tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69464964096458308612024-03-13T06:33:55.624-04:00Just Laugh.<center>A little blog about my LIFE, my LOVES and all the times I've asked myself, "Did that just happen?!"</center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-58415451715971500572013-08-04T22:26:00.000-04:002013-08-05T00:28:01.291-04:00The Lazy Blogger, Thrifting and a Nasty Trip to the DMVYeah yeah, I'm so good at following through with my new vows to blog again. I gotta get back on this! Truth is.. there is always SO much to do. Between cleaning up, laundry, working on projects or actual work-work for my job PLUS Jude, I barely even remember the idea of blogging. Even if I think of it, I just feel so tired from being so busy, that sitting down to write to whoever actually reads this thing seems like the last thing I feel like doing. Stinky. Like I said, I just gotta get back into my groove. Alanna's gonna get her groove back, just you wait. Ha.<br />
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So, I'm not even sure where or how to jump in after being MIA for so long - Do I just start writing about Jude as he is almost 6 months old (next week, holy canotes!)? Or do I backtrack it all so it all flows chronologically? Haaalp! I know it's really up to me. I feel like I need to just write as things are now, and fill in the blanks later.<br />
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Just a little "Jude Update": He's doing awesome! Justin gave him his first haircut! He was so wobbly and wiggly while I was holding him. It was a lot trickier than I thought it would be! He looks like such a spiffy little man now.. I love it. Been eating veggies - beans, sweet potatoes, peas.. He's sucha trooper.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm sweet potatoes!</td></tr>
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We've tried a little rice cereal too, which I think has definitely caused a little constipation (poor lil guy). So much troubleshooting with this food stuff. I still feel so lost, like I have no idea what I'm doing. Even with all the research and advice, everyone seems to still give me their opinion on what to do - whether I ask for it or not. So much help and direction, either way, is appreciated.. although it adds stress because everyone seems to be saying different things. I'm just going to keep going the way I have been. As long as Jude's happy, we're happy!<br />
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Over the last several years, I have slowly collected glassware, dishware and a biggo load of milkglass. Ohhh, sweet milkglass. I can't get enough. Aside from loving the beauty of it, I love the constantly different shapes and sizes of pieces I don't have yet or have never even seen before and the ease of finding it in thrift stores, garage sales or junk markets for dirt cheap. I love it. I've built quite the collection over the past couple years. I'm not even sure how many pieces I have total. I have an idea, but I need to do a count someday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 1/4 of my mammoth collection. The rest of them are in boxes and storage. I need a bigger place to store it all!</td></tr>
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My mom and I went to a junk market this weekend - it was really fun to walk around with Jude. He does so well in his little carseat/stroller, looking around, observing me (or whoever's pushing him) and people-watching. So cute. I have a feeling he will be a patient little guy during my thrift stops and exploring. I hope so, anyway. I came across some awesome milk glass pieces - I love the unique ones I've never seen before. Most of the stuff we saw was way overpriced. I can usually find a standard vase for 50¢ or $1.00. Sometimes it's worth spending a little more if they <i>are</i> the unique pieces you never come across, but it's usually hard for me to justify. Earlier this past Spring, we were in Wisconsin and I landed a garage sale with milk glass for 10¢ a piece! Woohoo! It melts my heart with friends or fam find milkglass around sales or thrift stores and think of me or get a few and surprise me with them. I love it! Anyway, I think I've rambled enough about my milkglass obsession.<br />
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The other day, Justin and I finally hit up the DMV to transfer our South Carolina plates. Yes, LONG OVERDUE. It felt really good though. Bittersweet actually. Gonna really miss those SC plates with the sunset and palmetto reminding us of those years down south. Feels weird to have MN plates like just about everyone else now. Borrriiing. Ha!<br />
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Aside from getting new plates, we took the plunge and attempted to transfer our licenses as well. Unfortunately, in MN, if you've lived out of this state for more than so many years, you have to retake the written driving test. UGH! I'm not even kidding. I did just fine, taking it after Driver's Ed 12 years ago and figured "how bad can it be?" to retake it. Since J took the morning off so we could get it all done + we had Jude, I knew it could be a challenge. He had been doing pretty well until the moment I sat down and put on those puffy 1990's headphones to take that stinkin' old-school driver's test.<br />
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The DMV guy was really nice. He was kinda comical and friendly, reminding me of the <a href="http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=old+spice+guy">Old Spice guy</a>. It was nice of him to put me on a computer on the end, so I could park his stroller right next to me. Justin was a few computers down from me. Not even a second after I began, I could feel Jude stirring and getting antsy. It was lunchtime for him and I was attached to those janky headphones and couldn't even hear if he was fussing or not. Well, he was. And I'm sure he was disturbing the people in line or waiting to take the test. Yes - I was <i>that </i>mom. After every question I answered, I'm trying to stick his pacifier back in his mouth and trying to roll the stroller back and forth. I was keeping track of the answers I was getting wrong.. 4 wrong. Shoot. 5.. 6.. Ughhhh. I was so distracted and honestly, HOW would I remember how many feet to stay behind certain vehicles or away from bicyclists..?? I just keep a safe distance away! I don't count the actual feet. Does anyone actually do that? For crying out loud, I thought residential speed was supposed to be somewhat slow.. 15mph? Nope. 30. 30mph! I mean, I'm a decent driver.. never been in an accident.. It's honestly all of those stupid rules that everyone forgets anyway. As the test ended, I squinted as I waited for the results to come up.<br />
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Blinking with the "errkk" sound: FAIL FAIL FAIL<br />
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Are you kidding me? I failed. I was so disappointed in myself (still am!). I got up quickly, hoping the screen would go away before the next person sat down. I looked over at Justin - who looked at me long enough to see my shake my head "no" and he kept going. Ugh, the worst feeling. I walked back toward the counter and yep - screen still blinked FAIL FAIL FAIL. Boooo. It totally reminded me of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095519/">License to Drive</a>. Except, I'm not 16 and living in an 80's movie. I reached the counter and Old Spice Guy just smiled and quietly said, "Hey! No big deal at all.. no big deal.. just come back and take it again..". At least he didn't make me feel like a major loser. Ughh, still.<br />
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The worst part was walking out MN-licenseless all the teeny boppers running around with their shiny new ID's and all smiley as they get their pictures taken. Booooo. Can't wait to study and go back for round 2. Next time, though, I will attempt it without Jude. Stinks. In the meantime, I can still rock my SC license - although I know it's a pretty big deal to transfer the thing over ASAP.<br />
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Getting excited for Justin's fam to visit again this weekend. Praying for good weather! I better get back to cleaning. Seems like, no matter how much cleaning I do, it's never done! Ahh, life of a momma.<br />
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xo<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-23085094655811279602013-07-08T13:03:00.002-04:002013-07-08T13:03:44.221-04:00So Much for Blogging Again.. Here I've jumped back on my blog, but I haven't produced too much since I started again. What gives!?<br />
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Life is busy as always. Justin has been working insanely hard (over 70 hours/week) and I've been picking up extra hours with my job, luckily able to work those from home. It's a pretty great setup for me right now. It's amazing to spend my days off with Jude, but still get some work in during naps and downtime. I feel lucky to have this opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My buddy</td></tr>
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Summer has been pretty "bleh" so far. June was covered in rain and storms and now that July is here, I already feel like summer is half over and I haven't even done anything fun or memorable yet. Ripoff. As nice as it is to work from home + help with projects for Confetti Pop, I'm forget what it's like to have "free time". I'm not complaining - although, it would be nice to enjoy a day or two with my boys and not feel obligated to be working on something. Let's just say, I have never been this un-tan in July in my life. I could cry!<br />
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This weekend, Justin worked quite a bit. I spent a little of <i>my </i>time working on putting together some DVDs of all the videos I've taken of Jude since he was born. I've never "made a DVD" before - maybe I'm behind times, but I just haven't. I don't even know if I'm doing it right. After I (think) I figured it all out, I thought I'd take it to the next level.. Vids from 2007.. 2008.. 2009.. keep going. We're talking hours and hours and <i>hours</i> of videos I've taken during my first years in SC, throughout our travels, wedding, moving, you name it. There's a lot. Again - I don't have a clue what I'm doing, but maybe it's easier than I think?<br />
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What bugs me, is I don't trust all of these precious vids to last forever on a DVD. Let's say in 15 years, Jude is growing up and we want to watch these videos, but they don't work anymore. How would I get them off the DVD? It's not like when I was little, and we could work with film negatives and video tape converters.. Am I worrying for nothing? I shared my worries with Justin and he told me that obviously things will be different in 15 years and I will just have to save the digital files so that we can update how it's played when the time comes. I still don't trust computers.. Or even my external drive. I wanna save everything in 10 different spots so it never gets lost.<br />
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And a big fat, sarcastic "hooray" for a garage sale I am now planning (thanks to tons of help from my mom!). As much as I love garage sales for shopping, throwing them never seems to <i>ever</i> be worth the time and hassle. So much to do in the next couple weeks.<br />
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In other news, Jude is totally rolling over now. It's so crazy how much he moves! I was beginning to think it would never happen. Now he's a moving machine. Been considering the next steps for feeding - which is a pretty big deal to me! I'm so used to the bottle method after 4.5 months. Warm it up, feed him. Warm it up, feed him. Now we are about to enter a whole new world. Not sure how all of this works still.. Thankful for friends who recently had babies or anyone who can tell me how the heck this whole feeding-thing works. Haha! Wouldn't it be nice if babies came with their own manuals? I guess it wouldn't be as fun.<br />
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If it means anything, I <i>promise</i> I will update this thing more than once every 15 months or couple weeks. This post is more for updating purposes than entertainment. Boo! Sorry guys.<br />
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xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-53431301970172994812013-06-23T21:55:00.002-04:002013-06-26T00:35:05.038-04:00Catching Up on 2012 + Some Pretty Exciting News..<div>
I cant quite describe how I feel right now.. Sitting here with Blogger open and actually writing again. Yeah yeah, I know I haven't made a single post in 15 months. It's a royal bummer. I've <i>wanted to</i>, but life has just been way too busy. In fact, quite a bit has happened since I last blogged. To get everything up to speed, here's my "long story short" (which, according to Justin, I'm incapable of ever accomplishing.). Here we go:</div>
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Winter 2012</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX5HymVnSds/UcYVpM3n9rI/AAAAAAAAFuc/I267UR3NsUQ/s1600/577164_10101408829162970_1878917664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX5HymVnSds/UcYVpM3n9rI/AAAAAAAAFuc/I267UR3NsUQ/s640/577164_10101408829162970_1878917664_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In February, we scored tickets to see MuteMath! The drummer - Darren King is seriously unbelievable. It was definitely entertaining and the guys put on a sweet, high-energy show. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx4FBy3AO-A/UcZB1a0iiPI/AAAAAAAAFuw/JPdpFarvPlI/s1600/484351_10101409592513210_2115848312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx4FBy3AO-A/UcZB1a0iiPI/AAAAAAAAFuw/JPdpFarvPlI/s640/484351_10101409592513210_2115848312_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In March, I had a pretty awesome opportunity to design and decorate an 80's-inspired 30th birthday party! Pretty proud of our gaudy get-ups: My bro-in-law - Jordan, sister - Lanae, me and Justin. What a bodacious night!! You can see the entire post here - <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2012/03/totally-radical-80s-inspired-birthday.html">Totally Radical 80's-Inspired Birthday Party</a>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hACA2KOEEdU/UcZJn_4136I/AAAAAAAAFvA/eV_1bRiuirc/s1600/149757_10101409755666250_1607896053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hACA2KOEEdU/UcZJn_4136I/AAAAAAAAFvA/eV_1bRiuirc/s640/149757_10101409755666250_1607896053_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Around my birthday, a bunch of friends, my mom and I rocked out at my first-ever Features show! What an amazing thing to get to see them at 7th Street Entry (aka the world's <i>tiniest</i> venue!). They were even better live than I thought they'd be! Super fun night. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMPZ0lPVqUU/UcZK2B2bKpI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/w-L3WXtc8Jo/s1600/564859_10101409212030700_836630624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMPZ0lPVqUU/UcZK2B2bKpI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/w-L3WXtc8Jo/s640/564859_10101409212030700_836630624_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sisters and mom surprised me with an INCREDIBLE Asian-inspired birthday dinner! I knew they were up to something, but I had no idea they went this far. Notice the sweet garlands my sister made.. even one that looked like fortune cookies (by the window)! I was so impressed with all of the hard work they put into everything. We all wore authentic conical Asian rice hats and stuffed our faces with one of my favorite foods. Yu-hum! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGAy_mQ6xp0/UcZMcxn8BNI/AAAAAAAAFvg/azU0bYSJJX0/s1600/553252_10101416343109960_826570758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGAy_mQ6xp0/UcZMcxn8BNI/AAAAAAAAFvg/azU0bYSJJX0/s640/553252_10101416343109960_826570758_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was totally blessed by some dear friends who bought me a flight so I could be a part of {one of my best friends} Jody's baby shower! It was one of the most unforgettable, special events I have ever had the honor to host for someone. I planned the party, invites, decor, everything from MN and somehow managed to pull it off. Thanks to lots of help from a few friends, everything turned out even better than I hoped. The decor was pretty impeccable and the photobooth was a <i>total hit</i>! See full party here - Jody's Sweet Peach Baby Shower</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spring 2012</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq_3jR_F9dY/UcZXB0bXMvI/AAAAAAAAFvw/hNpKH4KD8lQ/s1600/311597_10101416506083360_2058608563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq_3jR_F9dY/UcZXB0bXMvI/AAAAAAAAFvw/hNpKH4KD8lQ/s640/311597_10101416506083360_2058608563_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pulled off a pretty awesome vintage-inspired "Dude Bash" surprise party for my husband. Somehow, I succeeded in making all of the invites + decor without him figuring out it was for him. I had the guests bring their favorite lagers and ales and the best part? I secretly had 2 of Justin's brothers drive up 6 hours to be there for the big <i>SURPRIIISE! </i>- it was priceless! So fun to have them stay for the weekend. Menu included a bunch of J's favorites.. homemade mini bacon cheeseburgers, mini cheese-stuffed pretzels, single-serving pasta salads and cheeseballs + triple fudge cupcakes and more.. So fun to celebrate with a bunch friends and family (minus all of our dear friends in SC. BOO!). Check out the whole party here - Justin's Surprise Birthday Party: Vintage Dude Bash</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmhPwfikd5Q/UcZYnQWbLwI/AAAAAAAAFwA/YKY09Q494vs/s1600/578943_10101455665108360_391335522_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmhPwfikd5Q/UcZYnQWbLwI/AAAAAAAAFwA/YKY09Q494vs/s640/578943_10101455665108360_391335522_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was hired to make a Spring/Summer window display for bridal shop, <a href="http://chebella.com/" target="_blank">Che Bella</a> on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. What a sweet honor! {Photo Credit: <a href="http://tiffanybolkphotography.com/" target="_blank">Tiffany Bolk Photography</a>}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygo4fWOcLR4/UcZan9UIoeI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/G1R2m3PkEjs/s1600/320308_10101427851092870_508986573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygo4fWOcLR4/UcZan9UIoeI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/G1R2m3PkEjs/s640/320308_10101427851092870_508986573_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brian's Nerd-inspired 30th Surprise Birthday Party! Loan hired me to get geeky and incorporate a bunch of his nerdy favorites. Imagine a perfect compilation of Scott Pilgrim, Star Wars, Nacho Libre and a massive amount of computer parts. I provided nerd glasses for the guests and to honor the birthday boy, I made a bunch of pins with his face + favorite quotes coming out of his mouth. Really fun night! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BYJQ2RAVrE/UcZdL_F-u0I/AAAAAAAAFws/JZuarCIj5xE/s1600/06003070029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BYJQ2RAVrE/UcZdL_F-u0I/AAAAAAAAFws/JZuarCIj5xE/s640/06003070029.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A new friend, owner of <a href="http://www.chebella.com/" target="_blank">Che Bella Boutique</a>, hired me to do a bunch of decor pieces for her daughter's first birthday party. The theme: Vintage Farm! How adorable. Lots of fun elements and set up, including a farm animal puppet show activity for the kids, hay bales and wagon rides. The party was overflowing with garland and vintage embellishments. So lucky to be a part of such a cute party! {Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.adriennepage.com/" target="_blank">Adrienne Page Photography</a>}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEfxlyheZ8s/UcZfjFv-duI/AAAAAAAAFw8/_fC1VUoZlXg/s1600/408302_10101427888567770_1785268715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEfxlyheZ8s/UcZfjFv-duI/AAAAAAAAFw8/_fC1VUoZlXg/s640/408302_10101427888567770_1785268715_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Later in May, I helped my sister throw a baby shower for sister-in-law, Emily. Lots of fun colors with bold patterns and vintage inspiration. One of my favorite parts were the guest favors: a popcorn bar! Lanae did an awesome job - One of the more elaborate, detailed showers I have been lucky to help with!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h2 style="text-align: left;">
