tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12557584800365431912024-02-21T12:24:47.971-06:00everyday elise"You must live life in such a spirit that you make in every moment the best of possibilities." - Carl JungElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-75703781267150127392014-07-20T12:33:00.000-05:002014-07-20T16:48:28.136-05:00Product Review: Murad Clarifying Cleanser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm constantly on the look-out for amazing beauty products. Whenever I have a few extra minutes, I'm scouring Pinterest or beauty blogs to see what people are using and talking about. Recently, a blogger who I read constantly posted about her positive experiences with Murad Skincare. She, too, has acne prone skin that variates between oily and dry. When she started using Murad, after 2 weeks, her skin improved enough to where she was able to go without foundation in her everyday beauty routine. Seeing as I would love to not have to wear foundation each day, I decided to fork over the $30 (not including shipping...) for this cleanser. </div>
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<b>My Skin "History"</b>:</div>
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Before I jump into the meat of the review, I'll give you some context about my skin. I began to struggle with acne at the age of 12. Throughout middle school and high school, caring for my skin was a guessing game. <i>Which cleanser will work wonders? Does chocolate make me break out? Maybe if I put toothpaste on it, it will go away! </i>You get the idea... </div>
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So, I started keeping a food journal to track which foods seemed to make my skin worse. I soon learned what to avoid and how to care for my skin externally. When I reached my senior year, my skin problems started to improve. Now, I go through bouts of bad skin. I will have perfectly clear skin for several months, and then suddenly I will have a few weeks of bad skin. Additionally, I've noticed that when my skin is exceedingly dry for an extended period of time, I always break out. Based on my personal research, dry skin causes your body to over-produce oil to compensate. This, naturally, causes breakouts, and I have found this to be true for me. </div>
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While I believe that all skin issues begin internally (stress, poor diet, etc), I also believe that skincare products can help alleviate acne, dryness/oil, and many other issues. This is what I expected Murad's Clarifying Cleanser would do for me. </div>
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<b>Review</b>:</div>
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I gave <a href="http://www.murad.com/face-cleanser" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Murad's Clarifying Cleanser</span></a> two weeks before I judged the effects of the product on my skin. Typically, it is believed that if something isn't working for you after that amount of time, it's not going to change. I didn't use any skincare product that was not by Murad, so I wasn't mixing skincare lines or chemicals. </div>
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During use, the cleanser gives off a cooling sensation and does not rinse off easily. I had to keep rinsing to make sure that I was getting the "soap" off of my skin. </div>
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After the two weeks, my breakouts had actually increased. The cleanser is so chemical intense that it started to burn sensitive areas of my skin, leaving dark pigmentation around my chin. The area that I struggle most with- my T zone- became red and flaky from dryness. </div>
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I decided to stop using the cleanser because it was clearly doing nothing positive for my skin. I was very disappointed because a) the product cost more than I'd like to pay for a facial cleanser and b) the product actually has decent reviews so I had high expectations. </div>
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All in all, I would probably not recommend this product to anyone. It's certainly not worth the money, and it had negative effects on my skin. However, feel free to read the reviews on their <a href="http://www.murad.com/face-cleanser" style="color: #e06666;" target="_blank">product's page</a>. </div>
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<b>My Current Skincare Routine</b>:</div>
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After my frustration with Murad, I went back to my tried-and-true routine. It consists of <a href="https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/BARSOAP/OBLA05.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in Lavender</span></a> (packaging is removed in photo below), <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Garden-Tomato-Toner/01599-00,default,pd.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.marykay.com/en-US/Skin-Care/Mary-Kay-Acne-Treatment-Gel/100401.partId" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mary Kay's Acne Treatment Gel</span></a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_bySDDPAQkJN6XGGhlfqDW6pOY1sjtX56tlOKBX3iR1zD3qanQWg_c4qnQbBB8diYSA-t0j9n9GF9zYT4RaDSpqSN_9y7p_-AWHtYsA_kFQcF3E22VypNRzmjT9KSOxOeeTwjCbVIMc/s1600/marykaycloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_bySDDPAQkJN6XGGhlfqDW6pOY1sjtX56tlOKBX3iR1zD3qanQWg_c4qnQbBB8diYSA-t0j9n9GF9zYT4RaDSpqSN_9y7p_-AWHtYsA_kFQcF3E22VypNRzmjT9KSOxOeeTwjCbVIMc/s1600/marykaycloseup.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dr. Bronner's soaps cost under $5 and have minimal ingredients, most of which are essential oils and natural extracts. I like that it allows my skin to act as it naturally would. Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner has to be my favorite skincare product <i>ever</i>. Not only does it smell like a fresh salad, but it works so well on my skin. It also fades acne scars! Finally, Mary Kay's Acne Treatment Gel works wonders with spot treatment. It doesn't dry out my skin and works to keep new pimples away. </div>
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So, what are some of your favorite products? I'd love recommendations! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This is not a sponsored post. I received no compensation from any of the companies mentioned above. All opinions and views herein are my own.</span></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-37335970381482419702014-07-09T22:09:00.003-05:002014-07-09T22:09:49.336-05:00Our Fourth of July Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend, Luis and I took some time off and headed up north to one of our favorite vacation spots, <a href="http://doorcounty.com/" style="color: #e06666;" target="_blank"><u>Door County, Wisconsin</u></a>. Neither of us could have expected the weather to be as perfect as it was! <br />
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We kicked things off with a 4 hour boat ride (what's better than sitting on the water!?). We met my parents in Door County and went out with them on their boat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQoB-OOEXFurzaANGX7QgpQEPfA3w4_Thia6Mop-iIkjUPZMKR0qYJ37GEwhSVBQbzSbuiAAQQnEkOGIGojpaZ0ZuWmsvdEHSCsJ7sDr1f7hoRd3Nv8pfyf5Sz4Wp1aSTFcaackeN_vY/s1600/DCselfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQoB-OOEXFurzaANGX7QgpQEPfA3w4_Thia6Mop-iIkjUPZMKR0qYJ37GEwhSVBQbzSbuiAAQQnEkOGIGojpaZ0ZuWmsvdEHSCsJ7sDr1f7hoRd3Nv8pfyf5Sz4Wp1aSTFcaackeN_vY/s1600/DCselfie.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We spent most of our time visiting our favorite shops and sights. Also, I discovered Italian sodas... how have I never had one of these before? I immediately went out and bought some club soda and syrup when we returned home; they're the perfect summer beverage. <br />
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Friday night, we saw the fireworks together in Gills Rock (aka the best fireworks location in the world). Everyone gathers on the hill that leads down to the bay. A barge is used to shoot off the fireworks once it gets dark, and a band is usually there to play music while you wait for the sun to set. The fireworks were amazing this year! </div>
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<a href="http://doorcounty.com/" target="_blank"><u style="color: #e06666;">Door County, Wisconsin</u></a>, is truly one of the most beautiful spots to vacation. If you live in the UP or in Wisconsin or Illinois, try to get up there! It's worth it. </div>
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All in all, it was the perfect reset button. How was your 4th of July? Have a beautiful week! </div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-1575469112831676412014-06-01T18:34:00.000-05:002014-06-01T18:34:04.674-05:00Life Lately...I had the whole week off last week, and it was wonderful. Working 2 jobs kicks my butt... Here's a peek into my life lately:<br />
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Luis and I live within walking distance from our city's museum. They had a beautiful watercolor gallery on display this past week. Additionally, the mammoth they have on display is the largest and most complete mammoth excavated in North America (according to the <a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-museum/exhibits-2/mammoths-kenosha-public-museum/" target="_blank"><u>museum's website</u></a>). <br />
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I'm a serious amateur "gardener," so I opted for container gardening this year. These are my tomatoes. Does anyone have an tips on growing Roma and Red Cherry tomatoes??<br />
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We played a heated game of Apples to Apples.<br />
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We headed to Devil's Lake State Park to enjoy the sun and the water. We rented a row boat and then went back for a canoe. Can you tell we love boating??<br />
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The Park is seriously gorgeous. The hiking paths are rigorous and beautiful. The rock formations along the bluffs are stunning. You can easily spend all day here, which is what we did!<br />
