tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81667615709639808082024-03-19T05:39:29.446-07:00Dew Drop Innicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-79655910971869716262012-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:002012-03-06T15:11:59.834-08:00Not goodbye - just movingHello friends - I have decided to stick with one blog. I hope you will continue to follow me on cup a dewdle dew!! <br />
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http://cupadewdledew.blogspot.com/nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-40972867756374028802012-03-02T08:16:00.001-08:002012-03-02T11:02:44.224-08:00cup a dewdle dewI have a new blog that is completely dedicated to my cupcake creations and sweet treats! <br />
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Check it out for some sweet inspiration <a href="http://cupadewdledew.blogspot.com/">http://cupadewdledew.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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100% of the credit goes to my mom for the fun name!!nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-84095363944192765912012-03-01T10:07:00.001-08:002012-03-01T17:52:18.021-08:00A wise man once said...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave (my husband) sent me this incredibly sweet story that was passed onto him from a co-worker who received the story from one of his mentors. I in no way take any credit for this story, I am simply passing it along as a reminder to cherish every moment in life. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.<br />
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Soon the hat began to fill up.. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."<br />
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Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative and innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. <b>Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.</b><br />
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The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. Even more beautiful, is knowing that you are the reason behind it!!! "Live your life like it's golden."</em></span></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-39657312117818201662012-02-29T12:52:00.001-08:002012-03-01T05:04:55.471-08:00Would you want a room key?I love stumbling onto things through social media that I would never find on my own - check out this room from <a href="http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/half-graff/half-graff-tilt13-22244#Gallery">Juxtapoz Magazine</a>...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/image?format=raw&id=22238&type=orig" target="_blank" title="Half Graff Tilt_1"><img alt="Half Graff Tilt_1" class="jg_photo" height="600px" id="jg_photo_big" src="http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/image?format=raw&id=22238&type=img" width="414px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Half Graff Tilt_4" class="jg_photo" height="266px" id="jg_photo_big" src="http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/image?format=raw&id=22239&type=img" width="400px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Half Graff Tilt_6" class="jg_photo" height="266px" id="jg_photo_big" src="http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/image?format=raw&id=22240&type=img" width="400px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or what about this design idea for those folks with youngsters?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Artist Yayoi Kusama took a white room "canvas" at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and handed it over to thousands of kids armed with thousands of stickers! The result = BRILLIANT!!</div><div style="text-align: left;">All images (and the rest of the story) from <a href="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/01/yayoi-kusama-obiliteration-room/">HERE</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.qag.qld.gov.au/before-the-first-dot-yayoi-kusama%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98the-obliteration-room%E2%80%99-2011/"><img alt="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids stickers kids installation art " class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-17940" height="266px" jquery16101896097426353111="11" loaded="true" original="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-4-600x399.jpg" src="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-4-600x399.jpg" style="display: inline; zoom: 1;" title="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://interactive.qag.qld.gov.au/looknowseeforever/works/obliteration_room/"><img alt="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids stickers kids installation art " class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-17941" height="240px" jquery16101896097426353111="23" loaded="true" original="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-5-5-600x360.jpg" src="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-5-5-600x360.jpg" style="display: inline; zoom: 1;" title="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids stickers kids installation art " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17943" height="300px" loaded="true" original="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-6.jpg" src="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-6.jpg" title="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids" width="400px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite picture!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_addelsee/6591809807/"><img alt="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids stickers kids installation art " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17945" height="266px" jquery16101896097426353111="25" loaded="true" original="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-8.jpg" src="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/obliteration-8.jpg" style="display: inline; zoom: 1;" title="This is What Happens When You Give Thousands of Stickers to Thousands of Kids" width="400px" /></a></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-80998032900812318022012-02-27T17:35:00.000-08:002012-02-27T17:35:28.599-08:00Stylin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all need inspiration in our lives – to drive us to be better than we thought, to go farther than we dreamed and reach for something we didn’t even know was there. My mom has been my inspiration for years and probably doesn’t even know it! She is by far one of the most “proper” and stylish women I know. Her thank you note is in the mail the day she receives a gift, she always sets the table by the book, the house is perfectly “tidy” and ready for guests, and even her winter war gear for a Nor’easter includes stylish boots! My mom is also an entrepreneur and successful business women. Since I can remember she has been a fashion consultant for <a href="https://www.doncaster.com/doncasterecommerce/">Doncaster</a> and continually leads the pack as one of the top sellers in her region. Her competitive spirit drives her success, but always with the utmost grace. I am truly blessed to have her as my mom and hope to follow in her perfect size 7 footprints.</span> </span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">meet momma!</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/59396_101564809905980_100001573835236_9699_4251071_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">now watch the video...</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Did I also mention she has a great sense of humor! So when she sent me this YouTube video I had to share and send some love her way. </span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A little lesson in style and personal expression…</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrkate.com/2012/01/17/advanced-old-lady-style/"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Click here: advanced (old lady) style | Mr. Kate</strong></span></a></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-77420953591757563262012-02-24T08:35:00.001-08:002012-02-24T18:24:17.002-08:00Dreams<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am no stranger to dreams! Most mornings I wake up after the most amazing dream...determined that if I turned my dream into a movie I would be strolling down the red carpet with my acceptance speech tucked away in my gown. Then you ask me to describe my dream and nothing makes sense, go figure! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Along with crazy “Oscar winning” dreams, I tend to be a dreamer in general and love big ideas! Growing up I would always tell my parents about my next big idea with full confidence that this idea was even better than the one I had last week. My parents always fully supported me and encouraged me to reach for the stars...they knew deep down I was sensible. My big ideas were my opportunities to take my love for creativity and turn it into something tangible, more than just an arts and crafts project. All through school I took as many art classes as possible and even built my major to have a 50/50 balance between marketing/business and art. Then reality really kicked in after school and my path to finding a career took me away from my creative world. BUT I am back!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Being surrounded by friends that are so talented and crafty has definitely inspired me to step it up. And what did I learn - how much I have missed being able to express myself through some form of design. It is a different type of accomplishment, one that is driven by my ideas and my choices. What's my canvas of choice these days...“cupcake décor” and getting back into graphic design. Below are some address labels I made to refresh my photoshop and illustrator skills. </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTQiP7waomBovSH8-nUuoVwIDztKiVaZFUAC31-WfcNjqE8U_CcK2PIxGpjN8gYG079nbpGprpIIGSFQEvqvQ4FAYwZA_QZH-a4R66SijBw2lVr1gnw4vwzYmaYnr4IVyX6eJAhdPVqgC/s200/Picture1.png" width="188px" /> <img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6779887412_7c69eace2b.jpg" height="200px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330100487752_949" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6779887412_7c69eace2b.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="197px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="facade-of-protection"></span><img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6779903246_0048cbd425.jpg" height="200px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330100964240_1014" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6779903246_0048cbd425.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="189px" /> <span class="facade-of-protection" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330109445802_1167"></span><img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6926354997_c8e564e14b.jpg" height="200px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330109445802_923" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6926354997_c8e564e14b.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="194px" /><img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6926021239_3840f7c898.jpg" height="193px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330101528931_976" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6926021239_3840f7c898.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="200px" /> <img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6779904396_e9a8eea0dd.jpg" height="200px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330101742792_977" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6779904396_e9a8eea0dd.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="196px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="facade-of-protection" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330101839933_1209"></span><img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6926021345_76549c9b7f.jpg" height="197px" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330101839933_949" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6926021345_76549c9b7f.jpg" style="z-index: 2; zoom: 1;" width="200px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Final thought, never let what you love drift away! </em></span></div><div class="lightbox-meta" id="yui_3_4_0_3_1330101839933_978" style="margin-left: -182px; margin-top: 180px;"><span class="lightbox-meta-title"><a class="lightbox-meta-title-link" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58970775@N05/6779904396/in/photostream/" title="Picture6">Picture6</a></span><span class="lightbox-meta-owner">By </span></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-19078024711836059482012-02-21T15:57:00.001-08:002012-02-22T17:01:04.772-08:00Something Old Something NewAs we travel through the years and keep up with the times, it is important to remember where we came from. Our family members are more than just branches on a tree, but a treasure chest of our past by passing stories and "gold" to each generation. Along with the many stories, I will always remember my grandmother by the antique chair she has passed onto to me. This chair is stunning and I am thrilled for it to start our collection of blending old with new. I love when people mix their furniture with charms from the past and modern structure. To me that is home! Granny's green chair needs a bit of TLC, which terrifies me! The last thing I want to do is take away from it's beauty so I am hitting up Pinterest for inspiration. I won't finalize any decisions until it has the perfect spot in our new home, but I will take advantage of the time to explore ideas. <br />
