tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14842991173787032942024-02-20T00:41:36.914-08:00The Hodge-Podge GalleryBits of life sprinkled with love.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-42599133777527257132014-04-24T20:27:00.002-07:002014-04-24T20:31:59.439-07:00Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found a great addition to your summer reading list:</div>
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<i>Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner</i> by Lisa Wingate is a charming Texas romance complete with a dreamy cowboy, a large, soulful dog that just won't go away, and a cast of quirky Texans to help our unhinged heroine along her life-changing journey.</div>
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While I could cook up my own summary, this one on the back cover is what drew me in:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Big Lizard Bottoms--where getting hitched is a local industry--is not any place Lindsey Attwood, a play-it-safe paleontologist who's sworn off romance, ever expected to find herself. She's here posing as a horse psychology student to help recover dinosaur tracks stolen from a local guest ranch. After only a day at the ranch, things start spiraling out of control. Her horse-therapy horse hates her, she's been adopted by a huge stray dog with a bad reputation, and there's this local rancher who has her all moonstruck. After years of digging around in the past, Lindsey's wondering if it's finally time to see what the present has to offer.</i></span></div>
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Doesn't it sound like PG fun? Sometimes you just need a light-hearted, kissing only, cowboy love with a mystery thrown in for good measure. Lindsey's character is frustratingly overprotective and borderline neurotic about her 8 year old daughter being in Mexico with her father, but I had to keep reading because I wanted to watch Lindsey let go and evolve. The large, smelly dog that won't leave Lindsey alone is reminiscent of Barnabus from <i>The Mitford Series</i> and adds some light hearted fun into the mix. </div>
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Overall, the story is anything but unpredictable - which I didn't mind as I was hoping for a relaxing read - and the ending wraps up almost too neatly. However, the writing is clever, easy, and enjoyable, though I doubt a lot of the dialogue would translate well to film. Yet <i>Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner</i> is the perfect summer book and has made me a definite fan of Lisa Wingate.</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-33752399565680676672014-02-11T00:36:00.000-08:002014-02-11T00:36:04.289-08:00Vision In White: Book One of The Bride Quartet seriesI'm back. Like a Hollywood film serial killer that just won't die no matter how many times you shoot, stab, or burn him, eventually turning the poor psycho into an actual monster from Hell, I have returned.<br />
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To review a book.<br />
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How anti-climactic.<br />
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Yet I felt it a borderline <b>necessity</b> to write my review of Nora Roberts's romance <i>Vision In White </i>asap because Friday is Valentine's Day. I mean-- duh.<br />
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(thanks for the photo <a href="http://www.sarahreck.com/blog/2010/06/book-review-vision-in-white-nora-roberts/">Random Website</a>)</div>
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Because of repeated wanderings throughout the library staring at books, judging their covers, checking them out and then not reading them, I went to Facebook and whined for something fun and romantic to read. I'm an emotional reader and could not figure out what book would fit my mood. I got a few great titles that I will review at a later date (you know-- WHEN I'VE READ THEM), but <i>Vision In White</i> - courtesy of my friend Kellie - stood out. Mainly because I like the shoe on the cover.<br />
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First of all, <i>Vision In White</i> popped my Nora Roberts cherry.<br />
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Her books are EVERYWHERE and I knew she wrote mysteries as JD Robb, but I thought the Roberts books were smarmy romance novels. And even though I secretly want to read a smarmy romance novel despite <i>50 Shades of Grey</i> making my eyes bleed, Nora Roberts never entered my brain.<br />
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Imagine my pleasant surprise when all of my misguided, ignorant prejudices were proven wrong with this lovely little romance between a wedding photographer and a professor.<br />
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Mackensie (Mac) Elliot grew up in a broken home thanks to divorced parents comprised of an absentee trust fund baby father and a beautiful, selfish, dramatic mother. She and her three best friends now run a wedding business out of the estate owned by her best friend Parker Brown. Mac loves her job and friends, enjoys men, but does not believe herself capable of true love or wanting true love thanks to Mommy Dearest.<br />
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Enter Carter Maguire. Bookish, handsome, clumsy, awkward in a charming way, and sufferer of a major crush on Mac in high school. At this point, we still have the plot to a bad porno but with sweet characters and witty dialog. There are no surprises in this book. And that's not the point. You like Mac, you want to see her evolve into a woman who will finally stand up to the nightmare that is her mother and realize that she deserves happiness, however messy. It's about the journey.<br />
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The witty flirtation between Mac and Carter made me smile, as did Carter's total inability to smooth talk Mac - it was cute. I'm excited to read the other three books in The Bride Quartet series and watch the other three women meet the men of their dreams. Mac is a very relatable character, making up for Carter's unrealistic perfection……. which makes him a great guy for female readers to fantasize about - I mean, he rescued a three legged cat and named him Triad! *swoon*<br />
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I also enjoyed the sex scenes. Well written, not too detailed, and focused on "making love" versus "having sex," a rarity these days. The most annoying part about the book - and I have a feeling this applies to many of Roberts's works - is the blatant product placement. It never occurred to me that brands would purchase advertising space in books, but when you're an author as popular as Nora Roberts, that's not a half bad idea.<br />
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I found it tacky.<br />
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Overall, <i>Vision In White</i> is like reading your favorite romantic comedy film with a bit of good sex, some cheesiness, and a character study for good measure. A good book worth curling up with a blanket, glass of wine, and chocolate to read on Valentine's Day.<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-46908231106287594252013-10-04T22:05:00.000-07:002013-10-04T22:05:41.264-07:00P&P September Post (late as usual....)Okay but I have an excuse: I've been CRAZY job hunting and just started a new job at a Christian bookstore. We also celebrated Michael's birthday on the 24th with tasty Mexican food, cocktails, and cherry pie!!!<br />
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And I beat Diablo III..... so there's that.<br />
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Anywho, I DID manage to read and finish a P&P JAFF book: <i>Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged</i> by Carrie Bebris.<br />
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At the wedding breakfast celebrating the nuptials of Mr. & Mrs. Darcy-- and of course the Bingleys-Caroline Bingley does her damnedest to steal Elizabeth's thunder by announcing her engagement to a rich, friendly American. Keeping in line with Caroline's theme of "whirlwind romance," they plan to be married in a week, resulting in both the Bingleys and Darcys delaying their honeymoons in order to attend the event. Unfortunately Caroline's marital happiness is short-lived after several incidents of bizarre behavior frighten her betrothed, family, and the Darcys. Is Caroline Bingley really going insane, or are far sinister motives at work? It's a mystery only Mr. & Mrs. Darcy can solve.<br />
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I enjoyed Bebris's writing, capturing both Elizabeth's wit as well as the newlywed dynamic between her and Darcy. And by that I should clarify that I don't mean sex though there's some cute flirting; it's the feeling out of each other's personalities and learning to work as a husband/wife team. The story itself was a fun, easy read with a few eerie moments and a couple intense scenes... not to mention a bit of murder and intrigue! Putting the Darcys in a mystery is a clever idea and worked well.</div>
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However, it was predictable which is a problem I run into a lot with JAFF. There was one supernatural twist at the end that threw me because the book doesn't have a supernatural tone, and I'm curious to see if Bebris carries that over into the rest of the series. That's right: SERIES. There are 6 total books in this mystery series, each one involving characters from every Austen novel. I've begun <i>Suspense and Sensibility </i>and so far I'm enjoying the direction of the plot. I'm hoping Bebris's storytelling matures as the I continue through each book.</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-72022332265821609222013-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:002013-09-23T19:20:14.327-07:002013 Emmys FashionThe 2013 Emmys were one of the better award shows I've seen in the last several years. It was nicely paced, touching, sometimes funny, and overall entertaining.<br />
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Unlike the Fashion.<br />
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<b>This year's Emmys were brought to you by the color RED.</b><br />
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Carla Gugino & Michelle Dockery</div>
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Lucila Sola & Christine Baranski</div>
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Jennifer Westfeldt & Sofia Veragara</div>
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While <b>Sofia Vergara's</b> dress is pretty and she's a beautiful woman, Sofia's ample cleavage looks as if it's going all "Hulk Smash!" through her dress. </div>
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Winner Not the Winner</div>
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Kaley Cuoco & Kelly Osbourne</div>
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<b>Kaley Cuoco</b> stuns in her structured maroon Vera Wang with a subtle pointed sweetheart neckline, sultry matching eye shadow, and lovely hair. <i>Whole package right here folks!</i> </div>
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Then there's <b>Kelly</b>. Too much pleating, terrible cut of the sleeves, and the back is bedazzled, but what mercilessly murders the dress is Kelly's horrific hair.</div>
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<b>Don't forget "Pregnant Red"</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj024K0-PT735dE9atQHbMnwErUrvB_OCekR9kp7jKwefrmxzg2dMwl032_U3GUgC8X1TfrRicdVC9f2WJ7IdtclnWZSQAtCo0_QM3SguPMRRHlR0A_EFND1oCvpwqJj5YgT5P8wPmBMRL5/s1600/slide_317266_2938643_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj024K0-PT735dE9atQHbMnwErUrvB_OCekR9kp7jKwefrmxzg2dMwl032_U3GUgC8X1TfrRicdVC9f2WJ7IdtclnWZSQAtCo0_QM3SguPMRRHlR0A_EFND1oCvpwqJj5YgT5P8wPmBMRL5/s400/slide_317266_2938643_free.jpg" width="270" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekk5Y-3JScQuR2afbcUEg6EFP-GCGQwgPSOgLvGR2iouXesb8yYElflbSocv7mrwVJHxKk3ZhTylkYXl9Ct2UB4g3G6I4BJbDvyQSECkgeL9JKpiRQThv-08zykNxEG3Fj_JkwxC2bDpT/s1600/25f972b1-3b14-471e-95e0-d971e85d2a83_gailsimmons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekk5Y-3JScQuR2afbcUEg6EFP-GCGQwgPSOgLvGR2iouXesb8yYElflbSocv7mrwVJHxKk3ZhTylkYXl9Ct2UB4g3G6I4BJbDvyQSECkgeL9JKpiRQThv-08zykNxEG3Fj_JkwxC2bDpT/s400/25f972b1-3b14-471e-95e0-d971e85d2a83_gailsimmons.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Brooke Anderson & Gail Simmons</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9kzh7WVkEVxLDju5sWgIAXQzUJu3tK-baeu7VAnFwwAW1qKZfRMc3ra6BEEUWc-nNryD2e8dmLUE0HvUG9TmngBbC7dlfybCH3FA-0MWPf7h1wMlTDBUIGUpIbG3t98CwMSgxum36rVf/s1600/0d756951-8d97-452c-90f6-aab854c21d17_morenabaccarin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9kzh7WVkEVxLDju5sWgIAXQzUJu3tK-baeu7VAnFwwAW1qKZfRMc3ra6BEEUWc-nNryD2e8dmLUE0HvUG9TmngBbC7dlfybCH3FA-0MWPf7h1wMlTDBUIGUpIbG3t98CwMSgxum36rVf/s400/0d756951-8d97-452c-90f6-aab854c21d17_morenabaccarin.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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Did a memo go out to all the pregnant attendees?</div>
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Obviously <b>Morena Baccarin</b> champions Pregnant Women Everywhere for choosing a gown that's the right cut, shade, and material for her body... and not pairing it with purple shoes, *hint hint* Brooke Anderson. <b>Congratulations Morena you win Bragging Rights!!!!</b></div>
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Maybe it's the stylists, maybe it's the designers, or maybe I'm sick of solid colored gowns with slight trains and spaghetti straps. I mean, come on! These actresses get to wear this stuff for free or have the money to spend on expensive dresses and they come up with prom bombs like these two:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr1ooii2Xp6j5CA3LoFQi5Z0bkEufMadeOnQs9QKjhmzHmE0pKSPmpkN5vKYyDEE7KIrbo-Hr88w0mTcL4S-MP3Jp-zT_V__rFNDa7jQrUfiujNQ3riZfT9kcsAYwED2ajoFCJs_yhRgH/s1600/874aac01-d5ea-4929-91b9-79d512d0dc12_elisabethmoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr1ooii2Xp6j5CA3LoFQi5Z0bkEufMadeOnQs9QKjhmzHmE0pKSPmpkN5vKYyDEE7KIrbo-Hr88w0mTcL4S-MP3Jp-zT_V__rFNDa7jQrUfiujNQ3riZfT9kcsAYwED2ajoFCJs_yhRgH/s400/874aac01-d5ea-4929-91b9-79d512d0dc12_elisabethmoss.jpg" width="280" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFLq2MSji2SZUJy47SxN0x4sbJkN6FRXwo35JVzq7_1nmMz9fj-8sr4seZIpTHhLzV0WxLPeanuPfbSd0eF_fSQufH-hvS2Z_5sTccqg37VpZLO9dzBUrcunAZbAOeTdduLi6vPKS1l_B/s1600/948be242-db54-412a-8d29-64fffa0a8719_annagunn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFLq2MSji2SZUJy47SxN0x4sbJkN6FRXwo35JVzq7_1nmMz9fj-8sr4seZIpTHhLzV0WxLPeanuPfbSd0eF_fSQufH-hvS2Z_5sTccqg37VpZLO9dzBUrcunAZbAOeTdduLi6vPKS1l_B/s400/948be242-db54-412a-8d29-64fffa0a8719_annagunn2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>Elisabeth Moss's</b> dress looks cheap (and that lipstick!!) while <b>Anna Gunn</b> is looking a little "Mother of the Bride." I'm sure these dresses cost an arm, a leg, and a kidney, yet Sarah Silverman manages to outshine both these women in a $60 dress:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUDGO_SwObudYFRgHDaS3Ai3wAAuUclsE2C8hA3cV20B7_HCldGUZtgviMLD-L7p3TXC9dYZdF9zthL2recsnNcSXpF6OOp7WU_AgCKhATfijbXLMg_MRuyyNkm-hFQwZH1bPbZFnXLq/s1600/dc9afb33-82b2-432f-8a5d-a5e85b7b57c2_sarahsilverman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUDGO_SwObudYFRgHDaS3Ai3wAAuUclsE2C8hA3cV20B7_HCldGUZtgviMLD-L7p3TXC9dYZdF9zthL2recsnNcSXpF6OOp7WU_AgCKhATfijbXLMg_MRuyyNkm-hFQwZH1bPbZFnXLq/s640/dc9afb33-82b2-432f-8a5d-a5e85b7b57c2_sarahsilverman.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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She isn't even close to "Best Dressed," but Silverman looks great and gets extra points for balancing in those atrocious heels - her feet look like horse hooves. </div>
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You're starting to see it now, aren't you?</div>
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Speaking of cheap [looking] dresses...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cno6zKQ7b7IuOPO2UqgJwXLAic6ysQ01kfrn0MeLy29av2dLBKYWVbGvsSiDKUL7nS64vj_CP3dQrYtuRIXbYjbd0SbgF26IfadD5Phyv2J2jQ5cHQbsfBaDz-BIX-UesEWl-xDNFb9u/s1600/78b18a74-b656-4839-a9dd-554aae2491c2_jasonbateman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cno6zKQ7b7IuOPO2UqgJwXLAic6ysQ01kfrn0MeLy29av2dLBKYWVbGvsSiDKUL7nS64vj_CP3dQrYtuRIXbYjbd0SbgF26IfadD5Phyv2J2jQ5cHQbsfBaDz-BIX-UesEWl-xDNFb9u/s400/78b18a74-b656-4839-a9dd-554aae2491c2_jasonbateman.jpg" width="275" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ9ONi3QrGqwPdC59MoHEN_xb2QSTvta09xXMk0I8DCNGBS-sKegF281sHzQiCzxQu7G579oXLeLTo-5ZQZqFwhYqnY15sqv-aBP2alAITwhr1P7QE8ova_QIawAlixf7Ev3cRaisF9Lk/s1600/3b1a15b7-23a4-482f-ad96-4a5b49e463a0_brookeburke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ9ONi3QrGqwPdC59MoHEN_xb2QSTvta09xXMk0I8DCNGBS-sKegF281sHzQiCzxQu7G579oXLeLTo-5ZQZqFwhYqnY15sqv-aBP2alAITwhr1P7QE8ova_QIawAlixf7Ev3cRaisF9Lk/s400/3b1a15b7-23a4-482f-ad96-4a5b49e463a0_brookeburke.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Amanda Anka & Brooke Burke-Charvet</div>
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Okay, so <b>Amanda's</b> dress would be cute on a 20 year old. The strapless hi-lo dress ages her and is just barely saved by those pointed toe heels. </div>
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Can I just say: I do not like a curved heel, I don't care how "en vogue" it is - it looks dumb.</div>
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<b>Brooke's</b> gown needs different styling. That messy do contrasts too much with the clean lines and structure of the gown, not to mention she's drowning in eye-makeup and silver accessories. Simmer down, Brooke!</div>
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So who did Black & White right?</div>
Winner<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXNdur3OXBps1rTETtseKbznKEw3ejNsLg0ySpvVJ8ba5KEHD-n51uhf0xwkvcpt_eJOsTZj2k39SNvufARVXBwjkP29fIf_dXFk7KJCyA6xrsQzLeqlaPIPkSa4DVTO0TRF8ds8l-B3_/s1600/70a720bf-2509-425f-b7b6-1d7dd1f0e764_MorganSaylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXNdur3OXBps1rTETtseKbznKEw3ejNsLg0ySpvVJ8ba5KEHD-n51uhf0xwkvcpt_eJOsTZj2k39SNvufARVXBwjkP29fIf_dXFk7KJCyA6xrsQzLeqlaPIPkSa4DVTO0TRF8ds8l-B3_/s400/70a720bf-2509-425f-b7b6-1d7dd1f0e764_MorganSaylor.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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A 19 year old. Way to go <b>Morgan Saylor</b>! But please.... find a new hair stylist!</div>
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And now...</div>
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Battle of the Broads!</h2>
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Beautiful women facing off against one another in a Red Carpet Showdown.</div>
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(omg it's so <i>intense</i>)</div>
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Amy Poehler vs. Robin Wright - High Necks and Capped Sleeves</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5lWDv5ScmeLRjC7p5J89vkoa5uKg-TaJ-lfcf_idjAmpxdBz1OXmoVOMfMeTlI6_JIp-JYNAajAejNgmVGrhD8Xj_noxqiBUf3kdBnuKF2J5hhB5abXcylk-LLhy00TnJU2-2XD1Xq6T/s1600/c8e1c6c8-8d9f-48c0-8ae0-6e76ad4b1fa6_amypoehler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5lWDv5ScmeLRjC7p5J89vkoa5uKg-TaJ-lfcf_idjAmpxdBz1OXmoVOMfMeTlI6_JIp-JYNAajAejNgmVGrhD8Xj_noxqiBUf3kdBnuKF2J5hhB5abXcylk-LLhy00TnJU2-2XD1Xq6T/s400/c8e1c6c8-8d9f-48c0-8ae0-6e76ad4b1fa6_amypoehler.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6P5BIr7Wh3y3qGj4eTxQrwIZjhtZLJcRvmxYjNrSgVq4inb69xXWuZ7N2vD8E1sXPDC_0SeCd1n1G46dMu8BQwF0ZfaUed-KVivTn95XdFFO1TXD8J5R6dx2rpOrN-XWne3c95yNxLr3/s1600/5a40e913-b84d-4f02-8e17-d5a6e86564ef_robinwright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6P5BIr7Wh3y3qGj4eTxQrwIZjhtZLJcRvmxYjNrSgVq4inb69xXWuZ7N2vD8E1sXPDC_0SeCd1n1G46dMu8BQwF0ZfaUed-KVivTn95XdFFO1TXD8J5R6dx2rpOrN-XWne3c95yNxLr3/s400/5a40e913-b84d-4f02-8e17-d5a6e86564ef_robinwright.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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There's an intensity about <b>Robin Wright</b> in this dress: it's classic black... but from the <i>future</i>. Smokey eyes and the longer pixie cut pair nicely. <b>Amy</b> is shapely and fit with a tight, pulled back part but the detail at the hips is distracting.</div>
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Winner: Robin Wright.</div>
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Vnecks and cutouts </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8hIIUn9pYSt4pGoMqlpvBdRKOXSK1ghklC0rfBi24UXTn5eSLgx7xC-z_uQ2xBKH9-dAHnv7Exkc2jTsGd6u_f9zk9hjZNo50RTuQsxYGnktcstg7_2CqcZTII0PWZcGtdF6ZkaMWN4c/s1600/043ff35e-201b-4d0d-b584-1737e72c1c2a_AP543608060305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8hIIUn9pYSt4pGoMqlpvBdRKOXSK1ghklC0rfBi24UXTn5eSLgx7xC-z_uQ2xBKH9-dAHnv7Exkc2jTsGd6u_f9zk9hjZNo50RTuQsxYGnktcstg7_2CqcZTII0PWZcGtdF6ZkaMWN4c/s400/043ff35e-201b-4d0d-b584-1737e72c1c2a_AP543608060305.jpg" width="277" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hFsPq34zBQLtGohQ2HAqEKH3YfnFET3LxOZWDSVW33Npy-IcLh7TsZDmdvDO0o1WSgttGI7F94dAM4euTxx5eSRfOgdujckqqQJeKhdomy0-12wG81Y6O9T8Jemx-VsE9pHKZtzn_ZwB/s1600/slide_317266_2938927_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hFsPq34zBQLtGohQ2HAqEKH3YfnFET3LxOZWDSVW33Npy-IcLh7TsZDmdvDO0o1WSgttGI7F94dAM4euTxx5eSRfOgdujckqqQJeKhdomy0-12wG81Y6O9T8Jemx-VsE9pHKZtzn_ZwB/s400/slide_317266_2938927_free.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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Host Shaun Robinson vs. Host Cat Deeley</div>
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There's something about Cat Deeley's fashion choices that's always a bit off, in this case it's the sequins and cut of the dress. Shaun looks lovely but that beehive seems like it'll topple over any minute.</div>
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Winner: Shaun Robinson</div>
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Blue</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpdsXvSK7wpogQXflctL0IX3Z1zw77lz_FY1guGliR2ZEWwbsZC822VOzucOaqh7QUovPqcQEOHObs0L2G_XEU-bAQdHeNBKF2uNRgGNXa3QJeB3bB4mSUUTSLFOiuQHZV0TKXTa-x65-/s1600/6ce3d0ca-4f34-47fb-9bc0-e5a6396a38b6_AP202432988264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpdsXvSK7wpogQXflctL0IX3Z1zw77lz_FY1guGliR2ZEWwbsZC822VOzucOaqh7QUovPqcQEOHObs0L2G_XEU-bAQdHeNBKF2uNRgGNXa3QJeB3bB4mSUUTSLFOiuQHZV0TKXTa-x65-/s400/6ce3d0ca-4f34-47fb-9bc0-e5a6396a38b6_AP202432988264.jpg" width="306" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvEXyBPeAkSFtHriSkmiI1lwMY2dFxySUR4ulOaqlA-sQkJQTUanq_JwqpVUqXS-U1TeVKkDBq0w7N7gxL_wtVfiyAgDcXU7o9dRZ82ZNAg2M35pLk3Lz31GTf5gb_Zq54q_8H4XIWRgF/s1600/61ed66d9-c7e8-4685-9a0e-a7129923da33_AP658725687926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvEXyBPeAkSFtHriSkmiI1lwMY2dFxySUR4ulOaqlA-sQkJQTUanq_JwqpVUqXS-U1TeVKkDBq0w7N7gxL_wtVfiyAgDcXU7o9dRZ82ZNAg2M35pLk3Lz31GTf5gb_Zq54q_8H4XIWRgF/s400/61ed66d9-c7e8-4685-9a0e-a7129923da33_AP658725687926.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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Host Giuliana Rancic vs Host Maria Menounos</div>
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<b>Giuliana</b> is grossly thin. I'd rather see her covered up than stare at every uneven surface of her bones. <b>Maria</b> is lovely and rocking quite the elegant fishtail braid and beyond gorgeous bling.</div>
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Curves</div>
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Christina Hendricks & Alfre Woodard </div>
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Alfre chose the wrong color combo and the dress hangs limp. Christina is champion of working those curves. Winner!!!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sheer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a6DI-brnIHJKEBngChLZlbUOO6jlW38NUeo_W737h7A_SITFGWU57wgwv6u8igbxa6_5XKJ5w2ZFm-bJgHCx5cMeZ3cCdRgBYqBVaaFHm-WAhA47zp6QQHTWspMsPvoWhhpn1PzHSBb0/s1600/76628ee8-49e3-4673-a023-cb0a11045917_leanaheadey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a6DI-brnIHJKEBngChLZlbUOO6jlW38NUeo_W737h7A_SITFGWU57wgwv6u8igbxa6_5XKJ5w2ZFm-bJgHCx5cMeZ3cCdRgBYqBVaaFHm-WAhA47zp6QQHTWspMsPvoWhhpn1PzHSBb0/s400/76628ee8-49e3-4673-a023-cb0a11045917_leanaheadey.jpg" width="257" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_WAK204CqHufi6J1r53RobiI7xICr8jL1e-lKTOB3AsFkp9UNWdxEF6mrxLA-eEgt7RvGE4TZ4m-fkbAqh3tSIYFnG71rmn4U6ZFCBNugAPsOf9E45hfQVvddYouIfHOUIdveliLs04a/s1600/c7f14e16-28a6-4bf0-a063-afefff042bac_juliannehough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_WAK204CqHufi6J1r53RobiI7xICr8jL1e-lKTOB3AsFkp9UNWdxEF6mrxLA-eEgt7RvGE4TZ4m-fkbAqh3tSIYFnG71rmn4U6ZFCBNugAPsOf9E45hfQVvddYouIfHOUIdveliLs04a/s400/c7f14e16-28a6-4bf0-a063-afefff042bac_juliannehough.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Lena Heady and Julianne Hough</div>
