tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57384042541287334732024-02-06T21:03:45.369-05:00Always AshleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-10908999413081859502015-02-10T22:56:00.001-05:002015-02-10T22:58:48.009-05:00Painting...with a Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, my sister <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Heather's</span></a> best friend set up a girl's night for seven of our family and friends. So Friday night we set out to do a little unwinding by painting. Painting with a Twist is a place where you pick a picture you'd like to paint and then there is an instructor that guides you along throughout the entire painting process. They supply the paints, paint brushes, aprons, and even the canvas. You supply the wine! That's the twist. ;) You're allowed to drink while painting! Who wouldn't like that?! Our design was of a cobblestone pathway that has lamp posts and trees along side it. Along the way, I snapped a few pictures to show the before and after of my <strike>magnificent</strike> creation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUjQtwiB46Ad7iZCVGQQn1OChz4P0aaNmtR7Rt-rDUWcZFGhMeDyYViNEm2YMpt3ZHor2bpHoLMOeDpGSZi_PFfhJks9urd4wTiDE-GOD98tDBfr-kYRprlHhoBqPpyHmmMAKYJH2_jI/s1600/PwT6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUjQtwiB46Ad7iZCVGQQn1OChz4P0aaNmtR7Rt-rDUWcZFGhMeDyYViNEm2YMpt3ZHor2bpHoLMOeDpGSZi_PFfhJks9urd4wTiDE-GOD98tDBfr-kYRprlHhoBqPpyHmmMAKYJH2_jI/s1600/PwT6.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blank Canvas</td></tr>
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You start by making guidelines to sketch out the approximate locations of where the cobblestone pathway will be. By using the edge of the paint brush we were able to create a "whispy" look that represented a sky in the background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZrUTIAxB95gOQt6qnQbLFYfdiBZ4kznSpNgovcuwogoogPCismghSL5L4VmGB-NfJaAcCv3FqzAHBJBNreUIdgL93_t8FIA5ReTjOkBw7iFJCYuFRzon8_WLDga__OdCSyXrKNyWQfU/s1600/PwT2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guidelines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JwGbefjKDV9gw0rCS4ItqRo64kr0hpq5dxxVufooqhHoSmHHfoIUw7bgf4bMK-yjOaz8bBny8A-sYwYAiFbC3ZaJMTfNaxnD33sLdU071gUnWMhIVr82F0FDxJkIkhGKGaZX2byyxzI/s1600/PwT3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JwGbefjKDV9gw0rCS4ItqRo64kr0hpq5dxxVufooqhHoSmHHfoIUw7bgf4bMK-yjOaz8bBny8A-sYwYAiFbC3ZaJMTfNaxnD33sLdU071gUnWMhIVr82F0FDxJkIkhGKGaZX2byyxzI/s1600/PwT3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brush Techniques<br />
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This was a three hour long event! Therefore, things can get a little overwhelming and the instructor has to keep moving along, so falling behind tends to happen quite a bit. But when in doubt..."take another sip!" That's one of the rules Painting with a Twist goes by. It helps for people to not become upset or frustrated. They even have an area where you can get up and hula hoop if you just need to get away for a minute.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUTfYxHY5lwdD_ikpKWycCtGUKTD_nVHWlJOge4Uh5UpOtqKuCNAnjTesu5wfrlhGO3597DayCiRyJ_A6b8L8ffKa3-qD226ojWFLNE9SWEg5wWZNrdoK3P9te1rFuZgHKl0oYt2WLw0/s1600/PwT5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUTfYxHY5lwdD_ikpKWycCtGUKTD_nVHWlJOge4Uh5UpOtqKuCNAnjTesu5wfrlhGO3597DayCiRyJ_A6b8L8ffKa3-qD226ojWFLNE9SWEg5wWZNrdoK3P9te1rFuZgHKl0oYt2WLw0/s1600/PwT5.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle of the class </td></tr>
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In the middle of class, just for checking in on Facebook. I got this nifty bottle opener! How convenient! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhypheng72zOWPnpvaN67RvUbtTAxMLYznPIXGlGok7NGoJnfgJ_TbDG8h5qi8z-geXkEfbU0vDVDdkjHI-WK0lrfELd_nNvns2WzeaWNd4UitGxndpqyiL9W1LLeJpwhVAK6qIcGFnBaU09c/s1600/PwT7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhypheng72zOWPnpvaN67RvUbtTAxMLYznPIXGlGok7NGoJnfgJ_TbDG8h5qi8z-geXkEfbU0vDVDdkjHI-WK0lrfELd_nNvns2WzeaWNd4UitGxndpqyiL9W1LLeJpwhVAK6qIcGFnBaU09c/s1600/PwT7.JPG" /></a></div>
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Finally, we reached the end! Here's how my finished painting turned out. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadaaa!</td></tr>
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Not too shabby for my very first time at one of this events! The instructor mentioned that we don't have to use the exact colors that she uses if we want to make it more of our own. In our group photo, all of our pictures look very similar, yet the colors schemes slightly varied which made each picture unique!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd4J1rT3qcdxFiJzGFZfbIvS8FVLdRAIUeautpthsajS2Odf2gQQLvNTVvJAXLe3HVpqxjNhOtj4LKjwSbuPDnr_LsOXSGJM1l6qtWNCNRTWB5wZe2vtMs8IbLptLYsyBvV-UEe-khaM/s1600/PwT8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd4J1rT3qcdxFiJzGFZfbIvS8FVLdRAIUeautpthsajS2Odf2gQQLvNTVvJAXLe3HVpqxjNhOtj4LKjwSbuPDnr_LsOXSGJM1l6qtWNCNRTWB5wZe2vtMs8IbLptLYsyBvV-UEe-khaM/s1600/PwT8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finito!</td></tr>
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So there you have it! Three hours later and we each have our very own painting! To learn more about Painting with a Twist, or to find one near you, click <a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-62351676397514004702015-02-04T20:59:00.000-05:002015-02-10T22:07:46.743-05:00Physically and Mentally DrainedLately, I've been so worn out. Work has been crazy beyond belief! I find myself going into work earlier and earlier each day, busting my ass and then just wanting to pass out when I get home. Sometimes, I nap. Most days, I find the toothpicks (aka coffee) to keep my eyes open the rest of the night. The list of things to do at work is never ending. That's not such a bad thing though. It pretty much guarantee's job security but it would be nice to have more space, more instruments, and more people to help get the job done. After increasing business by 10x over the past couple years we are in major need of some more hands on deck. However, that will never happen...not yet at least. So I'm just going to keep on keepin' on feeling like a zombie most of the days. I love my job but damn..sister needs a break!<br />
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I'll never forget what one of my anthropology professor's told me when I was in school. He said, "You need to break the system or else work/school wins." By this he meant that we need to take personal days off. We need to call off work or skip class every now and then or else we aren't human. We become robots that follow a specific system day in and day out. Now, this doesn't mean to call off all the time it just means to do it if you really feel like you need it. So next class, I see the note on the door, our professor cancelled class. Touché. That's exactly why I took a personal day off work this past Monday. I have PTO days so why not use one? The 15" of snow definitely helped me make the decision to stay home in my comfy bed but it felt good. No matter what day I take off, the daunting list of work will still be there when I go back, but at least I had an extra 24 hours to help me recoup so that I'd return and do even better work. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-13075250777188152132015-02-03T17:54:00.000-05:002015-02-03T17:54:14.148-05:00Two.Thousand.FifteenNow that 2015 is here there is one main focus of mine. I do not want to fall victim of sloth. One of the seven deadly sins. Life is way too short to sit around and be lazy all day. Instead, I want to go out and adventure more. Last year was a great year for me. I tried new exciting things, pushed myself to do more, and found that I was just happier all together. I want to continue that trend this year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured Rocks<br /></td></tr>