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Raindrops on the patio table. </div>
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I found this little guy hanging out in a log. It freaked me out until I realized it was just a toad (I'm terrified of snakes...I thought that's what it might be). Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-21255587593708804502014-05-25T17:57:00.002-05:002014-05-25T17:57:47.036-05:00My Weekend in SnapshotsHappy (early) Memorial Day! How are you spending the holiday? I was able to take some time off from work this upcoming week, so I'm looking forward to finally having some time to myself! (I'm an obvious introvert...). Here is my weekend in snapshots:<br />
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Luis and I hit up one of our favorite garden shops this week. I got two tomato plants (Roma and Cherry), a sizable rosemary bush, three Marigolds, and a basil plant.<br />
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Luis and I moved about a month and a half ago but I still have piles of stuff around (mostly books). This is only a fraction of the total amount of books I own. I'm a book hoarder...<br />
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My cats love looking out our windows. I love their silhouettes in the setting sun.<br />
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I love that my husband reads. </div>
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This is random but I learned how to froth milk to add to tea/coffee without a frother. I'm now obsessed with adding it to my tea. I'm probably do a mini-post on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CC07Qic1Udpk8vK_q6QK2xJlw2lx8SeJmlBiYgpwM0QdouLmemLdZZgY3lu-HdOSPa8I1B3CfsIXxFpjpbNGt8CH-NHY7vCqkY_lHFbTRd87hZwyKatOgKhM3nd-I7ryjmYrAyULt-U/s1600/poblanopepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CC07Qic1Udpk8vK_q6QK2xJlw2lx8SeJmlBiYgpwM0QdouLmemLdZZgY3lu-HdOSPa8I1B3CfsIXxFpjpbNGt8CH-NHY7vCqkY_lHFbTRd87hZwyKatOgKhM3nd-I7ryjmYrAyULt-U/s1600/poblanopepper.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a>I made this <a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2012/05/04/vegan-enchiladas-cashew-poblano-crema/" target="_blank"><u>poblano crema enchilada</u></a> dish this week. Delicious! Although, I didn't make mine vegan. I used dairy crema.<br />
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Rosemary is one of the best scents in the world. </div>
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I walked into the kitchen and saw this.... I laughed harder than I probably should have!</div>
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By the way, I revived my book review blog, <a href="http://readingsrequired.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Required Reading</u></a>, this week! If you want to read my reviews and blogging on all things library related, literacy, and YA lit, feel free to follow along!</div>
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Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend! </div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-69419607924377838202014-05-04T17:02:00.000-05:002014-05-04T17:04:08.206-05:00A Week in My LifeI hope that your Spring has actually been..well, springlike, because it hasn't really been that way around my neck of the woods. Today is one of the first days where we've had consistent sun! Now, I'm just waiting for the weather to heat up!<br />
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We moved out of our apartment earlier in April. I became aware of how insane cats get around boxes. They. must. jump. in. all. of. them.<br />
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Enjoying the rare sunshine. April and early May are very rainy around here. </div>
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This, my dear friends, is comfort food at its finest. Ok maybe not, but it's pretty darn close. Behold, the <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2014/04/roasted-broccoli-and-cheddar-baked-potatoes/#more-14283" target="_blank"><u>roasted broccoli and cheddar baked potato</u></a> (the potato skin has been rolled in salt before baking, which makes the skin nice and tasty). <br />
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Kitties exploring the back porch. They're also obsessed with the fact that we now have a basement. </div>
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My hubby and I moved into a house in Wisconsin and I love that I see Lake Michigan when I walk to the end of the street we live on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0kdvwvHnESrBcmLC4pWUsS340AGBfnBmzJEAX8FYsDKYyy8hv8K3_A5HKs223y5bvItovDnBioyJbuHn4tsyg6zgEPJ13FK-zuGxhqmjlaqkNIuiSTDtxv-EQHiS-ofvv0ipJAuOED8/s1600/kenoshabeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0kdvwvHnESrBcmLC4pWUsS340AGBfnBmzJEAX8FYsDKYyy8hv8K3_A5HKs223y5bvItovDnBioyJbuHn4tsyg6zgEPJ13FK-zuGxhqmjlaqkNIuiSTDtxv-EQHiS-ofvv0ipJAuOED8/s1600/kenoshabeach.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul9dhNl6HiBIDD36ZkfFh3vWVkEAVxjDu94Eq3E50aZE6JthVY8jZNBl1FSMMybB44AFiDVTc0zV9Or8mcEaQth5S9nkDPh2EYb6AlDVkBikYme9cLN8M_tRc5CMBF4aC81pgAU83knY/s1600/streetshops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul9dhNl6HiBIDD36ZkfFh3vWVkEAVxjDu94Eq3E50aZE6JthVY8jZNBl1FSMMybB44AFiDVTc0zV9Or8mcEaQth5S9nkDPh2EYb6AlDVkBikYme9cLN8M_tRc5CMBF4aC81pgAU83knY/s1600/streetshops.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some more scenes of where we live. Life is beautiful! Now all we need is a boat... Just kidding! </div>
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Have a beautiful week!</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-60852098342986698972014-04-06T17:40:00.002-05:002014-04-06T18:00:18.420-05:00Spicy Garlic Chickpea Salad with Lemony Vinaigrette <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLLNHbYmZ8KC1BCNrQBmZSZqX-2k5wZqF_7xCKP93-isEFVGHSL6j01AmMOi75JUsAaWmTuy3Qf5LDkM0qFoWtWdBPQAMBmshmuFR1BuOJ3M374bqy4iqI7hTND8wtkP2U65sfgkBznc/s1600/bowl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLLNHbYmZ8KC1BCNrQBmZSZqX-2k5wZqF_7xCKP93-isEFVGHSL6j01AmMOi75JUsAaWmTuy3Qf5LDkM0qFoWtWdBPQAMBmshmuFR1BuOJ3M374bqy4iqI7hTND8wtkP2U65sfgkBznc/s1600/bowl2.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
My work week is always jam packed; I work long days and when I'm at work, I'm lucky if I can take my breaks (and people think librarians only read books...). The food I take to work needs to be quick to make, easy to eat, and delicious, which is not always easy to do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LZg9DWATe0o0ZkauKYefrebUAwyO0aQZ9yJS76BGb7uDm5zMrxZWmLq5MEtsU3liGg0hnn2xNWd1LVf5WxUJKV3KOQC_heDKabvhr6ER3RdEnEj6hMGs-lK3Hgiv8S2UmhMAfIWuFcs/s1600/chickpeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LZg9DWATe0o0ZkauKYefrebUAwyO0aQZ9yJS76BGb7uDm5zMrxZWmLq5MEtsU3liGg0hnn2xNWd1LVf5WxUJKV3KOQC_heDKabvhr6ER3RdEnEj6hMGs-lK3Hgiv8S2UmhMAfIWuFcs/s1600/chickpeas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a>This chickpea "salad" is perfect and meets all of the above
requirements! It also makes perfect leftovers as the flavors meld
together and get better over time.<br />
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I love that you just throw everything into the bowl and dive in. That's my kind of eating!<br />
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Spicy Garlic Chickpea Salad with Fennel and Roasted Tomatoes<br />
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Extra-virgin olive oil<br />
Two 15 oz. can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)<br />
4 crushed garlic cloves<br />
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />
2 pints cherry tomatoes<br />
Rosemary and thyme to taste<br />
1 cup brown rice<br />
Jarred pepperoncini <br />
Small bulb of fennel<br />
Shredded Parmesan<br />
Fresh parsley<br />
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Cook 1 cup of rice as directed on package and set aside. In a medium saute pan, add chickpeas, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 6-8 minutes or until chickpeas start to blister. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.<br />
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Meanwhile, pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Toss cherry tomatoes with dried rosemary and thyme and olive oil. Roast until they're blistered and beginning to burst open; about 20 minutes.<br />
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Put some rice in a bowl and ladle about 1/3 cup of the chickpea mixture into bowl. Add tomatoes and pepperoncini (to taste). Shave about 4-5 pieces of fennel from the bulb (the white part) and add to the bowl. Add Parmesan, parsley, and lemony vinaigrette. Mix to combine and chow down!<br />
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Lemon vinaigrette recipe can be found <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/creamy-lemon-mustard-vinaigrette" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>. <br />
Recipe adapted from bon appetit magazine.<br />
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This recipe is super healthy, gluten-free, and can be made vegan and dairy-free (just omit the Parmesan cheese)!<br />
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<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-50053361641111529092014-04-01T12:52:00.000-05:002014-04-01T12:52:44.410-05:002014 Goals: Update! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm7hYKSQo4of8rjswAS1_dgwUe27pt9LyYwTiaPzDg1mH6WHOZt2_utOZVoPC9Tjy11mi5V69sHFxyA49uuDmH9B6iCOAs6vO40YrA1KJqWIy_dRi4R2YPOhrIBw6LSINqzh6tqXZVbQ/s1600/cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm7hYKSQo4of8rjswAS1_dgwUe27pt9LyYwTiaPzDg1mH6WHOZt2_utOZVoPC9Tjy11mi5V69sHFxyA49uuDmH9B6iCOAs6vO40YrA1KJqWIy_dRi4R2YPOhrIBw6LSINqzh6tqXZVbQ/s1600/cozy.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
