tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19361902748126635832024-02-19T01:00:21.208-05:00Jillian Inc.A jamboree of delightful things for you, your home and your lifestyle.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.comBlogger463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-36387522898690813532015-04-24T13:30:00.000-04:002015-04-24T23:03:56.865-04:00The Best Gift Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nineteen years ago this spring I rolled into Atlanta, Georgia in my silver Chevy Cavalier from small town Iowa. Every time I filled up the tank along the 1,000 mile trip I lifted up prayers galore that it wouldn't up and die on the side of the road in Illinois...or Tennessee....or Kentucky....<br />
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Everything I owned was in that car. Boxes held necessities. My one and only suitcase held the important stuff: books, a few pieces of jewelry, photos, my journals, and a box of letters and cards I'd saved over the years - handwritten gems still came in the mail back then! Everything in that suitcase was a comfort to me and there were many times in the years following, as I moved around the city from place to place, that same stuff moved with me in that same suitcase. </div>
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My Cavalier came through for me and I moved into a little apartment with not nearly enough to fill it. I distinctly remember opening the kitchen cabinet next to the sink and setting my two plates, two bowls, and two coffee cups inside on the middle shelf. Then I promptly moved the coffee cups to the bottom shelf, side by side, because spreading my sparseness out just felt better.</div>
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Fast forward about fifteen years to the kitchen in my current home. The kitchen itself was bigger than that whole entire apartment and the cabinets were full-to-overflowing with every plate, bowl, platter, mug, pot, pan, wine glass, martini glass, and champagne flute known to (wo)man. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH0itsRjb9k-GiBLkqXBlIM1rPjBLnwgF5gexG6QSrAJCbfJZrTzaT2eoSx9amUgS1VNn7klLGg8RRszJIZw563Qbl7G5urO4jP-raPL7IZQtlgwkfli5GYmovlwmA7bSoBqcKgkLT1hS/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH0itsRjb9k-GiBLkqXBlIM1rPjBLnwgF5gexG6QSrAJCbfJZrTzaT2eoSx9amUgS1VNn7klLGg8RRszJIZw563Qbl7G5urO4jP-raPL7IZQtlgwkfli5GYmovlwmA7bSoBqcKgkLT1hS/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="628" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was the middle of a steamy Georgia summer and I'd just been on a morning run. I came into the house through my basement, as I always did, and glanced around the corner towards the back where I shoved everything-that-I-didn't-want-to-deal-with, including all my Christmas decorations I'd taken down six months prior, but hadn't yet bothered to put away. </div>
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I was also going through some personal trials and life changes at this time. I was recently divorced with a four year old son and, honestly, I was having a hard time adjusting to living life as a solo parent. Living life as a solo <i>person</i> wasn't as hard; I was doing pretty well at that actually. But the lone parenting gig was tough. Additionally, I'd recently returned from visiting my mom in Iowa and found out some hard things about our relationship in one of those, "I'm really not surprised, but now that I know it I'm just crushed" moments that come along as life meanders along its path. I was hurting and struggling. I was surrounded by a plethora of stuff (crap? things? belongings? collections?) and yet I longed, in so many ways, for something I did not have.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhGZI5Mrj7dwJ0DQwCW0E7SqazJudbz3aW8u7HvvTmz9ceBAM6DOQKW98kCk8h4TWOq0PRnbE6k2xnc5E-BRPiJg9pXy-_AxxU_FQtsPG24Dy1QeqkD4fJsd7sTTmSqf5wYPzQ911RRtI/s1600/armoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhGZI5Mrj7dwJ0DQwCW0E7SqazJudbz3aW8u7HvvTmz9ceBAM6DOQKW98kCk8h4TWOq0PRnbE6k2xnc5E-BRPiJg9pXy-_AxxU_FQtsPG24Dy1QeqkD4fJsd7sTTmSqf5wYPzQ911RRtI/s1600/armoire.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I sat down and had a good old fashioned cry for about 1.7 minutes and then I committed myself to doing what had been on my heart and in my mind for awhile - truthfully for years. I needed to get rid of the physical stuff that was taking over my home and reconcile the emotional stuff that was taking over my mind. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible." - Marie van Ebner-Eschenbach</i></b></span><br />
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The path of least resistance was the physical stuff, of course. And so that very day I started moving, purging, sorting, sifting..... I decided to start at the top of my house and work down, room by room. I also wrote about it <a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/2013/08/losing-weight-after-40-and-my-mid-year.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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I went through all the closets and rooms of my house, I went through all the whys and hows of the things that had overtaken my life. Selfish? Self-centered? Sad? Lonely? Hopeless? Empty? Greedy? Why did an overflowing stash of designer throw pillows make me feel fulfilled? Why did a new set of summer dishes make me happy while a hike with my son made me feel inconvenienced? Why did I keep buying things to wear yet I still never had anything to wear? </div>
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That summer was memorable for me. The best and the worst. I accomplished so much even in the midst of dealing with some really hard things. I realized all the physical stuff in my house was a replacement for what I was missing inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSHy0r9kumJl3k6UZsHkDsvBGUY5pWkh83WAJm2T6ZRMjCYehIaqsygzJajhrTFDSQP9YdNommJHrjTRXLFdBmrgACGTMgrT0zEHeHCzqze2N_srk2AfhJaRfP1RQn2mfwtssOaCi7BCT/s1600/IMG_0582+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSHy0r9kumJl3k6UZsHkDsvBGUY5pWkh83WAJm2T6ZRMjCYehIaqsygzJajhrTFDSQP9YdNommJHrjTRXLFdBmrgACGTMgrT0zEHeHCzqze2N_srk2AfhJaRfP1RQn2mfwtssOaCi7BCT/s1600/IMG_0582+(1).JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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And now, two years later, I've manged to maintain the changes I worked so hard on that summer. I no longer feel smothered and overwhelmed when I open a cabinet door or bedroom closet or my garage door. The journey wasn't always easy but this destination has been sweet. Thank you, God, for the gifts of grace and new mercies!</div>
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But the journey is not over for me. Is it really every over? For any of us? But it's good. It's more clear, it's more intentional, it's more about looking outward and upward. It's about taking that hike, riding bikes, listening when people talk to me, and having people who listen to me when I talk to them. My closet is half as full as it was for years, and I always have something to wear! And I have places to wear it with people I love who love me in return.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUxVVwsoV5cUbGGExNh2_-dgnnbRJu5IoRPzd0dA8nA8bARaliM17lzDlEjC6MSWZ8M4ZkdLLtWwxIqgeKY2uovRAm-vTNug17Qnj6SjrGoyyKxT1a-pP3u8hukX8PwknO8kHv25IKtCk/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUxVVwsoV5cUbGGExNh2_-dgnnbRJu5IoRPzd0dA8nA8bARaliM17lzDlEjC6MSWZ8M4ZkdLLtWwxIqgeKY2uovRAm-vTNug17Qnj6SjrGoyyKxT1a-pP3u8hukX8PwknO8kHv25IKtCk/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I also worked hard on my relationship with my 87-year old mom, despite what had happened. I did not want her to feel the same heartache and pain I was feeling. I invited her to come stay with me for a couple weeks last May and was so happy when she said yes! </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I lived in a sweet spot those two weeks, the longest my mom and I had been together my entire adult life.</span><br />
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As I sat with her at her gate as she waited to board her flight I hugged her and hugged her again, a tiny little bird. I remember feeling her whispy white hair against my cheek and smelling the familiar mama smell. I just loved it. When it was time to board I stood and watched while the attendant wheeled her down the jetway. Then he stopped and swiveled her around. <i>I love you</i>, she said as she waved at me. <i>I love, love, LOVE you</i>. And of course I caught all that sweetness and tossed it all right back, waving even as she was out of sight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiBy0tungVmwupDTrxINZypjssZeOfoDQjxqzoj_j08V8-LzsmeJEgyaYAPR7H5-khTHxe-VzRvc-NDd3_eqJz0F5sh1RDomOrqfHJlyxILiftgQZzq5rcFYssyADSxFSYaziGavnV0Es/s1600/IMG_5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiBy0tungVmwupDTrxINZypjssZeOfoDQjxqzoj_j08V8-LzsmeJEgyaYAPR7H5-khTHxe-VzRvc-NDd3_eqJz0F5sh1RDomOrqfHJlyxILiftgQZzq5rcFYssyADSxFSYaziGavnV0Es/s1600/IMG_5249.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I never saw my mom again. </div>
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Six months later, mere hours after my 47th birthday, she suddenly passed away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie54DrrLBgzN5axW9FhLgrx3147uX7lH9n5W4G6sjCfCwr_anEyfgPc3aZChPNXryQxx-ZjEL_GJixECfKkTlW8RhuVjeS3VXhDJWQ0bNZz_R-xVr-Yo9XpFNOuLFeoQsJ63hGtYq5KQGU/s1600/IMG_6389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie54DrrLBgzN5axW9FhLgrx3147uX7lH9n5W4G6sjCfCwr_anEyfgPc3aZChPNXryQxx-ZjEL_GJixECfKkTlW8RhuVjeS3VXhDJWQ0bNZz_R-xVr-Yo9XpFNOuLFeoQsJ63hGtYq5KQGU/s1600/IMG_6389.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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With my sweet son by my side, I went back to my beloved homeland the week of Thanksgiving to memorialize my mom and be with my family. We gave eulogies, shared memories, laughed, cried, hugged friends, gave thanks for floral arrangements, thoughtful cards and messages, casseroles and homemade cookies.<br />
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Walking into her house for the first time that week was so hard. She meant to keep on living: sticky note reminders on her cabinet, a half glass of water beside her chair, my birthday card lying open on her desk with a pen on top. </div>
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The house in which she lived was not the house in which I grew up and it never held any special meaning to me, except that it was her home, where she moved when she retired. It was filled with furniture from my childhood, along with all the things Mom collected / grouped / displayed on shelves, tables, walls and anything else with a flat surface. <br />
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And, because my brothers and I were spread out across the country, that week back home also included going through Mom's things, deciding what we wanted and what we would leave behind.<br />
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It felt too soon to me. Intrusive. Rash. Impersonal. But it also needed to be done. So we did. I did. And within minutes I was there again, surrounded by stuff - boxes and boxes of it - yet none of it was mine this time. Ribbon, craft supplies, zip loc bags, office supplies, dishes, bobble head solar powered reindeer, scarves, gloves, pillow cases and bath towels. What did it all mean <b><i>here</i></b>,<b><i> in my mom's house? </i></b>Did it mean she was loney? Sad? Scared? Did she need security? Did she wish for something? Did I do enough for her?<br />
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Things are always more clear from the outside looking in, aren't they? And when one's own heart and head are not involved it's so much easier to be a critic. I began piling all of my own thoughts and feelings about my overflowing boxes and drawers onto my mom. Certainly what I felt must have been what she felt. Certainly my shortcomings, manifested in a plethora of door wreaths and stemware and "running shoes", must also be her shortcomings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvDaW3440XLciYdusRO5ZEtcjwSCy0bNk5ebu119VWluM4e1kyoCEdXCSdyNFMRPqJucxTN1FWXxuQ3OOZybHCm08pnbg1b9PMOm0kwHvCffxSPJm2sohWdlkm5w7e0jzbxc6v3hTUxfD/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvDaW3440XLciYdusRO5ZEtcjwSCy0bNk5ebu119VWluM4e1kyoCEdXCSdyNFMRPqJucxTN1FWXxuQ3OOZybHCm08pnbg1b9PMOm0kwHvCffxSPJm2sohWdlkm5w7e0jzbxc6v3hTUxfD/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I sat down on the floor in her dressing room among literally hundreds of pieces of costume jewelry. What should I do? What should I take? What things would matter to me in the months and years ahead? I laid back onto the floor and closed my eyes and my mind flooded with memories of my sweet mama and my eyes flooded with tears.</div>
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<i><b>There she was in the kitchen wearing an apron with a towel flung over her shoulder, making dinner. There she was sitting in our large basement on a rainy Sunday afternoon painting ceramics while I played 45rpm records in my "kitchen" with my stuffed animals. There she was sipping a margarita on my sofa listening to my son recite his lines for his play. </b></i></div>
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None of the memories involved <b><i>things</i></b>. None of the memories were boxed up in the basement or in the closets or in the drawers. They were all floating free, ripe for the picking, warm and sweet and perfect.</div>
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I came home with a few <i><b>things</b></i>: her charm bracelet, milk glass vases, hand mirror, hankies...But more importantly I came home satisfied that I was on the right path in my own home and in my own life. I had been tested: Memories came first and memories mattered most. If I had to leave everything else behind, I would have. </div>
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Evenso, the things that stayed behind haunted me for awhile. Things can be very hard to shake.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">We preoccupy ourselves with what we had - or what we want to have - at the expense of what currently have. </span></i></b></div>
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On Christmas Day my son gave me an envelope: <i>to Mom from your Mom and your son</i>. I flipped it over to open it but it was already open and it was empty. <i>I brought this home from Gramma Eva's house. It smells just like her and I thought that was the best gift ever.</i></div>
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Oh yes, my son. It truly, truly is. </div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-90387481006196669712013-10-09T13:34:00.000-04:002013-10-09T15:30:37.909-04:00{My Six Week Summer Weight Loss} Information, Tips, and How I'm Doing Now<div>
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Part of me is sorta over myself with the weight loss talk, only because I feel like it's a bit self-serving. But... I've been flooded with emails and inbox messages filled with questions so I know it's a topic several people struggle with and care about. I'm also embarrassed to admit I think about what I weigh and how I look a little too much, meaning it seems to take up space in my mind that should be filled with other things. I don't think of myself as insecure, and I certainly know <i style="font-weight: bold;">it could be worse </i><b><i>{hello Wal-Mart and any given county fair, or the Atlanta airport, or a mall}</i></b>, but as I get older it seems harder to maintain a sense of control over my physical appearance. I know I'm not a size on the rack or a number on the scale, but darn it--- it matters to me. And this isn't just about losing weight. It's about living a healthy lifestyle that will carry me into the second half of my life in good shape. </div>
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One of the things that helped me the most was educating myself about food choices and their effect on weight loss and just health overall. <b style="font-style: italic;">This has been the single most important things that has seen me through staying fit and healthy and trim. </b>If you know why something makes you fat or helps you burn fat, you're more likely to fit the puzzles pieces together in your mind to get yourself to a point of eating the right things for the best results. I started reading books about this long before I ever needed (or felt I needed) to lose weight. Your body is wonderfully made and it will actually help you get and stay healthy if you feed it well and feed it correctly. </div>
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Think of a fire. If you have a small fire and you feed it correctly, it will become a large, hot, burning, thriving fire. If you feed it wet and rotted wood, it will smolder and die. The same holds true for our bodies. If you feed them good, healthy, whole food they will thrive. If you feed them processed, sugary food with little nutritional value, they will become sluggish, fat and not efficient.</div>
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<b><u>Books</u></b></div>
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The first book I read that set off light bulbs about eating right was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Somers-Great-Lose-Weight/dp/0609800582/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380833014&sr=1-9&keywords=suzanne+somers" target="_blank">Eat Great, Lose Weight - by Suzanne Somers</a>. {Yes, the Thigh Master Suzanne Somers}. This lady knows her stuff. The thing that I learned the most from her is the secret of food combining:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">eat fruit by itself and only first thing in the morning and then no more during the day</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">eat protein with veggies or grains/starch with veggies...</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">but not proteins and grains/starch together</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">wait 3 hours between a protein meal and a grains/starch meal</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">eat more protein meals than grains/starch meals</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">if you are eating fat with protein, eat full fat </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">if you are eating fat with grains/starch, eat non-fat</li>
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The reasons for combining are outlined and explained in her book. It's the golden ticket and so many of the more current and popular "diet plans" do not even mention it. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Somers-Great-Lose-Weight/dp/0609800582/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380833014&sr=1-9&keywords=suzanne+somers" target="_blank">Eat Great, Lose Weight</a> can be found online for $2 or $3 used and I recommend it 100%.</div>