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I've lived in Michigan for fifteen years now and I have never been to the Upper Peninsula nor Traverse City, Mackinaw Island, Pictured Rocks, or even Silver Lake Sand Dunes. This mitten of a state has so much beautiful nature to offer and I've barely seen any of it. My objective this summer is to venture around Michigan some more. Picture Rocks being first on my list. I have heard too many rave reviews about this location to simply pass it up. I would want to camp onsite and then take a kayak tour on Lake Superior to get an even more exquisite view of this marvel. Also, I've only been to Lake Erie. Eventually, I would love to check off all five lakes that surround Michigan.<br />
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Not only would I like to visit more of Michigan but I would also like to check out Las Vegas this summer. It would be fun and definitely a change of scenery. Hey, your twenties are for having fun, why not in Vegas? :)<br />
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A cruise would be nice also. I've been on one to the Bahamas it is relaxation heaven! You pay once and then everything else is all-inclusive. You can't beat it! Sailing on the endless blue ocean under clear and beautiful skies is breath-taking. Even the thought of a nice tan is calling my name during this cold winter.<br />
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But to take matters even further around the world I desperately want to travel to Spain. I have been wanting to go there for years. YEARS! Whether or not I go this year, we'll have to see, but one day I'll be there. I have studied Spanish for basically my whole life and there is nothing more that I want than to fully submerge myself in the language and culture. The architecture is exquisite, the food looks delicious and the style of dancing is phenomenal. Yo quiero visitar Barcelona primero! Barcelona has always been first on my list of cities to visit while in Spain but I may even run with the bulls in Pamplona...okay maybe not <i>run</i> with them, I'll watch. BUT you can definitely count me in for La Tomatina Festival in Bunol. Who wouldn't want to join in on a ginormous tomato food fight?!<br />
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I don't know if I'll be able to accomplish all of these places in one year. If I do, that's awesome. If I don't, there's always next year. Mainly, I just want to "do" more things this year. Even if it's going to concerts, sports events, or just playing basketball outside with the neighbors, I'll be happy. Sloth won't do me any good so I refuse to let it get to me!<br />
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If you happen to have any input on some of the locations that I just mentioned I would love to hear about it! It would help me decide where to travel first or let me know if I missed a great location or event that I should add to my list! :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-16370590894032612912015-02-01T19:56:00.000-05:002015-02-01T19:56:08.269-05:00Whoa. It's been a while...Yikes! I can't believe that I've been missing from the blogging world for over three months now. Time seriously flies. Needless to say, a lot has happened within those past three months. For instance, holiday after holiday, Chicago for my brother-in-law's 30th birthday, and snowboarding. Chicago was a blast so I figure I'll talk about that for now. About fifteen of my brother-in-law's good friends and family all headed West to Chicago on New Year's Day. We all purchased this awesome Groupon, which I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to deal with, and stayed the whole weekend for cheap! This was my first time purchasing a traveling Groupon and now it most likely won't be my last either. Most of us took the Amtrak train there too. It was my first train ride, too! So many first experiences happened on this trip. Overall, we did multiple different party/touristy things while in town. We all got together to have a birthday dinner for Joey and went to Lou Malnati's. It is a well known Chicago-style (of course) deep dish pizza joint. Man, was it delicious! Best pizza I've had in Chicago hands down.<br />
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For some tourist events, I rode the subway for the first time ever. Yes, ever...and I loved it. It's so convenient and easy to use! I was shocked. I also saw the "Bean" for the first time as well. Although, it looked more like an egg. The weather was gloomy and snowy so the top portion of the Bean was covered. However, a little snow and ice doesn't stop me from sight-seeing! I'm from Michigan people and we're currently getting snow as I speak, er, type. A ton at that! We have already gotten 8" and there's another expected 8" on the way. I'm taking work off tomorrow, just saying. Anyways, back to Chicago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOczSkLn-Curc8C6B45v9Yn5Dbf_GusIFkIeNC13D8Kf2poKUgtepgC4Ae0CXt2Q00UkRxY8_RdGnmrzqnN184nuQX7LAuEtk5BP6fUMrgFG4Xdnmh5b9ZlAQIjxODstF1u9u3WxmWOM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOczSkLn-Curc8C6B45v9Yn5Dbf_GusIFkIeNC13D8Kf2poKUgtepgC4Ae0CXt2Q00UkRxY8_RdGnmrzqnN184nuQX7LAuEtk5BP6fUMrgFG4Xdnmh5b9ZlAQIjxODstF1u9u3WxmWOM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iLgg941KHgPw52IoQNAXbOXAwpbFAkl6Zh3XpzZuc0TPITkRow5RktTtU-g5a7QEXiSxj-tKyR1syz5CO0AvxDZU7BcLdldF2jdTFdpmJLMEcifDJJ8WnI85fNPhz_uQ8WQR2qHlYM/s1600/Bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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I was fascinated by the Bean. It's so cool how you can see Chicago's skyline (on a good day) in its' reflection. Also, as if I wasn't short enough to begin with, it acted as a fun mirror. I looked half my size. Even walking underneath the bean was a unique experience. All of these swirls that the angle of the surface makes flips your image in different ways. Then, the fun part was trying to find where the bean flipped your image. I found myself in multiple locations!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclmxha7pgi09iJDf3WBMnj9I36PJDJCS3_GEyv42tGCxPjWOIgM8QnThHgn9nuoBGR4YvXsi3t74cL6EoSA5TjuPDiFeBi75GEL0tIsQPcdGINBqq_h1fTW-p2MxdAMKTgYGEdhs9sZs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclmxha7pgi09iJDf3WBMnj9I36PJDJCS3_GEyv42tGCxPjWOIgM8QnThHgn9nuoBGR4YvXsi3t74cL6EoSA5TjuPDiFeBi75GEL0tIsQPcdGINBqq_h1fTW-p2MxdAMKTgYGEdhs9sZs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath the Bean</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWQefy2EaUoDcOeTTEGgM_M3-EKWqB0uU43L4uDQyXTEXGYhgruOYrjuUySQyLf0APmXFFxCqVIJvhCG04l_HTiJi4mdMgiTsvNLTtQ3X0-tAo4KeU87pMNJl3GLuMw8G0DNKtDgS-k/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWQefy2EaUoDcOeTTEGgM_M3-EKWqB0uU43L4uDQyXTEXGYhgruOYrjuUySQyLf0APmXFFxCqVIJvhCG04l_HTiJi4mdMgiTsvNLTtQ3X0-tAo4KeU87pMNJl3GLuMw8G0DNKtDgS-k/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun Size</td></tr>
