tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577050064396008512024-03-08T03:06:44.129-05:00 love you. mean it.iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-52989574640818578852014-01-07T22:53:00.000-05:002014-01-07T22:53:32.004-05:00ON RUNNING REALLY FAST <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my very FAVORITE things to watch is when an athlete wins. Not just see them make the winning shot, or get the hole in one. I'm talking about the moment milliseconds after that shot, or after landing that somersault, or hitting the bullseye. They get so excited and happy. They are blown away in that moment. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see in their eyes that this one moment is a culmination of weeks, months, years, sometimes decades of preparation- and a coming to fruition of all the hard work they've put into their goal. </span></span></div>
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I don't even like golf but I could probably cry in a second flat watching Tiger woods or Phil Mickelson win whatever tournament they're in. Every sport has that moment, and it is true to the word: Awesome. I love seeing people succeed. Part of what I love about it so much is that it is evidence that it CAN be done. I never get jealous of others' success because It is them showing the world that it CAN be done. Another part of it is that success is generally where God given talent and tons of hard work meet. </div>
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I'm about to be a huge sports nerd so stick with me here- there's a reason behind this. </div>
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I read this very story once and I can't remember who connected all the dots or where I read it- please forgive that. But this story totally resonated with me. You can read an interview with Bannister <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2003/10/21/cz_jc_1021sport.html">here</a>. </div>
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In 1954 Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile barrier.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/roger-bannister-large-image-1">via</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who does that? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I ran track in college- but I made it a policy to never run longer than 4 minutes consecutively, and never run a distance further than 200 meters. I'm only half joking because I did a LOT of running at a distance longer than 200 meters in order to train for my sprints. I digress...)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When interviewed Bannister said: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">" It didn’t seem logical to me, as a physiologist/doctor, that if you could run a mile in four minutes, one and a bit seconds, you couldn’t break four minutes. But it had become a psychological as well as a physical barrier." </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/2003/10/21/cz_jc_1021sport.html" style="line-height: 24px;">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The following years many more people broke the 4 minute mile barrier. Why did they do this? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">What was so special about the years following?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well, the essay I originally read on this topic explained this: The following runners saw it could be done- and that simple fact- that it had been done before- provided enough of a psychological shift for those other runners to do so. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT is why I love seeing people accomplish things. Because their accomplishments, their shining bright is giving US permission to do the same. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT is why I started blogging. Because I have gained so much by other women sharing their stories, by seeing other women do AMAZING things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT is why I set goals this year that seem impossible to me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT is why I pray for seemingly-impossible blessings for this year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-27934602141389952902014-01-04T14:07:00.001-05:002014-01-04T14:09:38.738-05:00MY WORD FOR THE YEAR : [A LINK UP]<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Hi everyone! Its been far far too long. Once I got my job I knew I needed to take some time to focus on that and renegotiating what life was going to look like with that. I've been getting into a new routine and spending as much extra time with the little one as I could. Coach is in a very busy season with work ( we're talkin' 12-14 hour days up until his christmas break-) so when he had an hour or two to spare on the weekends we were spending that time together as a family. I also found that I didn't have much to say during that time either. It wasn't necessarily that I wasn't inspired, but I was thinking over a lot of things I wanted for this year and had less to say as a result. Now that it is the new year I have so much I want to share and lots of exciting plans.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thewiegands.com/">Casey Leigh</a> to discuss my word for the year: </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I hope everyone's holiday was great- and that everyone's new year is off to a great start! I was never a resolution person in the past- always writing the new year off as a time when people make promises to themselves that they eventually do not keep. After a year of a LOT of transition for my family and I, I am hoping this year is one of calm and quiet preparation. We truly have no clue what the military has in store for us this year, but I really want this year to be one where we reach some goals as a family and I overcome or achieve things that have been on my mind for a long time. I am going to spend the next little while talking about goals/ resolutions/ and what I want for myself in this new year. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've spent a lot of time praying for clarity, and not only to, as Bob Goff Says "see God's fingerprints" but to have peace of mind and conviction for what He wants for my life. One of my favorite things to do every year starting with a few years ago has been to chose a word for the year. Even when I was not a huge resolution-maker I loved the idea of picking a word to define what I wanted the year to be about. Casey did this in the past and wrote about it- and that is what got me started on it. Now I'm seeing a lot of people do this, and I love it! This year, my word is </span></div>
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FEARLESS. </div>
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Webster Defines it as "Lacking Fear". I don't mean that I will lack fear this year coming up- but rather I am going to FEAR LESS. And even when I am afraid, I am going to, as <a href="http://laracasey.com/blog/">Lara Casey</a> says, "feel the fear, and do it anyway". The synonyms listed below the definition were a better fit for what this word means to me. They are: </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">bold, brave, courageous, intrepid, valiant, valorous, gallant, plucky, lionhearted, heroic, daring, audacious, indomitable, doughty. </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I struggle with fear, with worrying. My biggest fear is FAILURE. It still doesn't make sense to me why I fear this so much, but it is what it is. I have been reading a lot about athletes with the olympics coming up, and I've been reading about Roger Bannister (more on him soon). It seems almost every time I read about a successful athlete , failure comes up. And they always say they fail all the time, or that their failure now contributes to their future </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">success. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.988636016845703px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"One step short of success is not a failure. Failing is not a 'failure' if it gets you closer to success tomorrow." </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Lolo Jones </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the goals I have in mind for this year are to overcome things; things that when I think about them I start to feel icky and my heartbeat quickens. But I'm just done with those things. And I feel unequivocally that this year- THIS year- I am to overcome those things so that I can trust more- so that I can do what I was put on this earth to do and just not be encumbered by things that have been dragging me down. </span></div>
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And more than anything- that this is the year to overcome fear, and especially fear of failure. The only way to do that, however is to feel the fear and do it anyway; and to realize that I won't in fact, turn into a pumpkin if I do face that which scares me the most. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time I'm going to talk about watching other succeed and live their lives to fulfill their purpose. </span></div>
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</span>iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-31742482528854899052013-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-18T07:00:01.716-05:00MY OFFICE WISH LIST <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi There! Today In honor of my first day of work! Woo hoo for orientation! (jay kay) - I thought I would show a couple of items that I would love to have in my office. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PencilShavingsStudio?section_id=7819581" target="_blank">1.</a> <a href="http://www.target.com/p/smith-hawken-reg-steel-and-glass-terrarium/-/A-14212126#prodSlot=medium_1_21&term=smith+and+hawken" target="_blank">2.</a> <a href="http://www.starbucksstore.com/recycled-coffee-press-by-bodum-4-cup/011024658,default,pd.html?&srule=Featured&start=0&sz=16&cgid=coffee-presses" target="_blank">3.</a> <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-9-cm-Altman-Plants-Echeveria-Plant-3-Pack-0881005/202363178#.UofM6Os__qs">4.</a><a href="http://www.target.com/p/5-875x8-25-greenroom-recycled-spiral-metallic-notebook-assorted/-/A-14430724?reco=Rec|pdp|14430724|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1" target="_blank">5.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I have always loved Pencil Shavings Studio. I have one of her ipad covers and it is great quality, and just about the cutest thing ever. I am a stripes lover, and a color lover- so I thought that a tray like this to corral client files/paperwork would be a cute addition to my office. It also fits my profession too as an art therapist (or so I tell myself). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. My favorite aisle in Tarjay is the Smith and Hawken aisle. I have always loved their things, and used to spend hours walking through the store in my hometown on my breaks from working retail over christmas. I would love this box to make a terrarium out of in my office. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Coffee. Obviously. I am old school when it comes to coffee. I use a french press or my Bialetti stove top espresso maker to make coffee, and that's it. I utterly refuse to buy a keurig. Handy they are, but I just can't give up my old school ways. Because they take slightly more effort/time to make coffee in, I'll probably be having my first cup at the office. Starbucks is carrying a small 2 or 3 cupper that is made out of recycled plastic. I love the design, AND it is wayyyy cheaper than buying one at Target- surprisingly enough. Target has become proud of their french presses. $30? I mean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. I think every office should have something green. I have collected cacti and succulents since I was itty bitty. I would save up a dollar from my allowance and every few weeks go to the "cactus guy" at our local farmers market and pic out a new plant. I still have a huge aloe vera plant that I'll be taking with me to work, but I'd like to get more, and make a terrarium in that gorgeous Smith and Hawken box from above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Ever since I was small I've been obsessed with school supplies. I still am, even though I am out of school now (cue angels singing). I LOVE these notepads from Greenroom. Theyre super sassy, and they are just about the perfect size to stow in your purse or keep it on your desk. I take notes all the time for everything, and these make it that much more fun. And you can't get mad at the price tag either. </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-11066422769216163872013-11-16T15:07:00.001-05:002013-11-19T10:34:01.390-05:00NOTHING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday Coach's flights got cancelled due to weather and he was home for the day. With Henry at school for a half day, and about to start full time again, I was feeling a little aimless and mopey around the house. We ended up sitting on the sofa, eating lunch, talking, and watching really dumb television on TLC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. It definitely felt strange to do nothing- not even being on the computer or phone while watching tv or something. I am not good at doing nothing. Watching a movie is a perfect time to fold laundry or blog, right? But it is worth it to train our minds to concentrate on ONE thing at a time- it provides much more rest, and is calming. And de-programming from the glorification of busy is hard to do, but worth it. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so important in our day and age of constant over-stimulation due to the media to really just do NOTHING, or reduce what you do to one thing, and focus solely on that! </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Em </span></div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-30781227001435104442013-11-15T15:43:00.002-05:002013-11-15T15:43:42.258-05:005 ON FRIDAY [A LINK UP] <div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I hope everyone is finishing out a great week! I'm finally getting my 5 on Friday up! This week has been busy busy! </div>
