tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38137613329021449172024-03-15T14:36:26.907-05:00aMUSEingaMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-16374191014970788862017-01-16T17:09:00.000-06:002017-01-16T17:10:36.439-06:00Wing Back ChairsI just decided I need a pair of wing back chairs for the sitting area in my bedroom. 'Wing back' often screams 'old lady' but I am honoring that little old grandma would resides in my soul and going with it, of course adding modern and whimsical fabrics. I excitedly boughta pair of chairs on craigslist for $12 each and am now scoping out fabric to have them recovered in. Yes, they are totally vintage, claw foot and all and I am already obsessed with them...just not in their current, garish state!<br />
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Here is what I am thinking of having the chairs recovered in:<br />
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I always think of a set of chairs or a couch as a man in a nice suit. </div>
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So, I am all about classic, solid, wearable fabric. I am not </div>
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too much into flash on a set of chairs or couch...that's where the pillows</div>
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come in! </div>
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<i>Side note: on a single chair I would throw caution to the wind </i></div>
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<i>and go funky! Especially on an old vintage chair that is screaming</i></div>
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<i>for some funk!</i></div>
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I just can't decide if I wan to go dark or light???</div>
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and pillows in these (I like to think of pillows as the </div>
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neck tie accompanying a classic suit...be bold) :</div>
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I just love this, and think it will play off our bedding nicely.</div>
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Thinking a nice medium sized square pillow </div>
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<a href="http://thisdayisamuseing.blogspot.com/2015/05/west-elm-sale.html">click here to see our bedding blog</a></div>
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I am totally gaga over this fabric! I think it will pair</div>
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nicely with the pattern above. Thinking a lumbar </div>
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pillow to sit in front of the square gold/cream fabric.</div>
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I literally want to glaze my walls in this pattern!!! </div>
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I am also liking this, but not as much as the birds!</div>
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So, I would love your feedback. Call me, text me, leave me a comment...give me your thoughts. Then, come spring, come read books and gossip with me in what will be the coziest little nook. I cannot wait! </div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-70129389905185479992016-10-23T17:58:00.001-05:002016-10-23T17:58:14.455-05:00DIY Baby ShowerMy sweet friend and neighbor was pregnant with her first baby, so two of her dear friends and I decided to throw a bash to celebrate her and the soon-to-be baby!<br />
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Scrabble pieces added to a spring</div>
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wreath announce the theme of the party </div>
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We put touches of 'baby' all around the areas that guests </div>
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would mingle</div>
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Baby blocks spell out the theme. Frames filled with baby pictures of the</div>
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mom and dad-to-be made this party perfectly personalized.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzArHYeBsyXAJQZ4dc0ZHXFDdUuJFlSc_ENJb5evYG_k8XviWd9upMDnxWfDhKwkCeRob73pebyoletfrcaRafLCQb3gMp0thyphenhyphenIKMSIT6EcNp3vNjX3zc7hnYHF3yIn-_uCiJBVa5fRg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzArHYeBsyXAJQZ4dc0ZHXFDdUuJFlSc_ENJb5evYG_k8XviWd9upMDnxWfDhKwkCeRob73pebyoletfrcaRafLCQb3gMp0thyphenhyphenIKMSIT6EcNp3vNjX3zc7hnYHF3yIn-_uCiJBVa5fRg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's sweet to imagine what baby might look like</div>
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<i>editor's note: I am a blog fail...the baby is way born and SHE IS WAY CUTE.</i></div>
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Vintage baby clothes that once hung above my daughter's bed,</div>
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were strung on twine and clipped with small clothespins.</div>
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My sweet Logi wanted to add to the festivities</div>
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Paper pinwheels and flowers. Very simple,</div>
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DIY, decorations for this celebration.</div>
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<br />Here's how I made the pinwheels:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDkZmfjXoGgNhnYG2f5BTnJ0JI9rfcCg_8j715onCMfSvynh5J02IeDwuLbUJnRR5-eHLhuD4JZHbR0doRwiHjuESVtWYAcycYWMEj1jPxEfowg3_XuON6M8pxKIJZfFK3ewPWyDBhw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDkZmfjXoGgNhnYG2f5BTnJ0JI9rfcCg_8j715onCMfSvynh5J02IeDwuLbUJnRR5-eHLhuD4JZHbR0doRwiHjuESVtWYAcycYWMEj1jPxEfowg3_XuON6M8pxKIJZfFK3ewPWyDBhw/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I had a lot of scrapbook paper sitting around.</div>
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I do not imagine I could scrapbook to save my life, </div>
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but I do love the color options and use the paper often.</div>
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When I started thinking about decorations for this party, I </div>
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decided I could probably use the same technique </div>
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I use to make puff pastry pinwheels, out of craft paper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBerpYBTHPWagppGNpS1iYxBIOx13iYgCLHLF3NT9T8geBcP8iB6ZRGsmrya5MF1tbVAW6rAF52nxqvASuWVOYm9tX4yuSqYe5uCJ9Ye1ieJFqgiWzL1Ukn7QHU0KR8fhqqVjR3fCArw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBerpYBTHPWagppGNpS1iYxBIOx13iYgCLHLF3NT9T8geBcP8iB6ZRGsmrya5MF1tbVAW6rAF52nxqvASuWVOYm9tX4yuSqYe5uCJ9Ye1ieJFqgiWzL1Ukn7QHU0KR8fhqqVjR3fCArw/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I only had single sided paper paper on hand.</div>
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I would imagine (but don't quote me) that</div>
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one can purchase these squares of paper</div>
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with patterns on both sides.</div>
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Since I was working with paper on hand,</div>
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I used a glue stick to glue the backs of </div>
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2 pieces of decorative paper together.</div>
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I mixed and matched the papers looking</div>
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for funky contrast. </div>
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After the glue fully set I cut from the 4 corners</div>
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of the paper square leaving about the size of</div>
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a half dollar coin in the middle. The square</div>
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turned into 4 triangles of paper, attached at the center. </div>
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I put a dot of hot glue in the center and quickly</div>
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folded the right side of each triangle to the center.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNJrrkOeiMhzo-gsOPzbzHiLUC9eHKiAXLp2HCxB5HSV3hbVSDVQ8cJ8ZECmrk6GAaer82srMhMvg8OM3xdUcsGbBSJ_39vaRuvV368synuYbBDQGodq2DQ6Ry_jQsAW0sxJSX3jNw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNJrrkOeiMhzo-gsOPzbzHiLUC9eHKiAXLp2HCxB5HSV3hbVSDVQ8cJ8ZECmrk6GAaer82srMhMvg8OM3xdUcsGbBSJ_39vaRuvV368synuYbBDQGodq2DQ6Ry_jQsAW0sxJSX3jNw/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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How cute are they!! So fun and funky and</div>
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OH SO EASY!!! To cover up the gluey mess</div>
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I used random buttons, and an additional dot</div>
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of hot glue to secure the button.</div>
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</div>
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How adorable would these be hanging in</div>
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a nursery? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD87kRdwPN_9nag4mmjUHrJSq3LppwrCnmizluezyrukor8FD-k_IjG47gWs2xfGp9-x62e21Wr3MkZgMfI1wriA2i54WTnc_w2xU7pSj1FQVimZRDGn0eq-bTCwoxBhHWmiiPljyN1g/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD87kRdwPN_9nag4mmjUHrJSq3LppwrCnmizluezyrukor8FD-k_IjG47gWs2xfGp9-x62e21Wr3MkZgMfI1wriA2i54WTnc_w2xU7pSj1FQVimZRDGn0eq-bTCwoxBhHWmiiPljyN1g/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I used a paper punch in one corner of one of the</div>
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protruding triangles, then used fish line to hang</div>
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them above the dining table and outside on the</div>
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porch to help welcome guests to the celebration.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DCKNCEAWQb9FlGj5a8Lcm6LP-ZIS5p-0KFoXZGBEgG-lHGAWyK5eAzhTk3BHSrayrRSSh5Aid5ZAdtfA23z8WPxUVkZkAtD43BQ6U7f3YixKb4Kh8HnyXfCZJf_hKsRAh-Admc-Pg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DCKNCEAWQb9FlGj5a8Lcm6LP-ZIS5p-0KFoXZGBEgG-lHGAWyK5eAzhTk3BHSrayrRSSh5Aid5ZAdtfA23z8WPxUVkZkAtD43BQ6U7f3YixKb4Kh8HnyXfCZJf_hKsRAh-Admc-Pg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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DIY floral arrangements. Use what is seasonal, and</div>
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just pop them in jars or buckets you have on hand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DCP5TkugIfCvoQ1d8-Aj0tcVdjQZdNamTJubdhKr3ZbiRcbyKHWpNPAmUzqZ8ZC6EbKgCH6KfB9bGoLAIoPralQBTl9MoXBUStFb9a17ZMJ-36vL8ljFcr0F-DWurUeSG34RWIqunA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DCP5TkugIfCvoQ1d8-Aj0tcVdjQZdNamTJubdhKr3ZbiRcbyKHWpNPAmUzqZ8ZC6EbKgCH6KfB9bGoLAIoPralQBTl9MoXBUStFb9a17ZMJ-36vL8ljFcr0F-DWurUeSG34RWIqunA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Spray roses in spring neutrals and button mums were my go-to </div>
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favorite all spring, so it was a no brainer for this party. I placed</div>
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them in a vintage milk bottle crate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZme1NOsXqysahFP3x81AJbg69Mo8YO-F5Ea-ZobK-zhL_llrPRm2INpkdTsQ5i4B-UMW2nKxBgwcx6nYAIYoRGZGr8iWe5MktzSTVPPQqEKIXdMKq4Hw2T7W2LyiIKBUjsjFlBpt5Q/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZme1NOsXqysahFP3x81AJbg69Mo8YO-F5Ea-ZobK-zhL_llrPRm2INpkdTsQ5i4B-UMW2nKxBgwcx6nYAIYoRGZGr8iWe5MktzSTVPPQqEKIXdMKq4Hw2T7W2LyiIKBUjsjFlBpt5Q/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The mom-to-be opening presents. Her sweet</div>
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mom (and a couple of aunties were able to fly in</div>
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for the celebration)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeLVHp_Br2z_M8f-yK0dIsUkDIZwbDw4l6CU64xqDCemF-WBI6VmBgkpfNxDiL2EQ_ow3lepUrTVa9H25wJv0YOtRtrmaeJiSuMrDKmvAQzSUFpxpESj_es-KnnByHQSS-59H1Y_F5g/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeLVHp_Br2z_M8f-yK0dIsUkDIZwbDw4l6CU64xqDCemF-WBI6VmBgkpfNxDiL2EQ_ow3lepUrTVa9H25wJv0YOtRtrmaeJiSuMrDKmvAQzSUFpxpESj_es-KnnByHQSS-59H1Y_F5g/s400/blog.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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Mom-to-be with her mama.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Aqkr7FGmBS3BCZDDKZ2l44vO1FjxH4cpAo22jHudessvYto9AuEcweQQfhoqc3gdD5r-y6mAJFmFIQEqNxzOj5tGz_uJ0-sPTgSe4CtLNk-oWcv46SbOqTzqjc03FKf1gnExnSSYg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Aqkr7FGmBS3BCZDDKZ2l44vO1FjxH4cpAo22jHudessvYto9AuEcweQQfhoqc3gdD5r-y6mAJFmFIQEqNxzOj5tGz_uJ0-sPTgSe4CtLNk-oWcv46SbOqTzqjc03FKf1gnExnSSYg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought this felt banner in the $3 bin at Target. It was just the felt </div>
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letters on ribbon, so I dolled it up and with little rounds of burlap and fabric </div>
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(a few layers, held together with a decorative brad). </div>
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I then glued the circles on the store bought banner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmhu_GeoRiQ2-tsFPxbZodKjag41oua1KTBMYTkXpALOUVEbLyajAdBH6_Kz52iNBelsK80uKWz81hTCL1Rgkh54J8xOsy_K7_Cn5Jl5s4TLcxarE5Dy6SGyAoNKMMTWKJYCMTGUl5w/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmhu_GeoRiQ2-tsFPxbZodKjag41oua1KTBMYTkXpALOUVEbLyajAdBH6_Kz52iNBelsK80uKWz81hTCL1Rgkh54J8xOsy_K7_Cn5Jl5s4TLcxarE5Dy6SGyAoNKMMTWKJYCMTGUl5w/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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We of course threw it down with the delcious</div>
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spread of food. I will blog that at a later date...</div>
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<i>goal: before baby turns 1</i></div>
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xo</div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-63869658125648205222016-06-30T18:02:00.003-05:002016-10-10T13:52:08.129-05:00A Sitting Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CzcVgpQVEEZh-RootKorEz7LWjZiuBScMmTIgYga-YNnmM-PbCvr4oGR7GIJqn7gqAgWG-_2KhmdfCpLH5VDdmiaCSSJMrZjCHXNmtP2BosT6f6qFrtSRbEc2KfTkcEBWxluK0QhBw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CzcVgpQVEEZh-RootKorEz7LWjZiuBScMmTIgYga-YNnmM-PbCvr4oGR7GIJqn7gqAgWG-_2KhmdfCpLH5VDdmiaCSSJMrZjCHXNmtP2BosT6f6qFrtSRbEc2KfTkcEBWxluK0QhBw/s640/blog.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This little area, as you enter our home, was until recently </div>
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empty, except for an oversized canvas and wood tent that my in-laws</div>
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made for the kiddos when we moved in almost 4 years ago.</div>
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Then...I inherited the <a href="http://thisdayisamuseing.blogspot.com/2016/02/before-after-mid-century-chairs.html">two chairs shown (see blog post)</a> in the top</div>
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of this photo and that started a snowball effect of:</div>
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a. moving tent to the playroom </div>
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b. searching for a couch </div>
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c. oh hell, pulling together this room </div>
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I told the friends who handed down the chairs that the chairs</div>
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had become a character in a rewrite of the children's book,</div>
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If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, because these chairs </div>
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demanded a couch, then a rug, then a table and on and on!</div>
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I hope you enjoy the eclectic little pull together, in my new</div>
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favorite room to sit and read. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpfDbhSthKS-kT7doUHsYGZqS9opWiXQVKNlzDFg8JOcFYc4rx9g2VkRVNPQKCxVf0cheO2Qrjc8dAe8mH5t2OMG-q7BXEJ0PQvNevrRVTxNZGPlRAuArgjjNvZmBuvUIwkWN9bsJYA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpfDbhSthKS-kT7doUHsYGZqS9opWiXQVKNlzDFg8JOcFYc4rx9g2VkRVNPQKCxVf0cheO2Qrjc8dAe8mH5t2OMG-q7BXEJ0PQvNevrRVTxNZGPlRAuArgjjNvZmBuvUIwkWN9bsJYA/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Foreground: chair, small camp seat</div>
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that I picked up for 10 cents at </div>
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a yard sale in Minneapolis. My</div>
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MIL recovered it with a scrap of</div>
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awning canvas. </div>
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Background: Coffee table that </div>
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I grew up with, once in a 90s green, </div>
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repainted with a chalk gray. The wood is old</div>
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and rugged and I LOVE IT! This</div>
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couch, that I found on craigslist for $10.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I picked up the craigslist couch, I was nervous it was garbage, </div>
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but it was worth a go, as I would only be out $10. </div>
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I called the company that reupholstered</div>
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the chairs, and had them pop out to see</div>
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my cheapo couch. They said the construction</div>
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was very strong and sturdy and could be reworked </div>
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BACK IT UP...</div>
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I had originally purchased a couch for</div>