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I love how in the picture below the snow and ice covers our faces perfectly! </div>
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Then, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. Let me tell you, that place is HUGE! There was so much to see it was unbelievable! We spent hours there. It happened to be the time of the year in which they decorate a bunch of different Christmas trees to represent different countries. For example, Belgium had Belgian waffles hanging all over it and the United States tree had a bald eagle as it's tree topper. I apologize for my photo clarity, I was just using my phone's camera at the time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgium Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United State Tree</td></tr>
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Finally, we grabbed some of the famous cheddar/caramel mixed popcorn at Garrett's Popcorn. You can never go to Chi-Town without picking up some of their awesome popcorn!<br />
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So, there you have it! Joey's Chicago birthday trip to celebrate his "dirty thirty." Needless to say, I definitely want to make a Spring or Summer trip this year back to Chi-Town. There's so much more to explore and the night life is great! </div>
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Thanks for sticking out the long hiatus with me. I promise I'll post more frequently now. Talk to you soon! :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-20142553414080585972014-09-18T22:50:00.000-04:002014-09-18T22:50:12.113-04:00Tis' Wedding Season<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fall always seems to be a very popular season for weddings. I have a wedding this Saturday to go to. Another wedding in two weeks and it's <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and Joey's five year wedding anniversary today! Congratulations you two! So many joyous occasions to celebrate!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With many dressy occasions come many dressy outfits. I'm pretty sure that I have the dress that I want to wear narrowed down to <strike>of course</strike> a little black dress. What could go wrong with wearing a little black dress? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. While wearing a LBD you can never be too dress up or dressed down. It's the perfect go-to dress. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotpFX2eP5Nwckt8AlBdS3miZlhil2VLb_l5l4ToxqS88CqTqMqnzSPMSXMhQTVcKm4rBNrVREqOBPz0pxz9fYrAMFF3OOTQ2UuA_1GPOEBh_EOfn1XMQhY0yUomukghkglsSBD_Iel6E/s1600/the-little-black-dress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotpFX2eP5Nwckt8AlBdS3miZlhil2VLb_l5l4ToxqS88CqTqMqnzSPMSXMhQTVcKm4rBNrVREqOBPz0pxz9fYrAMFF3OOTQ2UuA_1GPOEBh_EOfn1XMQhY0yUomukghkglsSBD_Iel6E/s1600/the-little-black-dress1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=little+black+dress&biw=1440&bih=785&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=0JgbVMfBFJeqyASLhIKgAg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Ir7zX0EB4yRyxM%253A%3B38Vdr2Um1VszFM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn10.mixrmedia.com%252Fwp-uploads%252Fningin%252Fblog%252F2012%252F09%252Fthe-little-black-dress1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fblog.ningin.com%252F2012%252F09%252F28%252F10-idols-looking-beautiful-in-their-little-black-dresses%252F%3B318%3B320" target="_blank">The Little Black Dress</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My problem arises at what shoes to wear! Should I go with my nude pumps or should I go with my black heels. I can't decide. The only thing that is swaying my decision to the nude pumps is that my current black heels are platform. I don't want to people to think that I look like a stripper. I don't think that would be the case though since a TON of shoes are platforms these days. I'm also only 5'2", so with the added four or five inches, I won't stick out like a sore thumb. I'll be average height. As for the nude heels, it's beginning to be fall and I am gradually becoming more and more pale. Good-bye gorgeous Virginia Beach tan! Welp. Anyways, I feel like the nude heels may make my legs look even more pale. Nothing that a little self tanner can't fix but still. I'm stuck. What I really want to do is go out and buy a new pair of heels. I think a fun blue or pink would add a nice color pop to the black ensemble. I doubt that will happen though.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On to jewelry, the neckline of my dress is rounded right at the collarbone. So there's not a whole lot that I can do with a necklace. I would say maybe a nice bib necklace would do the trick but I'm not loving that idea either. My dress has subtle sparkles throughout it with a fine mesh on the sides and back. I think a great pair of earrings could do the trick, actually. Just skip the necklace and wear some bold earrings. Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do. I don't know. I'll have to try a bunch of jewelry on! What do you think would go best? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next up, makeup! Do I do a smoky eye with nude lips? Or do I go with a more natural eye and have a bold lip color? Like red! I do love a nice red lip! I don't think that I can do a smoky eye with a red lip being that it might be too much for the wedding ceremony. Although...I could always do a nude lip for the mass and then whip out my red lipstick for the reception! Hmm...so many options! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All I know is that I have to look good...damn good! I'm going solo and my friend (the one who's getting married) told me that a lot of her guy friends are going solo as well. I think she may be seating us at the same table at the reception. What a great friend! :) Hence, my dilemma on what to wear with my LBD!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-30971934708312800072014-09-17T23:22:00.002-04:002014-09-17T23:22:45.870-04:00Books. It's an Addiction.<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone! I hope all of you are having a great day today :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">As you may know, if you read my post on <a href="http://www.thealwaysashleyblog.com/2014/08/fifty-facts-about-me.html" target="_blank">fifty facts about me</a>, I. Love. Reading. Plain and simple. Currently, I am reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. There are ten parts to this book and I am on part seven right now. Almost there! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372321094167668959/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Exactly</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love it when a good book captures your mind. It allows for you to leave this very moment and drift into the day of another person. A character. It's a perfect way to unwind after a long day at work. Your mind is at ease and nothing else matters other than what will take place on the next page. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrMtusc5OF9xPNKft9hnW2F5mGnwEbI-eS_2w8EK6xXw1LFkTNHTtITdBI_IFpL-HjbMWs_pAiKw3iBgLBobbKCA-Nx95aW5uzsr_CDs2vGrhCiY7SxmefqcLgPCtWT40jQk_wSOzI_g/s1600/books3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrMtusc5OF9xPNKft9hnW2F5mGnwEbI-eS_2w8EK6xXw1LFkTNHTtITdBI_IFpL-HjbMWs_pAiKw3iBgLBobbKCA-Nx95aW5uzsr_CDs2vGrhCiY7SxmefqcLgPCtWT40jQk_wSOzI_g/s1600/books3.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372321094168000515/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The Book Thief</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Admittedly, I am a bit disappointed with the book thus far. I can put this book down. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a really good read but books that <i>really</i> capture my interest I just can't put down. This book, however, feels like it is taking forever to get to the good part. And I'm on the seventh! It's not like the author's writing quality stinks because it doesn't. It's wonderfully written. Also, the perspective that it's written from (a surprise that I didn't expect) was unique and intriguing. The setting was extremely detailed and convinced me that I'm in the exact city and year that the characters are in. If all of these combined make for a great novel, then why can I put this book down? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">I guess I just need a little more action throughout the book to keep my pages flipping. I told myself that I will NOT stop reading this book. I <i>will</i> finish it! I like the book, I really do! Plus, I want to watch the movie after I'm done because I've heard that it's amazing. Although, books are <i>always</i> (in my opinion) better than how Hollywood portrays them. The ending of a novel can definitely make or break the entire book though. Therefore, I will prevail! I'll let you know what I think about the book after I'm completely done. We'll see if the ending changes my mind about The Book Thief. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Does anyone else feel the same way? Do I just need to hang tight and push through to the end? I'd love to hear your opinion as well. No spoilers though please :) </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372321094167669097/" target="_blank">For real.</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">XoXo, Ashley</span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-47788702593480228412014-09-11T23:43:00.001-04:002014-09-11T23:43:37.493-04:00Last Weekend<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hola!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last weekend was a fun weekend. My sister <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and brother-in-law Joey asked me if I could dog sit for them. They had one of Joey's best friends wedding to go to and it was in Kalamazoo. Yup, that's really a city here in good ole Michigan. Kalamazoo's about an hour and a half away and after a night of dancing and drinking they weren't going to drive back home. Smart choice. Now, it's up to me to handle the two pooches Daisy and LuLu. They can be a handful sometimes but always a fun handful! Of course, I agreed to watch them. (Plus, they offered to pay for some beer and pizza and gave me the okay to invite some of my close friends over, YAY) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday night roles around and here I am with these two. Heather and Joey just planted grass seed a couple of weeks ago so I was told to walk the dogs out to a specific location. It was nice out all weekend so that wasn't a problem at all. The first time I had to take them out though I noticed that Daisy didn't really want to walk much. Shoot. Naturally, I started thinking of what could be the problem. Is she sick? Does she have a sore paw? What's going on with her? This prompts me to call Joey to ask if he had noticed her acting weird before they left. He then fills me in that when he took Daisy and LuLu to get their haircuts they had to get their anal glands cleaned as well. What in the world?! No wonder the poor thing doesn't want to walk. I guess it's common for dogs that are smaller to have to get this done quite often though. However, instead of walking Daisy to her bathroom location, I had to <i>drag</i> her. Every five steps she wanted to sit down and Wouldn't. Budge. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that was an experience! Lucky for me, she was better by the next day and everything was fine. So, I decided to take Heather and Joey up on their offer of inviting my friends over. I asked Ashleigh and Allison to come over Saturday night. I met both of these lovely ladies in college! Both agreed to come and the "girls night in" was officially about to start! We ordered Jets pizza and chit-chatted away while we ate. Then we opted to watch a movie, Horrible Bosses (my all-time FAVORITE comedy) was in the running, Ashleigh had never seen it. After probably ten minutes or so we then decided to go to Family Video. Ashleigh and Allison mentioned the movie The Ringer earlier in the night and I had never seen it. So we picked that one up and agreed on a double feature of first The Ringer and then Horrible Bosses. Awesome! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Allison brought wine and all three of us drank that. It was a type I've never tried before called Fruvi. A fruity wine. It was pretty good! We tried to pinpoint the fruit flavors that we tasted since they weren't listed on the bottle. The consensus was peach and raspberry for this particular type of Fruvi. As for the movies, I ended up really enjoying The Ringer. It was a great representation of people with special needs that are capable of doing just as much as anyone else can. I definitely recommend watching it for any of you that have not seen it. And the beer...oh the beer, it went untouched, surprisingly! Heather told me when she got back that Joey asked if we knew that they bought those for us. Who would pass up beer with their pizza? Now, they have some beer around when they want one or have company over. Anyways, the weekend was a success and overall I would give the puppies an B+ on their report cards. Only because of the whole bathroom situation. Other than that, they were gems!