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Another book I really believe in is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virgin-Diet-Drop-Foods-Pounds/dp/0373892713/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380832484&sr=1-1&keywords=7+foods+not+to+eat+jj+virgin" target="_blank">The Virgin Diet - by JJ Virgin</a>. I first saw JJ Virgin on Public Television one night while flipping channels and I was intrigued by the title of her show: 7 Foods Not to Eat. I'm a firm believer that many of us carry at least one or two food sensitivities or even allergies and we just don't make the connection. Her list of 7 foods to avoid is: </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">soy- mostly genetically modified and naturally contains high levels of estrogen which can interfere with natural hormone balance</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">corn - genetically modified, converts easily to sugar, little to no nutritional value</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">gluten - (especially wheat) contains omega 6 which can cause inflammation and is hard to digest</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">dairy- if the antibiotics and bovine growth hormones found in cow's milk aren't enough to turn you away, consider this: do you know any animal that drinks milk as an adult? do you know any animal that drinks milk from another type of animal? </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">sugar and artificial sweeteners - drive up insulin which can lead to insulin resistance and even Type II diabetes. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">eggs - much like dairy, many eggs today are supplied by hens who have been pumped up on artificial hormones and fed with corn. Organic eggs are okay.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">peanuts - high on the allergen list, hard to digest, and little nutritional value</li>
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The final dagger in the weight loss journey is caffeine. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caffeine-Blues-Hidden-Dangers-Americas/dp/0446673919/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381331060&sr=1-1&keywords=caffeine" target="_blank">Caffeine Blues by Stephen Cherniske </a>is an eye-opening look at the wide-spread caffeine addiction and its relationship to many other afflictions such as migraines, PMS, osteoporosis, and diabetes. And, caffeine adversely affects insulin levels which can cause our bodies to hold on to fat as a defense mechanism. The biochemistry of the food + body relationship is fascinating and one I strongly encourage you to study. </div>
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<b><u>Exercise</u></b></div>
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I <a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-10-04T17:06:00-04:00&max-results=1" target="_blank">mentioned in my earlier post</a> that losing weight/fat is not dependent on exercise as much as most people think. I follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFitWidow" target="_blank">One Fit Widow on Facebook</a>. Not only is her personal story of loss and reinvention remarkable, she has a great handle on how food and fitness work together. Just this week she posted this:</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I still get asked 100's of times a week, what's the best way to exercise for fat loss. My answer will not come as a surprise for my clients or those who have followed me for a long period of time. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My answer is YOU DON'T.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Fat loss (I </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">say fat loss because ultimately what you weigh does not matter, it's about how much fat is on your body) comes nearly all in the kitchen with what you eat. Some of our most successful clients have been limited with exercise but have lost a tremendous amount of fat by changing their food lifestyle. That does not mean eating a very restrictive, low calorie diet either. It means eating good whole foods, in a moderate caloric deficit to your burn, and eating in balance. Being hungry does not have to be associated with fat loss.</span></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Your gym time is where you SHAPE your body. Your gym time is where you SHAPE your health. Your gym time is where you SHAPE your well-being with stress relief and positive endorphins. Gym time is not where you burn off last nights fast food dinner or the vat of ice cream you couldn't put down because of sugar's terribly addictive properties.</b></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Change your mindset around the principles above and you will find lasting success. Detox your body from sugary processed food, decide its not restriction but rather that your body deserves better, and find a love of exercise that comes from seeing results from your hard work.</b></span></span></div>
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That being said, exercise is important for cholesterol control, cardiovascular fitness, and many, many other things. But I do want to debunk the myth that part of losing weight means you are on the dread-mill for an hour++ every day. </div>
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<b><u>How I'm Doing Now, What I Eat, and Some Final Thoughts</u></b></div>
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Thankfully, I'm holding my own and not gaining. I am almost 5'10" and weigh 140#. As an aside, I lost weight strictly for myself and my own happiness and not for attention from others. That being said, I've only had one or two people notice that I've lost any weight at all. One of the advantages of being tall is there is a lot of room for the fat to spread out, which means,on the flip side, I have to lose more for it to be noticeable. I saw a long-time friend a couple weeks ago for the first time in a year and told her about my loss and she said, "You always look the same to me." So, just to keep it real, I'm not basking in the skinny spotlight at all. </div>
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One of the great things about detoxing and removing sugar, caffeine, processed foods, and other bad stuff is the cravings usually disappear. I've found that to be true for the most part and I do much better than I used to in the salty snack department, where I would generally set up shop after work with a glass of wine. Hello Chex Mix a big glass of Chardonnay! </div>
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I have added exercise back into my routine two or three days a week and it mostly consists of one week of intense cardio intervals on the treadmill in my basement followed by a week of longer, slower runs. I also stay very active with my 7yo son riding bikes, trail walking, and other physical activities that sometimes make me fear life and limb. Boys are rough! I feel so much better when I exercise but my lack of free time offsets my desire sometimes. When I am finally alone at 9pm for the first time on any given day, I'm often not excited about going to the basement for a workout. But, I also don't eat a bowl of ice cream. So, there's that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3qy1vNaKCoFMvt7bFv3EkhOcFsWfxatK8ii-DwCU31aU0uf6ylDIM2ZWjthMU1IGCHUxrzZS5ikYHYvDVz2lcDzsp9jO0-i3rxX0WNIDV-NaMHKQ8UR1v6wLfy1Ox7lyhM_gKz39MyA8/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3qy1vNaKCoFMvt7bFv3EkhOcFsWfxatK8ii-DwCU31aU0uf6ylDIM2ZWjthMU1IGCHUxrzZS5ikYHYvDVz2lcDzsp9jO0-i3rxX0WNIDV-NaMHKQ8UR1v6wLfy1Ox7lyhM_gKz39MyA8/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've had a lot of questions about what I eat. When I wake up I have hot green tea with Stevia along with a sliced up apple while I'm getting ready for work. An hour or so later when I'm heading out the door I mix up a protein shake (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNFYCVE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1VTWWXD0Q5ECG7WYAFMH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">my favorite is this</a>) to drink on my long drive to work. I sometimes have another cup of tea at the office. I keep a 32oz glass with a lid and straw at my desk and make it my goal to drink at least two in the morning and three in the afternoon, one of them with my beloved Mio flavored drops! </div>
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Lunch is my biggest meal of the day during the week. My go-to lunch is: one or two hard boiled sliced organic eggs, hummus, celery, orange or red pepper slices, and tuna salad. Other veggies I love are radishes, cucumbers and beets (from a can). <i><b>I make food for the week on Sundays (which really deserves its own post because it's a life saver) and I pack five days' worth to take to the office so I don't have to bring lunch every day.</b></i> </div>
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I do get the afternoon droops about 3pm so I usually have iced tea and a snack: almonds, celery with almond butter, deli turkey rolled up in romaine lettuce with mustard, melba toast with hummus and feta cheese, or a protein bar. Weeknights for dinner I have a glass of wine and something from my 3pm snack list above. </div>
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On weekends I still drink tea and water for breakfast along with an apple. I usually make my son a large breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast or pancakes (clearly he's not "on the plan") and if I'm going to veer off the good eating highway it's with a plate of pancakes. No guilt, either. I drink a protein drink for lunch (while at ball games) and then make a huge early dinner of grilled chicken, steak, or salmon, quinoa or brown rice, steamed broccoli or other veggie, and then I do have some dessert - usually ice cream or pie. The weekends are when I exercise the most, so mentally that gives me a little wiggle room for the indulgences. </div>
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<b><i>Oh - and Friday nights - Mexican cantina with friends/neighbors and all rules are abolished. Margaritas, chips, salsa, and tacos please. </i></b> </div>
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I know this post is long and filled with lots of information. In no particular order, here are the most important tips that worked for me personally:</div>
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<li>Work hard on drinking more water to flush out the bad stuff.</li>
<li>Food combine properly</li>
<li>Give up the bad stuff all at once. It's harder at the beginning but easier at the end.</li>
<li>Go into this knowing it's a plan for the long haul, not just to lose weight but also to maintain.</li>
<li>Give yourself grace and a free day every week to splurge after the weight loss</li>
<li>Pay attention to things that are "on the plan" but don't quite work for you. I realized about half way through that salads don't work for me-- all the leafy greens---too filling and fiberish. Many people don't lose as well eating red meat, but I lost the best when I ate it. I didn't do as well with seafood. which was much more highly recommended than beef.</li>
<li>If you're doing the plan and find you're still not losing or feeling good consider getting a blood test to check hormone levels, thyroid, etc. {especially if you're in your 40s+ like me}. I actually had one as part of my annual physical after I lost weight. My good cholesterol went up from a year ago, my bad cholesterol went down from 139 to 100 (!!) and it showed my thyroid higher than a year ago by almost 1 point which happens with age and is something I need to watch because that can be a big factor in inability to lose weight or increased weight gain for no apparent reason. </li>
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That's the end of my weight loss <b><i>novel</i></b>. Please feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have a question, and I will answer it here for everyone to see. </div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-21217522917317744052013-10-04T17:06:00.002-04:002013-10-04T22:30:35.608-04:00{Friday Favorites} This and That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Friday! I'm taking a break from weight loss chatter to share some of my favorite things this week.</div>
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Might as well start off with something non-weight loss-y: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/worlds-best-lasagna/" target="_blank">the most popular online lasagna recipe</a>. I heard this news clip on Good Morning America this morning and had to check it out. I may even actually make it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PJWu9J1gqDmF6x_lkTNHSdMIO0CU5kaemnK0n8IEJpBhitjd9UAkicSMudWQleNVSrF397J9qcOvI0K6DwF5aTGpPOJMnyQfRwB40uGqCp_ij2o7-58irf6-9aw-IKXLpETuYXrW7Nfr/s1600/lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PJWu9J1gqDmF6x_lkTNHSdMIO0CU5kaemnK0n8IEJpBhitjd9UAkicSMudWQleNVSrF397J9qcOvI0K6DwF5aTGpPOJMnyQfRwB40uGqCp_ij2o7-58irf6-9aw-IKXLpETuYXrW7Nfr/s400/lasagna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've tried nearly every brand and consistency of concealer and bought this <a href="http://www.sephora.com/radiant-creamy-concealer-P377873?skuId=1478403" target="_blank">Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer</a> on a whim while at Sephora. {The whim happens for me a lot at Sephora.} This is, hands down, the best I've used. And I've got some serious dark circles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ez4b19ghmQlYpipr6Znv7fqivJPDAauqLZLi7V9xGAxy3tXjvrlGq0oyF9w_atxcqDehuDQFDJ6bFXMxJ2wX_GHX824Je74sETUWaclzSHBNLKq9BDsQEOkloQT6tIx4innDbtRUKD61/s1600/NARS-Concealers-6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ez4b19ghmQlYpipr6Znv7fqivJPDAauqLZLi7V9xGAxy3tXjvrlGq0oyF9w_atxcqDehuDQFDJ6bFXMxJ2wX_GHX824Je74sETUWaclzSHBNLKq9BDsQEOkloQT6tIx4innDbtRUKD61/s400/NARS-Concealers-6051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.zappos.com/franco-sarto-rema-black-leather" target="_blank">The Rema by Franco Sarto</a> is my new go-to pump for work, church, and other functions calling for dress-up. The heel height is great, the toe is not too pointy and not too round, and the price is right. I bought one for now and one for later in black and I also bought chestnut last summer and it was a perfect, versatile color. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwV8tav_ohKfI1UrCrTPGwfUxyCT7yS8j2PFN1R8pDuiNQU3SWQdhdZjuxTStxGJnbggNi_5Ul_vwWizlLx1RC-MgLDPg2s3JOihgqLQHVqLWLfRf1KZ5lLeNN1slKTVewjrUlH0r8gS5/s1600/rema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwV8tav_ohKfI1UrCrTPGwfUxyCT7yS8j2PFN1R8pDuiNQU3SWQdhdZjuxTStxGJnbggNi_5Ul_vwWizlLx1RC-MgLDPg2s3JOihgqLQHVqLWLfRf1KZ5lLeNN1slKTVewjrUlH0r8gS5/s400/rema.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love so many of the candles from Bath and Bodyworks. <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24386556&cp=12586994.12936192.4147333" target="_blank">This is what I'm currently burning. </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57WuIHmxx0wmUL5DuL8Ki8gV359IVrU6Zm_3OE1SKA1yVWscorpLn5TTaRbJvYvPDxXo746xfbqA5MEE22E_zaFIHAo8EMeEK4iCADItlgqnjJHQlINdmyxvgzKpBBVhg4DSkEFL37cpr/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57WuIHmxx0wmUL5DuL8Ki8gV359IVrU6Zm_3OE1SKA1yVWscorpLn5TTaRbJvYvPDxXo746xfbqA5MEE22E_zaFIHAo8EMeEK4iCADItlgqnjJHQlINdmyxvgzKpBBVhg4DSkEFL37cpr/s400/candle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Age-Less-Skin-Formula-60-VegCap/dp/B00028NQWY/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1380920454&sr=1-2&keywords=ageless+skin+formula" target="_blank">this dietary supplement</a> for about a year after I had my son and my hair had fallen out and then grown back in. It worked wonders on my hair, my skin, and my nails. I ran out at some point and it sorta fell off my radar and recently I remembered it and ordered a big bottle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qbs51sna7k2eBucGRaKhuInNRZMMes3utilLbTp3Fnj2jG-WSiY-0nPseIgwW562H1cy17Q6LeIoJ88f4n4u7phAz7e4NM9pCoo8Jo9pZKo5xeaGuzqqi3dt77aGJX__64zdeWDXPyO/s1600/agelessjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qbs51sna7k2eBucGRaKhuInNRZMMes3utilLbTp3Fnj2jG-WSiY-0nPseIgwW562H1cy17Q6LeIoJ88f4n4u7phAz7e4NM9pCoo8Jo9pZKo5xeaGuzqqi3dt77aGJX__64zdeWDXPyO/s400/agelessjpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy weekend, y'all! </div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-27872029190707307712013-10-02T11:41:00.003-04:002013-10-04T16:49:37.469-04:00{My Six Week Summer Weight Loss} How I Did It <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I've been thinking through how to write about my weight loss this summer I've realized there is so much that happened before and after...and the losing itself was only part of a much larger journey with no real beginning and no real end. I thought it was important to <a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-6-weeks-summer-weight-loss-back-story.html" target="_blank">write about my back story</a> because being at an undesirable weight is not the product of one single thing. Instead, it's the outward shadow of internal struggles. After I wrote about it, I was overwhelmed with private inbox messages and emails from people who were comforted to know that I struggled and took the time to write about it. Both women and men told me that part of my back story was also part of theirs. And I'm not saying that to pat myself on the back. I'm saying it because sharing hard things helps people. I also want to be authentic and real about the whole weight loss <strike>ordeal</strike> experience and for me that means writing about how I felt as much as writing about what I did. </div>
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<b>What I Did and Didn't Eat</b></div>
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I'm an all-or-nothing personality when it comes to doing things with measured results. I knew what I needed to do and I knew the outcome that I could attain, but I did not want it to take months. More importantly, <b><i>it didn't need to take months</i></b>. So I pep talked and psyched myself up for a couple of weeks with my eye on the first day of my weight loss journey: the day after Memorial Day. That day began my all-or-nothing eating plan:</div>
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<b><i>low glycemic fruit only in the morning</i></b></div>
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<b><i>protein (chicken, lean beef, white fish, salmon or shrimp) and veggies for all other meals</i></b></div>
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<b><i>water, water, water!!!!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>no dairy, caffeine, soda, alcohol, refined sugar, bad carbs (bread, potatoes, etc) corn, or wheat</i></b></div>
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There are lots of ways to lose weight but there is really only one (legal) way to lose fat and that is to do what I did. I lost 25 pounds of weight, 17 pounds of which was fat. It's also important to note I am almost 46 years old. Things like this are not as easy at my age as they are if you are even five years younger.</div>
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The hardest for me was giving up coffee with the loads of hazelnut creamer I drank in the mornings and my "Diet Coke and salty snack" as my mid-afternoon pick me up. It was also hard for me to eat the necessary protein since I'm not really a meat lover. And drinking all that water - *ugh*.</div>