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Summer 2012</span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And for the biggest news on this post.. Just before Father's Day weekend, we found out.. WE'RE PREGNANT!! What an exciting surprise! We told our families first.. then friends. After spilling the news to my parents, we drove down to Wisconsin (Father's Day weekend) and surprised Justin's family. We dropped the big news at lunch - they were pretty surprised! Somehow, we kept everything hush-hush until our road trip to Greenville later that summer. I can't believe the news didn't get out. We had such a memorable time recording most of our friends and family's reactions to the news - absolutely priceless (see vid below!). I first had an idea that I might be expecting when Justin and I were getting a few things at Target and could barely stay awake. I remember J saying, "Babe. You're falling asleep.. and we're shopping.." I thought it was funny! I feel SO fortunate, but I never really had much morning sickness. A few different things would trigger nausea (especially at my job), but the pregnancy was definitely easier than I thought or expected. In fact, I LOVED being pregnant. All of the ultrasounds.. the preparations.. the anticipation.. What a beautiful gift. Justin was so supportive and accommodating the entire time as well. I just love him so much. We had already been searching frantically for a new home - Justin especially. There was so much to do to prepare before the baby came.. We began researching everything and anything. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Telling our families and friends the big news (please forgive my laughing/screaming/crying!):</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">My dear friend Loan's wedding was just around the corner. Not only was I hired to do her Bridal Shower, but Loan and Brian hired me to design and execute their circus-inspired wedding in July. My first wedding (not including my sisters or my own!). For her bridal shower, I had freedom to come up with decor and details. For her shower, I decided to go with a sweet/summer-influenced party inspired by hot air balloons. Still not sharing my big pregnant news with many other people yet, I was proud of this party, but there's a few things I may change by looking back now. I ended up taking my "vision" in a little different direction: clouds + pinwheels. I love how the clouds turned out.. they almost looked real! The day was a total blast. After the shower, we all went to a "Cocktails & Canvas" painting class. Of course, I passed on the "cocktail" part, hoping no one would notice. Check out the full party here! Loan's Bridal Shower - Inspired by Clouds and Pinwheels</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">July! I can't quite explain just how exciting it was to be a part of Loan & Brian's special day. I think I began planning and researching for their wedding for almost a year. About 1,400 pinwheels later + still keeping my pregnancy a secret (from most people), I had managed to pull off one of my favorite events to date. Don't get me wrong, I had TONS of help. I mean tons. Hours of help gluing all of those pinwheels and getting all of the other decor organized. I especially give a lot of credit to my mom and my sister Vanessa for all of their help.. Setting up was a whole different story. People I didn't even <i>know</i> were helping me. I was so grateful! Since the ceremony and reception were at a functioning museum in downtown Minneapolis - Mill City Museum - I literally had 3 hours to set up from the time the museum closed to the public. It seemed virtually impossible {Photo Credit: Canary Grey Photography}. You can see the whole post here - Loan + Brian's Circus-Inspired Wedding</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally! Roadtrip back to South Carolina. It was such an anticipated 20-hour drive down, since we had our big pregnancy secret and we were dying to tell all of our friends PLUS 3 of Justin's brothers who still didn't know the news. We spent 2 nights at our favorite - Folly Beach & Charleston. Definitely needed a little vacation! It was so special to tell our friends and brothers our news in person. I think had only been back to Greenville once since we had moved (for Jody's baby shower).. it was emotional! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">In August, I was contacted by Shauna Younge & Maddy Hague about joining their team for a new party-focused business they were starting - eventually named <a href="http://confettipop.com/site-info/meet-cp/" target="_blank">Confetti Pop</a>. Uhh.. I didn't even hesitate. They asked if I would be interested in joining as an intern and eventually a paid position once the business was going strong. Shauna and I had met almost a year ago at my sister's <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/11/jordan-lanaes-sweet-yellow-wedding.html" target="_blank">wedding</a> - she designed the desert table. After a prop-shop meeting, I was on board. Working with photoshoots and more editorial projects is a whole different world than budget-friendly/DIY baby and bridal showers, weddings and personal parties.. I was so excited to get to know the entertaining industry in a whole new way. Confetti has sure taken off.. We've already been growing and had some sweet features, including: Marta Stewart Weddings, 100 Layer Cake, TomKat Studio, Lucky.com, Lauren Conrad and seriously a ton more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{Pictured: Geometric Valentine Photoshoot last winter}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated from High School. Woah. Since I was a part of Student Council my senior year, I did a little help with with some simple decor for our miniature 10-year reunion. I graduated from a private school, class of 40 (seriously, 40). Even with the dozen of spouses that came, it was a pretty good turnout. I was still pretty disappointed some people weren't there - especially people that live in the cities! I was so excited to see everyone and catch up. Being in a 40-person class, we were all pretty close for the most part. Hope I get to see the people who couldn't make it sometime soon! It was a fun night. Highlights: Seeing people I haven't seen since graduation, more sharing our big "we're pregnant!" news and toward the end of the night - I clumsily knocked my Sprite over and it spilled all over the table. Ugh. Thank goodness I could blame everything on "Baby Brain"!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETMrLZwKE3w/UcaSbOsTdOI/AAAAAAAAFzI/sj65II--2lg/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETMrLZwKE3w/UcaSbOsTdOI/AAAAAAAAFzI/sj65II--2lg/s640/IMG_4471.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Justin found us a place to house!! We moved in August. Augh, what a relief. It was definitely hard to do the move while pregnant, especially since I couldn't lift anything. I felt pretty guilty. We were so lucky to have quite a few friends and my family help us. Man, moving is a process. Before we even moved in, J would spend night after night alone in the house - sanding, prepping, painting.. He is amazing. It was a total blessing that he found a house available with a 2-car garage, one that was pet-friendly (especially 2 dogs!) and had a washer/dryer. Our landlord was so gracious to pay for quite a few updates: paint, new fixtures, small things around the house.. even our patio updated (which Justin did..). Pretty awesome deal. Our neighbors are all pretty nice, which is good. I enjoy living here a lot. We have put so much time into making it a "home" and it actually feels like one. It's been a blessing to be in such a central location as well. I can't wait to see our little one grow and take his first steps here. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq_RlxVLFOE/UcaVsqS5_xI/AAAAAAAAFzs/ZdmZDKCW5l8/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq_RlxVLFOE/UcaVsqS5_xI/AAAAAAAAFzs/ZdmZDKCW5l8/s640/IMG_2618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh man. You don't even KNOW how long I waited for the MN State Fair. And double the excitement because I was craving like a madwoman. We were lucky to get to go twice, once with my mom and the second time with a bunch of Justin's family who came up for the weekend. I don't think they realized what they were getting into, or just how psycho-obsessed we get with The Fair. There's nothing like it! We had a great time, aside from the blistering heat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fall 2012</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TsVeVV8_yA/UcaWrXjP7VI/AAAAAAAAFz8/8nI19iU8YNY/s1600/IMG_20121004_170750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TsVeVV8_yA/UcaWrXjP7VI/AAAAAAAAFz8/8nI19iU8YNY/s640/IMG_20121004_170750.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In September, I chose to leave my full-time job as a therapist (at the autism school) and I accepted a part-time position at a family friend's company downtown St. Paul. As much as I've missed therapy, it was really good for me to be in a less aggressive environment. It was hard for me to give the energy I needed to give for a job like that. I sure miss it though. Those kids. It was a bittersweet step that I had to take. Going part-time has allowed me to focus more on my business and Confetti Pop + a desk job during pregnancy is bliss. I have never had a desk job before, let alone a cubicle! What a whole new world. Now working in office products, I can't help but compare the job to The Office. Obviously, my bosses are actually normal and are <i>nothing </i>like Michael Scott! Ha. I love working downtown. Even the view from our parking lot shows beauty - aside from the entire <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=downtown+st.+paul&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=d5bGUaeHHqeBygGR_4H4Cw&ved=0CFQQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=600#facrc=0%3Bst.%20paul%20skyline&imgdii=_&imgrc=_" target="_blank">St. Paul skyline</a> as a whole. I've been lucky to use my ability to "party plan", even for a Christmas event at the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. I dressed up our company's table Christmas-style with office products.. rubber band and paper clip garlands and manila folder Christmas trees. Turned out pretty cute!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nLr416vO6M/UcaaifuKMOI/AAAAAAAAF0M/w34h74E7WhM/s1600/IMG_20120817_191006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nLr416vO6M/UcaaifuKMOI/AAAAAAAAF0M/w34h74E7WhM/s640/IMG_20120817_191006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, we made lots of IKEA trips while trying to complete our home/organization + begin scoping things out for the baby's nursery. One of my biggest Baby Brain (or as Justin called it, "Baby Head") moments was somehow losing my cellphone. Gahhhh!! *clutching my head in shame* I realized it as we were leaving. I got that stomach-drop feeling.. Where the heck is my phone? Oh no. I looked at him and told him I didn't have it, knowing his reaction. Not only was IKEA closing for the night, but I somehow lost it and had no idea where in all of IKEA I just happened to set it down. I frantically asked some of the staff, tried calling it.. everything. No luck. Of all places to lose it. Best example of needle in a haystack, eh?? Once we got home, I changed all of my passwords and pretty much kissed my chances 'goodbye'. I tried calling IKEA the next morning to see if it had turned up. Uhhhh.. they found it! I told the guy I was so excited, I could hug him and bring him some desserts! I don't know where they ended up finding it, but I don't care. What a relief!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Saw The Features again (Justin's first time, my second!) and it was a great show! I was 5 months pregnant at the time, starting to feel kicks and movements. I wasn't <i>totally sure</i> how it would be going to a show - especially in a smaller venue (Turf Club), I knew we would be up at the front and it would be loud loud loud. It was definitely loud! It was a fun night, but I was so exhausted by the time it was over. I kept picturing the baby doing jumping jacks and bouncing around in me.. Poor little thing! This was the only show I went to while I was expecting. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOQ-RVURwmk/Ucc_XzF-R7I/AAAAAAAAF0c/32tmh-oKwGI/s1600/DSC05392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOQ-RVURwmk/Ucc_XzF-R7I/AAAAAAAAF0c/32tmh-oKwGI/s640/DSC05392.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Later in October, I had an <i>awesome</i> opportunity to do some decor for a casual, backyard, post-elopement wedding reception! The theme was up in the air for a little while, until the bride/groom chose to go peacock-inspired. Within their budget, I put together some simple decor elements to fulfill their vision for their celebration! Peacock hues + feathers + some sparkling gold and bronze garlands.. Everything turned out really clean and sweet. My sister, Vanessa helped me with all of the set up, plus she made the cutest floral & peacock feather embellishment for the bride's pup's collar. So cute! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">In October, I helped my sister throw a launch party soiree for her new business, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/R2SBoutique" target="_blank">Rags to Stitches</a>! She makes the sweetest fabric accessories and they have been in high demand! She worked her buns off to pump out more pieces than ever before and she had a really successful day! I helped with decor and the food table. Decor included some fun button garlands, garlands made with vintage scissors and using old antique window frames as selling props. Since the soiree, she has had craft shows and has even been offered a vendor slot at a boutique! I'm so proud of her! {Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Bartus-Photography/135668603200438" target="_blank">Angela Bartus Photography</a>} See the whole event here: Rags to Stitches Launch Party Soiree!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Halloween from a Bernie the Shark, a Romeo the Hot Dog and Coco the School Girl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAGnVHV38vc/UcdfyVI81lI/AAAAAAAAF1s/xBaf4W1chaU/s1600/Ikea+and+Lindau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAGnVHV38vc/UcdfyVI81lI/AAAAAAAAF1s/xBaf4W1chaU/s640/Ikea+and+Lindau.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The night before our big housewarming party, Justin and I decided to make a quick run to IKEA to grab a couple things we needed still. Coming off the Lindau exit from 77, We were heading east on Lindau. All of a sudden, as we're crossing Ikea Way to loop around at the next turn, a ridiculously stupid woman decides to make an illegal right turn into the Mall of America (by Nordstrom entrance) from the left middle lane. Whhaaat?? She turns, obviously carelessly, because with our green light, we rammed right into her. HARD. T-boned her and her stupid Hummer H3. We were <i>so upset</i>, <u>especially</u> because I was pregnant. Ohhh I was shaking as Justin got out to see the damage. She had none, we had plenty - although nothing major or in need of a tow. The woman tried to claim she had no insurance and wanted to make a deal out of pocket. Mmmm no. We called the police - who literally could have cared less - and told us to take it up with insurance. Nice. The joys of insurance calls and car repair began. almost impossible to believe.. the woman ended up <i>having insurance</i> PLUS another Hummer. No wonder she lied, her insurance would jump through the roof. We were shocked to find out that she actually claimed full 100% fault for the accident (which it was!), which meant we had all of our repairs covered. It was still a nightmare though. Justin spent hours on the phone dealing with the claim, not to mention being late to work while dealing with rentals and repair. So thankful the baby was fine. I did have some pretty bad bruising on my chest from the seatbelt and Justin had some rough back pain. I'm so glad that's over. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yay! Finally our housewarming party happened. After months and months of updating and cleaning and preparing, we had the best night with friends and family at our little boho-inspired party. I re-purposed some decor I already had and threw together a fun menu. I was just so excited to show everyone our new place and we ended up with some really sweet little gifts, including a lots of home goods and candles PLUS a TuPac action figure, a jar of "whale tears" and the shower curtain from Urban Outfitters I had been drooling over. Suh-weeet! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS3wfBBhTkQ/Ucd8iImfwyI/AAAAAAAAF2M/YNmaisUOfk8/s1600/reveal002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS3wfBBhTkQ/Ucd8iImfwyI/AAAAAAAAF2M/YNmaisUOfk8/s640/reveal002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As soon as Justin and I decided we wanted to find out our baby's gender, my wheels started turning for party themes. I really wanted to go with an art deco, 20's-inspired party, but my Confetti Pop girls wanted to help out and take it into a more Hollywood Regency direction. All I really knew about was that I wanted to have a cake made with pink or blue filling (without either of us knowing what's inside) and pins for our guests to take their guess at whether it's a boy or a girl. At our 20-week ultrasound, our technician was positive about the gender and she put the photos and a note in the envelope we gave to her for us to hold onto/give to the person making the cake. That envelope hung on our fridge for almost a month before I gave it to a friend-of-a-friend who agreed to make the cake for us! It was easier than I thought not to peek inside.. maybe because I really did want to be surprised. The cake definitely turned out a little different than we expected, but it was so fun to be surrounded by close friends and family as we found out such exciting news. We cut into the cake and it was full of blue - IT'S A BOY!!! I seriously didn't have a feeling either way. 80% of our friends/fam kept telling me they thought it would be a boy.. somehow their feelings were correct! Check out the whole party here! Hollywood Regency Gender-Reveal Party</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Winter 2012-2013</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg3rEvZl0Bk/UceCgsSQ_uI/AAAAAAAAF2c/rZZts3UFsgY/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg3rEvZl0Bk/UceCgsSQ_uI/AAAAAAAAF2c/rZZts3UFsgY/s640/IMG_4738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Winter hit. UGH. Winter was so short and sweet last year, that it was inevitable that this winter would be pure torture. I just prayed and prayed that the baby wouldn't come during a snowstorm. Our hospital we planned to deliver at was 25 minutes away and the last thing I wanted was to have our little boy in the car (seriously, it happened to friends of ours!). Justin grew and grew his mustache starting with the whole "<a href="http://us.movember.com/about/" target="_blank">Movember</a>" thing and let it keep growing until well into January. I kept telling him how much I love him, but if I could choose, I reeeeeeally didn't want our new baby photos to be full of him with a giant handlebar mustache. Christmas was fun - especially while being pregnant. It was really fun to imagine that the same time next year, our little boy would be walking and moving around as a little person.. Unreal! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B7hEfTPVaY/UceGOf7o34I/AAAAAAAAF20/4xTguiid-X8/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B7hEfTPVaY/UceGOf7o34I/AAAAAAAAF20/4xTguiid-X8/s640/IMG_4711.