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-68539832750855291212014-09-04T20:27:00.001-04:002014-09-04T20:27:52.959-04:00Decisions, Decisions<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If ya'll remember...on August 17th I told you that I was getting back into the swing of things with working out. That means it has already been 18 days and I want to give you an update on how it's going. Overall, I did well up until the past week. Here's how my schedule went:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ug9LUXpLeNx0Ewvq6ycLaHFSFmmsrEzRMT0VC4y5YFe-xMTN3FP6J2SrXqnSf8T2qkCGSyQhVETMcspUPQNMvGlaMuIHb47w2JgCtZaHfQF5XvIA2ag7KXJ15vkFei4o_eZoEyKeCT4/s1600/Jillian_Michaels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ug9LUXpLeNx0Ewvq6ycLaHFSFmmsrEzRMT0VC4y5YFe-xMTN3FP6J2SrXqnSf8T2qkCGSyQhVETMcspUPQNMvGlaMuIHb47w2JgCtZaHfQF5XvIA2ag7KXJ15vkFei4o_eZoEyKeCT4/s1600/Jillian_Michaels.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=785&noj=1&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=jillian+michaels&oq=jillian+&gs_l=img.3.0.0l10.21390.23192.0.26318.8.6.0.2.2.0.148.465.3j2.5.0....0...1c.1.53.img..1.7.496.TpXxe4mjqRM#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=nmmT8Eahzw2FNM%253A%3BZyhCumy2bHAkVM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimg1.wikia.nocookie.net%252F__cb20130918220711%252Ffiction-wrestling-multiverse%252Fimages%252Fe%252Fee%252FJillian_Michaels.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ffiction-wrestling-multiverse.wikia.com%252Fwiki%252FFile%253AJillian_Michaels.jpg%3B1139%3B1899" target="_blank">Jillian Michaels</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Week 1</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 1: Level I- 30DS</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 2: Level I- 30DS</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 3: Level I- 30DS </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 4: Level I- 30DS</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 5: Womp.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 6: Womp.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 7: Zumba! 60 minutes of straight interval cardio</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Week 2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 8: Wade Hustle! 90 minutes of cardio</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 9: Womp.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 10: Level II- 30DS</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 11: Zumba! 60 minutes of straight interval cardio</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 12: Womp.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 13: Hot Yoga- 90 minutes of pure sweat</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 14-18: Womp. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The "womps" are the days that I didn't do a darn thing. I started out strong! Unfortunately, Labor Day weekend did me in. Too much extra time to fit in some shopping and lunch dates with friends and family! :) That's always a necessity! I'll have to fill you in on what I bought while we were out! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh yeah! Remember how I was going to strictly do just the 30 Day Shred? Well, I can never pass up a good Zumba or Hot Yoga session! Plus, you can't expect to lose weight or build muscle without cardio. Strength training + Cardio = The Real Deal! I'm not quite sure how I feel about doing two-a-days either. Say I go to Zumba in the morning, it would be good if I did the Shred in the evening as well. However, that's super ambitious and I'm at a slow and steady pace right now. I should try to achieve my first goal and simply focus on working out once daily. The battle begins...again. I wish I could do nothing and have a stomach like Jillians. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTN5GhvD3IN1Aw1fRX3972udgFEdXhc-VWFOw_OiRg1xKN6SBwpLve6TIizrseKO4a24oZo7XNoHZL6n3FIyWCX0LpAgLEm9oK_sgnOSShCWak-U0RD6phC_5TELsLCyYPdYWQXUPjxE/s1600/jillian-michaels1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTN5GhvD3IN1Aw1fRX3972udgFEdXhc-VWFOw_OiRg1xKN6SBwpLve6TIizrseKO4a24oZo7XNoHZL6n3FIyWCX0LpAgLEm9oK_sgnOSShCWak-U0RD6phC_5TELsLCyYPdYWQXUPjxE/s1600/jillian-michaels1.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=785&noj=1&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=jillian+michaels&oq=jillian+&gs_l=img.3.0.0l10.21390.23192.0.26318.8.6.0.2.2.0.148.465.3j2.5.0....0...1c.1.53.img..1.7.496.TpXxe4mjqRM#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=p77x7vw_2gpxZM%253A%3BysivCoolg_xtGM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwholefoodiebooty.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2014%252F05%252Fjillian-michaels1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwholefoodiebooty.com%252Fjillian-michaels-shit-part-2%252F%3B600%3B542" target="_blank">30 Day Shred</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On a side note, my actual gym membership is ending this month. I joined last year and have gone quite a bit but mainly during the Winter months. Technically, just my contract is ending, so I can still go on a month-to-month basis but now I can cancel whenever I'd like. (Yay, not trapped anymore!) The only thing that's swaying my decision to leave the gym is the money. I'm not sure if I'm getting my money's worth. I feel like I am but I would have to track my time spent there to actually see if I was. I feel like I would need to go more often. Also, we have the Total Gym so I would like to give that a legitimate try too. If the Total Gym is really a "total gym" then I should cancel my gym membership, right? Sigh. Decisions. Decisions. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Any help is welcomed! Have any of you tried the Total Gym out? Are you have a rough time like me when it comes to daily workouts? </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-49030254994892867332014-08-29T12:38:00.000-04:002014-09-01T17:13:47.545-04:00Fifty Facts About Me<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was called out by Heather to write a post that includes 50 fun facts about myself. I'm a bit hesitant. I feel like I won't be able to come up with fifty. That's a lot of facts! However, if <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and <a href="http://www.wordswithbrooke.com/" target="_blank">Brooke</a> can do it then I'm sure I can make it to fifty as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here goes nothing!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. I love fruit, especially kiwi.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. I have my ears pierced twice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. I love, love, love to read. I'm currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. I want a tattoo. No, I don't. Yes, I do. Ugh...the struggle.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. I'd choose vacuuming and laundry over dishes ANY DAY!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. My favorite dessert is ice cream.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. My favorite flavor of ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. Oh, and brownies are my favorite too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9. My birthstone is Diamond. More diamonds for moi! ;)</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10. I absolutely positively want to travel to Spain.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11. And Italy!