I have no idea what happened to me this winter- the weather has completely taken every extra ounce of energy out of me! This past week has been a little warmer, bringing weather that's more expected this time of year. Honestly, I'll take the rain and the cloudy days over another snow storm. It means we're one step closer to sunny skies and days at the beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtpSasvaQooQWnqLXkzzDTdcOKUqIz4ayILa_5OWAomcFjeCTeRJc3RjkDxp9y1JUc7iUuZcag8kcHWaPSspjuovlCPMmkoNyI9pbwVWaP3FrYF70tgimQ83x5Y7L0mZ5SVmFmGg7meI/s1600/rocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtpSasvaQooQWnqLXkzzDTdcOKUqIz4ayILa_5OWAomcFjeCTeRJc3RjkDxp9y1JUc7iUuZcag8kcHWaPSspjuovlCPMmkoNyI9pbwVWaP3FrYF70tgimQ83x5Y7L0mZ5SVmFmGg7meI/s1600/rocks2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the ice gets pushed up against the rocks. </td></tr>
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But enough small talk. At the beginning of the year, I wrote a post that <a href="http://impossiblyelise.blogspot.com/2014/01/direction-2014-goals.html" target="_blank"><u>listed some of the goals</u></a> that I wanted to accomplish by the end of the year. Some of them were goals that I wanted to become habits (like getting used to exercising a certain number of minutes each week), and others were fun things that I want to do in my lifetime. My blog brings a certain level of accountability to my life and I wanted to tap into that today and give an update on how those goals are doing!<br />
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<b>1. </b><b>Get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a week</b>.<br />
I will admit that I let this one go at the beginning of March. I was doing well until a few weeks ago when I got sick and gave up my workout for a few days. I'm telling you, that's all it takes! So, I'm making a point to get back into the swing of things. In fact, after this post is published, I'm going to do some yoga.<br />
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<b>2.</b> <b>Learn a new language</b>.<br />
French is the language I had in mind when I started this round of goal-setting. I have been using an eresource through my local library called Mango Languages that allows you to learn a new language with online courses. These include activities, conversational practice, and cultural insight. It's such fun! My next step is to try and find a "pen pal" who would be willing to email me and help me speak that way. Check with your local library to see if this resource is available to you!<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b>Pay off one of our bigger student loans</b>.<br />
It's still early in the year so this hasn't happened yet. However, as of a few weeks ago, my husband (who is a budget wizard) and I came up with a financial plan for us that would allow us to pay off all of our combined school debt in 3.5 years based on our current income. I cannot tell you how excited I am that this can happen in less than 5 years.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b>Successfully bake a batch of French macarons. </b><br />
Still haven't gotten around to doing this year, but I promise, you'll hear about it when I do!<br />
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<b> 5. </b><b>Get better at not comparing my life to the lives of those around me.</b><br />
This is another one of those goals that I want to become a habit in my life. I've seen some improvement lately and I'm glad about that, but this is something that I will be striving for every single day.<br />
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<b>6. </b><b>Read 100 books.</b><br />
Currently, I've read 34 out of 100 books. According to Goodreads, I'm 10 books ahead of schedule. Hehe.<br />
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<b>7. </b><b>Complete at least 5 things off of my <a href="http://impossiblyelise.blogspot.com/2013/06/25-before-25.html" target="_blank"><u>25 Before 25 list</u></a>. </b><br />
So far, I've completed 3 items off of said list:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nXb40NPfVzRwBHzw0-CcxVOJwLhQQ-2UnFoxaw0W6zrYt4IMnB-stRax7qkJyQ_5t-FcGFrUc4IZyVRwy0liG_d2CF1Uy7PVZGaE_uR5Ogh998Z7NGjQOTtz8hlqjv7fHtT9sNCWGxQ/s1600/thebean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nXb40NPfVzRwBHzw0-CcxVOJwLhQQ-2UnFoxaw0W6zrYt4IMnB-stRax7qkJyQ_5t-FcGFrUc4IZyVRwy0liG_d2CF1Uy7PVZGaE_uR5Ogh998Z7NGjQOTtz8hlqjv7fHtT9sNCWGxQ/s1600/thebean.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><b>Spend the night in Chicago</b>: Luis and I spent the night in Chicago in November and it was such an amazing experience. It felt so good to get away for a few days and see the city just because. It's amazing how refreshing those little experiences can be to your life.<br />
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<b>Go to a concert/play</b>: In late February, we went to go see The Phantom of the Opera in the city with some friends. I have been dreaming of doing this since I first heard the music at age 15!<br />
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<b>Take a class just for fun</b>: Incidentally, my goal of learning a new language fits perfectly with this goal. <br />
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How have your 2014 goals progressed? Have they? Haven't they? I'd love to hear about it! Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-53054187601499674062014-02-22T21:26:00.000-06:002014-02-22T21:26:18.295-06:00A Week in My LifeHappy weekend everyone! This is my first "Week in My Life" post of the year! I've decided not to do one of these a week, but maybe once a month or so. It's been hard to keep up with blogging and posting as regularly as I used to last year. I have different reasons for blogging than I did as well. But enough about that. Let's get crackin'!<br />
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We gave Beeboo a bath recently... she was piiiisssseddd.... But seriously. She smelled.<br />
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Arm candy. <br />
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I'm loving the blue skies. I. need. Spring. now. <br />
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His and hers breakfasts. Bacon and eggs. <br />
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Paws in the sunlight.<br />
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I made the most amazing <a href="http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2014/01/korean-chinese-spicy-veggie-noodle-soup.html#more" target="_blank"><u>spicy Korean-Chinese vegetable noodle soup</u></a> this weekend. Chock full of veggies and the broth was amazing! <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_place" target="_blank"><u><i>Mise en place</i></u></a>... or not so much. I'm a messy cook. <br />
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Have a beautiful weekend! Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-58372168523462721182014-01-28T16:28:00.001-06:002014-01-28T16:28:46.439-06:00Snow Day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's obvious that just about every state in the country is experiencing crazy weather these days. It's been a brutal January, hasn't it? It snowed in some areas of Texas, some Midwest states are experiencing sub-zero weather (like Illinois), and schools in the area are closed today. <br />
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Both my hubby and I are home from work today, so we got to sleep in, we made bonkers awesome chocolate pancakes, and caught up on some work. I mean, what else are you supposed to do on a day like today?<br />
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What are things like where you're at? Stay warm today!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-28447486861353021282014-01-21T14:40:00.000-06:002014-04-01T14:10:38.552-05:0010 Books to Read Before They're 2014 Movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 is going to be a great year for page-to-screen adaptations. I will admit that I get excited when a book I like is going to be turned into a movie. There's something about seeing the characters and plot played out on screen that is very thrilling (provided, of course, that the adaptation is done well...). <br />
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So, here are 10 books that will be made into movies this year. *Drum roll please*<br />
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<b>1. <i>Winter's Tale</i> by Mark Helprin</b><br />
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<b>What it's about:</b> Orphan/mechanic Peter Lake attempts to rob a lavish Manhattan mansion he believes to be empty. Once inside, he encounters Beverly Penn, a young girl who is sick and dying. From that moment on, the love they experience is enough for Peter to stop time and attempt to bring back the dead. <br />
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<b>Release date:</b> February 14, 2014<br />
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<b>Starring</b>: Colin Farrell as Peter Lake and Jessica Brown Findlay (formerly Sybil Crawley on Downton Abbey!) as Beverly Penn.<br />
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I loved Jessica Brown Findlay in Downton Abbey and I'm a fan of Farrell, so I think they'll be able to pull of this fantasy-love tale. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBSj1MKwx6A" target="_blank">trailer</a> looked beautiful, too! <br />
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<b>2. <i>Vampire Academy</i> by Richelle Mead</b><br />
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<b>What it's about</b>: <span id="freeText16429325114360665512">"St. Vladimir’s Academy
isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are
educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect
them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa,
a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re
being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most
in danger..." -Goodreads review</span><br />
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<b>Release Date</b>: Originally scheduled for Valentine's Day as well, but the date has been pushed up to February 7th, 2014. <br />
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<b>Starring</b>: Sarah Hyland (Haley Dunphy on Modern Family), Lucy Fry, Zoey Deutch, and Olga Kurylenko (former Bond girl).<br />
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<b>3. <i>Divergent</i> by Veronica Roth</b><br />