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this room from West Elm. <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/3527707/?catalogId=73&sku=3527707&bnrid=3902401&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=All_Sofas&cm_ite=AllProducts&gclid=CLLe1rXj0M0CFQIKaQodyOEHVA&kwid=productads-adid^47300713553-device^c-plaid^81769638353-sku^3527707-adType^PLA">See link.</a></div>
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When the couch arrived the cushions were</div>
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an ill fit and one of the tapered legs was too</div>
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short. I was beyond disappointed with the</div>
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craftsmanship, but in love with the fabric. After</div>
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the run around from West Elm, I decided to</div>
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return the janky couch and order bulk fabric</div>
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from them. The results...AMAZING! </div>
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All this, pulled into one with an oversized</div>
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tumbled jute rug that is as soft as can be</div>
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and a small rug, under the coffee table that</div>
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my sweet friend asked me to love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OtWqxvkjRIN4Kr2VWh1aTDdkkFRQ7YjXJX_xb1EKQ9wXK77H6C-RUAbME5CDVphpfZH3AINdvFeYqumm8sdA8Amf7t5lGrcsWLmysepNGrbprx7dctD2nQIn6qXMSSwyqxp1Oaiwtg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OtWqxvkjRIN4Kr2VWh1aTDdkkFRQ7YjXJX_xb1EKQ9wXK77H6C-RUAbME5CDVphpfZH3AINdvFeYqumm8sdA8Amf7t5lGrcsWLmysepNGrbprx7dctD2nQIn6qXMSSwyqxp1Oaiwtg/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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One of the chairs responsible for this</div>
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madness and a darling foot pouf!</div>
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When the upholstery company</div>
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came to fetch the couch and fabric</div>
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to fix it up, I also sent with an old blanket,</div>
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that I also grew up with. It was always</div>
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tucked away as a kid, but I loved it</div>
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and was excited when it became mine.</div>
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Thick wool, this traditional 'Hudson Bay'</div>
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style blanket is super iconic, but upon</div>
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close inspection, it had a tear in it and </div>
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a big stain that I could not remove.</div>
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So...it sat in a cabinet in my home for the last</div>
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few years, which felt a shame, so I sent it</div>
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to be reworked, with a small drawing of</div>
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how I wanted the blanket oriented on a </div>
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foot pouf. I had this created with firm</div>
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foam, so it could double as a seat, if needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hnwEJ90gelEeolH9BJBaTFuCnRQGfTEjji4A_gSs6mC08qsLXOzSXC-MIXpsxjQBZAv-hiUcuUX3zpLA89OmKpoOqEgQJ1yjOrOARwLxEaJi5eBlXYfqWMkiyF1MyWOWt1bTzKekcw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hnwEJ90gelEeolH9BJBaTFuCnRQGfTEjji4A_gSs6mC08qsLXOzSXC-MIXpsxjQBZAv-hiUcuUX3zpLA89OmKpoOqEgQJ1yjOrOARwLxEaJi5eBlXYfqWMkiyF1MyWOWt1bTzKekcw/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Isn't it absolutely darling! </div>
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I am so happy I did this.</div>
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It's a good reminder that stuff</div>
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serves zero purpose if it is tucked away,</div>
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and it you love it, by golly find a way to use it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmTt4-1j-dode3JAmoU8MGi925ngXfxXNhAV5e_NBYyPTHaSVNqhcWOKE91eFu0HW1Jv8R4ayIvp6DyEvhzP8F1woKdDkC1AfdUolIRWNs_kFTlCyz-t9Yit1Atmjbg67kzNaoyabfg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmTt4-1j-dode3JAmoU8MGi925ngXfxXNhAV5e_NBYyPTHaSVNqhcWOKE91eFu0HW1Jv8R4ayIvp6DyEvhzP8F1woKdDkC1AfdUolIRWNs_kFTlCyz-t9Yit1Atmjbg67kzNaoyabfg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found this sideboard the week we moved into the house, on </div>
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craigslist. It stores linens for the dining room on one side, and<br />
my kid's craft stuff on the other. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f0fBuDfpJn0unMFH1zYNbikGkB4BeHPTDbWRU1z6lEgxNxzF1qfdY59v7hFFjZQASt-3GkVLusQz4wrJIeqRzEa9wViUhbDWD2zgD8rJyVmAJ-xFAfB8HO4cN0JPBocrCNAkjTkWaA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f0fBuDfpJn0unMFH1zYNbikGkB4BeHPTDbWRU1z6lEgxNxzF1qfdY59v7hFFjZQASt-3GkVLusQz4wrJIeqRzEa9wViUhbDWD2zgD8rJyVmAJ-xFAfB8HO4cN0JPBocrCNAkjTkWaA/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I can't recall how far back this chair</div>
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goes back in my family, but at least as far </div>
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back as my maternal great grandma. </div>
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It is a treasured piece. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It along with the hand embroidered </div>
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pillow (also dating back to my great grandma),</div>
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a coffee sack pillow and a throw blanket that</div>
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I bought at Marshalls (I bought the throw for a </div>
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concert, because on the way to the venue we </div>
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realized we had forgotten a blanket...so it </div>
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makes me happy to look at every single day!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0oeIiOpY9SqUQ2mB40ITdEMUo9qvwFDECAfBOf1HUPMk4G0DvAekfA5NcsF8lJJjlktPHieohsLhPX-edkwACr8uRvTlqOQAdiEp_3RtJaSEgCDR_y2-JI05k2kMJuFkwqUJ091HXA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0oeIiOpY9SqUQ2mB40ITdEMUo9qvwFDECAfBOf1HUPMk4G0DvAekfA5NcsF8lJJjlktPHieohsLhPX-edkwACr8uRvTlqOQAdiEp_3RtJaSEgCDR_y2-JI05k2kMJuFkwqUJ091HXA/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Oh, did I mention that it took West</div>
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Elm nearly 4 months to pick up the</div>
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defunct couch? So annoying!</div>
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Here's a nice side by side to see the</div>
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West Elm Couch (upper) and the</div>
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rework (lower). You will note</div>
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that we decided against buttons</div>
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on the seats, as we they are </div>
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dirt collectors and can</div>
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get caught on pant</div>
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pockets and can tear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9x8GB8DNXNHKfCPL1xBj6wqJ6clmroQylji2uQaVJEyU3ddaO_n1k4d-kIDWA7Cv0DwV8GJ3yEyZzGxbqDhqclEoFMK-k0HbhDoCq0FrGsxEfHTClR-RiZYAUS41w8M-8LRywjDKvA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9x8GB8DNXNHKfCPL1xBj6wqJ6clmroQylji2uQaVJEyU3ddaO_n1k4d-kIDWA7Cv0DwV8GJ3yEyZzGxbqDhqclEoFMK-k0HbhDoCq0FrGsxEfHTClR-RiZYAUS41w8M-8LRywjDKvA/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Gaaaaw, this couch! </div>
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Bonus: the rework came in at over $400</div>
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less than the West Elm purchase!!!</div>
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Worth EVERY (saved) PENNY!</div>
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<br /></div>
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xo.</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-25762494479793305382016-05-11T22:40:00.000-05:002016-10-10T13:55:48.336-05:00Union Station Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9fH2R5fWrZ7V-3nqAXSY9wV4WFsNhgEdTIpL7qmgAbILvxFSyrBIhLBs-35PvdZp1gYJ_gzYt4zHOWauoQ8NqgSvWt-c-Rq7KieOG7Mf8CKMYlIzUReU8FS5Ryv856qOAFo14QZzA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9fH2R5fWrZ7V-3nqAXSY9wV4WFsNhgEdTIpL7qmgAbILvxFSyrBIhLBs-35PvdZp1gYJ_gzYt4zHOWauoQ8NqgSvWt-c-Rq7KieOG7Mf8CKMYlIzUReU8FS5Ryv856qOAFo14QZzA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My hubby had a birthday last week. He spent his birthday morning
and afternoon skiing (how royally great to be able to ski on a random Friday off in May, which happens to be your birthday...because Mary Jane extended the ski season 2 extra weeks!), then we headed out for 24 hours. I
planned our short adventure just 20 minutes away from our house at the newly renovated Union Station in Denver.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwaUwMouUsAI7CfUKNxHeUkM5QXSc8rpfvFmw3ktJxj5DOWo_Q3fNwXDzEjH4bnbVXhR_XZi20rtUtJ22uJZ-cvbGRj54LvobvsQ7TuzhKpvGlX9jHUEOE1BeboGW1YvD_Kd1kwiVWw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwaUwMouUsAI7CfUKNxHeUkM5QXSc8rpfvFmw3ktJxj5DOWo_Q3fNwXDzEjH4bnbVXhR_XZi20rtUtJ22uJZ-cvbGRj54LvobvsQ7TuzhKpvGlX9jHUEOE1BeboGW1YvD_Kd1kwiVWw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought it would be fun to spend our 24 kid-free hours checking out </div>
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Union Station, because 4 years ago (can it really be that long ago?)</div>
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this was our view, for our first 5 months in Colorado. .</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UHqPw60IWF7qmOpiOZA60YXEg-Xc6Y5Hfpdsr0N4eBHe_z2hnUz_8gZicbEjJX-cYB6cUdMlRgBN4oqKH-AwsZ-Qa6SDD8kgShaJsYXTBpjPGfzAMu69LynZwF9s3dAaepEDSIKhGw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UHqPw60IWF7qmOpiOZA60YXEg-Xc6Y5Hfpdsr0N4eBHe_z2hnUz_8gZicbEjJX-cYB6cUdMlRgBN4oqKH-AwsZ-Qa6SDD8kgShaJsYXTBpjPGfzAMu69LynZwF9s3dAaepEDSIKhGw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thecrawfordhotel.com/special-offers/?_vsrefdom=crawford-ppc&gclid=CLHH1J-RycwCFQiqaQodDfkJrw">The Crawford Hotel</a> is right inside the station. Lovely!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQqj2aTrJMHxgCnGi6LtBL8vrNbn6UPmLLHicJh1dBxU4MOxhhWbFpW5KUT4fD28OitgMpqcGmfbGRzsdPKpC7aghrWQxe7c2QSQUO_RdfZ_WyAeLSdpc1k9mRFc9il3dNUHuiExalw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQqj2aTrJMHxgCnGi6LtBL8vrNbn6UPmLLHicJh1dBxU4MOxhhWbFpW5KUT4fD28OitgMpqcGmfbGRzsdPKpC7aghrWQxe7c2QSQUO_RdfZ_WyAeLSdpc1k9mRFc9il3dNUHuiExalw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The room we stayed in was so cozy, and it was fun to be staying</div>
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right were all the action was, since our trip was so quick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHj-Jc5DcKw8Z_YfjTYmHT3-FNU34XwxH2K8WXt5uneQt0yCKttiN5u0jUL19oXMGdqhKL9LiG1TN_quVcrJ17v0hK0oKSyHKA1BDqLQWV6OfPeApGk1bP_Pfhg3vpssWR9SoTR6bpw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHj-Jc5DcKw8Z_YfjTYmHT3-FNU34XwxH2K8WXt5uneQt0yCKttiN5u0jUL19oXMGdqhKL9LiG1TN_quVcrJ17v0hK0oKSyHKA1BDqLQWV6OfPeApGk1bP_Pfhg3vpssWR9SoTR6bpw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Terminal Bar had a wide array of local beers, cocktails and light fare. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsPSQVOLqNA-GH_8-O417dcYZ_Tb4O2Lho-wW9KWO57Kel_ODJ2s_fquxVT4ThVnP3ex4yNbJEGH-fyROTPaPMHGbeqCPluir58j0GgIH3LkU59q4ZWqQHSfzs2hGc3twDJm-czusgw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsPSQVOLqNA-GH_8-O417dcYZ_Tb4O2Lho-wW9KWO57Kel_ODJ2s_fquxVT4ThVnP3ex4yNbJEGH-fyROTPaPMHGbeqCPluir58j0GgIH3LkU59q4ZWqQHSfzs2hGc3twDJm-czusgw/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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We sat on the Terminal Bar patio for an hour, sampling beers </div>
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(I still hate beer) and took in some amazing people watching.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfkW-rHFl4MPOKABFa8s420kQbTZZczRGj4y1dgnOwIJnFp6mC1K2xhtZeHHyk8SttMr_TWAmeStUiP4XD2qscSE4itjSfJkv8t05DgAhzYuGOH8Qw7vKRF55T5GF25tOLgX9dXHuIg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfkW-rHFl4MPOKABFa8s420kQbTZZczRGj4y1dgnOwIJnFp6mC1K2xhtZeHHyk8SttMr_TWAmeStUiP4XD2qscSE4itjSfJkv8t05DgAhzYuGOH8Qw7vKRF55T5GF25tOLgX9dXHuIg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shuffle board.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz2juHkH3FMNwhoj9TdMuI5QLK89FLVGLNua84vjSAEKbHNi0EBuPDz4EPfnvwm2Zrfy_24d1Uef3RR2h7AxoEIbUoIk4pgMcTOIRF6ALSGrUBmev92cfyXek6E7uqyNj_dHbDhuacw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz2juHkH3FMNwhoj9TdMuI5QLK89FLVGLNua84vjSAEKbHNi0EBuPDz4EPfnvwm2Zrfy_24d1Uef3RR2h7AxoEIbUoIk4pgMcTOIRF6ALSGrUBmev92cfyXek6E7uqyNj_dHbDhuacw/s400/blog.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The art deco details throughout Union Station were nearly too much</div>
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for my heart. I loved every corner. This is a snap of the bar</div>
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on the mezzanine level, just above the Terminal Bar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XH63M2WrBewuMulkxpTlECoXJ65bGAek69mx6joKrk-gIYX-bLunlicglW308gtxwUZsbFZG8-xMqxzkyVS5iU3JEaeGKWK3K9kc6-zHRZ2peMPkeYiUIB_V8mA-dwdwWdTpfHELag/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XH63M2WrBewuMulkxpTlECoXJ65bGAek69mx6joKrk-gIYX-bLunlicglW308gtxwUZsbFZG8-xMqxzkyVS5iU3JEaeGKWK3K9kc6-zHRZ2peMPkeYiUIB_V8mA-dwdwWdTpfHELag/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Interior of one of the many restaurants onsite, <a href="http://stoicandgenuine.com/#home">Stoic & Genuine</a>. </div>
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This restaurant was not an option for me, because of my fake</div>
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seafood allergy, but check out the sick interior. In love. </div>
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There is zero chance you will leave Union Station hungry. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKOZgoPX-yxeritrpAn2flD2B0HgE5cIQ0JOi0eVd6ZH-sAhdKhnFh846AcpJUt0R2fONBfSD8OUShRAT-jgT37FLOh8cifAPJ1gRsQ8eq-nMPiw5rt3EacqE6m16LTx4tuaJAtjSEQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKOZgoPX-yxeritrpAn2flD2B0HgE5cIQ0JOi0eVd6ZH-sAhdKhnFh846AcpJUt0R2fONBfSD8OUShRAT-jgT37FLOh8cifAPJ1gRsQ8eq-nMPiw5rt3EacqE6m16LTx4tuaJAtjSEQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After dinner, we popped into Milkbox Ice Creamery, inside </div>
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Union Station. They serve <a href="http://www.littlemanicecream.com/">Little Man ice cream</a>, which is</div>
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about the best thing ever (and we used to walk to Little Man, just across </div>
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the river from our apartment that overlooked Union Station)! </div>
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We took our ice cream outside and sat by the fountains. </div>
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I quickly decided I need to plan a day trip down with the kids, </div>
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via the light rail because they would</div>
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love to run through the water (the restaurants along the linear</div>
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fountains have towels for guests to dry off, perfection!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGOIjfLwPMaGHsQfUgTgXxAFMyGv3A7r8_IAXGy-x-k6c3thr6CG7v4yGADQFWJPQtNN3w8KbQZ9pGsm5zrRbw-3_I_CZ9EdYzvDJFGP6vDLbC2nodLHr-vIt5rrST9EhnXYO0aOHgA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGOIjfLwPMaGHsQfUgTgXxAFMyGv3A7r8_IAXGy-x-k6c3thr6CG7v4yGADQFWJPQtNN3w8KbQZ9pGsm5zrRbw-3_I_CZ9EdYzvDJFGP6vDLbC2nodLHr-vIt5rrST9EhnXYO0aOHgA/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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After ice cream, I marveled once more at the</div>
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interior design inside the station. I also</div>
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contemplated ways to shove this chair in</div>
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my backpack. I then wish I had packed</div>
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like Lane from Gilmore Girls, when she</div>
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headed back to Korea! See below.</div>
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We headed to bed and I slept like a bug in a fancy rug</div>
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buried in all the cozy blankets that adorned the bed.</div>
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The next morning, we woke up and stumbled down</div>
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the stairs right into <a href="http://snoozeeatery.com/co-menu/">Snooze Eatery</a>. I mean,</div>
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could it get any better than that! There is</div>
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always a wait at Snooze, but on this cool</div>
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morning, no one wanted to sit outside, but </div>
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we kids with our Minnesota blood pumping, </div>
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took a table out there and it was glorious!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtVo03d5V2Nkf9spiHzw3TS0Kl_3qxSQgPNHrX8lN10ELzTFJl9i2Qd5ZbYEpfVV5ORBPmVM8Ni6QtmJPOe4Rbzv7B_tyN5IGEDznx-mnYyvaTlz2TMTFsaFhd3VaLoGECngdHwHdfg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtVo03d5V2Nkf9spiHzw3TS0Kl_3qxSQgPNHrX8lN10ELzTFJl9i2Qd5ZbYEpfVV5ORBPmVM8Ni6QtmJPOe4Rbzv7B_tyN5IGEDznx-mnYyvaTlz2TMTFsaFhd3VaLoGECngdHwHdfg/s400/blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Zac and I shared the breakfast pot pie</div>