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Also, you may be surprised to know I <i style="font-weight: bold;">didn't exercise,</i> except for the normal things I'd do as a mom with a young son like bike riding, swimming, playing basketball and playing at the park. <b><i>Losing weight is 90% what you eat</i></b>. If the thought of starting a weight loss journey overwhelms you because you think you also have to set aside time for exercise, you don't. Put your effort and energy into an eating plan that works and leave the hours on the treadmill to all those people who also think drinking protein/fruit smoothies is healthy. </div>
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The first 10 days or so I had headaches and I felt lethargic and just "off". It was <b><i>so hard</i></b>. But once the caffeine and sugar detox was over I felt great. I was losing weight every single day so that was a mental boost. But I also could think clearer and my energy didn't fluctuate throughout the day.</div>
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About three weeks in I really started hitting my stride and things got easier. I thought about food as a necessary and healthy part of my day. There was no more love-hate snacking sessions, no more skipped meals which left me starving and making poor eating (comfort) choices at the end of the day. <b><i>Do you ever do that? Reward yourself at the end of the day with food? Wine? A big meal? Yes? </i></b></div>
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I had two cravings: creamy lattes and peanut butter. I think the latte was more of a texture thing because there is nothing creamy about meat, veggies and water. When I finally passed the six week mark and got a hazelnut latte it tasted mediocre to me at best and I had no interest in them after that. The peanut butter craving was unfounded. I have no idea why but when I finally could eat it, it was the best thing ever. And I still crave it - and eat it. </div>
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About four weeks in I just couldn't take the water thing any more and so I did buy the flavored Mio drops for water and that became my treat. For every four large glasses of water I got to have a fruit flavored water. I also did have some iced tea with Splenda once or twice on the weekends but that's it - no other deviations from the plan.</div>
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I made it through summer vacation, the 4th of July, and weekends at my neighborhood swimming pool (where we eat and drink socially all day long) without going off my plan. On July 9th, six weeks to the day after I started, I had lost 24.4 pounds. I round it up to 25--- just because. </div>
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After my six weeks passed I continued on the plan for four more weeks (making a total of ten weeks) but did add in some meals with quinoa, brown rice, gluten free bread and a glass of wine now and then. I lost another five pounds in that four weeks. </div>
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<b>In Summary</b></div>
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You have to give up the bad stuff and it's easiest if you just give it all up at once.</div>
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It is hard but but it gets easier.</div>
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<b><i>You can do it! You really can!</i></b></div>
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<i><b>Don't give up. Sell out to the plan. It doesn't take that long.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>You can do it! </b></i></div>
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<i><b>{PS- You could be 25 pounds lighter by Christmas.}</b></i></div>
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Next time: How I educated myself about nutrition plans, what I eat now, and how I'm doing several months later.</div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-64311089870927667932013-10-01T12:44:00.000-04:002013-10-01T12:44:22.720-04:00Trying to Catch Up With the Technology<br />
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This is more of a "housekeeping" post since it seems a lot has happened in the blog widget / reader / social media circus in general since I last blogged regularly three years ago. Three years is like three lifetimes in the blogosphere. I wasn't really prepared for that. I thought I'd just pick up where I left off but alas... no. <br />
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So, for the sake of trying to register myself on the very large grid I'd love it if you'd <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10304336/?claim=yqpjpfrye3u">follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>. <br />
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You can also find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jillian-Inc/232675190083032?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/jillianinc" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. <br />
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Thank you!<br />
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<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-34685695330445779502013-09-30T15:07:00.003-04:002013-09-30T16:01:52.979-04:00My 6 Week Summer Weight Loss: The Back Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Monday! It's officially fall and almost a brand new month. Cooler weather makes me feel a little lighter and brighter and I do love flipping the page of a calendar. With that, I thought today might be a good time to share a little more about my 25 pound weight loss this summer that I <a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-08-16T15:23:00-04:00&max-results=1&start=2&by-date=false" target="_blank">mentioned in this post</a>. </div>
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First, a little back-story: Within a two year time span in my mid/late 30's I went from single to married with two young step children, a new baby, a new (to us) house, a full-time career and all the things that go along with those... namely severe lack of sleep, stress, limited time to myself to recharge my introverted battery, and even limited funds for things that were once a part of my life like a gym membership and free time for outdoor activities. Instead we paid for daycare, diapers, pee-wee football, baby birthday parties and a large car to haul all the car seats. </div>
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In a nutshell my active lifestyle was replaced by one that found me just trying to keep up with the basic day-to-day things I thought I should be doing as a new wife and mother. To me that meant keeping a home that was picture-perfect (clutter-free and decorated at all times) and pouring my heart and soul into the kids' activities. Instead of running or having a good sweaty workout at the gym, I stayed home in my decorated house, did laundry, and whipped up a pitcher of margaritas and a large homemade pizza to make the housekeeping a little more fun.</div>
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So that went on for a few years until I realized I was putting myself last and also making excuses about staying in shape and eating right so I lost almost 30 pounds and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1936190274812663583#editor/target=post;postID=250853719258783073;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=16;src=postname" target="_blank">wrote about it here.</a> </div>
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And then the opposite things happened in my left: I got divorced, my step children were suddenly taken from my life, my little baby grew up and my career that I had for 10 years was closed down in a matter of weeks. But I still had my clutter-free and decorated house! It took about a year for the single working mom reality to set in but....when it did.....yep, you guessed it.....a pitcher of margaritas and a pizza. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz8nFCuL0VTOBtksDj5LHIyC_O9jkG_RG3A_o6SzaU396rLnFnMcFjusyR6TDaNAqORP9Xcb3xvbaPfj4UgZHNKwnKxgf_8cXNYpIrRmAE_OuLdXGoLYqJC8neILThaB6II4nMxciN5Nx/s1600/securedownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz8nFCuL0VTOBtksDj5LHIyC_O9jkG_RG3A_o6SzaU396rLnFnMcFjusyR6TDaNAqORP9Xcb3xvbaPfj4UgZHNKwnKxgf_8cXNYpIrRmAE_OuLdXGoLYqJC8neILThaB6II4nMxciN5Nx/s640/securedownload.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I want to tell you my back story because I am sure many of you can relate. We forge ahead in our lives - day after day, month after month, and it seems like every day is pretty much the same as the last. We love our families. We have a few really great times and a few really hard or sad times, but for the most part it's just<b><i> life</i></b>. So many times our lives start running us and we get into places and moods and situations and circumstances that begin to control us. It's not all bad. Many things that happen as we age and mature and grow and change are good....even great. Blessings come out of hardships and the pieces start falling together in a wonderful puzzle of life. But within that puzzle people struggle - internally and often times alone. </div>
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And so often one or two things in our lives make us give up hope as it relates to so many other things. For me it was being pudgy and divorced. <b><i> Fat cougar anyone?</i></b> I don't think so..... </div>
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So my clutter-free house got a little more cluttered. My decorated house got a little less done-up and my traditions and entertaining and things I like to do went by the wayside. The things I did manage to do were "for my son" and not for myself. I could have skipped the Halloween costumes, the Thanksgiving feast, the Christmas tree, the Valentine's candy and the Easter egg hunt. </div>
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I had a few empty bedrooms in my pretty empty house - they were perfect for hiding the stuff I didn't want to deal with....toddler clothes and toys that were never going to be used by another child, pillows and blankets that once comforted and warmed my family of 5 with no bed to cover and no child to warm. My spare rooms filled up as my broken heart and split-up family became a reality I thought I'd never be living. </div>
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And I wallowed in it. I honestly did. I felt sorry for myself. I felt helpless. I felt alone and scared and mad. What was I going to do? I wanted to fix it but if I couldn't fix all of it, I felt unmotivated to get started at fixing any of it. </div>
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And then within a couple months of each other two very close friends got cancer. They were <b><i>my age</i></b>. With kids and jobs and families and laundry and houses. One day they woke up and their life puzzles suddenly included hospitals, surgeries, CaringBridge pages, chemo, radiation, more surgery, infections, bad news, more bad news..... it was devastating. And one day I realized I was letting my life be something it should not be for reasons I was fully capable of controlling. And so I literally gave myself a few pep talks and started on my Six Week Summer Makeover.... </div>
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Next time: How I did it. What I ate (and didn't eat). And how it's going now. </div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-25191858210620133792013-09-27T16:10:00.003-04:002013-09-27T16:51:42.986-04:00{Friday Favorites}: Free People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, my blogging re-entry has not been stellar. Honestly, I'm not really feelin' it, plus there was the 2,000+ Asian spam comments clogging up my inbox in a matter of minutes a couple weeks ago. Anywho, I do get the blogging urge every once in awhile so I thought I'd share something superficial and fashionable today.</div>
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My A/C bill dipped below $250 this month, which must mean fall is peeking around the corner here in Georgia! Though I won't be busting out my sweaters for another couple of months, I have been purchasing a few things for my fall weekend wardrobe. </div>
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I spend the majority of my waking hours every weekday dressed in heels, skirts, dresses, pearls, and all manner of conservative office attire. However, I am a bit of a boho chic at heart. Give me a pair of flare jeans, a well-cut tshirt or poncho, a pair of cowboy boots, some simple hoop earrings, and a sterling silver cuff bracelet and I'm golden.</div>
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There's no better place to get some boho than Free People. My love of FP clothing began about 5 years ago when I stumbled upon this crop shirt for $9 at Bloomies. At the time I bought it because I liked it, and only later did I learn about the Brand .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyow7VVm6pGL4v3YMT-luc6qdCD0p1PTVjCHBUaoXooceIpmN-cURxo6NUd0TFjefTj-HW4dk3IG6BHNY2c88EDFLts_yBGhfjUGJax_OtCgw1uzak_716WtP1dS63RWkCW9SX4YqSiNp/s1600/fpcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyow7VVm6pGL4v3YMT-luc6qdCD0p1PTVjCHBUaoXooceIpmN-cURxo6NUd0TFjefTj-HW4dk3IG6BHNY2c88EDFLts_yBGhfjUGJax_OtCgw1uzak_716WtP1dS63RWkCW9SX4YqSiNp/s640/fpcrop.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
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My love of crops continues all these years later. They are perfect for layering over a longer skinny tee or cami and then topping off with a jacket or cardigan. <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/sweet-as-candy-crop/_/searchString/crop/QUERYID/5245d6688570a346810007b5/SEARCHPOSITION/15/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/STYLEID/29314879/productOptionIDs/B943893F-0B54-441E-B1C3-AF4AA76FC1D1/" target="_blank"> This one</a> would look great under a dark brown leather jacket, too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AakAxDzeQt2XmN6srtoxUx-5nGgXLYY_AeQGupvClEwTjKYPTohVNCTtcME7zbqSL4uFWAQ7aYbjbZHma4BsGgTTVBJ_2tMkjD-szeaDCd7jOP-GMsrZkphwNqKvj0mWSVjKZtyl36-j/s1600/crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AakAxDzeQt2XmN6srtoxUx-5nGgXLYY_AeQGupvClEwTjKYPTohVNCTtcME7zbqSL4uFWAQ7aYbjbZHma4BsGgTTVBJ_2tMkjD-szeaDCd7jOP-GMsrZkphwNqKvj0mWSVjKZtyl36-j/s640/crop.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm almost 5'10" so I love that most of Free People's pants are long enough for me right off the rack. {They do also carry short lengths for those who do not tower above their peers.} </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OkF7yPR4yY7fLcmZor-JclwbJu1_VOV4MsMM3GhwtEPxzrvgJrcdmDpmGsSkOMLJuULk8UW1VFlGxoAsLiFsYwHPXqMvY717bQ-S9GWfJQXAaUM3xg7z-NTv0zl1RBWA-SfN12R0gOih/s1600/fptunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OkF7yPR4yY7fLcmZor-JclwbJu1_VOV4MsMM3GhwtEPxzrvgJrcdmDpmGsSkOMLJuULk8UW1VFlGxoAsLiFsYwHPXqMvY717bQ-S9GWfJQXAaUM3xg7z-NTv0zl1RBWA-SfN12R0gOih/s640/fptunic.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Tunic and jeans {Free People} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Boots {Old Gringo} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Watch {Michael Kors} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Earrings {Stella and Dot) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Photo by the fabulous </span><a href="http://paigeknudsen.com/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Paige</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">.</span></td></tr>
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Their <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/denim/5-pocket-skinny-flare/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20denim%20shop/" target="_blank">five-pocket skinny flares </a>are my favorite jeans, hands down. Again, because I am tall, I'll pay some dollars for a good-fitting pair of jeans. I own Hudson, Joe's, Paige, and Sevens and they are all good in certain styles and for certain occasions. But, for $78, these jeans take the trophy for most likely to succeed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0swY1C1Rng4Zq5WgoKjWFK_r7Pe8L3z9ydjHMNHzlfHyyg5sWs4vzByEEBfEEeyLLGuA0X0OlKkzt1XCRABMNoO3dNyEId_l8WI0fjEpG5SWzx3FUCy-jKUWpZ284QIqAC4vwSDmEmFR/s1600/5pocketskinnyflare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0swY1C1Rng4Zq5WgoKjWFK_r7Pe8L3z9ydjHMNHzlfHyyg5sWs4vzByEEBfEEeyLLGuA0X0OlKkzt1XCRABMNoO3dNyEId_l8WI0fjEpG5SWzx3FUCy-jKUWpZ284QIqAC4vwSDmEmFR/s640/5pocketskinnyflare.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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For a little something different this fall I got these <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.results&searchString=devil+knit+pant" target="_blank">Devil Knit Pants</a>. Again, perfect with boots and some layers on top, especially denim or chambray. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ_CZTxVaO3m_GVRlesGNFH7VEDougFRndHccFvnE_oGcdISXBfvOPJ86uGQfkxaGA42sxbPNTM5evH7l7hHHABODI6igq02UTz1k1FpLVOnbSGQv7UnFQlNnRObwUFxlJWNyCE0-BgRq/s1600/devilknitpant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ_CZTxVaO3m_GVRlesGNFH7VEDougFRndHccFvnE_oGcdISXBfvOPJ86uGQfkxaGA42sxbPNTM5evH7l7hHHABODI6igq02UTz1k1FpLVOnbSGQv7UnFQlNnRObwUFxlJWNyCE0-BgRq/s640/devilknitpant.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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This is <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/beaded-wavelengths-tunic/_/searchString/beaded%20top/QUERYID/5245d9608570a37f9b001558/SEARCHPOSITION/2/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/STYLEID/25825027/productOptionIDs/03649705-3D22-4BA8-94BA-D7AB5930C209/" target="_blank">my favorite purchase this fall.</a> Perfect color and weight to throw on for a night out and you don't have to add a lot of accessories because the beading accessorizes for you! {If I was brave (and thin) enough for leather skinnies I'd do cartwheels and a Rockette kick or twenty before I went out on a hot date. Alas, I'm not and I won't.} </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP-J4g7syYKPHdAp1w2-w467ToubnVP_j42YXdkOBEIAacNvM3MPGj9eiGw8lhXs2BSkTp6D8LInsUFlkYQVsVNJYc1UBYbubKKfyWwDJeZodhzUWQztUx4okRoyvRkgaaH6-cxDtpg_J/s1600/beadedwavelengths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP-J4g7syYKPHdAp1w2-w467ToubnVP_j42YXdkOBEIAacNvM3MPGj9eiGw8lhXs2BSkTp6D8LInsUFlkYQVsVNJYc1UBYbubKKfyWwDJeZodhzUWQztUx4okRoyvRkgaaH6-cxDtpg_J/s640/beadedwavelengths.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-tops/beatnik-tunic/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20tops%3A%20Refine%20%231/" target="_blank">The Beatnick Tunic</a> is great for all people, places and things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrFpT1LtwLz8h80kg6igpVz70oHDxcAJ35ClpWwEu3pwwXvvKdEO1JJ1Tb2S2PZ2FJk_0YUa_cntLP64RiQRrz7xmRFWQOkotUSRVYwP8tJpg_4x4EvPhJl_sBdSEdyryhPizhEZSG54j/s1600/beatniktunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrFpT1LtwLz8h80kg6igpVz70oHDxcAJ35ClpWwEu3pwwXvvKdEO1JJ1Tb2S2PZ2FJk_0YUa_cntLP64RiQRrz7xmRFWQOkotUSRVYwP8tJpg_4x4EvPhJl_sBdSEdyryhPizhEZSG54j/s640/beatniktunic.