tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36395967923207284942024-03-13T11:45:25.502-04:00dearheart journeyencouragement, inspiration, strengthLBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936835041926132427noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-69453977015333374502014-10-21T14:36:00.000-04:002014-10-21T20:33:45.255-04:00That Time I Said "Yes."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello, lovelies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has been, well simply put, forever.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, what better way than to reintroduce myself by writing about the biggest decision I've ever made...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That time I switched to dark chocolate. Kidding. (Are you pitty laughing with me?)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">More like that time I got engaged....! Yup, I am officially off the market. (Unless Channing comes to his senses and realizes I'm the girl of his dreams...)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">M proposed on a beautiful day last April. He surprised me with a trip to my favorite place in the universe- Vermont. He smoothly pretended that the reason he was taking me on a trip was because he had received more money than he thought he was going to from his tax return and since we had been so busy lately, that he thought a trip away would be nice. (Sneaky that man!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He booked us into a hotel over looking Lake Champlain. It had the most gorgeous view ever and still makes me grin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next morning, M took me to our favorite place for breakfast. We ran into some friends from college, so we ended up eating with them. (Little did I know, M was on a schedule and was freaking out that I would be my normal chatty self and never leave.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After breakfast, M suggested we take a walk on the boardwalk over looking the lake. This has always been a special place for M and I. It's where we went on one of our first dates and where I would go whenever I needed to get away during my time at college. The lake is just so peaceful and there are these beautiful wooden swings that make me feel like I'm five years old and are my favorite place to sit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After we took a bit of a walk and sat on the benches, M asked if he could take a picture of me. I happily agreed. Little did I know, he had hired a photographer to capture our entire proposal and was positioning me so they'd be able to see us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next thing I knew, we walked over to the water to take the picture and I happened to put my hand on M's chest. It was beating like crazy. I asked him what was going on, and he started to tell me how much he loved me and wanted to spend our lives together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He then asked me to marry him, got down on one knee..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I exclaimed, "is that real?! is this real?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once M assured me that it was actually happening, I screamed yes three times in a row and began jumping up and down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By now a small crowd had formed and began clapping for us. I was too stunned to really notice. It took about ten minutes for my mind to process that I had actually just been proposed to..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next half hour was spent in tears and the sweetest photographer taking candid pictures of our bliss. I was so focused on M and our happy day that I hardly even noticed them being taken. I am so happy to have the photographs because it all happened in such a blur-it's so nice being able to relive it and see both of our reactions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's some of my favorite shots:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so beyond excited to marry this man. He couldn't have planned a more perfect proposal for the two of us. I look forward to blogging about everything wedding during the next year...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">*Photo Credit to <a href="http://www.readyaimshutter.com/">Ready Aim Shutter</a></span></div>
<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936835041926132427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-7106484577060848632013-11-12T16:44:00.003-05:002013-11-12T16:44:42.546-05:00Give Yourself Permission...To Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi Loves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I apologize, it's been a while. I've been sick with the stomach bug for a couple of days now and it's driving me nuts. I hate when all of the sudden you have to stop everything because you're sick. Yes, you get to watch bad TV and get extra sleep, but it's so much less fun when it's not something you planned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have a terrible time with it because I have a hard time giving myself permission to just rest. For example, I start worrying about all the things I have to do/had planned on doing. I wait for someone (usually M) to tell me it's okay to just rest, that I need it to get better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Which is when I realize-I'm the only one who can give myself permission. And I deserve that permission. Sometimes, our bodies aren't as strong as we'd like, and we can't do it all-no matter how desperately we want to. Sometimes we just have to allow ourselves to rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, instead of moping about today on day 4 of this no fun bug, I am toasting all of you with a glass of ginger ale and wishing you rest if that's what you need...give yourself permission- sometimes that's all we need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">LB</span></div>
LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936835041926132427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-18100428180623522542013-10-29T15:09:00.000-04:002013-10-29T15:52:46.483-04:00When there are no words...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A quote I love reads, "When there are no words...Know that the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of all who love you." I've always kept it on one of my walls to remind me of the importance of being present to people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It wasn't until this week that I truly understood what the concept of no words meant. This past week the six year-old son of one of my dear friends passed away very unexpectedly. I had the immense blessing of babysitting him on many occasions over the past five years and he was the sweetest, kindest, most angelic boy I have ever met. At six years old he had a deep faith- an unassuming, innocent faith. The type of faith many of us spend lifetimes searching for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I heard the news I truly had no words. I still have no words. I have silence, shock and deep sadness. I have beautiful memories and so many prayers for his family and friends. This past weekend I attended the services and I have never witnessed such an outpouring of love. This little boy truly changed the world and he continues to do so through the many lives he touched in a relatively short time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When there are no words and you are shocked by silence-all you can do is be present. Be present to your pain, be present to the pain of others. The only thing to do is to offer your heart up and all it is feeling to what you believe in. In my case, I continue to offer it to God every day and pray that she hears me and holds my and the hearts of all those grieving everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Because sometimes there are simply no words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">LB</span></div>
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LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936835041926132427noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-68248389633046893312013-10-19T15:31:00.002-04:002013-10-19T15:31:24.748-04:00Honor Your Inner Scrub<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello lovelies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm taking a quick break from writing a midterm paper to share this LB public service announcement with you..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to honor your inner scrub.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I got to the library this morning and realized I had on yoga pants with stains, a pink, purple striped shirt and hot pink running sneakers. Needless to say, if I took a picture I would show up on What Not to Wear. I started stressing about what a "hot mess" I must look like to other people (make that just a "mess") and then I realized..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who cares?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Someday's you need to look like you just rolled out of bed. It's good for the soul. It's okay not to be put together all of the time, heck, I'm lucky if I'm put together 50% of the time (fine, make it 30%).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />So, for all of you out there like me who worry what people might think...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Honor your inner scrub. You deserve it. Let those yoga pants shine, girlie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Xoxo</span></div>