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My friend Melanie came in town this past weekend and we had such a great time. We became instant friends when she was assigned to be my "big sister" in grad school. It's not awesome that we don't live down the street from one another anymore but she's taken time to come visit a few times once she moved away and its always so much fun! We explored and ate and shopped and played with H. It also means so much to me when my friends love Henry so much, and she definitely does. She is auntie Mel to him and lets him jump all over her and throw baseballs at her. </div>
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After today started out not on the awesome side, (to include my only travel mug leaking ALL over me ALL morning) I decided to take some of my birthday money and purchase one of these alice and olivia for Starbucks travel mugs. I mean. My coffee now has it's own tutu. the end. </div>
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Henry started at his new school for two half days this week to get used to it before being there full time. To say it is a better fit for him than his old daycare is an understatement. They ADORE him and take SUCH good care of him. They keep them engaged all day long in projects and learning, and he even gets to bring his own lunch. So obviously he had to get his very own special lunch box with his name on it. I know he won't remember it but I love it and it makes his teachers finding his things easier. Also, he loves carrying his lunchbox in to school and feels like such a big boy. </div>
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I FINALLY went to World Market with Mel this weekend. And I was sold. Because, wine y'all. Can I please get a moment of silence? Amen.<br />
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Two awesome things in this photo. It was finally cold enough to wear my super comfy uggs the other day. I don't care if they have crud on them or if they are even out of style ( I have no idea if they are or not) they are SO dang comfy. Also, I was waiting for the library to open so I could get my library card in this photo. I got Henry one as well and scored on a ton of books for him and an audio book to listen to for myself while I drive around running errands. Score!<br />
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Okay y'all, I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!<br />
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xoxo<br />
em </div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-2190742191633739642013-11-12T14:32:00.001-05:002013-11-12T14:32:17.065-05:00SIMPLIFYING<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afternoon lovelies! I hope everyone's Tuesday is going great! Ours is good over here. Getting things checked off that old to do list! Today I want to talk a little bit about simplifying my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As students and new parents Coach and I had to get organized and simplify as a matter of survival while we were in school. My fabulous in-laws gave me <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/daily-system-white/?pkey=e%7Coffice%7C110%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C8&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule%7CModular-_-" target="_blank">this</a> fantastic calendar for my birthday a year or two ago and it was life changing. We were so insanely busy that every day one of us would drop him off one morning, and another would pick him up, and then the next day would be totally different. Using that calendar to schedule both of our days down to the hour was perfect for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did not have to buy a single piece of clothing for the first year of his life because of many gifts of clothing and an extremely generous family friend who gave us ALL of her two sons' clothing. Because of this we splurged and purchased 2 car seats and bases so we never had to think about who had the carseat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meal planning was also huge for me. I did not do crock pot meals because I really adore cooking and that was my way of relaxing and winding down at the end of an intense day of school and internships. I did, however, make quick meals during the week, and fun more involved ones on the weekends. But planning my meals and shopping once made life so much easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a cleaning schedule also helped a ton. I did not want to spend a ton of time cleaning every day, but wanted a clean house. That was probably the thing that got let go the most- but I did the best I could. Coach and I split the chores pretty much down the middle, and where I did cleaning of the whole house, he did the laundry and dishes (daily). It worked out for both of us. I came up with a basic 30 minute plan for every day so the house would get cleaned entirely by the end of the week. Now I have found a little more in-depth one off apartment therapy now that our house is, ehem, twice the size of our tiny city apartment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a military family, a major way of simplifying our lives is by keeping the "stuff" and "clutter" to the minimum. We constantly got rid of stuff for a good 2 years (we are talking a bag of stuff every week). We really pared down to what we needed and things that served our lives and house. Before we moved, we got rid of even more. I got rid of ALL of the clothes I don't wear- which means about half of them. We don't have unnecesary kitchen appliances or gadgets either. We have items that do double duty, and items that are very high quality that will last forever. We buy kindle books or get books from the library so we don't have to move around tons and tons of books. Everything in our house has a place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use <a href="http://emilyley.com/blog/" target="_blank">Emily's</a> simplified planner binder as a household notebook keeping all of our important documents at hand, and have all of our really important documents in a safe that we can grab easily. Her series on simplifying has inspired me to simplify even more so that I can focus on what she says: "what matters most".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also use <a href="http://www.laracasey.com/" target="_blank">Lara's</a> powersheets to keep my goals at hand so that I have no excuses to reach them. Coach and I were both college athletes and have continued with the goal-oriented mind set we picked up from being athletes. We want Henry to believe that he can do anything that he sets his mind to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I am about to start a job I want to simplify things even more- so I totally organized my closet and picked out any items of work clothing that needed to be cleaned or tailored. I am picking up silver polish to make sure all of my accessories are looking bright and shiny, and I am finishing up some projects around the house.</span></div>
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I want to give this way of cooking a whirl to see if it buys us more family time at the end of the day. As I've said before, family time is THE most important thing to us, as we know that our time is not ours being a military family- so if I can maximize that- then I want to do so. Sitting down as a family and eating healthfully is super important to us AND it does not have to take hours to do. I will let you know how that goes! </div>
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What do you all do to simplify your life? I'd love to hear your ideas! </div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-52938104045111001132013-11-11T16:58:00.000-05:002013-11-11T16:58:42.041-05:00WHAT I'M THANKFUL FOR<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey sweet friends! I'm sorry I've been a little MIA the past week. I've been getting life back together after going out of town and getting some loose ends tied up because...I GOT A JOB! Thats my #1 on this list today. It was my first choice out of two interviews I had. I'm soo soo thankful for this opportunity- I'm still kind of floored I got this job. Its proof that you have nothing to lose to just go for it. I start next monday and have lots of things to cross off my to-do list before I start. Hopefully that means getting a couple of super fun home projects done for the blog also! Here are the rest of the things I'm thankful for:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the time Henry and I got to spend with family last weekend. Here he is with Marmee (my mom) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you saw my <a href="http://instagram.com/iloveumeanit" target="_blank">instagram</a> recently you already know about this. I stopped for what I expected to be a quick trip to MacDonald's to get a happy meal for H's lunch on our way home from Jacksonville. An older gentleman sat next to us and we struck up a conversation. He was an Army psychiatrist who went back to school to become a lawyer. He then became a law professor and judge, and when he retired he became a minister and Gideon. An hour after he sat down, we had talked about everything from God to Psychology and everything in between. He prayed for me and my family, and was so so uplifting. That was one of those special experiences that I don't think I'll ever forget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We came home from Jacksonville and was sick sick sick with a fever. The hubby forced me ( because I'm terrible about self care) to relax, poured me a glass of wine, and built me a fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got my hairs did! Finally. I got my hair cut about 2.5 months ago and I needed a trim so so bad. I ended up with something shorter than I originally intended, but once she started cutting, I just told her to keep goin'. I haven't had hair this short in a long time but love it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be catching up on lots of things that have happened in the past week or two on the blog and like I said, I look forward to sharing a couple of projects I have up my sleeve! </span></div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-9246275728993514982013-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:002013-11-01T07:00:05.561-04:00ON MY HEART [ A LINK UP]: HIM<div style="text-align: center;">
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This one. This one made me a mama. He tests my patience every day. He sanctifies me every day. He made me a better person the second he was born.<br />
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He takes me out of my introverted shell every day with his wide and happy and loud "HI!" to complete strangers. He makes those complete strangers light up. I've seen him pull people out of their terrible awful painful days.<br />
