgbOJ4EiJgatiwZQrhXJHFCLQvzw_NaC_GFFjszYHm-c3tby1w2JQ7ByslCWukNWuuFbcsLh0xUdCLu_LUOS0nOjJrngPaaj0OtE0iOrB7/s320/tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our cute cabin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsyLdzh0phFjXtyZWvZ_rZ-E2EAxYeu9_z0xfiIXh68NBPVyQ7khJhVl1CvwfF8EzBafUUuYjHV4vCdkmlo4NoRvxuT6ug-byGv-ouMmIht35nYldKrm4K8FSfk4sXmF_QglX3tbor5H5/s1600/cabin3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsyLdzh0phFjXtyZWvZ_rZ-E2EAxYeu9_z0xfiIXh68NBPVyQ7khJhVl1CvwfF8EzBafUUuYjHV4vCdkmlo4NoRvxuT6ug-byGv-ouMmIht35nYldKrm4K8FSfk4sXmF_QglX3tbor5H5/s320/cabin3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8ieg4pz_-t3aeu6X4ecM5L__R1xi1FKcUuS9Cp4cK-CBfu1i7Kr89k19hUMgVExNbED2HgcImOlZ_WT_umfTBE8UFiZH-FFQG48xu304ZlaTuV-vefy9b_ncfsoBAy871KNbG4CSUR2C/s1600/cabin2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8ieg4pz_-t3aeu6X4ecM5L__R1xi1FKcUuS9Cp4cK-CBfu1i7Kr89k19hUMgVExNbED2HgcImOlZ_WT_umfTBE8UFiZH-FFQG48xu304ZlaTuV-vefy9b_ncfsoBAy871KNbG4CSUR2C/s320/cabin2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">B and I. (ignore how I look like I have a lazy eye)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq23XrcwoqaXQQ3orHiaAyhOa2aE7YmACfYgNjFSQ8VgWaFWv_G0tm9f2dvUBXFfqKkTqzR3c_ze7x6qOulVHmruZAUITkkYNjg_cN8fMHpsn4xxFkPAwUE3LHw8Rq1tBqs7yMr8KnCDKU/s1600/cabin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq23XrcwoqaXQQ3orHiaAyhOa2aE7YmACfYgNjFSQ8VgWaFWv_G0tm9f2dvUBXFfqKkTqzR3c_ze7x6qOulVHmruZAUITkkYNjg_cN8fMHpsn4xxFkPAwUE3LHw8Rq1tBqs7yMr8KnCDKU/s320/cabin.JPG" width="240" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bavarian charm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH7C-ET8A_JzFUqtRweVnXRXH8lUt99udhnaY8q5xbMjXRf39_9rnxy-F-xciUkKrxg-SrNPQK7x2d7u_CplYmBuY4K1Vpz2qtXYqtTZNN4MaBO1LKpEjN4pB9HiPk_IF_v5dfIflWeh3/s1600/town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH7C-ET8A_JzFUqtRweVnXRXH8lUt99udhnaY8q5xbMjXRf39_9rnxy-F-xciUkKrxg-SrNPQK7x2d7u_CplYmBuY4K1Vpz2qtXYqtTZNN4MaBO1LKpEjN4pB9HiPk_IF_v5dfIflWeh3/s320/town.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLSJ2iRadstrjuJLbUnER6DwEOEz6LWCjGgqLtVeHLJMOSZzel-ItQMuOu7NAvK3hlTvHpLMtWnq5J_Wh5bTZs1Wl8Qx06qOpIORiwNKnRdu8uPN5fDAelRM6AMjDEg94C4gosMJmyk5S/s1600/lvw1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLSJ2iRadstrjuJLbUnER6DwEOEz6LWCjGgqLtVeHLJMOSZzel-ItQMuOu7NAvK3hlTvHpLMtWnq5J_Wh5bTZs1Wl8Qx06qOpIORiwNKnRdu8uPN5fDAelRM6AMjDEg94C4gosMJmyk5S/s320/lvw1.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Downtown was so fun! We visited a fun little hat shop that had just about every type of hat you could think of. Naturally, I flocked to the Disney ones. The city was also filled to the brim with bakeries and gelato shops, yum! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbqgUStTk9uO-A1uB7fwuMJuiCaqKFO2tdBvdLsO5QFzQht9nF9e2W9qluKU-6fOufiRO56ltPLzLm9cZ7s_gzFzyVTjkcBGj7kij9BsxHS_Nwk1ZBGx4TwnTqlOehfQFMx_ui1U4KKLW/s1600/downtownleavenworth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbqgUStTk9uO-A1uB7fwuMJuiCaqKFO2tdBvdLsO5QFzQht9nF9e2W9qluKU-6fOufiRO56ltPLzLm9cZ7s_gzFzyVTjkcBGj7kij9BsxHS_Nwk1ZBGx4TwnTqlOehfQFMx_ui1U4KKLW/s320/downtownleavenworth.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FyZ3vEGSrj0Eg9P4-HAsF-CriSxe1ju-RM9t9g_vZo_c-NfAoj7NBxUWQShBqhdLiH3YBVtLfjFKYolR-phCZZTXrVnvCdJNuk3XcDxjEHHexs6LLq1mGME1ejF6vEORkwzTDoNl89p5/s1600/gelato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FyZ3vEGSrj0Eg9P4-HAsF-CriSxe1ju-RM9t9g_vZo_c-NfAoj7NBxUWQShBqhdLiH3YBVtLfjFKYolR-phCZZTXrVnvCdJNuk3XcDxjEHHexs6LLq1mGME1ejF6vEORkwzTDoNl89p5/s320/gelato.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI26JTnNKNgwwGhvlJTwqNry82APvQkQcrMLU-ppUvOa1CqIV_0OCm0t3NUkF7fG828-gkHyvoNyg-M7eDQY5LiLPS-0R53H84zZTUqzwmA6U4wQp0Rtb1nrkmgn3SGShnMGXpzw4euP5n/s1600/yum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI26JTnNKNgwwGhvlJTwqNry82APvQkQcrMLU-ppUvOa1CqIV_0OCm0t3NUkF7fG828-gkHyvoNyg-M7eDQY5LiLPS-0R53H84zZTUqzwmA6U4wQp0Rtb1nrkmgn3SGShnMGXpzw4euP5n/s320/yum.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Private tour at the Bourdeaux estate...amazing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrYW6I99Gxj5JlqWabIllB8f1dMfI10MeLa6xvOM1y8xH2HEf6bghR74rojjPsaiqzIpqXbc4rLUjAaqwVJyYm8kTOS5tHEyDLyCmYpVmroN8PApHX4QX83YnmGyJXZziT09tL0ka_Dev/s1600/bourdeaux.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrYW6I99Gxj5JlqWabIllB8f1dMfI10MeLa6xvOM1y8xH2HEf6bghR74rojjPsaiqzIpqXbc4rLUjAaqwVJyYm8kTOS5tHEyDLyCmYpVmroN8PApHX4QX83YnmGyJXZziT09tL0ka_Dev/s320/bourdeaux.PNG" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G9wfNwTYlU7KQ5SuRgmcFSbuRDkTHQR8yks9JcRu_VCfPGmrh4FPbFRjbJEM-wuqJf3ZsUCaEN_FEqgDy6V4CgbVJLOYPDOn6aCqPOjrmpyxCzkYSzg8zgcqIfN7EAhAWyhPPjoiv-mi/s1600/barellroom2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G9wfNwTYlU7KQ5SuRgmcFSbuRDkTHQR8yks9JcRu_VCfPGmrh4FPbFRjbJEM-wuqJf3ZsUCaEN_FEqgDy6V4CgbVJLOYPDOn6aCqPOjrmpyxCzkYSzg8zgcqIfN7EAhAWyhPPjoiv-mi/s320/barellroom2.PNG" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm very thankful for having the opportunity to spend a weekend away with my wonderful friends. I'm definitely looking forward to going back soon!</span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-21642150417468929812013-01-31T13:50:00.001-08:002013-01-31T13:50:20.441-08:00things I don't understand thursday<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Morning everyone! First and foremost, I apologize for slacking a bit on posts. Between work, potty training (yep, he still isn’t potty trained), vacations, and my STUPID kidney sickness (I’ll explain in a later post), I haven’t had much time to post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get better though…promise! That being said, you should see some fun vacation posts coming your way soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, and possibly a post (or two) about love. Tis’ the season for love, right ladies?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Alrighty, here we go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">People who can’t control what they say.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Dating is probably hard because of the ‘kid thing’, right? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“I didn’t think Mormon’s were allowed to get divorced. Are you worried about being excommunicated from your church?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“How do his parents feel about him dating a black girl…is that an issue?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“But…you have white hair.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">As much as I’m screaming inside when someone has a stupid, ridiculous statement for me, I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they have some form of Tourette’s syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By assuming they can’t control what comes out of their mouths helps me stay sane.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Why it’s hard to make friends in your mid-20s (or when you’re married).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">It’s weird what happens when you grow up. You go through high school and college with your go-to girls. You have friends to shop with, vacation with, eat with, and study with. Something happens after all of this though… sometimes your pack of go-to gals starts to scatter. They find love, get married, move away for jobs, and have babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funny thing I’ve experienced is when it comes time to branch out and find other female friendship…it’s pretty hard.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">I’ve never been one to have lots of friends, just a few super close ones that I’ve had for years on end. Although, I’ve never had a lot of friends, the dynamic of finding friends DEFINITELY changes once you hit your mid-20s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I feel it’s even harder when you’re married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My married friends have often questioned the same thing and each had their own hypothesis, but I haven’t really figured it out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">My passion for leopard print.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Awhile back, my current beau and I were spending our Monday night date night huddled in front of the TV watching the gem formally known as Teen Mom 2. He decides to be funny and compare my fashion sense to <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/teen-mom-2s-chelsea-houska-im-disappointed-in-slacker-ex-adam-lind-20122611">Chelsea Houska’s</a>. I hate to admit it, but even though her aspiration to be a Cheetah girl is a tad over the top, sometimes I catch myself thinking, hey, her top is pretty cute! For some, inexplicable reason I just love leopard. Maybe it fits my personality. Maybe the color scheme compliments my skin, I just don’t know… What I DO know is I’ve never met a leopard print that I didn’t like.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">The rise in teenage pregnancy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Okay, while we are on the topic of Teen Mom 2…I am always left to wonder how these young girls keep getting knocked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this day and age, there are a more methods of birth control out there than you’d ever imagine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One very simple method could be NOT doing it, how bout’ that?