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Sheer is hard to pull off no matter what, but Julianne is just a friggin' mess, as if she was interrupted from disrobing when they opened the door to the limo as she arrived at the red carpet. Lena is edgy in general so it's not surprising she'd go for a risque look.... but compared to Hough she's a church nun.</div>
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Those added details...</div>
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It's as if someone who loved hot gluing crafts got hold of<b> Aubrey Plaza's</b> boring dress and began adding fake flower petals for a touch of color then stopped. On the other hand, the detail on <b>Kerry Washington's</b> dress creates a lovely, whimsical gown.</div>
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White</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV5SVvJ38bGOqmvFpRP5q5XGbVzyclIOZoi5vmz4hhMqYSPEs54zQc1EivZ6Hp0veUZZjzjKdCzB6YXrgI3uxdyr351ADEnyiX4A70wpLEc0DsCJ3XVk33XU7lSHIrjxckU0jPvkqIDVP/s1600/0f4a25b6-e590-4eb5-8360-0f22fb6d4589_sandrineholt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV5SVvJ38bGOqmvFpRP5q5XGbVzyclIOZoi5vmz4hhMqYSPEs54zQc1EivZ6Hp0veUZZjzjKdCzB6YXrgI3uxdyr351ADEnyiX4A70wpLEc0DsCJ3XVk33XU7lSHIrjxckU0jPvkqIDVP/s400/0f4a25b6-e590-4eb5-8360-0f22fb6d4589_sandrineholt.jpg" width="276" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44KF4eyerZiAIiCFoCyX-sj_O4Sw2_5IkKSsRwlj93gYbO_QaMzms9SKWYqkZHtfsQBMEiMHAXU7iMjDhGYRBldZsO8W56VV-hSg4snFAq9NV0uYr5sajy2-JvVfRRS7QNxOa3cCzMgNg/s1600/54e8cdfb-68f7-4912-8804-6d3e64e02e10_katemara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44KF4eyerZiAIiCFoCyX-sj_O4Sw2_5IkKSsRwlj93gYbO_QaMzms9SKWYqkZHtfsQBMEiMHAXU7iMjDhGYRBldZsO8W56VV-hSg4snFAq9NV0uYr5sajy2-JvVfRRS7QNxOa3cCzMgNg/s400/54e8cdfb-68f7-4912-8804-6d3e64e02e10_katemara.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<b>Sandrine Holt</b> looks as sad as that stringy material hanging on her body. <b>Kate Mara</b> has made white interesting but there's a lot going on. Neither win.</div>
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Tiny Necklines</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPej1H64nqVoNiT-wfWydcAOP9pyF2oGuLEmXNS_mh7yd7himvrL3vKdxAKBMseX3Eyk1P7gcDXKZKu1eyPnrUeedU8XZWhPymh7sAH8Cj0AZwLX4nhC9rVs0LuaBuaYwNdkOwGKSuJQJ4/s1600/1da04fe0-009b-4264-b774-55dec4f11389_ColbieSmulders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPej1H64nqVoNiT-wfWydcAOP9pyF2oGuLEmXNS_mh7yd7himvrL3vKdxAKBMseX3Eyk1P7gcDXKZKu1eyPnrUeedU8XZWhPymh7sAH8Cj0AZwLX4nhC9rVs0LuaBuaYwNdkOwGKSuJQJ4/s400/1da04fe0-009b-4264-b774-55dec4f11389_ColbieSmulders.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3tyIrCWtnkr2FErhGISZOnovjcrTwmDcD6qaCgIiRWO2VAXTmWOoc1Z2CZj4hDRC-0oIGhCwn0ctEkXEhWw5mBEkVX5ngk_jF75VNuV_AElctLNcnKkoHCFqkeyPBjuZ-u_2kjsMjmnE/s1600/ec7ffafb-865f-4109-bf1c-960f0e88cd09_ZosiaMamet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3tyIrCWtnkr2FErhGISZOnovjcrTwmDcD6qaCgIiRWO2VAXTmWOoc1Z2CZj4hDRC-0oIGhCwn0ctEkXEhWw5mBEkVX5ngk_jF75VNuV_AElctLNcnKkoHCFqkeyPBjuZ-u_2kjsMjmnE/s400/ec7ffafb-865f-4109-bf1c-960f0e88cd09_ZosiaMamet.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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Why women insist on necklines that make their busts appear teeny tiny I will never know. <b>Cobie Smulders</b> in blush still looks beautiful while <b>Zosia Mamet </b>looks as sad as that tie dyed mess of a dress. It's cool if you want to be different but show some damn pride in yourself!</div>
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Blue Mermaid</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVYu35XtYwkEMssgeMmB59t0lD3ctLmkSsCf_FKN5eeuRaa7i1WIKnYGnI31GyI6CBz8_B3cMbQ449fJDxF3LMH02vcydtLA7RLF_jWkNMFLGDnOmZl1tMYJ2tJdHRYd9CTz4pw0ZTr0/s1600/3d48f59f-e9ff-4aeb-b361-d623f5ffa07d_181577005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVYu35XtYwkEMssgeMmB59t0lD3ctLmkSsCf_FKN5eeuRaa7i1WIKnYGnI31GyI6CBz8_B3cMbQ449fJDxF3LMH02vcydtLA7RLF_jWkNMFLGDnOmZl1tMYJ2tJdHRYd9CTz4pw0ZTr0/s400/3d48f59f-e9ff-4aeb-b361-d623f5ffa07d_181577005.jpg" width="262" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGwNjIYsHNom5XkvPfuIGZhOnbJnDfaRR1Lx8Jqrca_qqrdIG76JmwusYDEh5bye6A4b0j0BJv3Df4V_I2n7Mw5J4NUnqKACwAVHznV2GNw6yCaOiBkwmd6HwvkwpfTc5sDGuhGpxHiMw/s1600/6194b8ba-c78a-4e14-98c4-f61b764f79ef_tinafey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGwNjIYsHNom5XkvPfuIGZhOnbJnDfaRR1Lx8Jqrca_qqrdIG76JmwusYDEh5bye6A4b0j0BJv3Df4V_I2n7Mw5J4NUnqKACwAVHznV2GNw6yCaOiBkwmd6HwvkwpfTc5sDGuhGpxHiMw/s400/6194b8ba-c78a-4e14-98c4-f61b764f79ef_tinafey.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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This is one of those times Tina Fey decided to look good for the show - and she does but it's nothing special. Rocsi Diaz is smokin' and the dress reminds me of flower petals.</div>
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Beige</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdsgjaxJraNZTGQeH44gqkWcqhJFw6wNqPOk4r6EyWQMxz7vLhIXMVfzoj3JCKngYaQMYqWWtRtG8I7H3bSCBp2YkwojsjXZ0jf1HmLr16jEZZnUC2bVbMvnu7SG5fH4sD5TotVtIYirs/s1600/b92ff257-9d59-4157-819f-babf48a637fd_KristinConnolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdsgjaxJraNZTGQeH44gqkWcqhJFw6wNqPOk4r6EyWQMxz7vLhIXMVfzoj3JCKngYaQMYqWWtRtG8I7H3bSCBp2YkwojsjXZ0jf1HmLr16jEZZnUC2bVbMvnu7SG5fH4sD5TotVtIYirs/s400/b92ff257-9d59-4157-819f-babf48a637fd_KristinConnolly.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyujJ1cdWqoRilhHh9v45l2jnZ6QVKq6XpnCnismFXIytEVWTDt_MKEBy63aF11QNK-VgkYJODc-Uiicnbd4EKpiIBVoU1G4hvAC_cbk4_r2KnAVMXbnzLLxRLDrBiJJslhZvGNVtT0Gxr/s1600/b350f3bf-a016-4ec2-93f0-e739bb76097e_januarayjones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyujJ1cdWqoRilhHh9v45l2jnZ6QVKq6XpnCnismFXIytEVWTDt_MKEBy63aF11QNK-VgkYJODc-Uiicnbd4EKpiIBVoU1G4hvAC_cbk4_r2KnAVMXbnzLLxRLDrBiJJslhZvGNVtT0Gxr/s400/b350f3bf-a016-4ec2-93f0-e739bb76097e_januarayjones.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Beige is boring - that is all.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sister vs Sister</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihktsGaKold7DOFa6PlKVjtZLq0N9FRaW5Gg2cVGA8TlDnaW4XCm8oyBKzPMjOjlQfq02oViPSPp0skOTnZa0Z790s43FF5jasJWWQRdtwTUfLfrPpUwR2DRX9MJpseeRzJJ_0r8l24G-x/s1600/04b200a2-7ca4-4428-9d4a-2007a2107fc0_181577601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihktsGaKold7DOFa6PlKVjtZLq0N9FRaW5Gg2cVGA8TlDnaW4XCm8oyBKzPMjOjlQfq02oViPSPp0skOTnZa0Z790s43FF5jasJWWQRdtwTUfLfrPpUwR2DRX9MJpseeRzJJ_0r8l24G-x/s400/04b200a2-7ca4-4428-9d4a-2007a2107fc0_181577601.jpg" width="273" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4cAWRXM97MymeFwQbLsSUAlj_u_7S2B9Oct1X7whhC73aOXGwQSs7GlKeWvqKLg3jKuK-q_EHjCqPB0QYTQeU_7uAJL1dDuXJrh8UJZFxv-s9t1OAyNTmF0tHu7kIG9ieI90ctIY_B2-/s1600/7d00b69e-2a10-415e-8e4f-020d5c51dddd_SarahHyland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4cAWRXM97MymeFwQbLsSUAlj_u_7S2B9Oct1X7whhC73aOXGwQSs7GlKeWvqKLg3jKuK-q_EHjCqPB0QYTQeU_7uAJL1dDuXJrh8UJZFxv-s9t1OAyNTmF0tHu7kIG9ieI90ctIY_B2-/s400/7d00b69e-2a10-415e-8e4f-020d5c51dddd_SarahHyland.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Though <b>Sarah Hyland</b> is the stylish on-screen sister of nerdy <b>Ariel Winter's</b> character in Modern Family, her over-tanned body and mannequin like, botox injected face (fake boobs too?) cheapen the lackluster green gown. Whoever is telling these young starlets to get plastic surgery and botox needs to shut their faces and rethink their priorities</div>
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Ariel in contrast looks fresh, young, and elegant in pink chiffon - hands down winner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK5w4Y4aqugL07QpebJMMS8CkOdhhT2w68DaTolTD_hWecuQCI6NjJ8q0AT8UcmgXT8-ft_dAt5jmU8qg2NyZ3QhkoiwNNF3fN7B7tMhZnspiANsaBC8wcyfGWS3ddr0okHAUxJ9G8MwB/s1600/8e73739e-8c17-430b-bc1a-03748c4dee9a_ZooeyDeschanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK5w4Y4aqugL07QpebJMMS8CkOdhhT2w68DaTolTD_hWecuQCI6NjJ8q0AT8UcmgXT8-ft_dAt5jmU8qg2NyZ3QhkoiwNNF3fN7B7tMhZnspiANsaBC8wcyfGWS3ddr0okHAUxJ9G8MwB/s400/8e73739e-8c17-430b-bc1a-03748c4dee9a_ZooeyDeschanel.jpg" width="293" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpPm-TIQaXSjwSrWwOlqa1TBfnTqShcipNNgvzBD4e517yBHoOC_Kd3U3gcg-VJvPG8Xy8oN02Ue8GjQsZNPYLoi_ycyK96mKJSPrB9bbhGmJFefnaihgjwytce4jfGeHJ0UcyITUG4VR/s1600/a28761f6-61c7-48ea-93b7-4c2e389de5f2_emilydeschanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpPm-TIQaXSjwSrWwOlqa1TBfnTqShcipNNgvzBD4e517yBHoOC_Kd3U3gcg-VJvPG8Xy8oN02Ue8GjQsZNPYLoi_ycyK96mKJSPrB9bbhGmJFefnaihgjwytce4jfGeHJ0UcyITUG4VR/s400/a28761f6-61c7-48ea-93b7-4c2e389de5f2_emilydeschanel.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Off-screen sisters <b>Zooey and Emily Deschanel</b> each put their twist on dusty blue gowns. Emily looks classic in lace and a loose up-do while Zooey's 60's inspired hair and makeup add glamour to an interesting gown. DRAW.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Hot Messes</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrdQjnu_dAFm1PCY829cuvdmEWXJ56Ejjl2umYaEP9yj7P5pRbmjilnRiHuvlvE2SANB3v0MZkv2mUpNRwqq2Fw8N1FVDAfP5PuAWUjqrS_9ZoguWUUM5ejjZin8o-BG61DyHnWAiuIx6/s1600/9b684390-f412-4e05-bc57-143daad7d7e7_giacoppola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrdQjnu_dAFm1PCY829cuvdmEWXJ56Ejjl2umYaEP9yj7P5pRbmjilnRiHuvlvE2SANB3v0MZkv2mUpNRwqq2Fw8N1FVDAfP5PuAWUjqrS_9ZoguWUUM5ejjZin8o-BG61DyHnWAiuIx6/s640/9b684390-f412-4e05-bc57-143daad7d7e7_giacoppola.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
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Gia Coppola</div>
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Besides the unkempt hair, terrible structuring of the dress, and poor color choice, the shadow on the material makes it look like she has.......... an erection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive1BRB4YnSo7BxrG6-WzC6eFenhXpx6deBZomWxS3jjvNRq7vV2SEjmCoNWPOtkINCdFHNrxS-VI5wo0GFvOwhbiRtxY7K0MB0F_NZHDZ9OK1YGv95fB6RPGj_lTdvQa3dWejc72V_zUa/s1600/00d44cbd-11d8-430f-b14e-2b9356cf941b_JessicaPare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive1BRB4YnSo7BxrG6-WzC6eFenhXpx6deBZomWxS3jjvNRq7vV2SEjmCoNWPOtkINCdFHNrxS-VI5wo0GFvOwhbiRtxY7K0MB0F_NZHDZ9OK1YGv95fB6RPGj_lTdvQa3dWejc72V_zUa/s640/00d44cbd-11d8-430f-b14e-2b9356cf941b_JessicaPare.jpg" width="435" /></a></div>
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Ladies and Gentlemen: Jessica Pare and the wrinkled material dress that appears to be eating her!</div>
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(but the shoes are fab)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb9FqgZ73W9jShEs_YLSCUrIaUMdzWzQn5N7tBEYJCJyPQqZYqb64WRf74K-EfkCXgK8vov99uWwkrXNghSsuP3XcwZdB3sxnUORPgGQPXjlR8CKo0PPvezTeFhRgfm1iFtYHVXysAoTh/s1600/28658a13-27f6-47bb-89a0-596c7325ccb0_paulaabdul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb9FqgZ73W9jShEs_YLSCUrIaUMdzWzQn5N7tBEYJCJyPQqZYqb64WRf74K-EfkCXgK8vov99uWwkrXNghSsuP3XcwZdB3sxnUORPgGQPXjlR8CKo0PPvezTeFhRgfm1iFtYHVXysAoTh/s640/28658a13-27f6-47bb-89a0-596c7325ccb0_paulaabdul.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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Some people wrap themselves in gold foil and call it a dress. That's cool.</div>
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Then there's this....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoINMqbtREJLyu63cAfDro2nGUFsNjdiSZjgkIfNoyB4jTSlk1B55GF0qb_NmLKccNkKrhjBzbz4ZGxvnsjgEDB0P-R8EF992aMJhECzGvLIpm6-5Poolw0g0XPc2wgTQfTy5S7ChDnnZ/s1600/82bcc240-db51-4cd1-a4b5-ecdf769bcc3d_lilyrabe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoINMqbtREJLyu63cAfDro2nGUFsNjdiSZjgkIfNoyB4jTSlk1B55GF0qb_NmLKccNkKrhjBzbz4ZGxvnsjgEDB0P-R8EF992aMJhECzGvLIpm6-5Poolw0g0XPc2wgTQfTy5S7ChDnnZ/s640/82bcc240-db51-4cd1-a4b5-ecdf769bcc3d_lilyrabe.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
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I don't..... um.... I really have no idea what to say. </div>
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Just say no to drugs, kids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERcifWso3eDzUbKStpDEnq6kx_wLgraA1BnxSWNdJfSw8B2PrRFxnhuz7iO1ws5r9I0J2tJTt160kJjgyUbgBnkxjT66R9HV-dRkVcFJWzjs8jWFsOr5nFEns_ckyXUsWemm9kAYDAjQj/s1600/c8bb0502-c499-45f6-9221-763337865594_lenadunham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERcifWso3eDzUbKStpDEnq6kx_wLgraA1BnxSWNdJfSw8B2PrRFxnhuz7iO1ws5r9I0J2tJTt160kJjgyUbgBnkxjT66R9HV-dRkVcFJWzjs8jWFsOr5nFEns_ckyXUsWemm9kAYDAjQj/s640/c8bb0502-c499-45f6-9221-763337865594_lenadunham.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I think Lena Dunham's choices might be part of ironic comedy... I hope. This is just terrible, made worse by that makeup and horrible haircut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQpK9AIVJvYL8CQWXQMWBgB2Xo7-oa8GL8ndWAIbajKEjAoXyQMh9episLxdyGtt5jTZ5PgzmA7KuGNKsX1L-6niEyhawnsIxLB_vu7WTOAAPlJ9xYJTJ-jeBHlije2p8EKYxUj6wmZQr/s1600/f63908e1-abcf-412f-9d4a-7b676aaba398_ClaireDanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQpK9AIVJvYL8CQWXQMWBgB2Xo7-oa8GL8ndWAIbajKEjAoXyQMh9episLxdyGtt5jTZ5PgzmA7KuGNKsX1L-6niEyhawnsIxLB_vu7WTOAAPlJ9xYJTJ-jeBHlije2p8EKYxUj6wmZQr/s640/f63908e1-abcf-412f-9d4a-7b676aaba398_ClaireDanes.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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Hey Claire Danes! Nice sternum! </div>
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Seriously, how can you wear no bra yet still have boob spillage? Nothing is right about this.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Elegant</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz6WgN4EyWp_UxQJ50LFJ3TF5fX4U6so6UUI6fSVGvpcm9svmBmAu-DvYvhnouJ8XKSaO-TeCrVNiySqXq7dXyZJtUhBO0AT-_UHBqtmsP6ZtRU59Fum12OJTUT5kl-wLYiKXOZGYnamy/s1600/40608987-cbdf-4ec6-9a5b-bac21bd55f56_julialouisdreyfus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz6WgN4EyWp_UxQJ50LFJ3TF5fX4U6so6UUI6fSVGvpcm9svmBmAu-DvYvhnouJ8XKSaO-TeCrVNiySqXq7dXyZJtUhBO0AT-_UHBqtmsP6ZtRU59Fum12OJTUT5kl-wLYiKXOZGYnamy/s640/40608987-cbdf-4ec6-9a5b-bac21bd55f56_julialouisdreyfus.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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On a positive note, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is as beautiful as ever. This woman does not age!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqIXKaXy0rcbbgR_0V7tED3BD5TnOQEPDuQZQTD6tEmNf9rLJd_R0kdCP_qGdz9uGV5PpR1UzAPbS-hF3aADpd3G5nOOM0RZ0PzbhnDGGTfnjyOUSj5suzqrZnFyPhXel3-M3TJKsmwMo/s1600/8ea38f5a-8f22-48f8-97a6-1930cec407dc_rosebyrne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqIXKaXy0rcbbgR_0V7tED3BD5TnOQEPDuQZQTD6tEmNf9rLJd_R0kdCP_qGdz9uGV5PpR1UzAPbS-hF3aADpd3G5nOOM0RZ0PzbhnDGGTfnjyOUSj5suzqrZnFyPhXel3-M3TJKsmwMo/s640/8ea38f5a-8f22-48f8-97a6-1930cec407dc_rosebyrne.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Rose Byrne - who is beyond TINY (written in all caps makes that ironic!!) - is simply amazing.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Guess who's having a bad hair day?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi6kFmH0ckCB3dba7oX8gZcQ14DveLvUL4q7uJUuqSWt297zHOvpaLu4ysLwkL05nHt2ey2sBAsW7eHs6seTTgMES1gwL2sW7NWfaNgF9uQmEinS7xGWzrn18eySbl3O3oSuW470DnvN4/s1600/84570a6c-4ce8-4a60-9d9b-baa41dbb05b4_betsybrandt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi6kFmH0ckCB3dba7oX8gZcQ14DveLvUL4q7uJUuqSWt297zHOvpaLu4ysLwkL05nHt2ey2sBAsW7eHs6seTTgMES1gwL2sW7NWfaNgF9uQmEinS7xGWzrn18eySbl3O3oSuW470DnvN4/s400/84570a6c-4ce8-4a60-9d9b-baa41dbb05b4_betsybrandt.jpg" width="277" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRzF4zR0yNTMnJd1bS6wgFkuROtT06AWfGH_cVKdZSotYvWfSkTaup9N9B57jlByINuapWvsaDfm0QT8E56tXzzR-3IUk54Wlran82pl1spKy4yVpPcvMdPkazsw2vi0O86euOr6l_5tH/s1600/slide_317266_2938970_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRzF4zR0yNTMnJd1bS6wgFkuROtT06AWfGH_cVKdZSotYvWfSkTaup9N9B57jlByINuapWvsaDfm0QT8E56tXzzR-3IUk54Wlran82pl1spKy4yVpPcvMdPkazsw2vi0O86euOr6l_5tH/s400/slide_317266_2938970_free.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Betsy Brandy and Vera Farmiga!</div>
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<h3>
These heads belong on different bodies: </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUFcEm0CpFgcDPExAkC8K9EXXCT35uPMC8p_vaQnyK9XCSSMf-y3vKak5Ha1EdcPn9FcFhr1GH50vP_K2Yds44ZnKuQxiZPueema6CX5_ja0zAm4iyMREKdzW5y62OwdiBByWHjgpjzhH/s1600/efa3aac4-365a-4fed-90fc-1a11df6cb958_emiliaclarke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUFcEm0CpFgcDPExAkC8K9EXXCT35uPMC8p_vaQnyK9XCSSMf-y3vKak5Ha1EdcPn9FcFhr1GH50vP_K2Yds44ZnKuQxiZPueema6CX5_ja0zAm4iyMREKdzW5y62OwdiBByWHjgpjzhH/s400/efa3aac4-365a-4fed-90fc-1a11df6cb958_emiliaclarke.jpg" width="277" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeRZm1mU7Ba4q74JgK2ubN-oGEW6YqIly4Bm_9oLVL4zgEb1SoQKygAxEl9WDR1dZAwCZd_KVHpAvRk9fWXMDUj6asZ_2zWslsxT0Vs0yU_BZc-dxuWj225b_2_B3BAipZiFIAiZLypDo/s1600/25528a38-ee91-44f3-9631-87e32a619af9_CarriePreston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeRZm1mU7Ba4q74JgK2ubN-oGEW6YqIly4Bm_9oLVL4zgEb1SoQKygAxEl9WDR1dZAwCZd_KVHpAvRk9fWXMDUj6asZ_2zWslsxT0Vs0yU_BZc-dxuWj225b_2_B3BAipZiFIAiZLypDo/s400/25528a38-ee91-44f3-9631-87e32a619af9_CarriePreston.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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(A little dark Game of Thrones and True Blood humor for you all) But seriously, the dresses are nice, the hair and makeup are nice.... they just don't belong together.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
So Close and Yet...</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-JP7FSR-eu6r8uFF40cdAM2_ci7C6dyjwSqi07Pp9nQJ7k6cVhazgkme0Jc1wUkXfqxkFhDClqfsHYYvbpOIfxl8k91yfuzlaNmYF0vzJl1x5-WqhJ-CrAzxBnhnwE5XBG6u2WOSnPOx/s1600/slide_317266_2938917_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-JP7FSR-eu6r8uFF40cdAM2_ci7C6dyjwSqi07Pp9nQJ7k6cVhazgkme0Jc1wUkXfqxkFhDClqfsHYYvbpOIfxl8k91yfuzlaNmYF0vzJl1x5-WqhJ-CrAzxBnhnwE5XBG6u2WOSnPOx/s400/slide_317266_2938917_free.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtLRVtoS4-61XLVd3eosO3iJHZCYkEcKqE6Z4W3o2Qhba1UR4aCDRBduXbaDnrvwZUhgxjDEYOxv8Mn-1uwqx4KHRCQbYdavkh-3vfOTdpGnnTjnYMHGeiJzBqcCSu_P7cGyAHWr6h4RE/s1600/ef50c264-9896-4219-9411-2b384ee959cb_juliebowen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtLRVtoS4-61XLVd3eosO3iJHZCYkEcKqE6Z4W3o2Qhba1UR4aCDRBduXbaDnrvwZUhgxjDEYOxv8Mn-1uwqx4KHRCQbYdavkh-3vfOTdpGnnTjnYMHGeiJzBqcCSu_P7cGyAHWr6h4RE/s400/ef50c264-9896-4219-9411-2b384ee959cb_juliebowen.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Julie Bowen looks nice but the peach color washes her out and the material on the bottom is swallowing her tiny frame. Malin Ackerman is okay... but the color is wrong.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8HaZe6rlVXjnGPIEN36d4lbxNXvwC0DWVANO0PpREAoScghjZ37FIoJcXGgkRzI8VaWHH5_2oZFL5LKJli1iWxH1BqieF1uMKr2Qq93Z3v1b64mN6x9cX9k5ysQuDDHzzB-3r7OtrKng/s1600/ff482bdf-9434-4db8-8a16-74e2cfef7c67_conniebritton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8HaZe6rlVXjnGPIEN36d4lbxNXvwC0DWVANO0PpREAoScghjZ37FIoJcXGgkRzI8VaWHH5_2oZFL5LKJli1iWxH1BqieF1uMKr2Qq93Z3v1b64mN6x9cX9k5ysQuDDHzzB-3r7OtrKng/s400/ff482bdf-9434-4db8-8a16-74e2cfef7c67_conniebritton.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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On TV I didn't mind Connie Britton in this dress because I didn't notice the crushed velvet. Ugh.... crushed velvet looks good on NO ONE.</div>
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So now it's time for Best and Worst Dressed.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Worst</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebzkZTcW2PmQXFnX2IhdOBZNJPH7PUJz788sMrQwsHuf_etrWleS0i-5UZVFJBQ5kKsZoOoaC8dJiG3iOIReEcVqcCFtgapYLIr99dXEtdCVqqN3E2Wb3vqFPQn-R4oQj_6HC3zStoAV9/s1600/68615_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebzkZTcW2PmQXFnX2IhdOBZNJPH7PUJz788sMrQwsHuf_etrWleS0i-5UZVFJBQ5kKsZoOoaC8dJiG3iOIReEcVqcCFtgapYLIr99dXEtdCVqqN3E2Wb3vqFPQn-R4oQj_6HC3zStoAV9/s640/68615_1.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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Congrats Julianne Hough! You are the Worst Emmys Dresser of 2013!!! Your dress makes me sad and you like you're wearing granny-panties. Learn from this.</div>
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Best</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82l1oHmZI0IrsT-oLwolj2qzwUslxBPMpad0hpxbrcPhF-tZKaSYuD1_cqwrUprZcr32zj_RVittYF9fiI05Wii8SqTrW03AZOLrBkQFXbIYdP5PEO6_Rr3p7jg1VgQlPwrsVUc5u5DnQ/s1600/3cbad3ff46754413b4456c9d5bf37afa-27d4c4191b8542499ac743add636182d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82l1oHmZI0IrsT-oLwolj2qzwUslxBPMpad0hpxbrcPhF-tZKaSYuD1_cqwrUprZcr32zj_RVittYF9fiI05Wii8SqTrW03AZOLrBkQFXbIYdP5PEO6_Rr3p7jg1VgQlPwrsVUc5u5DnQ/s640/3cbad3ff46754413b4456c9d5bf37afa-27d4c4191b8542499ac743add636182d-1.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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Zooey Deschanel!</div>
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Everything about her is elegant, vivacious, and still unique to Zooey. Well done!</div>
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So that's that. I hope you've enjoyed this Fashion Post as it's taken me hours to write the damn thing! Leave comment and tell me your hits and misses on the Emmys Red Carpet... or just say hi.</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-12452810052512396162013-09-02T16:56:00.000-07:002013-09-02T16:56:14.253-07:00Bride & Prejudice film: August P&P Pick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1enrbr4GBUkb21Ul9p5ZYI4ucq5-I9A5HdKXSm68RwoByFk1u526eg3neObBISxod8jyPZTSRIMv79AZIJlhTrdQ4Vb6FjrC6dtO3OL_kTaK0nl7lYNYLhxBHFKFBlW1wRTZL1nnXQ4UG/s1600/bride-prejudice-134505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1enrbr4GBUkb21Ul9p5ZYI4ucq5-I9A5HdKXSm68RwoByFk1u526eg3neObBISxod8jyPZTSRIMv79AZIJlhTrdQ4Vb6FjrC6dtO3OL_kTaK0nl7lYNYLhxBHFKFBlW1wRTZL1nnXQ4UG/s640/bride-prejudice-134505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I have a particular weakness for Indian RomComs, I'd never actually seen a Bollywood production, and since I didn't have time to read any P&P JAFF I thought I'd watch some.<br />
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A little about Bollywood:<br />
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These films are HUGE productions with large budgets, lots of colorful costumes, and many many <i>so </i><i>many </i><i>frickin' </i><b>musical</b> <b>numbers</b>. Like every five minutes for the first half of the almost three hour film.<br />
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<i><b>Bride & Prejudice</b></i> is a modern and interesting interpretation of Jane Austen's classic love story; if you're going to choose a present-day culture to set a story about a "Mama" trying to find four (Kitty was left out of the movie) daughters excellent marriages, India makes sense.<br />
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William Darcy is a rich American hotel mogul whose come to India with Balraj (Bingley) and his sister Kiran-- played by the amazing Indira Varma from <i>Luther</i> and <i>Rome</i>)-- for a huge wedding in which Balraj is best man. Balraj and Kiran are wealthy, well-connected, career driven Londoners. While in India, Darcy hopes to take a side trip in order to purchase a hotel. At the wedding, two of the bride's attendants are Lalita (Elizabeth) and Jaya (Jane) Bakshi. The men see the women, and BOOM, love makin' MAGIC.<br />
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Many of the plot points in <b><i>Bride & Prejudice</i></b> remain the same: Johnny Wickham shows up, Mr. Kohli (Collins) from LA gets rejected, and Jaya's heart is broken. You and I both know how it ends, but there are plenty of differences: Wickham actually got Georgiana pregnant, the character of Lady Catherine takes the form of Darcy's mother, and Kiran has no real interest in Darcy other than friendship.<br />