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Henry James I think and pray and plan and try every day to be the best mama I can be to you. To give you the childhood you deserve. To prepare you for the world. To find the balance between self protection and really giving yourself to the world and serving others. But you've already taught me more about myself and more about the world in these 20 short and long months than I feel that I could ever teach you, son. </div>
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You are full on, wide open, a bruiser. You steamroll everything and everyone. That is something I love about you. You are simultaneously unapologetic and sensitive to the world around you. You are attentive to everyone you meet. You listen. You take in. And you already give to others. You know when I'm sad, you know when someone needs a kiss from you.<br />
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You slay me little boy. Every day. I pray every single night that you never for one second doubt the love that I and your father have for you. Because it is deep and wide. and to the moon and stars and back a million times. </div>
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I love you, Henry James.</div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-66050156843856134882013-10-31T14:24:00.002-04:002013-10-31T14:24:47.397-04:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Loves! Hope you're having the best week! We are truckin' along over here. Yesterday there was a big Trick or Treat event on Palafox street in downtown Pensacola that we took H to. We decided to do our "Halloween" then because its supposed to rain tonight - and we wanted to see other kids and be around a lot of other people. Well it ended up being a HUUUUGE crowd wich was just to much for Coach and I so we lasted about 20 minutes and left. H didn't nap yesterday either so he was really tired but a good sport the whole time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Years ago I found a picture of a baby dressed up as the old man from "UP?" and I just had had had to do that for H now that he was walking this Halloween. He was a baby owl last year, another picture I found before I was even married and saved until I had kids. Both costumes were a lot of work to last only about 30 minutes but SO worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom used to make all my costumes when I was little and thats always been something I've wanted to do for my kids. I definitely don't have the sewing chops she has but I am creative enough that I can come up with stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">H already had all his clothing items needed, so I just had to buy balloons, foam board, and those glasses. all of which were from the dollar tree. I drew the UP house on the foam board and attached it to a little music-walker H has (with the music turned off). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He actually kept the glasses on the whole time- surprisingly! I attached some elastic to the sides to hold them on. He LOVES my glasses and always says "GASSES!" when he sees me wearing them. so cute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could not get a single picture of him pushing his house and balloons because he is fast as lighting and all over the place. He loved the balloons too! He calls them "moons!" because he is also obsessed with the moon and I guess "balloon" sounds like "moon" to him. He actually says it like "Moonaa" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Halloween y'all! I'd love to hear what everyone is/does for halloween and what everyone's babies dress up as too! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-30870642908996363142013-10-29T14:11:00.003-04:002013-10-29T14:11:58.023-04:00ENCOURAGEMENT <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey lovelies. I hope everyone's tuesday is going well. I'm feeling a little under the weather between catching a cold from H and pulling a muscle pretttttyyyy good the other day while working out. BUT its gorgeous outside and I'm determined today is going to be awesome! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm getting ready to head out the door to take H to a new patient appointment at his new Pediatrician but I wanted to just send some love and encouragement out there today. </span><br />
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-21255564573938307642013-10-28T15:01:00.000-04:002013-10-28T15:01:15.247-04:00DATE NIGHT + A RECIPE <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday Night the Navy Daycare hosted a "date night" which we took advantage of. You can drop your child off and they watch them from 5pm-12am for only $4.00/ hour! We have not found a babysitter here yet, and I'm a little intense about who I let babysit Henry, so I haven't felt comfortable just finding some random person to do it. And even though R keeps suggesting something like Care.com, I have not warmed to that idea yet. This is perfect though because we know the daycare adheres to very strict standards, has cameras, and lots of fun things for Henry to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We could have gone out to eat or something but I have really wanted to just stay home lately and be a homebody. Maybe its the cooler weather? Rather than just staying at home ( in which case we could just save the moolah and have a date night for free after H went to bed) I decided I wanted us to go for a romantic picnic on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Normally R plans our dates and surprises me, which is always super fun. He comes up with the best stuff! I asked if I could plan this date night and got to work. Even though R knows what we were doing, he didn't know the menu. Saturday morning, R went to the gym and to study and H and I hung out. As soon as H went down for a nap (without a fight!) I got to work. I really wanted everything to be done before R got home. I decided I wanted to do something simple, low fuss and easy to eat/pack up. I also decided I wanted to do a bunch of our favorite foods. I even typed up a cute little menu card. Here is what I planned:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Academy Engraved LET"; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter";">Menu</span><span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET'; font-size: 24pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">To start<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Academy Engraved LET"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Sparkling Wine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Francis Copola Winery, California<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Wild-Caught Gulf Shrimp with home-made cocktail sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">All natural lemon-pepper chicken breast on a bed of romaine lettuce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"> topped with vegan almond-tahini caesar dressing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Academy Engraved LET"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Chocolate Covered Strawberries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Commercial Script"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Hand dipped in semi-sweet chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we were on our honeymoon cruise, I had shrimp cocktail every single night as my appetizer, and it was sooo good. It's the best appetizer to me, and can be a great simple meal as well. It is easy to whip up, doesn't call for a ton of prep (as long as you get deveined/peeled shrimp), and is elegant. It's also super healthy (always get wild caught shrimp- if it does not say that on the package or at the grocery butcher, then most likely it is from a farm in Thailand). We are lucky that we have a fantastic fish market nearby and its cheaper to get seafood than any other kind of meat there. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10540493395/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/10540493395_e9679410a6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of Coach's favorite salads is caesar salad, and one of his fave meals is chicken caesar salad. His all time fave fruit is Strawberries. He likes my home made caesar dressing and loves when I make chocolate covered strawberries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I originally decided on that particular sparkling wine because it was in these dainty little cans, and because we were going to a beach, we are not supposed to bring glass containers. I then realized after purchasing this wine, that the only food containers we have are glass, so we are going to be rule breakers! Ha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how I packaged the chicken caesar salad and dressing:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10499505664/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/10499505664_8ab7b8fe7c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my chocolate covered strawberries: I followed the same recipe as my <a href="http://iloveyoumeanit.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-worlds-easiest-and-maybe-yummiest.html" target="_blank">chocolate covered pretzels</a> recipe with a few changes. For the strawberries, I did not put the milk in the chocolate. Also, make sure to allow the strawberries to dry completely after washing, and make sure they are not cold. These two things make the chocolate "clutch" when dipping them and does not taste or look as good. Also, once you've dipped the strawberries let them cool for an hour or two on the counter before putting them into the fridge for another hour or two. If chocolate cools too quickly it becomes dull and grainy. And girl, let me tell you, there's nothing less romantic than a grainy chocolate covered strawberry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I jest). </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10499483555/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/10499483555_c203ec4348_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach took me to a new restaurant the other day, he wrote about it on his <a href="http://roberthege.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/balance/" target="_blank">blog</a> this past week. I ordered a cup of this AMAZE-FEST sweet potato soup as an appetizer and just about died. It was so simple but so good- it was spicy and smokey and was topped with pumpkin seeds. I dreamt about it all week and decided I had to make my own version for our appetizer. Its super simple. I didn't have pumpkin seeds lying around, so I did omit that. Also, I totally forgot to take a photo of the soup. But... as I'm sure you can imagine, it looks like sweet potato soup. Shocker, I know. </span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 TBS Olive Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 medium onion diced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-4 cloves garlic, minced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-4 Cups vegetable stock or water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup whole milk (or any unsweetened/unflavored milk substitute) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Heat olive oil in dutch oven or large sauce pan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. add stock or water and sweet potatoes, bring to a boil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. lower heat and let simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes (or longer until cool if you are not using a blender/food processor that can handle hot liquid/food)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. pour most liquid into a cup, set aside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. blend sweet potato/onion/garlic mixture until smooth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Add milk and some of the broth and blend until it reaches the thickness/consistency you desire </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Start with 1 tsp of the sea salt, chili powder, and paprika until seasoned to your liking (smoky flavoring is something that people can be very sensitive to- so do the amount you are comfortable with!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. Add a few dashes of Worchestershire sauce to brighten the flavor </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. test and correct seasoning as desired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yields 4 appetizer-sized servings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't have an official picnic basket but we do have a cute sturdy basket with a handle, which will be perfect for us two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to make this as special as possible even though its so simple, so i decided to go with real silverware and cloth napkins.