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LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936835041926132427noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-85366439902615846272013-10-15T16:16:00.004-04:002013-10-15T16:16:58.219-04:00Making a Budget and How to Make it Not, well...suck.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have any of you recently moved in with your significant other? Or maybe you've already been living with yours? Ever made a monthly budget and all of the sudden had scary numbers telling you that you make way less money and spend WAY more money than you thought you have?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That was my week. And let me tell you, friends, life is expensive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since we moved in together M and I have been talking about making a monthly budget. Living in the city is just plain expensive and with me getting my masters and working only part time, we both knew it would be smart to make one and to stick to it (aka bye bye pretty shoes...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was definitely a learning experience for me. I've never created a monthly budget before. I've been more of a check my bank account every couple of days type gal. Going through everything we spend money on in a month and putting it in ink was a bit terrifying. Now that I'm not working full-time, it was definitely a wake-up call to realize how much my budget needs to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, M and I sat down and listed every category we spend money on or will be spending money on during a month to month basis. Aka, rent, utilities, food, travel, going out, clothes-etc. We then decided how much money we can spend or have to spend in each category.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Half way through I had to take a break to go sit in a corner and have a good cry. Stress hit me in full force and all of the sudden life just seemed too impossibly expensive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I came back out from having my moment, M put on a song for me that we like to sing to one another, and it made all of the difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ever listen to Ingrid Michaelson? She's my fav. She has a great song called "You and I" that says,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Don't you worry there, my honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We might not have any money</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But we've got our love to pay the bills"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Although, our love can't pay the bills literally (it be pretty awesome if it could) this song reminded me how lucky I am for what I do have and put my stress in perspective. I'm so lucky to be able to afford to live in Boston while in school. I'm very lucky to have a roof over my head and enough food to keep me well fed. And I've got M and our cute little apartment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, my advice? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Making a budget is important. It keeps you on your toes and realistically makes you realize you may not be able to afford those adorable boots this month. I suggest while making one to take a break, though, and take a moment to live in the beauty of what you do have. If not it can get way too stressful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, take a break, enjoy a glass of wine and relish in your love and know the rest will follow. At least that's what I'm hoping.</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Any tips of your own?</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-14179262852219112882013-10-13T18:56:00.000-04:002013-10-15T15:56:29.475-04:00Halloween Decoration Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is my parent's house. My mom is a modern Martha Stewart and she always decorates the house for Halloween and fall. I love her style-she has such a great eye for detail. I always feel like I'm walking into a cozy photo shoot where I simply want to sit down with a cup of tea-and luckily, I actually do get to do this. There's something so wonderful about coming home, no matter how old you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here are a couple of the decorations she currently has up: I hope they provide you with some fall/Halloween decoration inspiration! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have a great rest of the weekend lovelies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">PS. How adorable is my "little" brother and his girlfriend? I couldn't help but throw a couple pics of them in...</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-49430992482491177152013-10-08T15:28:00.000-04:002013-10-08T15:28:55.982-04:00Monday Inspiration/ It's time to Simplify <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmGCRDzCPMc/UlRaYJ1hlmI/AAAAAAAABPE/vN40atHore8/s1600/simplify.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmGCRDzCPMc/UlRaYJ1hlmI/AAAAAAAABPE/vN40atHore8/s400/simplify.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi lovelies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sorry I'm a day late with my Monday inspiration post...I came down with a cold/flu type thing on Sunday and it has lingered and lingered. Aka I've missed school/work for two days and there's been a whole lot of watching cupcake wars in my rattiest pjs going on (attractive right?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This time has led to some deep thinking about what I wanted this post to be about, though. Last week I was walking to school and trying to be a bit more mindful about it. You know when you get somewhere and cannot remember the drive or walking route you took? I hate that. It happens to me often and I always feel like I'm missing out on some pivotal moments of my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've been trying to pay a bit more attention lately, and as I was walking the other day I passed by this perfect <span style="color: #e06666;">pink</span> rose. What struck me about it was that it was all by itself-standing tall and strong without any other roses or flowers in sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought to myself..."I want to be like that rose."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You see, since this semester started I've been all over the place. I constantly feel like life is passing me by and I have no time to actually live it, but simply am going through the motions to get everything done. I've realized that I truly need to simplify things so I can feel like I'm actually <i>living</i> my <i>life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This rose reminded me of the importance of simplifying. I want to stand strong and not be constantly leaned over, tired from stress. I want to reach towards the sky with child-like abandon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I do not want to look at the calendar and wonder where another week disappeared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, where to start? I think I just did. I believe the first step is admitting how badly I need to simplify things. I am determined over the next couple of weeks to spend more time talking with M and not worrying about all the other things I should be doing, write at least one or two letters to loved ones, take a few walks around the reservoir and simply breathe, and cook cupcakes because their delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hold me to it, k?</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How do you simplify?</span></i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-6019690682895850872013-10-02T13:19:00.001-04:002013-10-02T13:19:19.138-04:005 Stereotypical Fall Dates You Should Go On...Cause They're Awesome.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/261771797064330097/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oIwej2sOPw/UkxRhu5BQbI/AAAAAAAABOA/wguwXjebD7M/s400/8453_10151642474617312_2137457283_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;">O</span><span style="color: red;">c</span><span style="color: #38761d;">t</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">o</span><span style="color: #351c75;">b</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: #45818e;">r</span></span></strong>!!! Which makes me the happiest camper (without the whole camping thing) that ever was. I love fall. Sweaters, boots, apple cider...I love it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I was trying to think of some creative fall dates to share with you all, but I realized I love the streotypical ones way more. They're what I look forward to doing every year. So, alas, here are my top 5 stereotypical fall dates you should go on because they're awesome and it's fall.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. Apple Picking.