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<b>What it's about:</b> Set in dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions based on personality type (Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, Candor, and Erudite). When Beatrice Pryor takes the required test to determine the faction she should choose, she's labeled as "Divergent," a dangerous label that she must keep a secret. At the Choosing Ceremony, she follows her gut and chooses to join the Dauntless faction. She renames herself Tris and enters the initiation determined to conquer her fears. In doing so, she discovers herself and secrets about her society that change everything she knew to be true. <br />
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<b>Release Date</b>: March 21, 2014<br />
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<b>Starring</b>: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Zoe Kravitz, and Ashley Judd<br />
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<b>4. <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> by John Green</b><br />
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<b>What it's about</b>: Hazel Grace suffers from stage IV lung cancer. Modern medicine has bought her some time, but basically she's a terminally ill time bomb. At the cancer support group her mom makes her attend, she meets Augustus Waters, a guy who pretends to smoke and has a prosthetic leg. The two become friends and through a mutual obsession over a book called <i>An Imperial Affliction</i>, the ill-fated pair soon fall in love. <br />
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<b>Release Date</b>: June 6, 2014<br />
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<b>Starring</b>: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Willem Dafoe, Laura Dern<br />
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Seriously, if you have not read this book, stop what you are doing and go find it now. I haven't read something this stunning in a long time. John Green is a genius and puts forth an honest, yet sarcasm-ridden story about self-discovery, anger, love, and fate.<br />
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<b>5. <i>The Giver</i> by Lois Lowry</b><br />
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<b>What it's about</b>: In Jonas' world, everything is perfect. There are no diseases, no wars brewing, and equality has been achieved. There are no choices- everything from your occupation to your spouse and child have and will be determined for you. When Jonas turns twelve, he's chosen for a special position in the Community that requires training with The Giver. Only one person can be the "receiver of memories" and only that person holds the memory of pain and pleasure in a Community where that is absent. As Jonas receives the truth, there's no turning back. <br />
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<b>Release Date</b>: August 15, 2014<br />
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<b>Starring</b>: Meryl Streep, Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes, Jeff Bridges, and Alexander Skarsgard. <br />
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I have been waiting for this to be made into a movie since I read this in the 5th grade. So excited!!<br />
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<b>6. <i>If I Stay</i> by Gayle Forman</b><br />
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<b>What it's about</b>: Mia's day starts perfectly- a snow day, pancakes are made, and they make plans to visit their grandparents. But in a moment, everything changes. Suddenly, Mia is overlooking a horrible car wreck. She sees her mother and father splayed out on the road, her little brother being removed from the car by paramedics. Then she sees herself being pulled from the wreckage "Am I dead?" she wonders. As soon as she loses everything, she must make a choice: should she stay?<br />
<br />
<b>Release Date</b>: August 22, 2014<br />
<br />
<b>Starring</b>: Chloe Grace Moretz, Mireille Enos<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVdXe5obXubHzxCBiUtTnZU3IBzx0__P4i2Dk9TfTrEqOzsCAkIQZRaDt5ewc3pqixt35VKvsvbKxi3z4gFIrAi0HwTr6ZYwCZJ_eB4edGBiegd_zg3DacLeLUAr8UD0BXAa0d2NhM1k/s1600/The-Maze-Runner-Book-2-e1345822395476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVdXe5obXubHzxCBiUtTnZU3IBzx0__P4i2Dk9TfTrEqOzsCAkIQZRaDt5ewc3pqixt35VKvsvbKxi3z4gFIrAi0HwTr6ZYwCZJ_eB4edGBiegd_zg3DacLeLUAr8UD0BXAa0d2NhM1k/s1600/The-Maze-Runner-Book-2-e1345822395476.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<b>7. <i>The Maze Runner</i> by James Dashner </b><br />
<b>What it's about</b>: "<span id="freeText4832240683704829648">When Thomas wakes up in
the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory
is blank. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds
himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade-a large, open
expanse surrounded by stone walls. The Gladers
don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every
morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened.
And every 30 days a new boy has been
delivered in the lift. The next day, a
girl is sent up-the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more
surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind." - Goodreads review</span><br />
<b>Release Date</b>: September 19, 2014<br />
<b>Starring</b>: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario<br />
<br />
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<b>8. <i>Mockingjay</i> (Part 1) by Suzanne Collins</b><br />
<br />
<b>What it's about</b>: <span id="freeText11032425131488146862">Katniss Everdeen, girl
on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale
has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the
Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new
leaders. A revolution is unfolding. Will Katniss allow herself to become a pawn in the revolution she accidentally started? Without Peeta by her side, she's struggling with feelings of anger and distrust. Have they toppled the Capitol only to walk into the hands of another tyrant? </span><br />
<br />
<b>Release Date</b>: Part 1 will be released November 21, 2014<br />
<br />
<b>Starring</b>: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Dormer, Sam Claflin, Julianne Moore, Phillip Seymour Hoffman<br />
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<b>9. <i>Serena</i> by Ron Rash</b><br />
<br />
<b>What it's about</b>: "<span id="freeText17462318709057321157">In 1929,
newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton travel from Boston to the North
Carolina mountains where they plan to create a timber empire and ruthlessly kill or vanquish
all who fall out of their favor. Yet when Serena learns that she will never
bear a child, she sets out to murder the son George fathered without
her. Mother and child begin a struggle for their lives, and when Serena
suspects George is protecting his illegitimate family, their
intense, passionate marriage starts to unravel as the story moves toward
its shocking reckoning." - Goodreads review</span><br />
<b>Release Date</b>: Sometime 2014<br />
<b>Starring</b>: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper <br />
<br />
If Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence's previous movies together are any indication of their on-screen chemistry, then I cannot wait for this. JLaw is going to kill it! <br />
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<br />
<b>10. <i>Far From the Madding Crowd</i> by Thomas Hardy</b><br />
<br />
<b>What it's about</b>: "<span id="freeText8905842383671436386">Independent and spirited
Bathsheba Everdene has come to Weatherbury to take up her position as a
farmer on the largest estate in the area. Her bold presence draws three
very different suitors: the gentleman-farmer Boldwood, soldier-seducer
Sergeant Troy and the devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak. Each, in contrasting
ways, unsettles her decisions and complicates her life, and tragedy
ensues, threatening the stability of the whole community." - Goodreads review</span><br />
<br />
<b>Release Date</b>: Sometime in 2014<br />
<br />
<b>Starring</b>: Carrey Mulligan, Tom Sturridge, Michael Sheen<br />
<br />
This list wouldn't be complete without one piece of classic literature. I've never read this novel, but I definitely will.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you read any of these books? Which movie adaptation are you most excited about? Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-82240685699972203392014-01-03T12:21:00.001-06:002014-01-03T12:22:05.989-06:002014: Direction <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rZO1rb80TwOUwDmStH7KR1o6xbts6heC2D3dhlwtk40cxVQG4n9scM4bEiSK4F5GYueJ1uCU1zzFoPRakC0qtY1dbHgoeBHnmH6YOF8A1DGejr1jDzGrEFhJG-3gvuB2YOfHVYbo2N4/s1600/blogpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rZO1rb80TwOUwDmStH7KR1o6xbts6heC2D3dhlwtk40cxVQG4n9scM4bEiSK4F5GYueJ1uCU1zzFoPRakC0qtY1dbHgoeBHnmH6YOF8A1DGejr1jDzGrEFhJG-3gvuB2YOfHVYbo2N4/s640/blogpic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As I sat down to write about my goals and intentions for this upcoming year, the word "direction" popped into my head suddenly. I realized that this word truly encompassed what I need to see in my life in 2014.<br />
<br />
Last year, so many great things happened. At the same time, it was a very difficult year for many, many reasons. Looking back, the major thing I lacked was <i>direction</i>. After I graduated college, I jumped at the first job that offered itself to me and it turned out to be a major disaster. I tried a few other things before I finally landed the two jobs I have now (which are amazing and right where I need to be!). Working as a teen librarian has really set me and my husband in a direction that we both need to be heading. I feel really positive about this year because it's already starting out 100% different than the last. We are in a better place in just about every area of our lives and I am so incredibly thankful for that. So, choosing this word will serve as a guide and inspiration to shape my decisions and attitude in the upcoming year; it will help me be mindful of observing and managing my direction. <br />