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(<i>helloooo rosemary sausage gravy and </i></div>
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<i>puff pastry. Wanna get married?</i>) </div>
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and the OMG! French Toast.</div>
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The mascarpone stuffed french toast was </div>
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topped with vanilla crème, salted caramel, fresh </div>
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strawberries and toasted coconut. Ridiculous! </div>
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We walked around downtown until the wind </div>
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shifted and brought rain, but that was the</div>
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perfect excuse to go crawl back into bed until</div>
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we got the boot at check out. </div>
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So...the short story is:</div>
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GO CHECK OUT UNION STATION DENVER!</div>
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xo.</div>
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<br />aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-90845579239327787732016-04-22T10:15:00.000-05:002016-10-10T13:56:33.706-05:00South of the Boarder Smothered Corn on the Cob<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFc0qJv8UPlOofZQUYlNRonK2DuWedNIirZOQ7P3JdObb69rF-MWre5XM4hIPYrDrrZgcH5XSrW1r7_8MH7LKvED4hwbO7RG4nyaTzQB63VcODJtkkBm-C7lR4tEwaqUOTptRsbg3hw/s1600/corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFc0qJv8UPlOofZQUYlNRonK2DuWedNIirZOQ7P3JdObb69rF-MWre5XM4hIPYrDrrZgcH5XSrW1r7_8MH7LKvED4hwbO7RG4nyaTzQB63VcODJtkkBm-C7lR4tEwaqUOTptRsbg3hw/s400/corn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't even! This is absolutely the tasty thing ever, and here's the</div>
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recipe just in time for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations </div>
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and backyard picnics and cookouts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wdeFs1SPVexF5_f607WANoXGBF3vWt9IOigZh08MNai-52jZTCp_H7aI_qEwA-Hh86sXwYOo9Dz1ww2HT__38n8eC70l80MUNb25NBYkkggBB08gf7KHjnywaBzKmc4KZ7Obw-TK5g/s1600/corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wdeFs1SPVexF5_f607WANoXGBF3vWt9IOigZh08MNai-52jZTCp_H7aI_qEwA-Hh86sXwYOo9Dz1ww2HT__38n8eC70l80MUNb25NBYkkggBB08gf7KHjnywaBzKmc4KZ7Obw-TK5g/s400/corn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What you need:</div>
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cooked corn on the cob, set to room temperature (make in advance, chill)</div>
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Hellman's mayonnaise </div>
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chipotle chili powder (sub chili powder, if you want flavor but no heat)</div>
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queso fresco (a chunk that can crumble)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B1PgH40GLa-efG9GXwSarg7eIOPlknCDV83l-e-5N4sIVNxYy8VS0ymb5C9yX6481nqwnWnGp95tqLg6BS0lMP75Di6qV5e85De3WhT-3TEdoHjiL3hN8dbwBlgWha35gLwbwi67qQ/s1600/corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B1PgH40GLa-efG9GXwSarg7eIOPlknCDV83l-e-5N4sIVNxYy8VS0ymb5C9yX6481nqwnWnGp95tqLg6BS0lMP75Di6qV5e85De3WhT-3TEdoHjiL3hN8dbwBlgWha35gLwbwi67qQ/s400/corn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On a prep surface, crumble queso fresco.</div>
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Mix the mayonnaise with the chipotle chili powder (make it</div>
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as spicy as you want. I did 1/4 cup mayonnaise to 1 & 1/2 tsp powder)</div>
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Spread the mayonnaise onto the cooled corn (1-2 Tablespoons),</div>
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covering the surface. Then roll in the crumbled cheese. </div>
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Messy, but worth it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOXcd5XOGQiEe5iFDKHyg2SoqIfZ-ve5eVY1ngxYDw84Gd1rbiZmYfOQETF_3Xcip3xBR-jvOF9QNAQj9dE899pGw5GIFNgF9hPJJLtgv1qEqY_M2Z8yP0kKJszzkv6L2W47_n-vfgw/s1600/corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOXcd5XOGQiEe5iFDKHyg2SoqIfZ-ve5eVY1ngxYDw84Gd1rbiZmYfOQETF_3Xcip3xBR-jvOF9QNAQj9dE899pGw5GIFNgF9hPJJLtgv1qEqY_M2Z8yP0kKJszzkv6L2W47_n-vfgw/s400/corn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously, this is ridiculous! The sweet of the corn balances so </div>
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nicely with the tang and spice of the chipotle mayonnaise and</div>
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the crumble cheese coating brings it all together!</div>
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<br /></div>
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xo.</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-20858128704492922182016-04-13T10:22:00.001-05:002016-10-10T13:57:56.801-05:00Favorite Children's BooksI co-hosted a baby shower this weekend. In lieu of a greeting card, we asked the attendees to write a message to soon-to-be mom, dad and baby in the front cover of their favorite children's book. That got me thinking about a few of the favorites around this house, that we love to read, during our bedtime reading rituals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50-txNVm12C-bPLMGTBlLrTV_uRk-1tBHidtWsvuPy9uYaCCJugayadnPseVpqGA7wdN6f6HGr7_9lRTD7STE4K0Aej1_cB-HviQfxx0EQjdpeqnAwLNVhJrsPaNWOyd98vO0qEFWZg/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50-txNVm12C-bPLMGTBlLrTV_uRk-1tBHidtWsvuPy9uYaCCJugayadnPseVpqGA7wdN6f6HGr7_9lRTD7STE4K0Aej1_cB-HviQfxx0EQjdpeqnAwLNVhJrsPaNWOyd98vO0qEFWZg/s320/book.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Have you read this one? I feel like it flies</div>
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way under the radar, but it is such a fun</div>
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read, with a great message about being humble.</div>
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It is sooo good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4fuk1c9F0_3lQFzqDPy4Q1tUBFRiDMGlVXFwWNN535K4NXekj9gIzsI7BmXcrQTsDqD-xYT0iO1d6yEkvrS0OIoFD7pcJvBTkJsQuke3oooUPKnOAiAnKQeJBv0k9GRx6676lpYOwg/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4fuk1c9F0_3lQFzqDPy4Q1tUBFRiDMGlVXFwWNN535K4NXekj9gIzsI7BmXcrQTsDqD-xYT0iO1d6yEkvrS0OIoFD7pcJvBTkJsQuke3oooUPKnOAiAnKQeJBv0k9GRx6676lpYOwg/s320/book.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
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This has been a favorite of mine since I was a</div>
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little kid. I remember going to a book store in</div>
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Minnesota to meet the author and illustrator,</div>
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and we still read the copy that was signed </div>
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to me, as a kid. </div>
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An honorable mention by this writing and illustrating </div>
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duo is, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/King-Bidgoods-Bathtub-Audrey-Wood/dp/0152054359">King Bidgood's in the Bathtub</a>. I also have</div>
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the signed copy of this book from my </div>
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childhood that we often pull out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPFg-3OhUuUk667W2e7-ZZ6xXovRXHr7kk_7ZG5bX6m0IIStJOb9gbN_xJvm3OPYpvEqYzqd8Di_pzd-yc3wzRtRsiq8uz8crZ-hm0ARZZEAChPDTY2T-xTiFrFt0Dtnv6TpoTQrFLw/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPFg-3OhUuUk667W2e7-ZZ6xXovRXHr7kk_7ZG5bX6m0IIStJOb9gbN_xJvm3OPYpvEqYzqd8Di_pzd-yc3wzRtRsiq8uz8crZ-hm0ARZZEAChPDTY2T-xTiFrFt0Dtnv6TpoTQrFLw/s320/book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had never heard of this book or the author, until</div>
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we received a small stack of her books when Logi</div>
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was born. This quickly became our favorite and we</div>
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still read our copy of this tattered little board book often. </div>
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Honorable mention by this same author is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnyard-Dance-Boynton-Board-Sandra/dp/1563054426">Barnyard Dance</a>. </div>
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It is still a favorite to read allowed to the kids</div>
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(I dig deep and put a little twang in my voice when I read this one!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7Xv8EL-UtVeYdaprHTYgq27vUrtswEVo1B65s5ue7I8DDoENFyTz9bI6NshRFEXqklJCn0K9431SJtVN1NoJB9M6yCCO-6DSUEDuQFwmNLur31zHJzYYMau5lTqXZpoEQIwBIqObiA/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7Xv8EL-UtVeYdaprHTYgq27vUrtswEVo1B65s5ue7I8DDoENFyTz9bI6NshRFEXqklJCn0K9431SJtVN1NoJB9M6yCCO-6DSUEDuQFwmNLur31zHJzYYMau5lTqXZpoEQIwBIqObiA/s320/book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is such a fun and clever read! This was</div>
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introduced into our reading rotation just last</div>
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year and it is absolutely a favorite! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReDty313NSabo-r-s543wQMgErruqXuikyGzQhYPpYeJeFka8TaR5GvP0ryp5jNaqm1GRORLl3yoXqqyW-qHvzJwoDGOIwpHPdudOx7hzGzu8sS9fHORoqS_OAI627bnUhRXZlRsc8g/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReDty313NSabo-r-s543wQMgErruqXuikyGzQhYPpYeJeFka8TaR5GvP0ryp5jNaqm1GRORLl3yoXqqyW-qHvzJwoDGOIwpHPdudOx7hzGzu8sS9fHORoqS_OAI627bnUhRXZlRsc8g/s320/book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is MY absolute favorite! I learned to recite it</div>
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when Logi was just a few weeks old and it is still</div>
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one that I tell them when rocking them back to sleep in the night.</div>
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Our taped up board book shows just how much we love this one.</div>
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I am so thankful for the joy of books as the four of us pile into our </div>
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bed every night to read. It has been such fun, this last year to have </div>
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Logi take on some of the reading aloud. Although, she still much prefers </div>
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us to read to her at bedtime, so she can snuggle in with Benny.</div>
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Oh, and I can't sign off without a big, huge shout out to the Berenstain Bear books.</div>
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They are a forever favorite. I remember sitting in my childhood bedroom, on the</div>
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phone with Zac (who was back in his childhood bedroom), before we got married,</div>
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going through our stacks or Berenstain Bears books, creating one pile of books without</div>
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doubles, for our future kids. A week has not passed, since we had our kiddos, that </div>
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hasn't included the adventures of this fun loving bear family!</div>
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xo.</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-51118236784070286562016-04-11T22:49:00.001-05:002016-04-12T08:14:03.144-05:00Dining Room, A Rug Update, part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw96XwgzBGisYbjgvSmX1v9i0zDTM_klIE_q747Ike6fG_nF20hlLGwFy7D8-bc-gjsC5HrS-qV6XlrB1txUvrKGWmZhMOtLV3YkI98uuwPluf_koOz_2vHQoPohS2MVfuZdQDUsakA/s1600/IMG_20160304_143251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw96XwgzBGisYbjgvSmX1v9i0zDTM_klIE_q747Ike6fG_nF20hlLGwFy7D8-bc-gjsC5HrS-qV6XlrB1txUvrKGWmZhMOtLV3YkI98uuwPluf_koOz_2vHQoPohS2MVfuZdQDUsakA/s400/IMG_20160304_143251.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So...early this year, yes like 2 months ago, I excitedly<br />
replaced out dining room rug with a navy and white<br />
herringbone rug (<a href="http://thisdayisamuseing.blogspot.com/2016/01/dining-room-rug-update.html">see post</a>). Sadly, a week in I realized<br />
the quality was cheap and it would not hold up to the traffic of the </div>
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dining room. I quickly rolled that bad boy up and sold it to a local lady for </div>
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what I paid (score) and began the search...again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NRQV3tjKJte32k21IXFyGQqaq77hPcN636CET0QUe3KIYr5jOjgrx5NSNf59Y5YMPVzqx0QseOkckldsGyCq8lhGNhvGe1qIwITlC8_1BJd_vdWUKPEmBadPF2sfKdnu1-i28XtBLg/s1600/20160311_140748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NRQV3tjKJte32k21IXFyGQqaq77hPcN636CET0QUe3KIYr5jOjgrx5NSNf59Y5YMPVzqx0QseOkckldsGyCq8lhGNhvGe1qIwITlC8_1BJd_vdWUKPEmBadPF2sfKdnu1-i28XtBLg/s400/20160311_140748.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I settled on this gorgeous, handmade rug out of Pakistan. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It cost a lot more than I originally budgeted, but sometimes you have to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pull the design trigger, when a one of a kind piece screams your name. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkXUii20EkZPf4s1HOpBzxyNG3nlHe_Nk6xaTr-MKEu5HHXPY-nuXK4ItWG23Cv1limG6DFT9LrtDTMeLdccLQLf2QLbo8L3HdTqIsy0B3z4IEKVTIwKKfxzTTpsnzeL6ka1f97-mjQ/s1600/20160311_140656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkXUii20EkZPf4s1HOpBzxyNG3nlHe_Nk6xaTr-MKEu5HHXPY-nuXK4ItWG23Cv1limG6DFT9LrtDTMeLdccLQLf2QLbo8L3HdTqIsy0B3z4IEKVTIwKKfxzTTpsnzeL6ka1f97-mjQ/s400/20160311_140656.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm in love!</div>
</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-58128387265968818702016-02-27T20:58:00.000-06:002016-02-27T20:58:18.014-06:00Before & After Mid Century Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvAexZ6tgWjoTsY0DJzpr0gli1Jci34FLCuynZdgt3YKmlZy_QkaWZyfbLMglRo7peMZzT1-lmeZhhH8jpFIOjyGTU3CRnf0hyphenhyphen809BpU49I8V3GuRDxw3PcJVufm1pNlTL79rw_KkTQ/s1600/20160227_142349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvAexZ6tgWjoTsY0DJzpr0gli1Jci34FLCuynZdgt3YKmlZy_QkaWZyfbLMglRo7peMZzT1-lmeZhhH8jpFIOjyGTU3CRnf0hyphenhyphen809BpU49I8V3GuRDxw3PcJVufm1pNlTL79rw_KkTQ/s640/20160227_142349.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some good friends handed down two amazing Mid Century </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chairs that I had previously obsessed over at their house. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had them and loved them until they moved into a super</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sleek house and just couldn't make sense of these chairs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in their new space. So, they asked me if I wanted them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I nearly made them sign a contract, I was so excited! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7JpmWPQxRLtU4bk_xhQJDq8meOox1asVuv1V77DMK3ozX0fZClg8U54HLXtiUgOUEpyUOfVzuoX-gtMSgzv9U_qO0k4MJ_kmnPst1m3maoUTHUL9-1Lf_99cbdXO3oDuDE1VjQc9OA/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7JpmWPQxRLtU4bk_xhQJDq8meOox1asVuv1V77DMK3ozX0fZClg8U54HLXtiUgOUEpyUOfVzuoX-gtMSgzv9U_qO0k4MJ_kmnPst1m3maoUTHUL9-1Lf_99cbdXO3oDuDE1VjQc9OA/s400/blog1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbIOLc_GIqqEcSK7h1egb_Ek_DFLnSf8KBhfwGa-_CHAxfl2ng32RVa1l0y3IO05ENHxkOY-NF9Tn__oF9L2bO0kwFD5uiogvGL22aeXeaSgFqTc7wzHMKf20KOd9Oc3ygeHQVejEKw/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbIOLc_GIqqEcSK7h1egb_Ek_DFLnSf8KBhfwGa-_CHAxfl2ng32RVa1l0y3IO05ENHxkOY-NF9Tn__oF9L2bO0kwFD5uiogvGL22aeXeaSgFqTc7wzHMKf20KOd9Oc3ygeHQVejEKw/s400/blog2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at these lines! You can quickly catch my obsession?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIa5yAYetsF8IkbfMc3VhyphenhyphenQhqrurFP_otXyLOqDLfSVZf5PPr2w37u2TqXX088iw2PU37yMJUdGSXih5BO-2HYhVAR7SfuCY_Pm1p5GuiMQrYUxGm3rxi_mCQhLHlrliWMWd_E77zdQ/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIa5yAYetsF8IkbfMc3VhyphenhyphenQhqrurFP_otXyLOqDLfSVZf5PPr2w37u2TqXX088iw2PU37yMJUdGSXih5BO-2HYhVAR7SfuCY_Pm1p5GuiMQrYUxGm3rxi_mCQhLHlrliWMWd_E77zdQ/s400/blog3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved the vintage green tweed fabric, but unfortunately in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my friend's move from house to house they were stored in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a place where they sat under a constant drip of water. I couldn't</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salvage the fabric, and in all honesty this pair of beauties were</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
loved so much in the 60+ years that the cushions needed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some pretty significant restorative work. If you look at this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back cushion, you can see how depleted the cushion is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuMv2TJf6EB1PdTjcadHu0KcaVILmhXTV-hRiWXDbYKMEXSoSQT6epih7skP-ds1jKHCOCVdpbP2tel3ZsuA01zeYWYpJp8njz6DlOjzsEW-RjrVIhttMKi0WcNbw6lPCMgDaMpnTVw/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuMv2TJf6EB1PdTjcadHu0KcaVILmhXTV-hRiWXDbYKMEXSoSQT6epih7skP-ds1jKHCOCVdpbP2tel3ZsuA01zeYWYpJp8njz6DlOjzsEW-RjrVIhttMKi0WcNbw6lPCMgDaMpnTVw/s400/blog4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, those lines. Swoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxWpq-SP85f35bS1X_NEsytjW4enTMeNGWLmrkPfD5Cn9DNcn-iLUBmlcQcIJAJARBx3jFWe8gOUSm3E57w72QTCGrUbbo8M-sLQ-7ju06FppsXsqbGtmioGZc6PKefL-51O9NlMxBg/s1600/20160227_162959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxWpq-SP85f35bS1X_NEsytjW4enTMeNGWLmrkPfD5Cn9DNcn-iLUBmlcQcIJAJARBx3jFWe8gOUSm3E57w72QTCGrUbbo8M-sLQ-7ju06FppsXsqbGtmioGZc6PKefL-51O9NlMxBg/s400/20160227_162959.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaEH-2uzzeNpBV_x9ZiQDpMi4tmWe0_36OjCfhJtYDsYrIZpqzbHvY1BeDk7e7aq8TASxDJIxa5RVys7f7if5JLyOsmnmF0SSX773qVUEUApq39-oFtBElFayayN-2MqSwbden9LxyQ/s1600/20160227_163009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaEH-2uzzeNpBV_x9ZiQDpMi4tmWe0_36OjCfhJtYDsYrIZpqzbHvY1BeDk7e7aq8TASxDJIxa5RVys7f7if5JLyOsmnmF0SSX773qVUEUApq39-oFtBElFayayN-2MqSwbden9LxyQ/s400/20160227_163009.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can we have a moment? SwoonFest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The restored cushions are cozy.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQwNcWS7RAQxCoBkoKisdZDMx0ggmHaNBiq-aGdYdTdGdLc6LZTeRsc4UDCr0uJetYvsyxFLDF7lYcuLRCKmOK_5lF5_nWdaWZRASQPuOVQ8wu2xgsEPNjmRZpIAA-x27hobdA3fKOQ/s1600/20160227_162949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQwNcWS7RAQxCoBkoKisdZDMx0ggmHaNBiq-aGdYdTdGdLc6LZTeRsc4UDCr0uJetYvsyxFLDF7lYcuLRCKmOK_5lF5_nWdaWZRASQPuOVQ8wu2xgsEPNjmRZpIAA-x27hobdA3fKOQ/s400/20160227_162949.jpg" width="225" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to honor the original fabric, so I </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