</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">There's simply something magical about apple picking. Whether it's the colder weather temps, the picking of your own apples, or the fun had while doing it-somehow picked apples just taste better than store bought ones. A group of friends and I just went and had a blast. </span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. Pumpking with Your Pumpkin</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cna8tvPI10s/UkxTHlC7QsI/AAAAAAAABOc/67iHMp9_O1c/s1600/254238_3654983816419_765217487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cna8tvPI10s/UkxTHlC7QsI/AAAAAAAABOc/67iHMp9_O1c/s400/254238_3654983816419_765217487_n.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am a horrible pumpking carver. But I love going to the pumpkin patch. I always feel like Charlie Brown waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. Go to the Beach</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Okay...so maybe this isn't a typical fall date, but I love it anyways. I love going to the beach when it's deserted and bundling up in sweaters and blankets while drinking hot chocolate. It's romantic and peaceful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4. Wine Tasting</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Because, what's better than going to a winery and drinking wine outside on a beautiful fall day? Can't think of anything? Me either.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">5. Hiking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/184436547211928636/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCd4W7UEPpc/UkxT4JTkLSI/AAAAAAAABOs/MUBeIpRxETw/s400/17605_10151281076867312_1426405411_n.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am horribly unathletic, but every fall I try to drag myself up atleast one mountain. Seeing all of the foliage from the top is worth it everytime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So there you have it, my 5 fall dates perfect to go on friends or with a date! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>What are your favorite fall dates?</em></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-62071341334545989252013-09-30T15:46:00.001-04:002013-09-30T15:48:04.820-04:00Monday Inspiration: It's a Beautiful Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Walking to school today, I was already thinking about the millions of things I needed to do. I was already growing anxious and the day had just began. I could practically feel the disconnect occurring between my mind and body</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and then...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I walked by a police officer and he looked at me and said "It's a beautiful day."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As soon as he said that, I looked up and took in the blue sky, crisp air and autumn breeze.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know what? It is a beautiful day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is a beautiful day. It is a beautiful life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, serif" size="4">Have you felt it?</font></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Monday, folks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-61281559122724175842013-09-26T21:10:00.001-04:002013-09-26T21:22:03.126-04:00What the heck is a blate? & Some Inspiration for One Of Those Days<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi Loves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I began blogging six months ago, I remember coming across some of the lingo and thinking "what on earth does that mean?" For example...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What is that? Some sort of blogger sandwich? Or some kind of way to say I was late in posting my post?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ya, no. I was way off the mark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In case you are having a hard time understanding all the lingo like me, a blate is a date for bloggers. And I was able to experience my first ever one with Rachel from <a href="http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com/">Postcards From Rachel</a>, yesterday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm glad I figured out what a blate was because it was a blast. I felt like it was my initiation from being a "baby blogger" to a full blown toddler. Look, ma! I'm walking!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo Cred: Rachel's Iphone</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That's Rachel and I. We went to a yummy restaurant called Parish Cafe near Copley Square. If you're ever looking for a delicious lunch place in downtown Boston, try it out. We took this picture right after saying we were never going to be fashion bloggers because we both pose awkwardly...then the wind picked up and we managed to smack heads and take this. Aka I'm pretty sure we were meant to be friends. If you haven't checked her blog out make sure to-she's fantastic! And if you're in Boston and ever want to go on a blate, let me know-I'm hooked!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/261771797062346274/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IgUuv-0xe6U/UkTXtwrcUlI/AAAAAAAABNg/HIhbNHI9BAU/s400/292afc8c0cd50022bda33e0ee4eb1da9.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is one of my favorite verses. Whenever I read it, I always think, "Wow. That's what I want to be." Some days I do okay at being strong, clothed in dignity and manage to live in the moment and then there's days like today where it is just plain hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Those days where you wake up clearly on the wrong side of the bed. The days where you need double the dose of caffeine to stay awake. The days where you simply want no one to look at you or to say anything to you so you don't have to interact with the world. The days when the laundry comes out wet and you don't want to pay another $1.25 to run it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Days like this I grow so frustrated with myself. Why can't I shake this feeling of tiredness? Why can't I just be happy with what I have and the multitude of blessings that surround my life? Why did I bark at M for asking a question?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, I guess this post is my way of reminding myself to breathe and be gentle with myself. That woman whose clothed in strength and dignity, who can laugh at the days to come? She has her days. And they do not make her any less strong, they make her human. They make her beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you have one of those days, remember...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And you'll be able to laugh at the days to come again and be happy in the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But for now?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's okay to let the day suck. It's okay to take a few moments to breathe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's okay to not be perfect.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-44255410742744080122013-09-24T15:44:00.000-04:002013-09-24T15:45:55.268-04:00The 411 on Moving in Together<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi loves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all had great weekends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mine was full of fall activities which I will share later on
in the week, including APPLE PICKING! My absolute favorite. It doesn’t feel
like fall until I half-attempt to climb a tree in which I end up falling and
being pricked (I had no idea apple trees had thorns…there really should be a
warning label..or maybe I just need to gain some common sense? It’s up for
debate).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was the first weekend since moving with with M that we
were able to simply enjoy ourselves and feel well, like we’re actually living
together. Since moving in we both had been too busy to decorate or sit on the
couch for a cuddle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Which got me to thinking…Hey, LB, maybe you should blog
about what you think the 411 of moving in with your significant other is?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, my dear friends, I grant you…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Making the Menial Meaningful</b>- the first thing I quickly realized about moving into our own apartment is that there is a lot of housework that needs to happen, aka laundry, dishes, ironing, general room cleaning...It can take a lot of time and sort of suck the romance straight up. M and I made sure to discuss who was going to do what so neither of us would feel any resent about one person doing all of the cleaning, etc. This past Saturday we made a game out of it. I blasted music and we danced around the apartment while doing our various work. It made it seem more fun and like we were doing something <i>together </i>instead of just cleaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Leave cute notes around.</b> M and I are both really busy during the week with class, work, blogging, meetings, seeing friends, etc. Sometimes we leave at 8am and won't get home till 9pm. This can be a big bummer when one of us is home and the other is out. So, to make things a little better and to still feel each other's presence when we're out, M and I bought a chalkboard to hang in our kitchen. We leave each other random little notes. I never know when to expect one, so it really makes me feel special when there's one waiting! (Hint M Hint)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3.