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If I'm being blunt (and I usually am), skip <i><b>Bride & Prejudice</b></i>. The film was far too long, the amount of musical numbers began to grate on my nerves, and the acting by New Zealander Martin Henderson playing Darcy was bad. It was frustrating seeing Literature's sexiest 18th century hero as a subpar, boring character with absolutely no chemistry between him and Lalita. I would've been more interested in a Bollywood adaptation with no Western influences. There's still plenty of Pomp and Circumstance, the music is good when not inhibiting the progression of the story, and the film is in English if you're not a fan of subtitles. However, I'd suggest subtitles anyway because many of the actors have thick accents and talk fast, plus the songs are in Hindi.<br />
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Not my cup of tea but if you happen to love Jane Austen and Bollywood, this one's for you.<br />
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<b>Rating: 2 out of 5 Ribbons</b><br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-18233055196636830202013-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:002013-08-24T22:24:35.200-07:00Cards Against Humanity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As young adults grow into not-so-young adults, we begin to look for purchases that are investments. How much can I get for my money? For example, a house to use as equity, an electric toothbrush to cut down the risk of cavities and gum disease, an expensive mattress that'll last 20 years and won't give you back pain, a time share.... you get the point.</div>
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If you can buy no other luxury for the rest of the year (thank goodness it's almost September), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-CAHUS/dp/B004S8F7QM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377408056&sr=8-1&keywords=cards+against+humanity">invest in some fun:</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4LswDmDtxJe0G6JSeWNiw8q7HantQVSshJAoxd75LDWyg-TWz3JrPVwNdA95gAXfsNHEdJ-Z5pSHepGXlBUqzoHeI1gLtrzbErm466_fbk0N4WcE0HVBc0PtkU6n3Hlmr_3NUYePkLJ/s1600/1069398_10100465902145647_1864475541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4LswDmDtxJe0G6JSeWNiw8q7HantQVSshJAoxd75LDWyg-TWz3JrPVwNdA95gAXfsNHEdJ-Z5pSHepGXlBUqzoHeI1gLtrzbErm466_fbk0N4WcE0HVBc0PtkU6n3Hlmr_3NUYePkLJ/s640/1069398_10100465902145647_1864475541_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For those of you unfamiliar with the best.game.ever., <b>Cards Against Humanity </b>is a <strike>demented</strike> politically incorrect version of the card game Apples to Apples. It's the end result of a Kickstarter project from a few Highland Park High School Alums (go Chicago!!). If you are a horrible person (and I have a sneaking suspicion you are) and have horrible friends, you have no excuse NOT to buy Cards Against Humanity.</div>
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You will laugh. You will cry (with laughter). And if you're like me, you'll probably have to explain racy terms like necrophilia, smegma and queefing (okay so I had to have that one explained to me..... at least I learned!) to an open-minded yet prudish mother.</div>
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Awkward. </div>
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Remember when I talked above about investments? When purchasing this game you have two options:</div>
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1. Buy that sucker from Amazon or another online retailer that sells it: $25 for the game, $10 for each expansion pack (there are two.... for now).</div>
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2. Download it for free <a href="http://cardsagainsthumanity.com/">here</a> and print it out.</div>
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You may be thinking "Now I can spend my last fifty fun dollars on a month's worth of Starbucks and get the all this fun for free!"</div>
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Not so fast.</div>
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Once you weigh the cost of ink, paper, time & labor to cut that shit up, against how well you and your drunk friends will care for those flimsy cards once you get a game going, your best option is selling out and going for the mass produced pack. Take my advice as I am almost always right.</div>
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WARNING: Cards Against Humanity is not for kids, the easily offended, people who take themselves too seriously, the annoyingly competitive game player, individuals who consider themselves "classy," or your Grandma (unless she's a dirty old lady). </div>
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Seriously guys, it comes with a "17+" label.</div>
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It's inappropriate fun for the sake of inappropriate fun and as long as I have dirty-minded, incredibly offensive friends and family, I will be playing this game for years to come.</div>
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<b>Rating: 5 out of 5 Dirty Jokes</b></div>
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<i>*This was a purchase based on the recommendation of a friend (yes, I have one or two), and I am in no way affiliated with the creators of this game which is a damn shame because they seem like a hoot.</i></div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-37894720244622046702013-08-20T08:40:00.000-07:002013-08-20T08:41:29.705-07:00Blog HopAre you missing my posts??<br />
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So sorry I've been AWOL but come Sept. I'll hopefully have my shit together long enough to write more than a couple blogs for the month.<br />
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But I make no promises.<br />
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Anywho, my beautiful, dinosaur loving friend Lori has this great blog that's just <i><b><a href="http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/">A Little Slice O' Special</a></b></i>. She asked me for a guest post and BOOM! I delivered.<br />
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<a href="http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BRP4b1VR2GXz-gr24iOuUmiSqxstckQCOz1_5gVn6ghVNvFAEXxBWShWna6HJzI3hbdJfx3o45Vh6m0PW68yxBgHEjgK0VNmOBD7SQrbrvbf7Ins-wTCU2a7kWiEwsh7fltgDsoPaVQC/s640/July2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Totally beautiful, amiright?!?!?!</i></div>
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Head on over to her section of the Interweb to see <b><a href="http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/2013/08/fruit-salsa-and-summer-jams-with-miss.html?showComment=1377012459730#c233811039314616847">how I make fruit salsa and my Top 10 Songs of the Summer.</a></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-59422674161487974672013-08-06T20:29:00.001-07:002013-08-06T20:29:31.359-07:00Summer Squash Pasta Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love pasta salad.</div>
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So so much.</div>
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Like, if I wasn't already married, and I loved food more than men, I'd marry Pasta Salad. For serious.</div>
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While this isn't my favorite pasta salad recipe-- I'll post that one in the weeks to come-- the simplicity of this Summer Squash Pasta Salad makes it a close second. Fresh herbs, veggies, and a homemade dressing give this dish a cleaner taste. Plus it's frickin' beautiful:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3egP557WEUtqSZltyl-xQC2vArLLpPQdM-Y_E-_N-mOjHzc5jVsvs24UEh1-QfO0RJvBY2A4mVCosv3ysS68Wl1jhgvXUztJXIJaOPpqyjwyI48eHOn5ayTyhNol0fgPgzhVAwmCE8Vh/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3egP557WEUtqSZltyl-xQC2vArLLpPQdM-Y_E-_N-mOjHzc5jVsvs24UEh1-QfO0RJvBY2A4mVCosv3ysS68Wl1jhgvXUztJXIJaOPpqyjwyI48eHOn5ayTyhNol0fgPgzhVAwmCE8Vh/s640/IMG_1858.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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To turn this salad into a light summer meal, I boiled and shredded a few chicken breasts... or were they boneless thighs?........Whatever. Shred some chicken and add it in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopwr-5SWDBxd4eNUzIxbXqs0pfvvpUeW0NwUbWTsRA_oN4tu923IqrS7LvJD9wDn_2P9D2GAmkKzCrExQOui-Re45h0WXgtxdr9ZaXGxTIPrqgFMkOmlfwJrOlx17WrTMT_6eXk6598f5/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopwr-5SWDBxd4eNUzIxbXqs0pfvvpUeW0NwUbWTsRA_oN4tu923IqrS7LvJD9wDn_2P9D2GAmkKzCrExQOui-Re45h0WXgtxdr9ZaXGxTIPrqgFMkOmlfwJrOlx17WrTMT_6eXk6598f5/s640/IMG_1860.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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Mmmmm.... and it's even better leftover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gcrm7V3pdHPePajR77BpPv-aaF-enjXn-7qq4h8srSHJgjbXzekJM3MeXb5ATNjPQchhVX6q1ynEEEnkB6c0S_KShs-aHetxfTUPmsXgJMaMT3mke8XcIOdlrL6qUeKuhyphenhyphen2x4x-AZz2E/s1600/IMG_1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gcrm7V3pdHPePajR77BpPv-aaF-enjXn-7qq4h8srSHJgjbXzekJM3MeXb5ATNjPQchhVX6q1ynEEEnkB6c0S_KShs-aHetxfTUPmsXgJMaMT3mke8XcIOdlrL6qUeKuhyphenhyphen2x4x-AZz2E/s640/IMG_1862.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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I wish I could take credit for the roll-ups too... but I cheated and got them from Jewel. Take advantage of this recipe if you grow fresh herbs in your garden - Bon appetite!</div>
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Summer Squash Pasta Salad</h2>
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1 box farfalle </div>
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1 yellow squash - cut into small chunks</div>
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1 zucchini - cut into small chunks</div>
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1 small jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil or water - diced</div>
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1/2 cup packed flat leaf parsley - chopped</div>
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1 cup packed fresh basil leaves - chopped</div>
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2 chicken breasts - cooked and shredded</div>
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1 Tbsp Olive oil</div>
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freshly ground pepper to taste</div>
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Cook pasta al dente as directed. Toss in olive oil and pepper.</div>
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Dressing</h3>
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2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar</div>
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2 garlic cloves, crushed lightly and quartered</div>
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1 tsp stone ground mustard</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/8 tsp black pepper</div>
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1 tsp dried oregano</div>
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1 tsp dried basil</div>
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1/2 cup olive oil</div>
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For the dressing, add the vinegar to a blender and replace lid. Turn on blender and add one at a time thru the feed opening: garlic, mustard, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Leaving the blender running, add olive oil in a slow thin stream.</div>
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Toss together pasta, yellow squash, chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, and parsley with enough dressing to coat..... okay, that's what the recipe says, but what does it know?! Use all the dressing-- take a risk!</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-72172544446518435212013-07-25T20:13:00.000-07:002013-07-25T20:55:47.917-07:00P&P Challenge: July Trio <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember when I created a list of books for this Pride and Prejudice challenge?</div>
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That's out the window.</div>
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Instead of the titles I chose at the time, I opted for two more Elizabeth Aston sequels, as well as a young adult choice to spice things up. That's right, I read THREE books this month-- <i><b>impressed</b></i>?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOkqREodZcLC1veuVl6ImwpVC2AFxI3-ubXWJGSh9KPdOAgs5AyGxUTy_wQyleUAe3MsTnVvOZ0EpVFcNYWQ3EClpGS43bQNKEy-zD88mxQMOStYQd3nQwPVAu6lwjuSd9srxmOS6EJ6C/s1600/9781416547259-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOkqREodZcLC1veuVl6ImwpVC2AFxI3-ubXWJGSh9KPdOAgs5AyGxUTy_wQyleUAe3MsTnVvOZ0EpVFcNYWQ3EClpGS43bQNKEy-zD88mxQMOStYQd3nQwPVAu6lwjuSd9srxmOS6EJ6C/s400/9781416547259-l.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Remember the dimwitted, long-winded Mr. Collins (how could you forget him?), cousin to the Bennet's and title holder of Worst Marriage Proposal in all of Literature? Well he's Bishop of Ripon, and has two daughter's: Charlotte, the eldest and most beautiful girl in all of England, and "Plain Jane" Eliza. They also have a son, Charles, who's supposedly just like his father, but while the name is tossed about, the Collins boy isn't actually in the story.</div>
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<i>The Darcy Connection</i> is the fifth installment of Elizabeth Aston's P&P JAFF series and while not the strongest, still enjoyable. While sisters by blood, Eliza and Charlotte have few sisterly bonds: Eliza possessing a free spirit and wearing her heart on her sleeve, and Charlotte a statuesque reserved beauty with little warmth and no personality. Despite their differences, Eliza is thrilled Charlotte is given a London season by her wealthy great aunt and godmother, completely content with staying in the country and perpetuating her secret engagement to the Squire's son.</div>
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Only the Squire and his wife have no intention in letting Anthony-- their pride and joy-- marry beneath him.</div>
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So Eliza is shipped to London with Charlotte and Lady Grandpoint as a poor country relation with no support from her aunt, though she's permitted to attend social occasions thrown by her godmother Mrs. Darcy's daughter, Camilla Wytton. It's at such a function where she meets Mr. Bruton, a wealthy banker, and the usual "P&P love triangle" begins. As always, George Warren shows up in a villainous capacity, something happens to almost ruin our heroine's reputation, and all is set right again by our hero.</div>
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The stereotyped females-- plain but with personality, beautiful but cold-- the gruff hero, and one-dimensional friendly recurring characters felt redundant, and there were a few plot points unaddressed at the conclusion of the book. Furthermore, while the sisters' dynamic is certainly different, Charlotte is really a total bitch for no reason at all, especially since Eliza has not an ounce of jealousy toward her (which I also found hard to believe).</div>
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Like I said, <i>The Darcy Connection</i> isn't my favorite of the six books, but as a whole Aston's warm tone and excellent writing make it worth reading. </div>
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<b>3 out of 5 Ribbons</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjv2WwCjQkrTVWFQwJLBXGZaM1viWKRx5jAr2DzVa5FSQdWOpz1f7IWiWDZdq-0kSI7nH7oPOzlj8hy8vh3PYKPs01S8re70SBAaM5paWYZ8hKtyxRXHDqpUvY3HbSe9aUFv7MsTnviDH/s1600/mr_darcys_dream2009w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjv2WwCjQkrTVWFQwJLBXGZaM1viWKRx5jAr2DzVa5FSQdWOpz1f7IWiWDZdq-0kSI7nH7oPOzlj8hy8vh3PYKPs01S8re70SBAaM5paWYZ8hKtyxRXHDqpUvY3HbSe9aUFv7MsTnviDH/s400/mr_darcys_dream2009w.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Our heroine in Elizabeth Aston's final book in the series, <i>Mr. Darcy's Dream</i>, is Phoebe Hawkins, the daughter of Sir Giles and Lady Hawkins, formerly Georgianna Darcy. Poor Phoebe fell fast and hard for Arthur Stanhope right before her London season, but unfortunately her father vehemently rejects Stanhope's proposal on the grounds of his keeping a mistress. Phoebe discovers this to be true and escapes to Pemberly where she's joined by Louisa Bingley to rusticate for the summer and plan the annual Darcy Ball.</div>
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Soon they're joined by Mr. Drummond, the new "man" hired by Mr. Darcy to construct a massive glass house for all of the tropical plants he brings home from traveling, and Drummond's old army buddy.... Arthur Stanhope! </div>
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Aston attempts to take her JAFF in a different direction by making this a romance of forgiveness and acceptance, rather than growing the relationship from the beginning. Moral hypocrisy was the theme of the day, and I applaud Aston using that time period to tackle such a racy topic. However, Phoebe running away from Stanhope got old fast; it's hard to think her mature enough for marriage to a man ten years her senior when she can't even confront him about keeping a woman. Also, the actual romance wrapped up in the last few pages, a bit disappointing.</div>
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As always, the writing--descriptions of fashion, architecture, gardening, the language-- is excellent, and I love that Aston uses a strong vocabulary compared to many JAFF books. As cheese-a-licious as this sounds, when I read this series I'm transported. Plus there's a good twist at the end and who doesn't love to be surprised in a predictable story.</div>
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<b>4 out of 5 Ribbons</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UGNkAyrH6WlyBDcIQc4GlUsCKya1odPSCZ2BmKYFoPbbBuBu1vT1llBi2xy2g1ec_l8t50qtl2BsKihBwbEStqlavSYoyVLmomvjSE41dvqNyadLLCXLYRJqJkaWvvY_fpaIDP-eQMy3/s1600/prom-prejudice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UGNkAyrH6WlyBDcIQc4GlUsCKya1odPSCZ2BmKYFoPbbBuBu1vT1llBi2xy2g1ec_l8t50qtl2BsKihBwbEStqlavSYoyVLmomvjSE41dvqNyadLLCXLYRJqJkaWvvY_fpaIDP-eQMy3/s400/prom-prejudice2.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Out of curiosity, I asked our librarian if they knew of any Young Adult JAFF books-- I was curious if authors tackled adaptations of the classics at that age. I was right to inquire. While Elizabeth Eulberg's <i>Prom & Prejudice</i> is technically "YA," it's in the teen section of our library, probably because The Prom is a big part of the story.</div>
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At prestigious Longbourn Girls Academy, scholarship students spend their days being bullied, hazed, and tortured by the uber rich student body. Lizzie Bennet discovered this painful truth when she entered Longbourn in her junior year on an academic and music scholarship. Returning for her second semester, she's jaded and emotionally closed off from the student body with the exception of roommate Jane Netherfield and fellow scholarship victim, Charlotte Lucas. However, it's important to Jane that Lizzie get to know Charles Bingley from Pemberley Boys Prep, even though the snobby Will Darcy is always hanging around. </div>
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This was a fast, simple read, and I felt a little insulted on behalf of the teenage population because the writing was so dumbed down. <i>Prom & Prejudice</i> seriously lacks description, characterization, and depth. There were times during conversations where I couldn't tell the difference between who was talking. Though relevant, the stereotype of Rich vs. Poor is done one dimensionally with EVERY rich girl except Jane treating Lizzie like crap. No one else at that school would give her a chance... really?! While I loved that Lizzie is a piano prodigy, it didn't make sense that no music students would befriend her and admire her talent. That's just not fair to teens.</div>
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The main issue I had with Prom & Prejudice is Lizzie's character. Jane Austen's most famous heroine may not be rich, but she's confident, witty, and full of life, hence why she's comfortable enough to be herself among snobs like Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine. This Lizzie will argue with Darcy, but cowers from everyone else, running through the halls away from people, and only replying with nasty comments. Where's that sardonic sense of humor, the amusement at the quirks of the upper class?</div>
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It wasn't all bad. There was a great twist, I liked the Lizzie and Darcy banter, and even though some of Lizzie's humor with Jane fell flat, there were several amusing moments. Diehard P&P fans will enjoy the book for the joy of reading a different version of their favorite characters, but I wouldn't recommend the book to teens as a way to introduce Jane Austen-- just give them the classic: they can handle it.</div>
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<b>2 out of 5 Ribbons</b></div>
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See my other P&P Challenge Reviews here:</div>
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<a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/04/p-bicentenary-challenge-unexpected-miss.html">April</a></div>
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<a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/06/pride-and-prejudice-1995.html">May</a></div>
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<a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-second-mrs-darcy-reflections-p.html">June</a> </div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-91151030439074883112013-07-16T18:36:00.003-07:002013-07-16T18:36:49.793-07:00Adventures in Chicagoland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like Chicago. A lot.</div>
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Here are photos from fun times in the City.</div>
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South Loop right off the Congress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5V8NWZkKUpqEvcytPmY0zqXs5ZlKDl62Hmagmz2e-crTS41K2ZeFl7ZjkJMCXNOXkfTAIBq4afL3yk3ZkM0PMiHupkQhR_I92FIzobjXfuQXPnTJCHfVQ73bZHUlvoOGR9GgUPT8dR69/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5V8NWZkKUpqEvcytPmY0zqXs5ZlKDl62Hmagmz2e-crTS41K2ZeFl7ZjkJMCXNOXkfTAIBq4afL3yk3ZkM0PMiHupkQhR_I92FIzobjXfuQXPnTJCHfVQ73bZHUlvoOGR9GgUPT8dR69/s640/IMG_1665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Walking up Michigan Ave-- that's Grant Park on the right.</div>
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I have so many wonderful memories from the Art Institute. I'd visit my favorite exhibits on the free days or use my student discount. #sentimental</div>
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Art Institute Lion showing some Blackhawks spirit. STANLEY CUP 2013 CHAMPIONS, baby!!!</div>
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The Best.... oh my goodness I want one this minute... Banana Cream Pie. </div>
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Courtesy of the Grand Lux Cafe.</div>
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Asian Nachos, also courtesy of the Grand Lux Cafe. </div>
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If you've never tried them YOU HAVEN'T LIVED.</div>
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I had to get the Sangria Tea from Argo Tea. </div>
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Can you tell all of my favorite memories revolve around food?!</div>
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Hancock. BOOM.</div>
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The Courtyard of Fourth Presbyterian Church.</div>
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The Sanctuary.</div>
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We also went up to Appleton for a couple days to visit The Husband's family. I didn't take photos with them because.... well... I forgot.</div>