went in search of a tweed fabric. In</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my search I found this sharp herringbone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pattern and it was love at first sight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp6mWJuIAA1Tg3j8uHJC-wncFtviOs3gvL3YGBPQzjuiDVQd6ighr_Wme4FibgkW-ah_Out-LWyVJEGIPDfscAyA4oAdKDxXTtEaN0WbUun_Lp8ODrpmVz29WGvd9cydqlJFpggLRcg/s1600/20160227_162927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp6mWJuIAA1Tg3j8uHJC-wncFtviOs3gvL3YGBPQzjuiDVQd6ighr_Wme4FibgkW-ah_Out-LWyVJEGIPDfscAyA4oAdKDxXTtEaN0WbUun_Lp8ODrpmVz29WGvd9cydqlJFpggLRcg/s400/20160227_162927.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I literally cannot stop staring at them.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElERA8Srmi4m4oz8MSv267tEHYW3PyN6pRmYoIgbz_LuFajaA1q_-I3FO6PsAAWfqYU_2BPccViROANDzMEHJ_3chw4xMENyliOBwYTftMu9JmxKE8mO7ZTzYEmXqRiRhff5MllMd7Q/s1600/20160227_163040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElERA8Srmi4m4oz8MSv267tEHYW3PyN6pRmYoIgbz_LuFajaA1q_-I3FO6PsAAWfqYU_2BPccViROANDzMEHJ_3chw4xMENyliOBwYTftMu9JmxKE8mO7ZTzYEmXqRiRhff5MllMd7Q/s400/20160227_163040.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Local friends, I highly recommend Advantage Upholstery. I am now in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
search of a vintage couch for our front room, because this was way too much fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xo</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-3162407803949099292016-01-22T11:34:00.000-06:002016-01-22T11:36:40.424-06:00Flavor Filled Cream Cheese & Bagels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8jJffF0Jguccmb7YFn2irk_BleSv9cPR82a-DKHnN8KhUXrLbBvNYQULJtwnsZO2gYH3x0lJYA6Kc-MeDbIZP2HeI7EmtKyZ5yVEnt-KDB9ab3CH129URC_uaduG61v3k0IxjrM0Fw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8jJffF0Jguccmb7YFn2irk_BleSv9cPR82a-DKHnN8KhUXrLbBvNYQULJtwnsZO2gYH3x0lJYA6Kc-MeDbIZP2HeI7EmtKyZ5yVEnt-KDB9ab3CH129URC_uaduG61v3k0IxjrM0Fw/s640/blog.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bagels and delicious, flavor-filled cream cheese give me a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bad case of nostalgia. Maybe it's because they were all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the rage in the 90s, with shops popping up everywhere in the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
midwest? Maybe it's because I worked a stint at a bagel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shop in college? Whatever it is, I love kicking it old school</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(ugh, the 90s officially feel old school as plaid has officially</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
come back around) and toasting up chewy bagels and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
slathering them with cream cheese. Here are two </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
quick and simple recipes for flavor-filled cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheeses to whip up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One sweet and One savory, so I gotcha covered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtExPUdiINYPN2W0fi-3-iCBLclmgG38iWIjfPEiAslJiz_NpLP970rNJ2kuwJXj7t78bX3XCQzDIQbDi49MOq9lWRcr_xG_Mgx080wTQbSRFezWh_ksav8YIhRvRY70f7JanfYWs0xA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtExPUdiINYPN2W0fi-3-iCBLclmgG38iWIjfPEiAslJiz_NpLP970rNJ2kuwJXj7t78bX3XCQzDIQbDi49MOq9lWRcr_xG_Mgx080wTQbSRFezWh_ksav8YIhRvRY70f7JanfYWs0xA/s400/blog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 oz container of <i>whipped</i> cream cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup honey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pinch of salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blend with a spoon to fully incorporate all the flavors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Starting with whipped cream cheese prevents you from </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
having to get out the food processor. Score! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the addition of chopped, lightly toasted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pecans would be delicous, FYI</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gCUUHr9W8qHVL7LX3YCAEaRreQ3FHj_zNJEPgDbuTanVcMAaw6-ohVADZ0YpQyVl01oWCtlePGWpuEmVXZT0cBYvA12WSfu_x0Bm5JQrVQ-TqvcNzVrVEWQ0OXXDa4gSSMxI4h0CKQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gCUUHr9W8qHVL7LX3YCAEaRreQ3FHj_zNJEPgDbuTanVcMAaw6-ohVADZ0YpQyVl01oWCtlePGWpuEmVXZT0cBYvA12WSfu_x0Bm5JQrVQ-TqvcNzVrVEWQ0OXXDa4gSSMxI4h0CKQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 oz container of <i>whipped</i> cream cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup chopped scallions (chop up into the greens)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup chopped sweet peppers (I love the mixed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bag of sweet yellows and red baby peppers)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salt & cracked black pepper, to taste </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blend with a spoon to fully incorporate all the flavors.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIAjlieKue6gaTNlM-x3f4Xt70CcuT0s4BHZCDS8YBVWB0zb_6skQsUs4WDs9O-BuwsM17R4P4ZpyEzxDj52Y-RLN6kg7iPnyyDulK3CEVCv-1ruQR9kgUnxS4vNDwbdUt5rKQXMykg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIAjlieKue6gaTNlM-x3f4Xt70CcuT0s4BHZCDS8YBVWB0zb_6skQsUs4WDs9O-BuwsM17R4P4ZpyEzxDj52Y-RLN6kg7iPnyyDulK3CEVCv-1ruQR9kgUnxS4vNDwbdUt5rKQXMykg/s640/blog.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pop the flavored cream cheeses back in the container</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the whipped cream cheese arrived in, and the spreads are </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good and ready to go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slather on, my bagel loving friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xo</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-59470715955063321622016-01-11T10:12:00.001-06:002016-01-11T10:12:14.959-06:00Dining Room, A Rug Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq7GjOsIgUzglBhff_ArRSwpWEO1KrgjeBrB4dwrcalYB1fiE7DZWxrmSgiAcbZpf38RHxw4Ysk-IKp5yJzcVg0tyl41OygnanQWn75P72oqgvW4hFoLybPTH3u7Y_obG36wCP7SOHA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq7GjOsIgUzglBhff_ArRSwpWEO1KrgjeBrB4dwrcalYB1fiE7DZWxrmSgiAcbZpf38RHxw4Ysk-IKp5yJzcVg0tyl41OygnanQWn75P72oqgvW4hFoLybPTH3u7Y_obG36wCP7SOHA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before.</div>
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A fine area rug, just never really my style. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rI9Vtv-lzJlh08dh7DsdUWmspEsVsW23XlCexJIlgBX4k8M0MWScanLNDjeUte96uSw-mN1TotPGacMThtR456rSEnyLFMS8LLbsgfafDfqB1znTVl88EP9AsPeaWnmapjPnELEI9w/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rI9Vtv-lzJlh08dh7DsdUWmspEsVsW23XlCexJIlgBX4k8M0MWScanLNDjeUte96uSw-mN1TotPGacMThtR456rSEnyLFMS8LLbsgfafDfqB1znTVl88EP9AsPeaWnmapjPnELEI9w/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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After.</div>
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If I could wrap my house in herringbone, </div>
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I likely would.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yqE7hyphenhyphenhPrrpH4qScmhlXoQwgbDrwrWfgrDnm-XvtU0BthV-xtUbwy2C4iXOmFTbqe6BYq26TAocp1j5_YpEc4hThKS1XfGXq4G1NVRe0ZAW8fjAIC56V93b_Twr6wC9s5Rs1APgu-g/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yqE7hyphenhyphenhPrrpH4qScmhlXoQwgbDrwrWfgrDnm-XvtU0BthV-xtUbwy2C4iXOmFTbqe6BYq26TAocp1j5_YpEc4hThKS1XfGXq4G1NVRe0ZAW8fjAIC56V93b_Twr6wC9s5Rs1APgu-g/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Design Tip:</div>
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Do you know the difference between herringbone and chevron?</div>
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Very similar designs, but chevron is a straight zig zag, </div>
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whereas herringbone intersects with the opposite, </div>
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as you can see if this up close snap.</div>
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xo</div>
</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-67751685485221021152015-12-15T18:28:00.000-06:002015-12-15T18:28:58.629-06:00Gift Idea: Homemade Marshmallows & Cocoa Mix <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzbF8th8VHrYlbf5btachVe-AGDGmLhLLdeboxriNWH1TUgEvwmtbajz6PUmYpXuI9eAJvRpIMmtAjdITMWGrUD9wdruoCqCL1QCJuJ0Hui_2srMQyaeI8RQKtET2DHuUwCndf2sX1g/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzbF8th8VHrYlbf5btachVe-AGDGmLhLLdeboxriNWH1TUgEvwmtbajz6PUmYpXuI9eAJvRpIMmtAjdITMWGrUD9wdruoCqCL1QCJuJ0Hui_2srMQyaeI8RQKtET2DHuUwCndf2sX1g/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My love affair with homemade marshmallows began years ago, when my husband was in grad school, we were living in Oregon and I made a ridiculous purchase of marshmallows at Williams-Sonoma. I still, to this day cannot believe I paid so much for those marshmallows, but they were good and I figured I would give it the o' college try (errr, grad school wife try, rather) and see about making them myself. I did, with great success (cutting them into shapes that first year. Trees for Christmas, hearts for Valentine's Day), and have never looked back (well, I do still look at the back of the box, when I pop into Williams-Sonoma, to see the price climb each holiday season). Here are two recipes that will make you feel like a gift giving champ!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbJbAzjUegL13m82zptbuFtYSl2saso6gBQR9xjqIbB5sJLjNqewWBn_tlIqLKXFS1u9Y69SckRohEHB8vg0tnxEbPqT6MJ6d0YTnSwAUdDUzBBge1LUuL_9t3MArIlVqXpWZ3_EOOQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbJbAzjUegL13m82zptbuFtYSl2saso6gBQR9xjqIbB5sJLjNqewWBn_tlIqLKXFS1u9Y69SckRohEHB8vg0tnxEbPqT6MJ6d0YTnSwAUdDUzBBge1LUuL_9t3MArIlVqXpWZ3_EOOQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Find my recipe, for fluffy marshmallow perfection in a blog post </div>
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from several years ago. <a href="http://thisdayisamuseing.blogspot.com/2011/11/marshmallow-heaven-oh-and-cocoa-too.html">Marshmallow link</a>.</div>
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See all those delicious flecks of vanilla bean? Be still, my heart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHLm4tTXB-jsZF327Xp28emqtVp5zHgm0XlSX6epRpDYR_RFOMOipeB-TGZ4YRQAvoYE7TDMWeu_U00OqqZa8IpkXSm75o9QZNt-eeeDbp-s43KWftUeJ1VdVYmIe0YgRa5p_UbPI0w/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHLm4tTXB-jsZF327Xp28emqtVp5zHgm0XlSX6epRpDYR_RFOMOipeB-TGZ4YRQAvoYE7TDMWeu_U00OqqZa8IpkXSm75o9QZNt-eeeDbp-s43KWftUeJ1VdVYmIe0YgRa5p_UbPI0w/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You'll see the full step by step on the old marshmallow post, but </div>
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I cannot get over how much I love cutting huge, square marshmallows!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mvba4oeEddxOjPkXc4kWZGgycsPVYglZcdXj4rYq12FBbSpaCVSBDHpIYHoNhV5g9vbd1fTEBTHzCZsWx48JvlR7Q0u3_7GrbnEc7SfbGNoyfkJFuQTYhN_S1yuJbL209LpbKqqbww/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mvba4oeEddxOjPkXc4kWZGgycsPVYglZcdXj4rYq12FBbSpaCVSBDHpIYHoNhV5g9vbd1fTEBTHzCZsWx48JvlR7Q0u3_7GrbnEc7SfbGNoyfkJFuQTYhN_S1yuJbL209LpbKqqbww/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought cute little paper 'fruit' crates at the craft store (they were</div>
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labeled as food safe, FYI) and then popped the filled crate</div>
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into a clear cello bag and tied with hemp rope. I decided I needed</div>
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to send hot chocolate with the homemade marshmallows, so I filled </div>
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large Ball jars (they were narrow, yet rather tall...a style I had never</div>
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seen before, but am now obsessed). To create this hot chocolate</div>
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concoction of love I put the grater attachment in my food processer</div>
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and shaved big bars of dark chocolate (I bought the large bars</div>
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from Trader Joe's). The shavings yielded quite a bit, but I decided</div>
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I wanted to gift more hot chocolate so I did <b>equal parts dark chocolate</b></div>
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<b>shavings, unsweetened cocoa powder, confectioner's sugar and a</b></div>
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<b>pinch of sea salt. </b></div>
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YUM YUM YUM!</div>
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On the back of the little label I attached to the </div>
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hot chocolate mix, I placed the directions of</div>
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1/3 cup mix to 1 cup hot milk.</div>
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I think this is a gift that should extend well into the New Year!</div>
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Who wouldn't love to receive this from their Valentine?</div>
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xo.</div>
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<br />aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-15513489308710903722015-12-08T11:34:00.000-06:002015-12-08T11:34:30.528-06:00Maple & Bacon Spiced Almonds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKQwP4uOb1WK7cBiLX4xBrBQh5j7z66ts9vTNMbQcF8tUj7a6KoTpwExc-iyz2HFDpKg7rsIDBBInrMl0UQdQZcHpAtMswQOGK9Qn8avoxFJMJONXSF646EBcHPMW0xzBxexo2YqP_A/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKQwP4uOb1WK7cBiLX4xBrBQh5j7z66ts9vTNMbQcF8tUj7a6KoTpwExc-iyz2HFDpKg7rsIDBBInrMl0UQdQZcHpAtMswQOGK9Qn8avoxFJMJONXSF646EBcHPMW0xzBxexo2YqP_A/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I always make spicy candied almonds (or pecans) for salads,</div>
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but the addition of bacon...oh my!!! I just know you will </div>
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love this one!</div>
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What you need:</div>
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2 1/2 cups raw almonds</div>
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup</div>
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper</div>
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5 strips of center cut bacon, chopped up </div>
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Generous cracks of sea salt<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk304ydMecnyT-dvTeDxLd8Fprf1YJjFLLgek84qyFQrXfFrLazmUY7ols_ZwQlidZGMlJFrYM_dGxKjZFVJncJSMxhK67yT-Yqh9my57ruZwmqp8qNolLFdU7oEPlBod-LHy3Vhceg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk304ydMecnyT-dvTeDxLd8Fprf1YJjFLLgek84qyFQrXfFrLazmUY7ols_ZwQlidZGMlJFrYM_dGxKjZFVJncJSMxhK67yT-Yqh9my57ruZwmqp8qNolLFdU7oEPlBod-LHy3Vhceg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Use kitchen shears to rough cut 5 strips of bacon and place in</div>
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a pan over medium/high heat. </div>
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Separately: preheat oven to 325</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlpnmdasKyonGVnPpNddyT6MsvOdWYnchEhyFAlswoGrvKcOMTvkKDhfsR87zeFiZkpVyuxTqRD8BKgR3iDs1NeLWN3zsnoCcWEQw73qdN9UhIHo_OeiLWGWghFAKvSkWwEgk03d-fw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlpnmdasKyonGVnPpNddyT6MsvOdWYnchEhyFAlswoGrvKcOMTvkKDhfsR87zeFiZkpVyuxTqRD8BKgR3iDs1NeLWN3zsnoCcWEQw73qdN9UhIHo_OeiLWGWghFAKvSkWwEgk03d-fw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brown the bacon bits thoroughly, then remove the bacon </div>
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from the pan. Center cut bacon does not render much fat</div>
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so there will be about a tablspoon of bacon fat in the pan. </div>
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Leave it in the pan. </div>
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IF YOU ARE USING LEFTOVER BACON FOR THIS</div>
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RECIPE, ADD 1 T. OF BUTTER TO THE HOT PAN AND </div>
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CARRY ON WITH THE RECIPE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0a06g9ZDcW68hefa8zbVrQ4S-5B-rHCvUy2gMigyp7qVparw8RxsEVZS88cw59rFWU62dFU3ckIWD6OSs7F9zsjRmS2uR7fwD2nzgxmTBKEooADLK3kmqzZlD2ZhmYtHuwvbftoupQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0a06g9ZDcW68hefa8zbVrQ4S-5B-rHCvUy2gMigyp7qVparw8RxsEVZS88cw59rFWU62dFU3ckIWD6OSs7F9zsjRmS2uR7fwD2nzgxmTBKEooADLK3kmqzZlD2ZhmYtHuwvbftoupQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add the raw almonds and maple syrup to the bacon fat, in the</div>
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pan over medium/high heat.</div>
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Stir and coat. Allow the maple syrup to bubble and reduce, </div>
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while stirring constantly for 5 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3yNfLTbCOMb93NNC2yBPef7HeO5cngz1MdOsMN0zxA9ttSL6TeVv1WJ63OQJTfJRE7GoYKxEo0UlX9304R9uJpe0rMv-ZAiT04ZJrTQVMpS289iG_NQM0csyo6qitZvBVWpfkImXgA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3yNfLTbCOMb93NNC2yBPef7HeO5cngz1MdOsMN0zxA9ttSL6TeVv1WJ63OQJTfJRE7GoYKxEo0UlX9304R9uJpe0rMv-ZAiT04ZJrTQVMpS289iG_NQM0csyo6qitZvBVWpfkImXgA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After 5 minutes, all of the almonds should be coated in thick</div>