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">It seems like every time I and have my womanly exam done, there is a brand spanking new type of BC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, what confuses me even more is the fact that parents these days are a lot more liberal and open about the birds and the bees-like topics then they were in the past. I think what bothers me the most about it is the girls that end up getting pregnant at a young age and just don’t seem to care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrary to what they think, having a baby is a BIG deal and affects not only them, but everyone around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been said that my blessed Teen Mom shows have glamorized this trend. I feel that showcasing this on MTV (of all networks) does create a certain appeal, but on the contrary it shows the raw reality of how life is when you have a kid. It shows that you don’t stay teeny tiny post baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows that your baby daddy will most likely leave. Lastly, it shows how much your life will dramatically change.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Why Target busts out the swimwear mid-January.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #262626; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=85000 lumo=15000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Is Target trying to tempt me…or make me feel like I should be working out? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-83373837569063344982013-01-28T15:20:00.002-08:002013-01-28T15:48:29.140-08:00Manners Monday: Awkward Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGWXBr7fbimVWX8QarIchIzOkhw7ncMwC_mGefi9LNRTxQY-lOyr3J6tuV0cKA1qjucpLFaWhFI0KM8k2IvgpNnQUHFa3qt7KibYOFRXCxiW8miPxqq_a0UDV3kwswlVWjbCYwgzRM_ld/s1600/mannersmonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGWXBr7fbimVWX8QarIchIzOkhw7ncMwC_mGefi9LNRTxQY-lOyr3J6tuV0cKA1qjucpLFaWhFI0KM8k2IvgpNnQUHFa3qt7KibYOFRXCxiW8miPxqq_a0UDV3kwswlVWjbCYwgzRM_ld/s320/mannersmonday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">When are you going to have another kid? Have you found a teaching job yet? What ethnicity/nationality are you? How much was your house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is your SAT score? Is it weird having a child that doesn’t look like you? Who divorced who?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">From time to time, we are asked questions that simply make us cringe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These cringe-inducing questions are normally very personal, surrounding a topic that isn’t enjoyable to talk about, a touchy subject, or something we are self-conscious about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, there are individuals who can dish out the deepest, personal details without flinching, but on the flip side, others can find such inquiries…awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this day and age where money troubles, unemployment, fertility issues, and divorce are very common, I’m still amazed how some people can jump right into these topics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">We have all been there, and I sure know I have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below I’ve listed a few tips on how to handle these fun questions gracefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be vague.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If someone inquires when you are going to start trying for another child, a vague answer (ie: soon, we’re not sure, or when the time is right) will normally deter any further questions and enable you to not go into detail on the subject.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your cool</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some questions can strike a nerve or tug at our heartstrings, so it’s helpful to take a step back before answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving yourself a moment can help you reply with composure and not let your emotions get in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have dealt with lots of questions regarding my divorce. Some questions were more intrusive than others but I try my hardest to not take these questions personally. If you run into a hard question like this, I suggest plastering a smile on your face, taking a step back, and replying with a vague response (for example: things didn’t work out).</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the ball in their court</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If someone asks how much you paid for your house, put the ball in their court and reply “Who do you ask?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will field the question back to them. Sure, some people will quickly retort back with a reason as to why they questioned, but others may not have a reason or struggle with the appropriate ‘wording’ and just drop the subject entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Molly asks you if you’re pregnant simply because she <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">heard</b> from another that you were, Molly may be embarrassed to admit this when the question is redirected to her.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Sometimes you are asked questions that you really just don’t want to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes a simple change of subject can be enough to dissuade any further discussion on the topic: “No, still on the hunt for a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So – how are you liking your job?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Act happy/excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">This is one of my favorite go-to tips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone questions why you aren’t married yet, tell them you enjoy the single life. I have noticed that if you act excited, this will prevent potential negativity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw in positives</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occasionally, there are some folks who love nothing more than getting on their soap box and offering advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular camp of people will ask a question, then offer advice on how they would handle the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To change the subject and ward off unwanted advice, throwing in positive statements will do the job.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Number 7:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know it’s OK not to talk about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Some people have the misconception that it’s considered rude to opt out of answering or putting a question on hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I disagree to this notion as one should never feel obligated to answering an icky/uncomfortable question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are asked a personal question during a family dinner or event where other people are present, it’s okay to respond with “Let’s chat about this after dinner”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have dealt with my fare share of pushy questioners who still ask, even if I’ve completed steps 1-6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When dealing with a pushy questioner who doesn’t get the hint, firmly telling them the following will (hopefully) help them drop the subject:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">“I appreciate your concern, but I’d rather not talk about this anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are things going for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">“Thank you for asking, but this is a pretty sensitive subject for me and I’d rather not talk about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">or<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">“This isn’t a fun topic, how about we talk about something else?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Unfortunately, most will drop the subject immediately after hearing the responses above, but occasionally you might run into the situation where the questioner feels you are keeping things from them or becomes offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this happens, I suggest practicing the trusty ‘It’s me, not you” method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently reassure them that your prerogative isn’t anything personal.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Number 8:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Control the conversation</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Even though the questions are directed to you, an easy trick to deflect attention and move into a <span class="apple-style-span">new (less annoying) territory is to give a short answer to their question, and then turn the questions on them: "I'm doing great, thanks - and how are you and Ben doing? Where are you going on vacation this year?" Hopefully they'll be so distracted talking about their vacation plans, they'll forget to focus on you.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">It’s your turn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you handle awkward questions? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-66473989479266553412013-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:002013-01-25T15:00:53.442-08:00target does it again.<div align="center">