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But I remembered to take one of my Copper Rock S'more Mocha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt19gWsi4pclLL57mcwNtN15CVFBW0q46yCWgV_uv1-DMEsjB0jtxgpGoMltn7pKD0hx-sdwI0ogv5IoNTfMj0DikZu17Y8njX0JwMPYvqeCiyAWgybO66aCuHWXn9mnPUB3GzCL7H6MAF/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt19gWsi4pclLL57mcwNtN15CVFBW0q46yCWgV_uv1-DMEsjB0jtxgpGoMltn7pKD0hx-sdwI0ogv5IoNTfMj0DikZu17Y8njX0JwMPYvqeCiyAWgybO66aCuHWXn9mnPUB3GzCL7H6MAF/s640/IMG_1610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy July! </div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-40515156900180804572013-06-26T19:11:00.000-07:002013-06-27T13:30:25.707-07:00The Second Mrs. Darcy & Reflections: the P&P Bicentenary Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPAE5LPWNmzAmQdBwk_xdD3T7J4qe8unD8hzy4JZM0tO7U6hpxTNYu0OY7dx3B6q1p-nRezZYHLLPcLD61z68QpQR3DwUY-_RqKCy2rBgy0ZffDkV6mr3PtzQ43O-3vmwYxMruPvfr2FV/s1600/51wxfXwivkL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPAE5LPWNmzAmQdBwk_xdD3T7J4qe8unD8hzy4JZM0tO7U6hpxTNYu0OY7dx3B6q1p-nRezZYHLLPcLD61z68QpQR3DwUY-_RqKCy2rBgy0ZffDkV6mr3PtzQ43O-3vmwYxMruPvfr2FV/s400/51wxfXwivkL.jpg" width="261" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeY3VAh_oFoTP2AfpTuoY23iQe8HddtPE1OkhEw5V2_A3pXB2YCEaze9Ikhk-yg6Bis5QJOqYmkvlM5kKNxp5X9SPp4r4DYjSpubxBMIF3XaxReAAwYTr1rrPFZBBGQTKPXxgWvdQiHiVG/s1600/Reflections_cover-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeY3VAh_oFoTP2AfpTuoY23iQe8HddtPE1OkhEw5V2_A3pXB2YCEaze9Ikhk-yg6Bis5QJOqYmkvlM5kKNxp5X9SPp4r4DYjSpubxBMIF3XaxReAAwYTr1rrPFZBBGQTKPXxgWvdQiHiVG/s400/Reflections_cover-200x300.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I am of the mindset that time is limited in our short lives and we shouldn't waste it doing shit we don't want to unless it somehow contributes to the quality of life (i.e. working, confronting someone who hurt you, doing laundry). So.... I was supposed to read these two books this month and would have done so if <i><b>Reflections</b></i> wasn't so terrible.</div>
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I couldn't make it through the Prologue without heckling the writing and rolling my eyes every couple of pages. Reflections is a modern day P&P adaptation beginning when Elizabeth shows up at Pemberly after spurning Darcy's proposal and they literally run into each other. Elizabeth's friends continue to the Lake District, but Lizzie stays behind to spend a week with Darcy, Georgianna, and the Bingleys. Darcy and Elizabeth grow closer, and one afternoon while on an intimate picnic they have sex... a few times.</div>
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Somehow the drama with Lydia drives a wedge so deep between Will (that's what he's called by the author in the book) and Liz that they don't see each other until Bingley and Jane's wedding, where an intoxicated Will is caught messing around with another woman and assumptions are made even though nothing happened. Liz then finds out she's preggers and that's when I gave up.</div>
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While the premise is fine, the plot points felt contrived and based purely on the assumption that everyone is a terrible communicator. However, the writing and dialogue is what drove me to the brink of chucking my Kindle at the window.</div>
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It's a modern day adaptation: Darcy and Elizabeth would NOT call each other "Mr. Darcy" and "Miss Bennet," they'd say "Will" and "Liz" (or whatever). Furthermore, the wording of the dialogue would sometimes be modern, sometimes be Austenesque...ish, and just sounded unintelligent. Even the narrative seemed confused, as if Gonschior couldn't decide what time period to write the novel. It's not engaging, painful to read, and has the tone of a first draft journal of a <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> fantasy.</div>
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Doing a complete 180, <i><b>The Second Mrs. Darcy</b></i> by Elizabeth Aston-- a book I read years ago that's the fourth in a six part series-- is great. The series needs a bit of an introduction so bear with me.</div>
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Each book in the series has a separate story-- they're not sequels-- with recurring characters from the previous books. It begins with <i>Mr. Darcy's Daughters</i>: Darcy and Elizabeth have 5 daughters and two younger sons (away at school) and the girls, ranging from ages 15 to 22-ish, are sent to stay with relatives in London while Mr. & Mrs. Darcy are in Constantinople. The daughters find themselves in a few social scrapes and romantic entanglements, but everything ends somewhat happily as Jane Austen would have written. Aston does a fantastic job recreating that world and the fashions, as well as following the language styles without the books being difficult to read. </div>
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With Aston's JAFF, she creates another world with new characters and situations rather than begin during or right after Darcy and Elizabeth's love story. In fact, Darcy & Elizabeth aren't in the books until the sixth.... which might bother die hards, but I love it.</div>
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<i>The Second Mrs. Darcy</i> begins in India with the recently widowed Octavia Darcy-- formerly Octavia Melbury-- who was the second wife of Christopher Darcy (hence the title). Octavia is a the half sister of the high & mighty Melbury clan who see Octavia as a burden rather than family. As a result, Octavia has a skewed opinion of marriage and rather than marry again at her old age of 25, she wants to remain single. However, she's dirt poor since Christopher's estate is entailed to his cousin, George Warren, a known villain throughout the series as he's the favorite stepson of Caroline Bingley. Octavia's fortunes change suddenly when a lawyer for an unknown great aunt on her mother's side shows up declaring her the inheritor of a massive fortune. Octavia returns to London keeping her fortune a secret while dealing with frustrating relatives, making new friends, and building a new life. Conflicts arise, sexual tension grows, and choices must be made.</div>
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While it's not my favorite of the Aston series, Octavia is a quietly strong female coming into her own and overall an admirable character. The story is somewhat predictable if you've read a few of these before, but for me it's about the journey, not the destination. Even though I enjoyed the book and two main characters, the romance happened late and fast-- in the last third of the book-- and the chemistry felt forced. Plus the whole thing wrapped up too conveniently in a nice pretty package with a bow on top. Overall, an good read that will satisfy Janeites. </div>
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DISCLAIMER: I will be reading <i>Mr. Darcy's Dream-- </i>the sixth in Aston's series-- for June as the replacement for <i>Reflections</i>. I probably won't post about it since the book is similar to <i>The Second Mrs. Darcy</i>... maybe.</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-34993092067187505802013-06-03T17:29:00.000-07:002013-06-03T17:29:16.094-07:00Pride and Prejudice (1995)Even though my very first P&P experience was the film starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson, my second was the miniseries starring Colin Firth (<i>yum</i>) and Jennifer Ehle... and I count that one as the true first since it's so closely connected to the novel.<br />
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If I'm being <i>totally</i> honest... I didn't get a chance to watch the series last month what with the cross country move, starting a new job, and adjusting to life back in the Midwest. But as I've watched it regularly for the last 10 years, I can manage a suitable review.<br />
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The strength in the BBC's 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries lies in its close adaptation to the book with a few nuances for the viewing audience. It captures the beauty of the English country life, the period clothing, as well as boasting a stellar cast. Colin Firth is an excellent, sexy, stoic Darcy, while Jennifer Ehle achieves the constant smirk I imagine Lizzy always having on her face when I picture her character.<br />
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However, there are a few weaknesses with this series, namely the character of Mrs. Bennett being a caricature rather than a person with dimension. She's obnoxious without the human side for people to understand she's simply doing her job. Mr. Collins is one dimensional but that was always the point. Other issues are the age inaccuracies of the characters, as well as the physical description interpretations.<br />
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What I mean by that is.... IMHO, Lizzy is much prettier than Jane! Everyone in the film does a great job acting, but Jane is supposed to be a beauty and I just don't see it. Even Charlotte Lucas is more fetching than Jane.<br />
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Finally, I know certain die hards take issue with the soaked Darcy emerging from the trees-- it's a little too much sex or some such nonsense. Firth is hot, Darcy is one of the sexiest characters in literature, and the filmmakers just wanted to create a visual for the women who've enjoyed the man in their imaginations for years. Lighten up and enjoy the view!<br />
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Have you seen the 1995 miniseries? What are your thoughts on the sexy scene with Darcy: does it cheapen the story or add to it?</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-88266790679246063622013-05-15T23:08:00.001-07:002013-05-15T23:12:24.707-07:00Fashion Finds: Birthday ListSix days from today-- so next week on May 22nd if you want to get <i>technical</i>-- we're <a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-journey-continues.html">moving back to the Chicago area</a>. It's also exactly TWO MONTHS UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY!<br />
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Not that I'm excited or anything.<br />
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However, there <i>are</i> people in this world who are excited and love me enough to give me presents (which any self-obsessed, materialistic woman's happiness depends on). To prepare for the flood of gift requests I'm sure will pour in, I've compiled a list-- with pictures!!!-- of everything fashionable that will make my birthday amazing (besides World Peace-- get on that shit, people!).<br />
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First things first: a <b>mani/pedi</b>. It's essential for relaxation and summer feet exposed from wearing sandals all the time. And I haven't had one done professionally since my wedding nearly 6 years ago.<br />
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For my finger nails, I'd love a combo of <b>NARS "Trouville"</b> and <b>Sephora by OPI "Key Lime Pie."</b> I'm thinking candy stripes or make the ring fingers pink and the rest green.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dHhprcu63JAjE1KLBNjE_trfOsFEnuXilSBgfWYezGJdXe13JraK3_2ZmPe29r-oJbitu8IghV7uEuK0JgUPhEH4mlPOCcmWEnpN8EZ0fEkVhccYks3WpQiWhuDF7fK9zYkYLxdbqVWK/s1600/05642a64c291678ea5d4685ac3a5bbb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dHhprcu63JAjE1KLBNjE_trfOsFEnuXilSBgfWYezGJdXe13JraK3_2ZmPe29r-oJbitu8IghV7uEuK0JgUPhEH4mlPOCcmWEnpN8EZ0fEkVhccYks3WpQiWhuDF7fK9zYkYLxdbqVWK/s320/05642a64c291678ea5d4685ac3a5bbb4.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYQ-G6vulek_LadPhwEEouB6vwLSimtE4iryDDpyMOXA1VwAzA5MXN282X9O9nrL6p527TqUifN8GMFOz7beUkhr9DtHpQJST_YHIxF3gOzsZY6V-MpQ51C9iHe1vCF-pkbvD8fqNYIMz/s1600/4134db314d0c28a6b2445a1de6f94097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYQ-G6vulek_LadPhwEEouB6vwLSimtE4iryDDpyMOXA1VwAzA5MXN282X9O9nrL6p527TqUifN8GMFOz7beUkhr9DtHpQJST_YHIxF3gOzsZY6V-MpQ51C9iHe1vCF-pkbvD8fqNYIMz/s1600/4134db314d0c28a6b2445a1de6f94097.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then for the pedicure, I'll go with white toes for summer-- they look really cute! My apologies for the foot photo: it's the least gross one I could find.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihakLPLAveggisN-AAtqEOr-OKnb97yVhMzGvQVuCvvslb6AlsfReyq0ZEkhNePQ7VGSzu0dH-dcfjP4r_5q1_TOjWkNCzIJdL6zFdDlM9U3AyrbKDeZrCXQ7gFa1oM7QfDFnvDMwCioD1/s1600/959a9738ddc65399fb92323eedec770f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihakLPLAveggisN-AAtqEOr-OKnb97yVhMzGvQVuCvvslb6AlsfReyq0ZEkhNePQ7VGSzu0dH-dcfjP4r_5q1_TOjWkNCzIJdL6zFdDlM9U3AyrbKDeZrCXQ7gFa1oM7QfDFnvDMwCioD1/s320/959a9738ddc65399fb92323eedec770f.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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Now for my favorite part: CLOTHES!!! I'm obsessing over <b>tunics</b> at the moment as I own a grand total of <i>zero</i>. For we goddesses of the curvier variety, there's a great website exclusive for sizes 10-28 called<a href="http://www.simplybe.com/"> SimplyBe</a>. While I have yet to try their clothing, SimplyBe has an in-depth sizing chart for clothes, bras, and shoes, as well as instructions on how to take your measurements (something a goober like myself needs).</div>
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A few tunics that have caught my eye...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HNaQExZjUdLd_N66z1Qj9SuOR-HnYPLHCPV07ISMaijo-HFi0erzSpsiRHUMOpw7dC1rLdLmAxWUjiVeyPCwtcA_smTgm9UHDce-JbB2OpFjeG3FiocR2rffIV8MtMNyq2F7b-nMSVLg/s1600/Frock+&+Frill+Lace+Trim+Strappy+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HNaQExZjUdLd_N66z1Qj9SuOR-HnYPLHCPV07ISMaijo-HFi0erzSpsiRHUMOpw7dC1rLdLmAxWUjiVeyPCwtcA_smTgm9UHDce-JbB2OpFjeG3FiocR2rffIV8MtMNyq2F7b-nMSVLg/s640/Frock+&+Frill+Lace+Trim+Strappy+Top.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<i>Frock & Frill Lace Trim Strappy Tunic--</i> I love it because it's summery, feminine, and a change from the black and grey I always wear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvTSO6gXjkcgfEA3laB9LbAdL5bd6tTh2JrY1zZhCnlS8f3FsnXqihVKb5HWEBOfthKFT5iSpNN0ORO6TugdyOWEr8VxeHjgbvvG0PCNZu5yab4QkbW_Anfgsu0ZxdzwB9skpB1w8KyRp/s1600/Joe+Browns+Marrakesh+Crinkle+Tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvTSO6gXjkcgfEA3laB9LbAdL5bd6tTh2JrY1zZhCnlS8f3FsnXqihVKb5HWEBOfthKFT5iSpNN0ORO6TugdyOWEr8VxeHjgbvvG0PCNZu5yab4QkbW_Anfgsu0ZxdzwB9skpB1w8KyRp/s640/Joe+Browns+Marrakesh+Crinkle+Tunic.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<i>Joe Browns Marrakesh Crinkle Tunic</i>-- Gorgeous neckline, amazing color, fantastic shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy4vmkwfncCT6Bjx1LhGT3ScoQe2VGodHs5qKQefSMt0iKfgtTKdu2pnyb0vwFwNTTmjCRuGU_f7ppfxGp5KZeDKtaNp7qRzs1KWAz5pFwN1_KZsJIcv4W5XwsUdDcokF12SVLPAjYgCl/s1600/Changes+Boutique+Strappy+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy4vmkwfncCT6Bjx1LhGT3ScoQe2VGodHs5qKQefSMt0iKfgtTKdu2pnyb0vwFwNTTmjCRuGU_f7ppfxGp5KZeDKtaNp7qRzs1KWAz5pFwN1_KZsJIcv4W5XwsUdDcokF12SVLPAjYgCl/s640/Changes+Boutique+Strappy+Top.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<i>Changes Boutique Strappy Top</i>-- Vibrant but sexy, and a little bit rock 'n' roll if you style it right.</div>
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These tunics are long-- a benefit for anyone with a less than flattering tummy-- and pair perfectly with leggings.</div>
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Oh yes, I totally wear leggings. I love them! I get the <a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Intimates/Hosiery/Leggings//Basic+Black+Leggings-579094.jsp">black ones from Torrid</a> since they're thick, warm, and not see-through, something <a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/319706/KIMKCROP.jpg">Kim K</a>, <a href="http://www.stlmag.com/Blogs/The-Good-The-Bad-The-Lovely/January-2012/How-to-Wear-Leggings/sofia-vergara-see-through.jpg">Sophia Vergara</a>, and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh54cd-yYUpIfiUGLl3IRDKAeao8cwTHVnud2aqjlfmqrqnNtVECTXAZJGLpZ9g4IPixabxBoQB0n1ZP-SAeFZlZr0rFuaDgxR3_P_roeOfar2BO5x5x81U1xi6tGV1lp43XIKGXRIeWM/s1600/tulisa-ndubz-see-thru-panties-flash-2-550x830.jpg">this woman </a>should've considered before leaving the house. Some people may say leggings are a sign of "giving up," not to be worn outside the house, and that bigger women should never wear them.</div>
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I say fuck 'em. Wear what you like! I happen to like leggings. BOOM.</div>
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I especially like these <b>Pull On Slim Leggings in red </b>from SimplyBe paired with the Marrakesh tunic above:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoWzZ-w_klPm8uoCA24U3qSrznKJTQ3a9zdcM2a_fk0WTHFoWM-KMCjPRtKvfXa7OFZd1YaRlFyJcXU7A3w9fU5-Mg-jaj2msX5nkSyOwSvfxTszqfJiTTv718XXHDhUjXrij3ds8j9z8/s1600/Pull+On+Slim+Leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoWzZ-w_klPm8uoCA24U3qSrznKJTQ3a9zdcM2a_fk0WTHFoWM-KMCjPRtKvfXa7OFZd1YaRlFyJcXU7A3w9fU5-Mg-jaj2msX5nkSyOwSvfxTszqfJiTTv718XXHDhUjXrij3ds8j9z8/s640/Pull+On+Slim+Leggings.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Of course, I still wear <b>jeans</b> because they're classic and go with everything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLXB8L9AR08V4XEOF98cgRQC1uUvCX6wYiLm833Vej_WiEOZBX0FicVap8epdkaHhRv2MGPZC2jo4Trou_7KQa4Dflsgl19J-a3J279A2Q7nokvQkT0LLHE1xfg6cyQo8J7fw7LYdSEKv/s1600/Sophia+Blue+Washed+Skinny+Jeans.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLXB8L9AR08V4XEOF98cgRQC1uUvCX6wYiLm833Vej_WiEOZBX0FicVap8epdkaHhRv2MGPZC2jo4Trou_7KQa4Dflsgl19J-a3J279A2Q7nokvQkT0LLHE1xfg6cyQo8J7fw7LYdSEKv/s400/Sophia+Blue+Washed+Skinny+Jeans.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<i>Sophia Blue Washed Skinny Jeans</i> from Torrid-- I have a pair already and would like another.</div>
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And of course I <i>need </i>(priorities!!) these two <b>jackets</b> to wear over my tunics and leggings...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMH0qJBQPPOu7IK3I9ojfOCV0_MALHe_FMdAzv2Ro4_M7IMkXY87TAqFTZj3hGzZrp2RRhRebLbCAy4gMs2wyV-7iml2UqYJMwI1naJt0zSqBS-TnuNJM9nMkkh2OlconhF_pVkYRRFlL/s1600/joe+browns+remarkable+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMH0qJBQPPOu7IK3I9ojfOCV0_MALHe_FMdAzv2Ro4_M7IMkXY87TAqFTZj3hGzZrp2RRhRebLbCAy4gMs2wyV-7iml2UqYJMwI1naJt0zSqBS-TnuNJM9nMkkh2OlconhF_pVkYRRFlL/s640/joe+browns+remarkable+coat.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<i>Joe Browns Remarkable Coat</i>-- true it's more for spring, but I love the quirkiness and the polka dot lining.</div>
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This <i>Tall Spot Blazer</i> would be a-mazing for summer since it's jersey and will go with everything!</div>
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Finally, no birthday wardrobe would be complete without <b>accessories</b>!! First up, this baby:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdl7lMwNLqbJZtI5RR7mlrFaGhbdWQkAQ9s9-nTkeL8u2EjpQzd8jqw02JtkdYU7j-80wbGJ_X1vafx9lLvOjqA54MpPesv5KYRlrFy9xUe1llvWjCBlSZpwzHNLkEQWXvPLzgbNcbK39/s1600/Med+Jet+Set+multifunction+Saffiano+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdl7lMwNLqbJZtI5RR7mlrFaGhbdWQkAQ9s9-nTkeL8u2EjpQzd8jqw02JtkdYU7j-80wbGJ_X1vafx9lLvOjqA54MpPesv5KYRlrFy9xUe1llvWjCBlSZpwzHNLkEQWXvPLzgbNcbK39/s640/Med+Jet+Set+multifunction+Saffiano+Tote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Multifunction Saffiano Tote in Vanilla</i></div>
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*drool*</div>
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And of course, nautical jewelry from Etsy:<br />
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And wedge sneakers for style :)<br />
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Wow.... this list is 'spensive. But I'm totally worth it.</div>
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What are your summer wardrobe desires? Do YOU have a birthday too??</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-77564767080895792122013-05-12T00:43:00.000-07:002013-05-12T12:12:23.492-07:00 5 Awesome Facts About My Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Being an old married lady, I am blessed with two mothers, as well as several other amazing maternal figures in my life. </div>
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I am one lucky gal.</div>
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So in honor of Mother's Day, here are two lists of 5 Awesome Things about my mom and my mother-in-law. I know five seems short but these lists could go on and on and on, and we all have shit to do!</div>
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My Mom (Bev)</h2>
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<li>She's an <b>incredible pianist and sight-reader</b> (sight-reading is when you're given a piece of music for the first time and must play through it). Numerous times I've been on the phone with Mom and she's told me that she needs to look at some concert music. "When's the concert?" I'll ask. "Tonight," she replies.</li>
<li><b>Hours long phone conversations about nothing</b>. At the moment our record is 4+ hours but that's only because she went to Hawaii for a week and I needed all the deets. Most of the time we end up on topics far different from the original purpose of the call: "Mom, how do you boil eggs again?" Three hours later.... "and that's why I don't like Gwyneth Paltrow."</li>
<li>Mom is the <b>Champion of Blurt</b>. Blurt is a fun team board game where definitions are read from a card and the first person to blurt out the correct word belonging to it wins. In others words, <i>definitions are read from a card and Mom wins.</i></li>
<li><b>Unmatched organization skills.</b> My mom is booked a year or two in advance for playing gigs, she has a busy social life, works almost seven days a week during the school year, and makes time to visit me... and hang out with my brothers too, but I'm still the <i>most important person ever</i>. The house I grew up in was not only spotless but everything-- EVERYTHING-- had (and still has) its place. Yet she's not psycho about it. Plus she keeps a notebook with notes from every party she's ever thrown-- and that's a ton. Finally, if you're a friend of my mom, she's got your birthday and anniversary in her address book (which is solely written in pencil so when people move she can easily update it which she does promptly).</li>
<li><b>There's no one more willing to help or up for an adventure </b>(schedule permitting of course). When I lived in Appleton, my mom and I visited so many attractions in the area, she's always going on excursions with friends and family to Chicago. My mom just loves to do stuff, explore, look at model homes, or go apartment hunting... with my cousin and aunt... in Ohio... because why not? Mom is beautiful inside and out with a sunny spirit that's ready for adventure and loves her children and their spouses unconditionally.</li>
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Love you Mom!</div>
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<i>Mom and me making "sexy faces" on my wedding trolley. 2007</i></div>
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<i>She got sunglasses like mine during her last LA visit.</i></div>
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My Mother-in-Law (Sema)</h2>
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This list was co-written by me and my husband.</div>
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<li><b>Sema has a skill for quoting movies.</b> And apparently it's a genetic trait since Michael is the same way. She'll quote from films like <i>Bridesmaids</i>, <i>The Hangover</i>, <i>Breakfast Club</i>, <i>Sixteen Candles</i>, <i>Weird Science</i>, <i>The Other Guys</i>, etc. You could say watching movies is a favorite family past time. We always end up laughing.</li>
<li>After raising five children-- well almost, the youngest two are 11 & 12-- she's <b>pursuing a career as an aesthetician</b> (say that 5x fast!) and even has a job already <i>before</i> officially graduating. Oh and she's top of her class. A beautiful example of "it's never too late," not to mention the interesting conversations about bikini waxing.......</li>