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nursery-planning was in full swing now that we knew the gender. Wanted to do a little mix of 1960's vintage camping/boy scout/adventure - <i>totally inspired</i> by the film, <a href="http://www.moonrisekingdom.com/#home" target="_blank">Moonrise Kingdom</a>. I was sold on painting one of the walls chevron (grey + white) and we really wanted to incorp as many vintage pieces as possible. In my desperate need to be prepared, I made an extensive (and I mean <i>extensive</i>) list of questions to send to friends who nanny or have babies. Especially when registering for the baby, we felt like lost little kids walking around in Buy Buy Baby, asking eachother, "Uhh..will we need this?? Uhh I dunno! This? I dunno!" So stressful. Hours and days of organizing all of my questions/answers later.. I had acquired the most amazing collection of advice and personal preferences of almost every baby item on the market. Unfortunately, most things depend on the baby, so it was pretty difficult to <i>fully prepare</i> until after baby was here. Either way, I felt a little better having too much knowledge than too little. Check out the finished nursery here! Jude's Vintage 60's Nursery Inspired by Moonrise Kingdom. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0mFXLyUpWA/UceiuUnn22I/AAAAAAAAF4A/bKQ8KwY7mEA/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0mFXLyUpWA/UceiuUnn22I/AAAAAAAAF4A/bKQ8KwY7mEA/s640/IMG_4836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to my sister, Vanessa - she sewed (with a tiny bit of my help!) all of my crib sheets and changing pad sheets. It was so awesome to be able to customize all of my colors and fabrics. Baby sheets in stores are so boring and limited for colors (pastel green, blue..) or they are crazy expensive on Etsy or elsewhere. I still owe Vanessa bigtime for all of the time she put into those. I just love this picture - especially that Coco is just hanging out like it's normal for her to sit inside of someone's shirt while sewing baby bedding.. Ha!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtM34zSFHG4/UceNVoEtNbI/AAAAAAAAF3E/gEGRadIDlik/s1600/IMG_20130104_174800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtM34zSFHG4/UceNVoEtNbI/AAAAAAAAF3E/gEGRadIDlik/s640/IMG_20130104_174800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved being pregnant. Like.. LOVED it. I am already pretty emotional as it is and during those 9 months, I was a seriously a big bag of tears! When we weren't working or getting things done before baby came, we relaxed and watched a few series of shows. Some of my favorites: United States of Tara, Raising Hope, Freaks & Geeks, good ol' America's Next Top Model, Breaking Bad and Parenthood. Cravings kinda went in waves.. My first few months, I constantly wanted anything from Panera + pickles and french fries. Eventually, I got so sick of pickles and all I wanted was cereal. Toward the end, I craved cheesburgers, trail mix and those marshmallow rice krispie bars <i>all the time. </i>Turn offs? Fast food. Augh. Nothing ever sounded good ever. Garlic. Eish. Fruit gum. No thank you. I journaled often throughout the time so I wouldn't forget little things. I'm glad I did! Baby names were all over the board. Justin and I were good about suggestions and talking through them.. we were pretty sold on the name Jude, but didn't want to fully commit until he was born! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uXyudV_7sY/UceiTxNeZiI/AAAAAAAAF38/px4iH9-J0r0/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uXyudV_7sY/UceiTxNeZiI/AAAAAAAAF38/px4iH9-J0r0/s640/IMG_4761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Progress in the nursery! The wall only took 10 or so hours to finish (sheesh!).. all the taping and re-taping.. It was quite a bit of work, although I'm pretty much in love with it! Love our simple little crib from IKEA. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WshodvXzV0/UcehclL_SrI/AAAAAAAAF3w/jrUckr2uBfQ/s1600/IMG_4807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WshodvXzV0/UcehclL_SrI/AAAAAAAAF3w/jrUckr2uBfQ/s640/IMG_4807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Justin and I wanted to take a trip so bad before the baby came, but it was too hard to budget and time was closing in. It was really sweet of my parents to set us up with a little overnight in a B&B in this sweet, old house. We had the best time. Aside from sweating my guts out while we were trying to sleep (no control over the temp that dang place!), we stayed up late playing board games by the fire. What a fabulous, much-needed little trip.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5p4dcXTbONU/UcecETBXDoI/AAAAAAAAF3U/rqZgKQcTW38/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5p4dcXTbONU/UcecETBXDoI/AAAAAAAAF3U/rqZgKQcTW38/s640/IMG_3962.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sisters and mom threw me a friends & family baby shower in January! It was the cutest woodland-theme.. Lots of similar colors we chose to use in the baby's room. Was such a special and memorable day. See the whole party here!<br />My Baby Showers: Woodland & Owls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jj-ox-G70hE/UcediILZ9uI/AAAAAAAAF3g/VfFzBc6LKi4/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jj-ox-G70hE/UcediILZ9uI/AAAAAAAAF3g/VfFzBc6LKi4/s640/IMG_4828.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A week later, my friends threw another shower for me for all of my friends + coworkers - owl-themed! I look like I'm about to pop in this photo. It's hard to describe how it felt to be showered and loved so much.. my face hurt from laughing and smiling all day long. </span></td></tr>
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Well. I think I will wrap this up for now. Our little man came along not even a month later - that story deserves it's own post!</div>
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xo</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-58566774471144783732012-03-30T10:26:00.000-04:002013-06-23T22:27:22.688-04:00Totally Radical 80's-Inspired Birthday Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been meaning to share these photos for (literally) <i>months</i> now.</div>
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My sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.emilysteffen.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a>, asked me to design a party for her husband's 30th birthday based on an 80's theme. It was a complete honor - especially since Emily is a known photographer and has been featured quite a few times for her skill and talent. I was pumped for these photos before the party was even set up! It's was quite the journey, since first researching ideas and coming up with ways to execute it all. The preparation was fun, especially scoring some sweet finds at my favorite thrift store and just about every Goodwill I could find. I was so fortunate to have help from so many people (see credits below!).. There's no way I could have done it alone. I think it's because I choose the DIY route <i>every single time.</i> Definitely more work, but I'd like to think it's worth the quality and time and detail I try to put in, especially for being on a budget! Setup was pretty crazy.. good crazy. The event was held at <a href="http://www.chatterboxpub.net/" target="_blank">The Chatterbox</a> in St. Paul, a totally retro hangout/restaurant with loads of vintage board games and old video game systems. The servers and other customers walking by would keep peeking into the party room and stop with their mouths open - I am pretty sure it's mostly because there was SO much decor in that small party room - including 3 different garlands, a photo booth, trivia game, buffet tables, seated tables with centerpieces, big-screen Nintendo and a crazy amount of vintage 80's props. I had a pretty rad 80's playlist going.. full of just about every good 80's hit I could find. Everyone seemed to have a really fun time!</div>
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I just about died when I found out the party was going to be featured on one of my favorite party sites - Hostess with the Mostess! Check it out <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/05/radical-neon-80s-party-ideas/">HERE</a>. </div>
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Feast your eyes on these totally awesome party photos, dudes!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">The invites were pretty fun! They resembled an old video game cartridge and were made by Emily's friend, </span><a href="http://denaswenson.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Dena Swenson</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party favors - full of the birthday guy's favorite retro candies, including Pop Rocks, Nerds, Razzles, Pixie Stix, Laffy Taffy, Gobbstoppers and suckers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food by The Chatterbox - delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retro fabrics + slinkies + cassette tape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trolls + A-tracks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chsraSiXlYM/T87SK-5vdhI/AAAAAAAAFoM/mqIiI9S9qCg/s1600/Aaron+30th+party-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chsraSiXlYM/T87SK-5vdhI/AAAAAAAAFoM/mqIiI9S9qCg/s640/Aaron+30th+party-015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the party activities - Aaron Trivia! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite garlands I've made for a party.. Pac-man! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made this cassette garland out of about 100 tapes I found at various Goodwills. Took a little extra detail to spray paint them, especially since most of the labels were still shining through. They were really heavy to hang as well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudy neons + Zubaz-inspired prints</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Booth set up with one of Emily's camera's and a remote. It worked so well!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatterbox set up a huge screen and Nintendo for guests to play - huge hit!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-10324914800252463032012-03-10T11:44:00.000-05:002012-03-11T03:47:11.827-04:00A Sweet & Cozy Birthday Party<span style="text-align: left;">My mom and two sisters have always had the joy to celebrate their birthdays together, since they are all January babies. Of course I had to throw a little lunch & dessert party! Although this winter hasn't exactly been "bad", I was totally inspired by a cute paper print I found and decided to go with a Sweet + Cozy Birthday Party. </span><br />
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Lunch was pretty simple - Pizza, salad, veggies with cheeses & crackers. The little, white cups I used for the veggies are actually little "dessert wine glasses" I found at Marshall's a while back. I can't get enough of the white! The cupcake liner poms were from a fun little project my friend Jody and I made for an <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/bridal-shower-inspired-by-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">Anthropologie-inspired bridal shower</a>. I love every chance I get to re-use those pretties!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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To go along with the cute + cozy theme, dress code included a requirement to wear a scarf. Maybe a little cheesy, yeah, but I had about 30 to choose from and everyone had a fun time with it! </div>
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And then for dessert! </div>
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While planning the party, I was really excited to pull colors and inspiration from the paper I found. I used lots of white and cream, plus aqua, mint, coral, terracotta, grey and some patterned black and white. </div>
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I have been in love with yarn poms for the longest time and especially after our friends threw us an amazing <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/packing-more-goodbyes-some-really-great.html" target="_blank">farewell party</a> and decorated the room with <i>tons</i> of poms, I never realized how easy they are to make! There are a few ways to do it... I know there are lots of pom-pom makers - wooden and plastic, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/241646336225593640/" target="_blank">using a FORK</a> - but I went old school and used my fingers. I think it took me about 4 lazy hours to make all the poms for this party. By lazy, I mean 4 very distracted hours filled with movie-watching and music-listening as I wound, tied and trimmed. Not bad! I loved combining them with my clear, vintage glass vases, pearls, twine balls, mini tree stumps and doilies. </div>
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<span id="goog_237491757"></span>Back in December, I asked my sister, Vanessa, to knit me some extra long skinny strands that could be used as garland for ou<span id="goog_237491760"></span>r <span id="goog_237491748"></span><span id="goog_237491751"></span><span id="goog_237491765"></span><span id="goog_237491769"></span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/12/vintage-white-gold-christmas-inspired.html" target="_blank">Christmas dinner party</a><span id="goog_237491770"></span><span id="goog_237491766"></span><span id="goog_237491752"></span><span id="goog_237491749"></span>.<span id="goog_237491761"></span> I just about died when she showed me four 30-foot strands she made. I was to stinkin' excited to be able to use them again.. what's more appropriate for a cozy-inspired party than knitted strands of yarn?!<br />
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A few of the patterns and paper prints I used. Love the polka dots and stripes! I punched each flag with two of my favorite <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/ms-40-60044.html" target="_blank">Martha Stewart punches</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/23100818699" target="_blank">A Mix to Keep You Warm: 2012</a></div>
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xo</div>
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_237491753"></span><span id="goog_237491754"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-80865159484807733272012-02-08T12:36:00.000-05:002012-02-13T00:38:49.080-05:00A Few Thoughts About Winter, Snow and Freezing My Face Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wouldn't it be great, if when it snowed, it was always a sweet and cozy, problem-free, stress-free experience?</div>
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I wish. </div>
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Honestly.. When I think of the word 'snow', my first reaction is to gag. I hate snow. Thoughts, feelings and experiences I associate with snow are as follows:</div>
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Frozen body</div>
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Runny nose</div>
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Oh yeah, and salt stains running about a foot up the back of my jeans</div>
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I've been dreading the cold since we first decided we would move back to the Midwest. All I could think of was the times I hated pumping gas, feeling like my face had frozen off or times I nearly crashed my car from all the black ice. I hated having to run outside to start my car at 3am to prevent the engine from freezing. I hated having a big clunky coat everywhere I went. Wahh, Minnesota is so cold. SO cold. </div>
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I think it was late September when I realized the cold was hitting hard and fast. We finally had our first snowfall sometime in November.. Unfortunately it was a night I had to work late and had to make the nasty drive back from Minneapolis. Oofta. </div>
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I keep bracing myself for a 3-foot snowfall or a massive storm to hit, providing us with a <i>real </i>Snow Day (unlike SC's version of a "Snow Day"). It's been strange though - Surprisingly warm for a Minnesota winter. It's been so dry and mild, that some of our friends and family have called us "lucky charms" - claiming that we brought the warm up from South Carolina. Ha! I do wish we had the same winters as SC. If I had it my way, I'd want snow for the week of Christmas and then it can melt away for all I care. I miss wearing flip flops in February. </div>
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I'm not exaggerating on this winter being dry, either. According to <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/updraft/archive/snow/" target="_blank">MPR</a>, last year to date, MN had more than 60 inches of snow. This year, to date? We have only had 14.9 inches! The Metrodome roof collapsed thanks to 17 inches of snow - more than we've had all year. WEIRD! It actually makes me tolerate snow a lot more - to the point of even liking it a little. Hmm.. I'm hoping and praying it doesn't snow again until next year. I doubt that will be the case, but it feels good to hope!</div>
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xo</div>
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{Click photos for source}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-87018155019074798012012-02-01T17:10:00.000-05:002012-05-22T21:45:39.665-04:00Puppy Birthdays!Our little beans are growing up! Pretty exciting that their birthdays are less than a month a part. We celebrated with some new treats, bones and matching t-shirt hoodies!<br />
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Romeo is now 3 years old and Coco Chanel is 1 -- I just adore these little loves!<br />
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xo</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-13310546617729594262012-01-18T16:57:00.000-05:002012-02-12T17:09:52.530-05:00A Tropical Birthday Surprise + A Nautical Dessert Party<br />
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Back in December, my bro-in-law, Jordan called me looking for some help in throwing together a little birthday party for my youngest sister Lanae! Of course, I began thinking of some fun little ideas and after running a few by him, we decided to go with a nautical-inspired dessert party. Jordan really wanted to go out for dinner with my family and somehow surprise Lanae as well. We decided on a restaurant (old, but new to us) called Psycho Suzi's. From what I knew about Psycho Suzi's, the place looked like a rundown VFW or sketchy warehouse, but inside it was a tropical paradise! Jordan left most of the details to me - he planned to meet us for dinner and then "nonchalantly" head back to my parents for a fun little party - little did Lanae know!</div>
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After our fun little birthday dinner, my mom, Vanessa and I rushed back to the house to get the rest of the food put out while the boys and Lanae made a quick stop at Walgreen's for a little 'delay'.. It was all timed quite perfectly. She was SO surprised!</div>
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I've thrown a couple nautical/beach-inspired parties in the past, and I really wanted this one to be somewhat original. I decided to go with more "mature" beach elements, focusing on navy and white. I was excited to reuse a few things I had spent <i>hours</i> making for Justin's <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/birthday-party-inspired-by-beach.html" target="_blank">Surf's Up Birthday Party</a> last March - the mock capiz shell garland, shell pomanders + a couple beachy recipes. </div>
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I love incorporating memories into birthday parties.. Memories are priceless! I gathered a collection of favorites from everyone in the fam and printed them onto flags. This is the first "memory" garland I've made.. I thought it turned out so stinkin' cute!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">{Music}</span> </div>
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included a compiled mix of songs by South, Dandy Warhols, JET, Doves, Turin Brakes, Spoon, Alexi Murdoch, Phantom Planet, Eels, The Killers, Nada Surf, Perishers, Keane, Beck, Aqueduct, Imogen Heap and more!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Nae!<br />
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xo<br />