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Here is granny's green chair...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aGR77972z8qpduq6OKv8qaBl5arHGRhy5Cm1rPnZd2mX6gj7_7TSGMcy2dHRZY52SdEQA0G8y1wGVGCqxpROivRV8xkr5MHrZPVPQludSDTUkM0tg8991zORqMm66Zkze0RqUl1wAVZU/s640/blogger-image-1191381885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aGR77972z8qpduq6OKv8qaBl5arHGRhy5Cm1rPnZd2mX6gj7_7TSGMcy2dHRZY52SdEQA0G8y1wGVGCqxpROivRV8xkr5MHrZPVPQludSDTUkM0tg8991zORqMm66Zkze0RqUl1wAVZU/s400/blogger-image-1191381885.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBcLB5Od74R_NSL3a2JwH5EzjgjIfiCyLGqiDyKpvb3025lt3kJb4E7gj0fbUUy4iJH4I_qEoaZ0UfOxh0xeVD4WqlX6N41b1fcazpsKariKVH5qlaNkbYjw1e3vrrqy53El65VrSzOEE/s640/blogger-image-2128184887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBcLB5Od74R_NSL3a2JwH5EzjgjIfiCyLGqiDyKpvb3025lt3kJb4E7gj0fbUUy4iJH4I_qEoaZ0UfOxh0xeVD4WqlX6N41b1fcazpsKariKVH5qlaNkbYjw1e3vrrqy53El65VrSzOEE/s400/blogger-image-2128184887.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBifyEvaHAbd2aCjmbqzzQ0aDExfftHZKFjyUFznT-BFVJCBTvJOFKJJ4llKI57VCyfswDzqJn4m9CDzrUq2mOWdZEZ8vvu8tvqVMwi_AC3zAW-E6jXCT0anx1ax9DbykRwPn801gUCx9/s640/blogger-image-1447207314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBifyEvaHAbd2aCjmbqzzQ0aDExfftHZKFjyUFznT-BFVJCBTvJOFKJJ4llKI57VCyfswDzqJn4m9CDzrUq2mOWdZEZ8vvu8tvqVMwi_AC3zAW-E6jXCT0anx1ax9DbykRwPn801gUCx9/s400/blogger-image-1447207314.jpg" width="299" /></a></div></div><br />
Makeover inspiration...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/217439488228466250_AObucwFB_c.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411872/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/106960559869559718_FuZpIGPb_c.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411890/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/132856257727143749_sS4V4VZB_c.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652222850/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/96827460707958107_D4Ps0OTW_c.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411878/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/10062799137232959_bCQo2938_c.jpg" width="301" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652341947/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or maybe a solid chair with an accent pillow...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="217" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/256423772502936413_LOcTOPkx_c.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411930/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="152" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/104708760055853937_ose86hW6_c.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411922/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="194" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/216032113344927100_6OhhI7JK_c.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411921/">Link</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="200" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/169870217164363007_6qLzrJIQ_c.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176062666652411971/">Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or in honor of my British grandmother a Union Jack pillow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any other suggestions??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-37866651125342435122012-02-21T14:52:00.000-08:002012-02-21T14:52:46.032-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: purple;">Happy</span> <span style="color: yellow;">Fat </span><span style="color: lime;">Tuesday!</span></em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">from Flowerdew Cupcakes</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/176062666652406771_JSRgm9k6_c.jpg" width="400" /></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-77124354858539458742012-02-19T19:25:00.001-08:002012-02-19T19:45:28.970-08:00From the ground up!A little rain didn't stop us from our traditional Sunday family road trip. Dave, Lexi and I jumped in the car and were off for a quick site check. Once we got there it didn't take long for me to jump right into exploring. I could have used a pair of Hunters today as I was climbing through the mud to check out every corner of our future home. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="320px" src="http://www.hunterwelliesboots.com/images/Hunter%20Original%20Wellies/Hunter%20Original%20Neoprene%20Navy%20Wellies.jpg" width="320px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">These would be the perfect "house boots"!!! Another item for the ever growing wish list!</span></div><br />
This week the crews poured the basement floor and I couldn't wait to see the progress. I "officially" stood in our house for the first time! We decided it was a bit too muddy for Lexi, but she always marks her territory each trip. She gets it I am sure of it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoAQ6siWl8ia1P8CmehqDyxatxe0JRnQjymdc1XFL5ACGYltA4YH-HvhTSYx2eqSpj2Thj1rvfxJOZW6BTSgf1FHE5FTexyW18qA75Hulsi8dcVsls310oKUuEXrX3_Kbk-yVDIFviJCH/s1600/basement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoAQ6siWl8ia1P8CmehqDyxatxe0JRnQjymdc1XFL5ACGYltA4YH-HvhTSYx2eqSpj2Thj1rvfxJOZW6BTSgf1FHE5FTexyW18qA75Hulsi8dcVsls310oKUuEXrX3_Kbk-yVDIFviJCH/s400/basement.JPG" width="400px" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
As the house starts to become more and more of a reality the to do list can no longer be ignored! Our condo is a merger of two lives and endless amounts of stuff hiding in closets. I am determined to start my sorting, packing and organizing! The chaos of our closets now drives me crazy so I have spent many hours searching Pinterest (obsessed like everyone else) for organizing tips and products. Here is what I would love to see in our new home - thank you pinners!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640px" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/119978777542398324_XGNAMJfV_c.jpg" width="480px" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Perfectly organized bookshelf!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/30117891227519829_LDGZzvmW_c.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful spring colors - great way to brighten a room and keep it organized!</span><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/30117891227519829/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link</span></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640px" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/60094976247227786_fQnJ0Qie_c.jpg" width="479px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/60094976247227786/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Loving the black and white polka dot boxes! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640px" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/197947346091262702_xKw5mHLn_c.jpg" width="480px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/?page=8#page=8"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We already have a few of these pop boxes (need to get those labels) and I want more! Best container for the kitchen and pantry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><strong>I have my work cut out for me!</strong></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-22996389963411262772012-02-17T04:36:00.002-08:002012-02-19T19:46:39.807-08:00Sweet Motivation!<div style="text-align: center;">The house update is coming, I promise!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was working late last night in the "cupcake factory". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="320px" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/176062666652381107_NG3t4Wdv_c.jpg" width="238px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Cupcake with Buttercream/Cream Cheese Icing. And of course using my Erin Condren life planner for the picture, so many uses!!</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-58610127948194160802012-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:00:02.409-08:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Valentine's Day!<strong> </strong></span></em><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="265px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/303187_594814919324_35301455_33240504_1696351454_n.jpg" width="400px" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em>it starts in my toes </em></div><div align="center"><em>and I crinkle my nose</em></div><div align="center"><em>wherever it goes I always know</em></div><div align="center"><em>that you make me smile</em></div><div align="center"><em>~Colbie Caillat</em></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-69685881683599549802012-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:002012-02-13T14:20:42.254-08:00Save the date!It is hard not to follow {and at times impossible} the digital world! Trust me, I fully embrace email, evites, google calendar, facebook, and even blogging, but I also have an appreciation for "old school". Even with our google calendar and my work outlook calendar, I still have a "traditional" calendar. You know what I am talking about, the type you hang on the wall and flip from month to month, do you remember those?! However my hanging calendar has some new competition.<br />
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Before I introduce you to my new best friend Erin {who only knows my name by my order}, let's flash back <strike>to just yesterday</strike>, ok way back, to my school days. I have always been a visual person and love to color code. As soon as I got my class schedule I would assign each class a color and start working on my weekly planner - filling in classes, tests, field hockey games, tennis matches, the list goes on and always in a colorful, well thought out pattern. My LL Bean backpack {all Mainers had one} was full of multi colored gelly roll pens - do you remember those - don't worry I still use them!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="320px" src="http://www.reuels.com/reuels/test/media/og/og3816.jpg" width="312px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
Once I became a big kid and started a "real" job I left my planner days behind, but kept the hanging calendar marked with activities, trips, events, celebrations, birthdays - ok you get the point! Then one of the greatest things happened in my planning and color coding life - her name is <a href="http://erincondren.com/store/">Erin Condren</a>! My co-worker, Sarah, noticed my calendar and asked if I knew about Condren's Life Planners. What? No! Googling {thank you digital world}. Instantly I had flash backs to my school days and knew it was time to bring the planner back! Move over calendar, the life planner has taken your spot! These planners are so fun and full of colorful designs. You get to customize your cover and get some fun personalized samples of other items they sell. These planners are a bit pricey, so I took a couple of days to think about my purchase but "I loved it, I really loved it"! Check it out! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/10big.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" closure_uid_d4osph="2" height="267px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/10big.gif" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/07.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="269px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/06big.gif" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I use the full calendar for any travel as a quick glance to keep track of when I am out of town.</span><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/08.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="268px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/07big.gif" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green is my workout color, for some reason when I write it down I feel more committed :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/10.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="268px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/09big.gif" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For all those mommies out there!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/13.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="269px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/calendar/planner1112/goodies/images/12big.gif" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All images from Erin Condren's website - <a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/">http://www.erincondren.com/store/</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="212px" src="http://doniree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_4716.jpg" width="320px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5260" height="225px" src="http://blueeyedbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_4430-1024x722.jpg" title="IMG_4430" width="320px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great picture of the planner in action from another blogger </span><a href="http://blueeyedbride.com/2011/08/04/how-my-home-organization-notebook-changed-my-life-and-a-link-up/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue-Eyed Bride</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. Always fun to stumble on a new blog when looking for something, had fun reading her posts.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="322px" id="fancybox-img" src="http://www.erincondren.com/store/images/images_big/PLN122201.jpg" width="400px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was the cover I selected because it was bright and colorful - of course we put our own names on it!</span></div><br />
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<div align="center"><img height="182px" src="http://www.uniball.com.au/images/EYEFINE.JPG" width="200px" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Megan, introduced me to these pens and now they are my favorite everyday pen. Lots of color options and write beautifully - Uni-ball, available at most office supplies stores.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">There is also a wedding version of the planner which would be a great gift for a bride-to-be!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/index.php?cPath=583_646"><img border="0" height="420px" src="http://www.erincondren.com/wedding/relaunch/images/click.jpg" width="339px" /></a></div><br />
Erin Condren has a great collection of fun way to personalize your life! Next on my wish list are the address labels once we make our big move!<br />