<br />
That being said, I've always stuck to things when I wrote them down somewhere. I always kept a journal growing up, and would flip through the pages often to remind myself of what I had said I was going to do or try to accomplish. While I don't normally set "New Years Resolutions" each year, I felt it was the next logical step if my "word" was direction. Goals often yield direction, so here are a few of my goals for this upcoming year.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkQSCC0gUNjWGJssRg0kwtG-AmEmUXnu0ZaYZ_i1-xdnNfFMJ2Igj1axntyU0uJwOjLRw-ulHu_tr1kcef1D30E5R7J0c8DDPWTGN2XfryKGGLw57cDB-qCDSTbapgbYdQ8FRDzoTWJY/s1600/meditationpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkQSCC0gUNjWGJssRg0kwtG-AmEmUXnu0ZaYZ_i1-xdnNfFMJ2Igj1axntyU0uJwOjLRw-ulHu_tr1kcef1D30E5R7J0c8DDPWTGN2XfryKGGLw57cDB-qCDSTbapgbYdQ8FRDzoTWJY/s640/meditationpose.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>Get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a week</b>. I know this is a cliche of all cliches, but for me, achieving this (tiny) amount of exercise is extremely important. It's not about looking a certain way, or even maintaining a specific body type- it's about prevention and wellness. Exercise keeps me in control of my body and also keeps me accountable for how I am taking care of myself. Physical activity gives me the energy I need to live the life I need to live.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Learn a new language</b>. All throughout high school and college, I took Spanish classes, so I feel like I have a pretty decent grasp on it. I also took a course on French in college and it came so naturally to me. So I've decided that by the end of the year, I want to have a solid grasp on the French language. It's such a musical language, beautiful and expressive, and I feel like I need more of those two things in my life. <i>Allons-y</i>! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pay off one of our bigger student loans</b>. This is really high on our list of things to accomplish this year and will require a lot of willpower and fortitude to accomplish. Last year, I paid off all of the credit card debt I had (which, admittedly, wasn't much, but it still feels good!). Doing this will, naturally, allow us to achieve other long-term financial goals that we have as a couple.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj_up3ooh6qJhhMon3rQgCS2aj75Qn1Hq2OM6hl4Z7YxfC22QSM4LxXB6Gip3_6mDzcAzMJLQuyIeU5R2U5d_vtlnZ7R64NMIFCkzjpe75u901uFf1AjZqScOp1U6jU5QnrXKEVn6xPs/s1600/macaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj_up3ooh6qJhhMon3rQgCS2aj75Qn1Hq2OM6hl4Z7YxfC22QSM4LxXB6Gip3_6mDzcAzMJLQuyIeU5R2U5d_vtlnZ7R64NMIFCkzjpe75u901uFf1AjZqScOp1U6jU5QnrXKEVn6xPs/s640/macaron.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>Successfully bake a batch of French macarons. </b>It <i>will</i> be done this year!<br />
<br />
<b>Get better at not comparing my life to the lives of those around me.</b> I know this will add greatly to my happiness.<br />
<br />
<b>Read 100 books.</b> I've goaled myself to read 100 books this year. That should be easy seeing as I work as a librarian, but I don't think I've ever counted how many books I read. Reading in college was impossible because I already had to ingest so much other material, so I've really been catching up these days.<br />
<br />
<b>Complete at least 5 things off of my <a href="http://impossiblyelise.blogspot.com/2013/06/25-before-25.html" target="_blank"><u>25 Before 25 list</u></a>. </b>I was happy to see that I've already accomplished 2 items on this list, but seeing as I turn 24 in about two months, I gotta get moving! <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear some of your 2014 goals. What are you hoping to accomplish this year? Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-35344457121061377412013-12-31T19:05:00.000-06:002013-12-31T19:05:01.675-06:00Achievements in 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm honestly baffled by how quickly this year passed. For me, this was a very up and down year. Sometimes I look back and say to myself, "this was a really great year." As I look back on 2013, my mind gets lost in the many memories and experiences I had this year. Some of them good, some not so good. So, I decided to reflect a little on some of the things that took place this past year, both the big and the small (and in no particular order). <br />
<br />
1. I graduated college and received my Bachelor's in English Language and Literature.<br />
2. Committed to a gluten-free diet and improved my overall health.<br />
3. Luis and I bought a second kitty!<br />
4. Paid off all my credit card debt (whoo hoo!).<br />
5. Increased my sales in my Etsy shop!<br />
6. Celebrated my second wedding anniversary with Luis.<br />
7. Went to California in August.<br />
8. Got a job as a banker.<br />
9. Then I quit.<br />
10. Then I got two great jobs and two great libraries and finally feel like I'm right where I need to be.<br />
11. Made some new friends.<br />
12. Attended a Young Adult literature conference and really got my feet wet in the world of libraries and YA lit.<br />
13. Taught myself some HTML and will continue to learn more.<br />
14. Started doing yoga regularly.<br />
15. Learned how to use Photoshop.<br />
<br />
What were some of your achievements this year? Have a happy new year! Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-31310137012919262002013-12-29T16:33:00.001-06:002013-12-29T16:33:07.959-06:00A Week in My Life: Week 52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Luis and I had a pretty laid-back Christmas this year, which compared to last year, is a very good thing. We were able to spend more time with our families this year and that made things so much easier. It snowed SO much on Christmas day (as well as several weeks before that) so we had a very white Christmas. It was beautiful.<br />
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We spent Christmas Eve with my family and had an amazing steak and lobster dinner. It's usually our tradition to have this for dinner on Christmas. Oddly enough, Luis wanted to make his signature guacamole for an appetizer!<br />
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As with any holiday or family gathering, photos are almost always required. Sigh... Luis really hates posed photos so this is him acting a bit goofy.<br />
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We eventually pulled it together!<br />
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Kipi "helping" me clean up after Christmas.<br />
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All in all, a very slow week. I've needed a slow week lately. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a happy New Year!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-39082470659112951912013-12-22T11:16:00.002-06:002013-12-22T11:16:21.368-06:00A Few of My Favorite Things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLzDWzFmZDb5iNUSLE2nxuf4KQ49-VbQlE-_NCaDCnekVoCfor06QPcEAcQCK5lqAV1BeLO25Jw-incU2s5gjMn6wCWFPPXAZm0X94YXzo7Ws0vwicJBv66OW1EaQo4MWl3bWLcVeyoY/s1600/greenerbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLzDWzFmZDb5iNUSLE2nxuf4KQ49-VbQlE-_NCaDCnekVoCfor06QPcEAcQCK5lqAV1BeLO25Jw-incU2s5gjMn6wCWFPPXAZm0X94YXzo7Ws0vwicJBv66OW1EaQo4MWl3bWLcVeyoY/s640/greenerbeauty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Green(er) beauty products. </b>Anyone who knows me knows that I love scoping out different body care and beauty products to try.<br />
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My latest picks are shown in the photo above:<br />
<b>Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner- </b>Since
my skin tends to deviate between oily and try, I really need to use a
toner. This stuff smells like a fresh salad! It's got tomato, cucumber,
parsley, and green tea extracts in it. I've been using this about a week
and a half and I've noticed some of my scars and dark spots fading.<br />
<b>Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo</b>-
So, I totally tried to jump on the
I'm-only-going-to-wash-my-hair-with-baking-soda-and-vinegar bandwagon,
and I'm calling b.s. on that one. (I smelled vinegar in my hair for days
afterwards.) That's why I'm so thrilled about this shampoo from Kiss My
Face. It has no parabens, no sodium lauryl sulfate, no phthalates. In
other words, it has no harsh chemicals. Plus, this stuff makes my hair
SO much less oily and smells amazing. However, since it's largely free
of chemicals, it doesn't lather the way that you're used to. But, that
doesn't indicate that it's not working properly- it's just different.<br />
<b>Dr. Bronner's All-One Hemp Pure-Castille Soap</b>-
I am rolling my eyes at myself right now because of how excited I am
about this soap. I've had skin problems for years and, thus, am always
looking for the "magic bullet" of cleansers. I've come to realize that
your skin is largely a manifestation of what's going on inside (at least
that's what happens with me...) but I still need to make sure my skin
is take care of, topically speaking. This soap is also chemical free,
and is instead full of enriching oils. I've noticed the oil on my face
evening out (i.e. not becoming crazy oily and then super dry) and
instead of feeling thin, my skin feels soft and smooth. All in all, I'm
pretty excited about this stuff.<br />
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<b>Ginger Snaps</b>. It's becoming easier and easier to be gluten-free.<br />
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<b>Snowy Sunday mornings</b>. We're definitely having a white Christmas this year! <br />
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<b>Awkward Christmas photos</b>. It seems like every year, a certain someone (ahem, my dad) makes it their goal to capture the most awkward facial expressions from our family. I mean look at that body language. Definition of awkward...<br />