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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When I do feel like tucking in a fitted t-shirt I love throwing on <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/americana-hooded-cardigan/_/searchString/cardigan%20sweater/QUERYID/5245dc2b8570a3481000071e/SEARCHPOSITION/10/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/STYLEID/28704583/productOptionIDs/BEE1C344-4601-4985-97DB-EB5BCFE2AD06/" target="_blank">a long sweater tunic.</a> This one has a hood which makes it a little more casual and fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EittBwIEaJnTDgXIccj792QZmmacNw7E2IBb37qr4vVLVlIL7a5jLjUBd4ejftogoTa6TwP654As4jPZ70xdbFx_G8t9p37nvpNuKcwXYLst8CifMqJ3prWp01pjeBrMo3KqOCcTWhIE/s1600/hoodedcardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EittBwIEaJnTDgXIccj792QZmmacNw7E2IBb37qr4vVLVlIL7a5jLjUBd4ejftogoTa6TwP654As4jPZ70xdbFx_G8t9p37nvpNuKcwXYLst8CifMqJ3prWp01pjeBrMo3KqOCcTWhIE/s640/hoodedcardigan.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-belts/lola-leather-belt/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20belts%3A%20Refine%20%231/" target="_blank">this belt</a> would be a perfect addition---- in fact, it will go with most anything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfmRoz7PEIf4Zg4v_7UrPbW3R9JCjdiQKBU9hENk4EBYpC14GrDAzkOy82gYe5eWeyY68NT7dvPK-9xOj9ddlaeWQ9GQ4LzOm-P51zYbWuQsdnhCxU91Rpg82PJB5XWMDrWAM1aF-D1R0/s1600/lolaleatherbelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfmRoz7PEIf4Zg4v_7UrPbW3R9JCjdiQKBU9hENk4EBYpC14GrDAzkOy82gYe5eWeyY68NT7dvPK-9xOj9ddlaeWQ9GQ4LzOm-P51zYbWuQsdnhCxU91Rpg82PJB5XWMDrWAM1aF-D1R0/s640/lolaleatherbelt.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And I couldn't pass up <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/jackets-outerwear/military-ruffles-jacket/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20jackets%20%26%20outerwear%3A%20Refine%20%231/" target="_blank">this jacket</a> with it's military buttons + ruffle goodness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOh88rYqnFL-nU9OCdhzn4ZLTM1Er6WPyE-cjGWgiztkN7h3Knv09NrGLZRvU3ZhZDmBVi9B9ghptn0zdTgcivOLCht6ySvjNGpW1a4Fhdvt7xZdQFfrLR377Fghh_QcbKrGEKRV3Ian5/s1600/militaryrufflesjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOh88rYqnFL-nU9OCdhzn4ZLTM1Er6WPyE-cjGWgiztkN7h3Knv09NrGLZRvU3ZhZDmBVi9B9ghptn0zdTgcivOLCht6ySvjNGpW1a4Fhdvt7xZdQFfrLR377Fghh_QcbKrGEKRV3Ian5/s640/militaryrufflesjacket.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2r4rl_pBf0tSWR8EYlrGs74yJA5vD1euBCBVjPL8QM_DbQXY7q6Z1G2Snqp-jxdbJHL5ku3hIWb9J0BSUuPWkyyrkdHh0r0_Kw5kZZ1PjjAe4xmTSURWCI7gPID77cJEo2Y2Ti_n8Z_z/s1600/29016219_031_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2r4rl_pBf0tSWR8EYlrGs74yJA5vD1euBCBVjPL8QM_DbQXY7q6Z1G2Snqp-jxdbJHL5ku3hIWb9J0BSUuPWkyyrkdHh0r0_Kw5kZZ1PjjAe4xmTSURWCI7gPID77cJEo2Y2Ti_n8Z_z/s640/29016219_031_b.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I'm a cautious member of the dress-as-tunic fan club. For the most part I think it works best for cooler weather styles when you can wear the dress as a tunic over heavier bottoms like skinny cords or riding pants (don't get me started on leggings worn in public) and boots or booties. I purchased <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/whats-new/sierra-valley-shirtdress/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20what%5C%27s%20new%3A%20Refine%20%231/" target="_blank">this one</a> for the rich fall colors and the pockets! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm11l-teqV2y6RqPcKLTLY9dliKEo2SxPxZIL6tO3AcI5wFC2RsHNPdi1quJjTi9d3hW39-J5UXi9j3Ch5GKhUP5h1FS2Uq0GJw50H7-Gpir-K89qWLKkcI67H2mGjD39xqTXiXiKQQyh/s1600/sierravalleyshirtdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm11l-teqV2y6RqPcKLTLY9dliKEo2SxPxZIL6tO3AcI5wFC2RsHNPdi1quJjTi9d3hW39-J5UXi9j3Ch5GKhUP5h1FS2Uq0GJw50H7-Gpir-K89qWLKkcI67H2mGjD39xqTXiXiKQQyh/s640/sierravalleyshirtdress.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And finally, because fashion should look good both coming.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6iY_WRGndk9CIcqYvqfZ8OWVTID4wtO_8T1oYORxpMOwCbKjL7eLfdi15Y4wXElRL8MtHzt5YQH3Icgk07cZkZ_R6e-wWNVCp1NtwuIffui_8_Ir9CDxPhP-TNY77BgYXUIfAtnfockQ/s1600/ankleboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6iY_WRGndk9CIcqYvqfZ8OWVTID4wtO_8T1oYORxpMOwCbKjL7eLfdi15Y4wXElRL8MtHzt5YQH3Icgk07cZkZ_R6e-wWNVCp1NtwuIffui_8_Ir9CDxPhP-TNY77BgYXUIfAtnfockQ/s640/ankleboot.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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....and going.... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh2ylTe_44ebil1gs3XuYcE7pAz60kXLl06RbM-D5UJw7hjhKTUSDpWwBO5BvyrMahQytgZ_I7EzvF7PqEx9yDwJyh42bqZ2yTQp7OFv-UXacKkEObJowhFBW8JjGiFaor6gw1bd_W0pz/s1600/29149481_024_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh2ylTe_44ebil1gs3XuYcE7pAz60kXLl06RbM-D5UJw7hjhKTUSDpWwBO5BvyrMahQytgZ_I7EzvF7PqEx9yDwJyh42bqZ2yTQp7OFv-UXacKkEObJowhFBW8JjGiFaor6gw1bd_W0pz/s640/29149481_024_c.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I added <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/shoes/paperback-ankle-boot/_/CMPAGEID/Cat%3A%20shoes%3A%20Refine%20%231/" target="_blank">these booties</a> to the fall rotation (along with a pair of stud toe Sam Edelmans). Suede and leather is so much better than a black leather pump. </div>
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Happy Friday y'all!</div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-57569014219156883052013-08-30T15:58:00.004-04:002013-08-30T16:00:35.961-04:00If You Give a Mom an Hour...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAZ4V28TxdjzsIAZ6gwjOhQ8fSvI8nMqVEtnCXCx6WZpDM3d2PA8drLgyRthgQDtj5wnY5o3E_k8MXNzVuHhT3ZFsEVtZF4gdl_cFBWVPqxUpGWDhl4Mv6Rb_PvmON4NV4Vou9qc-SKBo/s1600-h/frazzled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAZ4V28TxdjzsIAZ6gwjOhQ8fSvI8nMqVEtnCXCx6WZpDM3d2PA8drLgyRthgQDtj5wnY5o3E_k8MXNzVuHhT3ZFsEVtZF4gdl_cFBWVPqxUpGWDhl4Mv6Rb_PvmON4NV4Vou9qc-SKBo/s200/frazzled.png" /></a></div>
alone in the house<br />
on a Sunday afternoon<br />
she will finally get around <br />
to cleaning out those overflowing toy bins.<br />
<br />
And then she needs another trash bag (or sixteen)<br />
so she will go upstairs to get one (or sixteen)<br />
because the trashbags upstairs are not very good<br />
and she doesn't want to waste the good ones in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Once she gets upstairs <br />
she remembers she hasn't made her bed.<br />
And speaking of bed, this is a good time to bring down the sheets<br />
on the 4yo's bed so she can wash them.<br />
<br />
And speaking of laundry<br />
she might as well gather up all the bath towels<br />
so there will be a fresh clean stack for the coming week <br />
or at least for the next two days.<br />
<br />
But before she can take the dirty laundry downstairs<br />
she must first put away the clean laundry sitting on the floor in a basket<br />
and also the stack of t-shirts that have been sitting on her dresser<br />
since last Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Because she was going to sort through her t-shirts last Wednesday<br />
before she put the clean laundry away<br />
but she got sidetracked before she got around to sorting the t-shirts<br />
and that's why they are still sitting there four days later.<br />
<br />
But as she begins to put the clean laundry away<br />
she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror <br />
and decides she should put on some makeup<br />
and run a brush through her hair.<br />
<br />
And then she remembers the new lipgloss she bought at Target<br />
sitting in the bag on the floor next to the clean laundry<br />
that she needs to put away<br />
before she can take the dirty laundry downstairs.<br />
<br />
So she trys on the new lipgloss and likes it a lot <br />
and then decides she should put away the other stuff from Target<br />
sitting on the floor in the bag<br />
next to the clean laundry that needs to be put away.<br />
<br />
And after she puts away the Target stuff<br />
(looking <br />
<del></del>a little bit better in her new lipgloss) <br />
she remembers she needs to make her bed<br />
and put away the laundry.<br />
<br />
But first she hears the oven beep downstairs<br />
reminding her about the cookies she is going to bake<br />
except there is one small problem<br />
the cookies aren't mixed up yet.<br />
<br />
So she goes downstairs to mix up the cookies<br />
but first she decides to put away the large skillet sitting in the dish drainer<br />
because she cannot stand seeing the large skillet sitting in the dish drainer<br />
let alone mix up cookies seeing it sitting there in the dish drainer.<br />
<br />
So then she needs eggs for the cookies<br />
and when she opens the refrigerator<br />
a can of Diet Coke falls out on her foot and cuts her toe<br />
so she goes upstairs to get a bandaid <strike>cussing under her breath</strike> cussing up a storm.<br />
<br />
And she remembers the laundry that needs to be put away<br />
and she miraculously manages to do that<br />
all the while reminding herself <br />
about the cookies downstairs waiting to be mixed up.<br />
<br />
But she cannot bring herself to go downstairs empty-handed<br />
and waste a perfectly good trip<br />
so she gathers up all the dirty laundry<br />
and puts it in the now-empty laundry basket.<br />
<br />
But before she goes downstairs <br />
she tells herself she really should make the bed<br />
so she makes the bed and then decides this is a great time<br />
to change out of her <strike>pitiful looking not to mention very old sweats</strike><br />
<del></del>lounge pants. <br />
<br />
So she changes into<strike> jeans</strike> pitiful looking but not quite as old sweat pants<br />
and snatches up the basket of dirty laundry <br />
and heads downstairs<br />
to finally make those cookies.<br />
<br />
And just as she gets the cookies mixed up<br />
all her sweet little children come home<br />
and one of the sweet little children asks her if she feels ok<br />
because the sweet little child thinks she looks sorta tired.<br />
<br />
And the mom who <strike>has</strike> had an hour alone to herself<br />
makes a mental note that that sweet little child with the radar for tired<br />
will be in bed no later than 8pm because she is worn to a frazzle<br />
and wants to watch TV in peace, with only red wine and a few cookies for company.<br />
<br />
So it just goes to show you....<br />
If you give a mom an hour alone inside the house<br />
She will spin in circles without getting much accomplished<br />
And she'll definitely need lots of lipgloss, red wine and several cookies to make it through the day.<br />
<br />
The End.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-88759943357347395262013-08-16T15:23:00.001-04:002013-08-16T15:30:04.241-04:00Friday Favorites {The Hair Edition}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been great reconnecting with so many blog friends that I "met" years ago when I started my blog. Happy to see so many still blogging! Also, thanks to the new readers who have stopped by this week! </div>
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I've gotten a lot of emails and inbox comments from people who used to read my blog who said they liked my favorite things and fashion posts the most. I'd already planned on a Friday Favorites weekly spot, so I decided to dedicate today's post to a topic that is near and dear to my heart.....hair. </div>
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I joke that my hair is like my second child because it takes up so much of my time and money. Aside from all the cash I spend at the salon on color, highlights, keratin treatments and cuts -- there's the hair products. </div>
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If I had a dollar for every hair product I've bought and used only once, I'd be able to afford my own personal stylist who could give me daily blowouts and save me most of my sanity. Within the past couple years I've learned my lesson and I stick by my tried-and-true products. If I find something I like I stick with it. </div>
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With that, here's what I use, from start to finish, to style my hair:</div>
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This actually is a fairly new find for me. I used the Keratin Complex brand shampoo and conditioner. since I get salon Keratin treatments, and I just felt like I needed to switch things up. I was given a sample of <a href="http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/hair/shampoo/2012/bumble-bumble-straight-shampoo" target="_blank">Bumble and Bumble Straight shampoo</a> and loved it, so I bought the conditioner and really like it, too. It smells great and it's sulfate-free, important if you have Keratin treatments like I do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYurvUHXUA7TFIDwh1n2tJtFGbsSwVHHdhSetketKXjmIkGHL66txCo7V04k01HkeAT-t1-QXZt66gVnZUjkGYRy22wk0lwjgJhyAYZKbDno-tZ2cujTgmMVnSmJUciHoZghUzS5Wd5Zdh/s1600/bandb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYurvUHXUA7TFIDwh1n2tJtFGbsSwVHHdhSetketKXjmIkGHL66txCo7V04k01HkeAT-t1-QXZt66gVnZUjkGYRy22wk0lwjgJhyAYZKbDno-tZ2cujTgmMVnSmJUciHoZghUzS5Wd5Zdh/s400/bandb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After towel drying I put a generous amount of <a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/286614/frizz-defy-styling-creme" target="_blank">Nexxus Frizz Defy</a>, in my hair. This is also a fairly new find for me after a couple years of using Moroccan Oil Hydrating Cream. I was still fairly happy with the Moroccan Oil cream but, at $35, I felt I could find something else that was more affordable. The Frizz Defy is about 1/3 the price and can be found at almost all drug stores. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B4WiOwGVB2Q_Jmin57DWAYLrr2xK_Ojw6KZw9mxuE0zJuuArpmxwPbkMf7zSd-kvhd-PEEms8x18WS0_E63ms3LF0Zo6Te2592UpES_7yyj0p9gxMYQRc-2JUWGaEv4pFYnaUq03JDcv/s1600/nexxus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B4WiOwGVB2Q_Jmin57DWAYLrr2xK_Ojw6KZw9mxuE0zJuuArpmxwPbkMf7zSd-kvhd-PEEms8x18WS0_E63ms3LF0Zo6Te2592UpES_7yyj0p9gxMYQRc-2JUWGaEv4pFYnaUq03JDcv/s400/nexxus.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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I can't do a post on hair without mentioning my love for<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=6062407&productId=xlsImpprod2380025&navAction=push&navCount=1" target="_blank"> wide tooth combs</a>. They're so much better to use on your hair than a brush or traditional comb. I keep one in my car, my purse, my desk drawer at work and in every bathroom and powder room in my house. It's also easy to throw one in your workout and beach bags. And, at around $2.50 each, they don't break the bank either. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQwJT4mVQy-X3GaZdb1eQGPw-pbTRu7LBwepr1TS1gmwUiqlDUg040WxCW34n6ifBnr4PU_dXlvdfp0Livb5gtH-PA-N2EJtpQUxlSlyBuTSm_V72v_HCcOOD4C6a3dlPMxezSSX2yhvR/s1600/comb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQwJT4mVQy-X3GaZdb1eQGPw-pbTRu7LBwepr1TS1gmwUiqlDUg040WxCW34n6ifBnr4PU_dXlvdfp0Livb5gtH-PA-N2EJtpQUxlSlyBuTSm_V72v_HCcOOD4C6a3dlPMxezSSX2yhvR/s400/comb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am a fan of <a href="http://www.folica.com/tools/hair-dryers/supersolano-3500-lite-professional-hair-dryer" target="_blank">Super Solano hairdryers </a>- I had one for 8 years and just purchased the one pictured below this summer when my first finally stopped working. I like a high air volume dryer that warms up well and these have always worked for me. On a side note: I recently told someone I dry my hair about 80% dry before I even begin styling and she had no idea that would work. She said she starts styling hers when it is wet just out of the shower. So - in case you didn't know - you don't have to do that! Styling only matters when you are drying the last bit of moisture out of your hair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A8PO9Dt_lLRhzEQsw_BmCEzEcD46ZAQQNnjxRIjsrsDhnTWCR3Pfne-YTc58LdLpP2_wYDXzUS_1pe44WSW7I7bJ1GwnicO1qRQ0ZRVct0d8W5O_U9U5Ag8j9vy_nocEJ6rF0pG6m0ip/s1600/ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A8PO9Dt_lLRhzEQsw_BmCEzEcD46ZAQQNnjxRIjsrsDhnTWCR3Pfne-YTc58LdLpP2_wYDXzUS_1pe44WSW7I7bJ1GwnicO1qRQ0ZRVct0d8W5O_U9U5Ag8j9vy_nocEJ6rF0pG6m0ip/s400/ss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ionic-Silver-Classic-Series-Conditioning/dp/B000KHZIJG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1376680317&sr=8-3&keywords=bio+ionic+brush" target="_blank"> Bio Ionic round brush</a> is probably my favorite styling find of all. This is from their silver classic series line and I get the XL size. The great thing about this brush is it's all one piece, so your hair doesn't snag and catch on the area where the handle and barrel come together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm9Jn1k7QaXDpX3IOPu23iKNYG7xelTVJQNtlEuZaBPNOf8Bjbgy-SMctkL308elZlLCpThOO53uGJ8N7g6KpHaP4i3kVrfX3zzs4wS5LLd25KeZkE7XYmKw1Xzz6Qx5ZnYErV4P_ZNMI/s1600/brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm9Jn1k7QaXDpX3IOPu23iKNYG7xelTVJQNtlEuZaBPNOf8Bjbgy-SMctkL308elZlLCpThOO53uGJ8N7g6KpHaP4i3kVrfX3zzs4wS5LLd25KeZkE7XYmKw1Xzz6Qx5ZnYErV4P_ZNMI/s400/brush.jpg" width="107" /></a></div>
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I love my <a href="http://www.crocprofessional.com/CROC-PREMIUM.html" target="_blank">Croc flat iron</a>! I've tried cheap flat irons from Target and I've tried tried Chi and none of them beat the results I get from Croc - namely smooth but not wire straight hair and no snagging and catching on the plates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUux8X9hpgDyL7yXD9coDMq4XRjckTKgn-TeRq5tGHgBVhyxTi8wbWT8kmqLTMeRDQggaGudXdvJjOkHxz_Vg336l_CzKI6VmDtfUn78NZEYX15g0ElRyCMIJwgExgt-_2AYZi1G_Ldn2/s1600/croc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUux8X9hpgDyL7yXD9coDMq4XRjckTKgn-TeRq5tGHgBVhyxTi8wbWT8kmqLTMeRDQggaGudXdvJjOkHxz_Vg336l_CzKI6VmDtfUn78NZEYX15g0ElRyCMIJwgExgt-_2AYZi1G_Ldn2/s400/croc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, I give my hair a once-over with my tried and true <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sebastian-shaper-touchable-brushable-hold-control-hairspray/-/A-14229290#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=sebastian+hairspray" target="_blank">Sebastian Shaper hairspray</a>. It's not too heavy and gives a little hold without being sticky. I've used this brand for well over 7 years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pO-uqb027o4-Ua8za3fPzhxXh39z8vxxHuxjUUrUq0fuGrIxuwgpfnxJRldtY3o9HWclwkXrUe2N09Niec5hhhpKGH65L_32Vw7QB1g4RYKENt_Dm8JwYpiZf9Sj7U4IZsa7UvSXeMZE/s1600/sebastian-hairspray-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pO-uqb027o4-Ua8za3fPzhxXh39z8vxxHuxjUUrUq0fuGrIxuwgpfnxJRldtY3o9HWclwkXrUe2N09Niec5hhhpKGH65L_32Vw7QB1g4RYKENt_Dm8JwYpiZf9Sj7U4IZsa7UvSXeMZE/s400/sebastian-hairspray-300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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From start to finish it takes me about 20 minutes to do my hair. I'd love to hear about your favorite products and tips! Happy hair styling and happy Friday!</div>