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Target does it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">One of the pleasures of being a divorcé is the ability to spend as I please at Target without being audited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seriously is SO nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have anyone questioning my unapologetic zeal over discounted colorblocked shoes, my ability to turn a ’15 minute Target run’ into a ’45 minute Target run’, or my unexplained need to buy blue and pink striped stationary (when I already have several stationary sets) AND a matching planner because it was on sale. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot tell you how many times my ex would take a look at our bank statement and question why I spent $100 on a toilet paper run to Target. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simply</i> don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Target is like the Sportscenter for the female gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have passion for bold colors, endless racks of scarves, cheap home interiors, fun & funky paper products, rows and rows of organizational supplies (that I’ll never use), sparkly scrapbooking materials (again, something else I’ll never use), and the dollar section…oh the dollar section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Target, being the sexy little Lolita it is, somehow manages to seduce me with its discounted/colorful magic until I lose all willpower.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Okay…back to my point.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A couple days ago, my ex moved my son’s pickup time until later that evening and I was left with 2 blessed hours of free time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does a girl do with 2 hours of baby-free time? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This girl heads straight to Target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you mothers out there can probably agree that shopping sans children is a luxury that doesn’t happen often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This luxury enables you to shop leisurely without tears and crackers being stuffed down your shirt among other pleasant things children like to do in stores (ie: shrill screams).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">As I wandered happily through Target with the original intention of buying an undershirt and milk, I ended up leaving the store with the following items:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Not one, but two pencil skirts (30% off,holla)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A Valentine’s Day themed monkey sippy cup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A Valentine’s Day themed coffee mug<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Fake eyelashes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Pajamas for my son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A cute notebook<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A set of mini-notecards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Biore pore strips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">A cat calendar for my son (he loves his ‘meows’)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">and last but not least</span></i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">…a scarf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Not only did I get a bunch of stuff I didn’t plan for, I actually somehow <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forgot </i>what I actually went in for!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">On a side note, I’m not TOO disgusted with myself as I didn’t even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">touch</i> the dollar section (which is a small victory).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Those bargain priced knick-knacks that clutter up my junk drawer will have to wait until next time.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">It’s your turn!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there any fellow Target lovers out there? If so, how many of you are tempted to buy more than what is on your shopping/grocery list?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-5830975004677003992013-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:002013-01-24T16:57:40.442-08:00things I don't understand thursday<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Things I don’t understand Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Good morning everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you all are having a fabulous Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m giving the whole ‘weekly segment’ thing a try here so hopefully you like it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t, just consider it a rookie mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Listed below are a few things that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simply</i> puzzle me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Jersey Shore. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">eww</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Why moms try to one-up fellow moms’ labor and delivery stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">From what I’ve observed, some moms go into competition mode once the topic of labor is brought to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will go into graphic detail to get the crown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same competition goes for how sick each mom got during pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second and third place trophies go to the moms who can list off every TMI side effect from the ‘What to Expect’ book and claim they had it the entire pregnancy</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My love for scarves and stretchy pants</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">I shamelessly will wear scarves year-round and although I already have one in every color and animal print, I somehow have this unexplained need to add to my collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, Blair Waldorf is one of my idols, I seem to ignore her guidance of tights not being pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If wearing yoga pants everywhere became socially acceptable, you’d know I’d be the first one to jump on that bandwagon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Why girls take aerial self-portraits and post them all over FB.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Silly girls, everyone knows that if you hold your iPhone as high as you can over your head and take a shot of yourself while wearing a cleavage-bearing top that your 32A will magically appear to be a 34B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not fooling anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">My passion for you-tubing old music videos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">N*Sync, Boys II Men, X-tina will forever be on my Youtube hitlist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Kim Kardashian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">The fame of Kim Kardashian has always boggled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first heard about the ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ phenomena, I assumed Kim would be a hoot to watch as the show seemed to revolve around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, after 3-4 addicting episodes I realized that she was painfully boring to watch and remained painfully boring to this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">My unexplained desire to watch Lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">D-list actresses portraying the Tonya Harding, Casey Anthony, and Mary Kay Letourneau in the most dramatic way possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes please!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">With that being said, I may or may not have cancelled a date to watch an episode of ‘My life is Lifetime Movie’.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">My need to Google unproductive things in my down time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Three Men and a Baby Ghost, Larsa Pippen make-up tips, fat free snickerdoodle recipes, Miranda Kerr workout…the list goes on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Why most of the daughters of “Big Rich Texas” and “Big Rich Atlanta” are over 25, gorgeous, and single.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">These bodacious blondes (and brunettes) seem to have it goin’ on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rich, beautiful, morally liberal (code for: will put out), and have trust funds as large as their bleach blonde hair. Sure, Whitney and the other blonde chick got engaged, but the majority are still s.i.n.g.l.e.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">My obsession with Costa Vida.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">There is only one thing better that Costa Vida and if you aren’t LDS or living in Utah County and guessed CAFÉ RIO, I am truly impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sexy little seductress that I call Costa Vida tempts me and tests my willpower several times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I need ANOTHER cinnamon tortilla? I sure do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I need ANOTHER bowl of chicken tortilla soup? You bet I do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you live in the Tri-City area, you probably have seen my yoga pants clad-presence impatiently waiting in line while the cook takes forever making my sweet tortilla.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Why Bravo casts single women on the “Real Housewives” series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">The show is called The Real HouseWIVES, not the Newly Divorced, Still Single at 40, or Real 40 Year Old Socialites. Perhaps Bravo employs the single ladies because they are more exciting (and less annoying) than select married housewives (ie: Kyle Richards).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to totally get off the subject, but the definition of housewife goes as follows:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A married women whose main occupation is caring for her family, managing household affairs, and doing housework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do any of these women actually manage household affairs or do housework?