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What are you loving these days? Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-62692911953167138152013-12-15T16:33:00.000-06:002013-12-15T16:33:05.199-06:00A Week in My Life: Week 50Here's what the past week looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFhLO-5NF2iVGUfUjLVoraweKtQZQFP45ntnkUagizXZ9TfqCcOAuacjDOCtEtRgx6Il8urfGWDea8OdK7aW7pyg5hKYOZuGcjTI7EhphtgqenF9dJbXHfYpX34dE8W7SDjD5Sh9gcqA/s1600/luisandkitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFhLO-5NF2iVGUfUjLVoraweKtQZQFP45ntnkUagizXZ9TfqCcOAuacjDOCtEtRgx6Il8urfGWDea8OdK7aW7pyg5hKYOZuGcjTI7EhphtgqenF9dJbXHfYpX34dE8W7SDjD5Sh9gcqA/s640/luisandkitty.jpg" width="640" /></a>Beeboo is gettin' some extra love today.<br />
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I really love that we'll have a white Christmas this year. We don't normally get this much snow until January. I truly love the snow, I just hate driving in it.<br />
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Early morning light is so beautiful.<br />
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That face...<br />
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We had some pretty nasty weather move through here earlier this week. Driving home in it on Sunday was not fun.<br />
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Sunlight through my windshield.<br />
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Trying to liven up some of my houseplants under the kitchen light. They are looking a little droopy.<br />
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Have a beautiful week!<br />
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-72205933719192870602013-12-05T11:11:00.001-06:002013-12-05T11:11:54.491-06:00Love and Tannenbaum <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After two days of the most depressing December weather (rain and dense fog...), the sun is out again and the air has that crisp feel to it.<br />
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I love mornings that start slowly; where I can take my time and really <i>wake up</i>. There's no where to rush off to immediately and I can make myself a cup of tea and read in bed for a little bit. It might be just me, but I'm instantly 100% more happy when I am able to do that.<br />
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Today's December photo challenge photo is to take a picture of something green. I'm trying not to take the prompts too literally, but it's hard not to take pictures of your tree. I love seeing it in my living room! My kitties were given an early Christmas gift of catnip, so I captured a picture of Beeboo playing with hers. When we first adopted Beeboo, she was so unfriendly. She bristled and ran away when we'd try to pet her and she'd only come around when she wanted food. We even had a standing appointment to return her to the shelter because she was SO crazy hyper (ruining our blinds and chewing on our cables and wires). We live in a tiny apartment so it was not something we wanted to put up with. But when they day came for us to take her back, it was like she knew what we were about to do. We looked and her and she looked back and we just couldn't do it. Ever since then, she's completely changed. It's the weirdest thing. Animals are incredibly perceptive. <br />
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<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-78162226975440956662013-12-03T22:24:00.001-06:002013-12-03T22:24:19.387-06:00Insert Cheesy Christmas Title Here <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not feeling the whole Christmas thing today. After working 12 hours, I have little energy for anything other than stuffing my face with carbs (namely, mac and cheese). But I'll be honest, when I walked in and saw my Christmas tree, I think a little Christmas creeped in somewhere. Hehe.<br />
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I forgot to post a picture yesterday so that's the first photo up there. The photo was supposed to showcase your idea of cheer. The white nutcracker ornament was an early Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. When I was growing up, we always had tons of nutcrackers around the house, and for me that is synonymous with Christmas cheer.<br />
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The second photo is supposed to be of a candle. If you were in the Chicago area today, you probably were really in the mood for some warming candlelight. It was wet and foggy out there! I am definitely glad to be back in my cozy apartment!<br />
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How are you getting in the Christmas spirit? Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-78269648267065975082013-12-01T18:38:00.000-06:002013-12-01T18:38:26.320-06:00December: A Photo a Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy first day of December! I am officially ready to revel and participate in all of the holiday excitement and craziness! I saw that a <a href="http://www.11shakes.com/2013/12/december-photo-day-challenge.html" target="_blank"><u>fellow blogger, Emily</u></a>, was joining in this <a href="http://www.lulabelleblog.com/2013/11/photography-december-photo-day-challenge.html" target="_blank"><u>photo challenge</u></a>, and I decided to do it too. I've never done one before and I figured that December would be the perfect time to start. Everything about this time of year is so incredibly photogenic! <br />
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Today's photo is of something you're reading:<br />
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This is only a small portion of what I'm currently reading. Not only do I work at two libraries, but there's something about December that makes you want to be in a constant state of reading with a hot cup of tea in bed. Is that just me? <br />
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<i>The Madman's Daughter</i> is a pastiche based on H.G. Wells' <i>Island of Dr. Moreau</i> about a madman/scientist who "operates" on animals to make them more human. It's pretty good so far- cruel, grisly, and disturbing which is different. I like different! <br />
<i>The Returned</i> is a crazy story about people who are dead suddenly returning to life (but in a very non-zombie way). Imagine if every single dead person reappeared and began living again? Talk about unsustainable. <br />
And finally, I'm reading Questlove's autobiography, <i>Mo' Meta Blues</i>. I don't know much about him, but I love him on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, aaand the cover looked pretty awesome.<br />
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What are you reading these days? Happy December!! <br />
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-71107064585317067722013-11-26T11:36:00.000-06:002013-11-26T11:39:06.443-06:00A Week in My Life: Week 47<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO62XgCcmzhX616296bH9Jmv2ECw4d8CvVErTPHVZSsW2ErSYkcuRqKNwwLetHunAoKvBgQjG1_urlYHI0SicyH8VFi-qdfuf400SPZiA_e6L2OcemoEL3rNknG4hyphenhyphenMU8sWavf9FLazHU/s1600/avocado&egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO62XgCcmzhX616296bH9Jmv2ECw4d8CvVErTPHVZSsW2ErSYkcuRqKNwwLetHunAoKvBgQjG1_urlYHI0SicyH8VFi-qdfuf400SPZiA_e6L2OcemoEL3rNknG4hyphenhyphenMU8sWavf9FLazHU/s640/avocado&egg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm trying to take breakfast more seriously these days. Baked avocado and egg with a (heaping) side of pico de gallo. Perfect for the cold weather!<br />
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I love the look and feel of dried red lentils. But they turn a mushy, weird, brown color when you cook them. </div>
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Luis had to spend the weekend in the city for business and I was able to tag along. We stayed in the <a href="http://www.icchicagohotel.com/" target="_blank"><u>InterContinental Hotel</u></a> (on the 22nd floor, much to the dismay of my elevator-afraid self) but the view was beautiful! I love how the buildings look against one another.<br />
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Neither of us could remember the last time we were able to spend time downtown, so we decided to go ice skating in Millennium Park. Let me tell you, watching this guy try to skate was HILARIOUS. But he eventually got the hang of it!<br />
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We also ate at the restaurant below The Bean. They had amazing food! I ordered Chilaquiles with Carne Asada and eggs. <br />
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We hopped in Macy's (Marshall Field's) to see the tree in The Walnut Room on the 8th floor. It was so beautiful this year! </div>
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I hope you have a beautiful week filled with great food and family! </div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-43345206181661786192013-11-01T13:10:00.002-05:002013-11-01T13:10:35.849-05:00The First of NovemberIt's been so long since I posted anything here. Simply speaking, I needed a break. I was starting to take blogging way too seriously, and it was beginning to mess with my head. In addition, my life picked up quite a bit and I found it pretty much impossible to keep up with the blogging world.<br />
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So now, the second time around, I'm going to truly do this for me. Not try to make it into a business, or go crazy with SEO and page views, and all the convoluted goals that come with trying to keep up with the Joneses (and there are a lot of them out there). I originally started this as a creative outlet during a stressful time in life. Today, my life is so vastly different from what it was then. Without getting too personal, my life has gone through many battles in the past year; some things my family and friends aren't even aware of. This past summer was a particularly difficult time for Luis and I, and I am more than happy to say that the storm has past. For the first time in several years, I feel truly at peace and extremely thankful and blessed. For whatever reason, things seem to be falling perfectly into place in both my life and my husband's life (and subsequently, our lives together) and it has been amazing to see. Anyway, now I feel like I am in a place where I want to blog again. I had lost my joy in it and, well, I do believe it's back.<br />