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Fonts used: <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/" target="_blank">kevinandamanda</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-15797308734547346772012-01-06T17:52:00.000-05:002012-02-12T18:03:48.642-05:00New Years in Galena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Justin and I were really fortunate to be able to take some time off work after Christmas through New Years! We planned a little trip to see his family in Wisconsin (I can't believe I didn't take more pictures!), plus I'd get to finally spend some time with my bestie, Marta - It's been way too long!<br />
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We drove into Gratiot to spend a few days with the fam before spending the weekend in Galena. We celebrated Levi's birthday and I relaxed the most I had in months. Augh, so nice! We ate Casey's pizza (apparently, legendary) and exchanged Christmas gifts.. Lukus gave me some incredible white appetizer plates for me to use for all of my parties, plus some other sweet gifts! It was so nice of his parents to move some things around in the basement to make it even cozier for us to stay. They arranged a new little room for us and a hangout area for all the "kids" to hang once it started getting late. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamming and freestyling with Levi. He even let me name all of his songs!</td></tr>
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Later in the week, we spent an afternoon in New Glarus, WI with Justin's bros and Marta! Lunch at the NG Hotel and exploring Little Switzerland's bakery, cheese shop and meat shop. What a fun day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a 'kid in a sweet shop' - haha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed to the NG Brewery, crammed in the back of the Element</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo for New Year's weekend - Marta hooked us up with! The old Galena High School, overlooking downtown Galena</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two amazing things: Skrillex & Egg Rolls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only 3,000 steps to climb to get to Main Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' with G before we headed back to his parent's house</td></tr>
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xo<br />
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-35901971363417214772012-01-01T21:34:00.001-05:002012-01-23T00:19:05.369-05:00Greatest Hits of 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2011 was pretty great! I definitely didn't blog as much as I wanted to, but oh well! Here's a few of our <i>favorite </i>mems for the year (and I have to say, I think March was my fave!)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">January</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marta <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/01/adventures-with-marta-alanna-round-2.html" target="_blank">came to visit</a><span style="font-size: small;"> Greenville for the second time in 3 months! We celebrated New Years with friends and Justin's brothers - one of the best I have ever had!</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our little man, Romeo, <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/01/romeo-turns-2-years-old.html" target="_blank">turned 2 years old</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to</span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/01/emergency-room-nightmare.html" target="_blank"> rush Justin to the Emergency Room</a> for severe
stomach pains. The ER was a total nightmare and we still don't know what in the world happened.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">February</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I threw my first “hired” party! Our good friend, Josh, asked me to design
a party for his wife, Theresea's, birthday. She loves pigs so much, so I went with a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/02/birthday-party-inspired-by-piggies.html" target="_blank">pig-inspired theme</a><span style="font-size: small;">. She was so surprised!<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">March</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I helped my friend, Jody, throw a huge <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/party-like-rock-star-party-inspired-by.html" target="_blank">Rockstar-Glam Birthday Bash</a> - Oh yes, costumes included. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/04/adventures-with-marta-alanna-round-3.html" target="_blank">Marta visited again</a>! She came to celebrate Justin and my birthdays with a huge <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/birthday-party-inspired-by-beach.html" target="_blank">beach-inspired party</a> for J and a trip to Charleston!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We took a short trip to Asheville.. Justin got his <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/ink-celebrations-and-huge-birthday.html" target="_blank">first tattoo</a>!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We went on an <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/memorable-road-trip-to-west-palm-beach.html" target="_blank">amazing roadtrip</a> to West Palm Beach, FL with friends, Josh and Theresa.. Lots of great memories and more birthday celebrations!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I celebrated my 27th birthday, which Justin surprised me with an incredible <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/04/birthday-party-inspired-by-spring.html" target="_blank">party</a> (which he decorated all by himself!) filled with our best friends. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Justin's birthday gift to me was also a huge surprise.. <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/introducing-little-miss-coco-chanel.html" target="_blank">our new puppy, Coco Chanel</a>!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was hired by another friend to <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/bridal-shower-inspired-by-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">design a bridal shower inspired by Anthropologie</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I designed and hosted a </span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-shower-inspired-by-jungle.html" target="_blank">jungle-themed baby shower</a> for my good friend, Tiffany<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBjjHsD0vyc/TZ_R3kkgiVI/AAAAAAAACss/43jaPENIIhs/s1600/IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBjjHsD0vyc/TZ_R3kkgiVI/AAAAAAAACss/43jaPENIIhs/s640/IMG_1109.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">April</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/04/weekend-in-virginia-sooo-goooood.html" target="_blank">traveled to Virginia</a><span style="font-size: small;"> to see Justin's brother, extended family and his immediate fam, who drove down from Wisconsin. We had an packed weekend, including juggling our 2 pups and catching up with relatives we hadn't seen in a long time!</span></span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFbt4VsvWOM/TbdZ0FP4BTI/AAAAAAAAC2c/TnN3XSO-Ohw/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFbt4VsvWOM/TbdZ0FP4BTI/AAAAAAAAC2c/TnN3XSO-Ohw/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We celebrated Easter by hosting a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/05/easter.html" target="_blank">colorful, little lunch party</a><span style="font-size: small;"> with Justin's bros. Unfortunately, Justin was super sick and missed out.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Justin had to have an unexpected surgery, and was hospitalized for 5 days. <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/05/life-or-something-like-it.html" target="_blank">Not a fun memory</a>.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jody and I hosted a fun <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/05/oriental-inspired-cookout.html" target="_blank">oriental-inspired cookout</a>. The food was to DIE for. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We saw <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/05/set-that-crown-on-ground.html" target="_blank">Sleigh Bells in Asheville</a> and ran into our friends, Gina & Curtis. Incredible show.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We finally told our friends that we were planning to move. Wow, it was definitely more difficult than I imagined. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hosted a small <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/05/buenas-noches-mexican-dinner-party.html" target="_blank">Mexican dinner party</a> for our close friends. Dinner was awesome, until towards the end - Romeo decided to have massive, explosive </span>diarrhea. </span></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QfZ6lD3B5o/TctS4hWLk6I/AAAAAAAADBA/-v8MFJ301_U/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QfZ6lD3B5o/TctS4hWLk6I/AAAAAAAADBA/-v8MFJ301_U/s640/IMG_3591.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">June</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/packing-more-goodbyes-some-really-great.html" target="_blank">We said 'goodbye'</a></span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> to many of our dear friends - including our Shepherding Group - which we were welcomed by a </span><i style="text-indent: 0in;">gorgeous</i><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/packing-more-goodbyes-some-really-great.html" target="_blank">farewell party</a> on our last night with the group</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0in;">We threw our own <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-hate-goodbyes.html" target="_blank">farewell party</a> and an emotional last few nights in Greenville</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">We endured a<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/big-fat-uhual-our-last-night-in.html" target="_blank"> handful of days of nonstop packing</a> for the big move. Cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning with my sister, her fiance (now hubby) and our closest friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/moving.html" target="_blank">We moved from South Carolina to Minnesota</a>, journeying with 2 vehicles, a giant moving truck and 2 very needy pups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0in;">Summer began and we <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/our-first-weeks-living-in-minnesota.html" target="_blank">lived it up</a> before finally finding some jobs.. We saw Foster the People, late nights watching movies, hottubbing, a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-jazz-party.html" target="_blank">Father's Day Jazz Party</a> and silly memories at the Drive-In</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0in;">I began freelancing for Chanel again! It felt so good to be back with my all-time favorite cosmetic line</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">My good friend, Jade, got </span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/06/umbrella-hunting-tears-of-joy-and-jades.html" target="_blank">married</a>! I was honored to be a part of her big day as her Personal Attendant</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">July</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">We rocked out with my parents at a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/07/black-keys-fireworks-our-crazy-month-of.html" target="_blank">Black Keys show</a> - our birthday gifts from them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -24px;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/07/black-keys-fireworks-our-crazy-month-of.html" target="_blank">Celebrated the 4th</a> watching fireworks overlooking our beautiful MN Boat Club venue where we had our MN Wedding Reception in 2008</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">My friend, Ash, offered me a free ticket to see <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/07/keep-on-dancing-till-world-ends.html" target="_blank">Britney Spears live</a>! We had fantastic seats and sang our little hearts out!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I hosted (with some help from Jade!) a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/garden-party-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">garden-inspired baby shower</a> for my good friend, Mulder and her unborn twins. The whole experience was insane and amazing at the same time! {<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.583143499700.2065881.110900886&type=3" target="_blank">Photos</a>}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our planned "family camping trip" quickly shifted to an indoor weekend after some rough weather {</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.583138220280.2065879.110900886&type=3" target="_blank">Photos</a>}</span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2IglrlZ2No/Tk9qscmZh5I/AAAAAAAADiY/L7rTXggw7t0/s1600/IMG_2161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2IglrlZ2No/Tk9qscmZh5I/AAAAAAAADiY/L7rTXggw7t0/s640/IMG_2161.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">August</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Vanessa and I hosted a <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/noche-caliente-en-la-havana-cuban.html" target="_blank">Cuban-inspired bachelorette/bridal shower dinner party</a><span style="font-size: small;"> for our little sister, Lanae. All the work put into it was so worth it! {</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.584086265390.2066208.110900886&type=3" target="_blank">Photos</a><span style="font-size: small;">}</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I designed and helped host a second <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-yellow-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">bridal shower</a> for Lanae, inspired by lemons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I was <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/chanel-brides-babies-fried-food-and.html" target="_blank">offered a job</a> as the Business Manager for the Minneapolis Macy's Chanel counter.. Definitely one of my dream jobs (aside from my career in therapy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">After couple years, we finally were able to go to the </span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/chanel-brides-babies-fried-food-and.html" target="_blank">MN State Fair</a> and stuff our faces with handfuls of greasy food</span></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzVip4AI6S0/Tlnpr95z6aI/AAAAAAAADto/1xY0yXZ46_4/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzVip4AI6S0/Tlnpr95z6aI/AAAAAAAADto/1xY0yXZ46_4/s640/IMG_2564.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">September</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">My dear high school friend, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1716534088">L</a></span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/chanel-brides-babies-fried-food-and.html" target="_blank">aura, got hitched</a> - I was honored to do makeup and be a part of her special day! On the same day, in all of the craziness, Coco went into her <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/chanel-brides-babies-fried-food-and.html" target="_blank">first heat</a>. Talk about bad timing.. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mulder finally <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/chanel-brides-babies-fried-food-and.html" target="_blank">had her babies</a>! I finally met them despite all of the chaos with my new job, and we celebrated her birthday </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">My little sister </span><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/11/jordan-lanaes-sweet-yellow-wedding.html" target="_blank">got married</a>! I was honored to do almost all of the decor for the wedding/reception And yes, I cried like a little baby. </span></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv5cyOV_31Y/TrX6b8lof3I/AAAAAAAAEtM/fJ4C5xil_0Q/s1600/Jordan+and+Lanae+Steffen-892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv5cyOV_31Y/TrX6b8lof3I/AAAAAAAAEtM/fJ4C5xil_0Q/s640/Jordan+and+Lanae+Steffen-892.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">October</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Justin and I celebrated our <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/10/3-sweet-years-with-my-love.html" target="_blank">3rd wedding anniversary</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">We took advantage of some time off work and <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/11/hello-wisco-visit-anniversary.html" target="_blank">traveled to southern Wisconsin</a> to visit his family and Marta</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">My little <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-little-blog-is-2-years-old.html" target="_blank">blog turned 2</a> years old!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I helped with decor for Lanae and Jordan's Spooky </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/11/old-spooky-mansion-inspired-halloween.html" target="_blank">Halloween Party</a></span></span></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAF6QD1XFAg/TveqIRxaTCI/AAAAAAAAE1w/iyOWuxn1Djs/s1600/IMG_2906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAF6QD1XFAg/TveqIRxaTCI/AAAAAAAAE1w/iyOWuxn1Djs/s640/IMG_2906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">November</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">We celebrated a Gold + Aqua <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/12/gold-aqua-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a><span style="font-size: small;"> with my family for the first time ever. I threw the party decor together on a budget of $2.99! We girls laughed our heads off as we rushed around, serving food and maneuvered through the messiest kitchen in the world!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I left my job at Macy's for an incredible opportunity to work in therapy again (plus, paid grad school tuition!)</span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtOSTvRjJIU/TvgzJuKtvcI/AAAAAAAAFEU/UbrCj0JXHwM/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtOSTvRjJIU/TvgzJuKtvcI/AAAAAAAAFEU/UbrCj0JXHwM/s640/IMG_3257.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">December</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I publicized my new <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-starter-site-logo.html" target="_blank">Starter Site "alannaandes.com"</a>, kicking off my plans to create a business in party design and planning</span></li>
<li>Lanae (my sister) and her hubby got a new pup! Little Bernie is the cutest little Boston!</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/12/big-changes-and-brand-new-job.html" target="_blank">started my new job</a> at the MN Autism Center School - So far, I love it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I helped my mom throw an <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/12/vintage-white-gold-christmas-inspired.html" target="_blank">Italian-inspired Christmas dinner party</a> on Christmas Eve! It was such a fabulous night and the food was delish!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">We traveled to Wisconsin to celebrate a belated Christmas with Justin's family and ring in the New Year in Galena with Marta & Justin's brothers! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our little peanut, Coco Chanel turned 1 year old! I love her to pieces and I really can't believe how big she is!</span></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2CLcXW1qFM/TwZ_qt7BHpI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/CIpj2qNQ9GY/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2CLcXW1qFM/TwZ_qt7BHpI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/CIpj2qNQ9GY/s640/IMG_3516.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Miscellaneous Photos from 2011</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.550614004070.2059412.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why Hello There, 2011!</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.582083189570.2065491.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since We've Moved</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.598621002660.2069131.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jordan & Lanae's Wedding Setup and Rehearsal</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.598626651340.2069132.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jordan & Lanae's Wedding Day</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.553747110300.2061085.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coco Chanel</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.583138220280.2065879.110900886&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">July 2011</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-24595531610981874432011-12-31T00:58:00.000-05:002012-01-06T20:11:33.710-05:00A Vintage, White & Gold Christmas Inspired by Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Buon Natale Italiano!</div>