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10540485126/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/10540485126_532902ae0c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above photo has a slightly obscured photo of the ever-elusive sweet potato soup. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10540516324/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/10540516324_3e53d4eb6b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<!--EndFragment-->iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-37288207641640897652013-10-25T12:23:00.000-04:002013-10-25T12:23:23.591-04:00ON MY HEART [A LINK UP]<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! I hope everyone is finishing out a great week, and looking forward to fun stuff this weekend! We are headed to the fair this weekend and Coach and I have a date night on Saturday. So excited. Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thewiegands.com/" target="_blank">Casey Leigh</a> for ON YOUR HEART. I had a somewhat unrelated post already written for today, but this is what was on my heart this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not an easy thing to talk about for me, so this is me really putting myself out there. As I've said before I'm famously private as an INTJ, but I really want to share certain struggles in my life in hopes that it may encourage someone else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned before, since Henry was born, I have dealt with some crazy health stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could not get my mind and body under control for months and months, and spent an inordinate amount of time going to various doctors, and just plain being miserable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I kept going on and off various birth control pills and other medications that left me feeling even more miserable and not feeling myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this was all while I was in the middle of grad school, running a research study, writing my thesis, planning to present my research, running a household, and trying to be a wife and mama. I knew that being under the amount of stress that I was under was certainly not helping anything, and life was just so cray for those two years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are both out of school now (well... R is in flight school now) so things are slightly less crazy, but we did just go through a big move as well. Transitions are hard, and thankfully the Hege family has worked hard to handle the (many) transitions in our life in a positive way. AND- they are still hard. I'm currently unemployed- difficult for me in two ways. I'm always a worry wart about money- wanting to earn a gold star from Suze Orman and do things right. And I don't do "not busy" well. I know this is 100% God's way of forcing me to slow my roll and trust in Him. He and I have had several conversations [ a day ] about this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day I was having a rough day, and so I decided to take Henry to the beach on base. Can you believe we had not been to a proper beach since moving here? </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so wonderful. I had to stand in the water with him almost the whole time holding hands with him so he wouldn't run into the water at full speed (no swimming on base). I said on </span><a href="http://instagram.com/iloveumeanit" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">instagram</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that the beach is Henry's happy place, but who am I kidding, its totally mine too. (yay he did get one or two of my genes!) It did the trick and as we left I was feeling so much better and at peace, and Henry had the best time! He was so sad about leaving. Every time I said "time to go bye bye" he would lay face down on the sand and pretend to be asleep (which was kind of hysterical).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And P.S. It's not cold at all despite how it looks, H was over dressed to begin with haha. </span><br />
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-56272958044965367652013-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-25T08:00:07.247-04:00PUMPKINS! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! Today I thought I'd share about our outing to get pumpkins over the weekend. Coach has officially started school now, and is in school 8 hours a day 6-7 days a week and the rest of the time, he spends studying. NEVER has he been a study-er until he went to NSI for the navy in Rhode Island (like officer candidate school) , and again now. He studies non-stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He took a short study break Saturday afternoon and wanted to take us to get pumpkins! He knows how much I adore the fall, and that doing things like that with the family are extremely important to me. We have always put a lot of effort into making memories and spending more time with each other than with friends (we still love you guys!) because we know that time together as a military family is extremely precious time. We want to build a strong foundation with Henry while he is young and while R does not deploy. That will not make it easier on H by any means, but hopefully it will remind him how much time and effort his father puts into their relationship when he IS home. Even though deployment is way down the line for us we also have already talked a lot about ways that we can stay connected when he is deployed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, we hopped into the car and headed to a local church's pumpkin patch! Although going anywhere with Henry right now is like herding cats, I am glad I took some photos of our little outing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Totally didn't mean to match! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it turns out it came into good use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we convinced him this was not, in fact, a bay baw, and dissuaded him from throwing it, he decided it was an apple and took a bite. He promptly spit it out and said "ucky ucky!" Well we definitely were buying that one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the absolute love of his life. </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-14934988357864225442013-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-24T08:00:11.852-04:00A PEEK INTO MY STUDIO <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey y'all! Hope your day is starting off lovely! A few weeks ago I started a series called <a href="http://www.iloveyoumeanit.blogspot.com/2013/10/in-my-dreams.html" target="_blank">"in my dreams"</a> where I am showing my home in bits and pieces as-is and then posting inspiration ideas for what I'd like to do to these spaces in the future. I want to be clear that I think it is extremely important to "bloom where you are planted"- no matter where you move or no matter what you have to work with in your current home. I think it is always important to be thankful for what you do have. That said, I love dreaming up ideas to work with what I have or to sass things up in inexpensive/creative ways. Today I am going to share what my studio currently looks like. I actually really like this space and find myself looking forward to being able to work in here. When you're the only lady in the house, and a mama in general, I think its nice to have a space that is your own in the home- even if it is just a corner to read in, or a chair that you can go to that is your space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I am out of school and can make art for fun and not for school - I am really enjoying being in here. I also blog in here and take photos in here because of the natural light. I chose to paint it white because I LOVE the photos of white studios I pinned on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ekhege/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and it also makes for really bright, pure light for photography. I never turn the overhead light on because its so bright in there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always have to have inspiration at hand. All of the watercolors here are done by my insanely talented <a href="https://societyns.org/society/bio.aspx?MemberID=10017" target="_blank">grandfather</a> who became an artist after retiring from being a neurosurgeon. Being a surgeon believe it or not requires a level of creativity, and definitely requires a lot of fine-motor skill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He got into painting in order to maintain both the creativity and his coordination. And he researches other artists constantly- always learning. He's my biggest inspiration and encourager with my art, and is always keeping me on my toes. He also shares his love of art and talent with my <a href="http://annienashold.com/" target="_blank">Aunt</a> who is a very accomplished artist as well. I look up to both of them a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frida is my home girl. She was such a character, and she is not the first person most people think of when asked who their favorite artist is. But she is for sure mine. She recorded her life through her art, and dealt with the horrific things she went through in her life through it. She also made a place for herself as a woman and artist amongst the big Surrealists of her time. Art was still a field widely dominated by men during her time- she and <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Georgia</a> laid important ground for us women artists. Okay, I'll stop now. I could go on forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed it! What is your favorite spot in your home? Do you have a space that is all your own? </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-14806163196114060412013-10-23T12:57:00.000-04:002013-10-23T12:57:08.173-04:00WIWW [ A Link UP] : Calculator Watches and Twinning with a Toddler<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! Hope your week is going well! Today I'm linking up with Lindsay from <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a> for WIWW and posting my Uniform of the day for most of my week this past week. It's finally turning into fall here and I'm loving it, so my week's great! I also did not have the excuse of potty training this week so I got dressed! I know, i know, thank you, thank you. There may or may not be a moment in which I out myself as the calculator-watch wearing nerd that I am. I also may or may not have accidentally dressed like my toddler son... I don't even know what to say about that one. See below:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10366951516/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/10366951516_dd45953e96_z.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacket: Old Navy (a few seasons ago)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neon Tank Top: Target</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Tank: Victorias secret</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeans : 7 for all mankind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flips: Rainbow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bag: Longshamp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10366977976/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/10366977976_a1205ee942_z.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10366966064/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/10366966064_da31507d2b_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Necklace: J.Crew Outlet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corduroy Pants: J.Crew Outlet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calculator Watch (yes, yes it is): Gift- but I know Target sells 'em </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10442345255/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/10442345255_71f2c7d8c7_z.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top: Actually a dress from the girls section in Old Navy Ha! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10442366064/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/10442366064_fea4f3b57a_z.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10442540853/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/10442540853_b8aa6ba9e0_z.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tunic: J.Crew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vest: Old from a tiny boutique in Monteagle TN</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Locket Necklace: Gift from great Grandad to Mom</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10442412425/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/10442412425_5801b7f9db_z.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scarf: J.Crew Outlet</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10442626535/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10442626535_0111031fd9_z.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swear I did not plan this. I took a picture the second I realized what I had done. It was chilly that morning and the hubby's sweater and a pair of leggings were just calling my name. And it was picture day for H-dog and obviously I have to dress him like an 80 year old man for his photos. (Last fall he wore a grandpa sweater with leather elbow patches.) Oh and we are saying "Hi camera!" in this photo- its the only way I could get him to stop moving- hence our silly faces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shawl Neck Sweater: The hubby's from J.Crew</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Henry:</span><br />