<li>She has <b>amazing taste in music and is a fervent concert goer</b>. If you want to know if a band is good in concert, chances are Sema's seen them. More than once. And the amount of concert tees..... Favorite bands include Radiohead, Muse, Hot Chip, The Flaming Lips, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2-- see what I mean? And she loves to dance!</li>
<li><b>Her skills in the kitchen are legendary</b>. I've never had a bad meal from this woman. Sema makes up recipes... she makes.them.up. And they're good every time. How do people do that? Plus she's always evolving and improving recipes she finds. It's an incredible skill, one of which I'm totally jealous. Many wonderful family memories were made around their dinner table eating awesome food, chatting, and laughing.</li>
<li><b>She's a closeted Nerd</b>. I think she's on Book Five of <i>The Game of Thrones</i> series whose TV show is taking the world by storm. Not only does this mean Sema can read, but she can read a lot. While Sema travels, goes to concerts, visits friends, and keeps up with her kids' social schedule, she also loves curling up with a book or movie and having an adventure at home. She's a beautiful, fun, down to earth woman that cares deeply for her family and friends. </li>
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Love you, Sema! (and sorry about the older pics-- we need to take current ones!)<br />
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<i>My In-Laws at the U2 360 Tour concert at Soldier Field. 2008</i></div>
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<i>Sema and Michael at our bridal shower in 2007.</i></div>
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<b>Happy Mother's Day to every mom, fur baby mom, and women who have a maternal influence on others! Our maternal side is one of the best parts about being a woman!</b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-62853987349842308302013-05-11T01:02:00.000-07:002013-05-11T22:47:46.354-07:00Soapbox Saturday: The Oh So Superior Traveler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saw this on Pinterest...</div>
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judge judge judge judge <b><u>JUDGE</u>.</b></div>
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So anyone who doesn't choose <i>your</i> way of life is materialistic? You have a better grasp on happiness than someone who wants a house or loves collecting books or enjoys fashion? How positive and uplifting you must be to people with this constant judgment hovering around you like a black cloud.</div>
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Insulting someone else's choices to justify your own is small. And mean.</div>
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Maybe you're a "Girl Gone International" because you have a nomadic spirit. Maybe it's because you like traveling. Maybe you hate belonging to one country. Or maybe you're running away from reality... or the cops. It could be anything!</div>
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Whatever the reason, if you're making the choice to "experience" life by traveling because the only other option you see available to you is Materialism, then I suggest you keep traveling because you don't understand the world at all. And I guarantee most of these girls have stationary families and friends they can <strike>temporarily invade</strike> visit... but would never live because they need to fly off at a moment's notice for another experience like a drug addict looking for a fix. </div>
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Newsflash: <b>Everything-- let me say that a little louder in case you didn't hear me-- EVERYTHING in life is an experience.</b></div>
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From studying abroad to writing a book; from working for the Peace Corps to buying a house-- all are experiences. First apartment? Experience. Music festival? Experience. Getting your seventh tattoo? BOOM! Experience. </div>
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And don't argue about the meme's wording. "Well it doesn't say 'materialism..." NO. You and I both know <i>exactly</i> what it means: "I choose to 'live' by collecting 'experiences' while the rest of you rot away in an unhappy existence surrounded by material goods." Is that so? I have "things" and I have experiences and I'm happy. I know many people who have this same grasp on life. And I've known people who prefer not to leave their town, and don't believe they're missing out on anything because they're happy with their lives. So stop judging them Chick-wearing-a-trendy-outfit(things)-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-wheat-field-who-got-there-via-car(things)-holding-an-umbrella(another thing)-as-a-storm-rolls-in. Anyone else think her next experience is about to be electrocution?</div>
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I know home is where the heart is. Having moved a lot myself, being with Michael and Cooper gives me a sense of home even while living in Los Angeles, a city I don't particularly like (but would never judge the people who do like it!!!). Yet I love going back to my parents' place and visiting my grandma's house. My grandma, whose house is filled-- and I mean fucking <i>filled</i>-- with items (or "things" if you will) from around the world after decades of travel. She and my great aunt & uncle have been to all seven continents, and my grandma just returned a couple days ago from another trip to Turkey (apparently she wanted to see the north this time). All those things in her house could never equal the pile of experiences she's stacked up from being a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, aunt, cousin, traveler, singer... etc etc etc. "Good grief, are you saying people can have both?!"</div>
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Yes... yes I am.</div>
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Then there's my great grandmother who immigrated from Austria as a child and lived in the same bungalow for over 70 years. When she was in her mid 80's she went to Greece, but overall didn't travel a lot. Great Grandma Young lived and died happy watching her grandchildren and then her great grandchildren grow up. </div>
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Of course the whole concept of "choosing experience over things" is ludicrous and hypocritical because the existence of said things is crucial to the experience. Not following? Say Umbrella Girl wants to see the Sistine Chapel but lives in Australia. Basically-- ignoring the annoying details like paperwork and such-- she first needs to fly across the ocean and various countries to get to Rome, take a car to Vatican City, and then find the chapel (which shouldn't be too hard since it's huge). Once Umbrella Girl arrives at the chapel, she'll admire the handiwork of Michaelangelo and scores of other artists and sculptors that contributed to the overall architecture and artistry, probably by taking pictures thanks to the iPhone Steve Jobs invented. </div>
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There'd be nothing to admire if Michaelangelo preferred Umbrella Girl's version of living instead of portraying the living. If the Wright Brothers were busy "experiencing" instead of "experimenting" she'd never even see Rome. Artists, engineers, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, farmers, etc. create the experiences Umbrella Girl and her group of cohorts spend lifetimes enjoying. Show some gratitude instead of judgment, and stop trying to tell everyone else how to live because-- and this may come as a shock-- there's a good chance plenty of people don't want to be like you. </div>
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Perhaps you think I'm taking this personally. I've experienced (and watched others experience) the condescension from individuals who travel a lot and give me that pitying look for not having been abroad. I used to feel sorry for myself, as if I was the only one left out of an international inside joke. Then I realized that I love my life and am beyond blessed. And it sickens me that people who are supposedly happy "carpe diem-ing" the crap out of life by globe-trotting have this urge to tear other people down for not doing so. Aren't they supposed to be open-minded because they're so damn worldly?</div>
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Some may find happiness as eternal nomads, others might need to get the hell out of their country and into one they like better, certain people will pursue dream careers, and there are those striving to give their families a home and the best opportunities possible. And everyone else in between. Happiness is relative so stop belittling someone else's lifestyle because it doesn't match your own. Love and respect others even if you don't understand them.</div>
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UPDATE: Just thought of the BEST example: Ellie's Adventure Book in <i>Up</i>. Her husband Carl felt guilty they never had a chance to travel to Paradise Falls (or anywhere) and start the book. However, when Carl opened it up after Ellie passed away, it was filled with memories, adventures they took near their home town-- the zoo, working on their house, etc. <b>Life is the Adventure.</b> That's the <i>point</i>.</div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-52765462961731386392013-05-06T00:35:00.000-07:002013-05-06T09:32:30.476-07:00Paleo Blueberry (Lemon) Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What happens to Paleo muffins when you (I) think you're (I'm) too cool to buy muffin papers?</div>
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<b>THIS</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByshf2t5-PLrbMzs-tMqT9VN1l_hsXq9zrmIlkoPUQQKSV3RHK4zc9u0UtoLT7_g-u9g0LFOeXWJFOjUtxDYxV23n3bYWlnncFJp_KJiG7XEQWjA_LCt3xzybBbxBKW63PIAny3DDH-Ax/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByshf2t5-PLrbMzs-tMqT9VN1l_hsXq9zrmIlkoPUQQKSV3RHK4zc9u0UtoLT7_g-u9g0LFOeXWJFOjUtxDYxV23n3bYWlnncFJp_KJiG7XEQWjA_LCt3xzybBbxBKW63PIAny3DDH-Ax/s640/IMG_1190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Learn. From. Me.</div>
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Driven by an unhealthy desire to eat cake every morning (I don't, but in a perfect world...), I was determined to make these babies work because I wanted an alternative to eggs. The second time around, I followed instructions to the letter and as you can see, these muffins are-- borrowing terminology from <a href="http://thugkitchen.com/">Thug Kitchen</a>-- fucking beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sQENGMF-N2xs7Nz-O6EVsaNPHqgYB4aJVxW-noevILS2zFEycWzv6d_7eF4arCQ3hGbsFUKXszHSBEGBJu-BVFybErvp2Lo4N6KsvoI99Qv1BsavgIi3uWEMJtZPQZPDhLKkJBcef18Y/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sQENGMF-N2xs7Nz-O6EVsaNPHqgYB4aJVxW-noevILS2zFEycWzv6d_7eF4arCQ3hGbsFUKXszHSBEGBJu-BVFybErvp2Lo4N6KsvoI99Qv1BsavgIi3uWEMJtZPQZPDhLKkJBcef18Y/s640/IMG_1226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Contain your jealousy... just kidding. <b>Be jealous.</b></div>
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Since summer is a creepin'-- well, everywhere<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/03/may-snow-storm-upper-midwest_n_3204487.html"> except Minnesota</a>-- these paleo treats make a great snack or breakfast. I omitted the lemon... NOT because I forgot to buy it at the store or anything... which I think would've added another level of flavor that was lacking in the plain blueberry muffins. The biggest flavor difference from the refined sugar and bleached flour kind we're used to is that they're less sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vZcj0tZpyNBoMFgz7y-93_P3U0LBp64vgq2hfxSfegRFVDHPqTOYSHdlmmmnJLfq81bmXwT8q4fbJKZGcp3h-OATRXMyJ-Ea_ZOf4D5umS_1CHbVGpw432RK3rf1PgnNwG7BrrT6CkSp/s1600/IMG_1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vZcj0tZpyNBoMFgz7y-93_P3U0LBp64vgq2hfxSfegRFVDHPqTOYSHdlmmmnJLfq81bmXwT8q4fbJKZGcp3h-OATRXMyJ-Ea_ZOf4D5umS_1CHbVGpw432RK3rf1PgnNwG7BrrT6CkSp/s640/IMG_1229.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The consistency is spongy & super moist-- so much so they soaked the cheap papers I got from Target, and they should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge to get your money's worth since paleo muffins require a hella ton of eggs, fancy maple syrup, and pricey coconut flour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB0TCuZ95IUlMK6syHXzaWbzfWjmB-rZmbNdJ-4lCgTT-ml6FGY3JpnsoD4LQyG1zatxBHU3Y0nmjAGW-iRmH9huIsbcxLXhRkNkCdISyh1YBinjWfjK-d-DmbCCbo8BTk8tQir2qmUxA/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB0TCuZ95IUlMK6syHXzaWbzfWjmB-rZmbNdJ-4lCgTT-ml6FGY3JpnsoD4LQyG1zatxBHU3Y0nmjAGW-iRmH9huIsbcxLXhRkNkCdISyh1YBinjWfjK-d-DmbCCbo8BTk8tQir2qmUxA/s640/IMG_1227.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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But these Paleo Blueberry Muffins were totally worth it.</div>
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Paleo Blueberry Lemon Muffins</h2>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Paleo-Customized-Whole-Foods-Lifestyle/dp/1936608758/ref=sr_1_1_ha?ie=UTF8&qid=1367825421&sr=8-1&keywords=practical+paleo">from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo</a></i></div>
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6 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup butter or coconut oil, melted</div>
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract</div>
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1/4 cup grade B maple syrup <i>(do NOT use the cheap stuff)</i></div>
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1 lemon, juice and zest <i>(for plain blueberry muffins, simply omit lemon)</i></div>
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1/2 cup coconut flour</div>
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1/2 tsp sea salt</div>
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1/4 tsp baking soda</div>
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1 cup fresh blueberries</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</div>
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Whisk the eggs, butter or coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup, lemon juice, and zest together in a large mixing bowl. Sift in the coconut flour, sea salt, and baking soda, and stir until well combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.</div>
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In a muffin tin, scoop 1/4 cup of the batter into each lined muffin cup (natural parchment muffin papers work best for lining), and bake for 35-40 minutes. Unless your oven runs hot, then try 25-35. Test with a toothpick.</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-46147703835763693212013-04-29T07:01:00.000-07:002013-04-29T07:14:05.415-07:00P&P Bicentenary Challenge: The Unexpected Miss Bennet by Patrice Sarath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1B145za__ZmC2-AbtdZpfbFaPuwL0Y_bRdry11sSe7_fOePDR4eDBnRtTE5Ja-NiWQ78jGHDhQJthObr0XOTAsSsU7PduJvQpmMRquxVOtpkUpsmaSV-jL1YxqwLmYII_JBUQWSHDiuV/s1600/11389112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1B145za__ZmC2-AbtdZpfbFaPuwL0Y_bRdry11sSe7_fOePDR4eDBnRtTE5Ja-NiWQ78jGHDhQJthObr0XOTAsSsU7PduJvQpmMRquxVOtpkUpsmaSV-jL1YxqwLmYII_JBUQWSHDiuV/s400/11389112.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>Thanks for the photo <a href="http://thugkitchen.com/post/49097437747/when-i-am-in-the-kitchen-all-day-cooking-up-new">Goodreads</a></i></div>
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This might upset the Darcyholics, but I'm drawn more to a Mary Bennet love story than a Darcy and Elizabeth sequel. As much as every woman wants to be Lizzy, I have to be honest and admit that I relate to Mary more than any other Bennet daughter. Sure, she's awkward, pious, and overly serious, but I've always felt that underneath it all, Mary loves her sisters even though she doesn't understand them and they mock her. Not to mention the difficulty growing up as the third behind the otherworldly beauty that is Jane and the intelligence, wit, and beauty that is Elizabeth, then have the unbelievably silly Kitty and Lydia as younger sisters. Poor Mary has been invisible her whole life, in part because of her family, but also because of her own choices. </div>
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Patrice Sarath explores those choices in <i>The Unexpected Miss Bennet, </i>a wonderfully written<i> Pride and Prejudice</i> sequel taking place one year after the Bingley/Darcy double wedding. Kitty is off to visit Jane, and consequently London, while Mary remains with her parents. Now alone, Mary begins to take walks, reanalyze her previously coveted Fordyce's Sermons, and stops playing piano. Concerned Mrs. Bennet has given up the search to find Mary a match, Lizzie brings Mary to Pemberly to help with the husband hunt. Like every fun P&P continuation, all our favorite characters must show up in one form or another, so the Darcy household eventually travels to Rosings where Mary begins an unusual connection with Anne de Bourgh and is given a tough life choice. Will Mary Bennet ever find love or will she remain the quiet girl in the corner with the serious countenance? </div>
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In three words: I loved it.</div>
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Sarath did an excellent job diving into the motivation and backstory of Mary Bennet, allowing us readers to watch her evolution and realize misgivings as well as strengths. Though the story lacked much drama (despite a small reference to the infamous Wickhams) and held few surprises, it's truly a character piece and kept me turning page after page to witness Mary Bennet go from girl to woman. In addition, Sarath gives Mr. Bennet a supporting role, I believe, as a chance to redeem himself from his P&P reputation as an indifferent father favoring only Lizzy. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Anne de Bourgh and Mary. However, the rest of the characters felt underdeveloped.</div>
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In addition, the romance didn't quite make sense and was rather sudden, though the book is a fast read and could've benefited from even more content. Yet the themes and lessons throughout made me think and I even earmarked several pages with excellent quotations. The story overall was sweet and enjoyable, but if you're one who loves lots of action in your Regency reads, this isn't the book for you. And while I mentioned the Wickham cameo above, it did feel a bit contrived, as if Sarath's editor wanted her to add more conflict so she threw Lydia in at the last minute.</div>
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All in all, this is the second Mary Bennet romance I've had the pleasure of reading and I'm thrilled I stumbled upon it in Barnes & Noble. It's a great addition to any JAFF library and is on my re-read list.... in fact, I almost started it over when I finished!</div>
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Rating</h2>
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<b><i>4 out of 5 ribbons</i></b></div>
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Go to Amazon and get your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Miss-Bennet-Patrice-Sarath/dp/0425244210/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367244013&sr=8-1&keywords=the+unexpected+miss+bennet">here</a></div>
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Click <a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-pride-and-prejudice-bicentenary.html">here</a> to see my full list of P&P challenge books and find out more info about it.</div>
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<b>Come back in May for my review of Pride and Precience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged.</b></h3>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-21818330678995358382013-04-26T08:46:00.000-07:002013-04-26T08:53:05.308-07:00The Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBo30UsZ_LDpes9058BDAAkx2RzPPeaVa37TXAaI2M_3rJ5zPF_Agm_P7YW-3aAZ1SWD6T_5742PBDWPoMeDCcISHPhZlmOfLbhSDja1f-bxPIlf9eDsIb_BUlfwkLMs6_lr3UgE_ZgOh/s1600/pride-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013-x-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBo30UsZ_LDpes9058BDAAkx2RzPPeaVa37TXAaI2M_3rJ5zPF_Agm_P7YW-3aAZ1SWD6T_5742PBDWPoMeDCcISHPhZlmOfLbhSDja1f-bxPIlf9eDsIb_BUlfwkLMs6_lr3UgE_ZgOh/s400/pride-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013-x-200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I was working up to writing a review of the latest JAFF book I finished (if you couldn't tell by my previous post, I haven't been in the mood to do much of anything let alone write) when I spotted my girl Candy's post about the<a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/2013/04/fun-times-at-la-festival-of-books.html#comment-form"> Los Angeles Festival of Books</a> over at her review blog <a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/">So Little Time... </a></div>
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Scrolling down her page, I spotted the graphic you see above and thought I'd finally found a blog challenge perfect for me. And I already had one book down!</div>
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Not to mention the <a href="http://austenprose.com/2012/12/31/the-pride-and-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013/">Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge</a> hosted by <a href="http://austenprose.com/">Austenprose</a> would be a great way to learn more about JAFF, meet new bloggers & authors, and get me reading, watching, and writing more Jane Austen related material (not that I don't already do that half the year).</div>
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Plus it's even more of a challenge since I'm four months late to the party!!!!</div>
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So now it's time to list the books and films I'll be reviewing in the coming months. I'm going for aficionado status because that's actually pretty normal for me. Here are my 12 selections:</div>
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April</div>
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<b>The Unexpected Miss Bennett</b> by Patrice Sarath</div>
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May</div>
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<b>Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged</b> by Carrie Bebris</div>
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June</div>
<b>The Second Mrs. Darcy</b> by Elizabeth Aston<br />
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<b>Reflections</b> by Linda Gonschior</div>
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July</div>
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<b>Echoes of Pemberley</b> by Cynthia Ingram Hensley </div>
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August</div>
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<b>Georgiana Darcy's Diary </b>by Anna Elliott</div>
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<b>Pemberley to Waterloo: Georgiana Darcy's Diary Volume 2</b> by Anna Elliott</div>
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September</div>
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<b>Becoming Elizabeth Darcy</b> by Mary Lydon Simonsen</div>
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October</div>
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<b>The Phantom of Pemberley</b> by Regina Jeffers</div>
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November</div>
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<b>His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel </b>by Nancy Kelley</div>
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December</div>
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<b>Pride and Prejudice </b>by Jane Austen</div>
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<b>Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries 1995</b></div>
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Are you excited?!?! I am.<br />