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I haven't had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with my family since 2008 - the year Justin and I were married. It was just too hard and expensive to travel back and forth from SC to Midwest, PLUS we were lucky to spend holidays with Justin's fam in Virginia or in Greenville. I didn't want our tight budget to affect my obsession with needing to decorate or "come up with a theme" for everything, so I didn't! My mom had mentioned how fun it would be to switch things up this year -- instead of our traditional Swedish dinner (oh yes. Swedish meatballs, lutefisk, lefse, rootamoose, lingonberries, the works. We have a lot of Swede in our blood), she wanted to go with an Italian dinner (despite having <i>no </i>Italian blood). The menu was all catered by Capital View - the same restaurant who catered my Lanae's wedding. It was delish!</div>
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I will say.. Christmas has changed since my 2 of my grandparents have passed away. We would have a huge gathering at my parents every other Christmas Eve - I miss those times. You know what, though? It's OK, because new traditions are starting and we have a blast no matter what. It was really great to have my Grandma, a couple Aunts and a cousin join us this year - in addition to our entire family + all of the husbands. </div>
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Inspiration for our little dinner party came from some vintage elements with a little holiday mixed in. I loved the idea of shades of gold and silver metals with white, tan and cream.. but the thought of not including red seemed so wrong. So I included red. I thought it turned out pretty well.. It was all thrown together pretty quick with our budget in mind - I found some birds on clearance at Michael's and bought a bunch of clearanced, silver, sparkly branches for the place settings. I believe the total cost for everything came to less than $13.00 (of course, using things I already had). Not bad!</div>
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My mom and I added to the menu by making our own garlic bread, cheeseballs (new and old recipes!) and punch. </div>
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Anyway.. I wish my photos were a pinch better in quality, but oh well.. Enjoy. </div>
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To give our dining area more of an "Italian cafe" feel, we removed the large dining table and set 3 separate tables. Garlands included string lights, a paper flag garland (hand cut and punched), gold and silver strung beads, strung cotton balls and strands of knitted yarn. I give the knitted yarn credit to my sister, Vanessa - She did all the work on those, and I didn't even have room to use all of what she made! I totally loved the combination of the different textures together.. It really wasn't as chaotic as it might appear (ha!). </div>
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Centerpieces were made of gold and champagne sprayed branches with birds and tied fabric, lace and ribbon. I added my new little birds and suspended old ornaments (which actually belonged to my grandma) along with a few of my <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-fabulous-hollow-yarn-balls.html" target="_blank">hollow yarn balls (see DIY here)</a>.<br />
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The food table was in the kitchen. We did a "buffet style" for serving and it worked out quite nice. Centerpiece included several vintage milk glass vases (received as gifts or found at the thrift store), pearl branches, red and white feathers and sprayed branches mirroring the dining room centerpieces. I made 2 vertical garlands out of old muslin I already had, adding lace, ribbon and beads for more texture. </div>
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Our fantastic menu..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanae and Vaness, loading up their plates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan and Lanae's new pup, Bernard! I like to call him "Sire" with an English accent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Grandma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my mom and aunt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful tree my mom and I spent hours decorating</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All zonked out..</td></tr>
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Merry little Christmas to you!</div>
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What I'm Listening To.. <a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/18885154571" target="_blank">A Little Christmas Mix</a></div>
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xo</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-11844701093765918372011-12-29T18:30:00.000-05:002011-12-29T20:07:30.008-05:00Anthropologie's To-Die-For DisplaysI think it's safe to say, I am quite obsessed with <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Anthropologie</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Despite everything offered being extremely expensive (a little </span><i style="text-align: left;">too</i><span style="text-align: left;"> expensive), I love the shabby chic/vintage inspiration that store gives me on a regular basis. I know I'm not the only one with this obsession.. Try Pinterest or Google-searching "Anthropologie-inspired".. The results are endless. I'm pretty sure my favorite parties to organize have to be the ones I've done with Anthropologie in mind. I can't help it!</span>
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Just a few parties & DIY's I have done, inspired by Anthro -<br />
<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/bridal-shower-inspired-by-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">Bridal Shower Inspired by Anthropologie</a><br />
<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-cupcake-liner-pomanders.html" target="_blank">Cupcake Liner Pomanders</a><br />
<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/diy-fabric-ruffle-pomanders.html" target="_blank">Ruffle Fabric Pomanders</a><br />
<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-anthropologie-inspired-garland.html" target="_blank">Anthropoligie-Inspired Garland</a><br />
<a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-yellow-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">Yellow Bridal shower with Anthropologie-Inspired Elements</a><br />
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Even the Q-Tip Flowers my sister an I made for our little sister's <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-yellow-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">bridal shower</a> were inspired by Anthropologie.. Remember?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F3PGLO58LM/TZItMTW4TBI/AAAAAAAABZw/BiNIy9Pbyvw/s640/IMAG0004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="427" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthropologie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtUOIsy5Aoo/Tlh90-x7oeI/AAAAAAAADrg/B2tkTGkmIeE/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtUOIsy5Aoo/Tlh90-x7oeI/AAAAAAAADrg/B2tkTGkmIeE/s640/IMG_2545.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ones we made..</td></tr>
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Not only is Anthropologie known for their unique style, merchandising and design creativity, but they are especially known for their incredible displays and window displays. I love these so much, I had to share!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="639" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xiXlRM-HE2o/TrxS4EbMPuI/AAAAAAAAAiE/eRQdi7U_DLU/s640/Outside+Philly+Anthro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap wood display in front of Philadelphia store. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://annettetatum.com/blog/wp-content/at-uploads/2011/02/WindowPic1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://blog.annettetatum.com/blog/2011/02/11/anthropologie/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Anthropologie-window-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshmallows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avakfsbsOKU/TrxPI_YplHI/AAAAAAAAAh8/hQb4OurtHWQ/s640/Marshmellows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="551" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More marshmallows. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie recycled cork art window display 1" height="640" src="http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/uploadedImages/blogs/Gina/Anthropologie-art-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="490" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork. <a href="http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=3180&tag=recycling" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie reycled cork art window display 2" height="427" src="http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/uploadedImages/blogs/Gina/Anthropologie-art-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=3180&tag=recycling" target="_blank">More cork. Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="513" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v-sbLptZkQw/TJN0x5DwgXI/AAAAAAAAJz4/ubV9ufX6BTw/s640/anthropologie_front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper. <a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/inspired.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="397" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v-sbLptZkQw/TJN0wSonjjI/AAAAAAAAJzw/tYY3fcQKOuQ/s640/anthropologie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tissue. <a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/inspired.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v-sbLptZkQw/TJN0vePbm9I/AAAAAAAAJzo/ktiWwLCty0E/s640/anthropologie1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds. <a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/inspired.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthropologie wood sructure" height="640" src="http://greayer.com/studiog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/picture-194-500x666.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branches. <a href="http://www.studiogblog.com/garden-construction-materials/materials/taking-inspiration-where-the-wild-things-are/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthropologie-xmas-07" height="480" src="http://www.chicfaced.com/wp-content/uploads/anthropologie-xmas-07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshmallows, mugs and doilies. <a href="http://www.chicfaced.com/?tag=anthropologie&paged=2" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/175710822931194769_cErjrHvh_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="498" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubberbands. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/175710822931194769/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthropologie display at the galleria." height="518" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljxo1zrHsT1qzq4u5o1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://cheddabake.tumblr.com/post/4768367233" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/175710822931110636_3lNqyr96_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/175710822931110636/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/175710822931104640_jxo49qAG_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/175710822931104640/" target="_blank">Credit</a> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j0P4Pnr38aU/TU9qu6OZ6VI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/13W6NDfK3tU/s640/CIMG1078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://mac-aroni-n-cheese.blogspot.com/2011/03/clothespins-circles-at-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="479" src="http://www.merrimentevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/anthro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://www.merrimentevents.com/2011/01/clothespin-pinwheels-garlands/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://www.merrimentevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/anthro-window_clothespins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://www.merrimentevents.com/2011/01/clothespin-pinwheels-garlands/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2007_12_anthrowindows4.jpg" height="607" src="http://ny.racked.com/uploads/2007_12_anthrowindows4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflakes. Credit</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="439" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-836YDIC63bM/TrmGMmdEVlI/AAAAAAAAAYU/NTj-HAPLI5c/s640/anthrostore1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper chains. <a href="http://mysideispinker.blogspot.com/2011/11/toolshed-tuesday-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBvIP-t6aUQ/TrmGPTiz9jI/AAAAAAAAAYc/8jznCZNXKTU/s640/anthrostore2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornaments. <a href="http://mysideispinker.blogspot.com/2011/11/toolshed-tuesday-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0796" height="480" src="http://lilyspruce.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/IMG_0796-580x435.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draped Paper and Paper Chains. <a href="http://lilyspruce.com/blog/tag/anthropologie/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whJ6C6fNof8/TrxNf87nJgI/AAAAAAAAAh0/oTQlyknCfco/s640/Corks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="427" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine corks. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-NLisd6kDo/TNsZgE7nQHI/AAAAAAAAAxo/cN8HLwEWkXA/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper chains and ornaments. <a href="http://mkmadness.blogspot.com/2009/11/6-favorite-things-on-sunday-christmas.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdhDWFZmFec/SlqLCMMEw3I/AAAAAAAACqk/AbI3O7BnD2U/s640/4926_123398336415_107418161415_3367100_6891687_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyed fabric. <a href="http://fairytalewishesanddreams.blogspot.com/2009/07/window-displays-anthropologie-summer.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthropologiedisplay2" height="640" src="http://heartfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/anthropologiedisplay2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Snow" letters. <a href="http://www.heartfish.com/2009/12/10/anthropologie-snow-window-display/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EY0fEHoVigo/Swzr4OYkaRI/AAAAAAAAt-8/N5f6SjkLUzQ/s640/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper and fabric. <a href="http://nenaghgal.blogspot.com/2009/11/wonderful-window-displays-at.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EY0fEHoVigo/Swzr3518TMI/AAAAAAAAt-0/mobrxiJFp7U/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nenaghgal.blogspot.com/2009/11/wonderful-window-displays-at.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="450" src="http://www.brandflakesforbreakfast.com/uploaded_images/anthropologie-window-display-724885.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igloo made of milk jugs. <a href="http://www.brandflakesforbreakfast.com/2007/12/anthropologie-store-window-so-rocks.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fPo_5Sar8Gc/SKIfQbIcWFI/AAAAAAAADG0/w5c4EMfJqIU/s640/8-12-08+anthro4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved books. <a href="http://thesmartestfish.blogspot.com/2008/08/anthropologie-displays.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fPo_5Sar8Gc/SKIfQYdUWlI/AAAAAAAADGs/PTJ8B-70kBQ/s640/8-12-08+anthro2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://thesmartestfish.blogspot.com/2008/08/anthropologie-displays.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="8-12-08 anthro1.jpg" height="480" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/8-12-08%20anthro1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/look/look-more-great-displays-at-anthropologie-059477" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QIOkuJJYfJc/SQajoK3mq-I/AAAAAAAAADk/Uuhd_bcEsUY/s640/DSCF3208.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://heidiclaire.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2007_12_anthrowindows1.jpg" height="553" src="http://ny.racked.com/uploads/2007_12_anthrowindows1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockings. <a href="http://ny.racked.com/archives/2007/12/10/in_the_holiday_windows_anthrop.php" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMbENEyqQq0/TrxGXqcJtVI/AAAAAAAAAhM/CK6LXQHc01c/s640/Pieces+of+Furniture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chair and table pieces. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="419" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PZT6FOMv4A/TrxEl_pzyTI/AAAAAAAAAhE/DKJLdkU4j0o/s640/Plastic+Cups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic cups. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OjK_Uwel-k/TrxTZxtigOI/AAAAAAAAAiU/-CZrsl4Kqvo/s640/Balloon+Animals.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon dogs. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-628GCtdRpNg/TrxTmkk007I/AAAAAAAAAic/m_dZfbAUvPs/s640/Wine+Corks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cork. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie 3" height="640" src="http://www.campusconfidant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Anthropologie-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campusconfidant.com/success/your-campus-uc-davis-and-uc-berkeley-anthropologie-display-interns-corte-madera-danville-san-ramone-santa-clara-and-downtown-sf" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie 4" height="513" src="http://www.campusconfidant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Anthropologie-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campusconfidant.com/success/your-campus-uc-davis-and-uc-berkeley-anthropologie-display-interns-corte-madera-danville-san-ramone-santa-clara-and-downtown-sf" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie 5" height="480" src="http://www.campusconfidant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Anthropologie-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plants in small bags. <a href="http://www.campusconfidant.com/success/your-campus-uc-davis-and-uc-berkeley-anthropologie-display-interns-corte-madera-danville-san-ramone-santa-clara-and-downtown-sf" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthropologie-bread-display1" height="430" src="http://www.patternpulp.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/anthropologie-bread-display1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread. <a href="http://www.patternpulp.com/featured-categories/budget-buys/food-perishable-marketing/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih7MZr_lZ-c/TrxLbhuPQhI/AAAAAAAAAhk/yZKdB6QBmJI/s640/coffee+cups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="512" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee mugs. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b5lABnOqz4s/SaifDifwd4I/AAAAAAAAElI/m1vzoR8UDas/s640/anthropologie+display.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="427" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suckers. <a href="http://atelier-ad.blogspot.com/2009/02/anthropologie-display.