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<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://www.erincondren.com/store/images/CRA-2.jpg" /></div><br />
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Speaking of a new address, up next, status update regarding our future Home Sweet Home! </div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-23586882033033923372012-02-10T14:22:00.000-08:002012-02-10T14:22:30.003-08:00Let's talk lemons<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, I took a break…it wasn’t that long really, right?! My <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/">Be Pretty</a> gal pal sent me a little email reminder – Subject: “Houston we have a problem” Content: “Dew Drop In, last updated 10 months”. YIKES, is it really that bad! Skipping the excuses, none of them are very good anyways, and jumping right back in! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you ever found a product, a brand, a style, that you just need in your life. Well I have fallen hard and for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">workout clothes</i></b>! Totally normal, I am well aware. Meet my current crush Lululemon! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp"><img height="200px" src="http://blogs.ubc.ca/selinawang0711/files/2011/11/LululemonLogo2-11.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/selinawang0711/files/2011/11/LululemonLogo2-11.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0044cc; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is an unfortunate part of my personality, I fall in love with a brand which results in constantly checking the website, talking/emailing/texting about it, <s>leisurely</s> frequently swinging into the store drooling over ”new items”, and standing in front of the mirror rationalizing why I <u>deserve</u> to buy this item, how it will <u>complete</u> my wardrobe, after this I am done shopping for a while, it fits<u> perfect</u>, so me, so not me and that is why <u>I love it</u>….it really is a battle in the dressing room. However, I do feel blessed that I have the will power to walk through a mall without making a purchase – all thanks to my mom and her words of wisdom - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Do you love it, only buy it if you love it!”</b> But my weakness is FULL PRICE items – I am the absolute worst bargain hunter! Sale racks frustrate me, don’t like online shopping and discount stores overwhelm me - many of my friends find the most amazing things – </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">me: “that dress is gorgeous!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">friend: “thank you, only $30!” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">me: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">silent I hate you (in a loving way)</i> you always find the greatest deals, I am so jealous” – which is so true, I wish I could be a bargain shopper. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So back to Lulu! If I was asked to describe my body type I would check “Athletic” – I don’t really know how this is defined, but I love playing sports and staying active – so athletic just seems to fit. If I am not playing a sport, running or working out {which isn’t as much as it sounds} I still live in workout gear – unfortunately not approved at my 9 – 5! For this very reason I have come to appreciate quality workout clothes – especially NO STINK fabrics - cue Lulu’s Silverescent! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have only known about the Canada based company for a year or so but amazed by the products and intrigued by the culture of the brand {the marketer in me}. Typically when I go shopping I keep to myself and avoid sales people, but one day I was feeling chatty in the Lululemon store and started talking to one of the “educators”. She informed me about the design of the clothes and fabrics – I WAS SOLD! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How do I define Lulu – other brands make women’s styles BUT Lulu is designed <u>for</u> women – make sense?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A few of my favorites – which I own</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a class="pdpMainImg" href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW4077S_4348_1%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod120020&cc=4348&prdImgIndex=0" id="img1" jquery163009141358255961285="59" rel="pdp_images" rev="" title=""><img alt="In Stride Jacket " height="320px" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW4077S_4348_1?$pdp_main$" title="In Stride Jacket " width="257px" /></a></div><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW4077S_4348_1%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod120020&cc=4348&prdImgIndex=0" title=""" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In stride jacket</b> – my most recent purchase which I debated and debated but love it and it has become my go to. I love an easy zip up and the stripes are so fun! </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="RUN: Inspire Crop" id="productImage" name="productImage" src="http://www.lululemon.com/products/_images/products/big/9123.jpg" style="height: 270px; width: 216px;" /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Inspire Crop</span></b><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> – BEST running pants I own – got me through 13.1 miles in total comfort!!</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="Run:Your Heart Out Tank" height="320px" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW1901S_3555_2?$pdp_main$" title="Run:Your Heart Out Tank" width="257px" /></span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Run your heart out tank</b> – LOVE this tank, loose but still so flattering! Perfect for our Group Power (a full body lifting class)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My wish list - hmm if only my hubby read blogs </span></i></b><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW1911S_9762_2%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod670010&category=category%3auswwearit6&cc=9762&prdImgIndex=1" title=""Run: Back On Track Tank" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a class="pdpMainImg" href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW1911S_9762_1%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod670010&category=category%3auswwearit6&cc=9762&prdImgIndex=0" id="img1" jquery16308632627372204369="41" rel="pdp_images" rev="Run: Back On Track Tank" title="Run: Back On Track Tank"><img alt="Run:Back On Track Tank" height="320px" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW1911S_9762_1?$pdp_main$" title="Run:Back On Track Tank" width="257px" /></a></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Back on track tank in pig pink -</b> perfect color and super cute!!!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><img alt="Run: Spirit Tight II" id="productImage" name="productImage" src="http://www.lululemon.com/products/_images/products/big/9250.jpg" style="height: 270px; width: 216px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW6724S_0001_2%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod690280&category=category%3auswwearit2&cc=0001&prdImgIndex=1" title=""Yin To You Crop" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Spirit tight -</strong> A splash of Paris Pink, ideal for running during those cold days!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW7243S_4348_2%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod140111&category=category%3auswwearit9&cc=4348&prdImgIndex=1" title=""Run: Speed Short" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <img alt="Run: Speed Short " height="200px" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW7243S_4348_2?$pdp_main$" title="Run: Speed Short " width="160px" /></span></span></div><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW7243S_4348_3%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod140111&category=category%3auswwearit9&cc=4348&prdImgIndex=2" title=""Run: Speed Short" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Speed short</b> – Must have to match with my In Stride Jacket!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/shop/gadgets/prdImg-popup.jsp?url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.lululemon.com%2fis%2fimage%2flululemon%2fLW8260S_9934_2%3f%24pdp_zoom%24&prdId=prod670015&category=category%3acat260006&cc=9934&prdImgIndex=1" title=""Run: Back On Track Skirt" "><span style="color: #ff1543; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> <img alt="Run:Back On Track Skirt" height="200px" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW8260S_9934_2?$pdp_main$" title="Run:Back On Track Skirt" width="161px" /></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Back on track skirt</b> – Runners can definitely be girlie!! </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The clothes are just the surface – the culture is very unique to any other retailer I know. They support local communities through studios and fitness centers, brand ambassadors who are typically local instructors, Facebook, attending local events with their catchy signs cheering runners on, partnering with a studio to host free classes and even yoga classes’ right outside their store front. Nothing like a little down dog during your mall run! The company started as a yoga brand, which is clear when you go to a class and over 50% of the people are sporting the “fancy” A logo. They have now expanded to a variety of sports and activities, which even include ballet! The store teams are <s>encouraged </s>required to participate in group fitness, which I have tried to replicate by encouraging my co-workers to run a half marathon together. Growing up playing team sports taught me how motivating it is to work together to achieve a goal. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It also means you have someone to toast bubbly with when you celebrate your success! </i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="239px" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389488_319764761372496_269836483031991_1489497_292104295_n.jpg" width="320px" /></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw these signs during one of my road races and chuckled as I ran past not even realizing they were Lulus!!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="266px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/402613_379227575426214_269836483031991_1690583_1150331948_n.jpg" width="400px" /> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 6; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 6; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Love pilates? Want to try it out? It is the Studio of the Month!! Check it out at Lululemon Athletica Southpark Facebook page!!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even with Lululemon’s “high end” products (and prices), “boutique style” inventory (at times limited) and the struggling economy they continue to grow, impressively! Fans have even formed Facebook pages to sell, buy and trade items. The company has been scrutinized in the media and there are some things I don’t fully support {or know the whole story}, but coming from an organization that spends a lot of time in the headlines, I understand the importance of having your own opinion. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A positive outlook on life, stylish designs and amazing fabrics are enough to keep me going back to Lulu! </i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-29433" src="http://static.lululemon.com/community/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/happysweatymoments.jpg" title="happysweatymoments" /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Check out their blog! </span><a href="http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/?mnid=mn;blog"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: Arial;">http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/?mnid=mn;blog</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This was a LONG post – clearly I miss my blogging days! I will be back on Monday; it is marked on my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Erin Condren</b> calendar – which will lead to my next post!!! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-55166752296919160922011-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:35:43.725-07:00Fantastic WeekendAfter a miserable week of rain, cold weather and me battling a cold, the weekend forecast of mid to high 60's was music to my ears. This weekend turned out even better than I planned and was the perfect balance between relaxing, time with the ones I love and enjoying spring in Charlotte...<br />
<br />
The weekend really started on Saturday morning. We woke up on Saturday morning and Dave made a breakfast request, waffles. Lately I have been making waffles once during the weekend and it has become a great weekend treat. My mom's recipe is both delicious and easy (see below).<br />
<br />
<strong>Waffles Recipe </strong><br />
1 3/4 cups of flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 Tablespoon sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
7 Tablespoons of vegetable oil<br />
1 1/2 cups of milk<br />
<br />
Directions: HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO DO IT: Sift flour. Add baking powder, salt and sugar. Sift together. In a separate bowl mix liquid ingredients and combine with dry ingredients using a whisk. Spoon into the non-stick waffle maker. <br />
HOW I DO IT: Combine all liquid ingredients in a large bowl. Add dry ingredients into the liquid ingredients and if I remember (IF) I will sift the dry ingredients directly into the bowl. The less dishes the better :)<br />
<br />