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If you're interested in participating in this challenge... you totally can! Blog or no blog, go to the post about this challenge that I linked above and follow the instructions. Let me know too so we can chat about our books!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-51570668511672153152013-04-16T16:19:00.002-07:002013-04-16T22:54:44.148-07:00Niko: A Farewell TributeAfter six weeks of visits to the animal hospital, ER, catheters, medication, and injections, Michael and I said goodbye to our darling Niko on Thursday, April 11th at 3:00pm.<br />
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A week before-- that previous Wednesday the 3rd-- Niko came down with a strange illness that we and the vet thought pertained to his <a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/03/another-long-weekend.html">urinary tract blocking</a>. After observing him a little closer, I discovered something was wrong with his digestive tract.<br />
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Stumped, on Thursday the doctor put him on diarrhea medication and insisted we try getting him to eat any kind of food since he wasn't eating. Over the weekend, Niko's health declined daily, he refused to eat even his favorite canned food, and by Saturday stopped drinking. Monday arrived and we really thought things were over, but the doctor convinced us to leave him overnight with an IV.<br />
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On Tuesday, Niko suddenly felt better. He was eating, drinking, and acting himself for 2 more days. Then Thursday arrived and I found urine and blood in my sink, Niko was straining to urinate, and finally, he peed pure blood in the corner of the apartment.<br />
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At this point, after months of vet bills and clear evidence that Niko had become a "chronic blocker," it was time to put him to sleep.<br />
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I cried... no... <i>sobbed</i>. Michael wept. We remained in the room, held and rubbed him, told Niko repeatedly that we loved and would miss him.</div>
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*tear*</div>
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The weekend was spent much in the same state: crying, laughing about fun memories, and beginning the "new norm." An outpouring of support came from family and friends, for which I'm grateful.</div>
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Niko had been with us for 4 years. Michael and I saw him as a furry gray son: we knew his personality, his habits, his intelligence, his quirks. Niko was a gentle, old soul with youthful curiosity.</div>
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And while I appreciate words of encouragement to "think of the good times," nothing anyone says will make me less sad. Nothing will help. </div>
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But that's okay: we're <i>grieving</i>. I don't want to feel better right now. I want to be sad. I'm <i>allowed</i> to be sad. Life will get better, the sadness and anger will subside, and left will be happy memories. The void will be there-- a little piece of my heart died with Niko-- but it won't swallow us up.</div>
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To commemorate Niko's memory, I've compiled a bunch of photos for your enjoyment. It's a good thing I'm as "cat crazy" as I am so there were plenty of pics to choose from. Click to enlarge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVJOLfUiE28TCLKNQDN9l9kmGNwugs1bygUj3gKPTLZE89EFR30DuDRGz_WkLbH-W50918q8bpdq5f_Iovv8SBR2W8MIcmN6FHWmRQJZ-PDv0y-RGNL2bE0ZIqxMTZxvH7jvCiYmxxv8e/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVJOLfUiE28TCLKNQDN9l9kmGNwugs1bygUj3gKPTLZE89EFR30DuDRGz_WkLbH-W50918q8bpdq5f_Iovv8SBR2W8MIcmN6FHWmRQJZ-PDv0y-RGNL2bE0ZIqxMTZxvH7jvCiYmxxv8e/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkTFg1DrNkF4Zzva3oBOz3SA6sJm7IdTOjeJ51VwteDcgx2m2DWRfhOMxvb_Je7Usjovyls-N8wkvzRLVY2YrVXLHzHUz5cEDpy_zJzqsr_d8K6Wzi0JSENjcX42lJL2KSKRn9KdxZZ2r/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkTFg1DrNkF4Zzva3oBOz3SA6sJm7IdTOjeJ51VwteDcgx2m2DWRfhOMxvb_Je7Usjovyls-N8wkvzRLVY2YrVXLHzHUz5cEDpy_zJzqsr_d8K6Wzi0JSENjcX42lJL2KSKRn9KdxZZ2r/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Early photos of Niko, after bringing him home from the shelter. So many comfy places to sleep and cool places to play in our apartment.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHudpvAXgz6yPz07kjjPsEdzUce9Bw0WgL9OwkQ1_syKslDgXVtNn50-ZGEjKwxInv4SKL65UuooD8wMo-RkzPPSYE4bW9s8BC9vRsM4SOPl2IbwRdDpbL0fyUAllDuZ8TJDjdurzEvgx/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHudpvAXgz6yPz07kjjPsEdzUce9Bw0WgL9OwkQ1_syKslDgXVtNn50-ZGEjKwxInv4SKL65UuooD8wMo-RkzPPSYE4bW9s8BC9vRsM4SOPl2IbwRdDpbL0fyUAllDuZ8TJDjdurzEvgx/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Like the TV.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGgzYQ6L1KWBNqF5qijVNCpFUgcd9EbN064U0yWS5srhgnv2k0kK8IK4stgNvHOq5qHYP0BOlk9DP4DYh0hamZiesAgc0uTfyojO6CR9TNMvUUvZfKXH_zZZMMm_dwJC60ZglUeqP2L_8/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGgzYQ6L1KWBNqF5qijVNCpFUgcd9EbN064U0yWS5srhgnv2k0kK8IK4stgNvHOq5qHYP0BOlk9DP4DYh0hamZiesAgc0uTfyojO6CR9TNMvUUvZfKXH_zZZMMm_dwJC60ZglUeqP2L_8/s640/IMG_1637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Paper bags.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jf8aohWIq7YO4__HG3FFygn-fvocra7ZNAggVFg-5aj9xWXZAKrVaiA-luwxGLg1lnmQ1XA_qhYVUb2wZO359lLWnjgNehyphenhyphenivk_x7BbebjmdNhbWqa2lRMehwCLomIDD6yLFaIGR2j9C/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jf8aohWIq7YO4__HG3FFygn-fvocra7ZNAggVFg-5aj9xWXZAKrVaiA-luwxGLg1lnmQ1XA_qhYVUb2wZO359lLWnjgNehyphenhyphenivk_x7BbebjmdNhbWqa2lRMehwCLomIDD6yLFaIGR2j9C/s640/IMG_1492.JPG.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Our mail basket.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmwU0J7YCLZZ6u3qqGdaqjIlp6nkt8vLJpWegpEgdEEY7wgY2X4xsMeEQyMgn0v96csyF8BYFWC74GLj1rbsjCmlibPrO87ny0rZ_1nXFO0q0oR2Rv9hQkRnxJ1qRXFIYzwmiPmvkiq8z/s1600/IMAG0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmwU0J7YCLZZ6u3qqGdaqjIlp6nkt8vLJpWegpEgdEEY7wgY2X4xsMeEQyMgn0v96csyF8BYFWC74GLj1rbsjCmlibPrO87ny0rZ_1nXFO0q0oR2Rv9hQkRnxJ1qRXFIYzwmiPmvkiq8z/s640/IMAG0036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>And don't forget naps with Daddy.</i></div>
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<i>Niko also had a love of windowsills....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nwnOqrfbpcDJjcaAbzn0kuYLfYIbKxqtBgGHGCMh4I1w5jZgOn0VroN1M56VDMmw8haezeSgYsynaWbvEB7NV8gq4BtXu5dQp7rm49RIxSjY6ujN5HDSPec-OhUjTLDRWScwXDojMbQT/s1600/Niko+12-24-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nwnOqrfbpcDJjcaAbzn0kuYLfYIbKxqtBgGHGCMh4I1w5jZgOn0VroN1M56VDMmw8haezeSgYsynaWbvEB7NV8gq4BtXu5dQp7rm49RIxSjY6ujN5HDSPec-OhUjTLDRWScwXDojMbQT/s320/Niko+12-24-10.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4lhoyc3GbojTmww6qe6ovuPn8XuIJf7WBBIUOlhjLKLR3fMCNFo6fr4vVlbRvQw33xvghI3CsfxYb4BOrqowr6T8K0ftyCPqjKKS7_NUsqBzXJ8pjDtevWjQLLVlExrqEghdCcuWk_XX/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4lhoyc3GbojTmww6qe6ovuPn8XuIJf7WBBIUOlhjLKLR3fMCNFo6fr4vVlbRvQw33xvghI3CsfxYb4BOrqowr6T8K0ftyCPqjKKS7_NUsqBzXJ8pjDtevWjQLLVlExrqEghdCcuWk_XX/s320/IMG_1429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He'd chirp (no really, cats make a chirping sound) at the pigeons in Chicago and the squirrels in the Burbs.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jsQO9-aXcBZceQrDEbs8xKS-n5V1g6zt8oJt2FnkTdWZz14MyqPGOrJfToHui-uDsw3RBUD7wT5grDQckcega6HhxjKLhOaXqlaLPtcteY8F39lCr9-ZoOSzyRLbS87qVuHbpArfTMyZ/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jsQO9-aXcBZceQrDEbs8xKS-n5V1g6zt8oJt2FnkTdWZz14MyqPGOrJfToHui-uDsw3RBUD7wT5grDQckcega6HhxjKLhOaXqlaLPtcteY8F39lCr9-ZoOSzyRLbS87qVuHbpArfTMyZ/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpzehiCj68ubh-QGOAz2iuwLzvavPdHmIfkf4Tt8DBsU9P6DGIK1QeuX5xssoEM4d2M9oiNPDNbFtHf_WsO_OSe0lJ1JRphNH28Cxarg4u-fJ5OgGco9wOW1i51BX2Fj5Ej1rxIG8qf2Z/s1600/IMAG0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpzehiCj68ubh-QGOAz2iuwLzvavPdHmIfkf4Tt8DBsU9P6DGIK1QeuX5xssoEM4d2M9oiNPDNbFtHf_WsO_OSe0lJ1JRphNH28Cxarg4u-fJ5OgGco9wOW1i51BX2Fj5Ej1rxIG8qf2Z/s320/IMAG0646.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<i>Niko was NOT a fan of the car.... or cross country road trips. But he was well-behaved anyway.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNSZbIYpdu0J6ow9W2q0UCqVbdIaWmN0r1k1oX-53w69MTwklA19LBCsUqvUeA3qEPqairYli_8TgzZ4G5saG-ECo1t4qqlyos2qI5eVS4cNv1al7uv2rbj68H9iPJkGivvJOejSGQvPm/s1600/IMAG0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNSZbIYpdu0J6ow9W2q0UCqVbdIaWmN0r1k1oX-53w69MTwklA19LBCsUqvUeA3qEPqairYli_8TgzZ4G5saG-ECo1t4qqlyos2qI5eVS4cNv1al7uv2rbj68H9iPJkGivvJOejSGQvPm/s640/IMAG0480.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>"Stop laughing, Mom. This isn't funny."</i></div>
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<i>He wasn't sure about Cooper when we first brought the kitten home, but they became the best of friends. And yes, Cooper is having a hard time and doesn't understand why Niko isn't home.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt7-uQgexncgIUcccq2NsEGoQf4MTW6YhBwAHGi1OfUZWlIwhFEWzyadewKxVrt-t-C-wwXGWkCimHLWFmcQ-RtZqkBEWyoq8vcbeKAugpEeckt_a-ZaKSLlp8aBz_6ybtDKNCX2cKjgt/s1600/167347_681781667397_48601678_36522331_8102181_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt7-uQgexncgIUcccq2NsEGoQf4MTW6YhBwAHGi1OfUZWlIwhFEWzyadewKxVrt-t-C-wwXGWkCimHLWFmcQ-RtZqkBEWyoq8vcbeKAugpEeckt_a-ZaKSLlp8aBz_6ybtDKNCX2cKjgt/s320/167347_681781667397_48601678_36522331_8102181_n.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgieGbL6WNNP2YvvlN6fxzn3lJognt0ZhkI9r9a0EDhhupLGH3dsRPD5ThM0SCo0LAJ1tpkGxfJjmirI6cZf_ARO6hOkYYbgVPHdQQmVJWeTEy82PQHm0gT4E75q1xCCzXV4dCVq8DIBwu/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgieGbL6WNNP2YvvlN6fxzn3lJognt0ZhkI9r9a0EDhhupLGH3dsRPD5ThM0SCo0LAJ1tpkGxfJjmirI6cZf_ARO6hOkYYbgVPHdQQmVJWeTEy82PQHm0gT4E75q1xCCzXV4dCVq8DIBwu/s320/IMAG0162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddWPv7isKsA8n-e9s-JxApdBvrPSaOHN_vnCmQTyPXT9bPPKzbdfaa3KCuyVBWc_AQe1cCC2-fB6N7jNSXwzlHmioG9yWzKppfBMuDjJLsaHhtLjinr6leB03jB5rGbP5mrLJN-A0G1Bv/s1600/IMAG0938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddWPv7isKsA8n-e9s-JxApdBvrPSaOHN_vnCmQTyPXT9bPPKzbdfaa3KCuyVBWc_AQe1cCC2-fB6N7jNSXwzlHmioG9yWzKppfBMuDjJLsaHhtLjinr6leB03jB5rGbP5mrLJN-A0G1Bv/s400/IMAG0938.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyxg3e-ZLXOEFS2RjcHE_JG0tJ5QUJauN8xkMWGLKgDocFgQyDOna5rGLjOjkczfIaHwL4MfY8bkmFryeR7BJZWHMXV5cPPSUvPEo8AU2JudwlI0acJxvN3o-UrSK812G2-Xjd7ADVM4j/s1600/IMAG0204.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyxg3e-ZLXOEFS2RjcHE_JG0tJ5QUJauN8xkMWGLKgDocFgQyDOna5rGLjOjkczfIaHwL4MfY8bkmFryeR7BJZWHMXV5cPPSUvPEo8AU2JudwlI0acJxvN3o-UrSK812G2-Xjd7ADVM4j/s400/IMAG0204.jpg.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<i>At our place in Wisconsin. His first time going OUTSIDE. Yes... we put him on a leash.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWxMZI6npIDJPkRMRtRAQxl5onyfoQD9hGAr6rQwp_oamdGLg-I7-DKLH_90WUQ8rUgmRY6rZbAvctIQwlaiJ87PHU27dZ8M_DjaFmMoEiB1SCLgh8YJZsahRl-wELqSjx0y98raGue_r/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWxMZI6npIDJPkRMRtRAQxl5onyfoQD9hGAr6rQwp_oamdGLg-I7-DKLH_90WUQ8rUgmRY6rZbAvctIQwlaiJ87PHU27dZ8M_DjaFmMoEiB1SCLgh8YJZsahRl-wELqSjx0y98raGue_r/s320/IMG_2344.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjRBsjk2hXS-HyoqEAfx8EyymZH1M0qXaOnLMFguTIRwuTlPVVUNc_D3VC2CTwryFhfulCLiNS4Q9BUf7_pxejlClPj5FxeiMWlHgF3IIO9lve8UFs7HrLFeeXsuYxWADqnyycbM8vPnk/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjRBsjk2hXS-HyoqEAfx8EyymZH1M0qXaOnLMFguTIRwuTlPVVUNc_D3VC2CTwryFhfulCLiNS4Q9BUf7_pxejlClPj5FxeiMWlHgF3IIO9lve8UFs7HrLFeeXsuYxWADqnyycbM8vPnk/s320/IMG_2346.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFGgqrIfE8DOdf1ssLuH_B1FsCMTIB4q1yL3WTuMyB440A9CYgiqxDqi2lONYx188pWSUtjM6nwV600O0RDJaBvqfb1qSoFW2mWM9_8mD8604P0oTQAUvApoIQI9lM6sh-HuJ7I3xTvaT/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFGgqrIfE8DOdf1ssLuH_B1FsCMTIB4q1yL3WTuMyB440A9CYgiqxDqi2lONYx188pWSUtjM6nwV600O0RDJaBvqfb1qSoFW2mWM9_8mD8604P0oTQAUvApoIQI9lM6sh-HuJ7I3xTvaT/s320/IMG_2347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He leapt into the snow not knowing what it was then promptly ran back inside.</i></div>
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<i>He got used to the outdoors, but Niko-- like his mom-- preferred the indoors.</i></div>
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<i><b>No matter what he did, where he was, or his mood, Niko was beautiful.</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDPyOr_IKoMJVrxi7LIEOx1uHWrwzAC0XdzxxPw57_bkUoqbs0U8rgVbnk15KHuc4gL1EgFQid-Qqgv-OFt_B61TXjs4RFUGN-chiJmMoMfTADIXsTnqkoJM91n9H95HkAmFaKqPs325l/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDPyOr_IKoMJVrxi7LIEOx1uHWrwzAC0XdzxxPw57_bkUoqbs0U8rgVbnk15KHuc4gL1EgFQid-Qqgv-OFt_B61TXjs4RFUGN-chiJmMoMfTADIXsTnqkoJM91n9H95HkAmFaKqPs325l/s320/IMG_0970.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaOq0OZS9x3HWdJtpt8Xf3l9gbS_bTAU-BXQCfCif1QurG_fJsAbgYxUCEVsQl7zHgJPIxRbvsVsYO6Q_gdi_LNazxlltPsXdgrwnyhlsH0WeHTWhsa_M59Yymw8v3vdsj5yaCwkBtYrB/s1600/IMAG0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaOq0OZS9x3HWdJtpt8Xf3l9gbS_bTAU-BXQCfCif1QurG_fJsAbgYxUCEVsQl7zHgJPIxRbvsVsYO6Q_gdi_LNazxlltPsXdgrwnyhlsH0WeHTWhsa_M59Yymw8v3vdsj5yaCwkBtYrB/s320/IMAG0048.jpg" width="191" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhNCkbmXPX8lHvF7eJP1EaJjZDFClM_469J72fOBq84ttWdcqIJYOv25gxjsLNMZj2YRPgxadFZej4vrupC4_YHwugfcchD7Z_cAZoPWh0RVOQn3cEt-8yA6qKebq2_B9g3FQ_55brIPM/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhNCkbmXPX8lHvF7eJP1EaJjZDFClM_469J72fOBq84ttWdcqIJYOv25gxjsLNMZj2YRPgxadFZej4vrupC4_YHwugfcchD7Z_cAZoPWh0RVOQn3cEt-8yA6qKebq2_B9g3FQ_55brIPM/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC1yvo5PaQI55j8qIp7DHWKwN2MD4l8kdmi_t9UhyCLQGm1KR4XEBW_Ldj8hgAXOzcPuiS-TQaLwot6TzDJedozjfRzm-u6SwRI4khFeS1Vf8SOQ2OaTQKyahKffnDhasdDbYp-wh9lc7/s1600/IMG_0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC1yvo5PaQI55j8qIp7DHWKwN2MD4l8kdmi_t9UhyCLQGm1KR4XEBW_Ldj8hgAXOzcPuiS-TQaLwot6TzDJedozjfRzm-u6SwRI4khFeS1Vf8SOQ2OaTQKyahKffnDhasdDbYp-wh9lc7/s320/IMG_0116.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMpY2Pa9M5IMNApZbjU3zNl9pYCqNC_IIoQwAIdygY1gXjgIzm1oewP2A2D7Hfnuk_6iuuxdw8ym1tBAofLH4b5XL7aNbAr3bMHqYRYnowNWwCu0H07_WQj3kmFkPQbChzzV_F5-e2tCz/s1600/IMAG1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMpY2Pa9M5IMNApZbjU3zNl9pYCqNC_IIoQwAIdygY1gXjgIzm1oewP2A2D7Hfnuk_6iuuxdw8ym1tBAofLH4b5XL7aNbAr3bMHqYRYnowNWwCu0H07_WQj3kmFkPQbChzzV_F5-e2tCz/s320/IMAG1193.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgLlp4CcTI5y9d1SOIa_xqIiCS9paEbyMrC16YN4W3NI2IbEWIElLXkZ3lukNOF1kP87ozUkBvUIX3saF6YjnnL_4H7nfzx2vKGGkc8iOPlLwwyfyINhq3CuYv3Q47OXNXVZuCsckhbQz/s1600/IMG_2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgLlp4CcTI5y9d1SOIa_xqIiCS9paEbyMrC16YN4W3NI2IbEWIElLXkZ3lukNOF1kP87ozUkBvUIX3saF6YjnnL_4H7nfzx2vKGGkc8iOPlLwwyfyINhq3CuYv3Q47OXNXVZuCsckhbQz/s320/IMG_2305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP0h7mqCbAJhdksSKQpQ8LcJYgevNk3Cq6ncP4hd7SMQpDQDg2D9YKAuMjjFsOOJ2RNTfq4WnArrNORBSCIp9U1j_fHF-HlfpNyVTck7AehVzjGWQnG-rvvcDFOaEtkqmBA9ZzztiEOYP/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP0h7mqCbAJhdksSKQpQ8LcJYgevNk3Cq6ncP4hd7SMQpDQDg2D9YKAuMjjFsOOJ2RNTfq4WnArrNORBSCIp9U1j_fHF-HlfpNyVTck7AehVzjGWQnG-rvvcDFOaEtkqmBA9ZzztiEOYP/s640/IMAG0351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>RIP beloved Niko. 12-23-07 to 4-11-13</i></b></div>
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Thank you to family and friends who offered their prayers and love. </div>
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To my parents for their continuous support during both cats' illnesses, as well as the flowers, coffee cakes, and letting me bawl on the phone. </div>
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To my dear husband, who is feeling a pain even I can't imagine, for crying with me, hugging me, and holding me. For better or worse never held so true...</div>
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To my Cooper, who doesn't understand yet knows just when to shower us with love.</div>
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To God, for bringing this little blessing into our lives and teaching others that cats can be just as special and fun as dogs.</div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-56963698166392814282013-04-09T14:50:00.002-07:002013-04-09T14:50:57.688-07:00Weekend Away: Photo Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post is so so SO late. </div>
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It's from November.</div>
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But I haven't posted since Saturday and I'm too mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted to write something insightful and original. We almost euthanized Niko today because he's sick with a mysterious illness that has stumped the doctors, can't afford anymore tests and procedures since we've had four months straight of major vet bills, but Niko did finally eat after 6 days of no food, 3 with no water. I also get the <i>lovely</i> job of injecting fluids into his back for the next ten days-- can I add "cat nurse" to my resume?!</div>
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So here we are with photos from our weekend "getaway" at the LAX Westin for the TAXI convention. We could've commuted from the East side, but weekend traffic is stupid in LA and this, along with our Disneyland trips, is the closest we've gotten to a real vacation in six years. </div>
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The Westin was a luxurious hotel with cable (a treat since we don't have channels) and a great restaurant called The Daily Grille. It has a Midwestern steakhouse-with-cloth-napkins vibe to it (if you're from the Midwest you'll know what I mean.... maybe), not to mention excellent food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZxPctgLZUhYfNjaJhXQXTd6TdThL1erQJ47ie1qF7yTgMIsfK8Iq6uc1w4Im8d10AJwl5XU_CGx18CgIj1EA3uE62pAAN2GckBrbsl8vjB3iVHRNw7w-OjALKiDpJAxiHeX38CNBdfs/s1600/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZxPctgLZUhYfNjaJhXQXTd6TdThL1erQJ47ie1qF7yTgMIsfK8Iq6uc1w4Im8d10AJwl5XU_CGx18CgIj1EA3uE62pAAN2GckBrbsl8vjB3iVHRNw7w-OjALKiDpJAxiHeX38CNBdfs/s640/IMG_0751.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The palm trees made it feel a bit like a real vacation!!!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1w6p8D7jLX_sy6h474tL7I84ElkJpYmGPNjOmeKC2Be-zyl8i7vCXCK37Df9Z6JSoLz0m69BLry6WJCg8GWb5N91PLK4u2zuzFJu-d_FULb82twT8qsM5-U1eC2ebL6gkZ3UPT_yVrhM/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1w6p8D7jLX_sy6h474tL7I84ElkJpYmGPNjOmeKC2Be-zyl8i7vCXCK37Df9Z6JSoLz0m69BLry6WJCg8GWb5N91PLK4u2zuzFJu-d_FULb82twT8qsM5-U1eC2ebL6gkZ3UPT_yVrhM/s640/IMG_0749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>A taxi for the TAXI convention... get it?</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgVADjTKNP0Vj3nBaTvzWDFTRRpJU2NondJM0HM2TNCe1s9edDiZUXqS4UECw6WTIrDqoT9Kp_HkG1xlLfCy1ufSYZDLXCpbc0pQ63bFp9VyYAzxFyo6Xm_C37s0f8QcDWSlE4BXuvbE/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgVADjTKNP0Vj3nBaTvzWDFTRRpJU2NondJM0HM2TNCe1s9edDiZUXqS4UECw6WTIrDqoT9Kp_HkG1xlLfCy1ufSYZDLXCpbc0pQ63bFp9VyYAzxFyo6Xm_C37s0f8QcDWSlE4BXuvbE/s640/IMG_0747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hotel lobbies are magical.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgfnbDoU2QOP1sAE7d2h55eGfIHPZGjO_OcMJ0eCPjLSJzUF5wnidJ_-NrFoyGP6cCsWQap9x2EKTT23kRkKCrDGywnxB2w5rH_2g4qb70ldj6UhFV-NFtPKIwGx1_F3-jTkSJH0BYTE/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgfnbDoU2QOP1sAE7d2h55eGfIHPZGjO_OcMJ0eCPjLSJzUF5wnidJ_-NrFoyGP6cCsWQap9x2EKTT23kRkKCrDGywnxB2w5rH_2g4qb70ldj6UhFV-NFtPKIwGx1_F3-jTkSJH0BYTE/s640/IMG_0753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd49cBmk7lAjMUdFX8DOKBljFcrkWSQ_U9TJpeTmqFB1-dUcawbsWT5nhHf9HErcy-ie4q9txfoMKaASf3j31G4HE4zfSbi15LpGChdPmZtGbWPmek5Iw5xcN4Vi2MjDAn2n4RuvPMyI/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd49cBmk7lAjMUdFX8DOKBljFcrkWSQ_U9TJpeTmqFB1-dUcawbsWT5nhHf9HErcy-ie4q9txfoMKaASf3j31G4HE4zfSbi15LpGChdPmZtGbWPmek5Iw5xcN4Vi2MjDAn2n4RuvPMyI/s640/IMG_0754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Gorgeous husband and a nice room!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ur07haE26sgCofGvvwKJ59l5fodGzLwa_ruFo2jP0-ZCIxjz-nNa_uX0QYhn0aqX65r-0IoLpyrwJdHw2ddAIPhlxmLnylGtGamYGv_tzVda_nje5Rb8y2zqCCNEKcfb_6cnMpEW9q4/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ur07haE26sgCofGvvwKJ59l5fodGzLwa_ruFo2jP0-ZCIxjz-nNa_uX0QYhn0aqX65r-0IoLpyrwJdHw2ddAIPhlxmLnylGtGamYGv_tzVda_nje5Rb8y2zqCCNEKcfb_6cnMpEW9q4/s640/IMG_0757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The view.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C3H_3D4VXAH1eLdX6Q0A4eVxoAqItVBhrOeZYCV22AHvs5Ag1Lt8JhouOC-v652Z9pShdndpW-aqzngCZVl1drHhXo1SJr1IzyCd_sDkwlDjG3aNw-nZIfaRVgim2sUZdxleUFWr_Xg/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C3H_3D4VXAH1eLdX6Q0A4eVxoAqItVBhrOeZYCV22AHvs5Ag1Lt8JhouOC-v652Z9pShdndpW-aqzngCZVl1drHhXo1SJr1IzyCd_sDkwlDjG3aNw-nZIfaRVgim2sUZdxleUFWr_Xg/s320/IMG_0758.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2JzQSH8wib6gNZTk9Vy718j9spy2ezVgGVWDmpByShHEnMIGQy6psWcghUphugLx-STET05DN0PbIaeD1QrKNSfV6bbB7vPRHBjYcR26ReXXwyAQ8HxXYz23YfusvGDsa766Mhbgfi0/s1600/IMG_0759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2JzQSH8wib6gNZTk9Vy718j9spy2ezVgGVWDmpByShHEnMIGQy6psWcghUphugLx-STET05DN0PbIaeD1QrKNSfV6bbB7vPRHBjYcR26ReXXwyAQ8HxXYz23YfusvGDsa766Mhbgfi0/s320/IMG_0759.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Best spinach artichoke dip on the planet. Homemade strawberry lemonade.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYLu97V0FJhAVtFNAOaqcxZrgJnVwmQ3QJcFm4OlrK_rWEK6c6n8r9ZiSFLjK-DnkKLleyrsB5dK2UzJbFUTnmEpOIWna7MAUz42_IxzqcGR8J15zw-x_cBMOaFq7IWBGy8VR_sd67LY/s1600/IMG_0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYLu97V0FJhAVtFNAOaqcxZrgJnVwmQ3QJcFm4OlrK_rWEK6c6n8r9ZiSFLjK-DnkKLleyrsB5dK2UzJbFUTnmEpOIWna7MAUz42_IxzqcGR8J15zw-x_cBMOaFq7IWBGy8VR_sd67LY/s640/IMG_0760.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The best quesadillas. Now I'm hungry.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnvOlAsLCW4B6GXJH8eEVAntdKPZ4kiF3KPOd593LHoeoxCfU4kMGcqrfW0lAfmg0Es8CiYUfoM1L2pXZM0acLLvv6QBoKhPQ_9NJlM4Th2xZmyWcR4fIyauI1_XCW6Nts0nr05g0-Mg/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnvOlAsLCW4B6GXJH8eEVAntdKPZ4kiF3KPOd593LHoeoxCfU4kMGcqrfW0lAfmg0Es8CiYUfoM1L2pXZM0acLLvv6QBoKhPQ_9NJlM4Th2xZmyWcR4fIyauI1_XCW6Nts0nr05g0-Mg/s640/IMG_0775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>We had two nights of live music from TAXI singer/songwriters.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwkE6yIztre-IzQ6g3_Bh_4pPhx4ZIL9cVMwzi4jHwaO3J2qeyF10acIs_xdYuBPYAQ5Gh44dJNY-ncbJCfSTelTta4K8cgn4fztBdkG-ApWkX_kCHdOuL_TUyBp7b40_ocOCQ46Qbew/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwkE6yIztre-IzQ6g3_Bh_4pPhx4ZIL9cVMwzi4jHwaO3J2qeyF10acIs_xdYuBPYAQ5Gh44dJNY-ncbJCfSTelTta4K8cgn4fztBdkG-ApWkX_kCHdOuL_TUyBp7b40_ocOCQ46Qbew/s640/IMG_0768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A fabulous weekend.</i></div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-72716641174863452022013-04-04T14:32:00.000-07:002013-04-05T10:24:17.980-07:00Scent-sational<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's amazing how much of an impact scent has in our day to day lives, as well as affecting our choices. If food smells not quite right you avoid the dish altogether. Perfumes and colognes trigger memories. In my case, every time I smell Old Spice after shave it reminds me of my dad, TV dinners, babysitters, and Saturday nights as a kid. Every time I smell the <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/203034/Sanford-Mr-Sketch-Washable-Watercolor-Markers/?Channel=Google&mr:trackingCode=223CDB1A-EC81-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=19991860436&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=57945225956&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Googlepla-_-Office_Supplies+Pens_Pencils_Markers-_-203034">Mr. Sketch green apple scented marker</a> I think of my Oma's apartment and the old black and white photo of my Great Grandfather she had on her dresser.</div>
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So while today's post focuses on reviewing products with exceptional scents (or <i>"ex-scentional"</i> if you will), I encourage you to think, sniff, and reminisce about the smells in your life.</div>