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vN_bAOeUpAo/TrxTDk1uXwI/AAAAAAAAAiM/-JrgUwClnf4/s640/Clothes+Pins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More clothespins. <a href="http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/anthropologie-crush.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="masonjarsanthro.JPG" height="461" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/masonjarsanthro.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mason jars. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/how-to/mason-jar-pendant-lamps-053890" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Teabag Window Display, Anthropologie London | Source: The Business of Fashion" height="480" src="http://www.businessoffashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Anthropologie-Regent-Street-The-Business-of-Fashion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea bags. <a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/2009/12/lessons-from-the-high-street-brand-culture-and-the-retail-experience.html/anthropologie-regent-street-the-business-of-fashion" target="_blank">Original Source</a> and <a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="426" src="http://iloveshoplifting.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/img_4951.jpg?w=640&h=426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper hangers. <a href="http://iloveshoplifting.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/anthropologie-hangers-hangers-hangers/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="426" src="http://iloveshoplifting.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/img_4956.jpg?w=640&h=426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More hangers. <a href="http://iloveshoplifting.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/anthropologie-hangers-hangers-hangers/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://www.warissara.com/_images/folio/display/anthro1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="428" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled sheets of paper. <a href="http://www.warissara.com/_work/anthro.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zzuKstzZNU/S3v4SgPSHyI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/9Dl3X-mU_Kw/s640/Anthropologie-peacock.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopsticks, plastic spoons and paper mache. <a href="http://www.allthingspaper.net/2010/02/paper-delights-at-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="418" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lbf6vnirFR1qzuqri.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://melissaanderson.tumblr.com/post/1489965977/anthropologie-window-display" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="553" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_UZeILsTYQKQ/R0rf-ShoGJI/AAAAAAAAAMM/_AsQPKDdn4k/s640/Anthro+Yarn+Display.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarn balls. <a href="http://champagnemaker.blogspot.com/2007/11/anthropologie-on-roll.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie window display at the Natick Mall. " height="640" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhm7sb8Pzz1qza81uo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="479" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://abutterscotchsundae.tumblr.com/post/3671602188/anthropologie-window-display-at-the-natick-mall" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="441" src="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric or wax paper? <a href="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/2011/07/25/anthropologie-window-displays/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zzuKstzZNU/S3v4cFafOWI/AAAAAAAAC6g/KIeGiNVmyJ0/s640/anthropologie-wall-display.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled paper. <a href="http://www.allthingspaper.net/2010/02/paper-delights-at-anthropologie.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://www.tracyctran.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/wpid-2011-04-15-13.34.49.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tracyctran.com/2011/04/15/window-dressing-anthropologie/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SslAEJcFXJg/S-9h91LQGZI/AAAAAAAABRA/aB36fvM2MhE/s640/P5140020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled sheets of paper. <a href="http://acuriouswork.blogspot.com/2010/05/anthropologie-display-paper-coral.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="clothespins at anthro" height="450" src="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2010/09/clothespinsatanthro_thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothespins. <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/09/anthropologie-styling/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="high minded chandy" height="368" src="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2010/09/highmindedchandy_thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandelier covered in encyclopedia pages. <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/09/anthropologie-styling/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="funnel displays" height="415" src="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2010/09/funneldisplays_thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funnel planter and doily/piped headboard. <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/09/anthropologie-styling/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2672384223_3121d1d6dc" height="479" src="http://emonaghan.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/2672384223_3121d1d6dc.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee filters. <a href="http://emonaghan.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/anthropologie-project-attempt-part-1/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="393802743_9e56172216" height="640" src="http://emonaghan.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/393802743_9e56172216.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="451" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled paper. <a href="http://emonaghan.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/anthropologie-project-attempt-part-1/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="222587418_27893f9f6f" height="640" src="http://emonaghan.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/222587418_27893f9f6f.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://emonaghan.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/anthropologie-project-attempt-part-1/" target="_blank">Credit</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="498" src="http://lifeworkmediablog.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/015.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon and scissors. <a href="http://lifeworkmediablog.wordpress.com/author/lifeworkmediablog/page/6/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://lifeworkmediablog.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/056.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://lifeworkmediablog.wordpress.com/author/lifeworkmediablog/page/6/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://lifeworkmediablog.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/095.jpg?w=490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books. <a href="http://lifeworkmediablog.wordpress.com/author/lifeworkmediablog/page/6/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anthropologie_Fullview.jpg" height="480" src="http://slog.thestranger.com/files/2008/09/Anthropologie_Fullview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown bags and packaging paper. <a href="http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/ruffles_and_ripoffs" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CRVhRyXAoTI/S2nQk9PpwsI/AAAAAAAAC-c/ReT-qDhhXxc/s640/anthro%20window3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mysparrowblog.com/2010/02/anthropologie-recycled-bottle-window.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="425" src="http://smudgetikka.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/anthropologie-florals.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycled bottles. <a href="http://brittanyloar.blogspot.com/2011/01/anthropologie-harvard-square.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="anthro1.gif" height="640" src="http://sanfrancisco.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/anthro1.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straws. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/look/look-winter-wonderland-of-straws-036449" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/9-8-08-anthro-plates.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dishware. <a href="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/2011/07/25/anthropologie-window-displays/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0864" height="480" src="http://sweetsweetlife.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553feb2ab88340120a5970cad970b-800wi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newspaper. <a href="http://sweetsweetlife.typepad.com/sweet_sweet_life/2009/09/meet-tildie.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork. <a href="http://blah-to-tada.blogspot.com/2011/05/pop-cork.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decorartsnow.com/2011/02/25/february-25-2011-now-and-then-paper-crafts/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decorartsnow.com/2011/02/25/february-25-2011-now-and-then-paper-crafts/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created with IKEA supplies. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/living-room/look-ikea-room-divider-anthropologie-chandelier-washington-dc-052575" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/2011/07/25/anthropologie-window-displays/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic cups. <a href="http://studiodiana.com/2010/01/inspiration-anthropologie-style/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/2011/07/25/anthropologie-window-displays/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tissue poms. <a href="http://studiodiana.com/2010/01/inspiration-anthropologie-style/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mittens. <a href="http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2011/02/new-york-stories/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohdeardesign.com/dearblog/2011/07/25/anthropologie-window-displays/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real and wooden feathers. <a href="http://www.anh-minh.com/weblog/archives/this_that/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More clothespins. <a href="http://winternship.blogspot.com/2011/01/window-displays-2-down-1-to-go.html?showComment=1325088054607#c832990804786556382" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood? <a href="http://www.charlestongirlblog.com/2010/07/worless-wednesday-anthropologie-store.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charlestongirlblog.com/2010/07/worless-wednesday-anthropologie-store.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charlestongirlblog.com/2010/07/worless-wednesday-anthropologie-store.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charlestongirlblog.com/2010/07/worless-wednesday-anthropologie-store.html" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
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xo</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-70753041781423433332011-12-26T13:30:00.000-05:002011-12-26T14:42:35.915-05:00New Starter Site + Logo<div style="text-align: center;">
It's here! Many thanks to the fantastic Brian Saycocie, for designing my new logo and starter site! </div>
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There's still a ways to go, but for now - check it out! </div>
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<a href="http://www.alannaandes.com/">www.alannaandes.com</a></div>
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<span id="goog_616455643"></span><span id="goog_616455647"></span><span id="goog_616455651"></span><img alt="alanna andes" height="480" src="http://alannaandes.com/assets/images/design/110611-logo.png" width="640" /><span id="goog_616455652"></span><span id="goog_616455648"></span><span id="goog_616455644"></span>
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xo</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-74073551402185330942011-12-03T01:28:00.001-05:002011-12-27T02:07:21.621-05:00Big Changes and a Brand New JobI have been looking for a job in counseling/therapy since we moved to Minnesota and haven't had much luck. I was genuinely excited to take the Business Manager position for Chanel in Minneapolis, but definitely wanted to keep my options open in pursuing my career in the mental health field. I have thought about grad school a lot more lately too.. struggling with the outstanding costs and sacrifice of time I would be making, not to mention.. it's <i>school</i>. It would be sweet to go back. Well - bittersweet, anyway.<br />
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My resume has been all over a handful of general and mental health job-search sites plus my manual search for jobs had been pretty tiresome and dead-ended. I decided to put as much of me into Chanel as possible, as a manager and freelance makeup artist, since I love Chanel more than just about anything. I repeat - I love Chanel. I <b>hate</b> retail. This was my 3rd time working for Macy's and the management, structure and communication skills have been different every time. I am not writing this to speak badly of Macy's, I think it just comes down to my disregard for all retail in the world. Of course, I took the job at the perfect time - end of summer, ready to roll full-forced into Thanksgiving and Christmas. Schedules grew worse and my patience grew thin. It was fun while it lasted though. I made some great friends and met some fantastic people during my short time there.<br />
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It all happened really fast. A few weeks ago, I received an alert for <a href="http://mnautism.org/" target="_blank">The Minne<span id="goog_616455682"></span><span id="goog_616455683"></span>sota Autism Center</a> looking for therapists to work with children who have autism (ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorders). I looked at the qualifications and thought I'd at least email my resume, even though my exposure to autism was mostly limited to children with Asperger's. I was shocked to receive an response from an actual human being within a half hour of my email. I was given an interview for the next afternoon (yee!) and I just so happened to have a short shift, allowing me to make it to the interview. I kept my hopes low, so I wouldn't be down on myself if I didn't get it. The interview went well and I found myself <i>praying</i> I'd get the job. Cell bill reimbursement, great pay, great hours, great experience and most of all.. paid tuition for grad school. It seemed too good to be true. Less than 2 hours after the interview, I received a call with an offer. Ah!!! I had to keep my mouth shut until I was able to give my notice to my Chanel Account Executive and Cosmetics Manager.. I was pretty shocked how fast it all happened - I still am. Within 24 hours, my life had gone from no job leads to an offer. My last 2 weeks flew by. 2 weeks full of long hours, giftwrapping, Shanghai Wok & LeeAnn Chin (not that I don't mind, haha) and crappy, overplayed Christmas music. I definitely won't miss Macy's, but I'll miss the people.<br />
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I had a nice long weekend to relax before I started my new job. It's been really great so far! There are a handful of MAC Centers around MN and the <span id="goog_616455685"></span>first <a href="http://www.themacschool.org/" target="_blank">MAC School</a><span id="goog_616455686"></span> (where I work) launched this past fall. I am a behavior therapist for 5th grade, working one-on-one with two children on a daily basis (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) providing <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba" target="_blank">ABA Therapy</a> and assisting within the school setting. The structure and ABA Therapy is actually pretty incredible. I'm pretty new to it all, but I really like it. I feel like I've learned so much already, on top of absolutely falling in love with each of those kids. Each child in our little class is so entertaining in their own way and <i>so smart</i>! One of the kiddos I work with has me laughing all day with his sweet personality and mannerisms.. so cute! It's pretty exciting to be back in the mental health field again, not to mention the joy of being to freelance for Chanel on the side. It's so nice to have a regular weekday schedule where I don't have to drive to Minneapolis, the parking is <i>free</i> and I finish before 4pm. I forgot what it felt like to have weekends and a normal social life! More than anything, it's incredibly rewarding to be able to work with children again.<br />
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If you wanna know a little more about MAC - The Minnesota Autism Center.. Check out a couple videos below.<br />
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xo<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_616455666"></span><span id="goog_616455667"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_616455671"></span><span id="goog_616455672"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_616455673"></span><span id="goog_616455674"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_616455678"></span><span id="goog_616455679"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-55919482244053541272011-12-02T23:30:00.000-05:002011-12-03T01:27:37.254-05:00Soundtracks: DriveJustin and I saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/" target="_blank">Drive</a> a couple weeks ago and it was definitely not what I expected. Well.. It kind of was, in that I expected it to not be a typical Ryan Gosling-ish kinda movie. I just didn't expect to love it as much as I did. We tend to enjoy a few of those movies out there that get the bad reviews for being so nontraditional or "weird".. Not sure why. Maybe because we make our own opinions based on expecting the movie to be pretty blah. He did fantastic in the role, as always. Ryan has always been one of our faves - What a doll!<br />
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The movie was pretty awesome and I definitely give huge credit to the soundtrack. The score was pretty simple, but something about it somehow added intensity to the film. Can't seem to get a few of the first songs off of repeat: Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx, Desire and College. I'm pretty into The Chromatics' track as well, with the remaining tracks as the score from the film, by Cliff Martinez. Honestly, the only song I could have done without is Riz Ortolani's "Oh My Love" - eugh, not a fan. Aside from a pretty sick soundtrack, Justin keeps trying to give me a list of reasons why he seriously wants and <i>has </i>to have the 'Scorpion Jacket'. So cute!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W768cIGzwy4/Ttm9fdUIDTI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/c31wBR8r6-A/s1600/drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W768cIGzwy4/Ttm9fdUIDTI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/c31wBR8r6-A/s400/drive.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Drive</i></div>
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/drive-original-motion-picture/id455448129" target="_blank">Check It Out</a></div>
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Featuring: Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx, Desire, College Feat. Electric Youth, Riz Ortolani Feat. Katyna Ranieri, The Chromatics and music by Cliff Martinez</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-58989915460651881212011-11-25T11:38:00.000-05:002011-12-26T14:29:04.507-05:00A Gold + Aqua ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving, loves! This year, I used all decor I already had, summarizing the dinner party as probably the cheapest "parties" I've ever set up for. It wasn't super embellished or detailed, but I did my best to make it nice with spending as little money as possible. I spent $2.99 for a can of spay paint, which I'd say.. is pretty stinkin' budget-friendly!