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spend their days shopping, lunching, having snarky/gossipy conversations on speakerphone, going to benefits, and agonizing over how someone else gossiped about them. Apparently ‘Pot calling the kettle black’ means nothing in Beverly Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These housewives, widows, and snarky socialite somehow manage to keep me entertained season after season. Sorry I got really off subject there…now back to my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Bravo can find a few ACTUTAL housewives who are exciting enough to keep the show on the air, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only single lady I’d miss would be the ‘truth cannon’ formally known as Brandi Glanville. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">How the casting crew for the Bachelor finds so much crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">This is one of many questions I have about the casting of the Bachelor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they have a preference for girls named Ashley?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do reject college educated girls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does casting favor girls with jobs like ‘professional ice cream taster’ and ‘professional gymnast’? How many times in an episode do the girls need to say they have an ‘amazing connection’?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">I am always amazed that each season, the casting crew seems to outdo themselves by upping the amount of crazy. I’m sure anyone can get a little crazy living in a house full of girls fighting for a rose, but I simply wouldn’t put myself in that situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Airport attire/etiquette.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Somewhere, there is a memo that I didn’t read that clearly explains the proper dress code and etiquette for flying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This memo states the following:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When dressing for a flight, find your most comfortable lounge wear. One is to not stress about their personal appearance when flying. Proper outfit suggestions are: baggy T-shirts, pajama bottoms, sweats, large sweatshirts, pajama shorts, and wifebeater tank tops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For examples, please visit peopleofwalmart.com.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One is to arrive casually late to the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If there is a line present when waiting for your boarding pass, sigh loudly and swear under your breath about how slow the airport staff is.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Take as much time as you need to find your wallet, credit card and ID when the attendant is issuing your boarding pass.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When one arrives at security, it isn’t polite to take off your shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, and accessories until you are asked by TSA.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When entering the plane, stop and carefully examine each and every overhead bin to find the perfect one for your carry -on luggage .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If the passenger next to you isn’t using his/her armrest, this is a non-verbal cue that you can use it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When exiting the plane, remove your luggage from the overhead bin slowly and carefully as the plane’s turbulence could have opened the top of one of your 3 oz. liquids.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What are some things that you've never been able to understand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-67940799164344660062013-01-21T16:24:00.000-08:002013-01-23T07:43:08.552-08:00Manners Monday: Engaging with fellow moms<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You could be walking blissfully through Target when your baby starts crying. You instantly reach down to pick him up and a mother comes out of nowhere and says ‘You really shouldn’t pick a baby up every time they cry. You don’t want your baby to be coddled, do you?’. You are bottle feeding your baby and a fellow mother approaches you to offer breastfeeding advice. You could be enjoying a Gymboree class when you run into a competimommy who feels inclined to tell you how <i>her</i> child is pretty much way better than yours. Who knew a child could swim, sign, repeat the entire alphabet, still take 2 naps a day, read, and be completely potty trained before the age of two?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I give these moms the benefit of the doubt as they may not <i>know </i>their random, unsolicited advice or judgment is viewed a little… rude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Below are a few simple steps to successfully engaging with other moms:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Step 1: Practice the SAIL method. SMILE, ASK QUESTIONS, INTRODUCE YOURSELF (and your child), and LISTEN.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>S</b>mile. A smiling person is more approachable than someone who is sullen and frowning. First impressions are everything and people are generally more willing to befriend a smiling person over someone with a grumpy exterior.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>A</b>sking get to know you questions not only helps you get to know another person, it helps others feel comfortable around you. Who doesn’t enjoy talking about themselves every once in a while?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>I</b>ntroducing yourself (and your child) is very important. A friendly ‘Hi, I’m Rochelle and this is Adriana. I’ve never taken this class…Do you like the instructor/teacher?’ can do way more than ‘This is our first time…Do you like this class?’. Although the second example is still friendly, a proper introduction and a friendly ‘Hi’ is more personal and friendly.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>L</b>isten when talking with other moms. I can’t stress enough the importance of active listening. Sure, your child may be running around like a tazmanian devil, but atleast try to listen. Empty other thoughts from your mind and really listen to what the mom is saying. This may be her first outing in weeks with actual adults. <span lang="EN-GB">Make eye contact, nod occasionally, and intermittently say, ‘I see" or ‘Really?’ to indicate that you not only heard but understood what was said.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB">Step 2: Don't be a competimommy.</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: ‘Your little boy is so sweet. How old is he?’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Mom: ‘Thank you! He’s 2 and a half. How old is yours?</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">’</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: ‘Mine is 2 as well…almost 3. Wow, he sure is big for a 2 year old. I bet he will excel at sports. Does he take swimming?’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Mom: ‘No, I haven’t put him in swimming yet. Unfortunately, most of the weekend classes are full and I work on the weekdays.’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: ‘Oh no! I work too, how funny! You should try taking off work a little early. That’s always worked for me.’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: (<i>mildly interrupting</i>) ‘Somehow we also fit playgroups and Gymboree into our schedule. It’s just <i>so</i> important for children to engage with other children that even though I’m but, I still make it work’.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">{child clutches diaper region}</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: ‘I think your soon needs to be changed…W</span><span lang="EN-GB">ait, is he potty trained yet?’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Mom: ‘No, not yet. We are working on it though’.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Competimommy: ‘Really!! Our little guy was trained 6 months ago. Best of luck!’</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><i>Word to the wise: Don’t be that girl.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Step 3: Don’t offer unsolicited advice.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">If I had a nickel for every time another mom gave me unsolicited advice, I would be able to able to fly to Paris and back…<i>twice</i>. I find it a bit odd, because I know a few moms who this simply doesn’t happen to. Maybe it happens and they don’t know it or perhaps others feel I need a little more direction than others, who knows? Still, I’d like to feel that there are other moms out there that would be just as taken back or offended by some of this random advice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">My mom has always taught me that if someone doesn’t ask for advice, don’t give it. If one feels absolutely inclined to hand out advice, I suggest nicely <b>asking</b> if they would like pointers.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Step 4: Handle special situations with care.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Once you are on friendly grounds with a fellow mom and a relationship progresses, it’s only natural to let certain guards down. The fellow mom may reveal that her child has disabilities, she may no longer be with the child’s father, the child’s father may be completely out of the picture, or the mom may have a same-sex partner. Sensitive subjects like these should be handled with the utmost respect. Too much questioning or getting into the subject too deep can rub a mother the wrong way. Every situation is different and even if you know someone who has a child with disabilities or someone who’s ex is absentee, can cause hurt feelings if brought up to the mom. My best advice is to listen.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Step 5: Don’t be a <i>Plastic</i>.