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">12. And Greece! (thank you Pinterest)</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">13. I took Spanish from 3rd grade ALLLL the way through college.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">14. I love Greek yogurt and coconut water.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">15. I call myself a fitness guru because I love working out and eating healthy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">16. My favorite color is blue but pink is a close second.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">17. The Ugly Truth and The Proposal are my favorite rom-coms.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">18. Horrible bosses is my favorite comedy. Period.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">19. Staying inside with some wine, popcorn, and a good movie is almost always better than going out somewhere.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">20. I am single.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">21. I've never been to a pro football game...or college for that matter. I know, I know, I went to U of M! I'll go this season ;)</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">22. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">23. Therefore, I will ALWAYS be a Steelers fan.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">24. I wish I could model. Short girl problems. Only...8...more...inches! Even 4" heels won't get me there. I'll keep trying :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">25. Makeup is where I go overboard. It's an addiction. I just have to have <i>this</i> lipstick too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">26. I love swimming!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll be right back! Dairy Queen run! Told you...weakness.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mmmm...Heath & Cookie Dough blizzard. YUM.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">27. I absolutely HATE when the blinds in the house are closed during the day! I love natural lighting and closing the blinds does nothing for that.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">28. I love roller coasters! Cedar Point is the best.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">29. I.Hate.Donuts. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">30. My favorite movie candy is Buncha Crunch.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">31. I love M & M's and the blue ones are my favorite. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">32. I went snowboarding for the first time this past winter.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">33. And skydiving for the first time this summer.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">34. My favorite "watch at any time T.V. shows" are Friends and Big Bang Theory. Bazinga!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">35. I'm currently watching Season 2 of Breaking Bad and Season 7 of Dexter. Shhhh! No spoilers!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">36. I can never narrow down my favorite band or artist. There's too many that I like.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">37. I can never get out of Target without spending money.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">38. I don't like fudge. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">39. I don't really like chips besides for Doritos and Pringles.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">40. I think Zak Efron is gorgeous and so are the Franco brothers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">41. I'm picky about coffee. I don't like house coffee that much but I like some coffee from Starbucks or Bigby.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">42. Mary-Kate and Ashley and Victoria Beckham are my fashion idols. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">43. I can't sing. Like at all.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">44. I love dancing. I took ballet and pointe dance lessons for many years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">45. Urban Decay and MAC eye shadows are my favorite!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">46. I went jet skiing in the Bahamas.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">47. I want to explore more of Michigan. Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, South Haven beach.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">48. I've never been anywhere in the United States more West of Chicago. Hopefully, I'll visit Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon soon.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">49. I took piano lessons for three years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">50. I really, really, reeaaaallllyyy want to get my own puppy. I have the name picked out already but that's a secret! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, there you have it! Fifty things you didn't know about me! Can you think of fifty facts about yourself? Does anyone agree or disagree with some of the things I listed? I'd love to read them if so. I'd love to find out more about you as well. :)</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-77833848362218161652014-08-25T21:43:00.000-04:002014-08-25T21:43:35.936-04:00NOT the "S" Word!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fotlablog.com%2Fswimming-swimming-in-the-swimming-pool%2F&h=0&w=0&tbnid=4M_mGkikPjlxSM&zoom=1&tbnh=183&tbnw=275&docid=x_Q39aKePwFsnM&tbm=isch&ei=ReT7U8DkPNi5ogTXxoLQAg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Summer</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know about you but I am dreading the return of...don't say it...September! Ugh. Can you believe that we only have one week left of this beautiful month of August? I always feel like the first day of September is the start of Fall and I'm not ready for it! Not yet! I still want to run around in my shorts and flip flops. I absolutely do not want to start bundling up again. I <i>hate</i> wearing bulky jackets while driving or having to bundle up before I walk out the door. Even though the official start of Fall isn't until September (there's that "S" word again) twenty-third, I don't want the summer days to fly by. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As it may seem, I don't dislike Fall, I actually get totally excited for pumpkin lattes, fall clothes, and Halloween. Shopping for knick-knacks that represent the fall season is fun and addicting as well. Home Goods and Michael's are my nemesis when it comes to fall shopping. Oh! And you can't forget all the other clothing stores around. See, I enjoy fall clothes such as light scarves, a long sleeved shirt, skinny jeans, and a <i>great</i> pair of Tory Burch boots, which I have yet to purchase...sigh. Anyways! The Fall season is beautiful too! The leaves changing colors make for a gorgeous view on your way into work and the slightly chilly air allows for all the couples out there to get a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">little</span> bit closer. Cuddling is <i>always</i> a good thing. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/541557923910959157/" target="_blank">Fabulous</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well then, I'll just have to make the best of these last few weeks of Summer. The icy-cold winter that awaits us here in Michigan will not be thought about until it the day it gets here. So for now, I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and eighty-degree weather and not think about Fall, let alone Winter. The Labor Day weekend festivities await! Cheers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-31545471254513341172014-08-21T20:42:00.002-04:002014-08-21T20:42:12.907-04:00Tournament of Champions<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I work in Ann Arbor and at my work a group of coworkers and I go out for lunch to a different restaurant once a month. We do this for one year which allows for twelve unique restaurants to be tested. At the end of the year, each person takes a vote on which restaurant was their favorite, which was the Champion. Sort of a food challenge if you will. However, this year is a little bit different. Instead of picking a theme to follow such as "the breakfast challenge" or "the sub/sandwich challenge", this year is the Tournament of Champions. So instead of twelve restaurants we are going with sixteen. There were just too many Champions to not include certain places. Oh, and there's one rule to any challenge that we do. The restaurant CANNOT be a chain restaurant such as Taco Bell, Subway, or IHop. This allows for us to become familiar with more local places. Being that I just joined in with these challenges last year. There are a TON of places that I haven't tried yet in the Tournament of Champions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;">So today was this month's lunch challenge day. We went to </span><a href="http://www.angelosa2.com/specials" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Angelo's</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;">. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PsU9gR-AtKGq4ElzglCVu0G9UQ40OpNm4gschRAKLRzHVcHzr1v8O-8ZZ8ORunRRkRwnRQxV2_RrYX-j4OQpYqIILg3Lx3ihg02RdKoilCRvL6Kj15njWFjEE1owW5E_Ye4TZRsdJQA/s1600/Angelo's%2BAnn%2BArbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PsU9gR-AtKGq4ElzglCVu0G9UQ40OpNm4gschRAKLRzHVcHzr1v8O-8ZZ8ORunRRkRwnRQxV2_RrYX-j4OQpYqIILg3Lx3ihg02RdKoilCRvL6Kj15njWFjEE1owW5E_Ye4TZRsdJQA/s1600/Angelo's%2BAnn%2BArbor.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=angelos+ann+arbor&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=KY72U5PjOYOBygTb6YL4Dw&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1440&bih=785#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=3xO2OFJPVxVtcM%253A%3B97zUyn4L8EKsPM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.annarbor.com%252Fassets_c%252F2013%252F03%252F03082013_ENT_AngelosBest_DJ-1-thumb-380x259-136706.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.annarbor.com%252Fnews%252Fwhere-raisin-bread-reigns-angelos-restaurant-serving-up-breakfast-and-lunch-at-the-corner-of-catheri%252F%3B380%3B259" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Angelo's Pic Source</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Angelo's is a little family restaurant located in the vicinity of the University of Michigan's central campus. My fellow coworkers had this all planned out so that we would visit this location BEFORE college resumes for the Fall semester. It would nearly be impossible to eat at Angelo's during school months. There is very little parking around to begin with and when schools in...you can kiss your chances of parking even remotely close to the restaurant good-bye! Even today, without school being in yet, it took fifteen minutes to drove there but then it took <i>another</i> fifteen minutes just to find a parking spot. Imagine doing this when there are thousands of students walking around, cars parked in every.single.location, and parking structures only available for students with parking permits. You're pretty much S.O.L. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, we made it inside the diner, got our seats, and were greeted by the waiter immediately. After looking over the menu and getting the waiters opinion, I decided to go with their Corn Beef and Hash breakfast. Lucky for me, they serve breakfast all day long! I have never had corn beef and hash before so I thought why not try it at a place where it is raved about. It also came with eggs and your choice of toast. Not even, fifteen minutes later our meals were served. I think all six of us ordered from their breakfast menu...just to give you an idea about how delicious their breakfast selection is! But hang on, I HAVE to tell you about their bread. They offer homemade raisin bread! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu3ZjanDh91jVyzbub0j5iNfi8nt5PpJWmffjdpmc3pfTpFBsE9QLawsAnVpl2as3Ru4fIxL9Z3X3zgN9oWE5hEUPoQr7AxaE0BlrYAgURU6JhiLBzGJtTzLBA-0EIdsZZYiWS_QPos0/s1600/Angelo's%2BAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu3ZjanDh91jVyzbub0j5iNfi8nt5PpJWmffjdpmc3pfTpFBsE9QLawsAnVpl2as3Ru4fIxL9Z3X3zgN9oWE5hEUPoQr7AxaE0BlrYAgURU6JhiLBzGJtTzLBA-0EIdsZZYiWS_QPos0/s1600/Angelo's%2BAA.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=angelos+ann+arbor&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=KY72U5PjOYOBygTb6YL4Dw&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1440&bih=785#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=pQqYG6nJQCnV8M%253A%3BacRKt_RfKJL-vM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.roadfood.com%252Fphotos%252F12744.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.roadfood.com%252FRestaurant%252FOverview%252F5944%252Fangelos%3B800%3B600" target="_blank">Angelo's Raisin Bread</a> Pic Source</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would you look at that! There's no way that I could pass up <i>that</i>. It was sliced about an inch thick and Angelo's even has a cinnamon sugar shaker on the table to add to your toast. OH.MY.GOODNESS! The combination of everything combined was to die for. As if that wasn't enough, the waiter brought us two of their hot sauces stating that it goes great with the meal I ordered. He was right! The sauce wasn't just hot but it had a great flavor to it. Not to mention that this hot sauce is produced right here, locally in Ann Arbor, as well. It's called Clancy's Fancy Hot Sauce and comes in multiple levels of spiciness.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCqpnEtBuXmAurbWQkg-aNMvx6qYDqTYIy8hmG6l_ScNbSh-PoUTR9bhxYk6Q9Suszq-sETZGhraQFwlVD9vrTow4Uu-6KHqkw1NyOhWbPTK2UCwFt388zE_-T6olNuPhrjMfoIl94_g/s1600/Angelo's%2BClancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCqpnEtBuXmAurbWQkg-aNMvx6qYDqTYIy8hmG6l_ScNbSh-PoUTR9bhxYk6Q9Suszq-sETZGhraQFwlVD9vrTow4Uu-6KHqkw1NyOhWbPTK2UCwFt388zE_-T6olNuPhrjMfoIl94_g/s1600/Angelo's%2BClancy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=clancy%27s+fancy&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wY_2U-_DLYeYyQT0jYDADQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw&biw=1440&bih=742#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=A8pNtRGr6gu03M%253A%3BmBOrqnx4GWxXrM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthetwistedonion.com%252Fhome%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F06%252Fclancys.