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I pulled most of the decor with greens, golds and aquas in mind, by filling in with some mixed prints and brighter colors like fuchsia and mustard. Lanae and I came up with all of the Indian-inspired names for the place settings and everyone had a pretty good laugh. It was exciting to use my new collection of vintage goblets I found at my favorite thrift store this summer - Eee! </div>
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My mom wanted to have 2 turkeys this year since we were having so many people join for dinner. She told me she had a new, secret turkey-cooking tip that she "read it on the internet" in which you're supposed to <i>flip the turkey upside down</i> so all the juice stays in the turkey. Great idea, eh? It was.. until there wasn't <i>any</i> juice/grease to use for the gravy. Cheapest! The boys had to run to the store for the 4th time that day to get ingredients for gravy... Oh man. The turkeys were extra juicy though, so the tip actually works (just kinda jips you on gravy)! </div>
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This Thanksgiving was actually one of the most entertaining ones I've ever had - Between the chaos of my mom and I serving all of the food with the giggles, running out of serving spoons and making sure everyone had what they needed, I was exhausted and totally happy with how everything turned out. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>The Menu</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 13-lb. Turkeys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mashed Potatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cheesy Potatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sweet Potatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Green Bean Casserole</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Corn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Honey-Cinnamon Carrots</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Raspberry Fruit Jello</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Orange Cream Jello</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mom Andes' Cherry Muffins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dinner Rolls</span></div>
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xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-27931962600325795782011-11-08T22:07:00.000-05:002011-11-08T22:57:44.440-05:00Weddings Inspired by the Roaring 20'sAugh! I'm <i>obsessed </i>with the 1920's (as if you haven't read that by now). I just can't get enough. I don't know where it began, but I love everything about the era. The headbands.. the makeup.. the fashion.. Just today, <a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/" target="_blank">Green Wedding Shoes</a> featured a to-die-for 20's-inspired wedding and I had to pass it on myself along with a collection of some of my favorite flapper-filled photos from <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/" target="_blank">100 Layer Cake</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://s1.torbit.com/img/a05424682954da64f801c0d84bab819ac1fa958b-wildflowers-wedding-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s1.torbit.com/img/a05424682954da64f801c0d84bab819ac1fa958b-wildflowers-wedding-01.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/4547f6bc547279bb911cce28a70eb989301bf648-wildflowers-wedding-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://s3.torbit.com/img/4547f6bc547279bb911cce28a70eb989301bf648-wildflowers-wedding-09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s2.torbit.com/img/f84fc4a39b3af9ff45484848612b9069b97ad96c-wildflowers-wedding-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://s2.torbit.com/img/f84fc4a39b3af9ff45484848612b9069b97ad96c-wildflowers-wedding-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s2.torbit.com/img/100b98b3eab33f3947615395f94932204f3d4039-wildflowers-wedding-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s2.torbit.com/img/100b98b3eab33f3947615395f94932204f3d4039-wildflowers-wedding-18.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-roaring-1920s-wedding-geneva-matt/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://s2.torbit.com/img/0635001a5329d86b2f503f80b00a5f5c57a03978-perth_wedding_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s2.torbit.com/img/0635001a5329d86b2f503f80b00a5f5c57a03978-perth_wedding_04.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/e20c5d2549cc7c41606be087c727b8b379699069-perth_wedding_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s3.torbit.com/img/e20c5d2549cc7c41606be087c727b8b379699069-perth_wedding_06.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1.torbit.com/img/5a04e4d98f7de462d2bf0610eb1b10f9f9094cc1-perth_wedding_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s1.torbit.com/img/5a04e4d98f7de462d2bf0610eb1b10f9f9094cc1-perth_wedding_10.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-larissa-nialls-vintage-inspired-backyard-wedding/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_25.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ginny-and-eds-wedding_17.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2009/06/28/real-wedding-ginny-ed/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/great-gatsby-wedding-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/great-gatsby-wedding-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/great-gatsby-wedding-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/great-gatsby-wedding-9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2011/07/05/a-great-gatsby-20s-inspired-wedding-shannon-ed/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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xo<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-31932462544215278532011-11-01T23:26:00.000-04:002011-12-26T02:06:33.636-05:00Old Spooky Mansion-Inspired Halloween Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Halloweenie! This year, Lanae & Jordan threw a heck of a party - Old Spooky Mansion style! I was lucky to help out with decor for the party, using a lot the stuff I had from last year and adding a few new things. Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bro-in-law (Jon) as White Trash and my sister (Vanessa) as a pirate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Bro (Mitch) and his girlfriend (Liz) as a doctor and nurse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zak as a Vampire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister (Lanae) as an Eskimo and my bro-in-law (Jordan) as a Woopie Cushion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan as Pedro and Stacie as a German Milk Maid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh as Osama Bin Laden, Dom as a Marine and JP as Josh</td></tr>
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xo</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-33645315533794144142011-10-31T11:53:00.000-04:002011-12-26T03:19:56.304-05:00Happy Halloween with a Pumpkin and a Punk RockerEven with their desperate need for haircuts, we couldn't <i>not</i> dress up our little pups for Halloween. They wear clothes on a regular basis and really don't seem to mind it! Especially now that we live in a snowball, our little lovies depend on their tiny sweaters to stay warm. Found these little costumes at Target and couldn't help myself.. Happy Halloween!<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coco Chanel, our Lil' Pumpkin</span></div>
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xo</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-50235350166553353502011-10-28T14:13:00.000-04:002011-11-07T02:14:55.634-05:00My Little Blog is 2 Years Old!Holy cow, it's been 2 years! Looking back, this past year definitely seems busier and the crazy stories seem less eventful! I suppose it's a blessing either way, right?<br />
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On this day, I can't believe I actually have 47 followers! 47 people who actually care about what I have to say.. Quite an honor. When I first started it all, I thought my only followers would be Justin, my best friends, and my mom! Thanks so much for reading, lovies!<br />
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By the way, I do have some exciting news..<br />
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I will be launching my new party-planning website soon! A lot of things have been in the works in developing the logo and the starter-site and I can't wait to show everyone! I'm pretty excited. I plan to keep going with this blog as my personal blog, but will eventually be launching a party-blog as well. I promise to continue to keep you posted.. just hang in there!<br />
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xo<br />
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Photo Credit: <a href="http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/2011/03/old-fashioned-birthday-cake.html" target="_blank">The Cilantropist</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-62441713678720559072011-10-26T23:26:00.000-04:002011-12-25T19:54:52.303-05:00Hello, Wisco (Visit + Anniversary)!Since the move, J and I have been slam-busy with so much happening that we haven't had a chance to visit good ol' Wisconsin.. until now! It's been way too long since we've seen his family, so it was really great to be able to throw this one together at the last minute. Thanks to Macy's, I was finally given a couple days off in a row (in a ROW!) to celebrate our 3-year anniversary, so we decided to take advantage of my freedom and spend it in Wisconsin. We made the 6 hour drive, pup-free and it was definitely a great little weekend!<br />
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Highlights:<br />
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<li>Rocking out to dubstep the car with my hubby and rolling into Gratiot late (and I mean late!)</li>
<li>Examining Lukus' 4000 DVD collection and choosing 20 for ourselves (Thanks again, Lukus!!)</li>
<li>Waking Alyssa up in the morning and looking at her collection of owl accessories</li>
<li>Laughing our heads off watching funny music videos with the brothers.. I-I-I-I work out!</li>
<li>A cheese-filled lunch at Culver's</li>
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<li>1$ Psychology and Therapy books from the Library</li>
<li>Stocking up on good cheese and 2 gorgeous, aqua bird cages at Swiss Colony</li>
<li>Playing with a 3-legged kitten, feeding some cows and seeing the old trailer where I met Justin for the first time 8 years ago (ghetto-looking, yes, but it was different back then!)</li>
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<li>Playing a hefty game of Dominoes</li>
<li>Enjoying my father-in-law's message at church and visiting with family friends </li>
<li>Birthday celebration for Justin's Dad</li>
<li>Alyssa teaching me to paint and tattoo my nails with newspaper</li>
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<li>Spending an afternoon with Marta, laughing at old voicemails and blackberry videos</li>
<li>Giving Georgia a "little girl makeover" and feeling awful when she hated it</li>
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<li>A sweet, rainy anniversary dinner at Vinny Vanucci's in Galena</li>
<li>Channel-surfing, sipping champagne and being silly at our hotel</li>
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<li>Spending lunch and the afternoon with Marta at her boutique</li>
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<li>Exploring Galena, munching on gourmet popcorn and finding some fun little treasures on Main Street</li>
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<li>Dropping by Justin's old high school to see his sister and Dad</li>
<li>Visiting Justin's old Platteville house and a few antique and cheese shops on our little drive home</li>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-33385168317142870502011-10-25T23:25:00.000-04:002011-12-25T21:21:14.439-05:003 Sweet Years with my LoveHappy 3rd Anniversary to my sweet man.. Can't believe another year has gone by.<br />
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I love you, Justin!<br />
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xo</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-23744070154332612332011-09-28T22:00:00.000-04:002011-09-29T00:17:58.020-04:00DIY: Q-Tip Flower Poms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been meaning to share this for some time now, but I have literally not even had a free minute to blog! It's sad, but I'll explain more about the craziness happening in an upcoming post. </div>
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In my recent bridal and baby shower planning, I found some fabulous inspiration on <a href="http://pinterest.com/alanna_andes/">Pinterest</a> and stumbled upon a super easy-to-understand <a href="http://homemadeginger.blogspot.com/2011/03/anthropologie-inspired-blooms.html#uds-search-results">DIY for Anthropologie-Inspired Blooms</a> at <a href="http://homemadeginger.blogspot.com/">Homemade Ginger</a>. At first I couldn't tell what they were made of until I looked closer at the DIY. Q-Tips! </div>
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I always love incorporating new elements into parties and I knew these would be perfect - My sister Vanessa and I took on the challenge and we had a fun time with it! Here is our experience, based on inspiration from the DIY -- </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We used:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lots of Q-Tips, cut in half (we used almost 2 boxes for 9 flowers)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Styrofoam Balls</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hot glue</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Food coloring + water</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thick, wired stems from silk flowers (unless you plan to hang these)</span></div>
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We began by cutting all of our Q-Tips in half. Before we figured out a system, we kept getting a kick out of how they kept shooting off in different directions as we were cutting them.. I think one even shot into my drinking glass! </div>
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We debated whether or not to use hot glue and decided to, since I wanted to reuse these for other parties, etc (I'm sure the project would have gone much quicker if we had chosen not to use the glue). Depending on the size of the styrofoam ball, we spaced them accordingly. It's totally up to you, how close or deep you want the Q-Tips -- We definitely found it a little more challenging to fit them when we placed them closer/deeper, since there was not much room for the ends to go. Another thing to keep in mind.. The more Q-Tips you use and the larger the styro ball, the heavier it is. If it's too heavy, the stem will have a harder time holding it upright.<br />
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I was absolutely <i>too excited </i>to dye these beauties to think logically - I filled a bowl with yellow food coloring and failed to add water. AH! I really wanted yellow, but without the water to dilute it (at all!), the dye was so severely strong, that it turned out orange. We originally planned to make 6 yellow flowers and I dyed 3 of hard-worked poms orange. I decided to do an additional 3 and save the orange ones for something else. Boo. I'll never make that mistake again -- Add water to dye.<br />
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For the additional poms, I wanted to pack the Q-Tips in. I loved the direction they were going. They turned out a bit heavy for the stems, but with the right vase, they looked pretty amazing! We ended up using these little beauties for my sister's <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-yellow-bridal-shower.html">Sweet, Yellow Bridal Shower</a> and they were a big hit! My mom kept asking the ladies, "What do you think those are made of?? Huh??" and it was fun to see everyone's expression when they found out it was all Q-Tips. Definitely worth the time and hassle!<br />
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Thanks again, <a href="http://homemadeginger.blogspot.com/2011/03/anthropologie-inspired-blooms.html#uds-search-results">Homemade Ginger</a>, for sharing a great tutorial!<br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-26658520147226192372011-09-21T11:28:00.000-04:002011-12-26T01:34:00.667-05:00Jordan + Lanae's Sweet, Yellow Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another post, LONG overdue. I have been dying to share photos of my sister's wedding for over a month now! I was honored to help out with lots of the decor as well as work with a lot of great people while putting everything together - especially my parents, Jordan's parents and our families. </div>
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Jordan and Lanae were married at the sweetest venue and a place I had never heard of until now - The <a href="http://www.mysticalrosegardens.com/" target="_blank">Mystical Rose Gardens</a> in Baldwin, Wisconsin. The atmosphere was oh-so sweet, including a gigantic greenhouse (used for her reception) and beautiful gardens and landscaping (used for the ceremony). The venue is maintained by a sweet and extremely accommodating family. </div>
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We put a lot of work into making the wedding decor DIY-friendly and as affordable as possible. We made and used quite a few crafty projects - including a dozen more hollow yarn balls (just like the ones I made last December - <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/">DIY Fabulous Hollow Yarn Balls</a>), <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/09/diy-fabric-ruffle-pomanders.html" target="_blank">DIY Ruffle Poms</a>, <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-cupcake-liner-pomanders.html" target="_blank">DIY Cupcake Liner Poms</a>, wedding programs, a fantastic escort card frame and farewell ribbon sticks - plus, I made over 600 feet of paper flag garland following her yellow, black and white + lemons inspiration. </div>
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The outdoor decor was fairly simple. We suspended the hollow yarn balls between pillars on a patio overlooking the gardens. Instead of using balloons to make them, this time we used large, round kick-balls (ranging $1-$2.50 a piece). The escort cards were a little trickier.. Lanae found a huge frame which she painted black and she picked up. Coordinating her invites and programs, we printed out all of her guest names and attached them to matching paper used for the flag garland. After rounding all of the corners, I spent a couple hours trying to attach horizontally (and evenly!) for the cards to rest on with mini, black clothespins. And don't forget, alphabetizing all of the guests! It was worth the time.. It turned out absolutely adorable! We also suspended the frame (using ribbon) at a great height for the guests to pick up on their way to the reception area after greeting Jordan and Lanae. So perfect!</div>
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Their "guestbook" was one of the cutest, original ideas I've seen! I can't take any credit though.. Jordan's uncle helped make this happen, by printing Minnesota and Wisconsin "postcards" for the guests to write a message to J & L. After painting a mailbox the perfect yellow, it was mounted on a post and ready to go. I can't tell you how many times I heard "Aww, cute!" and "So cool!"</div>
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These sweet, little farewell "ribbon sticks" were totally a last minute project. We had played around with ideas of sparklers and other fun farewell things, but almost decided to skip it all together to save a little money and time. Using mini dowels/kabob sticks, Lanae began tying strips of ribbon to each one - about an hour later, she was done and they were so stinkin' adorable!</div>
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After a lot of trial and error (and time!), I helped Lanae design these fun programs. Over years of attending other's weddings, I always love saving programs and invites for inspiration. We came up with the design based on a few that I've saved and included a couple fun details of our own. Lanae hit the jackpot after finding a stack of clearanced, high-quality, yellow cardstock with just enough for her programs. We completed each one with wrapped, black twine. We endured quite a bit of frustration printing them evenly and efficiently.. However, the outcome (again!) was definitely worth the trouble.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Displayed with the sweet, damask invitation</td></tr>
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Getting ready! Hair was done by Jordan and Lanae's friend, Katie Mikels - <a href="http://embellishsalon.com/" target="_blank">Embellish Salon</a>.<br />
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It was fun to do makeup for Lanae's wedding as I did for Vanessa's last September! It hit me hard that my little sister was <i>actually getting married</i>.. I still can't believe it. </div>