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Ten points to you if you understand the Mean Girls reference </span><span lang="EN-GB">J</span><span lang="EN-GB">. I’ve read many studies on how mean girls grow up to be mean moms and I agree 100%. It’s sad, but some women can be just as clique-ish as high school girls. I know a few Junior League-esque Hilly Holbrook types (another 10 points if you instantly thought, THE HELP!) that are mean moms to the T. They know all the hottest gossip about who’s recently separated, who has the newest Coach purse (the non-outlet mall variety), and can recite every detail of why one mom is feuding with another. Unfortunately, some can find all the gossip a little unsettling. Some people gossip…it’s their thing. However, I suggest knowing your audience. Before going into a tangent on how Noelle in your mommy and me class has a fake Longchamp and is <i>so tacky</i>, take a step back and know your audience. A daily dose of snark may make ones day, but on the flip side, it may turn someone off to you, <b>completely.</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Lastly, a lot of parents seem to forget that our children repeat everything. I used to service in Primary at church and boy oh boy, I’d get all KINDS of personal info about their parents. That being said, if you don’t want another mom at playgroup knowing your true feeling about her, I’d suggest not vocalizing them around your kids. Better yet, maybe don’t vocalize them at all.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Step 6: Keep the SAHM/Working mom judgement under wraps.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">If you can’t fathom how one could leave their children for 8 hours a day, it’s normally best to internalize that thought. Likewise, if you think staying at home all day/everyday would drive you up the wall….It’s only polite to not vocalize your opinion on the subject. Remember, everyone has a choice on what is best for their children. It is never polite to vocalize your opinion on another mom’s choice to stay at home or work. Since this is a sensitive subject to a lot of moms, I recommend being curious, not judgmental. Both parties of moms tend to have their guards up and feel they need to overexplain themselves once this subject is brought up. A good way of broaching the topic is: ‘That’s really cool! What is a normal day like for you?’ By asking this non-threatening question, the other mom will be at ease and know you are genuinely interested in her life.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Step 7: Be respectful during play dates.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">As much as I adore Brandi Glanville, it irks me that she just brushed off the fact that her sons feed on another person’s lawn. Come on, who does that? Anywho, I feel it’s important to have a ‘When in Rome’ mindset when it comes to play dates. First, try not to show up too early or too late. If you are like me, I normally get the best cleaning done before guests show up and if someone shows up too early, it really ruins the cleaning process. It also can be viewed as rude to show up late. Second, being mindful of another’s house rules is a must. If the house rules call for shoes to be taken off at the door, take off your shoes. If the hosting mother has a formal living room, try and keep your children from exploring it. Also, keep an eye on the host mom’s children. If the mother doesn’t bat an eyelash as her children run from room to room, slide down the stairs, and play with the baby grand piano, she may not mind if your child does the same. Still, I would refrain from letting your child let loose in someone else’s home. I would wait for verbal/non-verbal cues from the host mom. Third, practice proper etiquette. Even if you are used to making yourself at home in the kitchen, finding your own way to the restroom, and just plopping down wherever there is a free seat, on a first time visit to someone’s house it’s only proper for the host to direct you. Sure, it may be easier guiding yourself to the restroom, but what if that restroom is broken? What if the host mom has a restroom specifically for guests? What if the host mom may feel uncomfortable with people helping her out in the kitchen? In addition to this, make sure both you and your children mind your Ps and Qs. Ensure that you and your children offer a warm thank you prior to leaving. Lastly, please clean up after yourself. Make sure your kids clean up too.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> Step 8: Don’t brag.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I’m sure life is <i>so hard</i> when you are mistaken for Lauren Conrad everywhere you go, but do we all have to hear it on a regular basis?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No one likes a bragger. I know a few gals who just love to toot their own horn. It’s cute at first but after awhile it can get pretty annoying. For all the braggers out there, I suggest you direct your braggy comments elsewhere…<i>like Facebook</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Step 9: Try not to be cliquey<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although it’s natural for people to gravitate towards certain types of people with similar interests/values/lifestyles, it’s important to be social with everyone. To be totally honest, finding other mom friends is hard. I’m sure many others out there feel the same way. It takes a lot of certain women to step out of their comfort zone and engage with other women. One reason it’s so hard for some is because of the cliquishness. I strongly suggest making everyone feel welcome in whatever environment you’re in. If you’re at toddler story time and you see a mom sitting alone, invite her over. If there is a new mom in your congregation/ward, invite her over for a playdate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On the flip side – A lot of moms still encounter cliquishness, even after several get to know you attempts. If this happens to you, keep in mind that you aren’t doing anything wrong. Some women are too set in their ways to let others in. Sadly enough, the need to band tightly together and not let others in normally stems from some sort of self-esteem issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Step 10: Playgroup isn’t a fashion show.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=75000 lumo=25000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dressing your kids up is fun, but not always appropriate. Be realistic in how you dress your child. He or she should be wearing shoes they can safely run around in. I’ve seen so many children slip because of poor-fitting or overly-dressy shoes. Also, dress them in play clothes. Save the dresses, tights, and hair bows for church and special occasions. Kids tend to get messy in playgroup, after all, and they should feel comfortable enough to do so. They should wear clothes that are okay to spill paint on or are suitable for sliding down the slide. This goes for moms too. Sure, you may feel inclined to dress to the nines for a playdate, but remember... you will be chasing little ones around and may want comfort over style.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-83744424303497873652013-01-20T10:22:00.002-08:002013-01-20T10:22:52.737-08:00red velvet pancakes w/ sweet cream cheese frosting<div class="ingredient" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCa0GiwbYbBiEJsIrXh8OQS0Y1DeOioBQR4WTWIQWuz1A_btblOZdxd0WmIQnMmfecwoZslmWgVgfGQe3GqbeXcF0ozUrJZzPJQMbLq-UvELf7NyPdPimL20C_4612s8oze8_xJ-J8gL87/s1600/Red-Velvet-Pancakes_TidyMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCa0GiwbYbBiEJsIrXh8OQS0Y1DeOioBQR4WTWIQWuz1A_btblOZdxd0WmIQnMmfecwoZslmWgVgfGQe3GqbeXcF0ozUrJZzPJQMbLq-UvELf7NyPdPimL20C_4612s8oze8_xJ-J8gL87/s320/Red-Velvet-Pancakes_TidyMom.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. With the special holiday being less than a month away, I have already started to research recipes and gifts to make. I found a recipe for these decadent red velvet pancakes on <b> <a href="http://tidymom.net/">tidymom.net</a> </b>and fell in love. Who doesn't love red velvet right? Better yet, who <i>doesn't</i> love red velvet for breakfast? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Below is the recipe. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>PANCAKES:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons granulated white sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/3 cup powdered sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/03/kitchen-tip-homemade-buttermilk-substitute.html">make your own buttermilk</a>)- or add a little more if the batter appears to be too thick</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 large eggs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons white vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 tablespoon red food coloring (red gel paste will get the dark red seen in the recipe)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 cups powdered sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/ 2 cup ricotta cheese</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons prepared strong coffee</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 teaspoon rum (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Directions:</span></span></h3>
<div class="instructions" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Pre-heat skillet or griddle over medium heat or 320°</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. <b>Make the pancakes:</b> Mix all of the dry
ingredients (flour through salt) together in a large bowl. Whisk
thoroughly to combine until all lumps are gone. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla,
vinegar, and food coloring. Make a well in the center of the dry
ingredients and add the buttermilk mixture. Stir until mostly combined.