<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-19091198592613001002013-08-15T11:52:00.000-04:002013-08-15T13:50:09.612-04:00Losing It ... and My Mid-Year New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that school is back in session at my house, I consider summer "officially" over, even though it's still hot and humid and the leaves are still green and still on the trees. </div>
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I'm not a fan of summer for many reasons: </div>
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* I don't like hot weather (perfect, since I live in the south where it's hot 3/4 of the year, right?)</div>
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* I don't particularly care for hot weather fashion (which is what makes the world go 'round)</div>
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* My schedule isn't flexible and carefree and "fun in the sun"</div>
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That being said, I also live on the optimistic side of life, so every Memorial Day I give myself a pep talk about making summer a great experience for my son, since summer for a kid is <i>magical.</i> </div>
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Over the past couple of years I'd gained some weight. I am almost 46 years old and it's no secret that weight management (not to mention weight <i>loss</i>) gets tougher as we get older. When I got divorced I also started a job that is pretty much sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. Add to that the limited amount of free time I have as a solo parent during the week to work out and I had myself a formula for fat. </div>
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So I pep-talked myself into a serious weight loss plan beginning the day after Memorial Day and in six weeks I lost 25 pounds and 2 dress sizes. I'm almost 5'10", so to be quite honest most people that see me regularly didn't even notice a change, but I most certainly can tell a huge difference. When I do mention my loss, everyone wants to know what I ate and how I did it and I plan to do a post on it later. If you have questions, leave them in the comments and I'll make sure to answer. I never struggled with my weight at all as an adult until I had a baby at almost 40 years old. Since then I've become fascinated with studying and reading about what we eat and how it affects our bodies. How many of you can relate to eating very little, exercising a lot and losing little, if any, weight? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ex2Wga-nVkfaxvAfTgqGjpEbaFGygs72dij6wqSnFXGSginapfMj19Ae4kEorrayCUi_jJO0OumddqpS14y_-Lk3WLgGdjJHNG8jOIeWYUiVrGPlsod_jgumYDyGXiVlwa2XCV5i9UU/s1600/weightloss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ex2Wga-nVkfaxvAfTgqGjpEbaFGygs72dij6wqSnFXGSginapfMj19Ae4kEorrayCUi_jJO0OumddqpS14y_-Lk3WLgGdjJHNG8jOIeWYUiVrGPlsod_jgumYDyGXiVlwa2XCV5i9UU/s400/weightloss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and After </td></tr>
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Another area of my life that also weighed me down was the amount of clutter and unnecessary stuff I had in almost every out of sight area of my house. I'm a collector - art, mirrors, fabric, accessories, dresses, purses, shoes, bracelets, belts - I just can't help myself. I like "things" in my living space. I like to have options when I get dressed. It brings me joy to be able to look at a collection that brings back memories of people and places while I'm cooking in my kitchen or reading in bed. And, let's face it, collecting "things" is a comfort zone. You never know when you might need 48 dessert plates, right? However, my decorating style, along with my closets, had gotten into the full-to-overflowing category and enough was enough. <br />
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I began on the top level of my house and worked my way down. Baskets, bins and cupboards were cleaned out one by one. Toys, books, clothes, and accessories were packed up and moved out. I know the cute girls at my local consignment store by name now. I had two garage sales. I donated to Goodwill and the Disabled Vets. I filled big black garbage bags and hauled them up my driveway for the trash every Thursday morning . Every week, I did a little upstairs until it was done...and then I moved to the main level of my house and did it all over again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGTQQ6KiBWDKdXKumqNuIukdfjqVdNP80B2upTPfqTlgRW_Pzoh1fcSV0-ID5jKrx6Z_Cl3siUi2noM6y6V6g0lmwef9tWhewV74Nq6ukVc30rIJYo-48XepoDAyPJuuqurc_D8NmNCgw/s1600/foyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGTQQ6KiBWDKdXKumqNuIukdfjqVdNP80B2upTPfqTlgRW_Pzoh1fcSV0-ID5jKrx6Z_Cl3siUi2noM6y6V6g0lmwef9tWhewV74Nq6ukVc30rIJYo-48XepoDAyPJuuqurc_D8NmNCgw/s400/foyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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It wasn't always easy. There were many times when I tossed something and then took it out again and then tossed it again. I had to constantly re-evaluate why I was keeping things that were of no monetary value or use to me. Slowly but surely my main level was also cleaned out, decluttered, and organized. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMd9P5iZLRLY7YciYzuHeIutbJSZpJ2i7fulfDpz-H4tnGnTTvoUXzon328kO0vP1yZMni3biCQ_v_Yr3RYpMOEn8mF1JmDOWuq8s5C3QyDyc3D7PvxfiQazjYgu0gq2B89tElzO4KSm9/s1600/keepingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMd9P5iZLRLY7YciYzuHeIutbJSZpJ2i7fulfDpz-H4tnGnTTvoUXzon328kO0vP1yZMni3biCQ_v_Yr3RYpMOEn8mF1JmDOWuq8s5C3QyDyc3D7PvxfiQazjYgu0gq2B89tElzO4KSm9/s400/keepingroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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So, as my physical weight started going, so too did the weight gone from the rooms, desks, cupboards, tabletops and cabinets of my home. As of today, all that remains is my basement where, honestly, some of the hardest-to-part-with things have landed. I still struggle with giving / keeping even after all I've accomplished. My plan is to deal with the last of it when I get out my holiday decor to decorate for Christmas. {Hello seven tubs of Christmas tree ornaments!}<br />
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I can honestly say I had a good summer; and my son says he had an <i>awesome </i>summer, which is what really matters. As the new school year begins for us, I also feel like I've begun a "new year" without the horrible feeling of going to my closet and having nothing to wear though the rods are overflowing with clothes. I've begun a "new year" without looking at a linen closet stacked with old sheets and towels that are past their prime, school papers from pre-K tossed in a plastic bin, and burnt down candles in a chest that should have been tossed long ago.<br />
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Here's a little encouragement today if you're struggling a bit with clutter....or weight....or just <i>stuff</i>! You <i>can </i>do something about it. You <i>can</i>! I lost weight during summer holidays and pool parties where food was the focus. I lost weight during my summer vacation. I cleaned out my living room cabinets on a Thursday night at 11pm after working at my job for 10 hours. Getting rid of the blue paint can that had been sitting under there for months was my best accomplishment of the whole day! Like you, I spend so much of my day doing things for other people and it felt so good to do something for myself, and ultimately for my family. Even if it was close to midnight, I still went to bed feeling a sense of purpose and accomplishment.</div>
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If you need to proclaim a New Year - go for it. Maybe a new school year is just the margin you need to mentally start fresh. It was hard work for me but the rewards on the other side have been immeasurably worth it.<br />
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Happy Thursday to you! I'll be back tomorrow with some of my Friday Faves! Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-15789598082208709312013-08-12T16:54:00.001-04:002013-08-12T18:24:49.442-04:00I'm Back!So, after 3+ years of complete silence here in Blogland, I decided to resurface and set up shop again on the world wide web. Almost every day since my last post in March 2010 I thought about blogging again but hesitated to get even more cyber-<strike>connected </strike>addicted that I already am. Plus, is there really anything to be blogged about that hasn't already been blogged about? <br />
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But then again, I had such a good time blogging before and met so many wonderful people and built friendships that I otherwise wouldn't have had. That alone is enough to make me throw my line in again. <br />
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Lots has changed for me in these three years. I'm now divorced and living life (in the same house) with my precocious, blonde-surfer-haired son, Adam. Looking back over my posts all those years ago was certainly bittersweet. My life as I knew has done a complete flip. I'm so thankful for where I am now, but I'm also very thankful for what I had then. Oh, and I'm also thankful I will no longer be blogging about diapers, and sleepless nights due to toddler shenanigans...thankyouverymuch.<br />
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If by some remote chance you are reading this - THANK YOU! I hope you keep checking back with me!<br />
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<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-41183041235021846572010-03-26T14:24:00.001-04:002013-07-12T14:40:38.176-04:00A Pretty Spring Coat {And a Blast from the Past}I'm a sucker for a great fitted longer-style coat. Here in Atlanta our "coat wearing season" isn't very lengthy if you're talking about actual really cold weather. But from late October through April it's nice to have a little wrap to take the chill off.<br />
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This is one of my very favorite jackets. I bought it right after I had Adam because Spring was coming and I just needed a pick-me-up. I distinctly remember seeing it hanging in the store and loved it immediately but there was also something *very familiar* about the coat that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It was if I'd seen those beautiful butterflies somewhere before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUorzvYUZZzvJq7I8yfnnP-EoSPjcTsL78pJ10fAQ37hkyupKujiuYgOCDEUFTHHqabLsHkhWK9Jc-CJbCpcufxJh1Jth8LocUzSUYBSIOeUiXdwvjjJBpQwu0wyyECNih9kpekaWeyX6/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUorzvYUZZzvJq7I8yfnnP-EoSPjcTsL78pJ10fAQ37hkyupKujiuYgOCDEUFTHHqabLsHkhWK9Jc-CJbCpcufxJh1Jth8LocUzSUYBSIOeUiXdwvjjJBpQwu0wyyECNih9kpekaWeyX6/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" /></a></div>
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And then one day it all came together. I was flipping through some old photo albums and saw this family picture from 1972. We were on summer vacation at my Grandma's house in Nebraska. <br />
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My stylish mom had a butterfly tunic in almost <b><i>the exact same print as my coat</i></b>! She seems way more dressed up than the rest of us, wouldn't you say? ha! But then again, it's not hard to dress above polyester shorts and "Army jackets" and a smiley face t-shirt.... or lady bug shorts and a red muscle shirt. Who would know the little tomboy that I appear to be here would actually <a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-dress-orwhat-i-do-when-i-should.html">grow up to like dresses?</a><br />
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I do have to say my oldest brother (who was a high school junior here) was pretty darn cute. He is 13 years older than me so I was always just a little bit in awe of him, especially when I was this young.<br />
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You can tell the kids in the family were all *thrilled*. I was probably thinking, <b><i>Thank the good Lord I am no longer cooped up in the back seat of that red 1967 Chevy Impala with my two older brothers and that wild pattern on the car seats that makes me woozie.</i></b> </div>
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We made the 8+ hour drive from Iowa to Nebraska every summer and let's just say the scenery wasn't all that exciting.... though I was totally convinced the minute we crossed the Nebraska line we were in danger of being ambused by Indians. We were, after all, traveling <i><b>west</b></i>...as in Wild Wild West. </div>
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And back in those days we did not go through the McDonald's drive-thru for lunch. Instead, we pulled over at a rest stop along the interstate and ate the lunch my mom packed for us. It always included lunch meat sandwiches with western dressing, instead of mustard. {See...there's that <b><i>west</i></b> thing again}. So, when you consider my general dislike for lunch meat + riding in the car with two older brothers + no air conditioning + car sickness + expecting to get ambushed by Indians at any moment.... you can see why I looked a little worse for the wear during the photo op.</div>
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But my mom and dad - cool and collected. Daddy's shirt is pressed and tucked in. He's wearing dress slacks. Mom's sporting her accessories and white slacks in addition to her cool tunic. </div>
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But I can bet one thing's for sure. They are both probably thinking, <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">When is happy hour?</span></b></i> </div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-7427443235699322532010-03-25T20:47:00.005-04:002013-07-12T14:40:51.991-04:00Pretty Spring Dresses {Or...What I Do When I Should Be Cooking Dinner}Truth be told, I'm a cold weather clothing girl. I love jeans, sweaters, tights, layers and coats. But, as things like this go, even cold weather eventually blossoms into warm and all fashionistas must shed the layers, bare the legs and pull out the pretty spring dresses.<br />
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So, I've been doing a little Spring Shopping and I thought I'd share some of my finds with you. <br />
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First up, I spotted this pretty sheath and cardigan in the Talbot's catalog and decided I'd try it on in the store to see how it looked. I love sheath dresses. They are nipped and tucked in all the right places for my body type and the color of this dress is so pretty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7E7uqNwYpxUFM4eiKqV3xXY1NLsXntRcaGkc9LvMely3fj0W-OCNhvE0NwWRsQmZ_1KkrEQMbn7bQMjwarJnnB4Ga1ZZQgA074W4vOeJQiO0DAuNUvnvZZuK7yq2TDOgfFryq5_4CPWi/s1600/talbots+sheath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7E7uqNwYpxUFM4eiKqV3xXY1NLsXntRcaGkc9LvMely3fj0W-OCNhvE0NwWRsQmZ_1KkrEQMbn7bQMjwarJnnB4Ga1ZZQgA074W4vOeJQiO0DAuNUvnvZZuK7yq2TDOgfFryq5_4CPWi/s200/talbots+sheath.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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I'm not much of a floral/flower person but I do love the cardigan, too. I got a size L because I usually need the length, but I think I'll go back and exchange it for a M. And, you probably can't tell from this poor quality photo, but my belt is a light tan and I think a patent fuschia would be much prettier. Dress is size 6 and runs very true to size. Fully lined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRFoc9rZAOMdr4SRfHhdLUuwox2kJQQF4Mdpxb7QxS_47DrXY2JIkumrV6D6Fgg9mErnRPQMwNhyphenhyphenzgeX0st3HifiFbXObQ2F0e6Qj02H-1g_Gz4bsyURFCnWTxsJYfMONu4oWJWEpqRzE/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRFoc9rZAOMdr4SRfHhdLUuwox2kJQQF4Mdpxb7QxS_47DrXY2JIkumrV6D6Fgg9mErnRPQMwNhyphenhyphenzgeX0st3HifiFbXObQ2F0e6Qj02H-1g_Gz4bsyURFCnWTxsJYfMONu4oWJWEpqRzE/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" /></a></div>
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And here's a slightly more dressed down version with a denim jacket I've had for years and wear to death.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiganSBktUUr5gGz8hgg3Z8EWzKtGAauQJxIoLjKA6d3I3HgSmPj8loBBOBuSQ__rWaDgyg-7QYD1DB4h67yUFqUjOe2l3y_y0YTZrhsuMaeNwjIDEwMJxnm4xtR_xVKYF7GDG5ZUQZ5C3_/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiganSBktUUr5gGz8hgg3Z8EWzKtGAauQJxIoLjKA6d3I3HgSmPj8loBBOBuSQ__rWaDgyg-7QYD1DB4h67yUFqUjOe2l3y_y0YTZrhsuMaeNwjIDEwMJxnm4xtR_xVKYF7GDG5ZUQZ5C3_/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" /></a></div>
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I didn't accessorize any of the other outfits in this post except this one, because immediately when I put on the denim with the dress I thought pearls would look great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXboOb_ByayZCHKuko6BwuNJZBiYvBm3VvR0_sVL8JZohLSHqIANIJzu7EEG0sqaHM3EVFX0DULFYNz1X6gqsxDmj2nSNP2Jky3V7_KwzKrbsvZtg31BkpWN9bxzQ6yFSnFT2UGSGe2xP6/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXboOb_ByayZCHKuko6BwuNJZBiYvBm3VvR0_sVL8JZohLSHqIANIJzu7EEG0sqaHM3EVFX0DULFYNz1X6gqsxDmj2nSNP2Jky3V7_KwzKrbsvZtg31BkpWN9bxzQ6yFSnFT2UGSGe2xP6/s320/IMG_1737.JPG" /></a></div>
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Next up: Dresses from Boden</div>
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This is the <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Knee-Length-Dresses/WH183/Womens-Pretty-Cotton-Dress.html?NavGroupID=4">Pretty Cotton Dress</a> in black/white. New this Spring with Boden is US Sizing (as opposed to Euro sizing) but when I got the actual dress, it lists the US size along with the Euro size on the tag so I'm not sure if they've adjusted the actual fit to correspond with US proportions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBo5WJTX5Cp55t_m9fsop1Kg6SpKDMDZfsON7CwYolp4D7xnOyjVQykTXfeHTxV0vW0Vw9PNr_Hd4sUAMw_lw-lyoNQ7UBwFrbNuI-jiHLD9uX0HWKyUNhk4ef4kznfGJPHFy6KSu0Q2X/s1600/boden+black+and+white+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBo5WJTX5Cp55t_m9fsop1Kg6SpKDMDZfsON7CwYolp4D7xnOyjVQykTXfeHTxV0vW0Vw9PNr_Hd4sUAMw_lw-lyoNQ7UBwFrbNuI-jiHLD9uX0HWKyUNhk4ef4kznfGJPHFy6KSu0Q2X/s320/boden+black+and+white+dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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One thing I love about Boden is their tall sizes because I am long waisted and need the extra length. I ordered a size 6 Tall and it seems to be just slightly smaller in the shoulder/chest area than traditional US size 6. But, on the flip side the length is great and the fit through the hips is wonderful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Mxo5yXhCjGflaouD7W46QuW1UkAF4GWspZMolsQF9m5ozsxtY98oJ_tbZ1WsG6IdcYm4KevMRNu-BlyYPIQMR9VDocnnjfrjtTqQ7lj1g24lA-sbLI7fN9XCDFf-cTohHZW4EXikSyt/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Mxo5yXhCjGflaouD7W46QuW1UkAF4GWspZMolsQF9m5ozsxtY98oJ_tbZ1WsG6IdcYm4KevMRNu-BlyYPIQMR9VDocnnjfrjtTqQ7lj1g24lA-sbLI7fN9XCDFf-cTohHZW4EXikSyt/s320/IMG_1740.JPG" /></a></div>