<b> Leave the grumps at the door.</b> I write about this in detail <a href="http://lbinwonderland.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-i-dont-believe-in-honeymoon-phase.html">here</a>. When M and I first moved in, I quickly realized when I had a bad day or was super tired I couldn't walk into MY room and shut the door. Instead, I had to learn how to not bring that home and take it out on M. I quickly realized talking about my day with M and explaining why I'm in a bad mood was much more helpful. Either that, or letting him know I need a little space and going on a run or for a cup of coffee on my own. This has helped us both to not create a toxic environment in our small apartment with our grumps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. <b>Make a rule to snuggle.</b> This past weekend was the first time M and I really got to cuddle on the couch and watch a silly TV show and WOW! did it make a difference. Studies show that even spending five minutes a day cuddling can help strengthen a relationship. Taking this time to simply enjoy being with M and not focus on work, homework, etc. has made all the difference in our transition of moving in together and has helped us <i>actually</i> feel like we live together. We've adopted the Sunday Cuddle Rule-aka we have to spend at least thirty minutes every Sunday being lazy and cuddling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5.<b> Be Mindful.</b> One thing M and I are practicing (okay I'm practicing because I desperately need it) is being present for each other during meals and things. I'm always planning or thinking about what I have to do later, so I've taken to taking some deep breaths before dinner and focusing all of my attention on M and what he's telling me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is not a full proof method, but these are some of the things that have worked for us and maybe they'll help any of you who've just moved in together. If they do or you have any of your advice please let me know! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have great Tuesdays!!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-83825347181338327802013-09-18T13:56:00.000-04:002013-09-18T14:02:58.423-04:005 Things I'm Afraid Of<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hi Lovelies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Happy middle of the week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When I started this blog, I began a series called "5 things about LB." I thought it would be a fun way of letting readers get to know me better. A way in which I could share some silly and also serious things about me. It lasted for a whopping one post and then I got distracted with other posts, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I missed it, so today I'm bringing it back. In honor of fall and October being right around the corner, I thought I'd share...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. The shower curtain being closed. This seriously freaks me out, even when M is home. I'm convinced everytime I go into the bathroom and it is closed that there is a creepy axe-murderer waiting for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. Death. This one is hard for me to write about, especially because I'm hoping to be a hospital chaplain one day. When it comes to helping others surrounding death, I'm fine. But when it comes to thinking about it, dealing with it, etc. I freak out a little inside (okay, maybe a lot.) Even though I have strong beliefs, great support and am currently in a grief and loss course at school, it is something I am steadily trying to deal with and not be afraid of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. This is another serious one. When I'm stressed I have a reoccuring dream of losing M. Even though I know he'll never leave me, whenever, I get stressed my mind decides to play tricks on me and I dream about him breaking up with me. The worst part? I always wake up right before we get back together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4. The chalkboard noise. Not only do I not like the sound, I fear it. Whenever anyone is writing on a chalk board, I mentally prepare myself to hear the sound. Eek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">5. Sleeping home alone. M went home for a wedding this weekend and I was left in our apartment alone. I may or may not have put a chair against our bedroom door when I went to sleep each night...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have great Wednesdays, everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-43853875271420883582013-09-12T18:57:00.001-04:002013-09-12T18:57:25.027-04:00Why I don't believe in the "honeymoon phase"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hear the phrase "the honeymoon phase" all of the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Newly dating? You should be in the honeymoon phase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Newly married? Well, duh-you're honeymooning it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Newly moved in? How's that honey to your moon?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I call phooey (yes, I'm apparently ninety)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now, don't get me wrong- I believe in blissful moments. Those moments where you are so undeniably happy with your counterpart and just feel so damn lucky. I am so thankful that I have those moments a lot with M. But, I don't believe we need to have them 100% of the time. At least, I hope we're not because I will tell you quite frankly, my friends--</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am not nearly that perfect, graceful, gracious or sweet <i>all of the time</i>. I'm human- I have many moments (particularly after long days) where I'm cranky and I have a hard time feeling the bliss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Which is what brought me writing this post. M and I have been living together for about a week now. You know what we did the first night we came home to our new place? Lit candles, took a bubble bath, fed each other chocolate and "honeymooned" ?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nope. We argued. What about? I have absolutely no idea. It was trivial. We were both exhausted from attending a super fun wedding, moving the next day and then going to work the next. We were out of our minds tired. So we took it out on each other about something silly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next day I freaked out. Did this mean we wouldn't be good roomies? Did this mean we weren't in the honeymoon phase? Was something wrong with us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I came to realize that the answer to those questions was a resounding no.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After arguing, we realized that we truly live with one another now. We realized it was <i>finally </i>a reality. If one of us has a bad day, we can't come home and go to our rooms and deal with it alone. Instead, we are in it together. So, we have to learn to deal with it all together. And there is a lot of beauty in that. It's what we worked through two years of long longggg distance for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And since that first argument, we've been doing a lot better at communicating on days we are just too tired to deal. I think that's a whole lot better than being in the honeymoon stage. We get to enjoy the blissful moments and live our lives-the ugly and beautiful together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm glad we're not stuck in "the honeymoon phase" because I get to have my cake and eat it too. Aka, I get to be happy but also learn and grow with M at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd throw out the bonbons, candles and Marvin Gaye for that anytime (okay, maybe not anytime..)</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-31173030941731737132013-09-11T17:52:00.002-04:002013-09-11T17:56:29.191-04:00Fall Wedding Looks<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hi loves!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This past weekend M and I went to his cousins wedding in RI. It was a fabulous wedding. They're decor was super cute- I mean check out these cake pops-</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exY9ZRzDQBo/UjDklUeIDUI/AAAAAAAABLQ/-Llkc-iSq6k/s1600/20130907_180520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exY9ZRzDQBo/UjDklUeIDUI/AAAAAAAABLQ/-Llkc-iSq6k/s400/20130907_180520.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Today I'm sharing what I wore to both weddings M and I attended over the past couple of weeks. I wanted to have a relaxed/dressed up look. Both of these dresses were super comfortable to wear, but still made me feel incredibly pretty. The one with all of the pastel colors was designed by one of the brides!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">They are both <a href="http://www.donnamorgan.com/">Donna Morgan</a>. She makes awesome dresses. My sister's bridesmaid dresses were by her-and I loved that one as well. They are always super comfy, but stylish as well and have built in bras which are super handy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2feN44cY-qM/UjDkrlGg_VI/AAAAAAAABL0/oR4b6YX1AZU/s1600/20130907_171229%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2feN44cY-qM/UjDkrlGg_VI/AAAAAAAABL0/oR4b6YX1AZU/s400/20130907_171229%25280%2529.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sorry the bottom two aren't the best quality-we forgot our camera which seems to be a daily occurence on this blog. One day I'll remember!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>How were your weekends? What is your favorite look to wear to fall weddings?</em></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-32160758140497339412013-09-06T14:11:00.001-04:002013-09-06T14:16:13.750-04:00I Moved...in with a Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNSS2FsPYNw/UioZXlXJt-I/AAAAAAAABK4/kNWxLREw4qY/s1600/8614-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNSS2FsPYNw/UioZXlXJt-I/AAAAAAAABK4/kNWxLREw4qY/s400/8614-006.jpg" width="287" /></span></a></div>