Our waffle maker is an older version given to me by my mom when she upgraded. It works perfectly and the waffles never stick. They are not thick, like Belgian waffles, but I prefer the thinner version. Check out the pictures. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img closure_uid_kr5n5x="193" height="298" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkAj1WOsaI/AAAAAAAAADk/Ps4Nl6jDug4/s400/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 382px; left: 5px; top: 65px; width: 512px;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img closure_uid_n84qc7="187" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkADWsGptI/AAAAAAAAADM/rnnt_SJEYwE/s512/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND let me introduce you to something I grew up eating because of my British parents. Unlike most kids, I didn't grow up with maple syrup, instead we used Golden Syrup...it is AMAZING! If you have a sweet tooth like me you will love it. It is the consistency of honey but basically pure sugar. You can find it in the grocery store near the baking items. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="348" id="il_fi" src="http://onevanillabean.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/golden-syrup1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_2xn2kr="218" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZj_pIHVS7I/AAAAAAAAAC4/ik4kyiwB978/s512/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, so there is coffee in that cup but it is so huge you can't see it. That leads me to another one of our favorite kitchen appliances. Our dearest friend Derrick gave us the Keurig coffee machine and it is perfect for us casual coffee drinkers. I will say it isn't great for parties or a large group but for us it is great and meets our coffee needs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.onecupcoffeetitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/keurig-coffee-maker-234x300.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="234" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So after our waffle breakfast Dave, Lexi and I took a car ride to continue our house hunting. We are very far from even putting in an offer, but really trying to decide on an area. It was a beautiful day to cruise neighborhoods and discuss our likes and dislikes. We found some great areas and want the same things. I am sure the neighbors found entertainment in our car slowly driving by the house with me, Lexi and Dave trying to see as much as possible from the car. Next step touring houses. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After house hunting we did a few errands, grabbed lunch, watched basketball and then met up with Lesley and friends to celebrate her fantastic accomplishment of passing the Bar...CONGRATS LESLEY!!! We went to a great restaurant, <a href="http://www.soulgastrolounge.com/">SOUL Gastrolounge</a>, for a late night dinner. I highly recommend this place if you like small plates, sushi and a funky atmosphere. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday was VERY busy, but such a great day with my husband. Dave and I make a point to do something together each weekend. We are both very independent and believe it is important to have our own time with our friends and for ourselves, but top priority is to always schedule quality time together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now Sunday. Forecast mid 60's, actual temperature, 70's = a perfect day outside! Earlier in the week I decided on Sunday I wanted to take Lexi to the White Water Center so she could get a good walk and swim (early in the season before the canoes are really being used there is lake access and typically no one around so we let Lexi swim, she LOVES it). It was purely by chance, but we picked the perfect weekend to go! Not only was the weather gorgeous, but it was also the <a href="http://usnwc.org/2011/03/7th-annual-kindermourn-hope-floats-duck-race/">7th Annual KinderMourn Hope Floats Duck Race</a>. KinderMourn is all about taking care and offering support for families in Charlotte and the 17,000 rubber ducks that battle the rapids during this event symbolically represent that even through rough times you will make it. Powerful message and awesome event. It was PACKED out there, which was great to see so much support for the event and this fantastic, unique place in Charlotte. Lesley, Lexi and I had a blast walking around the rapids, watching Lexi swimming after sticks, having lunch outside, listening to the DJ's oldies jam session (Lexi and I were dancing away, even got a picture request for her impressive moves) and watching the thousands of ducks rush through the water!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_mqi3f9="220" height="382" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkLGcPfBMI/AAAAAAAAAEY/sHjTGowqQG0/s512/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 382px; left: 5px; top: 65px; width: 512px;" width="512" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't the ducks adorable?! These are exactly what the 17,000 ducks looked like that took on the rapids!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_8jphyy="201" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkKnDTNbEI/AAAAAAAAAD4/wbILIwfGYJQ/s512/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">See all the yellow in the water? Those are the ducks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_cdf8xa="234" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkLubEyY-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/dZBrPFJSarg/s512/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They did a corporate company duck run with really big rubber duckies and the winning duck got to take home this awesome trophy. Side note - not sure what the women is doing in the background?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_us7l86="232" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkLUXTu0RI/AAAAAAAAAEc/UiRY461VQB0/s512/photo%5B3%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesley at lunch. We got the best table, in the corner so Lexi had plenty of room and was away from the crowds and we could watch everything right from our seats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_ofrorz="215" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkK2WAuApI/AAAAAAAAAEI/AKTU3oA0juk/s512/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lexi was feeling left out and wanted to join the conversation :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_pa140x="237" height="382" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkLhqVAzgI/AAAAAAAAAEs/SsZIXUerYu0/s512/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 382px; left: 5px; top: 65px; width: 512px;" width="512" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is our corner spot, hi Lesley and Lexi!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img closure_uid_9vrv1k="198" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ZdsxP8U_b_s/TZkKaV0EsWI/AAAAAAAAAD0/DZzW7vaGVLI/s512/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 65px; top: 0px; width: 382px;" width="382" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This event was a great reminder that even when life gets tough just hang on and go with the flow, there is always a finish line and new day! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ahhh....it was a great weekend and concluding it with a relaxing night at home watching basketball before another crazy week. </div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-41458048317670341672011-03-31T16:36:00.000-07:002011-03-31T16:36:31.385-07:00Adventure race season begins!From beautiful shoes to a muddy mess! I am excited to say I have registered for my first adventure race in 2011, the Warrior Dash! Not only does this race look like a huge challenge, muddy mess and overall good time but we also have a great crowd joining us. This is the first race I am doing with my husband which is very exciting! Along with my husband, Mary (my Muddy Buddy), Megan, Nate, Crystal, and others will all be on the start line together.<br />
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Here is what we are in store for on August 27...<br />
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<a href="http://warriordash.com/">http://warriordash.com/</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://alloveralbany.com/images/warrior_dash_2010_sebastien.jpg&imgrefurl=http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2010/09/20/warrior-dash-2010-photos&usg=__C_l2ieQhU3Dinrt2tvwGpVKsKyY=&h=420&w=525&sz=87&hl=en&start=0&sig2=IKNfrXHULXbWpHYukZfNJQ&zoom=1&tbnid=dNQKJG2wXzFNcM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=161&ei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwarrior%2Bdash%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D605%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=328&oei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&tx=104&ty=54"><img height="420" id="il_fi" src="http://alloveralbany.com/images/warrior_dash_2010_sebastien.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="525" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope my short legs make it over the flames :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Warrior-Dash-600_FIX-copy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/current-issue/features/social-animal/&usg=__fxBYahq7ZXSEEFqSSMTAxKYHyIE=&h=665&w=1000&sz=158&hl=en&start=18&sig2=4R-qPr0xGH5RLg1y6uvzLQ&zoom=1&tbnid=hSqZBy1uk1ijGM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=199&ei=pending&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwarrior%2Bdash%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D605%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C464&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=462&vpy=140&dur=15&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=213&ty=81&oei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&page=2&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:18&biw=1276&bih=605"><img height="265" id="il_fi" src="http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Warrior-Dash-600_FIX-copy.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't be an adventure race without MUD!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYEESn7g-6jhJpHMxQ4B_3tgUfLeSVV3MSAJ_XYmw94TLrL37y9Aqfcp6qnEy8bzA6ESE_SO4qETm2zGwd0wTwPyCKm6RPOjaVzw3ZKxoFV-zpWLyvndUW9Pgys6huzNe_0hcyFpHzF2I/s1600/Warrior+Dash+040.JPG&imgrefurl=http://cpattee.blogspot.com/2010/05/warrior.html&usg=__pC9ErXxCRTFYfScuND33sPa7Sr8=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=298&hl=en&start=37&sig2=CnLINnf5f4g20IPz7S3G3Q&zoom=1&tbnid=IFggJpqaxA1f6M:&tbnh=134&tbnw=181&ei=pending&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwarrior%2Bdash%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D605%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=468&oei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&page=3&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:37&tx=85&ty=109"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYEESn7g-6jhJpHMxQ4B_3tgUfLeSVV3MSAJ_XYmw94TLrL37y9Aqfcp6qnEy8bzA6ESE_SO4qETm2zGwd0wTwPyCKm6RPOjaVzw3ZKxoFV-zpWLyvndUW9Pgys6huzNe_0hcyFpHzF2I/s400/Warrior+Dash+040.JPG" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This could be interesting...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4516710947_ccdd6e155c.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/socal921/4516710947/&usg=__VYy7jbb2G4OKcBVzkRDLMu9MsAg=&h=400&w=500&sz=184&hl=en&start=187&sig2=2mgOX3hlmUaRq--XfsryrQ&zoom=1&tbnid=Ne4GHUzWVTIrFM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=170&ei=UA2VTYCjB6rdiAL9jemcCQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwarrior%2Bdash%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D605%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=109&oei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&page=11&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:187&tx=-313&ty=-604"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4516710947_ccdd6e155c.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lexi would LOVE to participate, but I am worried she would get distracted by a squirrel!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6VGcQHtaCWczyYCt-WQN8V7ABU7bl29fFwpvSf9Se96XOoutzXIc2ALeP9kGYffePGxHcOgbRXSGLzrRe50jLL7H1Wvfq5VBFTIzmwPhw4f8dqmPtFGj2VxatIbBC4Jf1Nrrwhfp2LYp/s1600/2010+Warrior+Dash+Texas+52.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.terrelldailyphoto.com/2010/05/warrior-dash-pictures.html&usg=__o-vLCz4yvemvc_HTzw_bCc_3zVI=&h=855&w=1274&sz=299&hl=en&start=0&sig2=ax3zpJw21lq8dwTvK7W80g&zoom=1&tbnid=r1b9c0mXGlwA7M:&tbnh=128&tbnw=167&ei=DQ2VTdLwH8PhiALN2bTwCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwarrior%2Bdash%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D605%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=452&oei=jgmVTamsK6SU0QG96JjqCw&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0&tx=113&ty=78"><img height="268" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6VGcQHtaCWczyYCt-WQN8V7ABU7bl29fFwpvSf9Se96XOoutzXIc2ALeP9kGYffePGxHcOgbRXSGLzrRe50jLL7H1Wvfq5VBFTIzmwPhw4f8dqmPtFGj2VxatIbBC4Jf1Nrrwhfp2LYp/s400/2010+Warrior+Dash+Texas+52.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait, this looks like so much fun!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is going to be so much fun to take on this challenge with my husband and great friends. It is a great test of endurance and the feeling of accomplishment makes it worth every, at times painful, moment! </div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-13875016456980878592011-03-29T17:51:00.000-07:002011-03-29T17:51:56.656-07:00It is meant to be...<div align="center" class="prod_main_img"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/pumpsheels/PRDOVR~37498/37498.jsp">NICOLA PLATFORM HEELS</a> from J Crew. Not only do we already have something in common, I think they are adorable and would go with everything! Hmmm...still not sure I can spend that much on shoes, but a girl can dream!!</div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"> </div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"> </div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"><a href="javascript:void(0);"><img alt="Nicola platform heels" border="0" height="393" id="mainImg" name="productOnFigureImage" onclick="popBlowup('37498', this.src, 'mainImg','true');" s_oid="functiononclick(){popBlowup('37498',this.src,'mainImg','true');}" s_oidt="2" src="http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?src=images/eiec/37/37498/37498_BR6539.tif&tmp=prdDtIm" width="393" /></a></div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"> </div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img">J Crew has some beautiful shoes. Here are my favorites...no worries Dave, I am simply window shopping or should I say browser shopping?!