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Here are a few snapshots of my life lately:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i6aFxrylMxmbBA7HySmuKHjPUgDxH-WAB3HSRwC9vvTmwUs4RRtNUGSGTpXsbWPrwBoiGe6Ed89X1P75QQ5m7MCQ4RJEYY-J8ghWmnGDw-kbkf-mM-Nnga_a9NqLQc5861f072tR6Sg/s1600/mikeandsully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i6aFxrylMxmbBA7HySmuKHjPUgDxH-WAB3HSRwC9vvTmwUs4RRtNUGSGTpXsbWPrwBoiGe6Ed89X1P75QQ5m7MCQ4RJEYY-J8ghWmnGDw-kbkf-mM-Nnga_a9NqLQc5861f072tR6Sg/s640/mikeandsully.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr10rwMfSYG4OW_O4eI4cBq8gaP7eWufMkXpdfUSkuKbdl1uWyoJxnIFaMdzvYjJXaSaSZRJU7snKZim_IeV4KyzfziUJ4xxjpRD7CO3k21jr3jEQITS8tcVqiiWR6cmCqsyn2mG9bRYY/s1600/photo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr10rwMfSYG4OW_O4eI4cBq8gaP7eWufMkXpdfUSkuKbdl1uWyoJxnIFaMdzvYjJXaSaSZRJU7snKZim_IeV4KyzfziUJ4xxjpRD7CO3k21jr3jEQITS8tcVqiiWR6cmCqsyn2mG9bRYY/s640/photo(2).jpg" width="640" /></a> Having tea with some of my co-workers! </div>
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Only my best friend, Kelsey, knows how much I love the "Amelia's Notebook" children's book series. <br />
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I made some Thai-inspired lettuce wraps with almond sauce today. Uh, I WILL be sharing the recipe. They were incredible and perfect for days when you don't feel like cooking but want something nutritious. </div>
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Happy first day of November! </div>
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Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-23860347156966306652013-09-17T20:53:00.001-05:002013-09-17T20:53:37.570-05:00The Blue House on Gabriel Avenue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/blogtember-september-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Blogtember</span></a> Day 11: <i>Describe a memory you'd love to relive.</i><br />
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I regret that I didn't get to spend very much time with my maternal grandmother before she died. I was thirteen years old when she passed away, but I find solace in the fact that every memory I have of her is vivid and special.<br />
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We called her "Mimi." My family tells me that I am responsible for that nickname, which makes sense because it sounds so quintessentially "grandmotherly." Every so often, my mother would drop my brother and I off to spend the day with her in her tiny blue house on Gabriel Avenue in Zion, Illinois. To me, her house was a world of magic. Her front yard was always pristine; each strub pruned to within an inch of its life, but it looked so beautiful. She had a black wrought-iron fence that lined the yard. I imagined living there with her and greeting the imaginary mailman that would hand me our mail from the other side of the fence. I don't know why I imagined this- maybe I saw it in a movie somewhere.<br />
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However, it was her backyard that I adored. Mimi used to string several clothing lines along the length of her yard. If we were lucky enough to visit her on laundry day, her backyard looked like someone had taken a pile of paper and thrown it into the air. Each piece of clothing waving in the breeze like the falling sheets of paper. The real magic came from the light post that stood alone in the middle of her yard. It reminded me of the post that Lucy finds in <i>The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe</i>. I would weed my way through the clothes drying on the lines until finally the lamp post would emerge<i>. </i>It made me giddy with a sense of adventure, but I also knew that I was safe and not really lost. She would watch me from her tiny back porch and laugh; her laughter would weave its way through the laundry and make me smile. <br />
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Mimi had a very special tradition that she held on each of her grand-kid's birthdays. She would call us and play the happy birthday song on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazoo" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">kazoo</span></a>. It sounded so goofy but I knew exactly who was calling. She was so full of life and always made sure we knew that she loved us.<br />
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I couldn't believe it when she got sick. She was the healthiest person I knew! I had a hard time visiting her in he nursing home. I would make up excuses so that I wouldn't have to visit her. Somewhere deep down, I felt like I didn't know the person who was in that nursing home. Surely, that couldn't be Mimi. When she died, it was my first real experience with death. I didn't show as much sorrow as the rest of my family because I felt that Mimi had already been gone a long time. I went home the night of her funeral and as I sat on my bed, staring at the floor, I remembered the tapes that Mimi used to record for us grand-kids. I dug them out of a box in my closet and stuck them in my boombox (this is 2003, ok?). When I heard her soft, playful voice come from the boombox, all of the memories I had tried to forget of her came rushing back. Mimi would give us these tapes on various birthdays growing up. She would walk along the beach and in the Forest Preserve at the Illinois Beach Resort in Zion and tells us what she saw. She'd talk about life, nature, the cosmos, God, and how much she loved us. She'd tell each of us the special traits she saw in us and would tell us why we were special.<br />
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The memory I'd like to relive is not of her passing, but rather of <i>her </i>memory itself. She was so beautifully happy and full of life. My grandmother did not have an easy life- she made the choice to keep her head up, find strength in love, and persevere. She is a constant inspiration to me. I miss her and think of her often. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-26570345409919064542013-09-14T16:40:00.001-05:002013-09-14T16:41:14.837-05:00Around Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEh191wQ5ua5V5iToXu_dhE4xMDBXs79JaA39lYIlKzITFfd0nA0k2U9m7lEjmMTRcWqFVY8533rPB9o7U6H5qJKiO1xnYlffEuBkJ8ufELWm29kl-fUyumQsW_vwVYF_lLcKMgL3ang/s1600/pouringtea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEh191wQ5ua5V5iToXu_dhE4xMDBXs79JaA39lYIlKzITFfd0nA0k2U9m7lEjmMTRcWqFVY8533rPB9o7U6H5qJKiO1xnYlffEuBkJ8ufELWm29kl-fUyumQsW_vwVYF_lLcKMgL3ang/s640/pouringtea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was up early today (well, earlier than normal) and had to head off to work. I love being able to say that I honestly love my job.<br />
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After so many years of unfulfilling work, it is such a relief to be part of an environment of challenges, opportunities, and joy, quite frankly. I know it can be a let-down to work on the weekends sometimes, but I'm thankful that I love where I'm at.<br />
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What brings you joy? Have a beautiful weekend!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-44038792389195237682013-09-11T12:56:00.000-05:002013-09-11T12:57:44.037-05:00My Favorite Online Shops<a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/blogtember-september-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Blogtember</span></a> day 7: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.<br />
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Before I started blogging, I was way too leery to shop online. I didn't like the idea of not being able to try things on and we all know how each different brand's sizes can be completely different from one another. But along came <a href="https://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Etsy</span></a>, and then <a href="http://shopruche.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Ruche</span></a>, and I decided to change my mind. So here are a few of my favorite places to shop online.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sheinside.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">SheInside</span></a>- This website has some of the best prices I've seen online thus far. Not only that, but their clothing and accessories are extremely classic and trendy, standard shipping is free, and they are always offering 15-20% off coupons to use on their site.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAZ5xg9r5wTeybFdqfAPd9muDReh_4Av0XkefwXXS4xkcPFct-Khzt0icqb36Ghlv79pe9Na-X5lV11HgGwDLeioKyOMQ1SYUhE7FiVkjxrTjRncOakSoT52XcBEUUb-k8fBm24RHNE/s1600/sheinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAZ5xg9r5wTeybFdqfAPd9muDReh_4Av0XkefwXXS4xkcPFct-Khzt0icqb36Ghlv79pe9Na-X5lV11HgGwDLeioKyOMQ1SYUhE7FiVkjxrTjRncOakSoT52XcBEUUb-k8fBm24RHNE/s640/sheinside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I recently bought the pair of black and white pants on the right. I love them! I couldn't believe how well they fit. The dress and top are currently on my wish list.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">H&M</span></a>- H&M has long been my go-to store for most of my clothes. They have a great variety, and the products they sell are right up my alley. So, naturally, I was beyond thrilled when they added the ability to purchase their products online!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ArcPjlEByhMQDaB9ZL9BBPj57d6T0dHkh513VZDaRVzEXKdZ-ZCcYF1FhiFb20-rrxwAhYdEox0TftNAnvlbtoEspTe3iuyFKrBAWJd6Xg_Pcrn-_MyjooXhZEJ9dCdacTFCy5lQPYM/s1600/H&M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ArcPjlEByhMQDaB9ZL9BBPj57d6T0dHkh513VZDaRVzEXKdZ-ZCcYF1FhiFb20-rrxwAhYdEox0TftNAnvlbtoEspTe3iuyFKrBAWJd6Xg_Pcrn-_MyjooXhZEJ9dCdacTFCy5lQPYM/s640/H&M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://society6.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Society 6</span></a>- I love decorating with really unique art prints. Society 6 has great prices and a really wide variety of types of prints and artwork, ranging from quirky, popular culture, and the abstract.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQYwNECQW3ahfNNl01ekqP1GrULVdz4MLVwzJsSgTeb4YhPZTYSYf3Tqy0SqmjMmbePWQSGwdpo-gcGnpg-f1zAc3aFkCu__z2a_zYO4l9HUJobASRF6fPS33RoKBkqYM0YOB9zOivIA/s1600/society6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQYwNECQW3ahfNNl01ekqP1GrULVdz4MLVwzJsSgTeb4YhPZTYSYf3Tqy0SqmjMmbePWQSGwdpo-gcGnpg-f1zAc3aFkCu__z2a_zYO4l9HUJobASRF6fPS33RoKBkqYM0YOB9zOivIA/s640/society6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sorry, I'm sort of on a Breaking Bad binge these days (it's SO GOOD!) so I actually kind of do want that "cooking in the RV" print. Haha. This is a very small portion of what they have in their shop. They have some amazing photography prints as well! Check it out!<br />