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Hi loves!</span><br />
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Sorry I've been a bit MIA on this part of the blogosphere. The last week has been absolutely crazy. I went to an incredible wedding and then moved!! in with a boy! Big step, right?</span><br />
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I am so excited to finally live with M. It feels like we have been waiting forever for this day to get here. Between two years of long distance and then living out of two separate apartments, it feels amazing to be able to come home to him after a long day of classes.</span><br />
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And our place is super cute! I was worried it was going to be too small (I only saw it once for five minutes before deciding to rent it and M hadn't seen it at all!) but it turns out it is perfect. I am in love. And so so excited to decorate.</span><br />
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I can't wait to show some pics over the next couple weeks of my design plans and inspiration. Here are some of the color/themes I'm going for:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rOoH63MNwA/UioY69Fv9QI/AAAAAAAABKw/GpYI6KrGmPY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rOoH63MNwA/UioY69Fv9QI/AAAAAAAABKw/GpYI6KrGmPY/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Source <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/261771797062405895/">a</a>/<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/261771797064194082/">b</a>/<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/261771797064370946/">c</a>/<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/261771797063607382/">d</a>/<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/261771797062405893/">e</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First off, how badly do I want that chair cover? It looks so incredibly comfy and homey which is completely my style. M and I decided we want out apartment to be modernized classics with homey flare-'cause we're crazy like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also love the colors grey and yellow. They were my sister's wedding colors and I've been obsessed since. With that and chevron. I know that train has been going for a while now, but I can't seem to hop off-I love it too much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's your style inspiration? Any decorating tips for smallish spaces?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great weekend! I'm off to a wedding in RI! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gybEUT3Qjgc/UhaT5-F4qTI/AAAAAAAABKI/SenuN0BDPKU/s1600/Love,+LB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gybEUT3Qjgc/UhaT5-F4qTI/AAAAAAAABKI/SenuN0BDPKU/s1600/Love,+LB.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-82319590175638472022013-08-22T16:55:00.002-04:002013-08-22T18:43:25.176-04:00New Design & Sponsor Love<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi loves!</span><br />
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One more day until the weekend!! So excited, even if it does mean packing time for M and I.</span><br />
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Today, I'm excited to introduce a new blog design. I've been wanting to change it up for a while and knew I didn't have the time to create one or the money for a custom design.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />For now, I searched etsy and was so surprised at the amount of blogger templates they have for sale. I chose this one from Mlekoshi's Playground and am super happy with it. </span><br />
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What do you think? I fell in love with the feather. What can I say? I'll always be a hippy at heart.</span><br />
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I hope you all have fab thursdays and fridays! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gybEUT3Qjgc/UhaT5-F4qTI/AAAAAAAABKI/SenuN0BDPKU/s1600/Love,+LB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gybEUT3Qjgc/UhaT5-F4qTI/AAAAAAAABKI/SenuN0BDPKU/s1600/Love,+LB.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am super excited to introduce Lisa from <a href="http://33sprincess.blogspot.se/">Butterflies and Hurricanes</a> to you all! Lisa describes herself as a "911 dispatcher by day-wife by night." She loves wine, spending time with her family and friends and has an adorable dog. Aka she is totally awesome, just like her blog! So make sure to visit and show her some love! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Here's some questions Lisa answered:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">What is your blog name and why did you choose it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">My blog is called Butterflies and Hurricanes. It is a song by my favorite band Muse.. I wanted to have one of their songs as my blog title and this one fit me and my personality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been blogging for three years. I started just so I could get my thoughts and feelings out and everyone else was doing it. It is what all the cool kids are doing right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WOW good question... I would have to say.. 3 Musketeers. Once I come out of my shell I am very sweet<b>. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What is a favorite adventure you've had?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would have to say going on a cruise of the Hawaiian islands with my husband, his family and my parents in 2005. It was beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What sorts of things do you blog about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weight Loss, going to sporting events, my dog and my life as a wannabe mom </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are you really passionate about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Family and my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where can we follow your adventures? (Ie. all of your social media handles)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://33sprincess.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://33sprincess.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/princess3730" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>princess3730</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/princess3733" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://instagram.com/<wbr></wbr>princess3733</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ltrapani" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>ltrapani</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anything else you'd love us to know about you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I share the same birthday. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-63452694315424649652013-08-19T14:39:00.005-04:002013-08-19T14:41:46.255-04:00Weekly Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c747Ws2Ifho/UhJj2utvfeI/AAAAAAAABG8/LWKe-1WzkmY/s1600/PicsArt_1376936857287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c747Ws2Ifho/UhJj2utvfeI/AAAAAAAABG8/LWKe-1WzkmY/s400/PicsArt_1376936857287.jpg" width="398" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">I hope you all had great weekends! I had a very "new england" weekend and can't wait to share it later this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Here are my weekly wishes/goals for the week:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">1. Begin packing up my room- M and I are moving into a new apartment in two weeks so I really need to start a deep cleanse on my apartment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">2. Go running at least twice. I haven't been as active as I want to be in a while so I really hope I can accomplish this one and then add on more days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">3. Catch up on some emails and blogs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">4. Write a handwritten letter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">What are your goals for the end of summer?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK2Gq1z6QpI/UbHm5u8S6GI/AAAAAAAAA9M/aOv-qvsUflU/s1600/blogger-image-2127586895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK2Gq1z6QpI/UbHm5u8S6GI/AAAAAAAAA9M/aOv-qvsUflU/s200/blogger-image-2127586895.