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthetwistedonion.com%252Fhome%252Flocal-gems-clancys-fancy-hot-sauce%252F%3B500%3B462" target="_blank">Clancy's Fancy</a> Pic Source</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clancysfancy.com/shop/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Here</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> is their website if you'd like to check it out and possibly buy a bottle for yourself. I don't get anything for speaking of their sauces or for Angelo's, just my opinion that I'd like to share with you! :) Overall, I was completely satisfied with Angelo's but the real question is...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Will it be the Tournament of Champion's <b>Champion</b>?!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have a few more months to go, and restaurants to try out, so we shall see! :D</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-68381221259272631132014-08-19T21:16:00.001-04:002014-08-19T21:16:27.348-04:00When it Rains, it Pours<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't even know where to begin! I guess I'll start by letting you all know that over the weekend my sister, <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and brother-in-law had to bring their car to the service garage. The check engine light on their dash was on and so they wanted to get it looked at. Being the nice sister that I am, I met them at the dealership so they weren't stranded there all day and would have a ride back home. All is good. Then, Heather and I decided to hit up Target since the dealership was right next to it. Bad move. I can never get out of there WITHOUT spending any money. Anyways, their car was scheduled to be looked at on Monday. Awesome, Heather and I will ride to work together since she won't have a car and thankfully, we work at the same place. Monday morning came and we enjoyed each other's company, stopped at Starbucks (blueberry muffins and coffee, uhh YUM!), and made it to work on time. Bonus! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then Tuesday rolled around. Their car was still in the shop. So I was recruited once more to take Heather into work. Cool, no big deal, we'll stop at Starbucks again. :) I was all ready to go and then I get in my car annnnd it wouldn't start. IT WOULDN'T START! How does this happen?? They have car troubles and then I get sucked in the bad karma loop and now I have car trouble! What the heck? Now, I'm just annoyed. Literally, minutes before I went in my car my Mom asked me if I wanted to take her car to work instead today to save on gas. My parents have a Chevy Volt. Literally, no gas would have to be used for my commute but I declined. Well, here I go back into the house asking my Mom if I can take her car. Thank goodness there was an extra car to take! Without it, Heather and I both would have been stranded. Alas, we made it to and from work again safely and her car will be out of the shop tomorrow. Thank the Lord! Now I just have to figure out what's going on with mine :/ I'll be sure to keep you updated.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To top off my day, it's raining. Not just little sprinkles of rain but buckets of rain pouring down, thunder-storming. Oy. I just want to be home with a good book and a cozy blanket right now. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-57939588113172265962014-08-17T23:11:00.001-04:002014-08-18T18:15:28.600-04:00Back in the Swing of Things<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I decided to get back in the swing of things and start another one of my workout binges. I fell off the bandwagon about a month ago and just have been feeling pretty crappy lately. And as the great Elle Woods states...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6lxaYXNbdxEeWluReUDsSwhyphenhyphenEatZ0aj4IVJkX-bgIa83XZ7USd_g6A-NKP9wHVRKN9ZWKmDBL58ZySNLqhjL_ouWciZGFElCRdvhUL79XMRgEo7yAV0w0_5Fcxb6pGhVmAD2RjqkPdw/s1600/Elle+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6lxaYXNbdxEeWluReUDsSwhyphenhyphenEatZ0aj4IVJkX-bgIa83XZ7USd_g6A-NKP9wHVRKN9ZWKmDBL58ZySNLqhjL_ouWciZGFElCRdvhUL79XMRgEo7yAV0w0_5Fcxb6pGhVmAD2RjqkPdw/s1600/Elle+Woods.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Therefore, back to the grind I go! I'm just going to ease into it and start by doing the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels. Man, does she know her stuff! I always feel like I've had a great workout after finishing her routines, better yet, it's in the comfort of my own home! I can shower immediately after working out and then I can eat a greek yogurt or make a green smoothie not too long after. These protein packed meals help with muscle recovery after a good workout! Don't worry, if you're unfamiliar with how to make green smoothies there are plenty of recipes out there! Like this </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372321094167675453/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">one</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> from pinterest! Despite their color, they really do taste amazing! I can't believe that I've been missing out on these for so long.</span></span><br />
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So, I conquered Day 1 of the 30 day shred today! Well...maybe not conquered, I had to take mini breaks between some moves, but I did complete the entire workout as best as I could. I can't wait to keep you posted on how the challenge is going for me and what progress I make. I hope my endurance builds quickly so I don't have to take any breaks. Have any of you completed the 30 Day Shred successfully? I'd love to hear your input on it and the results you've seen doing this workout! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738404254128733473.post-62411019254025756442014-08-17T00:35:00.001-04:002014-08-18T18:15:44.048-04:00Blogging for the First Time!<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, here I am, embarking on this <strike>new</strike> journey known as blogging! I've become a lot more interested in blogging lately thanks to my sister, <a href="http://www.whatheathersaidblog.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a>. She introduced me to Bloglovin' and helped me get started by following some of her favorite bloggers and her blog of course! An hour later and I was hooked! Time flew by as I scrolled through the endless amount of stories. I couldn't stop reading. Everyone has such different stories and unique ways of writing that I thought to myself, I should start one! Now, if I can only figure out how to get a shnazy template and add buttons to make my webpage look more legit, I'd be set. Any advice on how to get started would be much appreciated! So in the meantime...bare with me please, I'm new at this :D </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134010930533703308noreply@blogger.com0