</div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"> </div><div align="center" class="prod_main_img"><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="javascript:void(0);"><img alt="Cavo high-heel sandals" border="0" height="393" id="mainImg" name="productOnFigureImage" onclick="popBlowup('36931', this.src, 'mainImg','true');" src="http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?src=images/eiec/36/36931/36931_NA6295.tif&tmp=prdDtIm" width="393" /></a></div><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/pumpsheels/PRDOVR~36931/36931.jsp">Cavo High-Heel Sandals</a></div><div class="prod_main_img">Love the ankle detail!</div><div class="prod_main_img"> </div><div class="prod_main_img"><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="javascript:void(0);"><img alt="Sardinia wedge espadrilles" border="0" height="393" id="mainImg" name="productOnFigureImage" onclick="popBlowup('26446', this.src, 'mainImg','true');" src="http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?src=images/eiec/26/26446/26446_EC3824.tif&tmp=prdDtIm" width="393" /></a></div><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/wedges/PRDOVR~26446/26446.jsp">Sardinia Wedge</a> </div><div class="prod_main_img">I love wedges and so excited to see how popular they are this season! I can already see myself wearing these and cruising on our yacht...brings me to our first problem, we don't have a yacht! We should work on that ;)</div><div class="prod_main_img">However, I did buy these lovely Jessica Simpson Wedges. They are very comfortable and I feel like they are perfect for the spring and summer!</div><div class="prod_main_img"><img alt="GEMY" id="imgLargeImage" src="http://images.bakersshoes.com/images/products/1_193767_FS.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; height: 345px; width: 345px;" /></div><div class="prod_main_img"> </div><div class="prod_main_img"><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="javascript:void(0);"><img alt="Lula tweed ballet flats" border="0" height="393" id="mainImg" name="productOnFigureImage" onclick="popBlowup('38499', this.src, 'mainImg','true');" src="http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?src=images/eiec/38/38499/38499_WA0811.tif&tmp=prdDtIm" width="393" /></a></div><div class="prod_main_img"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/size512shoes/size5/PRDOVR~38499/38499.jsp">Lula Tweed Ballet Flats</a></div><div class="prod_main_img"> </div><div class="prod_main_img">These would be great to throw in my purse for those moments when my feet have had enough of the heels!</div><div class="prod_main_img"> </div><div class="prod_main_img">I am happy to say I made it through this post and browsing without making a purchase...hopefully I can stay strong...HOPEFULLY! We are working toward some BIG purchases and need to save our pennies. But thank you J Crew for giving me some fabulous shoes to drool over :)</div></div></div></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-4750503116476386842011-03-24T18:29:00.000-07:002011-03-24T18:29:24.368-07:00Spring is HERE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What does spring mean for the Mitchells - T & T - Trips and Team Sports :) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let's talk trips...last year I spent most of my life on the road, unfortunately it was mainly work related...so this is the year for FUN trips...trips with friends, trips to visit family and adventures with my husband. Our first round of trips started by celebrating upcoming weddings! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For me it was off to sunny Miami to celebrate the beautiful bride Kristin. The days were spent in the sun embracing the tropical scenery and warm weather and the evenings were experiencing the Miami night life. It was the perfect get-away with great friends, both old and new...<a href="http://hunterandkristenlunsford.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-back.html">The Wanna-Be Southern Belle</a> and <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/2011/03/back-to-life-back-to-reality/">LRT Be Pretty </a>say it best! The following weekend involved a hummer limo and night at Suite for one of my great friends Mary Ann. We danced and laughed the night away! Even Lexi enjoyed the party by getting to hang out with her buddy, Savannah's pup, Cooper. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">MIAMI!!!</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199157_10150174461736609_621941608_8595052_5828275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199157_10150174461736609_621941608_8595052_5828275_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189636_10150174464371609_621941608_8595078_8240490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189636_10150174464371609_621941608_8595078_8240490_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199435_10150174461051609_621941608_8595040_1957589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199435_10150174461051609_621941608_8595040_1957589_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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The following weekend after I returned from Miami, Dave was off to Myrtle Beach for a guys weekend full of golf. It sounded like they had a great time!<br />
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<strong>My Trips Tip - Make a Budget (broken out by flight, hotel, food & drinks, activities)</strong>...With a long list of trips on our calendar and (like everyone) limited funds, I pulled together a budget with estimated costs and actuals for each piece of each trip. Through my years in event planning, budgets are always a must and great way to track your spending. I am happy to say I was only over my estimated costs for Miami by $4.49!!! I was so excited!! <br />
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Other upcoming trips...another bachelorette party, weddings, a road trip to Iowa for a family reunion, annual trip to Maine and of course a week long VACATION in Jamaica...more traveling posts to come. <br />
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In between our fun filled weekends we spend most of our time on the field. Both Dave and I grew up playing sports. His passion is basketball and baseball and mine was and still is tennis and field hockey. Sports are one of our favorite things to do together...here is what a typical week looks like for us...<br />
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Monday - Kickball...I have developed a love for kickball and our team, the Ball Busters. The team is a perfect balance between competitive and fun. Best way to "kick" off the week.<br />
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Tuesday - Softball and Running - While I hit the streets running with Lindsey, Dave is out with his men's softball team, <a href="http://www.brixxpizza.com/">Brixx</a> (yes, they are sponsored by the delicious Charlotte pizza spot). <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188871_10100711871251121_2038034_76433484_4116046_n.jpg" width="295" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Lindsey new adventures as a <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/2011/03/my-leap/">business owner</a> before our weekly run!!</div><br />
Wednesday - Softball - The Hoffs, our co-ed softball team, takes to the field Wednesday nights. Softball is not my sport, but I play for Dave and try my hardest to help the team. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v250/118/113/35301455/n35301455_31161651_7936.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, so that isn't the Hoffs (instead a field day with GMR), but this is where you can find me...covering home plate :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Thursday & Friday - are typically off days for team sports, but if it is a nice night we will hit up the driving range or may start playing more tennis! <br />
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During the weekends when we have free time, Dave is definitely on the golf course at least once and I will join from time to time. My main goal during the spring and summer is to be outside, enjoy the weather, work up a sweat, and take full advantage of those valuable days off! <br />
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Lexi loves this time of year too...she is our team mascot and always joins us in the dugout!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/45469_427468269395_647679395_4634836_7973221_n.jpg" width="239" /></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-89057962000340190762011-03-08T19:36:00.000-08:002011-03-08T19:36:12.809-08:00Wild Things<div id="column_right" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
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Just the other day I was talking to my dad about a potential BIG family vacation, to visit my cousin-in-law's (is that the correct term, my cousin's husband) camp...now this is not a summer camp, or a camp on the lake...think EXOTIC! This "camp" is in Zambia, Africa and your neighbors are elephants, lions, rhinoceros, giraffes, the list goes on. This magical place is called the <a href="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/index2.php">Royal Zambezi Lodge</a>, and from the pictures it looks breath taking!! My mom just returned from South Africa visiting Zulu (my grandfather) and Uncle Nick. Her trip reminded me of this potential opportunity to explore this world without skyscrapers, busy streets, but rather endless views of the wild, the soft sounds that bring both fear and excitement, this is a world that can never truly be described only experienced! <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though the pictures will never do this beautiful place justice, here are some images from the <a href="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/index2.php">Royal Zambezi Lodge!</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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THE LODGE = Rustic elegance! <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/mess-from-river-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mess from river" border="0" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/mess-from-river-large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/jetty-at-sunset-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jetty at sunset" border="0" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/jetty-at-sunset-large.jpg" /></a></div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Luggage" height="640" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/luggage-large.jpg" width="408" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Terrace by night" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/terrace-by-night-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Sitting Room" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/lodge/sittingroom-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Bathtub" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/interiors/bathtub-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Classic Suite Double" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/interiors/classic-suite-double-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Lodge at Night" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/interiors/Bedroom2Large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>It wouldn't be Africa without the Animals...</div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/hippo_by_lodge_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/game_viewing_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/elephant_and_path_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/hippo_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/lion_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/wildlife/zebra_grass_large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>And to finish off the day...</div><div><div id="column_right"><div id="column_right"><div id="column_right"><img alt="Jacuzzi" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/activities/jacuzzi-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><div id="column_right"><img alt="Massage" id="gallery_main_image" src="http://www.royalzambezilodge.com/images/gallery/activities/spa-massage-large.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>If you have an African Safari on your bucket list this is the place to go and check it off! You will be treated like royality and the busy world of work and overwhelming schedules will disappear! </div><div> </div><div>I know that my dreams tonight will be filled with wild adventures in safari luxury!! </div><div> </div><div>All pictures curtosity of the Royal Zambezi Lodge. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-34890287132813175392011-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:25:08.053-08:00Royal Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a little girl I always remember my mom following the style trends of Princess Diana, England's rose! Princess Di was truly a beautiful person and inspiration to many and unfortunately was taken far too soon. It is funny how I have followed my mom's footsteps and now I find inspiration in Kate Middleton, the soon to be Princess. I have always loved clothes and my fashionista mom has always kept me on the right track. After styling my closet with <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/2011/03/my-leap/">Lindsey Regan Thorne Be Pretty</a>, I learned to put together outfits and the compliments have been rolling in. Now I am addicted to scoping out fashion trends, simple styles and new ways to wear my current clothes. With a little Be Pretty education, I LOVE fashion, my current clothes (because of all the new ways to wear them) and I love that I am becoming more and more like my mom each day! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Ok so back to the royal family, Kate Middleton is a modern girl with a great eye for fashion. Outside of her royal style, her everyday outfits look like something I could see myself in. Simple looks that make big statements! <br />