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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*Linking up with <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/08/weekly-wishes-linkup-13/">Melyssa</a>*</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-71326705002853310132013-08-16T15:39:00.000-04:002013-08-16T15:49:02.974-04:00Oh time, you fickle thing <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Oy4-B5M2ZA/Ug58d4GAlEI/AAAAAAAABGs/M1WCtG6h8OM/s1600/IMG_30959100754547.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Oy4-B5M2ZA/Ug58d4GAlEI/AAAAAAAABGs/M1WCtG6h8OM/s400/IMG_30959100754547.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Fridays, loves!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I met up with one of my good girlfriends from undergrad. She just moved to the city and I am so happy we live near one another again. It had been over a year since we last saw one another.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which got me thinking about time and how fast it seems to fly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To preface this, I direly wish I was better at staying in contact with friends that don't live locally. I am horrible at writing emails and even remembering to text back (ask my local friends- it drives them nuts). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's not that I don't want to stay in touch- I desperately do. I just think technology wasn't meant to be this gals form of communication. I'm better at engaging face to face and giving you my full attention. Maybe it's the hippy in me, but staying connected with my phone is just plain hard for me and something I keep trying to work on. Does anyone else struggle with this?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's that and then the fact that at the end of the day all I want to do is face plant into my pillow. So, I procrastinate on those emails and letters I know I want to send. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the thing is, once I do get in contact with my loved ones, I feel so much happier and full.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's scary how fast time moves sometimes. It's been a year and a half since I've seen many of the people who changed my life in college and I miss them so. I can't believe so much space has slipped in where I used to see them everyday. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I struggle with guilt that I haven't been a better communicator and then need to remember that we all lead busy lives. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I need to simply pick up the pen, tap the keys or speak into the phone. After all, no matter how fast time flies it always seems like yesterday when you do finally connect. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What can I say? You're a fickle thing, time. </span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-29616812637537993382013-07-31T14:15:00.000-04:002013-08-13T17:47:07.787-04:00The Perfect Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Hi loves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all had great weekends. The wedding in NC was amazing and I can't wait to share once I'm done editing pictures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I recently came accross this quote on pinterest. It's become a philosophy I've adopted since I started dating M. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whenever a major holiday comes around, I always ask M want he wants about ten thousand times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He always insists on not wanting things but rather having experiences. So this year for his birthday I took him to fenway for a red sox game. And that time we spent together was so much more fun than getting him a shirt or other material good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've come to love finding new experiences for us to give each other. For Christmas this year we are taking each other to disney and I'm so excited (probably even more than the average five year old)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I find that simple experiences are just as good as big trips. It's all about enjoying the experience and living in the moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> M has taught me that that's the best gift of all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What do you think?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WzuxYud-Dk/UYwPJMybGPI/AAAAAAAAA1A/b7LXTSf8mj4/s1600/blog+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WzuxYud-Dk/UYwPJMybGPI/AAAAAAAAA1A/b7LXTSf8mj4/s200/blog+sig.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-44132275095275987292013-07-25T14:41:00.001-04:002013-07-25T14:50:41.975-04:00Wedding Style<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hi Loves!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Thursday!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First, I have to say thank you for all your awesome comments on my last post. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who can go kukoo when their overtired. I love you all for your support and continued inspiration!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am so excited because I am heading to North Carolina for one of my bestests wedding!!!! Hope is one of the kindest, enthusiastic, beautiful people I know and she is marrying the sweetest man who loves her to pieces. I love them both and am so excited to be taking part in their nuptials!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, I have never been to NC or a good ol' Southern wedding, so I am beyond excited (yes, I will use the e word about another ten times before this post is over, sorry not sorry ;)). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wanted to wear a dress that was classy but would keep me cool in the heat at the same time. My lovely sister is letting me borrow this Donna Morgan dress which I already bought for myself because I'm so obsessed with it! And ladies, it is currently on <a href="http://www.donna-morgan.com/sale/georgia-hanky-hem-jersey/invt/d0832mxe&bklist=icat,3,shop,sale">sale</a>!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was having trouble styling it. I don't need a necklace because of the neckline, so I decided to have some fun on polyvore and see which color earrings I liked best. I'm thinking I'm going to go with silver and white. What do you think?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I can't wait to share pics from the wedding and hope you all have amazing weekends!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">xoxo</span></span><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wedding_style/set?.embedder=6500347&.svc=blogger&id=91010570" target="_blank">Wedding Style</a> by <a href="http://lbinwonderland.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6500347&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">lbinwonderland</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fossil_earrings/shop?query=fossil+earrings" target="_blank">fossil earrings</a></small></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-86300912221658167382013-07-19T15:14:00.002-04:002013-07-19T15:24:35.912-04:00A Relationship No No<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Friday loves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all had great weeks and are staying cool. Boston is a whopping 100 degrees today and I think I've already melted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This week I made a rookie girlfriend mistake. You know those things you say say you'll never do and then you get overtired, PMS-Y (yup, I made that a word) and there's simply not enough chocolate in the world to satisfy you-so you do it? I did one of those </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I told M that my schedule was busier than his and that I had more reason to be exhausted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One, it's not even true. And two, I had no reason to be justifying my tiredness. M understands it. I was just grumpy and wanted to take it out on something. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What did I learn?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's never smart to compare ones life to one's significant other. It's better to work as a unit and not judge the others busy or not so busy week, but support them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I realize a five year old could have taught me this. I blame the lack of chocolate in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
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LBUnknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-37364150936451955772013-07-15T14:52:00.002-04:002013-07-15T14:52:59.449-04:00nightime blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ifXMBaJs8/UXRmTi0VNYI/AAAAAAAAAls/NbDCKW49EnE/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ifXMBaJs8/UXRmTi0VNYI/AAAAAAAAAls/NbDCKW49EnE/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Hello loves!<br />
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I hope you all had good weekends! M and I visited his family by the shore and it was wonderful to be near the beach.<br />
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Every couple of months I go through what I consider to be a "stubborn zzzz" period aka I have a horrible time falling asleep. I lay there next to M who is asleep within two seconds (literally) and I stare at the ceiling.<br />