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-43940599039491065842013-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-22T08:00:06.513-04:00A SASSY DIY<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! Hope everyone had a great Monday! As I promised you last week, I have a fabulous DIY in store for you today! This came about because I have been wanting to add some sass in my life lately. Also, I had a collage of art and <a href="http://www.iloveyoumeanit.blogspot.com/2013/10/on-my-heart.html" target="_blank">notes to self</a> above my desk on my wall, and the tape I have has not been adhering well to the wall so my collage has been falling down. When I took everything down, my poor wall looked so sad! So I grabbed a canvas I had not used yet, bought a tube of metallic gold Folk Art brand paint from the mart for a whopping $1.97 and got to town. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367044603/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/10367044603_04c129b0a7_c.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The canvas I used was 30" by 30", but really any size will do. If you want to use something that big I suggest going to jerry's artarama when they have their canvas sales (I got this one for about $15, when usually its about $60 - $80). You may also find a decently priced one from dick blick art store online. I am not a huge fan of purchasing art supplies from non-art specific stores because believe it or not- the items are so much more expensive elsewhere. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367368836/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/10367368836_b3c5ff9500_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll need a pencil, and a few objects that create the size circle you'd prefer. Or if you're real fancy you can use a template. I wanted to keep this project as inexpensive as possible (ie- almost free). You can find the Folk Art brand paint at any craft store, and you can probably find it at your Wal-Mart (thats where I found mine). As I said before, it should cost you less than $2. I also used a paint brush with a pointed tip but you can buy pouncers for relatively inexpensive. The 'mart had a pack of different sized ones for $5. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367366376/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3736/10367366376_c8a55dabfe_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place your template/object down on your canvas and very very lightly trace around it with your pencil. Pencil is difficult to erase from canvas so be very light-handed with this. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367352774/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/10367352774_a90658102b_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367361496/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/10367361496_4d35a250cb_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Correct the edges/lighten them up with a moldable eraser. I prefer these as they are the best and they don't rub off a layer of the paper/ canvas you are erasing from as traditional erasers do. You can get these at arts/craft stores and are less than $1. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367346444/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/10367346444_747f8938dd_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get you some paint on your brush. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367551333/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/10367551333_48ccc0ab7d_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paint! I like to trace the edge of the circle first with the paintbrush very slowly to start with. Then I fill in the dot. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367351016/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/10367351016_f4e52cdf8a_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I trace out everything first and fill in the circles. I go form top to bottom, right to left so I am not stuck painting at a funny angle to avoid dragging my hand through circles I've already painted. Also, you'll want to paint a very thin layer and smooth out the paint as much as possible so the circles are not too textured. Once the first layer has dried, go back over it with a second layer, smoothing the paint out again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you accidentally drip paint on the canvas where you did not want it to go, quickly grab a cloth rag and wet it and wipe off the wet paint. It should come right out. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367544253/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/10367544253_88ac6b00f5_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check and see if you want to add any more circles. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367323645/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/10367323645_7d151613b7_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10367340526/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/10367340526_f44edf3784_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once it is totally dried, you can hang it! For the time being I rested it up against the wall over my desk. Once I find some washi tape that sticks well ( what I have is really cheap and not good), I'd like to tape my art and photos up onto the canvas. But I do like the way it looks now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing I love the most about this project is that it took so little time and effort and it adds so much to my plain-white studio. I get irritated when I see a "free" or "super cheap" DIY when really the person used a TON of things they already had from previous projects - and the project really would cost a lot to make if you don't have the things on hand. If you can't find a large canvas on sale- you can go to Home depot /Lowes and get a piece of <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Project-Panels-1-4-in-x-24-in-x-24-in-Pine-Plywood-4-Pack-1502002/203444147?MERCH=REC-_-product-6-_-203444162-_-203444147-_-N#.UmLm0-s__qs" target="_blank">pre-cut plywood</a> and paint it white prior to adding dots to it. That will run you about $14 for the wood (or a canvas on SALE), $5 for white paint, $2 for the gold paint, and about $5 for a brush or pack of pouncers. And if you do have a canvas- you can omit the white paint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope y'all love it! I would love to see how yours turns out and how you style it! I got super excited when I finished and ended up making another one for myself- which you can see <a href="http://www.iloveyoumeanit.blogspot.com/2013/10/on-my-heart.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-90155257321060769632013-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-21T08:00:08.131-04:00INSTA-AWESOME<div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! I hope everyone had an awesome weekend! We had a lot of fun this weekend! We kept it low key and hung around the house save for a trip to get pumpkins (more on that later this week) and we went to church. Today I wanted to share some snippets of life through <a href="http://instagram.com/iloveumeanit" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pumpkin picking with my boys! The funny part about this photo is that the only way for me to get Hen to look at me is to tell him "Mommy has a baseball!" and then take the photo quickly before he yells "BAY BAAAAW!!" (don't worry we always have a baseball on hand in one of our cars so it's not totally unfair to say that) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10261041473/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/10261041473_ee856c03f9_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taco night is a regular occurance in our household. Tex-Mex is my love language. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10366958536/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/10366958536_6b3640271e_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Henry was obsessed with this praying mantis the other day outside. He has gotten really into "bucks" or "bups" as he calls them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Henry has slept through the night since he was itty bitty (Halleluja!) but he woke up in the middle of the night the other night super hungry and "cot" (cold) so I got him all warmed up and in cozier PJ's and gave him a bottle. He slept until almost 9 AM the next morning, y'all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that it is "fall" time here it is soooo nice to just go sit outside and relax while Henry plays with bubbles or his bat and baseball.</span></div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-13000583599963246262013-10-18T07:00:00.001-04:002013-10-18T07:00:08.356-04:00ON MY HEART <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi There! I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thewiegands.com/" target="_blank">Casey Leigh</a> 's "On My Heart" Linkup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have started writing/ giving myself positive "notes to self" the past few weeks. The idea came from the fabulous <a href="http://www.laracasey.com/" target="_blank">Lara Casey</a>. I decided to start doing it as it combined my love for hand lettering and working on being more positive. I did include some of them in my last post, but thats okay, I love 'em! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're nothing fancy, and I can't take credit for the first and last one, but they have made a difference in my life for sure! The last one has been with me the longest, and was something that got me through a super hard time. This is one of Mother Theresa's famed prayers. I love it so much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have any favorite sayings, pep talks, or notes to self? I'd love to hear them!</span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-82114757396351495712013-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-18T07:00:16.676-04:00HERE'S WHAT <div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Y'all It's time for Five on Friday! I'm linking up over at the <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">The Good Life Blog</a>. Here are mine:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I finally decorated for Halloween. I love the fall holidays, and normally I'm the cray cray who has decorated for Halloween by Oct. 1. I used things I already had. I used books in my Thanksgiving decoration last year- in which I only used those books, left over white mini pumpkins, and other odds and ends around the house, and I LOVED how it turned out. So I decided to go the same direction this year and I'm super happy with it. I tried to pick Halloween-ish books either in color or theme :).