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Lush: Easter Egg Hunt Soap</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDXa-80NHUPS3j1SpzuvxZioeowkepANxSJEhVSgJ6RfdbNphOiUcf4VQWsCJTs3BVFpkBHEpC36AihfHHrYAifsgKL85adm0JMb6i2PE1aAduwNBvsQ9DejN8-e90ou5PaHSmTmd50st/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDXa-80NHUPS3j1SpzuvxZioeowkepANxSJEhVSgJ6RfdbNphOiUcf4VQWsCJTs3BVFpkBHEpC36AihfHHrYAifsgKL85adm0JMb6i2PE1aAduwNBvsQ9DejN8-e90ou5PaHSmTmd50st/s640/IMG_1353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The scent from this hunk of fruity goodness is so strong that it basically doubles as an air freshener-- fine by me! My whole bathroom (okay so it's not very big) smells like a frickin' fruit salad: sweet and citrusy. Even though <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Egg-Hunt/03847,en_US,pd.html?start=1&q=Easter%20Egg%20Hunt">Easter Egg Hunt's description </a>notes tones of raspberry, orange, lemon, and violet... I smell pineapple. The psychotherapist in me (I'm not one, I just pretend) says I'm projecting my desire to travel somewhere tropical.</div>
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Despite the strong aroma, Easter Egg Hunt is not overpowering on the skin and has a semi-creamy consistency that helps moisturize the skin. Let me be clear, there are more moisturizing soaps from Lush's product selection, but Easter Egg Hunt is fun and perfect for spring.</div>
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And just for a treat, here's what it looks like as an entire round:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO6DdiX0lxIglZF2O2njiG69eWWOVScTQP7Z6Dd7R6AWLdP_ZIV4Xx-XvVeMTPa8IzKb-T0NukTBphQqs4cpuDFURjn9IcbqFwcbAw3eeoIDHDwM-4-tVCyMwShMnIQMEi7U5hGVCag43/s1600/6298-Egg-hunt-soap-640-x-587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO6DdiX0lxIglZF2O2njiG69eWWOVScTQP7Z6Dd7R6AWLdP_ZIV4Xx-XvVeMTPa8IzKb-T0NukTBphQqs4cpuDFURjn9IcbqFwcbAw3eeoIDHDwM-4-tVCyMwShMnIQMEi7U5hGVCag43/s320/6298-Egg-hunt-soap-640-x-587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo courtesy of Lush.com</i></div>
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Sultana Soap and Grass Shower Gel</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SNnt38NwE0SZzm-6jEFu7YjLMd9oQtHR2TVUdpm7R0yzBLowK3JzEhYgTunSVS7y4-xtBcMykmd0CRukMP9heE_0xQwhWDmULgM0DQl36HBqhHIWfIAfYXyEWKHHvT02AG6_A4RgWiG2/s1600/IMG_1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SNnt38NwE0SZzm-6jEFu7YjLMd9oQtHR2TVUdpm7R0yzBLowK3JzEhYgTunSVS7y4-xtBcMykmd0CRukMP9heE_0xQwhWDmULgM0DQl36HBqhHIWfIAfYXyEWKHHvT02AG6_A4RgWiG2/s320/IMG_1349.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP1oNESH5RrduVBbHwP75GmexQ7hZg9Ka7AVioPxwxw0t9EahDNE1atrR7FRFhU9YCRGTRsatIeWUj5GI0w4h5HnGGX0y8magq77eLOB5P_udqlaPlPn5gdaw5oE8dcukED1-Gvu55IcU/s1600/IMG_1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP1oNESH5RrduVBbHwP75GmexQ7hZg9Ka7AVioPxwxw0t9EahDNE1atrR7FRFhU9YCRGTRsatIeWUj5GI0w4h5HnGGX0y8magq77eLOB5P_udqlaPlPn5gdaw5oE8dcukED1-Gvu55IcU/s320/IMG_1355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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While Lush's limited edition Snowcake Holiday Soap is my favorite to keep my skin soft, <b>Sultana</b> is the creamiest year round bar available. It's a bit fruity and floral, and oh so moisturizing. Have you tried Lush bar soaps? They're incredible.</div>
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<b>Grass</b> is aroma therapy in a bottle. It smells like freshly cut grass-- for realz-- and thanks to Neroli, is a mood lifter. Michael bought it for his dry skin since wheatgrass is nourishing, but after using it once in the shower he told me it really lifted his spirits. Then I read the bottle and realized-- BOOM!-- Grass makes you look and <i>feel</i> better.</div>
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<h2>
Versace Signature Cologne & Eau Fraiche for Men</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTmuvs95n8VmMZtk80h4aKcgXeMj8UTH5j5BD3BXrJbWIhCSvCfgQzwUc4iwK7JZuGR9u4uHkUYlg7P4EaFvDCN3Xplv5CMSZCCtkQoQgqo8_ZFWeo0Gkruu2aQbxJVQRoBVsjNWyenQu/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTmuvs95n8VmMZtk80h4aKcgXeMj8UTH5j5BD3BXrJbWIhCSvCfgQzwUc4iwK7JZuGR9u4uHkUYlg7P4EaFvDCN3Xplv5CMSZCCtkQoQgqo8_ZFWeo0Gkruu2aQbxJVQRoBVsjNWyenQu/s320/IMG_1354.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD9aHnMf9Z4Zp04Bmdt80YhfP5OxDaviWVaUiV9NUuM7JgEWMMj_bIoM7v-5GA1_CqoVa0T1Cy-m-IpAak-Yt3FuVX9i9fpnt2yM0Rs2NdiOMRSRTw9BHzExv9G8GOb0c1qZCRxXb6_to/s1600/IMG_1351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD9aHnMf9Z4Zp04Bmdt80YhfP5OxDaviWVaUiV9NUuM7JgEWMMj_bIoM7v-5GA1_CqoVa0T1Cy-m-IpAak-Yt3FuVX9i9fpnt2yM0Rs2NdiOMRSRTw9BHzExv9G8GOb0c1qZCRxXb6_to/s320/IMG_1351.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Who doesn't love a man who smells... like a MAN?! Except when you can smell that man a mile away because he marinated himself in Axe Body Spray. </div>
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On a recent excursion to Sephora, we went scent hunting and Michael decided on two by Versace that we both loved. Did you know Sephora will give you perfume samples?! </div>
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<b>Versace Signature Cologne</b> is a musky scent great for every day and driving the ladies (or men) crazy by just walking by. <b>Versace Eau Fraiche </b>has a darker scent for evening and getting a little sumthin' sumthin'</div>
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Acqua for Life by Giorgio Armani </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Eg4XTBRVlEYXtFk3CFB70oTw2CdJcJiY0YU2caVHuf8Mx9kKjqM0mQEhg5jggLCmgNbdPfl5nXOHfbso_HlJxpEDz5fXo7GjHpETA4nNUjD9l7eczog-UNMlZM-0Rrk7DNJ5HTcn5s_/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Eg4XTBRVlEYXtFk3CFB70oTw2CdJcJiY0YU2caVHuf8Mx9kKjqM0mQEhg5jggLCmgNbdPfl5nXOHfbso_HlJxpEDz5fXo7GjHpETA4nNUjD9l7eczog-UNMlZM-0Rrk7DNJ5HTcn5s_/s640/IMG_1356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Hl-Wv0sKvAAn1Twrl6UpjSois98lbH7AI1LX1wxI7rJwCMmfn3o0-GsNp8GZb8uNCQlrVBNrq9Tz4JzP22BdbVbct4J7tNrRi2gNiE0EUYohCFQF24iWJgdFg0RI1K7PDjR4j1XmFLG/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Hl-Wv0sKvAAn1Twrl6UpjSois98lbH7AI1LX1wxI7rJwCMmfn3o0-GsNp8GZb8uNCQlrVBNrq9Tz4JzP22BdbVbct4J7tNrRi2gNiE0EUYohCFQF24iWJgdFg0RI1K7PDjR4j1XmFLG/s640/IMG_1357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I fell in love with <b>Acqua di Gioia</b> two years ago when I did a scent profile at our Wisconsin Sephora. It's fresh, clean and-- even though it contains jasmine-- isn't overly floral. There's something so grown-up about perfume verses body spray, plus I love the longevity of it. It's nice having another option besides my favorite <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/elizabeth-arden-green-tea-fragrance-17-fl-oz?ID=14137&cm_mmc=Google_Beauty_PLA-_-Beauty+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21000230071_-_-_mkwid_C7YqgO32_21000230071%7C-%7CC7YqgO32">Elizabeth Arden Green Tea</a>.</div>
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What perfume do you accent your looks with? Is there a cologne your man wears that drives you the good kind of crazy??</div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-68387022644003384312013-04-01T15:33:00.002-07:002013-04-01T15:33:54.107-07:00Shabby Apple Spoils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple weeks ago, my awesome friend Lori from both "real life" AND the Blog-o-sphere was hosting a $50 <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/">Shabby Apple</a> Gift Card Giveaway over at her blog, <a href="http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/">A Little Slice of Special</a>. Just so you know, she did not ask me to plug her blog, but you guys should seriously check it out: amazing makeup looks, awesome style and fashion finds, and healthy life motivation. Worth a read, people!</div>
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Because my readers are smart, you've already figured out that I won the prize-- THANKS LORI!!!!!-- and, like the self-obsessed blogging individual that I am, wanted to <strike>brag about</strike> share with you my spoils.</div>
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Shabby Apple has gorgeous vintage-y clothing, shoes, and accessories. Being the Plus-size lady that I am, clothes weren't an option. Not one to let my size get in the way of Style, I found a beautiful pair of earrings and gorgeous scarf.<br />
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I did go a bit over budget (I blame shipping) but the pieces were totally worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw3MLJ4JcSxVcmWdpv_59OQlnmr5_PRl4cUO6FxNeekB77fhE8m8IJxF7N0iJXVNMyVmcX_kuO2EdYi7zmY5pNxQf1SV-te1fw3z53yq6ITMfwniUzr0odD7v0q3rnq87PZpoL3hLBO0G/s1600/IMG_1338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw3MLJ4JcSxVcmWdpv_59OQlnmr5_PRl4cUO6FxNeekB77fhE8m8IJxF7N0iJXVNMyVmcX_kuO2EdYi7zmY5pNxQf1SV-te1fw3z53yq6ITMfwniUzr0odD7v0q3rnq87PZpoL3hLBO0G/s640/IMG_1338.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>This photo doesn't do the earrings justice. <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1109-sterling-silver-green-earrings.aspx">This one does.</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByrcJqogAZt3ZYn1LSEMo8gqNzTNFS_GzT5M4lpn2H42MXAsyMzS3tjokhV45gayYD7wFJQeGGVn7Es4TXvbSMN3SG0DCR_mGMAUJYJi-NO5Op9PIcdG56XR-3Kux3_KY1eNqpVgEyTew/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByrcJqogAZt3ZYn1LSEMo8gqNzTNFS_GzT5M4lpn2H42MXAsyMzS3tjokhV45gayYD7wFJQeGGVn7Es4TXvbSMN3SG0DCR_mGMAUJYJi-NO5Op9PIcdG56XR-3Kux3_KY1eNqpVgEyTew/s640/IMG_1337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>My favorite-ist scarf ever. It looks more for decoration but trust me, it's warm.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgeYXGRcGqSUEmRz_eXWHExK04wgoOVIjiFqj8Q5PPV7oi7842IDiHL3ptS2JSEo-eXdK22FURmbo5nsx17M3Nd0g17xGxGhauaTYOIBuPzAPUx05J-6W9AkR_voR37g8lcwyK46UhmoH/s1600/IMG_1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgeYXGRcGqSUEmRz_eXWHExK04wgoOVIjiFqj8Q5PPV7oi7842IDiHL3ptS2JSEo-eXdK22FURmbo5nsx17M3Nd0g17xGxGhauaTYOIBuPzAPUx05J-6W9AkR_voR37g8lcwyK46UhmoH/s640/IMG_1336.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>I've been watching America's Next Top Model lately and learned all about squinting slightly to make your eyes look smaller and less frightening.</i></div>
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As you can see, fashion photos, poses, and expressions aren't my strong suit (and I need an effing haircut!), but I simply love the coloring of the items. And yes, I purchased this <a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clothing/Tops/Fashion//Mint+Lace+Dolman+Top-588163.jsp">mint lace dolman top </a>from Torrid, though I'm still in need of the perfect way to style it. Love the color!</div>
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<b>Scarf</b>: <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1967-fishermans-scarf.aspx">Fisherman's Scarf</a></div>
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<b>Earrings</b>: Sterling Silver Green Earrings</div>
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Thoughts on the pieces? My makeup? I used a Bare Escentials powder instead of foundation since it was warm. </div>
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Happy April and I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!</div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-87211928755389290312013-03-30T11:59:00.002-07:002013-03-30T11:59:56.116-07:00Soapbox Saturday and a Package From My ParentsI stepped onto my soapbox Wednesday when I addressed <a href="http://hodgepodgegallery.blogspot.com/2013/03/marriage-equality.html">my arguments supporting Same-Sex Marriage</a>, so I think that's enough controversy for one week.<br />
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That and I'm not feeling well. I haven't been sick since February of 2012 and I'd like to keep it that way! While I know blogging isn't exactly strenuous, migraines don't help the process so it's time to rest.<br />
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This week a package arrived from my parents filled with souvenirs from their recent week long excursion to Honolulu. My mom and dad are the most supportive, excellent parents in the Universe so I was thrilled they got to fly FIRST CLASS-- fancy!!!-- to Hawaii and spend a week by the beach in the warmth (they live in the Midwest). Even being on a much deserved vacation, they shopped for their kids (that's me!). Check it out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaCxpDbNltvYwZYiabC52FlTNHJtlOstdrSo_PT9eHF9jQgr7xnJ-eaPypphkhVB7WWiU4MGtelpkgNlAtzwSMODGtcUU_O2-6pkgrFTzGAM8t3g15MeNmVJkG2KYD3Qdpum3Ch1KKTp-/s1600/IMG_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaCxpDbNltvYwZYiabC52FlTNHJtlOstdrSo_PT9eHF9jQgr7xnJ-eaPypphkhVB7WWiU4MGtelpkgNlAtzwSMODGtcUU_O2-6pkgrFTzGAM8t3g15MeNmVJkG2KYD3Qdpum3Ch1KKTp-/s640/IMG_1329.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<i>This guy makes me want to drink beer!!</i></div>
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<i>The cookies are tasty!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik4-0si7F4bj7kjbTfdSAbWoWqPfQMy5TFXp4K1gK-3Wdu5PJXhyzYgiNKWamyREjGWQN_2uaTcv_Rfw395WA94hnDe4HqL21Az8BrYss0maPZGxPCFQie5L3xER_ZjIWOKqDkYEpPBcR/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik4-0si7F4bj7kjbTfdSAbWoWqPfQMy5TFXp4K1gK-3Wdu5PJXhyzYgiNKWamyREjGWQN_2uaTcv_Rfw395WA94hnDe4HqL21Az8BrYss0maPZGxPCFQie5L3xER_ZjIWOKqDkYEpPBcR/s640/IMG_1328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>That's one of the four pineapple knives that got my mom stopped by airport security because she forgot to pack them in the suitcase. Lesson learned.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZAxDTbBjteEjHm7P2JjtfYGOTwJpthHh8SZYc_6Tb2UyGByCxPSSb8WdyvTrfHFTgk6dqdMaVUPp8HnqQNIG21n9kJFOW-xMbOoNYZ3hE87YDiYRvy0WrJ45SMbR6Dd9zmNcoAdaS3ch/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZAxDTbBjteEjHm7P2JjtfYGOTwJpthHh8SZYc_6Tb2UyGByCxPSSb8WdyvTrfHFTgk6dqdMaVUPp8HnqQNIG21n9kJFOW-xMbOoNYZ3hE87YDiYRvy0WrJ45SMbR6Dd9zmNcoAdaS3ch/s640/IMG_1332.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Plus we got Easter cookies from the family bakery! Oh they tasted like Heaven....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLtEK5kXhxofuD2_HoB8C2bsnkuNS8DubNfYnC7e9UKa-ntyVNSWUe0DcxZw_vCHGimIib3zouTRi_sY9SDzBiwYn8K1q611CBhVe_g86wuZIV2mRi5XZW0rOa1zZpWHIYv3U42UlRhXh/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLtEK5kXhxofuD2_HoB8C2bsnkuNS8DubNfYnC7e9UKa-ntyVNSWUe0DcxZw_vCHGimIib3zouTRi_sY9SDzBiwYn8K1q611CBhVe_g86wuZIV2mRi5XZW0rOa1zZpWHIYv3U42UlRhXh/s640/IMG_1327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>SCORE</i>!</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-19176810527078764352013-03-27T11:53:00.001-07:002013-03-27T18:00:19.346-07:00Marriage EqualityIf you've been on Facebook in the last 36 hours, you may have noticed this (or similar versions of it) ALL OVER your Newsfeed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BE_t1Ir1XHiS8BYWgvJb5SuIJ-eqMpn1Y-DzsGYEWYo9cyZhSav8spEu9deUSpZ9sQgQAxinmJNsT8qEDEzARLeHpXaCAk9s3mVxY5VW4jPH6BrnQ3W6gCRdbYV_Y72b8IVTPG6djASB/s1600/486298_10100362741026357_689637741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BE_t1Ir1XHiS8BYWgvJb5SuIJ-eqMpn1Y-DzsGYEWYo9cyZhSav8spEu9deUSpZ9sQgQAxinmJNsT8qEDEzARLeHpXaCAk9s3mVxY5VW4jPH6BrnQ3W6gCRdbYV_Y72b8IVTPG6djASB/s320/486298_10100362741026357_689637741_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bright, is it not? So so bright....<br />
<br />
Anyway, my profile is also sporting this little beauty in support of Marriage Equality and my friends whose rights are discriminated against.<br />
<br />
Heeeeeeere's the thing: I don't like using FB or my blog for political or religious agendas mainly because I like to keep that shit private, but I've been passionately against the anti-gay attitude since high school and wanted to put in my two cents because it's my blog and I can.<br />
<br />
Obviously, if you do not share my beliefs you'll probably be offended or pissed or argumentative or may never read my blog again, but that's your decision.<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
Honestly, I cannot fathom why Same-Sex Marriage is even an issue. With Global Warming, our natural resources running low, the war in the Middle East, North Korea testing nukes, the struggling economy, and many other major crises around the world, arguing Marriage Equality is probably the biggest waste of time and brain power.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because the argument is religious and our country was founded with the express intent that no one religion dictates law. I'm sure the Founding Fathers didn't take into account Atheism, Wiccan, Agnostics, Muslims, Jews, Scientology etc etc, but it seemed they had the foresight to prepare for more immigrants with varying religions becoming citizens. So while protestors are spouting Leviticus and Sodom and Gomorrah, the bottom line is homosexuals should be afforded the right to marry in the eyes of the STATE.<br />
<br />
And yes, their rights are being discriminated against because there are privileges granted to married couples-- like, oh, I don't know.... ALL OF THESE:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right to benefits while married:<ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">employment assistance and transitional services for spouses of members being separated from military service; continued commissary privileges</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">per diem payment to spouse for federal civil service employees when relocating</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Health_Service" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Indian Health Service">Indian Health Service</a> care for spouses of Native Americans (in some circumstances)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">sponsor husband/wife for immigration benefits</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Larger benefits under some programs if married, including:<ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">veteran's disability</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supplemental_Security_Income" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Supplemental Security Income">Supplemental Security Income</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">disability payments for federal employees</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicaid" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Medicaid">Medicaid</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Property_tax" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Property tax">property tax</a> exemption for homes of totally disabled veterans</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Income tax">income tax</a> deductions, credits, rates exemption, and estimates</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">wages of an employee working for one's spouse are exempt from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Unemployment_Tax_Act" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Federal Unemployment Tax Act">federal unemployment tax</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3" style="line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rights_and_responsibilities_of_marriages_in_the_United_States#cite_note-3" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Joint and family-related rights:<ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">joint filing of bankruptcy permitted</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">joint parenting rights, such as access to children's school records</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">family visitation rights for the spouse and non-biological children, such as to visit a spouse in a hospital or prison</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">next-of-kin status for emergency medical decisions or filing wrongful death claims</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">custodial rights to children, shared property, child support, and alimony after divorce</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">domestic violence intervention</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">access to "family only" services, such as reduced rate memberships to clubs & organizations or residency in certain neighborhoods</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Preferential hiring for spouses of veterans in government jobs</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Tax-free transfer of property between spouses (including on death) and exemption from "due-on-sale" clauses.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Special consideration to spouses of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Citizens">citizens</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_alien" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Resident alien">resident aliens</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Threats against spouses of various federal employees is a federal crime</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right to continue living on land purchased from spouse by National Park Service when easement granted to spouse</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Court notice of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probate" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Probate">probate</a> proceedings</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Domestic violence">Domestic violence</a> protection orders</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Existing_homestead&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #a55858; text-decoration: none;" title="Existing homestead (page does not exist)">Existing homestead</a> lease continuation of rights</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Regulation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condominium" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Condominium">condominium</a> sales to owner-occupants exemption</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Funeral">Funeral</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bereavement" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Bereavement">bereavement</a> leave</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Joint <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoption" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Adoption">adoption</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster_care" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Foster care">foster care</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Joint <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Tax">tax</a> filing</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Insurance">Insurance</a> licenses, coverage, eligibility, and benefits organization of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_benefit" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mutual benefit">mutual benefits</a> society</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Legal status with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepfamily" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Stepfamily">stepchildren</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Making spousal <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Medical">medical</a> decisions</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Spousal <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Non-resident_tuition_deferential_waiver&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #a55858; text-decoration: none;" title="Non-resident tuition deferential waiver (page does not exist)">non-resident tuition deferential waiver</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Permission to make funeral arrangements for a deceased spouse, including burial or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Cremation">cremation</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right of survivorship of <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Custodial_trust&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #a55858; text-decoration: none;" title="Custodial trust (page does not exist)">custodial trust</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right to change <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surname" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Surname">surname</a> upon marriage</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right to enter into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenuptial_agreement" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Prenuptial agreement">prenuptial agreement</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Right to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inheritance" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Inheritance">inheritance</a> of property</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spousal_privilege" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Spousal privilege">Spousal privilege</a> in court cases (the marital confidences privilege and the spousal testimonial privilege)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">For those divorced or widowed, the right to many of ex- or late spouse's benefits, including:<ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_(United_States)" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Social Security (United States)">Social Security</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pension" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Pension">pension</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">veteran's pensions, indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths, medical care, and nursing home care, right to burial in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veteran" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Veteran">veterans</a>' cemeteries, educational assistance, and housing</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Death_benefit&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #a55858; text-decoration: none;" title="Death benefit (page does not exist)">survivor benefits</a> for federal employees</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">survivor benefits for spouses of longshoremen, harbor workers, railroad workers</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">additional benefits to spouses of coal miners who die of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalworker%27s_pneumoconiosis" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Coalworker's pneumoconiosis">black lung disease</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">$100,000 to spouse of any public safety officer killed in the line of duty</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">continuation of employer-sponsored health benefits</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">renewal and termination rights to spouse's copyrights on death of spouse</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">continued <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_rights" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Water rights">water rights</a> of spouse in some circumstances</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">payment of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wage" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Wage">wages</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers_compensation" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Workers compensation">workers compensation</a> benefits after worker death</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">making, revoking, and objecting to post-mortem <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatomical_gift" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Anatomical gift">anatomical gifts</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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<br />