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It's beyond annoying and creates a lot of nightime anxiety for me. I become afraid I won't be able to sleep and no amount of Garnier eye cream will hide the dark circles.<br />
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My tricks?<br />
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I try counting backwards from ten while taking deep breaths.<br />
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M suggested I imagine the word sleep over and over again in different colors and font. That's been helping.<br />
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Any nightime tips?<br />
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Love,<br />
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LBUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-42078598841836758892013-07-12T10:12:00.001-04:002013-07-12T10:15:37.026-04:00A Confession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oox_ZokjDHo/USaEtCorPNI/AAAAAAAAAG0/QXJZyqVsXLI/s1600/33653_445522602311_8213686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oox_ZokjDHo/USaEtCorPNI/AAAAAAAAAG0/QXJZyqVsXLI/s400/33653_445522602311_8213686_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello lovelies,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It has been a while and for that I apologize. I kind of dropped off the face of blogosphere. Between working full time and doing a lot of traveling I forgot to update my blog one day. And then another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And you know what?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It felt kind of good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I love blogging and all of you amazing people, but I needed a break I didn't even realize I needed. After not updating for a few days I was about to force myself to when I realized that my heart wasn't in posting. I needed time to unplug and just be for a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had forgotten why I blog: because I love to write, share and connect with others. I was becoming too focused on the amount of readers I had, the link ups and ads. I was writing to publish, not writing to be me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, I took a hiatus. And guess what, I'm finally back to craving writing again and am so eager to share and begin growing this blog again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel refreshed and refocused. It's going to be all about honesty for me and writing the things that are simply LB.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope some of you are still out there to join me. I'd love to have you along for the ride. It's guaranteed to not be smooth, a little kookie, and full of love and adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cheers to Friday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">LB</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-73065376399250006492013-06-27T13:17:00.004-04:002013-06-27T13:17:56.592-04:00Things I Didn't Know about Dogs/Sponsor Spotlight<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hiiiiii Lovelies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you are all having fabulous weeks! Today is finally my day off, so I get to catch up on everything blog land which is desperately needed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As some of you may know, I am spending the summer full time nannying. I seriously wish they were my kids so I could plaster photographs of them shamelessly on this blog everyday. They are super super cute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The family also has an adorable dog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have never owned a dog. I grew up in a household where we had princes, I mean cats. (I think my mom may love them more than us--sorry mom. (yes, my mom reads my blog and I think it's baller)).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyways, so enter me watching two young ones while taking care of a rambunctious doggy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chaos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These are five things I didn't know about owning a dog:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=doggy+poop+bag&rlz=1C1TSND_enUS421US421&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wG3MUauMONXd4AP25oDQDQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=667#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=w7XqKyRyhUCJrM%3A%3BBHbM08prF34UsM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fonemoregeneration.org%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F07%252Fdoggie-pooper-scooper1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fonemoregeneration.org%252F2011%252F07%252F05%252Fwhat-to-do-when-your-dog-just-has-to-go%252F%3B395%3B274"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWZEp4cDPls/Ucxt-9IGCKI/AAAAAAAABEY/BqR-LUhlpmA/s400/doggie-pooper-scooper1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1. That one time you forget the second poop bag? Your dog will instinctively know and decide to take a number two just to see how creative you can get.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2. Dogs seriously have a secret second bladder that allows them to hold gallons. I mean how else could they literally stop at two dozen trees in ten minutes to relieve themselves?</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=dog+and+double+stroller&rlz=1C1TSND_enUS421US421&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5W7MUbGRMfir4APTqIHADQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=624#rlz=1C1TSND_enUS421US421&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=dog+and+tennis+ball&oq=dog+and+tennis+ball&gs_l=img.3..0l2j0i24l3.29429.32079.0.32155.26.19.0.0.0.4.149.1490.16j3.19.0.cpsugrpqhmsignedin..0.0.0..1.1.17.img.KAudl026IX4&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.48340889,d.dmg&fp=a317c7ad48ffcec8&biw=1366&bih=624&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=i9_msOG7NlO7hM%3A%3BMFLJfdQLOV8VeM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.joe-ks.com%252Farchives_jun2006%252FTennisBallRetriever.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.joe-ks.com%252Farchives_jun2006%252FTennisBallRetriever.htm%3B591%3B476"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuTOYKEctVo/UcxvPqIIDbI/AAAAAAAABEo/JA-wVm8lIHI/s400/TennisBallRetriever.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3. Tennis balls are worth more than gold. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwgA6c0H25Y/UcxwJxZ5C0I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZDpRsrzFxLg/s230/Doggie-Do-not-want-to-stay-alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwgA6c0H25Y/UcxwJxZ5C0I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZDpRsrzFxLg/s400/Doggie-Do-not-want-to-stay-alone.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. Separation anxiety is a legit thing among the canine family. If we go to the park and I so much as walk ten feet away, poor puppy starts barking his little head off. Ergo-I keep him close.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5. Sometimes dogs act like cats. Puppy loves to wash me-literally, every day he gives my legs a bath. It's pretty funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I continually learn something new every day and can't wait to have a dog of my very own one day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today I am SUPER SUPER SUPER excited to introduce you all (although you probably already know her cause she's that awesome) to Rachel from <a href="http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com/">Postcards from Rachel</a>!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_F3aCK2g_s/UcxxxtIBrvI/AAAAAAAABFI/7NdkN7leG3c/s918/rahcel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_F3aCK2g_s/UcxxxtIBrvI/AAAAAAAABFI/7NdkN7leG3c/s400/rahcel.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo cred: <a href="http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com/">Rachel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She has been an incredible blogger mentor to me and is the best. Slash, she's moving to BOSTON and I can't wait for blates!! She has an amazing lifestyle blog in which she talks about travel (she has the best stories) and shares pics of her adorable dogs,-I may be a tad obsessed-how could you not be when she shares pictures like this?-among many other awesome things.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlLQlhhOcXc/UcxyR8omIKI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Ni1SpKoFP2E/s959/rach+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlLQlhhOcXc/UcxyR8omIKI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Ni1SpKoFP2E/s400/rach+dog.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo cred:<a href="http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com/">Rachel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I could gush about this lady all day but here are some questions and answers so you can get to know her better in her own voice! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What is your blog name and why did you choose it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My blog name is Postcards from Rachel. I always knew that I wanted my blog to be travel-themed, but didn't want to mention a specific city or country since we would be moving around so often. I thought that my blog posts could be "postcards" from me to our family and friends (wherever we may be in this big world), and went with that.