</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10338831193/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="298" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/10338831193_e363e57772_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Y'all. I love a good candle. Especially pumpkin ones! Ideally it would be eco friendly but I'm not going to pay $25 for a non-eco candle let alone for an eco one. These are $5 at "the mart" thats what we call wal-mart around here) and they smell like a $25 bath and body works candle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. I became obsessed with this cookbook that called "The Happy Everything Cookbook" or something at Joe Patti's market here, and it's written by a woman who makes these amazing ceramic platters that say "Happy Everything!" on them. I'm kindof obsessed and I want one, along with the book. What I love about it is that she really loves to celebrate the every day- everything! So its right up my alley. So until I get my hands on one of her fabulous platters, I made myself a fun little reminder. This is also a pre-view of a fun DIY coming up next week. (No, this is not actually the DIY) </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10338647714/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/10338647714_c562a513cf_c.jpg" width="598" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. One of my favorite <a href="http://www.laracasey.com/" target="_blank">bloggers</a> talked in a post about writing herself "notes to self", some of which have become prints in her shop. I totally loved the idea and I've started writing myself "notes to self" lately as well. This one resides on my desk. They've made me happier for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. I've been known to be in my own little world at times- this one was one of those times. I bought this book YEARS ago and stuck it on my bookshelf and promptly forgot about it. The other night I pulled it out looking for fish recipes and found that she has a Sole Meuniere recipe in there, a recipe I've always wanted to try. But aside from that- the book is freaking adorable. She breaks down all of her recipes into themes- like Hanukkah, a retro-themed cocktail party, and a steak-house style date night. She includes drink recipes AND music playlists. The photos are also very appealing- which is super important for a visual person like me. I am making one of her cocktails along with the Sole Meuniere next week, and will report back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week turned out to be a fantastic week! I was unsure how it would go- or how my patience would be by the end of the week, but Henry James did SO great with potty training. He definitely still has accidents every day, but he really tries and gets excited when he gets it right. This experience reinforced to me how great he responds to us praising him for what he does right. We were able to go on two outings and he stayed dry the whole time. He's a little champ!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope y'all have a great weekend! Any fun plans you're looking forward to? </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-91614250011598690032013-10-17T10:14:00.003-04:002013-10-17T10:14:44.545-04:00WORK IT <br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5pt;">Hey y'all. Hope you all are wrapping up a great week! A few weeks ago on </span><a href="http://instagram.com/iloveumeanit" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5pt;" target="_blank">instagram</a><span style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5pt;"> I asked my followers what kind of workouts they would like to see and got a few great responses! My darling husband obliged my request and has come up with a great work out for y'all today. </span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5pt;"> As I said before, I'm so thankful to have him around to keep me motivated and to make sure I do thinks right in the gym. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know I have to say this- but please make sure you have been approved by your medical professional to work out. My husband does not mess around in the gym- he is extremely safety-conscious in everything he does or has me do. He will even go up to a dude at the gym and help him if he sees him doing something that will hurt him- he is HUGE on safety. He has a degree in exercise science and is eligable to sit for his licensure exam- but is about to start some serious training with the military (7 days a week- boo). While he is a trained personal trainer- he isn't yours (though I know he would love to be!). He is happy to answer any questions you may have with regard to the exercises below, but he can't evaluate whether or not you are able to do the exercises- since he's not there with you. Please do this workout with your best judgement. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with the amount of care he puts into people being safe in the gym, he also doesn't do or give anyone else an exercise that won't WORK them out. He wants everyone to do their best and push themselves - so the below workout isn't easy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5pt;">I also want to say a little bit about weight lifting. I was never intimidated in the weight room at the gym, per se, as I was a college athlete and had to lift weights as a part of training- I don't really know what kind of workouts to do on my own. I was not interested in weight lifting because I did not want to get bulky! Let me tell you- you will NOT get bulky unless you are supplementing like crazy in order to GET bulky. Us ladies do not have the hormones needed to naturally get bulky- TRUST me on this. And also- ladies try to not be intimidated by going to the weight room around a buch of guys if that is something that makes you uncomfortable. In fact- if you need help or need to be spotted- thats like a "thing" in the weight room- people are happy to help or spot! And also - I bet the guys in there think its pretty cool if a lady goes in and lifts weights. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing that surprised me the most about weight lifting is that I saw results WAY faster than from cardio alone AND those results lasted way longer after I cut down on weight lifting over the period of time we were prepping for- and moving. When I was in grad school, if I had to skip a day or two during the week- it was always cardio and never the weight lifting part- and I continued to see results. Keep in mind that I was eating clean and trying not to skip too many work outs. So don't let that be your permission slip to skip a work out ;).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey! Early this week Em asked me if I could answer her ask the trainer column, and I am happy to say that this is the first of hopefully many Coach Rob segments. In her request for questions, several of you replied looking for some exercises and workouts. Being my first segment, I have created a workout that can be done in less than 40 minutes and is good for once, twice or three times a week. The purpose of this workout is to address the question looking for inner leg work, arm work and a walking/jogging routine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1, 2 or 3 times a week perform the following:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">1.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">Walk on a treadmill for 2 minutes as fast as possible without becoming a jog</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">2.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">2 sets of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/barbell-squat" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Squats</span></a>, 12 to 15 repitions</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">3.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">2 sets of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1uSm-0qE9Q" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Reverse Lunges</span></a>, 12 to 15 reps</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">4.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">1 set of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/barbell-bench-press-medium-grip" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Bench Press</span></a>, 12 to 15 reps</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">5.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">1 set of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/bent-over-barbell-row" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Bent over Barbell Row</span></a>, 12 to 15 reps</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">6.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">1 set of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-shoulder-press" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Shoulder Press</span></a>, 12 to 15 reps</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">7.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">2 Sets of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-bicep-curl" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Bicep Curls</span></a>, 12 to 15</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">8.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">1 set of <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-one-arm-triceps-extension" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Tricep Extensions</span></a>, 12 to 15</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">9.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">2 sets of as many <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/crunches" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">crunches</span></a> as possible per set</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">10.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;">12 minutes jogging on treadmill</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This routine will strengthen all muscles in the legs and will hit the arms pretty hard while also strength the entire upper body. By warming up prior to lifting your heart rate will elevate and stay raised during the workout and the run at the end will help add cardio to the routine. This combination will allow for greater calorie burn and reduced fat. By strengthen the muscles and burning more calories you will see results faster. Unfortunately there is no way to spot reduce body fat, however the routine will lower the overall body fat and that will lead to lose inches where you want to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another question was a routine for the lower abdominal muscles. Like the above routine, there is no way to reduce fat in a specific area, however we can add anyone of the following exercises into the above routine and specifically strengthen the lower abs. If you are looking for a low ab strength routine, you can use three of the exercises together as an add-on to any routine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/hanging-leg-raise" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Hanging Leg raises</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/scissor-kick" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Scissor Kicks</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1b2lg-k1qc" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Hip Thrust</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/reverse-crunch" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Reverse Crunch</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_1KGrBx2T4" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">V Hold</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323232;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #323232;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/plank" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Planks</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a video reference click on any of the exercise names. I hope you enjoy and get a lot out of this, and please keep the questions coming.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.roberthege.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0d3d9b; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Rob</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, its Em:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. all links are credited to www.bodybuilding.com- which is a free site where you can research all kinds of great workouts, and refer to their videos such as above so that you know how a particular exercise is done!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.P.S. On the cardio part- if you can't run 12 minutes straight starting out- then run for as long as you can, then walk quickly, and then run as long as you can, and walk quickly- gradually working up to that run over time. NOBODY starts out running that far the first time- so work up to it if ya gotta! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.P.P.S. Go over to his site and leave some love. Also, if you have questions go there and leave a comment or email him- he will definitely get back to ya! </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-37259978708285341272013-10-16T10:00:00.000-04:002013-10-16T10:00:07.913-04:00WHAT I WORE...KINDOF? [A LINK UP]<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welp. It turns out potty training doesn't make for the most fashionable week. Who am I kidding, I don't think my LIFE lately makes for the most fashionable...anything. So I'm going to post what I have and then post what I dress like in my head . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10248881653/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/10248881653_e57340df21_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girl's night out! T'was nice to get out after day 1 of potty training. Bless my husband for taking the babe the rest of the night, after both he AND the babe were over potty training. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10248776245/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/10248776245_bfbd94f1f2_z.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top, Jeans, Shoes: J.Crew Outlet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Necklace: J.Crew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earrings: Tarjay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glasses: No name brand from my optometrist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Y'all, can we talk about this for a second? Two pair for $80. I have been sans glasses for 2 months now because Henry decided to play with my glasses one day- and These were my one of two. LURVE. I have always wanted a sassy molassy pair of cat-eyes! )</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10248881653/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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AAAND potty training day...two? three? I lost count after 12 hours of potty-training...amazing..ness. 'least the shoes are cute!<br />