Add in the melted butter and fold gently to mix.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. <b>*See tips below for making heart-shaped pancakes.</b> Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with cream cheese topping.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. <b>Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: </b> In medium bowl,
whip softened cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Add remaining
ingredients and mix smooth. Add a scoop between each pancake and on top
of the Red Velvet Pancakes! Garnish with powdered sugar and enjoy!</span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Tips:</span></span></h3>
<div class="extra" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*If you wish to make heart pancakes, use a heart
shaped pancake mold or metal cookie cutter. Be sure to grease inside of
mold and fill 1/2 way with pancake batter. Remove mold when ready to
flip.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*<b>Make- ahead tip:</b> For an easy morning- Mix dry
ingredients and make topping the night before. Cover and place pancake
mix on counter, and topping in refrigerator. Next morning, remove
topping so it can become room temperature, and just add wet ingredients
to pancake mix, cook and serve</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-86190499783240160792013-01-19T08:37:00.000-08:002013-01-19T08:37:03.696-08:00Facebook is a jerk.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Oh Facebook, how I love and hate you both at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been about 6 months since I started my hiatus from Mark Zuckerberg’s blessed creation, Facebook. My decision to leave Facebook was a long time coming and not a rash one. I doubt that I will return anytime soon, but</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">I have to admit, it has been a tad harder than I expected to keep in touch with people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may wave the white flag and give into the world of FB in the future…who knows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know I’m not going to be doing it today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><i>Why all this Facebook hate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reasons for leaving are clear and simple.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Reason Number 1: I have better things to do with my time. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like Pinterest</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I’m joking (kinda) about the Pinterest part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FB can be addicting and before you know it, your habit of checking FB 2x a day can turn into 4x a day addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, FB can assist in passing the time if you are bored, but back to my original point…I’d rather do more productive things than creep on FB.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><i>Reason Number 2: I missed connecting with friends the old fashioned way.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel FB has made us a little lazy in regards to social interaction and connecting with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is very convenient to shoot a message across FB to a friend, I missed phoning friends to catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Reason Number 3: FB’s privacy changes.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"> Even though I don’t have any party pics from Cancun or pics of me half-dressed doing keg stands at frat party, I am cautious about what others see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I loved FB’s privacy settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the perfect way to filter what friends, family, and co-workers see online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love fizzed out quickly as FB would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adjust </i>the settings without my knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work for the government and deal with numerous vendors and customers on a daily basis and occasionally I have gotten a friend request (or two) from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these (creepers) friend requesters would even email me to question my relationship status, which is normally kept hidden for several reasons. Creeepy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short: The ever changing privacy changes pretty much ruined it for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, and don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">even</i> get me started on the timeline. Yuck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Reason Number 4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s kinda boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I care if Shane listened to ‘Best I Ever Had’ by Drake on Spotify? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I care if Jenna checked herself into Costa Vida (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for the millionth time</i>)? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to being boring, these mundane play-by-plays of one’s day really clog up my news feed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><i>Reason Number 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes you feel bad about yourself.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">FB unleashes a whole slew of insecurities, especially for us girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fun when Sarah posts about her promotion at her already high paying job, while you are still shuffling papers at an unpaid internship. It’s cute when Nicci posts vacation pictures every other weekend, when you are on a one trip a year budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s precious when Courtney, Whitney, AND Tanna all announce their engagement over FB (during FB’s engagement season, of course) when you are still single.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><i>Reason Number 6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drama.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">As you may know, I am not a fan of drama…and really don’t put up with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, somehow…someway, FB seems to create a lot of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, I never knew that deleting someone you met once in the summer of 2008 would garner an angry message and hurt feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never knew that replying to someone’s message three days later would cause that person to feel you were ‘deliberately’ ignoring them and make you a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">disrespectful person</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my defense, I would have to go into my messages to see if I had any new ones as my account never notified me of new messages or notifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, there are the people out there that somehow, someway find a way to get offended by what is on your page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience, even the smallest things like rejoicing over designer jeans on sale, would cause some to feel obligated to send me a rude message about my ‘pretentiousness’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Select people in my life have a little more crazy in their tank than others and fortunately, they won’t reach out to me with lovely messages through FB anymore </span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-78838418049648776472013-01-16T07:09:00.000-08:002013-01-17T14:47:42.465-08:00Top iPhone Apps For Toddlers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Sippy cup.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Raisins.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Puzzles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Picture books.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Animal books.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Leap Frog laptop.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Loud, noisy animal book.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Crackers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Stuffed lamb. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Crayons.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Coloring book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Above are all the things I would cram into my purse in an attempt to keep my hyper active toddler calm and collected while out and about. Unfortunately, these items only keep him interested for a nanosecond. The sippy cup normally ends up getting tossed on the ground, the crackers get shoved down my shirt, and every 'meow' in each animal book gets drawn on. This was all before my son discovered the appeal of the iPhone</span>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Z-NhTYFMZCizCPOfn0P5_Lr6ijTKE_MU1lh_9fG8aB0UMO27PJwc4dDHrt6WmPzQijS-COm6SWsE28C6ZqIm-3HB407bRlWj8q9zuQggmRqVApPvWEDhXodoHVYi34Dzs9UyzMSjDQl/s1600/10-iPhone-Apps-Toddlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Z-NhTYFMZCizCPOfn0P5_Lr6ijTKE_MU1lh_9fG8aB0UMO27PJwc4dDHrt6WmPzQijS-COm6SWsE28C6ZqIm-3HB407bRlWj8q9zuQggmRqVApPvWEDhXodoHVYi34Dzs9UyzMSjDQl/s320/10-iPhone-Apps-Toddlers.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For me, the iPhone has been the best distraction for my little guy and is pretty much God's gift in keeping my sanity intact. It's a miracle worker. Who knew the coveted device can hold a toddler's attention during a 4-course dinner, a long wait at the bank, or during the long drive to the babysitter.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Below are a few of my favorite tot-friendly apps!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Animal Sounds Machine ($1)</strong></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRtkKfxMalFh7As7T6SGbhQIEmdR7CG5971YvZ0HqjznwfOtQ62kpXYzR2MYyytAbwZzu_JOaHEEVNhdqEGqFlkHngkAAQcW7RDFUKsr1i-58-yMt5_ocy0sECPOVaQvV0QhLy6omYoNV/s320/Animal-Sounds-Machine-1.jpg" width="222" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.ngmoco.com/">via</a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ABC Wheels ($2)</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N7eIL0wsRGeG9cgUUGfTbBp5vs6BU_9iMp8Kmrf1nKLjpTYydOtQquHu2H3rd_tNTcDZiOVjOPBps5ruyWlDuZT9J02RSt8Y8z38OUSGjbgd0dAJwEv4-4FJiTugOa34VAsUnqnK1my1/s1600/ABCWheels-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N7eIL0wsRGeG9cgUUGfTbBp5vs6BU_9iMp8Kmrf1nKLjpTYydOtQquHu2H3rd_tNTcDZiOVjOPBps5ruyWlDuZT9J02RSt8Y8z38OUSGjbgd0dAJwEv4-4FJiTugOa34VAsUnqnK1my1/s320/ABCWheels-2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ngmoco.com/">via</a> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Toddler Phone Numbers ($5)</span></strong></div>