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maple syrup reduction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgDPE0ix9vajonPHfBXAhSBnMtuZJp_k-uAV76iZMdDxvLQbr_2JWNQ7jZ2ypHKBMG4tbV6qtiiStFotlnBaLy_dOG2hJlOo3US88Jpseag6h7Qaki5n_nJIIf20QY-bj4y55gK0I0Q/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgDPE0ix9vajonPHfBXAhSBnMtuZJp_k-uAV76iZMdDxvLQbr_2JWNQ7jZ2ypHKBMG4tbV6qtiiStFotlnBaLy_dOG2hJlOo3US88Jpseag6h7Qaki5n_nJIIf20QY-bj4y55gK0I0Q/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Turn off heat and return the bacon bits to the pan, along with</div>
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cayenne pepper (if you want a bigger kick, add more), and</div>
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a very generous dusting of sea salt. Stir to incorporate.</div>
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Pour the mixture onto a parchment paper lined sheet tray and</div>
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spread the almonds and bacon out into a single layer</div>
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Place the sheet tray in the preheated oven and cook for 7-9 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fBk1oam6yzrp9HAz4wZAgrXr059f-NnDAhh0jU84JrouGPapCbuFPlSUnQCtk3HITWRJ9x3B23Dx_ccZec7WixGF3tkie6ON7H4YA8YecvJv9jbH1gFKodB8LHUxep-niGWGIdK-FA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fBk1oam6yzrp9HAz4wZAgrXr059f-NnDAhh0jU84JrouGPapCbuFPlSUnQCtk3HITWRJ9x3B23Dx_ccZec7WixGF3tkie6ON7H4YA8YecvJv9jbH1gFKodB8LHUxep-niGWGIdK-FA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remove pan from the oven and allow the coated almonds 15-20 </div>
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minutes to cool. Then, try not eating them all.</div>
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</div>
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Allow to cool completely, at least 1 hour before packaging up. </div>
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I am packaging up the almonds to give as gifts. </div>
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This time of year you can find adorable containers in every store, </div>
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otherwise, store the almonds in a sealed container or bag at room temperature.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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xo</div>
<span id="goog_29085491"></span><span id="goog_29085492"></span>aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-10711751648503408902015-11-20T17:07:00.000-06:002015-12-30T12:39:23.352-06:00All I Want For Christmas!With age comes loads of practicality...am I right, or AM I RIGHT? Dreams of a new blender, maybe a good book (<i>or 20 minutes of quiet to read said book</i>)...grown up problems.<br />
<br />
I never <i>need</i> for anything, but I am sharing a few things I am obsessing over, as you might want to add one or two of these treasured ideas to you <i>list of wants</i>!! That is, if you make the <i>good list</i>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCgEgWgC6jLzWeHq4ow094c6oqoHWCXBtFD2cpiXSeF38uOc2mFCctFG0yqEcLKPjqNfp00T1o5slElebNJ0ZP17KRDdRi-5IzAf0UyC3TfxcIJVSTZiRka1g4fcZ_7sKimADApM8gQ/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCgEgWgC6jLzWeHq4ow094c6oqoHWCXBtFD2cpiXSeF38uOc2mFCctFG0yqEcLKPjqNfp00T1o5slElebNJ0ZP17KRDdRi-5IzAf0UyC3TfxcIJVSTZiRka1g4fcZ_7sKimADApM8gQ/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Beauty is the Inner Fire</i> </div>
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I am OBSESSED with the works created by artist</div>
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<a href="http://adamswanson.com/">Adam Swanson</a>. His talent is beyond measure, sprinkled</div>
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the the perfect (lots) amount of quirk. I just haven't been </div>
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able to decide which one I covet the most. This is one of my<br />
favorite paintings of the aerial lift bridge in Duluth, MN. </div>
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Fantastic, right!</div>
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Here are a few more that I just love:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2jHRRxP3hfpVnKHhkbn4Tl60seiv7S2R5ZbBtGUJSu9YnJUFR8SwXU5P2WJTtLWuEmORJPKH6xp0oCpAy-iR_CEkzVwdgLNe3N6CEN6LmYPIsaxqvhPoWem-GN4lf23ahQyqLQ5JTw/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2jHRRxP3hfpVnKHhkbn4Tl60seiv7S2R5ZbBtGUJSu9YnJUFR8SwXU5P2WJTtLWuEmORJPKH6xp0oCpAy-iR_CEkzVwdgLNe3N6CEN6LmYPIsaxqvhPoWem-GN4lf23ahQyqLQ5JTw/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Building Blocks </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-TvjKEhCbz8v4bUANPaXgANNUOrYivOKSVstdiVb-u4A25JX2U5v-LDOqZAOVq-Ym9L9wfl51cbTaNscAKO-XFkMxSMTDLMKt0ZAZYw2WnEaYEs5kxuxt2fao_b2h6k8dh2y0JN37A/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-TvjKEhCbz8v4bUANPaXgANNUOrYivOKSVstdiVb-u4A25JX2U5v-LDOqZAOVq-Ym9L9wfl51cbTaNscAKO-XFkMxSMTDLMKt0ZAZYw2WnEaYEs5kxuxt2fao_b2h6k8dh2y0JN37A/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i> Rhythm and Wind </i><br />
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<i> Headed Home</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Let's be real, I want so so many! Like nothing I have ever seen!<br />
Someday, a few of his pieces will be mine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxWjQyzgY4XcrRZ6yTMd3dPhsV_eDSL_e_JiNzeWIctLos5AsBnafbqkmIXEGag0HOACmzwPQT2zOskit6naXYqej1S4Y8A4VVnRibEikm_GIOf24ElvS77QkzRpaQ1Wij1IRqhusqg/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxWjQyzgY4XcrRZ6yTMd3dPhsV_eDSL_e_JiNzeWIctLos5AsBnafbqkmIXEGag0HOACmzwPQT2zOskit6naXYqej1S4Y8A4VVnRibEikm_GIOf24ElvS77QkzRpaQ1Wij1IRqhusqg/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When am I not going crazy for a <a href="http://www.faribaultmill.com/collections/throws/products/buffalo-check-throw-green?variant=4974805572">throw blanket</a>?<br />
When am I not going crazy for Faribault Woolen Mills creations?<br />
And...in a classic buffalo check plaid, sign me up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHwEgNazCdWB2QeJc_GNsP2Hk2BnLm0-8kLtCgNpnhupMDNJ2Z9YQ47oE4dDXISguVEFnl2DgnA6PfZeJ6fuZZ1U2qg0Kb80sL-ytrA2iqNCTsK9oUFjiHewO4VAbTCLIeC0vMFNvfQ/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHwEgNazCdWB2QeJc_GNsP2Hk2BnLm0-8kLtCgNpnhupMDNJ2Z9YQ47oE4dDXISguVEFnl2DgnA6PfZeJ6fuZZ1U2qg0Kb80sL-ytrA2iqNCTsK9oUFjiHewO4VAbTCLIeC0vMFNvfQ/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Two of these <a href="http://www.abchome.com/shop/irving-place-heston-leather-chair-1371621">chairs</a>, please. I mean, for reals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUjz00Q4T9LINFI2RmngcETO2bcJcgqjJU5rFGXRSQPXKeoeLy6dxwJyvBxa6WBvRRBYCoSXwNBYt2XXtkgfWNbSNqB_zlOQf_fyZaVf4lo1vh4UeNXUc0DtZrjZIQaOIYfpbsuoTyA/s1600/boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUjz00Q4T9LINFI2RmngcETO2bcJcgqjJU5rFGXRSQPXKeoeLy6dxwJyvBxa6WBvRRBYCoSXwNBYt2XXtkgfWNbSNqB_zlOQf_fyZaVf4lo1vh4UeNXUc0DtZrjZIQaOIYfpbsuoTyA/s400/boot.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
These boots. <a href="http://www.sorel.com/womens-glacy-explorer-boot-NL1977.html?dwvar_NL1977_variationColor=028#q=glacy+explorer&start=0">Glacy Explorer by Sorel</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOW8W7w1_fqLKJRJX12nU5L1cUD8M6FrVzFLfh72uSUJh8p0IAY9X6k2JYX2-4izAR8yu0rFO2Z6PLa6GlO2uEqF8UKMgfCddzIfruAq7q9UOMUOskQn1W3PI8NZYVN9W40BU0dU0FQ/s1600/adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOW8W7w1_fqLKJRJX12nU5L1cUD8M6FrVzFLfh72uSUJh8p0IAY9X6k2JYX2-4izAR8yu0rFO2Z6PLa6GlO2uEqF8UKMgfCddzIfruAq7q9UOMUOskQn1W3PI8NZYVN9W40BU0dU0FQ/s400/adam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I think I might actually ask Santa for <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/work-hard-be-nice-to-people-print.html">this</a>, as I have now officially<br />
wanted to have this for far too long.<br />
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I really want a little succulent 'garden' for my kitchen counter this winter.<br />
I have one from last spring, in a Mason jar on my counter and it makes<br />
me so happy. I want a few more.<br />
<br />
Big Dreams Here, People!! <br />
Ho Ho Ho.<br />
xo <br />
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-39878584944827658852015-10-23T22:48:00.001-05:002015-10-23T22:48:20.969-05:00Throw PillowsI think I am going to update some throw pillows. I like these patterns and textures together, but...does anyone else agree? <br />
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-5625936730971154182015-09-20T22:29:00.000-05:002015-12-30T12:39:01.126-06:002015 Sundance Film Festival, Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTBT1-29_AEpFxrL6n_1UxMwyYmkED6es9yU8XfzdACYm9Fji1I7AuBkWTt5ls3FRGtG3W2IsJWqSzh_B4xa8L6dnu5FlCzvpbDRCGYgfV_K0Cp7yknUvHoM0GpzjLvoNvjBtX-K9XQ/s1600/BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTBT1-29_AEpFxrL6n_1UxMwyYmkED6es9yU8XfzdACYm9Fji1I7AuBkWTt5ls3FRGtG3W2IsJWqSzh_B4xa8L6dnu5FlCzvpbDRCGYgfV_K0Cp7yknUvHoM0GpzjLvoNvjBtX-K9XQ/s400/BLOG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I mean for reals, can I get a <i>holla</i>!!! No, for reals, holla I am finishing up our Sundance Film Festival adventures from...ahem...just a tiny bit ago...Whatever, Amanda...next year I will make you help. I feel certain this morning started with a stop for lattes at our most favzy little coffee shop in Park City, The Java Cow and as usual we hit the ground running in search of all things celebrity! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004395/">Adam Scott</a>. I was super excited to ask when</div>
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season 2 of <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0809497/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Tell Me You Love Me</a></i>, would premiere </div>
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even though it hasn't been on for like 8 years, I just </div>
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hopefully assumed it was on hiatus. He had to break</div>
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the news to me that the show was canceled. Womp Womp.</div>
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Netflix season one (assuming it is on Netflix, no clue)</div>
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Anyhoo, I know my homies love him on <i>Parks & Rec</i>.</div>
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He was at the festival to promote the buzzed about film,</div>
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<i>Sleeping With Other People</i>. </div>
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What the heck is Chris Pine in? Who cares, he </div>
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was annoying. I am not going to even Google him.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0110168/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Connie Britton</a>. Stunning. Her hair was flawless. </div>
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I do not watch Nashville, but I hear she's on it.</div>
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I also hear she was on Friday Night Lights. I actually</div>
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didn't hear that, I totes read it in US Weekly at one point.</div>
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In town to promote <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582496/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_4"><i>Me and Earl and the Dying Girl</i></a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1752221/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Gina Rodriquez</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2794962/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Hailee Steinfeld</a><br />
Besties, I assume.<br />
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Zoe Kravitz. Of course she is flawless, look at her<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=zoe+kravitz+parents&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMI2_K9x56ByAIVygeSCh1HbgOH&biw=1280&bih=895#imgrc=3G9rsHCU0xgVUM%3A">parents</a>!! <i>Just...please don't...look at her dad's </i><br />
<i>too tight pants split on stage, that shiz went viral.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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Jason Sudeikis. More often than not, it's the SNL<br />
alums that prove to be our favorites at Sundance,<br />
and that was of course true with him. Presh.<br />
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Yes, he was our favorite. Hands down. Even in this most wildly<br />
overexposed photo, are you wondering why my chin is buried in all<br />
things scarf? The world's biggest zit. Like, it is being researched<br />
by the doctors who brought us Proactiv.<br />
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James Franco. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0193676/"><i>Freaks and Geeks</i></a> was a favzy!<br />
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Man, I don't think I like anything Tobey Maguire<br />
has been in either. This is sure turning negative.<br />
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Although his hat is about the stupidest thing I have ever<br />
seen in my whole life (I swear, I am about to change<br />
my tune), who doesn't love them some RHOBH<br />
husband Mauricio! Amanda and I were so excited<br />
to see him and ask where Kyle was at (shopping, of course)<br />
No worries, we saw them that night at a party (Amanda<br />
wouldn't let me bring my camera to the party...she's<br />
def the brains of the operation) but we talked all things RHOBH<br />
with pint size <a href="http://www.kylerichards.net/">Kyle Richards</a> at the party, and it was fabulous.<br />
Then at the end of the party we thought they were nearly as<br />
stupid as this here hat, when they cut the line to hop a shuttle out.<br />
We were totally on their shuttle (so, yay for cutting) and<br />
got to listen to them argue the whole ride down.<br />
This my friends, was heaven to the ears of <strike>two </strike><br />
<strike>Bravo TV sluts</strike> Amanda and me.<br />
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Thank the good lord above I DO LOVE KEVIN BACON.<br />
<i>May my negative spin take the effing back seat instead of</i><br />
<i>the wheel for a bit. </i>Of course, I wanted to footloose for<br />
him...but I didn't. Instead I told him that I once saw him in<br />
Costa Rica and that I told my husband I was thinking about<br />
footloosing for him and that my husband informed me<br />
he would leave me at customs, without a passport,<br />
if I did. This was clearly snapped before I shared<br />
that story (from my honeymoon, ahem...nice husband)<br />
as I am certain he was rolling on the sidewalk after<br />
my storytelling.<br />
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We geeked out! Then, we googled his <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4139037/">name</a>.<br />
We loved him on <i>Homeland</i>, but then after<br />
googling him realized he acted in <i>Life of Pi</i>.<br />
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Love Love Love<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001787/">Jeffrey "there's money in the banana stand" Tambor.</a><br />
He is a legend in my books.<br />
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I also love <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1063517/">Kathryn Hahn</a>!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0765597/">Peter Sarsgaard</a>. I may have been eating an ice<br />
cream cone when I snapped this. That garnered<br />
the thumbs up.<br />
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Lena Dunham! I think most straight men think<br />
she is the most ridiculous thing to grace HBO<br />
(<i>opinion, clearly not fact...other than my </i><br />
<i>research subject: husband)</i><br />
<br />
I looooove her! <br />
<i> </i><br />
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<i> </i><a href="http://theconcernsofmindykaling.com/">Mindy Kaling</a>! She is brilliant!<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3264596/">Scott Mescudi</a> "<a href="http://www.kidcudi.com/">Kid Cudi</a>" is clearly one<br />
dapper dude.<br />
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Molly Shannon. Once again, SNL alums are<br />
always the nicest!!<br />
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Rashida Jones. I think she is brilliant. We saw<br />
her later that night at a party and while we roasted<br />
1300 marshmallows she had zero. This my friends,<br />
is why she is the size of my 6 year old. Who on<br />
earth, in real life, can sit by an open fire, with a<br />
ginormous s'mores bar set up with absolutely<br />
anything you could ever imagine smushing between<br />
two graham crackers...and have not a one!?!<br />
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Toni Collette<br />
<br />
If you didn't heavily quote <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110598/">Muriel's Wedding</a> in the 90s,<br />
we probably weren't friends at that time.<br />
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Tom Cavanagh.<br />
I haven't a clue what he has been up to since <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247091/">Ed</a> and<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285403/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Scrubs</a> left the airwaves...but those shows super boss.<br />
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A late night out and a next morning early screening</div>
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=</div>
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a coffee to go, on the theater shuttle.</div>
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Ryan Reynolds. No comment. Well, actually...he</div>
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did look a wee bit manorexic.</div>
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Be still my (college) heart. Ewan McGregor.</div>
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As much as I adore Lena Dunham, homegirl</div>
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needs a stylist. She looked a wreck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNMUi2WtGlllhhYpb_S5-gNRN3vS8UUQ3cVIp4jxPei0VA_0QA6Fmjcmvfp2WDfEZ_MdJuPowju6Gs2Tr6CBTMPvdKvKz_0AFPDQbmDFxZAthgCbTVWvTrWSbH0U3aB7-SlprRw435w/s1600/BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNMUi2WtGlllhhYpb_S5-gNRN3vS8UUQ3cVIp4jxPei0VA_0QA6Fmjcmvfp2WDfEZ_MdJuPowju6Gs2Tr6CBTMPvdKvKz_0AFPDQbmDFxZAthgCbTVWvTrWSbH0U3aB7-SlprRw435w/s400/BLOG.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