<br /></span></span><div class="im" style="color: #500050;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've been blogging since the end of July 2012, but I should have started much earlier! I thought it would be fun to document our life abroad, weekend travels and all of the photos we snapped, and had no idea that blogging would turn into such a support system. I've met many wonderful ladies through blogging and some are even in similar situations. Blogging friendships are wonderful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd probably be a good ol' Hershey's milk chocolate bar. I don't have an interesting reason why... I just really like them. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What is a favorite adventure you've had?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took a trip to Marrakech, Morocco last year and the entire experience was incredible. We rode camels in the desert, visited Berber villages in the Atlas mountains, handed out candy and school supplies to underprivileged children, and had a home-cooked meal at an Imam's house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What sorts of things do you blog about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I consider myself a lifestyle blogger so I write about a bit of everything. Travel, DIY, a few recipes here and there, and my wonderful dogs. I have a Westie named Malcolm (a good Scottish name since he's from Scotland) and a Dorkie named Ollie. I love pasting their pretty photos all over my website. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What are you really passionate about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love photography. I bought a DSLR last year and have been trying to teach myself about lighting, photo editing, and everything else. Street photography is my favorite because I enjoy wandering around while looking for things that are beautiful but real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">I'm also passionate about helping shelter dogs. I registered with a local rescue in Arizona and fostered four dogs from the county euthanasia list. I was able to teach them how to trust humans again, my dog Malcolm taught them important doggie skills like walking on a leash, and they found wonderful homes in the end. I cry a lot when they leave me, but its worth it. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Where can we follow your adventures?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blog: <a href="http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>postcardsfromrachel.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: @PostcardsRachel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Instagram:<a href="http://instagram.com/postcardsfromrachel" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://instagram.<wbr></wbr>com/postcardsfromrachel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Postcards-from-Rachel/316118381813600?ref=hl" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>facebook.com/pages/Postcards-<wbr></wbr>from-Rachel/316118381813600?<wbr></wbr>ref=hl</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/postcardsrachel/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pinterest.<wbr></wbr>com/postcardsrachel/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bloglovin: <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3836840/postcards-from-rachel" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>bloglovin.com/blog/3836840/<wbr></wbr>postcards-from-rachel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anything else you'd love us to know about you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I move around a lot so a lot of my readers get confused. In a nutshell, I started this blog in Scotland, moved to Arizona, moved to Florida, and we'll be moving to Massachusetts at the end of August. And then? Who knows. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Make sure to check her blog out and give her some love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have an awesome Thursday!!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639596792320728494.post-37232219171245987312013-06-20T21:32:00.003-04:002013-06-20T21:36:00.607-04:00The Perfect Mojito & A Give Away!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy it is almost Fridayyyyyy!!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For all of you who decided to be awesome and not give up alcohol for a month (why did I decide to do this, again?) here is a recipe for the perfect mojito! It is seriously delicious. Please have one or two for me this weekend :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzeWxjL3Lxs/UcOlyqd5PkI/AAAAAAAABDs/sIU8Hq6KPCk/s1600/mot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzeWxjL3Lxs/UcOlyqd5PkI/AAAAAAAABDs/sIU8Hq6KPCk/s400/mot+2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What You'll Need:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcgDN8rTQs0/UcOl8nqK2HI/AAAAAAAABD0/t32qq1TisA4/s1600/mojito+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcgDN8rTQs0/UcOl8nqK2HI/AAAAAAAABD0/t32qq1TisA4/s400/mojito+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rum (whichever you prefer)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Can Frozen Limeade</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sprigs of Mint</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ice</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">A Mixer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recipe: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Muddle the mint, then put the limeade (I usually use 1/2 a container for two mojitos), rum (a shot or two depending on your mood ;)) mint, and ice cubes into a blender. Pulse and mix into a yummy consistency, then put in a fancy glass and drink up</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!!</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK2Gq1z6QpI/UbHm5u8S6GI/AAAAAAAAA9M/aOv-qvsUflU/s200/blogger-image-2127586895.jpg" width="200" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">***</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZZj3fqoYZk/UcOnamllVXI/AAAAAAAABEE/I2EoZnp69z0/s1600/abby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZZj3fqoYZk/UcOnamllVXI/AAAAAAAABEE/I2EoZnp69z0/s400/abby.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Abbey, the adorable blogger of <a href="http://abbeyharris.blogspot.com/">The Makings of a Mess</a>. She loves target, books and meeting new people. Aka she's totally awesome and so is her blog!</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: large;">What is your blog name and why did you choose it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My blog name is The Makings of a Mess. When I first started
blogging, it was "First Grade Jitter Bugs," to document my first year
teaching first grade, but then life got a little crazy, so I changed it
to "The Makings of a Mess," which was and is my life now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I blogged in high school, but then started this blog up in
September 2011. I started, as I said before, to write about my
experience as a first year teacher, but my view changed from teaching to
life in general as an outlet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why</span>?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'd be a Kit-Kat Bar because everybody needs a break every once in awhile!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">What is a favorite adventure you've had?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last summer, I got the opportunity to go to Sarasota, Florida
on vacation with my boyfriend, Jason and two of his friends. It was the
first time going there and we went in the middle of Tropical Storm
Debby. We had to endure the rain and winds, but also go to explore the
beautiful city and beach life as well during me and Jason's birthday
week!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">What sorts of things do you blog about?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I blog about life in general. The everyday stuff: my
boyfriend, what I do on a daily basis, adventures I've been on, fun
pictures, and silly quotes from cute, yet crazy kiddos. It's also a
place for me to just go and vent about what's on my mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">What are you really passionate about?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm passionate about children and teaching them not only in
an educational way, but also everyday values- respecting and being kind
to one another. All children should know that they are loved even when
they give you an incredibly hard time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Where can we follow your adventures? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://abbeyharris.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: large;">Anything else you'd love us to know about you?</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love meeting new blog friends, so come check out my blog and say hello!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure to check Abbey's blog out! She is also giving away a 200x300 featured ad space, so make sure to enter! :)</span></span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/305c9d3/" id="rc-305c9d3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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