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Here are some of my favorite outfits!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://iconclothfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/katemiddleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" id="il_fi" src="http://iconclothfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/katemiddleton.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">For Everyday - <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://iconclothfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/katemiddleton.jpg&imgrefurl=http://iconclothfashion.com/kate-middleton-fashion&usg=__jF21uEM_aqwnHLGjTluQhKnrbZE=&h=683&w=468&sz=47&hl=en&start=0&sig2=eQEeO_QYQIEXlNkmZk84Yw&zoom=1&tbnid=wFTCsXMVRCA00M:&tbnh=131&tbnw=89&ei=Ppl1TYTIBcG78gbgw6DQCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=118&vpy=50&dur=16&hovh=271&hovw=186&tx=112&ty=163&oei=5JV1TfieI8Ti0gGzw7ivBw&page=1&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="432" id="il_fi" src="http://www.newsupdatesx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/kate-middleton.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="193" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Party Time!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="352" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_75QROnULMLy1GD9d3-0tRCnqS-51ZwV6UIVJ3KW1T6k8IZISTk8euu0pcUdvPA3No2Rm2M9W15YnIAOes63J9iA_7HLYCycUF_pqNMkGuU0r8SU1LCRoLnYskRyxQiaeoeUZQWNzBE/s320/kate_middleton_style_2011.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="256" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The perfect coat! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_75QROnULMLy1GD9d3-0tRCnqS-51ZwV6UIVJ3KW1T6k8IZISTk8euu0pcUdvPA3No2Rm2M9W15YnIAOes63J9iA_7HLYCycUF_pqNMkGuU0r8SU1LCRoLnYskRyxQiaeoeUZQWNzBE/s640/kate_middleton_style_2011.jpg&imgrefurl=http://fashion-hot-girls.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011-kate-middleton-fashion-reviews.html&usg=__Ed-0Q3ma478JJGchwbEEJtFbTyk=&h=400&w=300&sz=34&hl=en&start=0&sig2=cpDNTHtB68tWBdiVZ7Z1Ww&zoom=1&tbnid=pjQTHaRNW91LuM:&tbnh=144&tbnw=114&ei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=935&vpy=210&dur=1560&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=106&ty=129&oei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&page=1&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:18,s:0">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="352" id="il_fi" src="http://dreamroyalwedding.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/article-1045964-0221D13400000578-731_468x797.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="203" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Sexy dress! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://dreamroyalwedding.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/article-1045964-0221D13400000578-731_468x797.jpg&imgrefurl=http://dreamroyalwedding.com/wordpress/&usg=__aedqDTyW2stHT3WcVZIPcrDzLGo=&h=797&w=468&sz=131&hl=en&start=0&sig2=QA7zLoSFrWm92CdTen9p1Q&zoom=1&tbnid=42CU4ftoB6iKQM:&tbnh=143&tbnw=89&ei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=246&vpy=201&dur=109&hovh=293&hovw=172&tx=123&ty=320&oei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&page=1&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:0">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="352" id="il_fi" src="http://www.sheimagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/kate-middleton.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="229" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep it casual! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sheimagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/kate-middleton.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sheimagazine.com/blog/2011/a-college-girls-how-to-guide-an-introduction-to-building-a-unique-and-classy-college-wardrobe/kate-middleton/&usg=__4V-P2MlDN9fEkl48AT1ZpzBOPmA=&h=3504&w=2336&sz=833&hl=en&start=58&sig2=fsr3nNIIydZxg5y85-wpjA&zoom=1&tbnid=C-L8MMp_ZChYhM:&tbnh=139&tbnw=97&ei=pending&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=354&oei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&page=3&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:58&tx=26&ty=66">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="432" id="il_fi" src="http://britdanielle07.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/kate_middleton_2008_cheltenham_races1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="194" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Top it off with a hat! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://britdanielle07.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/kate_middleton_2008_cheltenham_races1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://britdanielle07.wordpress.com/&usg=__kiYqY0uOKHy5Z2ukQa_VOnIg-sI=&h=671&w=300&sz=128&hl=en&start=0&sig2=HG6_XlzZ3vLbJLvVCmM2Aw&zoom=1&tbnid=tI56hNjtJesyDM:&tbnh=143&tbnw=64&ei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C174&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=997&vpy=149&dur=350&hovh=336&hovw=150&tx=88&ty=165&oei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&page=1&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:28,s:0&biw=1259&bih=588">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="352" id="il_fi" src="http://newsodrome.com/celebrity_news/kate-middleton-supports-british-fashion-for-first-public-engagement-24140236.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="260" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">All business! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://newsodrome.com/celebrity_news/kate-middleton-supports-british-fashion-for-first-public-engagement-24140236.jpg&imgrefurl=http://newsodrome.com/celebrity_news/kate-middleton-supports-british-fashion-for-first-public-engagement-24140236&usg=__D9d8LEfWd_I8FdFcd4h97s1MYco=&h=406&w=310&sz=47&hl=en&start=162&sig2=LhU9hVVLI4pEMBaHzLwLWQ&zoom=1&tbnid=BzT1jKnh9lmsAM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=101&ei=cJt1TdjAAoP78Ab-5LGJCQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bfashion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7GGLD_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C2841&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=600&vpy=253&dur=1033&hovh=257&hovw=196&tx=109&ty=159&oei=rpl1Tb_UPMWV0QHFruGgBw&page=7&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:22,s:162&biw=1259&bih=588">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="352" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFCSO-OAYS58njVWK0uiRPas62NrGZh1c10oH4Ngew7zsljs5aYTA8YYjiyAbuQdqZV83bQWnLOvmzjUsHHV2i8zGC5IxGYdhHGRLv5-f4JyhnhZtG-hKcWy_1-NIAjhESy2fX81RV9Kr/s320/Kate+Middleton+style+5.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="239" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfect purse! <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFCSO-OAYS58njVWK0uiRPas62NrGZh1c10oH4Ngew7zsljs5aYTA8YYjiyAbuQdqZV83bQWnLOvmzjUsHHV2i8zGC5IxGYdhHGRLv5-f4JyhnhZtG-hKcWy_1-NIAjhESy2fX81RV9Kr/s640/Kate+Middleton+style+5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://lavie-a-lamode.blogspot.com/&usg=__V7zJAz8nzsEPBt4t9EdTIhWt0QY=&h=640&w=447&sz=52&hl=en&start=53&sig2=CuO2fcSUGnoXmC8EH2MY5g&zoom=1&tbnid=I-B1pgw0jrXVxM:&tbnh=152&tbnw=106&ei=uZ11TaCRFoP58AaRrpTjCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmiddleton%2Bstyle%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUS343%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D605%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C965&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=951&vpy=241&dur=82&hovh=269&hovw=188&tx=109&ty=246&oei=jJ11Tde8Coq_0QHJ1eCvBw&page=3&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:23,s:53&biw=1259&bih=605">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34X1NEbD7KqxM-HZoXVdwctBPVDGAwiqSnnaO6rgfZMwfj1qz9JxqvkGpUvvv_aaRvBy4Zp-ced8IGTs8yeTFv-7kV0kcdcfYyEe5BBpYxywDH9paQC0F9rD8oGGIqtLGAoyBgDsfON_l/s1600-h/Kate+Middleton+style+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34X1NEbD7KqxM-HZoXVdwctBPVDGAwiqSnnaO6rgfZMwfj1qz9JxqvkGpUvvv_aaRvBy4Zp-ced8IGTs8yeTFv-7kV0kcdcfYyEe5BBpYxywDH9paQC0F9rD8oGGIqtLGAoyBgDsfON_l/s400/Kate+Middleton+style+12.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Spring Fever! <a href="http://lavie-a-lamode.blogspot.com/">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And here are a few in case I get the call from the Queen for a visit...it could happen :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk7JWwhK2OfEs3Hc0BZW4oopqG-Twq8AN35qvNzDx7VVfD6sro0KYAb6_AbGPSSLUfth1os8vzDaDnfmWRZH4FOH6iES4iDqXjemQaeCDvPP9RUXdb6TOIOa73bYRpD4vrzsz7MEqrWhG/s1600-h/Kate+Middleton+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk7JWwhK2OfEs3Hc0BZW4oopqG-Twq8AN35qvNzDx7VVfD6sro0KYAb6_AbGPSSLUfth1os8vzDaDnfmWRZH4FOH6iES4iDqXjemQaeCDvPP9RUXdb6TOIOa73bYRpD4vrzsz7MEqrWhG/s400/Kate+Middleton+7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lavie-a-lamode.blogspot.com/">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="kate-middleton-style" height="400" src="http://nadinejolie.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kate_middleton_wedding_1.jpg" title="Kate-Middleton-style" width="253" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nadinejolie.com/blog/2009/01/kate-middletons-27th-happy-birthday/">Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to all of my fashion inspirations, my mom, Lindsey and Kate! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-12193717369352836242011-02-28T18:14:00.000-08:002011-02-28T18:14:50.566-08:00The Race is on!My ALL TIME favorite show is the Amazing Race! I got hooked on this cross continental adventure reality show in college and spent many hours watching with my roommate and friend Ali. To this day I still get excited when the previews run and Dave always makes sure the DVR is set. My dream is to be a competitor on the show...the thought of racing around the world and testing your skills in a foreign country is incredibly exciting to me. Maybe one day! For now I will continue my "casual" thrill seeking and adventure challenges, but maybe one day I will get my chance to race around in a Kangaroo costume (this Sunday's episode), win fabulous trips and see some of the most beautiful places in the world. <br />
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This season the race consists of past competitors so I already have some favorites...<br />
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Margie and Luke<br />
<img alt="Margie and Luke" height="224" src="http://shows.ctv.ca/getattachment/d621652b-edb0-40fa-90de-3477a667bf07/TheAmazingRace/Bios/TAR18_margie_and_luke.aspx?width=600&height=337" title="Margie and Luke" width="400" /><br />
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You can't help but love a mother-son combination! They are a strong team and rely on their own strengths rather than tricking other teams to mess up. Did I mention that Luke is deaf, which at times creates a challenge but clearly proves they have a remarkable relationship. I will be cheering them on!<br />
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Gary and Mallory<br />
<img alt="Gary and Mallory" height="224" src="http://shows.ctv.ca/getattachment/036a8748-6a49-4baf-8e28-d812fdf734d7/TheAmazingRace/Bios/TAR18_Gary_Malory.aspx?width=600&height=337" title="Gary and Mallory" width="400" /><br />
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I am a sucker for this father-daughter team! Growing up my dad and I partook in our fair share of adventures including para sailing, scuba diving, skiing (water and snow), you name it! This teams bond always shines through even during the low points of the race and I can't help but think of my dad. Mallory is beyond bubbly and finds a positive in almost every situation. At times I am sure some find it annoying, but I love her glass half full attitude! <br />
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These are definitely the two teams I am pulling for this season - Sunday nights on CBS at 8pm. <br />
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Since my time on the screen isn't in my near future I will continue to seek out my own adventures and encourage you to try some of the following...<br />
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<a href="http://www.greaturbanrace.com/">Great Urban Race</a> - Amazing Race style but all done in one day and in Charlotte (among other cities). Mary Ann and I, team Double Dare, raced around the city solving clues, doing silly stunts, and laughing the entire way! Highlights or low lights...I lost my phone (and found it), Mary Ann took the best "digger" after an intense dizzy bat, we rocked the walking boards and ran like crazy.<br />