Johnny Knoxville, producer of the documentary</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4076756/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_2">Being Evel</a> which was award winning, at the festival.</div>
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I excitedly snapped this pic of a pirate man, who is</div>
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called Jason Momoa because some of my girlfriends</div>
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love him on a show. Fun fact: in googling the spelling</div>
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of his name, I come to find out he is married to</div>
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the one and only, Denise Huxtable. Which then</div>
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makes him stepdad to Zoe Kravitz. Here's me </div>
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guessing he is closer in age to his stepdaughter, than</div>
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he is his wife???</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihnrOuKJWPSzPzzTSxmugBk8pxOKYc_ZsnaUI0Uyu0QkPOfYBJIT5YPSSjdQyAzvSwtbNdJBiYEZ7hC9i04Cz-eSNBneovTZqIaMBbFf2n6HOdMjHfR-0Dd34m66GDPsSGx3E2dFp6g/s1600/BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihnrOuKJWPSzPzzTSxmugBk8pxOKYc_ZsnaUI0Uyu0QkPOfYBJIT5YPSSjdQyAzvSwtbNdJBiYEZ7hC9i04Cz-eSNBneovTZqIaMBbFf2n6HOdMjHfR-0Dd34m66GDPsSGx3E2dFp6g/s400/BLOG.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Sarah Silverman. I'd be waving too, if I was wearing</div>
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two (because one down jacket would just be absurd)</div>
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new-free of charge-jackets. <br />
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Well, that's a wrap! I will try (no I won't) to be</div>
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more timely with photo sharing next festival. </div>
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xo. </div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-17491259269605270252015-08-24T21:51:00.001-05:002015-08-24T21:51:05.898-05:00Online Shopping FindsI am searching for a rug for a girlfriend, and of course come across a thousand different things I am absolutely crazy about.<br />
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For starters. these stacking kid chairs! I love the industrial look of them and would totally pair them with an old table. Hack the legs off a standard size table if you need and distress paint it. Would look killer with these chairs from <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Kids-Tabouret-Stacking-Chairs-Set-of-2/7538509/product.html?refccid=HBPYQTERZDKY53KCG6DG6YBIMM&searchidx=36&option=10359337">Overstock</a>. Just please don't ever pay a ton for a kid table and chair set (read: one from Pottery Barn Kids).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv0v6sCX6fQdng_kAn1AvCoDGNlGEGjAPPMVy-3GfW58hC5ahTQ5wTUvNRLobXMlcLsqQ-yvZBt7aMsfC9GJsT-oz-A-2Z_uwVk_1KkFS1Fe7IgXBh0jXJqVt6CzyAdIP6v_oFdVsng/s1600/KIDchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv0v6sCX6fQdng_kAn1AvCoDGNlGEGjAPPMVy-3GfW58hC5ahTQ5wTUvNRLobXMlcLsqQ-yvZBt7aMsfC9GJsT-oz-A-2Z_uwVk_1KkFS1Fe7IgXBh0jXJqVt6CzyAdIP6v_oFdVsng/s400/KIDchairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This mirror. Don't even get me started. I am obsessed. Let's be real, what don't I feel a slight obsession over, from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-dowel-mirror-w1853/?pkey=e|mirror|86|best|0|1|24||12&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH">West Elm</a>...but this mirror is top notch ridic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO7iEb43p0CRgZDRAGam5gcnRKQin63kgB_-tynUt1y7SW2B5QqlDQSsRs2O4mq6o9KLQkTQQTX1njnlh-Y44Csb1XAJtykouiCeU4WLerCfbmM8-z9zEYVxf80P0FqozDosqd4T64Q/s1600/KIDchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO7iEb43p0CRgZDRAGam5gcnRKQin63kgB_-tynUt1y7SW2B5QqlDQSsRs2O4mq6o9KLQkTQQTX1njnlh-Y44Csb1XAJtykouiCeU4WLerCfbmM8-z9zEYVxf80P0FqozDosqd4T64Q/s400/KIDchairs.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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I am looking to update my farmhouse table. I dreamed of benches since I was probably 14 (true story), but 10 years in, I am kind of over them. These chairs are not a 'win' for my update...but they are maj on about 13 levels. And at this price, on <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Side-Chair-CH0138-ADEC1341.html">Wayfair</a>, a real option for someone looking to update without breaking the bank.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWfy8pGdUsZK_Y8oCYVS-Z5W8xe2oc1srV5OXmuJOCYAUj7f9wbsvkRKi4IcoimtNCfbr9KLbSkSDR7dONW8c_UCcjh1TUM6FvR6uooBVRwlQrwPQbDlOojXRQUJkmCA8F4Nbdz7IOw/s1600/KIDchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWfy8pGdUsZK_Y8oCYVS-Z5W8xe2oc1srV5OXmuJOCYAUj7f9wbsvkRKi4IcoimtNCfbr9KLbSkSDR7dONW8c_UCcjh1TUM6FvR6uooBVRwlQrwPQbDlOojXRQUJkmCA8F4Nbdz7IOw/s400/KIDchairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mean, for reals. 2 chairs for $110. </div>
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Other colors too. The mustard color is </div>
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also a favorite.</div>
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I have yet to see a throw blanket from the <a href="http://www.faribaultmill.com/minneapolis-map-throw.html">Faribault Woolen Mill</a> that I don't covet. It's a real big love. A 'hometown' (Minnesota) love that always has me excited for what they will produce next. I love this map blanket. Folded up it looks like a cool, patterned, geometric throw...but open the blanket up and it is a map of the city of Minneapolis. Love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhL8ergjZW4rKf8ACwSfqcGCkson8R_w9Jk_kx-Jk_bg3IzW_X2q_lz67ImK9MxvxwbVdfKyD-EmmH9aMsdz3KqrgjzlosiyVEU_XHuu1LnfGkD-RAcL7xcJ08UxK3HrqwRVejNBMOA/s1600/KIDchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhL8ergjZW4rKf8ACwSfqcGCkson8R_w9Jk_kx-Jk_bg3IzW_X2q_lz67ImK9MxvxwbVdfKyD-EmmH9aMsdz3KqrgjzlosiyVEU_XHuu1LnfGkD-RAcL7xcJ08UxK3HrqwRVejNBMOA/s400/KIDchairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Years ago I stumbled upon this simple <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/work-hard-be-nice-to-people-print.html">poster</a>, at one of my favorite little bakeries in Minneapolis. I still love it. Still think about it. Still try to live my life by these simple words. Mark my word, S<i>OMEDAY I WILL ACTUALLY OWN THIS PRINT. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFVIeBsHstwGzYSE_H_Nrou5ifE_pec859YKM0p1CyvYe_AKSHaoEcgcZWCCuOPUF_aCDJUMGM6C16fqW93-ZE08isMXRYL8t_F_hklhO6NrsVPSfJQ_faHrGou9Ivz8kUjpJeokL3g/s1600/KIDchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFVIeBsHstwGzYSE_H_Nrou5ifE_pec859YKM0p1CyvYe_AKSHaoEcgcZWCCuOPUF_aCDJUMGM6C16fqW93-ZE08isMXRYL8t_F_hklhO6NrsVPSfJQ_faHrGou9Ivz8kUjpJeokL3g/s400/KIDchairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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THIS.RUG. from <a href="http://www.luluandgeorgia.com/rugs/delphia-rug?___SID=U">Lulu & Georgia</a>. NEED.<i> </i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LKFyxwN6z4XP8CId0WOD5KYuy_OzZIhgS9JktGiWreax9ukvGp2GW_LAHGThdgLRNPkw42_Pk8ZkjU7TDAGyaCcePOz_CF2dUR_KPaTDQNIyGPPgkErvcf0Cc1XsdulNvsm1RONF-A/s1600/k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LKFyxwN6z4XP8CId0WOD5KYuy_OzZIhgS9JktGiWreax9ukvGp2GW_LAHGThdgLRNPkw42_Pk8ZkjU7TDAGyaCcePOz_CF2dUR_KPaTDQNIyGPPgkErvcf0Cc1XsdulNvsm1RONF-A/s400/k.jpg" width="292" /></a></i></div>
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Dear Husband, do not worry...I am only '<i>online browsing and dreaming</i>' I did not buy one thing. I repeat, NOT.ONE.THING. But now, who's with me...these are all pretty amazing, right?<br />
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xo</div>
<i> </i></div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-37518806847598605032015-07-20T15:08:00.000-05:002015-07-20T15:08:48.191-05:00Picnic BLTs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9ExTHmLL3QVaQYH7kZ90sb-QTVbDlaU4db8AqdJf0p9G3a6l2W1ElH5vvxUaKm6AThu1VYXt4rCn5BO6TOfYoYbHVrmhEluBR_kVxm6rqNEOHcemub4E6VTEYwKUTsPeTWstlcsoRQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9ExTHmLL3QVaQYH7kZ90sb-QTVbDlaU4db8AqdJf0p9G3a6l2W1ElH5vvxUaKm6AThu1VYXt4rCn5BO6TOfYoYbHVrmhEluBR_kVxm6rqNEOHcemub4E6VTEYwKUTsPeTWstlcsoRQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Several things in this great life give me great happiness, and I feel so lucky that I got to enjoy a few of my favorites, all squished into one night last week. A picnic at Chatauqua Park in Boulder with girlfriends, before catching one of my favorite musical groups, The Indigo Girls, play at the auditorium at Chatauqua (which after Red Rocks is my most favorite of concert venues as it feels so very much like the mess hall at the summer camp I grew up at). Oh, and I made BLTs for said picnic, so that is a grand tally of 4 of my favorites, in one night.<br />
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BLTs are classic. They are summer. They are picnic. But...are you like me and are kind of ruded out by how soggy the bread is by the time you open your picnic basket, because of the (delicious, summer time favorite, for reals...just not here) tomatoes? Well, I solved that problem years ago with delicious sun-dried tomato mayonnaise. <br />
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What you need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bacon</div>
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3 T brown sugar</div>
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cracked black pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mayonnaise</div>
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sun-dried tomatoes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
loaf of bread (ciabatta was my pick)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lettuce greens</div>
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<br /></div>
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and a piece of parchment paper.</div>
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Place bacon and sprinkle with 3 T brown sugar and a very generous</div>
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crack of black pepper.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Bake in a 375 preheated oven for 20-23 minutes. If you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
want crisper bacon, watch oven closely as the sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will cause a quick burn, towards the end of bake time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Delicious peppery, sweet bacon! This is after 20 minutes bake time.</div>
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I promptly prop the baking sheet, so all the bacon grease will</div>
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drain off to the bottom, as it is impossible to 'blot' bacon that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has been baked in sugar...unless you love eating </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>delicious peppery, sweet, PAPER coated bacon!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>Place 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained) and 1 cup mayonnaise</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a food processor. Pulse until the tomatoes are fully </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
broken down and incorporated throughout.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This recipe will make much more that you will need for this Picnic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BLT, but be prepared to thank me as it is good on everything!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I placed the sun-dried tomato mayonnaise in the deli container that</div>
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first housed the oil soaked tomatoes. I did drain off most of the oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before pulsing, but did not think to wipe the container clean.</div>
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But...a little sun-dried tomato infused oil will do zero harm to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this goodness.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I like to make in advance to allow the flavors to love each other up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at least over night.<br />
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Holy Toledo, this might be the best store bought 'artisan' bread<br />
ever. I picked it up at King Soopers (Krogers).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_GyXZR2DCT3U85ftkfBEaDuhZs4oI7KGSwU39JNPYYE6eneW3n03AIBnntpf1WkJYv4m3EW_gLATe3Er2NJvHQGy5_uPLfAzzjHgPMjv4OnEWv0-rS0G8oiYwX09FzAmh49wwPdLCQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_GyXZR2DCT3U85ftkfBEaDuhZs4oI7KGSwU39JNPYYE6eneW3n03AIBnntpf1WkJYv4m3EW_gLATe3Er2NJvHQGy5_uPLfAzzjHgPMjv4OnEWv0-rS0G8oiYwX09FzAmh49wwPdLCQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I used a serrated knife to slice the loaf in half, then popped it in the<br />
oven (with the loaf closed up) to allow the outside to toast up a bit.<br />
350 degrees for 8- 10 minutes. It was good and crusty on the<br />
outside when I pulled it out. I then opened and gave the bread 10 minutes<br />
to cool down then generously slathered the bread with the sun-dried<br />
tomato mayonnaise.<br />
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Layer on the candied bacon and a huge, heaping pile of greens.<br />
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No words! Cut how you wish OR pretend you are Rodney<br />
Dangerfield in the 'sandwich scene' from Back to School<br />
and eat the whole thing! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCi91CU4AUk">Here</a> is the clip from the movie, if you<br />
are all like, <i>this B be crazy</i>!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGp_LaEiyckjVH5nC_xZkTd7NrFXiJRQCeAxppdpeeiseHKbWHi-b89saTChWJmnK9eg5bCGa2DajRWKZEhIM_gFrYwm5pgmrAcvH5LkzWOSOW_5VodmwqpEYteeZT5TDYuEjp32iAQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGp_LaEiyckjVH5nC_xZkTd7NrFXiJRQCeAxppdpeeiseHKbWHi-b89saTChWJmnK9eg5bCGa2DajRWKZEhIM_gFrYwm5pgmrAcvH5LkzWOSOW_5VodmwqpEYteeZT5TDYuEjp32iAQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I wrapped each cut of sandwich in parchment. <br />
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The sandwiches joined iced coffee, palmier cookies and raspberry<br />
and dark chocolate brownie & mousse trifles, as my picnic<br />
contributions. My girlfriends and I were so on point with our<br />
picnic planning that our spread was one for the books.<br />
I will later blog the palmier and trifle recipes, but until then<br />
try these legit BLTs! Oh, and as usual...The Indigo Girls<br />
were AmazeFest!<br />
<br />
xo <br />
<br />
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-68886229875593076472015-07-18T07:44:00.001-05:002015-09-20T22:43:42.635-05:00GriefI am so angry. I want nothing but time to sit with my father-in-law to tell him what he means to me. I know he knows, as they took me in as family nearly 17 years ago and I have thanked him endlessly ever since. I love him so deeply because he is a good man. He raised a good man, who I am lucky to call my most significant of others. He is a hardworking, honest, selfless man. I do not want him to go away. I want him here with us. I want Benny to have his best friend, Papa, to talk about tractors, trains, hammers, swings with. I want him to take Logi to the park, like he has done for her life (until this last trip home when she would cry daily because he couldn't take her). I want our hearts not to hurt so deep that it stings in our stomachs. I just want him here. I want to chase after him on the ski hill, as he still rips in his 70s. I want him with my mother-in-law. I want their union to continue here on earth, not put on pause for eternal life where they will meet again. I just want him to be okay. I want the last 9 months to be a horrible dream. He is so good. He is just so good. I just want him to just be okay.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately every bit of selfishness I can muster up will not keep him here with us. He is dying. He will die soon. Cancer has stolen him. I can't believe this is real life that I type this, but I need to write. It helps me process. So as tears poor like a heavy spring storm from my eyes, I am flooded with happiness, sadness, more anger, more sadness for my children and so much respect for this wonderful man.<br />
<br />
I have been caught in a roller coaster of grief since they day my husband stumbled down the stairs, like a zombie, after receiving the news that his dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I could barely hold him up, but I did. We cried and cried and booked him a flight home. Since then our tears have subsided in great moments of happiness, as little kids so graciously bring to daily life, but the pain has cut so deep that it has never left us. We have traveled homes several times in the last 8 months to spend time time with my in-laws (and on each visit I have thanked and praised them for their ever-presence in our lives. We did not have to bum rush memories, photos with him being sick...they have just always been with us, so we have all the wonderful memories that will carry us through). In this process I have also realized I have never watched someone die. I have only lost those closest to me in tragedy. That seems crazy, but that is truth. My grief usually begins with the phone call that someone is gone (all too young and soon) and I never knew how to handle that shocking, life altering grief. Time to figure out grief management (there has to be cliff notes on that, right?)<br />
<br />
We were going to head back to Minnesota in a couple weeks, on Zac's last day of work. Instead we are heading home Monday night, giving Zac that day to wrap up work (however that may look, it will have to be good enough) so we can get home and be with them. How can this be? We were just there less than two weeks ago. I even asked my MIL, pretending she had the power of a crystal ball, if he would be okay when we returned. I guess I asked that because I knew.<br />
<br />