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Again, I didn't do any accessorizing, but I felt this dresses needed a little something more. Here I added a black JCrew ruffle cardigan and it helped. I'm not a black/red/white fan but imagine this paired with a pretty chunky necklace in coral or even turquoise. And of course, the sky's the limit as to the color of cardigan you could use to spice this up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLjtYmPlAZ5B7PM9qd0aNzBDttM-zuqOZonMGnZ7VCwfV8tF_RlNjAvghZmAwdDOx2MCKMzDYUXNe6SGkD3j18Ac2ap_OgGUnu3ehJYdCK5OtQs2jihEfWKKOzfZr2vMZ1g31P7DeI1Pf/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLjtYmPlAZ5B7PM9qd0aNzBDttM-zuqOZonMGnZ7VCwfV8tF_RlNjAvghZmAwdDOx2MCKMzDYUXNe6SGkD3j18Ac2ap_OgGUnu3ehJYdCK5OtQs2jihEfWKKOzfZr2vMZ1g31P7DeI1Pf/s320/IMG_1749.JPG" /></a></div>
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Next, the <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH182-BRN/Womens-Brown-Poppy-Amalfi-Dress.html">Amalfi Dress</a> in brown/white.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjWRXbsxFIddQOwwmixwgYlkugjYcwCSMa-xYXIQdvOxjBe9D3y3vWH43ZSp-QHBzex7_rumr_zQBCueB5tba0a3f41niCb6uFQ9z3wH8ek_eBJ6x4KrgwLb0erazma2WjSLRNLF3waD3/s1600/boden+brown+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjWRXbsxFIddQOwwmixwgYlkugjYcwCSMa-xYXIQdvOxjBe9D3y3vWH43ZSp-QHBzex7_rumr_zQBCueB5tba0a3f41niCb6uFQ9z3wH8ek_eBJ6x4KrgwLb0erazma2WjSLRNLF3waD3/s320/boden+brown+dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love this dress! The skirting is A-line style, loose and flowy, so it will be perfect for the dog days of summer. It's fully lined yet not heavy. Again, this is a 6 Tall. I'll wear it with turquoise accessories. Yellow would be so pretty, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-72C-9Pf65rgd1xGwycW9ACaYz9L9vAZHHzU38W-nj3MJFj7xkuctz0_RdNh0TukRIsQUQSpjoN9nTm5NzyuzT33MA8MpBiVLFXppjJ16hDGi1xEKnm6WzHAxuCEUYJb8N1gBFAfbkrkT/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-72C-9Pf65rgd1xGwycW9ACaYz9L9vAZHHzU38W-nj3MJFj7xkuctz0_RdNh0TukRIsQUQSpjoN9nTm5NzyuzT33MA8MpBiVLFXppjJ16hDGi1xEKnm6WzHAxuCEUYJb8N1gBFAfbkrkT/s320/IMG_1753.JPG" /></a></div>
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Finally, Boden's <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Knee-Length-Dresses/WH188/Womens-Fun-Dress.html?NavGroupID=4">Fun Dress</a> in blue/green.</div>
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<img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURKK0KGBjKEIzGAbd-tDAukIcFX3deu5Nb7sd0RNlHEMi3cDbV4qLZgKXfWJ_szOVbQ3h7hBqipos5YG-OzNmdN4o-cJhqBns4uIut6hLj86zOyORJDUDBsi_6P8ie4nF7ft5zIAA4Opc/s320/boden+blue+dress.jpg" /></div>
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*swoon* This is a dress that will stand out in a crowd for it's cool factor. The fabric has just a slight sheen and the white embellishments act as the accessories and give the dress a great weight. Size 6 Tall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRFDexdLJfFk1KqlKjNZjnEEZi1FP3USneNaSOr14ath_1P9sUUnks6PZRL0hTfbDuNlhIke-c6lRFrQ3rf-yqOxWgJiLzE9RFRXjRoMJSSmcUaO9DAnJuMCNXQbGf_GXQUlQnCXT68-5/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRFDexdLJfFk1KqlKjNZjnEEZi1FP3USneNaSOr14ath_1P9sUUnks6PZRL0hTfbDuNlhIke-c6lRFrQ3rf-yqOxWgJiLzE9RFRXjRoMJSSmcUaO9DAnJuMCNXQbGf_GXQUlQnCXT68-5/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" /></a></div>
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So, yes, this is what I did after work when I should have been cooking dinner and doing laundry. </div>
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Red hot smokin' husband had my boyfriend outside playing basketball and when he came in I said, <em><strong>Hey honey, how do you like my new dress?</strong></em></div>
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And he said, <em><strong>Come here and let me check it out</strong></em>.</div>
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And I said, <em><strong>My pleasure, red hot smokin' husband.</strong></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5HAQ_2q1mKkLrpLe3iGKAXdzZWogX4AAtyF7KbtiDc29RvG1tKZrDnfCJC2BofKM6l13XwGNEnpc35uP9wWyhiZHfXNs4VQUvf_8DIfUe0WH4oysqbEqXXYO8t1wSN075KjGLzflwr2D/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5HAQ_2q1mKkLrpLe3iGKAXdzZWogX4AAtyF7KbtiDc29RvG1tKZrDnfCJC2BofKM6l13XwGNEnpc35uP9wWyhiZHfXNs4VQUvf_8DIfUe0WH4oysqbEqXXYO8t1wSN075KjGLzflwr2D/s320/IMG_1764.JPG" /></a></div>
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And then he told me it was time for happy hour.</div>
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Which did make me very happy.</div>
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I mean, who can resist a cocktail with a red hot smokin' husband in a cool spring checked shirt?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyvu_wDhe78h-fhjjhveaCthUHCq5Y0_SwgMrpF2cJU9YY9c597ZymetLDdo68bw50fipooMPs860cvncQbmKPO9CaSFT-Dm6aPTqA6KiYY3Snk7m74OBSLEpsWXm_XAPXPrYJgoFrDkH/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyvu_wDhe78h-fhjjhveaCthUHCq5Y0_SwgMrpF2cJU9YY9c597ZymetLDdo68bw50fipooMPs860cvncQbmKPO9CaSFT-Dm6aPTqA6KiYY3Snk7m74OBSLEpsWXm_XAPXPrYJgoFrDkH/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" /></a></div>
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Not me!</div>
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Just goes to show, good things happen when a girl puts on a dress.</div>
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In my glass: {Liberty Syrah - Central Coast - 2007}</div>
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Cheers!</div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-26775295665968639982010-03-19T13:32:00.000-04:002013-07-12T10:31:48.099-04:00Conversations from the Backseat #4946<em>Mom, I am so glad it was not St. Pad-rick's Day again at school today. I juss do <strong>not</strong> like all dose sham-rah fings and all dat silly stuff. </em><br />
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Not into St. Patrick's Day, huh? Truthfully, I'm not either. <br />
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<em>And all dose teachers juss kept talkin' ta me about wearing dat silly sham-rah hat we made and I juss keep sayin' dose are only for girls. And next time someone says ta wear dat sham-rah hat I will juss cover my ears.</em><br />
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I thought your shamrock hat got lost. Remember we were looking for it in your classroom and we couldn't find it?<br />
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<em>Dat's because I ripped it up and frew it behind da bookcase by da blue carpet. And do not tell. 'Cause dat fing was drivin' me <strong>nuts!</strong></em> <br />
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OK, your secret's safe with me. I will not breathe a word about the ripped up hat being stashed behind the bookcase. <br />
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<em>And den when Miss F couldn't find my hat she gave me dat stupid green fing dat goes around your neck like a necklace and I do not like dat silly fing either.</em><br />
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Well, that's at home. <br />
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<em>I know. 'Cause last night you put it on my table and I told you I do not like it and I put it on your kitchen counter and den later I saw dat you put it back on my table. Dat juss made me <strong>so mad</strong>.</em><br />
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Well, buddy. I cannot tell you how happy I am St. Patrick's Day is over. I had no idea it bothered you so much. Easter is coming up. Do you like Easter?<br />
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<em>Is dat da one wiff dat bunny?</em> <br />
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Well, yes. <br />
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<em>I don't like dat one either. I only like Halloween 'cause we can watch Charlie Brown and da Great Pumpkin. And I can dress up like Hulk.</em><br />
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Yep. I love that show. And I love Hulk.<br />
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<em>He has really big fists and dey can juss pound every-fing</em>.<br />
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Yes. But did you remember Hulk is green, just like St. Patrick's Day?<br />
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<em>Oh man. When I get home I am runnin' upstairs to check on my Hulk costume. If it has sham-rahs on it I am frowin' it in da trash.</em><br />
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I think it will be fine.<br />
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<em>Will you come wiff me to check it out? 'Cause if I open my chest and dose little green people from da St. Pad-rick's Day jump out I will be terrified. I hate dose fings too. I juss won't be able to ever get away from St. Pad-rick's Day stuff</em>. <br />
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I am sure Hulk would pound them with his fists. <br />
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<em>He would try but dose little green men would eat him. Dey love to eat green Hulks</em>.<br />
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Is there anything at all you like that is green? Certainly there is.<br />
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<em>Yes. Money. I loooooove money. Especially dose one dollars you give me wiff da picture of da dead man on it.</em><br />
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Well, mom and dad make money when we go to work and then we use it to pay for things like our house, our cars, our clothes and our food.<br />
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<em>And don't forget my gummy bears. You buy da gummy bears wiff it.</em><br />
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Yes, sometimes we do. For a treat.<br />
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<em>So, keep on goin' ta work because den you will have money which is da only green fing I like.</em><br />
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I love you, son. You're a brave boy to have made it through St. Patrick's Day.<br />
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<em>I love you too mom. And your money.</em>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-30576860277486386842010-03-08T20:24:00.000-05:002013-07-12T10:32:05.224-04:00Royalty and The Red Carpet<div style="border: currentColor;">
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I had a fun "star-filled" weekend, starting with my visit to the Atlanta Civic Center to see the <b><em>Diana: A Celebration</em> <i></i></b>Exhibit. Bloggers were offered free admission and I was thrilled to be able to attend and invite a friend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkUOWsLQqAbEnrv3uHCh9oQJGBZBybEdtm404ncxi-sDGxsZ30X64ht-yZjxtH0biBoPGiKtkAiGibnOBvV-ZNeKtIpyU6Clb3Ka9CnP2FdRY0XqPlle8fJdke72tcOSXPeFFFts07ERP/s1600-h/Diana+tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkUOWsLQqAbEnrv3uHCh9oQJGBZBybEdtm404ncxi-sDGxsZ30X64ht-yZjxtH0biBoPGiKtkAiGibnOBvV-ZNeKtIpyU6Clb3Ka9CnP2FdRY0XqPlle8fJdke72tcOSXPeFFFts07ERP/s400/Diana+tiara.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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Like many of you, I grew up fascinated with Diana from the moment her engagement to Prince Charles was announced. The Exhibit was a chronological display of Diana's life....from young school girl, through her teen years, to her engagement and marriage to Prince Charles (when she was only 20!), to her days as Princess Diana, and then to her untimely death and beyond.</div>
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It was breath-taking to walk into the room displaying her wedding gown. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv69UG96W02hPv7XXn092s5PqLiuK3uFXA7l3rbRdES0AlFBp-aJmyR9t3vJ_XB5zmm8-t2Z4s3y2Byy7-M-zHKqqTeeRkUhUigdLda7CbAV7S1T8erdxRNVoxWQmH0DXyONz-ULfEVAy8/s1600-h/Diana+wedding+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv69UG96W02hPv7XXn092s5PqLiuK3uFXA7l3rbRdES0AlFBp-aJmyR9t3vJ_XB5zmm8-t2Z4s3y2Byy7-M-zHKqqTeeRkUhUigdLda7CbAV7S1T8erdxRNVoxWQmH0DXyONz-ULfEVAy8/s400/Diana+wedding+gown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course photos never do the real thing justice, but the gown was spectacular. </div>
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Some interesting facts supplied by the exhibit sponsors:</div>
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* Elizabeth and David Emanuel (London) were the dressmakers and they had previously made the gown Diana wore for her first public appearance after she became engaged to Prince Charles. </div>
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* The dress took 5 months to make (March - July 1981) and Diana endured numerous fittings, including those where she practiced wallking with the long train.</div>
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* Its cost in US$ in 1981: $1900.</div>
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* Their shop was guarded by security during this time and all windows covered by blinds.</div>
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* Details of the gown were released in sealed envelopes, to be opened at the moment Diana stepped into the glass coach on her way to the wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral.</div>
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* The gown is ivory silk taffeta and lace, embroidered with more than 10,000 tiny mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls. </div>
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* The 25-foot silk train is the longest in Royal history. </div>
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* Diana observed tradition by wearing old antique lace, new silk, a borrowed tiara from the Spencer family collection, and a small blue bow, sewn into the waistband of her dress for luck. I wonder if she thought it worked! ha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZR-C4pEHcq0cmnjdZeJglM3HCJBN6FcugJeLEr5oQyaRD0Qcn55-KWmmYfuiK8JvaB1oT29ca6IfUXBzWtNsP4HbUmEAOWvXA6qdpEOHYxLbD5ajARBbpqhsztSe97rC4z-m44g7xvbG/s1600-h/Diana+gown+gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZR-C4pEHcq0cmnjdZeJglM3HCJBN6FcugJeLEr5oQyaRD0Qcn55-KWmmYfuiK8JvaB1oT29ca6IfUXBzWtNsP4HbUmEAOWvXA6qdpEOHYxLbD5ajARBbpqhsztSe97rC4z-m44g7xvbG/s400/Diana+gown+gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also loved the gallery showcasing dresses and suits... from her early days as Princess of Wales to the dress she wore at her last public appearance on August 1, 1997 - her 36th birthday. </div>
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If you are interested in attending, click on the discounted admission ticket below (then print) to save $3 off admission. You won't be disappointed. What a wonderful chance to see an amazing piece of history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9pnUmtJQIyNfygWpd6e5jnKEKAZ7xlY0IOpxvo5o8Whmbv8ot7j7wB1qiyZmTfXMvcDD-QUKDaYwUkdfqXSdaC9yMrco9D8969CXjjff4SDHxwIcalwlok-wEg7p_a6djHTPOXXdVD4c/s1600-h/Diana_$3_Off_Epass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9pnUmtJQIyNfygWpd6e5jnKEKAZ7xlY0IOpxvo5o8Whmbv8ot7j7wB1qiyZmTfXMvcDD-QUKDaYwUkdfqXSdaC9yMrco9D8969CXjjff4SDHxwIcalwlok-wEg7p_a6djHTPOXXdVD4c/s400/Diana_$3_Off_Epass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My husband and I had been anxiously awaiting Sunday's Academy Awards, specifically because of the movie Crazy Heart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibquKH0JCWolzD2N43WTDsnicZLvMDfuVmK8N21pdgerDc8LqradIcrUNadu8Fvy6ztmEivD4wLTxZ_7Eixp7yrREOtD505pbKTjeHE9RngxkX1fEv4KRrSZgT75V2nKKpAFzE8_l-cAkN/s1600-h/crazy+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibquKH0JCWolzD2N43WTDsnicZLvMDfuVmK8N21pdgerDc8LqradIcrUNadu8Fvy6ztmEivD4wLTxZ_7Eixp7yrREOtD505pbKTjeHE9RngxkX1fEv4KRrSZgT75V2nKKpAFzE8_l-cAkN/s400/crazy+heart.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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My husband's long-time friend, Scott Cooper, <a href="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/features/article_1539020.php/Interview-Crazy-Heart-writer-and-director-Scott-Cooper">wrote and directed it</a>. And it was his first shot at directing to boot! Can you imagine how exciting it must have been for him and his wife to be getting ready for the Oscars? Truly a dream come true!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichLV8-FNnDzCcwV49XOai81YPn6UC-fnr0ryJEUMHMcBssIDoU4o8YIarEn8zoLxGDqKYB2mzydQ06i0AAGdKVZ6TIIGKmT38YbFKo4ejA1Jn1jdCGfJuOvDnk4_vkb5qKkc3exO_q5Mu/s1600-h/scott+cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichLV8-FNnDzCcwV49XOai81YPn6UC-fnr0ryJEUMHMcBssIDoU4o8YIarEn8zoLxGDqKYB2mzydQ06i0AAGdKVZ6TIIGKmT38YbFKo4ejA1Jn1jdCGfJuOvDnk4_vkb5qKkc3exO_q5Mu/s400/scott+cooper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image courtesy of Minnesota Public Radio</span></div>
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The movie won for Best Original Song </div>
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And for Best Actor - Jeff Bridges</div>
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Who has been married to the same woman, by the way, for 33 years. Just had to throw that in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca0ctNn5Gt96zsI61eAgd9w-y2MaUKhKsWRFPknFe2mGkNr5VrWPbDGB5V0sq-GEzfDwBoYQsTs1xZmur02E4sNhcN4HvZSPiSd6nKtkmCnzfoZIvrROpDUtx1SnMfkUMRikvw4SRtGFi/s1600-h/jeff+bridges+and+wife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca0ctNn5Gt96zsI61eAgd9w-y2MaUKhKsWRFPknFe2mGkNr5VrWPbDGB5V0sq-GEzfDwBoYQsTs1xZmur02E4sNhcN4HvZSPiSd6nKtkmCnzfoZIvrROpDUtx1SnMfkUMRikvw4SRtGFi/s400/jeff+bridges+and+wife.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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The red carpet fashions and the entertainment value of The Oscars seem to take front seat for rating the show the day after it's all over. There are good dresses and bad. Good speeches and bad. Good interlude performances and bad. Good hosts and bad. But what we seem to have lost in recent years is the delight in the true meaning and purpose of the Oscars. </div>
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Behind every movie are people and dreams.</div>
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Artists and their crafts.</div>
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Those who never thought they could... suddenly handed a golden statue on a stage.</div>
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Those who knew they could but were told they couldn't...suddenly winning an Oscar.</div>
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Golden moments, for sure.</div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-15911353664804674062010-02-25T19:32:00.001-05:002013-07-12T10:32:24.812-04:00Conversations from the Back Seat #4946<em>Mom. today I told N's mom dat she has hair like a man.</em><br />
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<strike>Oh lord have mercy I will now run into her at school every single day for the rest of my life and there will be no rock under which to crawl.</strike> And.....what did N's mom say when you said that about her hair?<br />
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<em>She said did I say dat because it is short hair. And I said to her I say dat because her hair is short and also because her hair has dark hair and grey hair like dad's. And dad is a man so dat is why I tell her she has hair like a man</em>.<br />