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="239" id="il_fi" src="http://www.stjude.org/Images/great-urban-race.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="367" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><a href="http://muddy-buddy.competitor.com/">Muddy Buddy</a> - This race consists of mountain biking and running with challenges along the way. Not as intense as the military races, but still a challenge! My friend Mary and I packed up our bags and headed to Atlanta to race through the woods, up hills, through creeks and finally ending up in a giant mud puddle to celebrate our finish. This trade off system between biking and running was test of endurance and so much fun! If you are comfortable on a bike and don't mind some (A LOT) of mud, this race is for you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1vmVHYZnxkEXYwqPavdqnBWH2GHKBou52ISwELmLKxt6ddEdWiqpo3i5Rl3kZxFfgspRwatmToD3Uyj24ES8MwzInGdiVw8ZXVF6Q1fllf5wxieOcwJlQWic-Xaj-bYyq1Pbj6VC3GWQ/s1600/muddy+buddy+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1vmVHYZnxkEXYwqPavdqnBWH2GHKBou52ISwELmLKxt6ddEdWiqpo3i5Rl3kZxFfgspRwatmToD3Uyj24ES8MwzInGdiVw8ZXVF6Q1fllf5wxieOcwJlQWic-Xaj-bYyq1Pbj6VC3GWQ/s320/muddy+buddy+bike.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpEQiNBrdvgVRZnvcHNaDDKZvKsORpu5r5s6BiTZyX43eJuQhiyuojgrLPfBmZEUjrYRBF3u4akMmMUNyPF1NIJEETBl7wOh_2VpAGqBd_QR9no9yqAuMZM7G9ylE7snYsb9ecB72d2b5/s1600/muddy+buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpEQiNBrdvgVRZnvcHNaDDKZvKsORpu5r5s6BiTZyX43eJuQhiyuojgrLPfBmZEUjrYRBF3u4akMmMUNyPF1NIJEETBl7wOh_2VpAGqBd_QR9no9yqAuMZM7G9ylE7snYsb9ecB72d2b5/s320/muddy+buddy.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://usnwc.org/">Whitewater Center</a> - Want to taste the great outdoors in Charlotte? I have always enjoyed whitewater rafting in Maine and I am thrilled they brought the opportunity to Charlotte. The man made style rapids are great to test your skills, nothing compares to the real thing, but this is definitely a good substitute! But the fun doesn't stop there...another favorite activity at the WWC is rock climbing! I started rock climbing as a kid with my brothers and have always jumped at the chance to test my upper body strength. This year I want to get certified! And finally the Subaru Concert series...so the only skill this requires is drinking, tearing off shrimp shells and relaxing! If you need a break from Alive at Five, try the WWC. The music might not be Justin Beiber and top 40, but it is definitely relaxing to kick back and enjoy a beer with live music and the rapids rolling in the background!<br />
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In my opinion, the key to happiness is taking risks and challenging yourself. It doesn't mean you have to race across the country, it can be taking a business risk, starting a family, running a road race...in the end it is about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and realizing how strong your are! So to friends who have big steps in the near future, jump in, embrace the good and bad, and allow your friends to be your biggest fans!<br />
</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-69785188865821181672011-02-21T17:29:00.000-08:002011-02-21T17:33:57.801-08:00Playing by the Rules...With spring in the air, the dog park has become part of our weekend routine! Lexi and I love our walks but this condo living dog needs some time leash free, to run, to frolic, to chase, to roll, to enjoy being a dog. We do play by our own rules, these are by no means official, merely lessons learned through our dog park days.<br />
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1 - Wardrobe - Anything that looks better dirty than clean! I am VERY lucky to be happily married and don't need to use the dog park as a singles hang out and bring out my BEST "old clothes" outfit that is really much nicer than dog park standards...in the end it will be covered in the delightful slobber and dirt mixer. RULE: Wear old clothes, not "old" clothes<br />
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2 - Schedule for a bath - On the note of dirt Lexi always drops to the ground and rolls back and forth in the best mud puddle she can find! I cringe at the first roll and then just let it go, she is so happy to be covered in the stinky mixer...many owners, run and flail to avoid the dog's dive into the mud pool but I sit back, watch, laugh and listen to the other owner's gasps at Lexi's mud puddle tricks. RULE: Let dogs be dogs, even if that includes some mud<br />
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</div>3 - Avoid the pack - There have been plenty of horror stories about dogs getting attacked and harmed at the dog park. But it is easy to avoid, if you pay attention. We avoid any packs...Lexi tends to think she is "tougher" than she is so we always avoid the team huddle. That doesn't mean she doesn't play with others, but we try to minimize the number of tails involved at one time. RULE: Dogs need space too<br />
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4 - Not just for dogs - Every dog owner has their own routine once in the fenced space, some use this opportunity to chat with friends, perch on the bench at the picnic table, but others, including myself, prefer to play. The goal is for Lexi to frolic with her friends and exert a level of energy I could never manage on my own...but I still run around with her, play fetch (which include me throwing a stick, Lexi races after it, plops down and begin to gnaw on the stick)...we enjoy the day, the outdoors, the time together. RULE: You can get a workout too<br />
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5 - Take your time - Some days we enjoy the park to it fullest and other days the minutes seem to drag...bringing a friend helps pass the time...but no matter what we always stay for at least 60 minutes.This allows Lexi to truly enjoy her time outside in the sun. RULE: Hour minimum<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coming up next....from DRAB TO FAB! Ok, so I don't typically use the word fab, but I felt the need to make an exception since it is the best way to describe my morning with <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/">Lindsey Regan Thorne Be Pretty</a> and her extremely talented eye for fashion. More to come...</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-58768338217236120152011-02-16T19:13:00.000-08:002011-02-16T19:13:36.549-08:00Just to see you smile...Tonight I just needed a good laugh and what better way than to get lost in pictures of some favorite moments that make me SMILE!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1659/73/38/5250752/n5250752_48528025_5196.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dave and I loved San Francisco and Amish kept us laughing the entire trip!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v331/245/19/29705787/n29705787_35130670_1285.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lexi and her former roommate Penny, who doesn't love a puppy pic!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/11868_536963189654_35301728_32128661_8024622_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sue's wedding with the Chandler Chicks! The college years were full of laughter with these girls!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37558_547328003484_35301455_32539704_2582328_n.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">GREEN MONSTER seats with great friends!! Any Sox fan would understand :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/59375_1544734051117_1017986419_1577651_319713_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing like pitching cake to Dave! Mmmm...cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/61954_10100155094715878_13755224_55879421_1056942_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So this was definitely a favorite moment on the dance floor during our reception...it started off with our friends and family forming a circle around us and as the song continued they would get closer and closer....it helps that all of this went down towards the end of the night and people enjoyed a few (or more...or much more than a few) drinks...I will never forget this moment and the love and joy all around us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/64626_478044146017_556326017_6729412_7683426_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ITALY!!! Amazing house wine...new friends...the perfect recipe for laughter!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/36180_1645166893938_1379868514_31710970_7292175_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Marianne and Julia kept me laughing all weekend long during a trip to Chicago. And this is normal behavior for us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v173/118/113/35301455/n35301455_30928637_116.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The faces tell it all!! We have no clue who the guy is in the green shirt...hi stranger you made my blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v173/118/113/35301455/n35301455_30928612_6097.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vacation on my mind! Headed to Jamaica in July with great friends and this is my inspiration to run a few extra miles to get ready for a week of fun in the sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="270" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v173/118/113/35301455/n35301455_30928639_478.jpg" width="360" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My 25th birthday...Mary Ann and I still laugh about this night! The crew is Steph, Mary Ann, Me, Lauren, Savannah, Angela :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/167498_10150129962486609_621941608_8050788_1327510_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year! This was an incredible new years bash full of laughter and hosted by the beauty Tiffany...the blonde...to my left...a night of getting pretty thanks to Kymm...and a party trooper husband who joined me on this night out right after he had surgery...so he deserves a big THANK YOU!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v250/118/113/35301455/n35301455_31161649_7263.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Softball in the rain with my old work crew...many would not want to have anything to do with this but it was an absolute blast!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="266" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v284/118/113/35301455/n35301455_31264786_7129.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once upon a time this was a day at work! This trip was full of great memories and I feel lucky to have been able to work on this program.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v276/118/113/35301455/n35301455_31265618_9677.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sealed with a kiss....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That was just what I needed...hope you enjoyed the picture show...what makes you smile?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-68959606970399484772011-02-13T20:23:00.000-08:002011-02-14T09:53:16.684-08:00Just let me explain...I know, I abandoned my journal already! Bad blogger, bad! But I promise there was a reason for my lack of entries and I want to take this opportunity to explain. It has been a very busy week (well starting last Saturday) and a recap should provide insight regarding my neglected blog space.<br />
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<strong>So lets begin last Saturday</strong>...yes I know that is over a week ago...but it was such a fantastic girls day that I couldn't let it pass by without mentioning. The day started out with a beautiful, strawberry infused, bridal shower for Kristin. What better place than <a href="http://www.cravedessertbar.com/#aboutus">Crave Dessert Bar</a> to kick off a day of girls madness, all ladies love sweet treats (especially me)! Then it was off to Lindsey's home, where the rollers started to fly, eyelashes were doubling by the second, make up was being layered and accessories adorning necks, wrists and even hair! We were officially Fashion Show ready, but was the NC Dance Theater presentation ready for us?! See Kristen, <a href="http://hunterandkristenlunsford.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekend-recap.html">The Wanna-be Southern Belle</a>, for the details and pictures of everything pre Fashion Show. After the Fashion Show it was a true Girls Night Out at Mez. Drinks.Dancing.Laughter...and finishing the night off with a stop at Five Guys, from fine desserts to greasy burgers, heaven. Check out <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/2011/02/recap-girls-night-runway-for-the-ballet/">Lindsey Regan Thorne Be Pretty</a> to see all the details and pictures! I do have to give a special thank you to Kristen for letting me borrow her dress, Lindsey for letting me borrow her necklace, shoes and making my hair pretty! <br />
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<strong>Sunday</strong>...Super Bowl Sunday...One of the things I love about Charlotte is the burst of golden sun, even during the winter months...it was a beautiful Sunday and we were all eager to take full advantage before an afternoon of watching football. So Dave, Lexi and I pulled ourselves together and took a nice stroll through our crazy little neighborhood. We don't take enough walks as a family, but I want to change that! We have some of our best conversations and Lexi provides plenty of entertainment during our walks. Then it was off to a friend's house for a super bowl party where the girls hung out upstairs and the boys downstairs in the man cave. I didn't know anyone really well, so it was a great chance to meet some new people.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0crX6f5dhTIc_Sn-V3Lm4G56HHO6m3PIeyhX8JeMcevQTe4uposDhkSmbKY1NuHdZxLeeYlWPJhn-akVjomQHr0acqEo5_x5EmA0xXKBuSCuGs8EMuPFiVy-PXf6M6XVen3ZRgfWMOfyj/s1600/021_nicola_dave_ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0crX6f5dhTIc_Sn-V3Lm4G56HHO6m3PIeyhX8JeMcevQTe4uposDhkSmbKY1NuHdZxLeeYlWPJhn-akVjomQHr0acqEo5_x5EmA0xXKBuSCuGs8EMuPFiVy-PXf6M6XVen3ZRgfWMOfyj/s400/021_nicola_dave_ls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you <a href="http://www.whiteboxblog.com/">Whitebox</a> for this great picture!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="298" id="il_fi" src="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/aaron-rodgers-2_6_11.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="372" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the Super Bowl I cheered for the Packers because Dave's QB was Rodger's and I am fan too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture found <a href="http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/green-bay-packers-are-2011-super-bowl-champions/">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Monday</strong>...One of the big things I look forward to during the week is running with Lindsey and John (and Carmen and Tiffany). This is when we vent about the day, plan trips, talk future homes, and I talk and talk and talk. Yes, I am a talker when I run, I am sure it drives them crazy but they happily listen and play along to keep the convo going. I always feel completely refreshed when we are done and I am ready for the next day! This Monday John ran away with the show and Lindsey's summary on <a href="http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/2011/02/my-gay-best-friend/">Be Pretty</a> is hilarious and well worth a read! After our run it was off to the grocery store to pick up the goods to make enchiladas for the hubby!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180507_10100686065336381_2038034_75947788_6496223_n.jpg" width="239" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Linds and John - the South End Night Runners</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture of Chicken Enchiladas Recipe" height="239" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2003/10/16/tm1b73_chicken_enchiladas2_lg.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My enchilladas looked pretty much like Rachel's...<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/chicken-enchiladas-recipe/index.html">here</a> is the SUPER easy recipe!</div><br />