Man, I am not good at this stuff. If I could please ask you to surround Jim, Joan, Zac, Rocky, the grand kids and all all those who love Jim so deep in your prayers. I am praying for peace and comfort for Jim in these final days. I am praying for love and support for Joan, as she cared for him so courageously and loved him so big. I am praying that Zac will not close himself off. I am praying for the little hearts of Benny and Logi and their cousin Roisin, who will miss their papa.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Benny in his happy place. With his best pal, papa.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cannot believe we snapped this just 2 weeks ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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A heavy yet overflowing heart, when I look at these.<br />
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Will forever treasure this trip to the woods.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xo. </div>
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<br />aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-40354463883930653062015-07-14T16:39:00.001-05:002015-07-17T16:31:27.120-05:00Tater Tot Hotdish Burger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn7Tp-NK_poPUSSKbnu65F79Ui-_ZEibNbaqvapMepHshYG0ns4ldQEz4ZNaMbvfq_OsTWXEpv_m-PHFmLI8RjSKxBCTaMIsEIlSplsZUMkxVm8uR8rwhJUwRlVPo7m-RubGAFgM2gw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn7Tp-NK_poPUSSKbnu65F79Ui-_ZEibNbaqvapMepHshYG0ns4ldQEz4ZNaMbvfq_OsTWXEpv_m-PHFmLI8RjSKxBCTaMIsEIlSplsZUMkxVm8uR8rwhJUwRlVPo7m-RubGAFgM2gw/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cool weather of late (<i>of course, not today</i>) has me in a </div>
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Minnesota State (Fair) of Mind! </div>
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It might also be that I just saw the official roll out of new delicacies</div>
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on a stick that one can find at said fair...but regardless of the reason</div>
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this little creation I dreamed up a few weeks ago has me thinking</div>
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of home.</div>
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Two things that Minnesotans love: Hot dish (anything baked in a </div>
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casserole dish, for those not in the know) and Burgers. </div>
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Minnesotans especially love the classic Tater Tot Hotdish, which</div>
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is a ground hamburger and cream of mushroom soup base, topped</div>
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with tater tots. Sounds rather rude, but it is perfection in a 9x13.</div>
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Marrying these two favorites seems like a no brainer, </div>
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SO WHY DID I JUST THINK OF THIS? </div>
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Oh dear lord, this is absolutely a must try. </div>
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And on the plate in under 30 minutes...what are you waiting for?</div>
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What you need?</div>
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burgers (however you like: turkey, veggie, beef, buffalo)</div>
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frozen tater tots</div>
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3/4 cup yellow onion (chopped)</div>
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3/4 cup mushrooms (dry cleaned and chopped)</div>
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6 oz. whipped cream cheese</div>
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hamburger buns </div>
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salt & pepper</div>
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oil for sauteing</div>
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Saute the onions and mushrooms in 2 T. oil, generously cracking</div>
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salt and pepper while they cook down over medium heat. </div>
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Do this while cooking the burger, season each side of the </div>
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burger with salt and pepper. </div>
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Also oven cook tater tots (according to package directions)</div>
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When the onions are transluesent and the mushrooms are soft, </div>
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turn off the heat and fold in 6 oz of whipped cream cheese.</div>
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This will act as the "cream of mushroom soup" </div>
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component of the classic Tater Tot Hotdish.</div>
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Building the perfect Tater Tot Hotdish Burger:</div>
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bottom toasted bun</div>
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burger</div>
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generous dollop of creamy mushrooms and onions</div>
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5 crispy tater tots</div>
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top with the other toasted bun.</div>
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And because gluttony likes green company,</div>
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serve with a mixed greens salad.</div>
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I want full report, if you make this for your</div>
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great aunt in Northern Minnesota.</div>
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xo.</div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-47398340270778637092015-07-10T23:32:00.000-05:002015-07-10T23:32:07.397-05:00The Tooth Fairy Paid a Visit!<br />
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I said to Logi, '<i>smile big, so we can see your missing teeth</i>'.</div>
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Benny wanted in on the action!</div>
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Rite of Passage up in here tonight. The Tooth Fairy graced us with her presence. We have been prepping for her arrival for nearly a month, during which time I have fielded some funny questions: <i>Will she mind if I sleep with the light on? Do you think she will leave me a little money for the arcade? Does she know I like the arcade? Can we go to the arcade in that tiny town again? Will she visit Benny when he is bigger? Do you think she would want a snack? Is she real? </i>(ugh, last question hit me in the gut, as she is 5 and I want her to believe in all things magical. Of course, some turd in Kindergarten mentioned the fallacy of said fairy...but I continue to just remind her that we have to believe in the magic).<br />
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We knew this visit was upon us, as she had a seperate procedure scheduled with the dentist today, and he had given her a solid month to get her two front, very wiggly, teeth out or he would pull them while he had her mouth good and numbed up for the other procedure. Subsequently, I told her I would pay her half of what the dentist was going to charge, if she could get them out before she saw him again. No takers. <br />
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So we walked out of the dentist's office, with my little Logi looking so very much like a big kid (a big kid playing the part of a jack-o-latern, even better)!<br />
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She has been dreaming of this for months! Goodness, remember</div>
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when life was so simple? Reminds me to be mindful of looking</div>
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forward to simple things in life with such exuberance! </div>
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Oh and yes, she totally ate pizza after her bath so went to bed with</div>
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wet hair and a face covered in sauce. </div>
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She will be excited to wake to find that in the place of her two </div>
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teeth there is a book, a 'hour glass' teeth brushing timer, and a </div>
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small bag of coins (<i>for the arcade, of course</i>).</div>
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Please Time, I beg of you...SLOW DOWN!</div>
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xo</div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-14499397142489199182015-06-19T17:55:00.000-05:002015-06-19T17:55:54.943-05:00Manitou Springs, ColoradoThe hubs and I have not had a break in parenting for a long bit (which, I guess you sign up for when having kids, but after the months we have had, we needed a tiny b.r.e.a.k.!) so I got a sitter for 24 hours, so we could <i>clock out</i> and go have some fun! We decided to head south from Golden (as we most often head west) and decided on Manitou Springs. Here's a small photo dump of some treasures I captured on my phone on our short sneak away. <br />
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We didn't take the highway that leads from Denver to Colorado Springs, instead we left Golden and drove mountain roads the whole way down. It was great. We had no timeline, so it didn't matter that this was not the most direct route (but actually, now that I think about it, the drive time was probably about the same, as we didn't encounter the traffic the highway brings). Along the way we went through several little towns, one of which reminded me of Big Bear in California, so I instantly called my brother, as we went skiing in Big Bear when he was living in LA and I went to visit him for my spring break. It was super nostalgic.<br />
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After two hours of scenic driving through the moutains, we arrived in</div>
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Manitou Springs. What a quirky town. I can only describe it as </div>
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1 part mountain town, 1 part eclectic artist paradise,</div>
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1 part Atlantic coast boardwalk town (see photo above)</div>
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and 2 parts hippie haven! Definitely a town where deoderant often</div>
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goes to die.</div>
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Really cool sculptures throughout the little bustling historic town </div>
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at the base of Pikes Peak.</div>
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My husband tried to school me a bit and shared</div>
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that Mr. Pike (clearly I was only half listening as</div>
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I have forgotten his name a week later) was the</div>
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explorer who named the <a href="http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2015/02/22/closer-look-beaver-islands/23844097/">Beaver Islands</a> in </div>
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St. Cloud, Minnesota (our hometown).</div>
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How cool is that!</div>
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I am always excited to find old Episcopal </div>
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churches in cool little towns! </div>
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This vintage Coke machine, built in!</div>
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Fountains are scattered throughout the little town, kicking up the </div>
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spring water that is rushing below. Historically people would flock to</div>
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these natural flowing springs for the springs healing powers.</div>
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Another fountain</div>
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We cut across the springs to walk through a park and was excited to </div>
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notice the little treasure stone mosaic goat, which of course</div>
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reminded me of the story of Billy Goats Gruff.</div>
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Someday I will own this very impractical light. Those Edison bulbs </div>
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sure don't produce a great light source, but this ridiculously cute lamp</div>
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(notice the water faucet handle for turning it on?) was made local and</div>
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needs to be seen local, on my front table. I took the picture so Zac would </div>
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be able to buy it for me. I am so good to him, I don't mess around</div>
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with hints, just call me a straight shooter. Haaaa.</div>
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Darn it, was too full from dinner for ice cream, but </div>
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looooved the signage!</div>
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I can't wait for the snow to clear, so we can go back </div>
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with the kids to ride the rail up Pikes Peak. Benny will</div>
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be in heaven!</div>
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How cool are structures, supported over the springs below. </div>
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We explored Manitou Springs late into the evening and then</div>
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headed to downtown Colorado Springs for our hotel. Of</div>
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course I took a totally rando pic of the wall of our room </div>
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because I get a case of the shakes over old exposed brick.</div>
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The hotel was called the <a href="http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/colorado/colorado-springs/the-mining-exchange-a-wyndham-grand-hotel/rooms-rates">Mining Exchange</a> and was gorgeous. </div>
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It was a 10 minute drive from Manitou Springs, and then gave us a</div>
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chance to check out downtown Colorado Springs at night. </div>
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Two doors down from the hotel was a great little ice cream</div>
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shop called Josh & John's with a line out the door. Overpriced </div>
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but delicious. Thankfully at this late hour we had room in </div>
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our bellies to try some of the tasty flavors.</div>
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After a good sleep in sesh, we checked out of the hotel and </div>
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was excited to see a Dutch Bros. Coffee 2 blocks from our hotel. </div>
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We had this shop in our town in Oregon and I am so excited</div>
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they are clearly moving east! </div>
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I have missed this goodness in my life.</div>
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On our way out of town we explored Garden of the God's. </div>
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Breathtaking!</div>
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When I was snapping this pic there were tourists from all over the </div>
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country surrounding me and I felt like I was in a scene from the 80s</div>
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classic film, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085995/"><i>National Lampoons Vacation</i></a>. Clearly didn't remember</div>
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that it is high time for tourists!</div>
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We left Garden of the Gods and back tracked through </div>
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the mountains to home. We stopped for lunch in Pine, CO</div>
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and had the most legit burgers EVER at <a href="http://www.zokas.com/">Zoka</a>! We sat</div>
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on the big wrap around porch and enjoyed the lovely </div>
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mountain breeze and ate burgers. The pic above is Kobe beef</div>
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burger on ciabatta topped with carmelized onions, sweet</div>
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bacon and melty brie. It was outrageous. Z ordered</div>
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a burger topped with a bacon and rhubarb jam that</div>
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was equally out of this world. Who really thinks to go</div>
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crazy over burgers, but these were seriously the two </div>
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best I have ever tried. </div>
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I told Z we shouldbuy a cabin in Pine for </div>
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a) mountain biking and b) burgers</div>
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Serious!</div>
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Pine was hosting the town's Rhubarb Festival, so after burgers</div>
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we popped over to see and THIS WAS THE ONLY RHUBARB</div>
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WE SAW...on the sign! What the heck? Rhubarb is our jam </div>