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{speechless mother}!!!<br />
{speechless mother}!!!<br />
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<em>But, Mom. I did not tell her she makes me gag. Like you sometimes make me gag.</em><br />
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And why do I sometimes make you gag.<br />
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<em>Juss sometimes when I see you I cough and then I gag. But only mostly in the mornings before I've had my juice.</em><br />
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Yeah, mornings can be tough. <br />
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<em>Yeah. And so can night time when I have to lay dere in my bed 'cause dad says do not get up and keep your eyes closed Adam.</em><br />
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Personally I love it when I finally get to go to bed.<br />
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<em>Well, I do not. And I weally, weally wish I could juss sleep in your bed at night time so I could snuggle wiff you.</em><br />
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I wouldn't make you gag then?<br />
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<em>Not if you kept your eyes closed.</em><br />
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I love you son.<br />
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<em>I love you too Mom. You're the best</em>.<br />
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<strike>Whatever.</strike>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-19938631923247317152010-02-16T11:57:00.002-05:002013-08-15T15:23:18.576-04:00TJMaxx / HomeGoods Head to Toe<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you didn't already know about my love for TJMaxx/HomeGoods - let me tell you.... it's my home away from home! </div>
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I stop in once a week or so just to see what's new. My local store gets shipments on Thursdays but I usually don't get to peruse until the weekend. This time of year is sort of a so-so / inbetween time but I did score a great sweater by <a href="http://www.theory.com/">Theory</a> a couple weeks ago, ON CLEARANCE!</div>
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I've been a fan of Theory clothing for a long time but it's sold at high-end department stores and it's just too expensive to buy at full retail. I especially love their cardigans and outerwear for the longer torso and arm length, as well as the slimmer cut armholes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDs0wn_puK9QsaMDo2Z2gKisa0sIheDl_zqk6xZ_XgncRW7p0YiwhpQEvYV6WAPrbVNI8-40vWSjQI4rm7snYMqytId2k1eyGG8-YySvtlGN-CYiKex59A-oB6cbJO35irUdLZ-ZEwMR1/s1600-h/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDs0wn_puK9QsaMDo2Z2gKisa0sIheDl_zqk6xZ_XgncRW7p0YiwhpQEvYV6WAPrbVNI8-40vWSjQI4rm7snYMqytId2k1eyGG8-YySvtlGN-CYiKex59A-oB6cbJO35irUdLZ-ZEwMR1/s400/IMG_1608.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I wore my new Theory sweater last weekend, and as I was snapping pictures for this blog post I realized almost everything else I was wearing was also from TJMaxx! </div>
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Theory short-sleeved button front cardigan - Retail $335. $79.99 at TJMaxx with an additional 50% off, making it $40. That's about 85% off retail.</div>
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<a href="http://www.joesjeans.com/index.php">Joe's Jeans</a> - Normally around $150 retail. About 50% off retail at TJMaxx</div>
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Guess brand long-sleeve tshirt - $14.99 </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPO8E5L5gp2LeXBWw3dnr-uFDjPbQlPEXg5u_kwymXu2SdYUa4EUHKXJ4V4BSD8OLA4rT9-kHu9682EXBJWGF8V2AqSQJxoOUoucSi7yf1hyphenhyphenChfdtX7rkfOqFmwkDcypVdVJ6TFWklDnY/s1600-h/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPO8E5L5gp2LeXBWw3dnr-uFDjPbQlPEXg5u_kwymXu2SdYUa4EUHKXJ4V4BSD8OLA4rT9-kHu9682EXBJWGF8V2AqSQJxoOUoucSi7yf1hyphenhyphenChfdtX7rkfOqFmwkDcypVdVJ6TFWklDnY/s400/IMG_1596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My silver necklace is by Judith Ripka for QVC, but I got the lemon quartz clip-on at TJMaxx. Her QVC line is very reasonably priced and great quality. The black beaded necklace was made by my mom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM1GkzyxC-d_9pMHYQ3sCuNRsyrV9uXY4cR4fIUEJv8uuRZGLX_jkKC47Loq_8N2tuwEGxSkJpyaCyqaTaV3GHNRUvm6GLzRskRcanbFJZWk1ov5bN4TEw5Jw-Nc4cGrlBIYGupHTCTu1/s1600-h/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM1GkzyxC-d_9pMHYQ3sCuNRsyrV9uXY4cR4fIUEJv8uuRZGLX_jkKC47Loq_8N2tuwEGxSkJpyaCyqaTaV3GHNRUvm6GLzRskRcanbFJZWk1ov5bN4TEw5Jw-Nc4cGrlBIYGupHTCTu1/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And finally, another great TJMaxx Judith Ripka find - a huge, blingy lemon quartz ring!</div>
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Bracelets also from TJMaxx but I don't recall the brand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYygpuP6dwss_-Q8X4lp8-ZAwDdN01-MR8O9GGUuocqSlIZKylF3NR40g93VgvI_U7zgO8bqyr5Lw-YtI30LHANyFiTpHaubRTRnbgUpU0V9bZR3B2reVg732LJuYOHjk9ZEO0bLcD2O_a/s1600-h/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYygpuP6dwss_-Q8X4lp8-ZAwDdN01-MR8O9GGUuocqSlIZKylF3NR40g93VgvI_U7zgO8bqyr5Lw-YtI30LHANyFiTpHaubRTRnbgUpU0V9bZR3B2reVg732LJuYOHjk9ZEO0bLcD2O_a/s400/IMG_1642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy shopping! </div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-76628622187031553992010-02-01T20:47:00.003-05:002013-07-12T14:41:22.511-04:00Gap Patch Jeans for Early Spring 2010<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I ventured into The Gap a couple weeks ago just to see what might be coming out for Early Spring 2010 and ran across a few things I absolutely, positively couldn't live without. <br />
<br />
Shocking, I know!<br />
<br />
I've heard a lot of so-so reviews of the camp / camo / khaki / utility theme that's so popular for Spring. I happen to really like the majority of the things I've seen, though I will never ever wear camoflage or the run-of-the-mill traditional khaki pants. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o-NckJkehY6IGRvItcI7QNMnD1TA73QJXP7mEI22035Tvdc23Wxgfo9lwLpPaAmoWWvAvobovnc47KGNLQVP5iXWLIQab_4xwy6T91g-v6b2S-k_P_oRw88uFzlC-XZ0DIj3_V4GWbjf/s1600-h/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o-NckJkehY6IGRvItcI7QNMnD1TA73QJXP7mEI22035Tvdc23Wxgfo9lwLpPaAmoWWvAvobovnc47KGNLQVP5iXWLIQab_4xwy6T91g-v6b2S-k_P_oRw88uFzlC-XZ0DIj3_V4GWbjf/s320/IMG_1499.JPG" /></a></div>
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My favorite recent purchase has been the <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48597&vid=1&pid=705558">Gap patch jeans</a>. I wore them all weekend - Saturday with a long cardigan and Sunday with my <a href="http://www.target.com/License-Juniors-Inked-peace-Graphic/dp/B002LEIC76/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1041790&keywords=peace&field_browse=1041790&sessionID=177-0467765-3881655&searchSize=30&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1041790&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=target104545&searchPage=2&field_keywords=peace">peace sign shirt from Target.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdqdYkJIIIFGirN9FBxd1WrxlXvhdgh-k5xWszQ3xCsAPFmc3gXZ12QTNtYg0OLNlNi5C87-dtKrJX-TsOqByI0HXyxfXNNGSac2gzjtlowdj6yr5S-JCLR4lOu86no_S59esZ6nO2DZM/s1600-h/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdqdYkJIIIFGirN9FBxd1WrxlXvhdgh-k5xWszQ3xCsAPFmc3gXZ12QTNtYg0OLNlNi5C87-dtKrJX-TsOqByI0HXyxfXNNGSac2gzjtlowdj6yr5S-JCLR4lOu86no_S59esZ6nO2DZM/s320/IMG_1502.JPG" /></a></div>
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While I love the patches and the distressed look of the jeans, it confuses the heck out of my 4yo- ha!. He can't figure out why I am wearing jeans in such bad condition. When I put them on yesterday morning he said, <strong><em>Mom you juss need ta frow dose old jeans away and wear some dat aren't so bad lookin'.</em> </strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl4-NrKGtoHyFR67WTB63m8oFJ2F2vQtl9LbaWIyGyGGXgCbK17lsYTwKVv-Br7uqrWue82EojGBbjU9AF3AOYDeGnT-nsTVWb9qvuSM-05pRXhzH7r6XEt1G5SJIpiGIZmkJrNzV3Nf3/s1600-h/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl4-NrKGtoHyFR67WTB63m8oFJ2F2vQtl9LbaWIyGyGGXgCbK17lsYTwKVv-Br7uqrWue82EojGBbjU9AF3AOYDeGnT-nsTVWb9qvuSM-05pRXhzH7r6XEt1G5SJIpiGIZmkJrNzV3Nf3/s320/IMG_1508.JPG" /></a></div>
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Patches, patches everywhere. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa7_Nu2WTkgIZLizOA9ILvZ0oUuBpCYtRuW0NGoN9wWn0C8J9eSKjbp7B_yBRNPfN7L3VhS2W-TCweiifkqVGO4GJkvWdtPv3ls4XGxK1qHOCOJWsf6w8yZ9bv5ap7m5PNt7fYgmp1P4N/s1600-h/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa7_Nu2WTkgIZLizOA9ILvZ0oUuBpCYtRuW0NGoN9wWn0C8J9eSKjbp7B_yBRNPfN7L3VhS2W-TCweiifkqVGO4GJkvWdtPv3ls4XGxK1qHOCOJWsf6w8yZ9bv5ap7m5PNt7fYgmp1P4N/s200/IMG_1521.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sunday I rolled them up and wore black patent heels with black trouser socks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0UZETqMPy9dcm22h8007T-VBEN2vh9M9NBUe1jmRWWL6aQfvNAf9gKUnuT1fGG1USp6GjXUO-eml6ceHttchD69BbZPFAReywSYy94LaEZI3QMZ5BDf6Ms8kpRkWIDMcKn-RV7RlAdPK/s1600-h/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0UZETqMPy9dcm22h8007T-VBEN2vh9M9NBUe1jmRWWL6aQfvNAf9gKUnuT1fGG1USp6GjXUO-eml6ceHttchD69BbZPFAReywSYy94LaEZI3QMZ5BDf6Ms8kpRkWIDMcKn-RV7RlAdPK/s200/IMG_1524.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And topped it off with black/rhinestone necklace from JCrew</div>
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and a long pearl chain necklace from Stella + Dot - which is, by the way, my favorite and most versatile necklace. I wear it from casual to dressy 3-4 times a week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkh5KVnOt0li9rrU5bKwPl5ah1JYgRHI-DNJetWy6nR915WyCoAPLcw3IfcEFI_E2Yc-0QAl4J4SMg4neAPHTJLbQJVczQtHfTmeHHWlHp7Q2ZGQX32HggJ0YPGyaEdT86Nq97Jl1mvyf/s1600-h/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkh5KVnOt0li9rrU5bKwPl5ah1JYgRHI-DNJetWy6nR915WyCoAPLcw3IfcEFI_E2Yc-0QAl4J4SMg4neAPHTJLbQJVczQtHfTmeHHWlHp7Q2ZGQX32HggJ0YPGyaEdT86Nq97Jl1mvyf/s200/IMG_1514.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anybody else a fan of the early Spring styles so far?</span></div>
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**ETA - before y'all think I am 7 feet tall since my head is nearly as tall as the door in these photos, I finally found a way to photograph outfits that seems to work. I stand on a little step stool in our powder room and snap away. I'm tall - but not THAT tall. ha!</div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-7495862519816777122010-01-25T13:30:00.001-05:002013-07-12T10:32:38.109-04:00Conversations from the Backseat #4945So Adam, I saw on your daily sheet that you were the morning leader. What do you do when you are the morning leader?<br />
<br />
<em>Ms. N asks me to look on da calendar and tell her what day it is. Den I lead everyone to say da Pledge Da Legence</em>.<br />
<br />
And so tell me what day it is.<br />
<br />
<em>Friday, Jan-ru-ary twenty second , two fousand and ten.</em><br />
<br />
Very good!<br />
<br />
<em>But when Ms. N writes out two founsand and ten it is like twenty and ten. A two and den a zero and den a one and den another zero all together in a row.</em><br />
<br />
Yep. And some people say "Two Thousand and Ten" for the year like you do. And some people say "Twenty Ten" for the year.<br />
<br />
<em>Well, I fink dey should be sayin' "firty" for the year 'cause it's weally twenty plus ten.</em> <br />
<br />
Well, buddy, that's really good math but you don't add the numbers when you're talking about the year. <br />
<br />
<em>Why not?</em><br />
<br />
Well, you just don't.<br />
<br />
<em>Just because?</em><br />
<br />
I guess, yes. Just because.<br />
<br />
<em>Was dat a weally good question, Mom?</em><br />
<br />
Yes, buddy it was. I don't really know how to explain the numbering of the years in the short drive time we have left.<br />
<br />
<em>Hey Mom. Next time when I ask a weally good question and you don't know what 'ta say, instead of sayin' "just because" you should say "Dat's just how God made it."</em> <br />
<br />
I guess you're right, buddy. That is usually a better answer.<br />
<br />
<em>'Cause da year cannot help dat it's all messed up and cannot do da math. Dat's just how God made it. And God just isn't very good at math I guess.</em>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-25385128442032439772010-01-13T11:43:00.000-05:002013-07-12T10:32:49.044-04:00Conversations from the Backseat #4944Mom, why was Ms. M talkin' to you about dose fruit snacks I had in my backpack.<br />
<br />
<em>Well, she was telling me that they seemed to be a bit of a distraction all day today because you kept asking and asking if you could eat them and she said you told her you wanted to carry your backpack around the classroom today because they were in there.</em><br />
<br />
I didn't do dat.<br />
<br />
<em>She also told me that it caused problems with all the other kids wanting fruit snacks and wondering if you had enough for everyone.</em><br />
<br />
I told all of dem dat I only had one package and to not be touchin' my stuff.<br />
<br />
<em>Well, I am really disappointed because we talked about this exact thing last night when I agreed to let you take the fruit snacks. You promised me you would leave them alone and we had a long discussion about saving them for after school when I picked you up.</em><br />
<br />
But I was just makin' sure dey were still in dere. I was just checkin'. All dose kids are always messin' wiff my stuff.<br />
<br />
<em>OK, but remember you and I talked about all of those things and you took responsibility to leave them alone in your backpack until after school. And you didn't do what you said you were going to do.</em><br />
<br />
But I didn't make a big deal out of my new 'Credible Hulk dat I brought for show and tell. Dat was in da same pocket in my backpack as da fruit snacks and I did <strong>NOT</strong> get it out and start showin' it ta everyone.<br />
<br />
<em>That is great about Hulk. That is exactly what you are supposed to do. Just leave it in the pocket.</em> <br />
<br />
'Cause my show and tell day is not until Thursday. So dat's why I left it in da pocket. And I also have sports camp on Thursday.<br />
<br />
<em>That's right. Now, back to the fruit snacks. At first I thought about not letting you take them anymore because of what happened today, but I know that we've talked enough about it again so you can take another pack for tomorrow after school. And I will count on you to take responsibility to do what you know you're supposed to do.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>{dead silence}</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Ok? Do you promise me you will leave them alone until after school? I don't want any more bad reports from Ms. M. about the fruit snacks</em>.<br />
<br />
Mom. You know how we're not supposed to say b*tt or shut up 'cause dose are bad, bad words?<br />
<br />
<em>Yes. I do know that.</em><br />
<br />
We're also not supposed to say responsibility. Dat's a really bad word. So never, ever say dat to me again.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-6347292141525884902010-01-10T18:32:00.005-05:002013-07-12T10:33:08.959-04:00If You Give a Mom an Hour...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAZ4V28TxdjzsIAZ6gwjOhQ8fSvI8nMqVEtnCXCx6WZpDM3d2PA8drLgyRthgQDtj5wnY5o3E_k8MXNzVuHhT3ZFsEVtZF4gdl_cFBWVPqxUpGWDhl4Mv6Rb_PvmON4NV4Vou9qc-SKBo/s1600-h/frazzled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAZ4V28TxdjzsIAZ6gwjOhQ8fSvI8nMqVEtnCXCx6WZpDM3d2PA8drLgyRthgQDtj5wnY5o3E_k8MXNzVuHhT3ZFsEVtZF4gdl_cFBWVPqxUpGWDhl4Mv6Rb_PvmON4NV4Vou9qc-SKBo/s200/frazzled.png" /></a></div>
alone in the house<br />
on a Sunday afternoon<br />
she will finally get around to cleaning out those toy bins<br />
that are overflowing from Santa's generous visit.<br />
<br />
And then she needs another trash bag (or sixteen)<br />
so she will go upstairs to get one (or sixteen)<br />
because the trashbags upstairs are not very good<br />
and she doesn't want to waste the good ones in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Once she gets upstairs <br />
she remembers she hasn't made her bed.<br />
And speaking of bed, this is a good time to bring down the sheets<br />
on the 4yo's bed so she can wash them.<br />
<br />
And speaking of laundry<br />
she might as well gather up all the bath towels<br />
so there will be a fresh clean stack for the coming week <br />
or at least for the next two days.<br />
<br />
But before she can take the dirty laundry downstairs<br />
she must first put away the clean laundry sitting on the floor in a basket<br />
and also the stack of t-shirts that have been sitting on her dresser<br />
since last Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Because she was going to sort through her t-shirts last Wednesday<br />
before she put the clean laundry away<br />
but she got sidetracked before she got around to sorting the t-shirts<br />
and that's why they are still sitting there four days later.<br />
<br />
But as she begins to put the clean laundry away<br />
she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror <br />
and decides she should put on some makeup<br />
and run a brush through her hair.<br />
<br />
And then she remembers the new lipgloss she bought at Target<br />
sitting in the bag on the floor next to the clean laundry<br />
that she needs to put away<br />
before she can take the dirty laundry downstairs.<br />
<br />
So she trys on the new lipgloss and likes it a lot <br />
and then decides she should put away the other stuff from Target<br />
sitting on the floor in the bag<br />
next to the clean laundry that needs to be put away.<br />
<br />
And after she puts away the Target stuff<br />
(looking <br />
<del></del>a little bit better in her new lipgloss) <br />
she remembers she needs to make her bed<br />
and put away the laundry.<br />
<br />
But first she hears the oven beep downstairs<br />
reminding her about the cookies she is going to bake<br />
except there is one small problem<br />
the cookies aren't mixed up yet.<br />
<br />
So she goes downstairs to mix up the cookies<br />
but first she decides to put away the large skillet sitting in the dish drainer<br />
because she cannot stand seeing the large skillet sitting in the dish drainer<br />
let alone mix up cookies seeing it sitting there in the dish drainer.<br />
<br />
So then she needs eggs for the cookies<br />
and when she opens the refrigerator<br />
a can of Diet Coke falls out on her foot and cuts her toe<br />
so she goes upstairs to get a bandaid <strike>cussing under her breath</strike> cussing up a storm.<br />
<br />
And she remembers the laundry that needs to be put away<br />
and she miraculously manages to do that<br />
all the while reminding herself <br />
about the cookies downstairs waiting to be mixed up.<br />
<br />
But she cannot bring herself to go downstairs empty-handed<br />
and waste a perfectly good trip<br />
so she gathers up all the dirty laundry<br />
and puts it in the now-empty laundry basket.<br />
<br />