Top: wait for it, J.crew outlet<br />
Capris: Reebok<br />
Shoes: Mizuno </div>
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And pair numero dose! The fly-away hairs cost extra. And I look pained. But I promise, I'm not.<br />
No-name brand again.<br />
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Here is my pretend wardrobe:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10302225235/" title="30379697705 by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="30379697705" height="356" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3736/10302225235_470cdb41b3.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<a href="http://southernpiphi.tumblr.com/post/30379697705" target="_blank">via</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10302166354/" title="what-to-wear-oversized-sweater by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="what-to-wear-oversized-sweater" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/10302166354_d243d3095d_m.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Because boots are an integral part of potty-training attire, no? Love this outfit, and LC is fab. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10302189544/" title="about by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="about" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/10302189544_a239fe520d_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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And this is a super cute "fall transition outfit" I found on Pinterest. Honestly, with the way the temps are there, this could be my fall-fall outfit. Or even Christmas day outfit. But nevertheless, its cute!<br />
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P.S. Please forgive the lack of sources on images in this post, my poor little Mac is having maj. problems with the interwebs. </div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-8046055941609156932013-10-15T10:00:00.000-04:002013-10-15T10:00:08.980-04:00PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE DONUTS <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey there! Thanks for stoppin' by! I hope everyone's week is off to a lovely start. I am sharing a super good recipe that I tried recently today on the blog. Its no secret to my friends and family that I have a baking "problem". That is only second to my mason jar "problem". I had a family friend comment on that recently. I have at least 3 different types of mason jars, and I think I total at least 30 or 40. yeah I told you its a problem. Hey they're indestructible and can be used for just about anything!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I digress... Baking. Pumpkin Spice. Yes I've jumped on that band wagon along with everyone else. Though I AM probably the ONLY person in the world who doesn't like a Pumpkin Spice Latte (or a PSL for you Starbucks-ites). Yeah. I'm coming clean. It tastes like armpits smell to me. Don't ask me why I think that. I'm now entering into the PSL witness protection program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The below recipe that I tested is from <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/pumpkin-cake-doughnuts-recipe" target="_blank">king Arthur</a>. They have the best recipes. We have one of their cookbooks and use their flower as much as we can. ( I did not this time because target had a sale on their 48,000 LB bag of flower this past week). I also did not follow the recipe perfectly. If you like Walter White level perfection in baking and cooking recipes then you have come to the wrong place, Darlin' because I use what I have and bake on the fly. For example, I couldn't locate the half jar of coconut oil (which I usually use to replace shortening or veg. oil in recipes) that I KNOW that I have somewhere, so I used olive oil. Relax, it doesn't show up once it's baked. I have used it several times in baking and I've never noticed it in the final product, (in the batter, yes), and neither has my super sensitive husband. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also used a 15. something-ounce can of pumpkin puree instead of an exact 1.5 cups, because I didn't want to waste, and it turned out just fine. Oh, and I also omitted the extra half cup of sugar because I have a sugar allergy- I use all natural organic sugar so it has a richer flavor. I am sure that you can even use only a half a cup of sugar if you wanted to because the pumpkin puree is sweet and the donuts are coated in sugar and cinnamon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I imagine they would taste amaze-fest if you subbed out sugar all together and used barley malt or brown rice syrup- you'd have to cut the amount of sweetner or puree or up the flour since both of those are liquid sweeteners. In fact- those two sweeteners are my absolute favorite for fall-time flavor combinations, and things like rich muffins or granola. Yumsies.</span></div>
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<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix everything together in a mixing bowl except the flour. Once all other ingredients are combined, slowly add flour, stirring. </span></span></div>
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2. Spoon the batter into a donut pan and bake at 350* for 15-18 minutes. </div>
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3. Mix together about a cup total of sugar and cinnamon. (Use a ratio of your liking. I ADORE Pensy's Cinnamon so I used something like 4 T of cinnamon to 3/4 cup of sugar). Melt you up some butta (a whole stick for 12-15 donuts) </div>
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4. Let them cool until they can be handled, and aren't crumbly. Dip 'em in the buttah. </div>
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5. Dip 'em in the cinnamon sugar. Dip 'em real good. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. You're welcome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10260937815/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10260937815_aea74a1395_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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I loved loved this recipe, as I do ALL of King Arthur's recipes. I had 15 minutes until it was time to face-time with my family and I had time to take photos AND mix everything and pop them in the oven before it was time to talk. It was SO easy, and my husband appreciated that he only had to wash ONE bowl and a couple of measuring cups. (Especially since I made waffles this morning and it called for 3 separate bowls and 87 measuring spoons). I may be prone to hyperbole. It's an affliction. Also dishes is the hubby's thing, I promise I'm not a proponent of forced labor. I also liked how forgiving it is to the <strike>many</strike> few changes I made to the ingredients. </div>
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Okay, yea or nay to the Pumpkin Spice Trend? If so, whats you're fave thing? Make something fun to eat/share this week y'all! </div>
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<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/pumpkin-cake-doughnuts-recipe" target="_blank">Recipe Source</a></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-7809860615471791022013-10-14T10:00:00.000-04:002013-10-14T10:00:02.974-04:00WHAT I'M THANKFUL FOR <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there lovelies! I hope everyone had a great weekend! This weekend has been intense but good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is what I'm thankful for this week:</span></div>
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1. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We started potty training on Friday, using the three day method outlined by Becky of </span><a href="http://yourmodernfamily.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">your modern family</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I have to say that so far this has been good. We are not finished, as I write this, but I find her book is very common sense and non complex. And Becky herself is the sweetest. She's also a play therapist, a profession which has a special place in my heart. I'm thankful that H seems to be ready to potty train- that makes life a little less expensive for us (diapers!) , but I'm not so ready for him to grow up! I am also thankful for other mamas who share their advice and make my life easier! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. As always, I'm thankful for my dreamboat of a </span><a href="https://roberthege.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">husband</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I am also thankful that he is a personal trainer and has helped me get back into the gym. I feel better mentally and physically- for real- my back probs and circulation probs go away within a week of starting up again! I'm inviting him later this week for a series I'm starting called "Ask the Trainer". A few weeks ago I asked my followers on </span><a href="http://instagram.com/iloveumeanit" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">instagram</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> if they had special requests for workouts. Stay tuned to see what he chose out of their requests! </span></div>
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3. This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Discover-Secretly-Incredible/dp/1400203759" target="_blank">Book</a> is changing my life. I recommend it to so many people. I read it a few months ago and I am already re-reading it. The only book I have ever read twice is life of Pi, so that's saying a lot. It is so positive, and FUN and exciting, daring, and convicting. Bob (i use his first name because I imagine we are BFFs in my head) is basically my hero, AND he was a <a href="http://www.younglife.org/us" target="_blank">Young Life</a> leader like I was in college so, I'm a fan of that too (YL represent!!).<br />
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(<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=love+does&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS525US525&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=pVpbUt2mMuPi2QX8hYDwBg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1163&bih=520&dpr=1#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=RJQT-b2WXGi3kM%3A%3B0cc9cvCU8DftFM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.relevantmagazine.com%252Fsites%252Fdefault%252Ffiles%252Ffield%252Fthumbnail%252FGoff_Love_Does__89653_zoom.jpeg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.relevantmagazine.com%252Fculture%252Fbooks%252Flove-does-bob-goff%3B840%3B1280" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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4. Pensacola Weather. Windows open and fans on. Just sayin'. But really, we took the little guy outside while potty training today to let him let loose and play "BEE BAAALLLLL" in his words. (The kid already has a mean lefty hit AND Pitch) and he was naked as a jaybird (we were in the back yard and potty training-- no judging!!) and it was just so so so gorgeous outside. </div>