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(and now bacon rhubarb jam is for reals our jam) and they had nothing</div>
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rhubarb. Crazy. It was fun to see a weird little cover band, and </div>
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search for rhubarb...but I won't put the festival on my list for next year</div>
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Well, it was a great 24 hours, and I guess we parents (who don't have </div>
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family around that sporadically take kids for the weekend) need</div>
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to remember that a 24 hour babysitter is worth every single penny!</div>
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Now, get to Manitou Springs. </div>
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xo </div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-87573141812580908902015-06-08T21:54:00.001-05:002015-06-08T21:54:20.142-05:00In the BackyardOur house backs up to a park. It has been such a big blessing as we walk down there throughout the day for biking, monkey bars, soccer in the field, yada yada. The park as provided even more excitement in the last couple of weeks as we have had some exciting visitors.<br />
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First we were excited to welcome this old lady to the hood. </div>
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I was extra excited to see her because Logi and I saw a moose </div>
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last summer in town and Zac asked me at least 50 times, <i> </i></div>
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<i>are you sure it wasn't an elk? </i></div>
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<i> </i>Really, a moose looks nothing like an elk. Cow, maybe?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzVr5qB-TgqcuNfqxpr0gBxjobYPhKZcTT4WfzyC5dm6SY02Q9FloXNbd3cnpztMpBC13Lc7A1VFmECB7b3f7B14RrMcD0nZnOatlnJbAxnkTCCnlykZy28TMbsTZGJWAdFGtvcmdlQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzVr5qB-TgqcuNfqxpr0gBxjobYPhKZcTT4WfzyC5dm6SY02Q9FloXNbd3cnpztMpBC13Lc7A1VFmECB7b3f7B14RrMcD0nZnOatlnJbAxnkTCCnlykZy28TMbsTZGJWAdFGtvcmdlQ/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then tonight, I was bringing things into the kitchen from dinner, while</div>
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the kids were still out on the deck and Logi and Benny started yelling</div>
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for me to grab the camera. I thought maybe ol' lady moose was back,</div>
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but instead we were excited to wave at a paraglider overhead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU_3H_eZknY_zuIFjT_GFf8miG7UwivyynO6t6ikR75JdllNiKl0l-h_fEwVmZrFyx_Id7xaFB7sBhKWb0ZiLM9YNNcoFhyphenhyphensS6eRt8bWWRxrvqM0i8W_WMVVS1JrKGNOYw0J5p3K4vg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU_3H_eZknY_zuIFjT_GFf8miG7UwivyynO6t6ikR75JdllNiKl0l-h_fEwVmZrFyx_Id7xaFB7sBhKWb0ZiLM9YNNcoFhyphenhyphensS6eRt8bWWRxrvqM0i8W_WMVVS1JrKGNOYw0J5p3K4vg/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We quickly realized he was circling the park, for a land. </div>
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Benny was screaming in excitement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4LJVKaYaaGJFkHUNQs1Y8OJVU9y2qnVkGUNNbTnJZyMsWD_bTkwKMK-_gKutWihRDaVHqrHtkszLjL3hDMYZ6BKdltqh280KRIOE1v_JnTOyp2RYRsI23K2oj5klbE5Ux0G7KH0WFA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4LJVKaYaaGJFkHUNQs1Y8OJVU9y2qnVkGUNNbTnJZyMsWD_bTkwKMK-_gKutWihRDaVHqrHtkszLjL3hDMYZ6BKdltqh280KRIOE1v_JnTOyp2RYRsI23K2oj5klbE5Ux0G7KH0WFA/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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North Table Mountain as a backdrop. </div>
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Seriously, this looks fake, right?</div>
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Coming in for a landing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDuZX_Bv0L-PcSL59-eBOqATrVEJccXSeOKaRSgFtJNTnZR55py90EhTeW5f-MMyi50t0z1jQ3NHOwQ5PayFDU4KU0M0MBHFHEFgBkgenWmBc0GvCmG5VvE1TXCFETbkK4fQydQ8TOw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDuZX_Bv0L-PcSL59-eBOqATrVEJccXSeOKaRSgFtJNTnZR55py90EhTeW5f-MMyi50t0z1jQ3NHOwQ5PayFDU4KU0M0MBHFHEFgBkgenWmBc0GvCmG5VvE1TXCFETbkK4fQydQ8TOw/s400/blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Logi was so very excited to go talk to him, as</div>
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she really wants to learn to paraglide when she </div>
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is bigger. She made me promise to ask him</div>
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if he could land for her birthday party in August.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love her.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy Summer! May the exciting visitors out back continue!</div>
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xo </div>
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<br /></div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-59644302650288253372015-05-28T10:26:00.001-05:002015-05-28T10:26:49.470-05:00Pretzel Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches. OMG. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVv5cLaVbzdlWTQiIFGhJn2fJO4m0DdbZlSO5FdLCLhHUo7KVqsN1n-2su0yXLQ2oUWXlJgOFCsyEhgTxXaR7I5Db3EIcUi4F76kFD3UFcSmOpI64OlS8ovruFE9y_8thRPLgYJ7cRA/s1600/BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVv5cLaVbzdlWTQiIFGhJn2fJO4m0DdbZlSO5FdLCLhHUo7KVqsN1n-2su0yXLQ2oUWXlJgOFCsyEhgTxXaR7I5Db3EIcUi4F76kFD3UFcSmOpI64OlS8ovruFE9y_8thRPLgYJ7cRA/s400/BLOG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just FYI, these are outrageous!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I blogged delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches a long time ago,</div>
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and was whipping them up yesterday as friends were coming to dinner</div>
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and I was wildly inspired (<i>I am clearly deep</i>) to roll the ice cream</div>
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edges in salty bits of pretzel. Oh wow, that took deliciousness to a </div>
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whole new level. </div>
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<br /></div>
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PS sweet and salty for the win!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click <a href="http://thisdayisamuseing.blogspot.com/2012/03/ice-cream-sandwich-time.html">here</a> for the original ice cream sandwich recipe. And then</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get a rolling in pretzel bits.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xx</div>
aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-9358231035243801412015-05-25T10:17:00.000-05:002015-05-25T12:45:44.841-05:00Leap of Faith<br />
A leap of faith is not life or death, but it is life altering and at times kind of scary. My husband's company announced a few weeks ago that they are closing up operation in Denver and offered relocation to Houston. I know, I know...people lose jobs every single day (<i>hence, this is not life or death</i>) but our cup runneth over with heavy stuff, this first half of 2015 and I just didn't know how we would mentally, emotionally and physically handle this big change. We were forced to make a decision quickly, which we don't do well (hell, it took us years to get to Denver, where we really wanted to be, as we waited on just the perfect fit for Zac's career)<br />
<br />
After a ton of talking: amongst ourselves, with our financial planner, with our parents, we decided that what we want in our lives, in this minute, is to be in Colorado. We have a simple little life here (which yes, will be thrown for a bit as in essence Zac is quiting a job he loves) and we just want to see if we can make it work in hopes and prayers he finds something within his industry here in Colorado. <i>Anyone need a Petro Geologist? I have the name of a good one.</i> <br />
<br />
Zac and I did prepare for such a time, as when we were young in our marriage we saw something on Suze Orman about setting aside 9 months worth of your living expense (at the time rent on our little apartment in Oregon, bills, fuel, food, yada yada) and never touching that money. That would be the safety net, should we find ourselves in a pickle because of income lost. So, we started stashing that money away. We never touched it. Through down payments on homes, cars, vacations, retirement savings, college saving plans...we pretended that money did not exist. I am thankful we were wise to that suggestion at the time, and have that cushion for now. <br />
<br />
So, it is with a big gulp of excitement, a tad bit of nerves and a big load of trust, we are staying put. We will work our tails off to stay here, and if the time comes that we face the reality that his industry has changed beyond recovery in Colorado, and we need to move on, at least we will know that we did all we could to try and stay. It feels risky, but more so, it feels right!<br />
<br />
I just read in a book (it was chick lit, so I am not citing the
source, just trusting it as truth (yes, blindly) that the Chinese word
for <i>crisis</i> is the same as the Chinese word for <i>opportunity</i>. Trusting in that.<br />
<br />
Here are a few snaps of our life here, and I think it is quite easy to see why we love it so:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY6p_jQ6mSr7A-I3FDMQ34mKIkyAZ0NBsE1ntG8Waxr_C_ykSzwvt9AoPhaBsV1PgQeQfgZClmJ-ZW8ol0X9Eamhje0D7GCfm0NRNj0osf3h80Di0nFxi0ozHDcXNbIv6YRd9oJ4lSQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY6p_jQ6mSr7A-I3FDMQ34mKIkyAZ0NBsE1ntG8Waxr_C_ykSzwvt9AoPhaBsV1PgQeQfgZClmJ-ZW8ol0X9Eamhje0D7GCfm0NRNj0osf3h80Di0nFxi0ozHDcXNbIv6YRd9oJ4lSQ/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The morning sun out my bathroom window. </div>
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I will never tire of my morning view.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzniYGiZgJcY6FVqDv_fdayldMMVVZdFX0gKpHeSceyFqAzCxM3hkSKP7Oo6x6aXKGbsWCE0CaXY0WZSfV0FCcwKgwH157uUp_4icS_3-53Xtu8T0EcuxC6Y0UoaZlTSx6n4AAfXh3A/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzniYGiZgJcY6FVqDv_fdayldMMVVZdFX0gKpHeSceyFqAzCxM3hkSKP7Oo6x6aXKGbsWCE0CaXY0WZSfV0FCcwKgwH157uUp_4icS_3-53Xtu8T0EcuxC6Y0UoaZlTSx6n4AAfXh3A/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Concerts at Red Rocks are 10 minutes drive away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNwALirDnP-TXLxCQfJuFZvaTKa8JMFz86n7w-lsfFI3NPdmQ2utyBPW8V55fV9-ODmRZe5VesSolkFOg1Di3bUGqg9JNxDk8zWQfh8se5707zzhJy4butnyJMZJwxJzm2Ssh5vCTHA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNwALirDnP-TXLxCQfJuFZvaTKa8JMFz86n7w-lsfFI3NPdmQ2utyBPW8V55fV9-ODmRZe5VesSolkFOg1Di3bUGqg9JNxDk8zWQfh8se5707zzhJy4butnyJMZJwxJzm2Ssh5vCTHA/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We can drive an hour to watch amazing events, like my </div>
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summer favorite, the Go Pro Games in Vail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUSXbT1UbCIESs9ipGnTBbHL6sYHQErGoiOYSjvmxk4gnGiDAZYLVRcyx7BhEy8RQZRU4vwRR14ygdQ94XGagh0j_-mpx3BptXd4XoG5XOAbunjgYQHeKW_9DRb3kfODR1qszQ3YHcw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUSXbT1UbCIESs9ipGnTBbHL6sYHQErGoiOYSjvmxk4gnGiDAZYLVRcyx7BhEy8RQZRU4vwRR14ygdQ94XGagh0j_-mpx3BptXd4XoG5XOAbunjgYQHeKW_9DRb3kfODR1qszQ3YHcw/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My love of boots!</div>
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Our park! Again, will never tire of this view!</div>
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Fall colors!</div>
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Camping weekends!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfD68zX_Tm9PiDZ8AvRONrh-f-PKX-2kiDaaOlF1sgm5lA8lXcXtS2aN27gyHl7cXFImPucSRk5GDve-lpR_5qgng4H7EdMDB_77d6Bkc3mx7SlJxa3SR-pjCIWZXxKGkSkypdtneBA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfD68zX_Tm9PiDZ8AvRONrh-f-PKX-2kiDaaOlF1sgm5lA8lXcXtS2aN27gyHl7cXFImPucSRk5GDve-lpR_5qgng4H7EdMDB_77d6Bkc3mx7SlJxa3SR-pjCIWZXxKGkSkypdtneBA/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love walking to school each morning to drop Logi,</div>
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then again in the afternoon to pick her up.</div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Neighbor friends are the luckiest of friends.</div>
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These kids will totally be a fierce bikey gang</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a few years, I just know it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Editor's note: My Chinese speaking friend, Qimin, totally debunked my heavy </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
research on Chinese proverbs (reading the book <a href="http://jenniferweiner.com/books/fly-away-home"><i>Fly Away Home</i></a>
by Jennifer </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weiner)...but I am now blindly pretending I didn't ask my friend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ignorance is sometimes Bliss, after all (<i>I knew I shouldn't have asked</i>)!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813761332902144917.post-51170805788786677642015-05-20T10:44:00.001-05:002015-05-20T10:44:30.262-05:00Kate Spade SALE<br />
OMG, before you call in for reinforcement, thinking I am drowning my anxiety in retail therapy, this is one more SUPER LEGIT SALE that needs to be shared. ONE MORE DAY <i>read: the hours and minutes are ticking away...so check this out! </i>Up to 75% off bags, clothing, bangles and more...get you some!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<i> </i><a href="http://surprise.katespade.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-KateSale-Site/en_US/Search-Show?cgid=ks-view-all&cm_mmc=ExactTarget-_-05192015_SurpriseSaleAnnouncing-_-05192015_SurpriseSaleAnnouncing-_-http%3a%2f%2fsurprise.katespade.com%2f&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05192015_SurpriseSaleAnnouncing&utm_content=http%3a%2f%2fsurprise.katespade.com%2f&extgid=extg_05192015_SurpriseSaleAnnouncing&cp=1012862872"><i>Click Here for Sale </i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FYSvTuy2-Mf23PPVpmZ-P5N55YUdXEti_K-denzoRk6fIJkk4KuGEmp96_-vEtQJEW6lajah-QJoVebyq89ejlxnilqQLEw7QugMih_AGufv3onAiMtKlt8Hz5MqgdkOJd37kV_rXg/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FYSvTuy2-Mf23PPVpmZ-P5N55YUdXEti_K-denzoRk6fIJkk4KuGEmp96_-vEtQJEW6lajah-QJoVebyq89ejlxnilqQLEw7QugMih_AGufv3onAiMtKlt8Hz5MqgdkOJd37kV_rXg/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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I sensibly ordered this wallet.</div>
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Look below to see a few of the other items I responsibly </div>
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turned away from. So much cuteness, check it out! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnz71lGFKaWcfDraXt3o_jG7oE0jVtyWT2Z7ltyFA1gIIpY3_olE2oEyZG5uw3odNUAg8CoiqIKv8ZRfhD1UGzMeAjAjFFjAkkUAGfBKIQ3o4oBAKO1SFFUrIgpzLnn92yPuseBG-Miw/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnz71lGFKaWcfDraXt3o_jG7oE0jVtyWT2Z7ltyFA1gIIpY3_olE2oEyZG5uw3odNUAg8CoiqIKv8ZRfhD1UGzMeAjAjFFjAkkUAGfBKIQ3o4oBAKO1SFFUrIgpzLnn92yPuseBG-Miw/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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How cute is this mini backpack.</div>
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I know I hear a few friends gagging at</div>
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the idea, as it feels totally throwback </div>
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to high school and Cher from <i>Clueless</i>,</div>
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but I love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagnFW1KMh_nR0v8wKoJYl535yNfLOBZYmmRH7hzY_RXxat3F70mqDM4dmXvq3My0FBPyUfmGcHHXzYAq1gOcBEWl2HE4EJCj_CgHJJ18iKnlP3pmECC2FtQ7QsRI-oUEi8jnYBDuoCA/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagnFW1KMh_nR0v8wKoJYl535yNfLOBZYmmRH7hzY_RXxat3F70mqDM4dmXvq3My0FBPyUfmGcHHXzYAq1gOcBEWl2HE4EJCj_CgHJJ18iKnlP3pmECC2FtQ7QsRI-oUEi8jnYBDuoCA/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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I am always a sucker for a bucket</div>
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bag. This one is adorable. Marked</div>
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down to $139 from $328 quite the deal!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK-8ciC9BVWxHe4g-A_BABtSpRJI7bIK-KTBHAuJS9D0kYQxkM7IZUxQX24d530v6R07b1trSJja1pPY9hbjS62x5ca8FoSkKkkBN_576_XnnsyDyT4wfQ1VUG8MKh9-6jgwgKDzUEQ/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK-8ciC9BVWxHe4g-A_BABtSpRJI7bIK-KTBHAuJS9D0kYQxkM7IZUxQX24d530v6R07b1trSJja1pPY9hbjS62x5ca8FoSkKkkBN_576_XnnsyDyT4wfQ1VUG8MKh9-6jgwgKDzUEQ/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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If I was having a baby, this diaper bag/carry all</div>
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would have found it's way into my virtual cart.</div>
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LOVE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7Qi6vdjKobrhQJIx4Tltd3Un6_aLfXTXVO7GNcvT32COeod-lS0QzXBT9ssF0Y9Dm0Az5-AljytXQ8jPPTsdTukYZMKkcazRtBDQ0hhxlGirh8K8hNTBqaym7l2F6IHHl5-9LnK-vA/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7Qi6vdjKobrhQJIx4Tltd3Un6_aLfXTXVO7GNcvT32COeod-lS0QzXBT9ssF0Y9Dm0Az5-AljytXQ8jPPTsdTukYZMKkcazRtBDQ0hhxlGirh8K8hNTBqaym7l2F6IHHl5-9LnK-vA/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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Really. Someone needs this bag. </div>
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$159 marked down from $429</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2IJSxbeMcDbFPRUDZTQxNr8evYLMd_KMvFe3ivmZtCnsLdbS6B2mmtwg0FozkRgsArWIV7bs2LH_zGCpHyvSaQm4CfZz-6tJhNURM07sIq3nbuxdOZ7yjuLu48IumWZ0dTNU7G-Ykg/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2IJSxbeMcDbFPRUDZTQxNr8evYLMd_KMvFe3ivmZtCnsLdbS6B2mmtwg0FozkRgsArWIV7bs2LH_zGCpHyvSaQm4CfZz-6tJhNURM07sIq3nbuxdOZ7yjuLu48IumWZ0dTNU7G-Ykg/s400/canvas.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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Sweetest little bangle! I would stack it with others.</div>
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xo.</div>
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aMUSEinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449707785807533004noreply@blogger.com0