But before she goes downstairs <br />
she tells herself she really should make the bed<br />
so she makes the bed and then decides this is a great time<br />
to change out of her <strike>pitiful looking not to mention very old sweats</strike><br />
<del></del>lounge pants. <br />
<br />
So she changes into<strike> jeans</strike> pitiful looking but not quite as old sweat pants<br />
and snatches up the basket of dirty laundry <br />
and heads downstairs<br />
to finally make those cookies.<br />
<br />
And just as she gets the cookies mixed up<br />
all her sweet little children come home<br />
and one of the sweet little children asks her if she feels ok<br />
because the sweet little child thinks she looks sorta tired.<br />
<br />
And the mom who <strike>has</strike> had an hour alone to herself<br />
makes a mental note that that sweet little child with the radar for tired<br />
will be in bed no later than 8pm because she is worn to a frazzle<br />
and wants to watch Brothers and Sisters in peace, with only red wine and a few cookies for company.<br />
<br />
So it just goes to show you....<br />
If you give a mom an hour alone inside the house<br />
She will spin in circles without getting much accomplished<br />
And she'll definitely need lots of lipgloss, red wine and several cookies to make it through the day.<br />
<br />
The End.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-2508537192587830732010-01-05T13:45:00.017-05:002013-08-15T15:24:16.223-04:00Contemplations on my Christmas Break (aka Emerging from my Holiday Stupor)<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Testing.....testing....</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Is this thing on?</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>What day is it?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Where am I?</i></b></div>
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Yesterday was my first day back in the real world and, though my re-entry wasn't extremely difficult, it wasn't exactly easy either.</div>
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I was "on vacation” December 23 - January 3, but I did make three separate trips to the office to do payroll, pay bills and other necessary things. But at least it didn’t involve driving in rush hour traffic, wearing heels, or talking to anyone except myself. Not that I talk to myself while doing payroll. *ahem*</div>
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Though I wouldn’t say I got lots of R+R these past 10 days, I most definitely had lots of great times with family and friends, and that's really what matters anyway.</div>
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Kendra and I, and a friend and her daughter, went to see The Nutcracker Ballet at the Fabulous Fox Theater on Christmas Eve afternoon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheODDGrg-Joy_z4MP6G22aM5KemDkeGOby4kCDHP0HBGT4g9ofDOhzrwkT3aDuaFocpzwKYAvTjf6Q7-Iwk-hKjTPzx7kTwUem3CpwWZGFqryBq8aGfTd-bFUFnuhqWDg-fbr7FjhYp069/s1600-h/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheODDGrg-Joy_z4MP6G22aM5KemDkeGOby4kCDHP0HBGT4g9ofDOhzrwkT3aDuaFocpzwKYAvTjf6Q7-Iwk-hKjTPzx7kTwUem3CpwWZGFqryBq8aGfTd-bFUFnuhqWDg-fbr7FjhYp069/s400/IMG_1398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then we had a great Christmas Eve dinner with cousins.</div>
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<a href="http://jill-inc.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-subtle-hint.html">Red hot smokin’ Santa really did read my Christmas list</a>. Hello little red beauty….and a double batch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.</div>
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It’s unusually cold in the ATL for this time of year…….brrrrrrr…. I'm even wearing socks in the house, and I <i>never</i> wear socks in the house. Who says the global is warming?</div>
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I can’t believe swimsuits and cover-ups are out in the stores already. I mean, give me a break. Shouldn't we at least be able to buy our boxes of Whitman's chocolates for Valentine's Day without being reminded about squeezing into small pieces of fabric held together on the sides by string or gold metal circles?</div>
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I bought a swimsuit and cover-up on Sunday.</div>
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Honestly, it didn’t really dawn on me until sometime around Christmas that we were entering a new decade. </div>
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Two Thousand Ten or Twenty Ten?</div>
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And I guess for the sake of being nicer for the new year, I will reserve my sordid opinion about the terrible liberal slant that was so prevalent in all of the mainstream media's "year/decade in review" montages. So - yeah, yeah, yeah....Bush ran the country into the ground for most of the first decade. Whatever. At least we're on firm ground now. Unless we get sick. Or laid off. Or ride in an airplane.</div>
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I watched more movies over the break than I watched the rest of the year combined:</div>
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<b>Duplicity</b> – marginally good. I'm just not that into psychological thrillers about hair products.</div>
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<b>While You Were Sleeping</b> – Enjoyed it! Light, entertaining and funny. And I like Sandra Bullock.</div>
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<b>The Hangover</b> – 5 stars. One of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a very long time.</div>
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<b>The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</b> – touching and wonderful (and long!)</div>
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What was your favorite movie of 2009?</div>
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I seem to have misplaced more things than usual this holiday season, including but not limited to: my new health insurance card, both of my car keys <i><b>at the same time</b></i>, an American Express bill, my powder compact, a gift card, a roll of stamps and a pair of gloves. This is the second pair of gloves to go MIA. And the only thing on the list that's been found so far is one of my two car keys. I mean, I can function without gloves, but who can function without a car key?</div>
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I got my hair cut over the break and I asked my hairdresser to give me some loose waves instead of blow drying it straight, and she did it using a flat iron. (Pardon my non-makeup face, but we're all friends here, right? At least I'm not in my pajamas.) I actually liked the new do but so far have not been able to do it myself…not even close.</div>
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I had some extensive dental work done last Tuesday and have since been back to the dentist <b><i>four times</i></b>. That's one of the major reasons there wasn’t much R+R during my vacation..not to mention how much it cost.</div>
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We celebrated our New Year’s Eve wedding anniversary with dinner at the new St. Regis in Buckhead. They had an 8 course meal that was delicious and lots of fun. The designer bought several pieces of art from me for the hotel project, so it was fun to see them hanging on the walls in the hotel We had a drink in the wine bar before dinner. You will notice I did not don a dress for NYE – wore jeans in fact. Fuss free, comfortable and not a single person looked at me crossways.</div>
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I vowed I was going to leave our inside Christmas décor up until mid-January because it seemed like I barely got the house decorated before the clock struck Christmas Eve. But, I changed my tune by the 27th and all the berries and snowmen and santas are packed away for another year.</div>
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And then I started thinking about what I was going to put up in their place and for some reason <i>green</i> and <i>birds</i> and <i>nests</i> and <i>ferns</i> and <i>botanics</i> and <i>eggs</i> kept swirling around in my head <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/dinnerware-entertaining/whats-new-dine-entertain/">and then I got the new Pottery Barn catalog and look what I saw</a></div>
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I've been keeping a reading journal since 1999, recording all the books I read each year and notes about certain books I really loved. In 2009 I read 13 books; I'd hoped for at least 20. I have a clean fresh page in my journal for 2010 and at least two bookcases full of books waiting. </div>
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What was your favorite book of 2009?</div>
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I've made a few resolutions / goals for the new year but I've learned I do best if I tell you how I did after the fact instead of telling you about what I hope to do before I get started. </div>
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So how'd I do in 2009? One of my biggest goals was to lose some weight - and more importantly lose body fat <b><i>(hello having a baby when you're almost 40!).</i></b> I lost 27 pounds and 13% body fat. It was not easy. In fact the first 3 or 4 weeks were really, really rough. Ask me if you want specific details, but there is one way <i><b>and only one way</b></i> to successfully lose body fat and keep it off: lots of protein and water, no sugar or refined carbs, minimal alcohol and caffiene, and weight bearing exercise alternated with intense but short cardio. I can't tell you how many people ask me what I did and when I tell them they say, "I can't possibly do that." They can. You can. I did. If you have a new year's resolution to lose weight, you can do it. But if you're going to do it, do it the right way. You can count calories or fat gram or points all you want. You can use your Wii or kill yourself logging hours of pretty meaningless "exercise" on the treadmill. It will work in the short term. That's why Weight Watchers is so popular. But it won't work in the long term. That's why it's not called Body Fat Watchers. Big difference. </div>
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For those of you who have been waiting for the grand finale of the Running post...sorry about my bad timing. And sorry that I don't really have it in me to craft the grand part of the grand finale. But it's a great ending. Robbie is now Robert (or Rob). He found me on facebook and caught me up on the 9 years that have passed since we ran together. He's married, with a son of his own...and he is still running! In fact, he's run 20+ marathons and made it through college on a cross country scholarship. He wrote me about how much his first year of running meant to him. And I wrote to him about how much his first year of running meant to <b><i>me</i></b>. </div>
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And finally, I have a new business underway and it will take most of 2010 to get it up and running. </div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://southernstuf.blogspot.com/">this awesome lady</a> for my logo design. Try her! You will LOVE her! </div>
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And to <a href="http://singphotography.com/blog/">this awesome lady</a> for her great photography skills. This is one of the many wonderful photos she took around my house. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy New Year to all of you! </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> I hope it's great for you in many, many ways.</b></i></span></div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-27119629399528809282009-12-16T00:18:00.000-05:002013-07-12T10:33:55.804-04:00Four Glorious Years<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ7Lr1wfIPoqBoaMTpty8aZha3ZoPfTGGq9H7UQwUVobxDCBE_KqzgsJBHEQO0edirD1h1ki6jUCtcknPUkXq3D5I_mUJ32egp2EJQz3PhHIgtKwAvpCcV65C046JB-e-2gSoRHYv23Lq/s1600-h/Adam+is+4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415521704494753826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ7Lr1wfIPoqBoaMTpty8aZha3ZoPfTGGq9H7UQwUVobxDCBE_KqzgsJBHEQO0edirD1h1ki6jUCtcknPUkXq3D5I_mUJ32egp2EJQz3PhHIgtKwAvpCcV65C046JB-e-2gSoRHYv23Lq/s400/Adam+is+4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;">Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet boy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">the greatest {early} Christmas gift I've ever received.</span></div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-49830536836332091732009-12-13T09:54:00.002-05:002013-07-12T10:34:10.544-04:00Dressing the Boy<strong>Mom dressing toddler:</strong><br />
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<em>Oooohhhhh... these Superman underwear will help you do really good in school today with listening ears and helping hands.</em><br />
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<em>Next your cool soccer jersey that's red and blue......and what is this number right here?......</em><br />
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<em>OK, show momma how you can zip and snap your jeans all by yourself.</em><br />
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<em>And remember, the grey part of your socks go on the ________??? Bottom! That's right! You're such a big boy!</em><br />
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<em>And when you brush your teeth make sure you get alllllll the way to the back! Good job!</em><br />
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<strong>Dad dressing toddler:</strong><br />
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<em>Dude, get dressed, brush your teeth and make sure you bring your shoes down with you. You've got 5 minutes. </em>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936190274812663583.post-49573760177144954432009-12-09T21:08:00.009-05:002013-07-12T10:34:34.335-04:00Tie One On<div align="center">
Last night when I was wrapping some party gifts, it occurred to me how hard it can be to get a bow tied on a package so it looks <em>juuuuuuuust right</em>.<br />
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I learned this little trick several years ago and thought I'd share it here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_Hmwu4rs9aY1eLY6nRttRo08MSXTEXnumbOhYkh3R8xMe-Gl_jvrl6Hm1iiQA1TZCCfjC_N2XvmFy9yO3q6n6Ba3dqVlKB40uH_Uspq49SVn1G2-whO-mASkH0tbPvYmujfAY0lYV3Lt/s1600-h/IMG_5238.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413425420496928642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_Hmwu4rs9aY1eLY6nRttRo08MSXTEXnumbOhYkh3R8xMe-Gl_jvrl6Hm1iiQA1TZCCfjC_N2XvmFy9yO3q6n6Ba3dqVlKB40uH_Uspq49SVn1G2-whO-mASkH0tbPvYmujfAY0lYV3Lt/s400/IMG_5238.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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I love to use tulle (found at craft and fabric stores) because it is easy to work with and very pretty.<br />
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Also, as a rule of thumb, I use the gift I am putting the ribbon on to "measure" how much to use. I usually use 4x the longest length of the package. Sounds a little corny, but it really does work.<br />
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For the bow:<br />
Place your ribbon around the back of your gift and cross tie it around the front one time.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9i0mFbpGNexqKoFilZ6Xq4dmr4M8HlDOPcenEcdF9Ag44I18tWzA3zWUEpgAlVr6T5OL_HCZWt1_fuc7etMDWKf4BQD6iB-DQuTTW8q6ssKtWIT6Nrnx-cjTdxeT5cOXShzNhvEdSB-x/s1600-h/IMG_5239.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413425279064587186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9i0mFbpGNexqKoFilZ6Xq4dmr4M8HlDOPcenEcdF9Ag44I18tWzA3zWUEpgAlVr6T5OL_HCZWt1_fuc7etMDWKf4BQD6iB-DQuTTW8q6ssKtWIT6Nrnx-cjTdxeT5cOXShzNhvEdSB-x/s400/IMG_5239.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /> </a><div align="center">
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Next, turn your gift in the opposite direction from where you want the bow oriented in the end. My gifts are "vertical", so I will turn the gift horizontally for the next step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdphqJfLyew044VICS0Xg2JTLtcSJLAhnX6EyPveEd3MoyqaVCa5-hOQJa3ZqpB1bJBChR7w92AlzkQPwPtnHO1RLXZ721V8kaWm0Rz0shMmXRCnQ49tZ9LJD_8qDAo9FvbdRDT32sYaM1/s1600-h/IMG_5240.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413425122812235570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdphqJfLyew044VICS0Xg2JTLtcSJLAhnX6EyPveEd3MoyqaVCa5-hOQJa3ZqpB1bJBChR7w92AlzkQPwPtnHO1RLXZ721V8kaWm0Rz0shMmXRCnQ49tZ9LJD_8qDAo9FvbdRDT32sYaM1/s400/IMG_5240.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Cross tie your ribbon again to form a knot. This is one reason why I love tulle so much. You can pull it really tight and it doesn't damage or crinkle the paper. Then tie a bow. You will see below that the bow wants to lay in the opposite direction in which is was formed. Instead of laying straight it is slightly off center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4JK7mD1XSJg39jS-8YLHIkg87AVxOc6qUob6CQ9ZcmzCkvmekuzIW4ktiZfM1Kmxz6rZjk1WyrbJ7wqhYlHDGaBBLw7K4DPZ57RFSpNAV5C8yqG-RuUCdftYCL0G72ppPkDHzepDv9pL/s1600-h/IMG_5241.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413424961007492434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4JK7mD1XSJg39jS-8YLHIkg87AVxOc6qUob6CQ9ZcmzCkvmekuzIW4ktiZfM1Kmxz6rZjk1WyrbJ7wqhYlHDGaBBLw7K4DPZ57RFSpNAV5C8yqG-RuUCdftYCL0G72ppPkDHzepDv9pL/s400/IMG_5241.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Turn your gift again so it is oriented in the direction in which you intend and straighten the bow a little and it will stay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNtFo39muK46EdX9ly9CS8q1-cpAZQ9iV-D5FM1cuuiaEnR86pSOby6IVeFcX6fwEJ9ORZmJG83NzLcywhhzG1C50i9vp2Z0g9l8XsNAhmV9wH4pMohqrfPOI0rfR06RmhWOj8d-FKJlo/s1600-h/IMG_5243.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413424807237656770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNtFo39muK46EdX9ly9CS8q1-cpAZQ9iV-D5FM1cuuiaEnR86pSOby6IVeFcX6fwEJ9ORZmJG83NzLcywhhzG1C50i9vp2Z0g9l8XsNAhmV9wH4pMohqrfPOI0rfR06RmhWOj8d-FKJlo/s400/IMG_5243.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
Fluff and primp and add a tag. I like to put my ribbon on the upper 1/3 of the gift and add the tag below for something different. For this tag I used a large 3" scallop punch and initial stickers - both from the scrapbooking section at Michael's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvsVa5PiKPZCelmos7PlHLosfyx1QzG-1OwGS9725CoVraqbRZrQ2wBr7x91fRNb5xSyIwhyphenhyphenPngzA86NklYpkQLMFKrr_e18_YDvMaHg-vPWK8vZZedWtL39wcGtmEOjr7v6k9o5rofia/s1600-h/IMG_5244.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413424638073381474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvsVa5PiKPZCelmos7PlHLosfyx1QzG-1OwGS9725CoVraqbRZrQ2wBr7x91fRNb5xSyIwhyphenhyphenPngzA86NklYpkQLMFKrr_e18_YDvMaHg-vPWK8vZZedWtL39wcGtmEOjr7v6k9o5rofia/s400/IMG_5244.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">Happy wrapping, y'all!</span> </div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17786838392389718536noreply@blogger.com11