<strong>Tuesday</strong>...BOOK CLUB! So this one I can summarize easily...8 girls...plenty of wine...yummy snacks...chatter over chatter...sounds about right. It was great to meet new girls and "talk" about our first read. The book was a "quick" read (and if I am saying that it is true, I tend to "take my time" when it comes to reading) BUT a very tough topic. Next up Hunger Games, which I am told once you start you can't stop reading...let's see if I agree.<br />
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<strong>Wednesday</strong>...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN!!!! First a ladies night run with Linds and Tiff, best of times as always! Then DUKE v. UNC at Whiskey Warehouse. Dave attended Duke for his MBA (as we say in Maine, he is WICKED SMART!) and as long as Duke isn't playing FSU he is cheering on the Blue Devils. As a good wife and supporter I sported my Duke t-shirt and attended the dedicated viewing session with Dave, Derrick (a current grad school student and Dave's best bud) and Derrick's classmate. We were 4, of maybe, 10 Duke fans in attendance. All that matters is the W and we all know how this story ends! Sorry Tar Heels. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT6ZI43PBure0YNlzquhAUDs5hxx1d6ryNjzUzZ9zg4D1rCsNRFyxQqyZZtBo_PtL05Y5EJFu6vLl4giqi6EtnSrNR3xCerFwc5yfG5qkFFAturbQUeE1f2UhU8L5oBqd7OhvjDrlmrd1/s1600/205_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT6ZI43PBure0YNlzquhAUDs5hxx1d6ryNjzUzZ9zg4D1rCsNRFyxQqyZZtBo_PtL05Y5EJFu6vLl4giqi6EtnSrNR3xCerFwc5yfG5qkFFAturbQUeE1f2UhU8L5oBqd7OhvjDrlmrd1/s320/205_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4XsUleE5nSdB7zDM0df7cW-5mOFlwCTG7u2IfcpXfDMKY1hwhmqsIGv74DrKGuotwHeSzmk1PTnSh7A6j7qxtaqVC76cOZRG_A54jhwDYVfHWe9meROyV2d1VWTGkTk2aWuD4T1NYQZc/s1600/773_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4XsUleE5nSdB7zDM0df7cW-5mOFlwCTG7u2IfcpXfDMKY1hwhmqsIGv74DrKGuotwHeSzmk1PTnSh7A6j7qxtaqVC76cOZRG_A54jhwDYVfHWe9meROyV2d1VWTGkTk2aWuD4T1NYQZc/s320/773_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whiteboxblog.com/">Whitebox</a> took these great pictures of Benjamin, the BIRTHDAY BOY!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbbTAolbJwJYuNNQ8AN9KEP85JiW0SC6fEsYIX5SzYIY3ErfFIitMKWuAXdcf5fTlsIQWUQV5c3prWDhHm0vKJrwEfW6iaadpknFdGxz_q5DIvPhp1KzCw27tFw5uI1OezQUR_jh0OnuO/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbbTAolbJwJYuNNQ8AN9KEP85JiW0SC6fEsYIX5SzYIY3ErfFIitMKWuAXdcf5fTlsIQWUQV5c3prWDhHm0vKJrwEfW6iaadpknFdGxz_q5DIvPhp1KzCw27tFw5uI1OezQUR_jh0OnuO/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers to a good win Duke!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Thursday</strong>...Late night at the office...everyone has those days, when you just can't break away from your work laptop and call it a night. That was my Thursday. Poor Lexi had all four paws crossed and doing her dance when I got home (such a good girl for waiting!). After Lexi and I spent time outside I managed to stir up motivation to make dinner, pork tenderloin and red potatoes...then called it a night...I NEED my beauty rest!<br />
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<strong>Friday</strong>...Couples Date Night...there is no better way to end a long week than with great company and delicious food! To close out the week Dave and I met up with our friends Megan and Nate at <a href="http://www.thecowfish.com/">Cowfish</a> (if you EVER need a restaurant recommendation Megan is your source, her picks never disappoint!). After yummy sushi we headed over to Dean and Deluca to finish the night with dessert and coffee. It was the perfect Friday night!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-i9BgGLoRSsT4S-ELkDlquQt1PE9jUmE-W9GGchkHnAyY3PU192bpRetYHZxCvzCDcTSvobwWSrd0Sg0nPozM-LepntSF5oEC4Ysh2iEcT5YaXNUJAGeicAyVT-2Xqb7Ip7SSGGALP97/s1600/707_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-i9BgGLoRSsT4S-ELkDlquQt1PE9jUmE-W9GGchkHnAyY3PU192bpRetYHZxCvzCDcTSvobwWSrd0Sg0nPozM-LepntSF5oEC4Ysh2iEcT5YaXNUJAGeicAyVT-2Xqb7Ip7SSGGALP97/s320/707_nicola_dave_wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Megan and Nate at our wedding...<a href="http://www.whiteboxblog.com/">Whitebox</a></div><br />
<strong>Saturday</strong>...House Hunting...It was a Mitchell family adventure up north. Dave, Lexi and I packed into the car with our homes for sale listings and started the very, very early stages of house hunting. Not sure what we want or if we are even ready to buy...but we thought it would be best to see what was out there and available. We found some great homes (funny enough near golf courses) and areas...lots of possibilities! After our morning hunt we met up with Mary Ann and Jason for lunch at <a href="http://prosciuttos.com/">Prosciuttos</a>. They are much further along with the process and provided a wealth of information and some new subdivisions being built...my dream would to be able to coordinate all NC friends to live in the same subdivision!! If only that were possible! Saturday night included turkey chilli and a cozy night in!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v310/118/113/35301455/n35301455_31274557_518.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An older pic, but still a good one...Mary Ann, Jason, Dave and Me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Sunday</strong>...Beautiful days are meant to be spent outside...Dave hit the links with his buddies and Mary, Lexi and I put on our hiking shoes for a fun filled day at <a href="http://www.crowdersmountain.com/v1/default.asp">Crowder Mountain</a>. I love Crowder, there is nothing better than hiking, fresh air, excercise and chatting the day away under the awning of trees...reaching the peak and taking a deep breath, stepping away from your worries and stress. After coming home re-energized the baker in me was ready to get to work in the kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies, check! Some house work and left over chilli for dinner. <br />
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<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp3nLj3-hKEV9wYt0mfuQvJ0DPqbiGc8TDePJSmGls-Az3Kwv9E_86zHeyxw4YmF0CjiQfP4Hhdyk0whtMInp5RDYheTdEojvAxlNkOs2fIM1HnEajsviz1U6uKc6tIlmkwceF8Duuvm3/s1600/lexi+crowder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp3nLj3-hKEV9wYt0mfuQvJ0DPqbiGc8TDePJSmGls-Az3Kwv9E_86zHeyxw4YmF0CjiQfP4Hhdyk0whtMInp5RDYheTdEojvAxlNkOs2fIM1HnEajsviz1U6uKc6tIlmkwceF8Duuvm3/s320/lexi+crowder.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div align="center">Lexi and me at the top!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4JW4Tnjs1Rjjy5lsYvapifPUU8W2KRzgM3WQ8Jqj_b6udZSZHi2hvVgmxoM2LYfhJzsTVUlSt-TUNcBt29TAbms5Xln_IyzyhDPOC56D8B8dqwIJQMVuSuQC8pzs1lmz7BthA-PN6DKg/s1600/mary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4JW4Tnjs1Rjjy5lsYvapifPUU8W2KRzgM3WQ8Jqj_b6udZSZHi2hvVgmxoM2LYfhJzsTVUlSt-TUNcBt29TAbms5Xln_IyzyhDPOC56D8B8dqwIJQMVuSuQC8pzs1lmz7BthA-PN6DKg/s320/mary.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary at the top!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdH4SonUnvAopOjH53IYhnVKuVEeUGIDN2-jmfDDP8_uq2pEc6Craxg_YiBMtCUjG-9JAopa251PrpAigrzHqQa2DtuWqkbnHhYePYeZp2k9HcW8dvXmRl5AF3su6UYDLzfBTNU8aVU-p/s1600/lexi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdH4SonUnvAopOjH53IYhnVKuVEeUGIDN2-jmfDDP8_uq2pEc6Craxg_YiBMtCUjG-9JAopa251PrpAigrzHqQa2DtuWqkbnHhYePYeZp2k9HcW8dvXmRl5AF3su6UYDLzfBTNU8aVU-p/s320/lexi.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lexi leading the way down</div><br />
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It was a BUSY week and I wouldn't have it any other way!!nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-54295392762273805052011-02-04T17:45:00.000-08:002011-02-04T17:45:38.550-08:00A Winter WonderlandWhen this picture appeared in my inbox today from Katie I instantly fell in LOVE with it! Those smiling faces are my brother Edward and nephew Jaxen. Now this is what winter is all about, so everyone receiving a winter blast get out your sleds and enjoy every moment. Unfortunately it is cold and rainy here so all we have is snuggling up with a blanket, good book and cup of hot chocolate (yes, extra marshmallows!). <br />
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Happy snow day!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT45FW3lfInY_QEXhyphenhypheng5CgBHvzkwbcsUp5Cx8X0nGh-BHRXM13MorUxA8g3s8yagfyDJccx7FeQbLm8j04nKH4ZD_FaI1YRbTci7yQw5qgd_6bocDHDTFZ2ozBw_lSLOZlSL2OeSzLn247/s1600/sled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT45FW3lfInY_QEXhyphenhypheng5CgBHvzkwbcsUp5Cx8X0nGh-BHRXM13MorUxA8g3s8yagfyDJccx7FeQbLm8j04nKH4ZD_FaI1YRbTci7yQw5qgd_6bocDHDTFZ2ozBw_lSLOZlSL2OeSzLn247/s640/sled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8166761570963980808.post-59568648158711325072011-02-03T20:58:00.000-08:002011-02-03T20:58:13.432-08:00The Sweeter Side of LoveI have a deep love for the sweet side of life...I am talking pure sugar...or better known as CANDY! I am fully aware of the health concerns around these sweet delights but they are well worth every bite...lick...chew...taste...however I am working on my portion control! <br />
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Today I joined my friend for a run to one of my candy lifelines, CandyCandy (yes, the name tells it all)...her pick a small bag of gummy worms (great choice)...my pick, a HUGE mix of chocolate, sour, hot, and peanut butter pieces...I did share, but I can't deny that I consumed more than half...does it count that I ran that night?? Not that anything would have stopped me....mmmmm so yummy, thank you Willy Wonka!!! <br />
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Take a peak at some of my favorite highlights, images and pure delicious vision below with notes on how they have touched my life. I am being dramatic, but I am ok with it!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBGrdCMEwscJYt68BNKUvQzlKd_1SGCT47EBdBbJMLcdFxbQ2WMly1hhwHh3TWVQV4hnYK-3Q5Ti7uwb4BscvY3D-VCm4_oYb87866Vm-zbSI93-3SpAkuz0hlMacLlbeTJtBwA9b6eM3/s400/candy+copy.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
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1 - The important part of this picture is in the bottom right hand corner. Those adorable blond locks belong to my fellow candy lover, nephew Jaxen! He worked the wedding crowd by convincing guests (while parents were out of sight) that he received approval to dive into the candy jars. We have so much in common!!<br />
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2 - A delicious display pulled together by the oh so talented <a href="http://www.threelittlebirdsinc.com/about_us.htm">Three Little Birds</a>! ATTENTION: A new service party planners, brides and candy lovers...let Three Little Birds bring the sweet to you with an amazing candy bar. If the candy during the day wasn't enough, I couldn't leave with out tasting a few treats while stopping by the shop...again after my run, so totally acceptable! <br />
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3 - Sour patch kids - all time favorite! My mom and I can not go to the mall, movies, convenience store, you follow me, without picking up a bag of sour patch kids. It doesn't take long for the mouth watering patch crew to disappear.<br />
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4 - The candy bar at our wedding - this is easy, it was mandatory, top priority and required much discussion to make sure the selection was symbolic. Crazy, of course, but here is a taste of our rationale for some choices. Nerd rope - Dave and I have yet another thing in common, this was both our favorite candy growing up, Strawberry gummies - Dave and I got engaged in a strawberry patch (super romantic!), yup the sour patch kids made it and some other family favorites! <br />
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5 - Kristen's amazing candy bar at her wedding! The pink theme carried throughout the delicate, rustic and romantic decor. It was the perfect addition and of course I walked out with a large (too large!), beautifully initialed, bag of yummy sweets...I am not sure they survived the car ride home. Experience the rest of her wedding through <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/06/14/the-point-lake-golf-club-from-kristin-vining/">Style Me Pretty's blog post</a>. Picture by <a href="http://www.kristinviningphotoblog.com/">Kristin Vining</a>. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6 - And lastly, my 24 hour fix! Who doesn't love a freshly made French pastry...what about the most incredible chocolate mousse, in a dark chocolate cup and chocolate dipped strawberry...have I sold you yet?...but can't make the trip now that it is midnight, surely the holder of this treat must be closed, oh no! my favorite French bakery, <a href="http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com/">Amelie's</a> is open 24 hours!! The atmosphere is eclectic, unique, inspiring and the food is the best dessert bar EVER (at least in my mind). Too close to be dangerous, too good to resist! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>Now what are you craving?</strong></em></div>nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01646094350117272879noreply@blogger.com2