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Lanae actually embellished her garter! She designed Vanessa's for her wedding as well. How cute is that?!</div>
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Since I was extremely occupied with the Lanae, my mom and bridesmaid's makeup, I barely managed any time to get ready myself! Poor Katie threw my hair together in about 15 minutes and I had less than 5 to get dressed. As my getting-ready-chaos began, Lanae and Jordan saw each other for the first time in the garden for a really special moment.. Even though I could have only seen it from the window, I'm sad I missed it!</div>
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Flowers were done by a good family friend - Christie - who owns a shop called <a href="http://www.kissing2lips.com/" target="_blank">Kissing 2 Lips</a>. The bouquets and arrangements were absolutely incredible. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren, Me (MOH), Vanessa (MOH), Lanae, Nicole and Kirsten</td></tr>
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Each of the maids were given a different belt and jewelry as a gift from Lanae. I loved that our dresses had pockets - so cute!</div>
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The bridal party headed down the road to a wide-open field for some sweet shots!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJMZr8JfYLU/TrX4zppeviI/AAAAAAAAEqk/qnvhOjHnQeg/s1600/Jordan+and+Lanae+Steffen-458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJMZr8JfYLU/TrX4zppeviI/AAAAAAAAEqk/qnvhOjHnQeg/s640/Jordan+and+Lanae+Steffen-458.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fam.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ushers (including my hottie hubby!)</td></tr>
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And for a little more decor..</div>
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This summer, Vanessa and I had conquered our techniques of sewing paper for Lanae's <a href="http://iheartlaughing.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-yellow-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">Yellow Bridal Shower</a> invites. Our new motto quickly became: "You can never have too many flags!" and with that in mind, I began by designing and printing the table number-letters. Time began running out and in our frantic rush to finish everything, Vanessa ripped these babies through her sewing machine the night before the rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, her sewing machine quickly said "NO!" and she - read it and believe it - hand stitched each string of table numbers by HAND. Poor thing! Luckily, there were only 12 tables, but still! We kept the table decor fairly simple by using cylinder vases wrapped in transparent, damask paper and twine and filled with a lemon and a half to work as a base for the dowels. It all turned out pretty cute, don't you think?? Runners were long, strips of heavy paper, made by Lanae's sister-in-law, Emily. </div>
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View from the head table, you can see all the hard work put into all of the decor and setup! </div>
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I made these little MR and MRS signs for the backs of their chairs.</div>
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For the bridal party, I made little name tag cards and tucked them into their forks. Favors were matching chocolate bars provided by <a href="http://shaunayounge.com/sydt/home.html" target="_blank">Shauna Younge</a>.<br />
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The dessert table was a gift from Jordan and Lanae's sister-in-law (and my new sister-in-law!) and photographer, Emily. The table was designed by Shauna Younge and was kept a secret from J & L until right before the ceremony.. Their faces were priceless! I had the honor to meet Shauna and be a small part of the plan, although I ended up being surprised as well! Very cute. </div>
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Jordan and Lanae actually designed their cake (pineapple flavored!) and it was created and made by <a href="http://www.cup-cake.com/" target="_blank">Cup-Cake</a>. </div>
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The dessert table was full of tons of yellow, white and black treats - including chocolate-covered pretzels, cake pops, macarons, cupcakes, popcorn, lemon candy, rock candy, truffles and sugar cookies.</div>
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Before we knew it, we were walking down the aisle. We walked to <i>River Flows in You</i> by Yiruma. </div>
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I cried like I knew I would. Despite the bugs and chilliness, the ceremony was SO very beautiful. During Vanessa's ceremony I cried my eyes out and needed Lanae to continue whispering gibberish to me to keep me from losing it.. We still laugh today about her rambling, "Cowboys and rhinos..", "tacos and jellybeans..". This time, it was Vanessa's turn to keep me sane as she whispered the most random things she could think of. This time, it was, "Willie nelson riding a bike.." and "toejam" and "Jack Black forgot his wallet.." What?! Haha! I definitely laughed more than I cried!</div>
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The reception was sweet and charming, full of candles and twinkle lights. Everything turned out so beautiful!</div>
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Vanessa and I finally survived through our dreaded speech (I was terrified!!) and it went smooth. We kept ours light and fun, while the men went a much more sentimental and emotional route. The night went so fast with dancing and mingling.. It was great to see more people and relatives we haven't had the chance to visit since our move. The whole evening was so sweet and memorable.. I am so lucky to be a part of it all. Love you, little newlyweds!</div>
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Additional credits:</div>
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All photos by <a href="http://emilysteffen.com/" target="_blank">Emily Steffen Photography</a></div>
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xo</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946496409645830861.post-91899013493363171472011-09-14T15:17:00.000-04:002011-12-13T21:19:07.130-05:00Chanel, Brides & Babies, Fried Food and a Whole Lotta DiapersI feel like I keep rambling about how busy my life has been in the last 6 months. Well.. It HAS been busy. Overwhelmingly busy. We had our huge move in June, lots of baby showers and bridal showers, babies being born, Laura's wedding & planning my <i>sister's </i>wedding, the MN State Fair (obvi.), brand new jobs and the nightmares of having unfixed pups.<br />
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Obviously, I it's hard to blog about all of these things in one post, but I am doing my best to stay caught up with this little blog as best as I can! Can you believe this blog is going on 2 years old? It seems way longer than that..<br />
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So.<br />
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<b>Brand new jobs. </b>I think I've already talked about Justin and his job a few posts ago and I've mentioned that I took a freelance job for Chanel. In August, I met with my previous Account Executive for Chanel to discuss possibly working as the Business Manager for the downtown Minneapolis Chanel counter at Macy's. The meeting went well and I was offered the job! I have been there a few weeks so far and enjoy it for the most part. This fall, I will have been working in the cosmetics industry for 8 years - whether at a counter or freelance. For the last 4+ years I was a full-time mental health counselor, so it's definitely interesting to be at a counter again (especially in management), although sometimes I still feel like I'm counseling with all of the interesting people I interact with everyday. Retail can get old pretty quick, but somehow I make an exception since it's Chanel. I mean, c'mon. I love Chanel.<br />
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Before I accepted the job at Chanel, I was on a desperate job hunt and even had an interview set up for a job focusing on adults, home placement and family crisis situations. After submitting my resume, I received a voicemail (on a Friday) from a man, who I could have <i>sworn</i> said his name was "Stew". I called back to set up the interview time and graciously asked, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.. Was it "Stew"? And <i>she </i>crustily responds.. "No. It's Sue." OOOPS. Why in the world didn't I just ask them to repeat her name, instead of guessing it? Idiot me! I played it cool and continued to set up a time to meet. In my excitement of being offered an interview, I took the first time available (the following Monday) and went on with my day. Little did I know, I had a meeting scheduled at the same time for something <i>very </i>important to me, so I weighed the pros and cons and decided to call Stew/Sue back and ask for a later time. She never returned my call, so I attempted to call her again Monday morning and we finally connected. The first thing she said to me was this: "I'm sorry-- What could <i>possibly be more important</i> than this interview?" I was a little caught off guard by her tone and apologized again for the inconvenience. She continued to respond sharply to me as I offered to come in at any other time and she refused to budge or swap her lunch hour and told me she would still see me if I cancelled my already scheduled appointment. I thanked her for the opportunity and that was that. Thank goodness I didn't go to the interview, get the job and <i>then realize </i>the person I was working for. That woman needed a vacation or a serious nap.<br />
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Now that I'm moving head first into my position at Chanel, I'm getting to know the ups and downs of transportation and the value of my time. Did you know it takes me - on average - an hour and a half (in rush hour) to get to work in the morning? Did you know it costs me 13$ to park in the garage each day I work? It's definitely been a challenge, but I'm not giving up. It's so funny how I've spent most of my life living in the Twin Cities and I don't know left from right when I'm downtown. I am so twisted! I'm slowly getting it though..I've met some fun people so far, including the ladies at my counter. One is a serious veteran who's worked for Chanel for 15 years (wow!) and completely reminds me of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm761044224/nm0044489">Candace Azzara</a> from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388125/">In Her Shoes</a>. The other has fantastic experience and started the same time I did, not to mention we totally have a similar sense of humor. Aside from the ridiculous drive and expensive parking, I like it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always loved the Minneapolis skyline.. (Click for source.)</td></tr>
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<b>Showers and babies.</b> Mulder finally had her two, little twin girls a couple weeks ago! Her shower was one of the first parties I hosted since living back in MN and I am super happy to share the the shower will actually be seen in an upcoming feature at <a href="http://www.babylifestyles.com/">Baby Lifestyles</a> -- I'll share more deets later! It has been really hard for me to be able to see Mulder and the babies since I accepted the new job. I hate that my new schedule has basically taken over my life! I finally was able to see her last week and make a fun little dinner to celebrate her birthday (with Jade and Nate too). The babies were absolutely breathtaking. Seriously.. The tiniest, sweetest little things. They have the cutest names -- Kendall and Hartley! It's so adorable how one has dark hair and the other is totally blonde.. I can't wait to see them again!<br />
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<b>Bachelorette parties & a beautiful wedding </b>It's been really great catching up with new and old friends since the move, especially celebrating my good friend Laura's bachelorette party! It just so happened to be the same night my sister was hosting a Lady Gaga-themed bachelorette party! It was fun to help her create her costume over a couple weeks and as I headed to Laura's bach party, I stopped to do Gaga makeup for some of the girls! Laura's sisters threw a memorable and fun Girl's Night Out (and In!) to celebrate.. We began at a hotel in Bloomington and headed downtown Minneapolis to <a href="http://www.zelomn.com/index.html">Zelo</a> for a super delish dinner.. then back to the hotel for gifts and games! It was such a fun night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made this insane skirt out of an old belt, tulle, peacock feathers and tons of hot glue.. </td></tr>
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For the wedding day, I was really honored to do makeup for Laura, her mom and the bridal party as well. She gave me the sweetest, unexpected, little thank-you gift and I died when I opened it -- So stinkin' cute and thoughtful!!<br />
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After pure chaos of running home to change and dealing with some unexpected craziness, I made it back just in time for the big event. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous. It was at the University Club in St. Paul - I had never been there before. It was such a charming venue for a wedding, I loved it. The ceremony was beautiful, and I cried a little of course! She looked fantastic and they were adorable together during the entire evening. The reception was special and there were some sweet moments with all of the glass-clinking and kissing and an emotional song/video her dad shared with her. Unfortunately, Justin had already committed to going to the bachelor party for Jordan (Lanae's fiance) happening at the same time. Boo. Attending a wedding alone is stinky, but it was great to see old friends - some who I haven't seen since High School.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few minutes before the ceremony -- No crying.. God bless waterproof mascara!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moment I lost it.. She looked INCREDIBLE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never seen Laura so happy!</td></tr>
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<b>Our little girl is now a 'woman'. </b>Back up a little bit.. After I finished with Laura's wedding-day makeup, I rushed home to change and get ready for the wedding. On my way, I called Justin and received some dreaded news: Coco went into heat. GREAT. Since neither Romeo or Coco are fixed, we didn't want to risk pregnancy for her - especially since she's so tiny and it would be hard for her to carry Romeo's puppies. Before making it home, I flew into Petsmart to find some puppy diapers and hoped to quickly talk to an expert on what we need to expect and what was actually happening with her. I found a bunch of diapers (holy expensive!) and went up to the Banfield counter where there were 2 women sitting behind the desk. I told them I had some questions about my 9-month old puppy who just began heat and one of the women responded with willingness to help with any questions, seeming to know what she was talking about. She explained how all puppies are different but if we don't plan to breed, that we should keep Romeo somewhere else for the next 4+ weeks. Uhhhh no? Where the heck am I supposed to keep him?! I explained that we could keep them separated and she would have diapers on to prevent from any mess and the woman told me this:<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Woman: "They need to be in separate kennels - far away from each other, or she will get pregnant."</i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me: "Of course..We will keep them separate". </i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Woman: "No. If they are in separate kennels, but the kennels are near each other, she will get pregnant."</i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me: {Laughing} "Wait. How? He can impregnate her from another kennel? Wouldn't that be pretty unlikely that he could reach or.. "</i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Woman: "Yes. She will get pregnant. {Touching her temples} They can connect." </i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me: "Ok. So you're telling me that she can actually <b>get pregnant</b> by just thinking about it?"</i></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Woman: "Yup."</i></span></li>
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Are you kidding me, lady?! She was serious, too. I can't believe I actually believed it for a minute, but get out of town! Dogs can't get pregnant by just "mentally connecting". Sheesh.<br />
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Regardless of Banfield-crazies giving us false advice, we had been debating whether or not to get her fixed (when we adopted her) because we really wanted to have puppies. We're still kind of unsure about it all, but will most likely have them both fixed - and soon. We don't know much about heat or pregnancy or breeding (gah!), but obviously it's expensive to get a pup fixed (not to mention two!). So that's the plan. It's been a ridiculous nightmare to keep them separated though. Romeo is so intense to be near her, while she just sits and looks at us, as if to say, "Oh, please." I know it doesn't compare to being a parent of a human baby, but diapers are <i>expensive</i>! It's definitely worth it to use them though, since they prevent so much mess (and hopefully pregnancy!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor baby girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSbu5JeLLAY/ToqW94R0TCI/AAAAAAAADwU/ZLEyLws-ayo/s1600/IMG_2708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSbu5JeLLAY/ToqW94R0TCI/AAAAAAAADwU/ZLEyLws-ayo/s640/IMG_2708.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They barely fit her! They were too big and too small in some places..</td></tr>
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Her diapers are hysterical though. So cute and little! I do feel really bad for her.. She seems so bummy since it all began. Romeo has been exhausting us with trying to keep them apart - He's seriously lost it. Poor little guy!<br />
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<b>The good ol' MN State Fair. </b>This year, we were lucky to go to the fair TWICE!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziDXFuhDMBk/ToqiEotIxDI/AAAAAAAADw0/IU1HykWY7kc/s640/IMG_2672.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome hubby and his gyro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfhd5bdgSNQ/ToqhmPEM_II/AAAAAAAADwk/5UmMmLBn8wU/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfhd5bdgSNQ/ToqhmPEM_II/AAAAAAAADwk/5UmMmLBn8wU/s640/IMG_2684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom tried to adopt this guy at the mini donut stand, after he said he was from Guatemala. Oh, Mom!</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIEujiNww18/ToqiLeXtucI/AAAAAAAADw4/OVeAWAo-SgE/s640/IMG_2683.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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And for round two.. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN9I7RLY4fU/ToquJTTZdEI/AAAAAAAADxY/xpml57TdTOk/s640/IMG_2713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got 'Lloyd Christmas' during our wait for food at the Hollywood Diner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrpzQ6vjDXY/ToquTrO6J5I/AAAAAAAADxc/A3lzT_RS700/s640/IMG_2721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys hanging at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Heritag</span>e</span></td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBSQPmdLp4c/Toque0AN-lI/AAAAAAAADxk/22z-7ju0LJ8/s640/IMG_2724.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of tossing the mullet through the hole, Vanessa gladly took my dare to go peek her face through -- hehe</td></tr>
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Thanks to my mom and <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/">The Current</a>, I have liked <a href="http://www.tapesntapes.com/">Tapes 'n Tapes</a> for some time now! It worked perfect for us to be at the fair the same day they were playing a show! My mom and some girls from work saved good seats for a while before people started going to the front to dance, despite being in the way. Security kept trying to kick them out, until we all jumped up and rushed the stage (a total Footloose moment!) and jammed out the rest of the song! It was pretty exciting! The show was awesome.. of course, we were front and center!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapes 'n Tapes</td></tr>
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Other than that, I have been helping my little sister plan her wedding and my new party-planning site is in the works!! More details coming soon (duh!)!<br />
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Goodnight, dolls.<br />
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xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14821226849218184629noreply@blogger.com1