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5. Friends! I have been trying to put more effort into friendships as of lately- and it has been SO so nice to reconnect with people. I really have such amazing people in my life that truly inspire me to be a better person.<br />
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Thats just a few things I'm thankful for lately, what are you thankful for? Y'all-- have a fabulous week! P. S. Come back tomorrow for a DELICIOUS post!<br />
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-71229504991310297252013-10-10T23:46:00.002-04:002013-10-10T23:48:47.926-04:00SAYING GOODBYE: PART II [A LINK UP] <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/9905354804/" title="Untitled by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9905354804_47745cf0fe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! Hope you are having a wonderful day! Last week I linked up with <a href="http://www.thewiegands.com/" target="_blank">Casey Leigh</a> and started the "goodbye" story. I'm linking up again, and finishing the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was nice to look back over the early years of our lives together. This is not the best picture of this home, but this was our last home in VA, this time, it was in Norfolk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out that I got into the program February 2011 and Robert started school a year and some change prior. We would both be making the 30 minute commute daily, and the gas prices were a risin'. So we started looking casually, thinking we would move that summer. We found an apartment within a week, and signed a lease. We moved in April 2nd to this dreamy little duplex in midtown Norfolk. It was on a sleepy little street with a little park and within a 5 minute walk of a Starbucks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A month after moving in, we found out we were pregnant! Definitely NOT what was in my plans. (You get that part, MY plans). I was freaking out, to say the very least. My neat tidy little plan was all tied up in a bow: I was going to finish school, and we were going to move, and I was going to get a great job, and then go back to school, and then get another great job, and maybe have kids when I was 40. Yowza. Well I don't like to admit it often (even though this in and of itself is laughable) but I was WRONG. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still hadn't figured out how awesome it would be to have a baby, I was working full time as a director of an art camp and I was on my feet ALL DAY LONG on concrete floors, in the middle of summer. Only you ladies who've been pregnant will get that one. It was not awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summer came to an end, and I was about to start school. I still had no clue HOW I was going to do this whole grad school thing at this point- still definitely freaking out at this point. And after a lot of thinking, encouragement, and a LOT LOT LOT of prayer, I decided I was going to do this thing. I was not sure how, but I was going to do it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember my mother saying "you will get through this, you it may be a complete blur, but you'll do it'. And she was right, I blinked, and it was over. And its also true what they say about motherhood - the days are long but the weeks are short. That was true about school too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This part of my life was the hardest to move on from. This home bore witness to the best time in our lives and marriage and some of the hardest. It is not easy to be a new parent, and it is not easy to be a new parent and both go to school full time. It's not easy to be a parent and to be sitting IN a classroom 20 hours a week (i calculated it once- physically sitting in a seat yes- 20 hours) not including homework and other things. Its not easy to be a parent, a full time student, and to work 3 additional jobs. Yeah I'm really not sure how my darling husband did it. I know that there was a lot of <a href="https://www.advocare.com/130211116/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=A2094&id=E&flavor=D&size=C" target="_blank">Spark</a> involved, that's for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another story yet, is the massive post-partum depression that I experienced for months after having Henry, and the subsequent hormonal imbalance that I experienced and continue to experience even now. That may have been the most difficult piece to the whole story. But as I said, that's another story for another time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This home was perfect for us. It ended up physically being way too small for us by the end of it, but it was the most wonderful home. It was on these amazing tree-lined streets, and it held so many memories. I made some of my dearest friends that I will have for the rest of my life while living in that home, and had some awesome parties (the important part, no?).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to know the people who worked in the community around us, I knew everyone who worked in the local Starbucks just up the street, and they would have my drink waiting for me when they saw me walk in. They came to adore Henry and always had treats for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert interned at a local gym right down the street and Henry and I would walk down to visit the owners and their daughter who was just a bit younger than H. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, the women who cared for Henry the first year of his life were truly angels on earth. Saying goodbye to them was one of the hardest things to do. To find people who love your child even as half as much as you do (mamas you know that's a lot) then that is something truly special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember pulling away from that empty home in my tiny little car packed to the rim with things, a dog, and Henry and I, and weeping. </span></div>
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iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57705006439600851.post-3382281854614703662013-10-10T09:54:00.000-04:002013-10-10T10:25:42.447-04:00HERE'S WHAT <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey y'all I hope you're having a fantastic day! I'm sharing a few things that have made my life a little easier this week.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10188153464/" title="void(0) by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="void(0)" height="418" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/10188153464_4c32122762.jpg" width="418" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/blazers_outerwear/blazers/PRDOVR~92480/92480.jsp?color_name=pearl-grey" target="_blank">image via </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blazer: I got this before moving because I knew I'd be applying for jobs. When I got it home I realized I had dress pants that matched it exactly, so I have a full suit ready to go. I also got it on an insane mark down (like 70% ) so it did not break the bank! I got a call back for an interview next week (fingers crossed!) so it was one less thing I had to think of in preperation for it. I am probably going to pair it with a white oxford and my black pearls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10188380343/" title="img95c by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="img95c" height="90" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/10188380343_194f62dfb8_t.jpg" width="90" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/8829897/?catalogId=51&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Agrarian&cm_pla=Canning_&_Preserving&cm_ite=Weck_Mold_Jars%2C_12%2E5oz%2C_Set_of_6_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-247573689-2" target="_blank">image via </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weck Mold Jars. Sorry for the tiny picture- its all I have. I went on a major nesting kick AFTER Henry was born and got rid of all of our plastic tupperware containers. I hated them because they would fall out of the cabinet whenever I opened the door, and they would stain. I bit the bullet and purchased these jars in two sizes- this one and a smaller one and I have LOVED them. I was unsure if the separate clips and gasket would make life harder but they really havent. We keep the clips in a cup for when we need them, and the gaskets can wash in the sink with the other dishes and hang to dry. They are such great quality and we use them for EVERYTHING. Because they are canning jars I have even canned small batch strawberry jam, and I microwave them all of the time. I also use them as drinking glasses. I definitely have a mason jar problem- and these make me very okay with that :).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10188746946/" title="espresso_wb_fy14_us by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="espresso_wb_fy14_us" height="465" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/10188746946_5ae41569bf.jpg" width="465" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.starbucksstore.com/espresso-roast/011028472,default,pd.html?&srule=Featured&start=0&sz=16&cgid=dark-roast-coffee" target="_blank">image via</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starbucks espresso roast. I have had the hardest time finding whole bean coffee or ground espresso in the grocery where I shop, so I finally bit the bullet and went to the starbucks on base and found their espresso roast. I have a little italian stove-top espresso maker and I don't like making Americano in it. This stuff is awesome. SO good and Sbux will grind it however you want- even if you buy their coffee from another store like Tarjay or Publix. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10188940673/" title="41D52GSCVSL._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_ by ekhege, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="41D52GSCVSL._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_" height="346" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/10188940673_a07c7387a6.jpg" width="219" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(image <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pottywise-Toddlers-Developmental-Readiness-Approach/dp/1932740147" target="_blank">via)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guys. We are there. Henry is ready for potty training...and I keep asking myself if I am ready. I read this book a while back and It made me feel like this is much more doable than I anticipated originally. I read Baby Wise when I first had Henry and it SAVED our sanity being students, and new parents. It also really worked for Henry's personality and personal needs. Henry already had to be on a schedule in the hospital due to his feeding problems and the fact that he slept non-stop and would not eat- so it was easy (thats a relative term- nothing seems easy when you have a newborn) to transition him from the hospital schedule to the schedule outlined in Baby Wise. I am all for doing what works for YOU, and this worked like a charm. So I feel much less trepidatious going into this weekend. Pray for me y'all. (P.S. ANY potty training advise would be much appreciated!) </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/102954204@N05/10188920334/" title="mizuno-womens-waver-rider-16-410513-f-pri-4S7U by ekhege, on Flickr"><img alt="mizuno-womens-waver-rider-16-410513-f-pri-4S7U" height="325" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/10188920334_c2a6c16bb0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mizunousa.com/running/products/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16" target="_blank">image via </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have worn asics since they still made the 8020. I ran track in college and they were so comfortable. For a shoe to be comfortable with all the problems i have with my feet (ex ballerina here) - I was sold. I have worn asics until I recently went into a running store and they did not have any that I actually liked. So I tried the Mizuno Wave Rider and I was SOLD. I can't believe that I like something MORE than my trusty asics, but these are SO light (almost as light as sprinting flats) and I'm not mad at the cute color combo. They've made getting back into running (a little) less painful. </span></div>
iloveyoumeanithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355699179064186456noreply@blogger.com2