And no, Civil Unions are not given all of these rights.<br />
<br />
Please understand that even if Same-Sex Marriage was nationally legalized, churches still get to decide whether or not they will allow it. In fact, there are already several that do. It amazes me how that anti-marriage equality movement will use Separation of Church and State for their argument when it actually protects both sides of the issue.<br />
<br />
I want to tackle a few of the arguments against Marriage Equality because that sounds like fun.<br />
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<b>Homosexuality is against Nature.</b><br />
<br />
Ummmm.... no it's not. Monogamy among animals (and like it or not humans are animals too) is more rare than homosexual behavior. In fact, Polygamy is Nature's preferred sexual behavior to preserve balance, and there are plenty of species that participate in homosexual sex, another argument against CHOICE. Look at me using my knowledge from the Animal Behavior and Philosophy classes I took. See Mom & Dad, my college education did come in handy!<br />
<br />
Let's try a rephrase: "Homosexuality is against MY nature." And it's also against mine as I'm a hetero female, but that doesn't make it wrong. I dislike country music but that doesn't mean I should ban it from the radio and have all country musicians executed.<br />
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<b>Homosexuality is a choice.</b><br />
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That's cute. When people say this, I wonder if they've ever asked a gay person how they came about deciding on the sexual preference that is railed against in much of society, could get them beaten up or killed, would cause their family and some friends to disown them, and lose certain rights. What a choice!!! Sign me up!<br />
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Homosexuality is NOT a choice. And it is. Just like Heterosexuality is both. Okay, before I piss people off, let me explain. You can choose to have a homo/heterosexual relationship any time you want, that's the beauty of free will. So, while I am sexually attracted to men, I could choose to be with a woman.... but it goes against my nature (OMG did you see how I tied that in with the previous section?!).<br />
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In reality, true sexual orientation is not a choice. You know from a young age whether you're attracted to boys or girls. Children react on instinct, so if a 5 year old boy decides he likes boys, that is part of his natural makeup, not a conscious decision. Which brings me to the religious side of things.<br />
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<b>"But Jamie, aren't you a Christian? Isn't homosexuality a sin according to the Bible?" you ask.</b><br />
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Oh man, this is such a loaded question, but if I'm going to sum up my response: Yes I am a Christian, no I don't believe Homosexuality is a sin, and God and I are cool with that. In fact, I believe the verses used to proclaim it a sin have been grossly misinterpreted and taken out of context. And while you might think "That's cute but your opinion doesn't matter against the Word of God" I would add that my thinking is that of far more intelligent and knowledgeable Theologians who, like, have PhDs and stuff and also believe in God and Jesus.<br />
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You see, I've never understood the anti-gay sentiment. I went to church and learned the lesson of love from Jesus and that we're all God's creatures, created by Him in His image. So you can imagine my confusion when I tried to comprehend individuals who knew they were gay since preschool against individuals protesting them in the name of God and telling them to change their sinful ways. Didn't God make gay people? Why would God make someone gay against their will then leave them to deal with people who protest their nature? God and I talked it over and I've felt at peace ever since.<br />
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A great reference that really dives into the subject is the documentary <i><a href="http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/index2.htm">For The Bible Tells Me So</a></i>. If you refuse to watch the film because you think it's a spun opinion piece, then by all means go to the website and use their resources as a guide instead. Write to the professors and ministers that speak in the film and most of all, read essays and articles, pray and use God's guidance to make up your own mind.<br />
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Quick thing about everyone's favorite story of Sodom and Gomorrah: look at the context of the story. It's not a society overrun by crazy gay people trying to make everyone gay. This was a city that sought pleasure in any way possible-- debauchery, beastiality, sex with anyone, anytime, anywhere, anyway they wanted. Sex wasn't about love, it was Lust. The men were trying to <i>rape</i> the angels that came to warn against this behavior; it's about using sex to humiliate and violate people, <a href="http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/12/homosexuality_in_sodom_and_gomorrah.html">as well as denying hospitality to travelers in the desert as that was also a big no no.</a><br />
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<b>Same-Sex Marriage is a step away from Beastiality.</b><br />
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I'm not even going to acknowledge this as a valid argument because it's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, and lacks any and all common sense.<br />
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<b>Marriage is between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation.</b><br />
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Such a romantic sentiment. "Will you marry me and be my baby maker?" Okay fine, but did you take this approach toward your marriage or were you all about love, sharing life with a partner, choosing a soulmate, and spending the rest of your life with your best friend? I find this argument hypocritical because this isn't the heterosexual view of marriage either.<br />
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Sure, it's Biblical, but again, let's look at the context. That was before there were almost 7 billion people populating the Earth and many children without homes. Yes, scientifically speaking if every person on the planet decided to "lay with" their same gender, it would wipe out the human population... which is why it's a darn good thing there are both straight and gay people! Population control at its finest!<br />
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<b>Marriage Equality ruins the Institution of Marriage.</b><br />
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Because straight people have done a great job keeping its sanctity. Half of all HETERO marriages end in divorce. Did you know that the legal institution of marriage didn't start with the Bible? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage">Marriage</a> was originally a vow made between a man, woman, and God. They'd make it and start living together. Unfortunately, some men would leave their wife and kids for another woman, and when the previous wife would protest, there was no proof he was responsible for her and the children. So, society had to take charge and bring in legal contracts (and witnesses) to ensure the validity of these arguments. Ancient Civilizations class pays off!<br />
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Let's also consider the changes marriage has gone through over the centuries. Men could have multiple wives, women were traded to husbands for animals and crops and gold, a wife could be killed or divorced for not producing a male heir, wives couldn't ask for divorces, women needed parental consent, etc etc. So when some refers to the "Institution of Marriage" I want to know which one.<br />
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And to that I ask: Where the hell are all you anti same-sex marriage people when Atheists get married? Or Scientologists? Or Agnostics? If you're going to argue that marriage is a <i>Christian</i> practice between a man and a woman, then it needs to be made illegal for anyone not showing valid proof of a belief in Jesus. Show me your WWJD bracelet now!!!<br />
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Actually, legalized same-sex marriage may instill a greater appreciation for the Institution since it was previously denied, passing this on to the children of these couples, creating more respect for the act of marriage, as well as a greater willingness to work at marital relationships. Win-win!<br />
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<b>Gay couples will make their children gay (and maybe mine too!).</b><br />
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Sorry, I didn't realize Homosexuality was a virus. My mistake.<br />
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<b>"What am I going to tell my kids?"</b><br />
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Nothing? Why does it require explanation? If they ask, "Mommy, why does Billy have two daddies?" I guess "Because I said so!" wouldn't totally suffice. Obviously you're going to tell your kids what you feel is right. Your kids will look to your marriage as their main example, so use that as a guide, I guess.<br />
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I grew up in a Christian home but the question of sexual orientation never came up. My parents let me make up my own mind about my sexual preference and opinion of homosexuality (which I would've done anyway since I was that kind of a child), and I'm happily married. My older brother is happily married. I want everyone to share in the happiness I find in marriage. It's comforting to have one partner for the rest of my life that will share in the difficulties, challenges, and good times. There's also an amazing sense of peace knowing there is someone in this world who knows me better than anyone else.<br />
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Look, I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. These are my arguments and this is why I believe in Marriage Equality. I'm sure I could've added more sources and offered stronger educated arguments, but this is a blog, for crying out loud, and my knuckle hurts!<br />
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It's the ugliness of the argument I dislike the most. Insults and anger solve nothing.<br />
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<b>Bigot is defined as a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; <i>especially:</i> one who regards or treats the members of a group with hatred or intolerance.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Not everyone opposed to Same-Sex Marriage deserves this adjective because not all disagree using hate or intolerance, though it may feel that way to those on the other side of the line. Many people believe they are standing by God's Word, remaining true to their Christian faith and preaching morality. To them, it's a noble cause.<br />
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I understand, have researched the argument, but respectfully disagree with the cause on both Christian and human grounds. Not allowing Same-Sex couples to marry does tread on rights given to citizens of the United States, and yes that goes against the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution">14th Amendment of the Constitution</a>:<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Section 1.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.</span><br />
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To me, it seems so simple. So I will continue to practice love and tolerance, no matter how many people disagree or hate me for it. Feel free to post a respectful opinion on either side of the issue. I'm happy to talk about it.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484299117378703294.post-53416190507180485252013-03-25T15:29:00.000-07:002013-03-25T15:29:30.814-07:00God of War: Ascension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I love video games. You could say I'm a "Girl that plays Video Games"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdxYrkTUnG7oSK5QJ4Z_8yx4iiuGXPIKHzMJBys0wNFuTx5n4UdCVl7AA0QWABXalMx5Zb0Ml6bBfIJPeLuUjZ7NZHNA-xwF4IpC3iWBbsdwFyMdLjU7pZHlfpGvKaCHa2RzvuPJOigg_/s1600/525761_509660522433358_507722439_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdxYrkTUnG7oSK5QJ4Z_8yx4iiuGXPIKHzMJBys0wNFuTx5n4UdCVl7AA0QWABXalMx5Zb0Ml6bBfIJPeLuUjZ7NZHNA-xwF4IpC3iWBbsdwFyMdLjU7pZHlfpGvKaCHa2RzvuPJOigg_/s640/525761_509660522433358_507722439_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I am a blond with a substantial bosom, my husband can attest that my <strike>trucker's mouth and unjustified gaming anger</strike> <i>gaming passion </i>puts me in the category on the right. Fine by me!</div>
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While video games can be used to teach pilots to fly, teens to drive, and children the ABC's, I prefer to use them as anger management.</div>
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Enter <b><i>God of War: Ascension</i>.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLroNFXbfn05NTUTCZzoPdIoMTwt1Vu9uCkRFi1Eol1Yfe4K3sBwEH1nyc4PdvyTps3ZeJgprENn8mLnM5lZJzeMsUVcNpFYkIXvAZpbTiv6MbkWjqqC15IyJ2MiZWsiqIy4TYM55e_FX/s1600/God-Of-War-Ascension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLroNFXbfn05NTUTCZzoPdIoMTwt1Vu9uCkRFi1Eol1Yfe4K3sBwEH1nyc4PdvyTps3ZeJgprENn8mLnM5lZJzeMsUVcNpFYkIXvAZpbTiv6MbkWjqqC15IyJ2MiZWsiqIy4TYM55e_FX/s640/God-Of-War-Ascension.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sixth game in the legendary <i>God of War</i> series by Santa Monica Studios, <i>Ascension</i> is actually a prequel to Kratos's quest to bring down Ares at the start of <i>God of War 1</i>.</div>
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Are you with me? Hmm.... perhaps I should quickly summarize GOW before reviewing the game since some of you may have no idea what I'm talking about... and may not care. </div>
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Okay, so the GOW series follows Kratos, a Spartan general who swore a blood oath to Ares in the midst of a losing battle and thus becomes Ares's Champion. So why is he pale with a red stripe? Well, to complete the oath, Ares tricked Kratos into murdering his wife and daughter thinking they were from the enemy country, and a crazy old woman (okay... an oracle) magically set their ashes into Kratos's skin. The red stripe is the mark of Sparta. </div>
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And that's how Kratos becomes the "Ghost of Sparta." Cool nickname, no?</div>
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Obviously pissed, Kratos breaks away from Ares, spends 10 years questing for Athena, and at the beginning of the first game Kratos agrees to kill Ares who is attacking Athens and trying to bring down the gods. It's a Greek tragedy starring a bad ass main character with unquenchable anger who mercilessly hacks and slashes his way through baddies (and innocent people..... what? they give you health!) while climbing treacherous terrain and solving puzzles (he's not just brawn, ladies!). </div>
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However, <i>Ascension</i> takes place right after the murder, when Kratos defies Ares for being a dick (seriously, that was a dick thing to do) and as a result, he's pursued and captured by the Furies-- immortal beings formed from the blood of the creatures that existed BEFORE the Titans, tasked with upholding honor, and hunting those that break oaths made to the gods.</div>
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GOW is known for epic boss battles, incredible terrain, and an overall massive scope within the world, and <i>Ascension</i> is no exception. The game opens with Kratos chained up, approached by a monologuing, insect-like Fury Sister (no, I don't remember her name) and breaks free, pursuing this crazy creature-lady through the Fury Prison...... which happens to built in, on, and around a giant multi-armed monster!! In fact, the arms move in the background, come to life and fight you, and you have to battle its nasty face-- E.P.I.C.</div>
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From there, the <b>story</b> flips between the present in the prison and the three weeks prior when Kratos first discovers he's being pursued. The entire goal of the Furies is not to torture and kill Kratos like they do other prisoners, but to drive him mad and make him rejoin Ares because that's what Ares wants (there's another reason but I'm not telling!). While the story kept me going and had a good amount of twists and turns, as well as a couple very minor characters, it created some inconsistencies with the already existing GOW mythology.</div>
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I loved the addition of Orkos, a <b>character</b> assisting Kratos, because you hardly get to know or sympathize with any characters in the other games. Furthermore, Kratos was a bit more human and slightly merciful than in the other games. And while some critics <strike>bitched</strike> whined about that, it makes sense in his character arc that Kratos hasn't reached the cold, angry warrior state he has after ten years haunted by the guilt of killing his family. So there.</div>
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<b>Gameplay</b> and pacing remains consistent with the series, exceptions being the climbing-- you only need to move the joystick, no more pushing "X"-- and receiving no additional weapons. Instead, the Blades of Chaos absorb powers from four different gods and once they're leveled up entirely will give Kratos a special magic ability. This is probably the most dumbed down version of GOW's gameplay, but for beginners it'll be nice and straightforward. Plus I liked each separate power and the special combos that came with a specific god (Hades was my favorite).</div>
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There was quite of bit of climbing, lots of puzzles, but they broke up the action nicely since the boss battles are insane! Speaking of insane, the graphics are gorgeous, making the gore more detailed and bloodier than ever. Yes, I'm aware I hate horror movies with a lot of violence, but for some reason GOW doesn't bother me.... and it should considering that when you gut monsters or crack skulls you see EVERYTHING *shudder* <b>God of War is not for the kids, parents!</b></div>
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The single-player campaign lives up to the God of War legacy and will satisfy your craving for mythological violence and combat. One note: there is <b>NO SEX MINI-GAME</b>. (For those of you new to the series, all five of the previous games contain an <i>optional</i> sex mini-game... usually in a brothel... that earns you a ton of red orbs for leveling up your weapons.) The lack of this traditional element didn't bother me since Kratos uses sex to fill the void of his guilt and none of that has set in yet.</div>
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The game also has [the stupidest] <b>New Game Plus</b>, so you can replay the story campaign on the same difficulty with which you beat the game but this time using everything you earned. HOWEVER, you can't earn trophies in NG+ nor can you transfer your leveled up Kratos to a higher difficulty. Which, in my opinion, is super dumb. Rather than find a game "enjoyably challenging" on an impossibly hard difficulty setting, like certain gamers, I find it frustrating to the point of wanting to chuck my controller at the television (so much for anger management, amiright?). And that's just not fun. If a game makes me consistently angry, I stop playing.</div>
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I'm not a fan of online gaming, but my husband tried out the new GOW <b>Multiplayer</b> mode and had a great time with it. It's a change of pace from shooting people in Call of Duty and has unique leveling up elements with armor and weapons. However, it takes a really long time to build powerful weapons and armor, making your character vulnerable against more powerful players. Also, there are major server issues that caused Michael to lose the points he earned even after beating a level-- not cool. And while he did enjoy himself, the multiplayer wasn't fun enough to keep him coming back.</div>
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Overall, God of War fans will find the sixth installment in the series a worthwhile purchase, though I'm not sure how many will stick with the multiplayer after an extended amount of time. Well done, Santa Monica Studios!!</div>
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<b>Rating: 8.5 out of 10 slashes</b></div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606881864044928664noreply@blogger.com7