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What are some of your favorite places to shop online? <br />
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-7703991458693112792013-09-09T15:59:00.002-05:002013-09-09T16:05:24.600-05:00What Do Queen Elizabeth II, Rosa Parks, and I Have in Common...? <span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">Our personality type! </span></span><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/blogtember-september-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Blogtember</span></a> Day 5: Take <a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp" style="color: #e06666;" target="_blank">this</a> short personality test and respond to your results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA4xuSTLZxY_7qXeXxB3e7c9gQmSHAmCEUnx05kxPc6jlpVJeEN1gLy2dFmW9TlR9PVCu9dyGY5Q2BRZB1lz7oIM11_XGaW6_Z9-ZFnv0YTn9IUByJtmYv_DTOkhp2ISc_iRcpGg5GBQ/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA4xuSTLZxY_7qXeXxB3e7c9gQmSHAmCEUnx05kxPc6jlpVJeEN1gLy2dFmW9TlR9PVCu9dyGY5Q2BRZB1lz7oIM11_XGaW6_Z9-ZFnv0YTn9IUByJtmYv_DTOkhp2ISc_iRcpGg5GBQ/s640/IMG_4795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I am an <a href="http://typelogic.com/isfj.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">ISFJ</span></a>. It stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. I have always found personality tests to be extremely interesting! I love finding out the "why" about what I do and how and who I am. After <a href="http://www.personalitypage.com/ISFJ.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">googling the results</span></a>, I think they are pretty right on the money. So here's a little bit about my personality type:<br />
<ul>
<li>Reliable, stable and down-to-earth</li>
<li>Enjoys order and structure</li>
<li>Dislikes conflict and confrontation</li>
<li>Kind, warm-hearted and considerate</li>
<li>Practical-minded</li>
<li>Likes concrete information</li>
<li>Very aware of other people’s feelings</li>
<li>Has a great memory for detail</li>
</ul>
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;">ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers.
They constantly take in information about people and situations that is
personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of
information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an
exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems.
It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular
facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occurred, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ. </span></i></div>
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- This is so true! I always get crap about this from friends and family. I will bring something up from years ago and no one has any idea what I'm talking about, but for some reason, I can recall details down to the most minute thing. I always get the "you're crazy" look. ;-)<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;">The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and
aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully
furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">- I do agree with this statement, but this doesn't always manifest itself in interior design for me. My outlet for this is my outward appearance, things like my fashion sense, etc. </span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<i style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own
internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not
usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside.
If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until
they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult
to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find
outlets for their powerful emotions. </span></i></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">- <span style="color: #444444;">This is unbelievably true. This is one of my strengths and my weaknesses. I am very perceptive about what someone is feeling, even if I don't know them and even without asking how they feel. I am always extremely aware of my emotions and feelings on any given circumstance, subject, conversation, interaction, etc. However, I don't always feel free to express those feelings. This made me an easy target for bullies and people with more outspoken personalities when I was younger. I didn't know how to defend myself. And yes, when I receive the same negative feelings about an individual, it's very difficult for me to change my opinion about them, even years after that interaction may have occurred. </span></span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<i><span style="font-size: medium;">The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts
to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to
keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly
critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and
love which they freely dispense to others. </span></i></div>
<div style="color: #444444;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">- Very good advice! </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I found it interesting that the Queen of England, Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton have ISFJ personalities! Mother Theresa, Louisa May Alcott, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Rosa Parks were also ISFJs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I'd love to hear your results! Share them with me or leave me a link to your post in the comment section below! </span></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255758480036543191.post-77928727374731169312013-09-07T13:44:00.000-05:002013-09-07T13:44:00.733-05:00Things I'm Loving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend is a slower one for us. I'm taking advantage of a slow day and catching up on the mundane things in life (cleaning... errands). There's a storm moving in, and while I admitted yesterday that I get anxious during storms, a rainstorm is so relaxing. How do I distinguish the difference? I'm really not sure... It's a gut thing ;-) Hope you all have a great weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos1GOT9rfMbIqpbIkP9j_5xPjfTdScuXH54g73mWOjBUoKbLd639IG2QhbkzM4ndbnCG0dp4Io-mVtWansHZ7YDDAx4fZ3szKjyDaPLaRU-z_jNG-W45WwaPxRQGoDP7-zP8x6LapoIE/s1600/neonaccessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos1GOT9rfMbIqpbIkP9j_5xPjfTdScuXH54g73mWOjBUoKbLd639IG2QhbkzM4ndbnCG0dp4Io-mVtWansHZ7YDDAx4fZ3szKjyDaPLaRU-z_jNG-W45WwaPxRQGoDP7-zP8x6LapoIE/s640/neonaccessories.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Neon accessories to liven up Fall neutrals! I'm kind of obsessed with <a href="http://www.sheinside.com/Necklaces-c-1755.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">SheInside</span></a>, an online shop that has great clothes and accessories for really good prices. Also... shipping is free and they always offer 15% off coupons. (This is not a sponsored post- just my opinion!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7X4mYi6QxLxWbe1UaulM5iAi0EE6jsyxVq2_bqDEGBJ4njfU80TD1PGj2MgUXc1Z2BVuZTR8PBCJfavNRkVkasWHEv0sHWOOLCoZ6oDrI8R68oZPTLjEp2DqHbaUkinijiX7OGMLfEY/s1600/readingpile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7X4mYi6QxLxWbe1UaulM5iAi0EE6jsyxVq2_bqDEGBJ4njfU80TD1PGj2MgUXc1Z2BVuZTR8PBCJfavNRkVkasWHEv0sHWOOLCoZ6oDrI8R68oZPTLjEp2DqHbaUkinijiX7OGMLfEY/s640/readingpile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Books! Me working at a library is like letting a kid loose in a candy shop. I want to read it all! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GZtE4cAfGBsNP2Xseo94Defs-KkeycNHAcD0k838UX9KnZ9hGZJEZIOG_7ySd9nlw9cprUvNtYuYVlLryLYSpWJka140fk8jaxjMYykn0bVY9VWveXK9dz_iydQu_Az4OObphnakYU4/s1600/leopardprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GZtE4cAfGBsNP2Xseo94Defs-KkeycNHAcD0k838UX9KnZ9hGZJEZIOG_7ySd9nlw9cprUvNtYuYVlLryLYSpWJka140fk8jaxjMYykn0bVY9VWveXK9dz_iydQu_Az4OObphnakYU4/s640/leopardprint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Leopard print flats. I have been putting off buying anything leopard print for many years... But then I saw these shoes from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-lisa-flat-leopard-print/-/A-14508671#prodSlot=medium_1_31" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Target</span></a> and I decided to run with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp6GUOSZ0zmJ5wjrLY2ZX28yUWV3GV6VfRydYpxZOzBJXPBZ39-og0iARQu3ZdfYVQsjFRJ9hgaZKHKXy_Q2ZOCgyIzQFLusd7Bc3X8DwDz4wTU7geQVAd6jPTtc545ZFnzAqUrZZJ0c/s1600/peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp6GUOSZ0zmJ5wjrLY2ZX28yUWV3GV6VfRydYpxZOzBJXPBZ39-og0iARQu3ZdfYVQsjFRJ9hgaZKHKXy_Q2ZOCgyIzQFLusd7Bc3X8DwDz4wTU7geQVAd6jPTtc545ZFnzAqUrZZJ0c/s640/peaches.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Peaches. I don't know what came over me this summer, but I could not get enough peaches! </div>
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I'm thankful for:</div>
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The woman at H&R Block that didn't charge us for her services! She did us a huge favor.</div>
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The time to spend with family earlier this week.</div>
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Kind words and encouragement.</div>
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Time to relax and enjoy the weekend.</div>
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Upcoming opportunities! </div>
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What are you loving?</div>
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Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826306727738873339noreply@blogger.com3