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<img alt="ToddlerPhoneNumbers ($5)" class="image preview" height="460" src="http://media3.onsugar.com/files/upl2/2/22864/15_2009/original-11/i/ToddlerPhoneNumbers-5.jpg" title="ToddlerPhoneNumbers ($5)" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.apptism.com/apps/toddlerphone-numbers">via</a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bubbles ($1)</strong></span><br />
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<img alt="Bubbles ($1)" class="image preview" height="480" src="http://media3.onsugar.com/files/upl2/2/22864/15_2009/original-2/i/Bubbles-1.jpg" title="Bubbles ($1)" width="320" /><br />
<a href="http://www.apptism.com/apps/bubbles-2">via</a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bubble Snap (FREE!)</strong></span><br />
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<img alt="Bubble Snap (Free)" class="image preview" height="460" src="http://media2.onsugar.com/files/upl2/2/22864/15_2009/original-3/i/Bubble-Snap-Free.jpg" title="Bubble Snap (Free)" width="320" /><br />
<a href="http://bubble%20snap/">via</a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Scribble (FREE!)</strong></span><br />
<img alt="Scribble (FREE)" class="image preview" height="460" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/upl2/2/22864/15_2009/original-5/i/Scribble-FREE.jpg" title="Scribble (FREE)" width="320" /><br />
<a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/Kid-Friendly-iPhone-App-Scribble-1819850">via</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-77448379609548260132013-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:002013-01-13T16:24:05.822-08:00colorful DIY birthday party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Okay, recently I have become OBSESSED with everything at <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.ontobaby.com/">ontobaby.com</a>.</span> The site has the best party inspiration as well as awesome nursery decor ideas and free printables (ones that are actually useful!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I love color so when I stumbled upon this colorfully styled birthday party, I feel in love. Kiira Turnbow of <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://eyeheartprettythings.com/">eyeheartprettythings</a></span> designed the entire event for her son's third birthday. I tip my hat to Kiira for pulling off such a lovely event. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I will definitely be stealing the chalkboard and jello jar ideas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Enjoy :)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPZdnKqxqlDLVYwrAwFnNapIy_3_kS3VdVHwThflvATQVbZxFGR49kk-6egy9nVUSIHWM1NPglYj6SJu-YdbrwoS84jWdDoq5EZeTT-xk0uqvA6FbnwbUj2lRlUyQSfdrbXEgFpWODWGd/s1600/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPZdnKqxqlDLVYwrAwFnNapIy_3_kS3VdVHwThflvATQVbZxFGR49kk-6egy9nVUSIHWM1NPglYj6SJu-YdbrwoS84jWdDoq5EZeTT-xk0uqvA6FbnwbUj2lRlUyQSfdrbXEgFpWODWGd/s320/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0L0c9NrdkEfoM-IXJoB-JzJlY17EY7h-lrPcVxI5Ifvc2kkKQvHmd9u6bpXIUzFgulnP6gOlN08hO2KIuf8I3kGy8tyknTbi2NAXC-nrUCq6RFfrQU8hqFSWHC7BOYx4tJ5FPAyNCukE/s1600/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0L0c9NrdkEfoM-IXJoB-JzJlY17EY7h-lrPcVxI5Ifvc2kkKQvHmd9u6bpXIUzFgulnP6gOlN08hO2KIuf8I3kGy8tyknTbi2NAXC-nrUCq6RFfrQU8hqFSWHC7BOYx4tJ5FPAyNCukE/s320/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtHLFp5IkcUAoO3w58VSuQlp_aOwKoA_j3jJcP2puPDXogXQINgCvtm2wMimbF2alP5oKQR_bWTAF9sIsHAylow883YmnL38mLJKO0d6idH8KFuEC4Y5kBp8WArhnCyfkN794s0H3CCY8/s1600/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtHLFp5IkcUAoO3w58VSuQlp_aOwKoA_j3jJcP2puPDXogXQINgCvtm2wMimbF2alP5oKQR_bWTAF9sIsHAylow883YmnL38mLJKO0d6idH8KFuEC4Y5kBp8WArhnCyfkN794s0H3CCY8/s320/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-5.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdnVlqLGRZkREBcfqVFDU7wI7wjc7Kxys6lYAEAVCuzuW6SVK_dx0azCirheiA50Qk7n2PxgFqpPtulKmJvbJHEH-vEV1zwpejhu9K9RYyaq23tQZis9iLGpnGNgymHLqq1OuhrY_6tbL/s1600/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdnVlqLGRZkREBcfqVFDU7wI7wjc7Kxys6lYAEAVCuzuW6SVK_dx0azCirheiA50Qk7n2PxgFqpPtulKmJvbJHEH-vEV1zwpejhu9K9RYyaq23tQZis9iLGpnGNgymHLqq1OuhrY_6tbL/s320/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHSIGCKXamFrYrcQ-ZXr6bA-u2elTbblDhxidM1jiL1Ej3UYrJBUcwf6De55TMF4dUWHbXC0L73RwZkA7ra8omDIQHKwPGLPWtl-YMR95PSGZDLZCMqSiMgoXcesB_a-UnB3gobKrh5OA/s1600/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHSIGCKXamFrYrcQ-ZXr6bA-u2elTbblDhxidM1jiL1Ej3UYrJBUcwf6De55TMF4dUWHbXC0L73RwZkA7ra8omDIQHKwPGLPWtl-YMR95PSGZDLZCMqSiMgoXcesB_a-UnB3gobKrh5OA/s320/colorful-rainbow-birthday-party-7.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-8812684558962200132013-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:002013-01-10T21:25:32.546-08:00a weekend in the life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LTaOJ0LVOMgXUiWcI6zaLYOp0k7aXMtgSsRDRv1c4bWx8-whsonOaD9clYfKXayUOf1or6BvCxz26oOw6mQd76zDDU62XXyKhjfRXPZpbsoVzJcNDPBSfn63oyv6cpxM1EKrOLHDj8If/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LTaOJ0LVOMgXUiWcI6zaLYOp0k7aXMtgSsRDRv1c4bWx8-whsonOaD9clYfKXayUOf1or6BvCxz26oOw6mQd76zDDU62XXyKhjfRXPZpbsoVzJcNDPBSfn63oyv6cpxM1EKrOLHDj8If/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Over the weekend I spent a fun weekend in Portland OR. Portland, hands down, is one of my favorite cities to visit if I need a small vacay. The city has so much to offer. Kid friendly activities, fun and unique restaurants, and a Tory Burch :). Portland is divided into cute little 'districts' and each district has a different theme and many fabulous things to offer. One of my favorite districts is the Hawthorne district. The Hawthorne district has a hipster/bohemian air and has tons of cute little restaurants (and about a million food trucks, yum!). My favorite restaurant in that area is Jam on Hawthorne. The place has delicious food and caters to the vegan/gluten free folks of the work. In addition to the yummy food, the eatery is very kid friends, equipped with full play area for children and complimentary sippy cups/bottles. Gotta love a restaurant where you can sit and enjoy your food while watching your little one play. Sorry to go on and on about food, but I'm one of those people who take more time planning where to eat then planning out actual activities (#fatkid). Another one of my favorite places to eat is Mother's</span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The place is<i> gorgeous, </i>filled with chandeliers, and has some of the best comfort food I've ever had.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVcW-Qgv7BxKhgHjo3muk8K5eaEtLwi_BjW5qvpbQBJVLwmJH7i4TW3Wylr3YFATZPq9Bw9hFGAPXEDJ2Pm6Oy8BcLHSAIs9Wl8JoJ3gdnQeWw9ra5X4jplQxanbED-gTDaeJqkB7fskQ/s1600/Portland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVcW-Qgv7BxKhgHjo3muk8K5eaEtLwi_BjW5qvpbQBJVLwmJH7i4TW3Wylr3YFATZPq9Bw9hFGAPXEDJ2Pm6Oy8BcLHSAIs9Wl8JoJ3gdnQeWw9ra5X4jplQxanbED-gTDaeJqkB7fskQ/s320/Portland.jpg" width="320" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We spend the rest of the weekend checking out bookstores, visited the famous <a href="http://voodoodoughnut.com/">voodoo donuts</a></span>, <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and hung out downtown.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21fkmT4ho-gIvy9RAkVRjd9PSLmcMtxss5YDG_8fmr-TgL22CVLko2SY5jJiWs8oZQX262438fYnryIx0c4CeaQ6gR1F9Dafle6uSILzZuiZb8GMuuzIwwCSiCvBzXdPSoPNp9xTavtx4/s1600/Portland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21fkmT4ho-gIvy9RAkVRjd9PSLmcMtxss5YDG_8fmr-TgL22CVLko2SY5jJiWs8oZQX262438fYnryIx0c4CeaQ6gR1F9Dafle6uSILzZuiZb8GMuuzIwwCSiCvBzXdPSoPNp9xTavtx4/s320/Portland+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1AKpKpZTMTbfRztZcvF2KjGJHsy_00PGbBqgLBX5pM1WZB2RDtRwt3f7H197YqHP5_D7Ba4k75zL-l79qhqls_6BtrhtFdhWVhBmmBO_kWVjptRVExQ7OcFuWUozGbQkxTl2Z525Z_k/s1600/chuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1AKpKpZTMTbfRztZcvF2KjGJHsy_00PGbBqgLBX5pM1WZB2RDtRwt3f7H197YqHP5_D7Ba4k75zL-l79qhqls_6BtrhtFdhWVhBmmBO_kWVjptRVExQ7OcFuWUozGbQkxTl2Z525Z_k/s320/chuck.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-32343438834891112112013-01-09T13:03:00.001-08:002013-01-09T13:03:19.768-08:00if you really knew me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">Lately I read a really sweet get to know me <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/if-you-really-knew-me.html">post</a> on one of my favorite daily reads, <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com</a>. After reading, I was inspired to write a little piece of my own. Enjoy :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">If you really knew me:</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I believe in good people. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">Oscar Wilde once quoted ‘Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future’. Call me naïve, but I feel that deep down, everyone is a good person. Sometimes the trials and tribulations of life, influences, and circumstances can lead someone with a good heart down the road to being someone that they may not be proud of. I strongly believe that the bullies, mean girls, adulterers, drug abusers, and vengeful folks of the world have something deeper going on that is causing them to act the way they do. May it be a void in life, jealousy, heartbreak, a bad childhood, or a traumatic experience, I feel that anyone can change. Anyone can become a good person, therefore I believe in good people.</span></div>
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<br /><strong>You’d know that my son is my world.<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I hate it when people question what ethnicity I am.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">I can understand the curiosity as I have a very exotic look, but yet, I wonder why it actually matters. The funny thing is, 75% of the normally tactless people who ask this have the audacity to argue that I don’t look my race as if I might be mistaken. Umm… I’m pretty sure I know who my parents are, thank you very much. This has always struck me as odd because I see people as people, not races. I admit to being curious, but a large part of me feels that it’s not exactly polite or respectful to ask a complete stranger these type of questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I’ve met Kris Jenner (aka: Kim Kardashian’s mom).<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I refuse to eat cold meat. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">The term <i>picky eater</i> doesn’t even come close to defining my weird view on food. For some reason, I have endless rules and restrictions when it comes to eating. For example, I will only eat meat if it’s warmed up to my liking. I don’t like fruit, but will eat it if it’s blended into a smoothie. I don’t like honey, pumpkin, bananas, cream cheese, avocado, sour cream, ANY condiments, turkey, eggs, or yogurt. I’m totally grossed out by milk, but force myself to drink it. My diet essentially consists of meat, vegetables, soup, and potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that I am often mistaken for the nanny. </span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I have a very thick skin. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">When I was younger, the term ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ was an absolute lie. Call me naïve, but when I was younger I assumed (key word: assumed) everyone would have the same ifyoucan’tsayanythingnicedon’tsayanythingatall mindset as I did. Little did I know, this wasn’t the case…at all. I had a very thin skin throughout middle school and high school. I took things very personally and the simple rude comment from another girl would ruin my week. Long story short, I was a big baby. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I finally realized that not everyone is going to like you, want to be your friend, or be nice to you. It wasn’t until I got married that I figured this all out. Marriage did something for me that no other life experience had done before. Marriage helped me gain the thickest skin I could ever imagine. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and perhaps I needed to enter myself into a situation that was once very upsetting to finally see things clearly. I wasn’t exactly <i>accepted</i> by a couple members of my ex’s family and that lack of acceptance caused some pretty un-fun things to happen. All things happen for a reason, and I firmly believe that I needed this to help me grow into a more confident, secure woman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that I am always 3 or 4 steps behind on what’s popular in music or pop culture.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"> <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">I am so far being it’s embarrassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally just jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that I’m obsessed with the author Emily Giffin. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">She’s a genius.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I don’t put up with drama.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">I have never understood how some people can live in a constant state of drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s seriously exhausting and a waste of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have an issue with someone, I will tackle the problem head on and eliminated then and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people seem to enjoy the he-said/she-said banter and instead of addressing the issue with the individual head on, they talk to anyone and everyone about said issue, thus causing the problem to escalate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These types of people go on and on about how much they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hate </i>drama, but yet they are the ones that are causing most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short: Drama is a waste of energy and time and something I wish to not associate with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><em>Choose your battles wisely.</em></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that I believe modest is the hottest</span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Alright, I’m sure some of you will disagree 100% on this (which is totally fine), but I truly believe modest is the hottest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason being is that I feel men like some things being left to the imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, a low cut top will probably get you a lot of attention, but covering your dirty petals up can do wonders also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wearing something that’s figure flattering (no maxi dresses) yet conservative can actually do more for you than having everything on display for everyone to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to dating, I feel men take women who dress conservative a little more seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">many</i> guys that love a woman who embraces her sexiness and there isn’t anything wrong with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just feel that by me keeping things…<em>covered up</em>….works for me </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that my ‘Love Language’ is pretty much 100% words of affirmation. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Positive, loving, and encouraging words are the best thing in the world to me.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">You’d know that I am oddly OCD about pens and my handwriting. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will go through 3-4 post it notes if I feel my handwriting doesn’t look good. Call me crazy, but I feel that certain pens make my handwriting look better. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I don’t understand the appeal of Kim Kardashian. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: 'lumm=50000 lumo=50000'; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">I’ve always been baffled why everyone is so obsessed with Kim K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, she is beautiful...but she's not <em>that </em>beautiful. I am a big fan of Keeping up with the Kardashians and can sadly say she's the least exciting one of the bunch. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I don’t have a Facebook.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';">Sorry Mark.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';"><strong>You’d know that I was born with a crooked foot and had to wear a Forest Gump-style brace on my leg when I was 3 years old.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-28976578613816144722013-01-04T08:49:00.003-08:002013-01-04T10:48:33.893-08:00football themed birthday party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Good Morning Everyone!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">I fell in love with this football themed birthday party on <a href="http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=8528&categoryid=36">http://www.hwtm.com</a></span></span></span>. <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm loving the chevron print and the blue and yellow combo. The styling and attention to detail of this party is perfection. Enjoy :)</span></span> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-52803276528560040012013-01-03T08:47:00.001-08:002013-01-03T08:48:02.180-08:00jello cookies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">I found this fantastic recipe on <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/jello-cookies/"><span style="color: #00007f; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00007F;">iheartnaptime.net</span></a> and couldn’t resist sharing it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m totally making these this weekend with my little guy :).</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328662458634982218.post-41158312612833823292013-01-03T07:38:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:38:31.220-08:00be still my heart<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">My lovely mom is learning how to text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is what I received yesterday at lunchtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go mom!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Hey Talia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">I’m learning how to text. Tell me if you get this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Mom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">How precious </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background1; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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