tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29230032633845931132024-03-13T00:43:20.858-07:00WilderLaceSeeking inspiration through nature, fashion, beauty, music, and creativityEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-38732178870808137442015-01-08T17:51:00.000-08:002015-01-09T10:02:04.021-08:00Mundane Muggle MustsDoing chores is one of the most miserable, feet-dragging, dreaded activities that I have the displeasure of doing every day.<br />
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I've tried:<br />
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-calling them "tasks" because of the negative association with the word "chore".<br />
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-rewarding myself after chores with something fun.<br />
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-breaking them up into 5-10 minute periods of speed-cleaning throughout the week.<br />
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-making a weekly chore chart that's all color coded and fun<br />
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I'm still on the quest to make chores more bearable. <br />
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When I think about the witches and wizards in the Harry Potter series, and how they can use magic to do chores, I feel very jealous.<br />
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Even though I'm very magical, since I didn't go to Hogwarts, I haven't learned how to use magic to avoid or quickly finish chores.<br />
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I realized, this is a muggle problem. So, I'm making a chore list based on this fact. While I was researching other words for "chore", I found this:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievenPiGJyjmTygpTGmD-LFWhSCkgZEBoHkUBHDxtf3TLW9iA6BYUS0E9Vl12GCLYSfxtNXd8N-uqwAddUR860allbj850ru14yCyiG47RGykrSgz_t_rabv0oJqSiuYBpQXDBKuZfw9YQ/s1600/20150108.02.png" height="356" width="640" /> </div>
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The antonyms for "chore" are "happiness" and "peace"??? Sounds about right.<br />
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Here is my super awesome and fun chore list: "Mundane Muggle Musts" <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveaMOeD4srLM3QwIpg4oTPGloqZMkgeUGu3VblHXU_B7jAv3XDBP9Y9kQrSJZrUJjHLuuWaKDaTlc69tEGgUEAHaFisL8Y5l2Kqm8kVDvTp5RZ0tuCnvoqTbTFHgHT8h5cv3VpYgGfmVu/s1600/20150108.01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveaMOeD4srLM3QwIpg4oTPGloqZMkgeUGu3VblHXU_B7jAv3XDBP9Y9kQrSJZrUJjHLuuWaKDaTlc69tEGgUEAHaFisL8Y5l2Kqm8kVDvTp5RZ0tuCnvoqTbTFHgHT8h5cv3VpYgGfmVu/s1600/20150108.01.png" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
You even get to check off each "must" with a snitch. How freaking cool is that? I'm grateful to <a href="http://www.dafont.com/magic-school.font" target="_blank">FontMesa</a> for making this awesome font, "Magic School". <br />
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If you would like your own magical chore list that might make housework a little less sucky,<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=DD0BF8A856E3DA7D%2114526" target="_blank">here you go</a></span>. (let me know if the link doesn't work)<br />
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Also, <i>please</i> tell me if you have discovered some way to make chores a less awful, or even *gasp* enjoyable experience.<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-6861539964131746242015-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:002015-01-06T12:10:44.161-08:0029 Years Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrowTeiLK_uHkcVs9RNnkdQqVdOTiArqE-p-U8RBDlfi7CkLI9xwBLhW5LoYwfhvmuigWjiXseSp1OWavEg1TqI8beJcmm5NEq2rzVVmi-Ac_wDnyodng2WezZ9oaHIM2B363B3DGAMvas/s1600/HappyBirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrowTeiLK_uHkcVs9RNnkdQqVdOTiArqE-p-U8RBDlfi7CkLI9xwBLhW5LoYwfhvmuigWjiXseSp1OWavEg1TqI8beJcmm5NEq2rzVVmi-Ac_wDnyodng2WezZ9oaHIM2B363B3DGAMvas/s1600/HappyBirthday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It occurred to me that I have a "double whammy" of new beginnings at the start of the new year, since my birthday is just a few days after New Years. </div>
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I used to focus on the fact that everyone either missed my birthday completely (it was always over Xmas break), or that people would give me a "combo" present for Xmas/Birthday. </div>
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I realized that in my past, I depended far too much on others being responsible for my happiness.</div>
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This is my last year of being in my '20's', and I intend to make the most of it.</div>
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I am responsible for my happiness, and for satisfying my own desires.</div>
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Any kindness that I receive from others is a beautiful, wonderful, supplemental bonus.</div>
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I am filled with warmth and light that comes from within me</div>
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It is my hope that we can all have the intention to depend on ourselves for our own happiness.</div>
Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-74931894467429582422015-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:002015-01-01T19:54:20.322-08:00Be A Failure<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIsK-AUmpnTl9uWcMxI3ytgyVodBgEpgBn-edxwO9AWfDGex4O_5lF-VEcKtMIOFS71AuHKbdJgAKwOdQ507PjU63f3a45Hzhqp4FJfPKVjdLBs6Gq_eBE6gNikDvr_aiNuCd6OFB8_f8/s1600/TryFailLearn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIsK-AUmpnTl9uWcMxI3ytgyVodBgEpgBn-edxwO9AWfDGex4O_5lF-VEcKtMIOFS71AuHKbdJgAKwOdQ507PjU63f3a45Hzhqp4FJfPKVjdLBs6Gq_eBE6gNikDvr_aiNuCd6OFB8_f8/s1600/TryFailLearn.jpg" height="243" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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In my (almost) 29 short years of life, I've quickly learned how much pressure and disappointment I can put on myself by creating new year resolutions. A resolution is so daunting/intimidating/looming. Instead, I have <i>intentions</i>.<br />
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(It's funny how changing one word can make such a difference.)<br />
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I don't just create intentions at the new year, this is something I like to think about year round. But still, there is something renewing about the idea of a fresh start with a new number; 2015.<br />
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I've been holding myself back. <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Big time.</u></span><br />
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In the past, I've been such a perfectionist, that I'd rather not do something <i>at all</i> than to do it, and have it be "sub-standard." This has been incredibly limiting for me, because that only leaves the things I'm super-duper good at! Granted, I think I'm a very talented individual, and that I happen to be good at a lot of things. But how will I grow, become more well-rounded, or discover new interests if I only do what I know I <i>won't fail</i> at?<br />
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Failure is scary. Not many people enjoy the feeling of screwing up on something.<br />
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Here's the kicker: It is especially painful if you attach your <i>sense of worth</i> to the success of an endeavor. If your value is based solely on how well you do something, a mistake can seem <span style="font-size: large;">catastrophic</span>. <br />
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Here's my truth:<br />
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<b>Regardless of if I fail or succeed, I have value. My value doesn't change with the quality of my work our output. Failure or mistakes don't mean I'm less of a person.</b> <b>To try, knowing there's a significant chance for failure, is brave and admirable.</b><br />
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So this is my intention for 2015:<br />
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<i> I intend to step out of my comfort zone a little each day. If something inspires or intrigues me, may I take action to pursue this inspiration, with bravery and zeal. I intend to make friends with failure. I plan on spending a lot more time with my new friend this year.</i><br />
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How do you feel about failure? Is it this daunting, negative concept you avoid at all costs? What would happen if you let yourself fail? Remember, your worth is not dependent on the outcome. You have worth <u>no matter what.</u> I truly believe that you have something beautiful and meaningful to contribute to the world, even if you don't know what that is yet.<i> </i>It is inside of you, and each of us. Maybe we just need to let our new friend Failure lead us to the truth.<br />
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<i>P.S.Do you like my inspirational hipster art at the top of the post? My "Hipspiration" if you will. :D</i><br />
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♥ Emily<i> </i>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-19437544203071545262014-01-19T21:36:00.003-08:002014-01-19T21:36:30.662-08:00New Beginnings Part 3So, as the final installment of my "New Beginnings" series, I will tell you how my audition for the Seattle Opera went! Well, the mind map worked absolute wonders. By having sent my intention out into the world, it truly had it's effect on the actual outcome. Traffic was fine, I found parking easily, and arrived on time. when I got there, a practice room opened up. In the past, I would basically drill the music over and over, until I basically exhausted my voice. I warmed up just enough to get centered, and then sat in the waiting area.<br />
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I was incredibly aware of how I had the tendency to compare myself to the other women auditioning. The other women were also giving me glares, sizing me up, judging me. I closed my eyes, stayed centered, and reminded myself that I was connected to all of these women through music.<br />
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When it was my turn, I walked in, feeling genuinely excited to be able to sing for someone. The judges (for lack of a better term) could sense my excitement and energy, and the mood was lighter than any audition I've done.<br />
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I took a deep breath, and sang. I was fully present in the moment, expressing the words and the melodies like I never had before. I felt like I was on a different plane of existence.<br />
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Afterwards, one of the judges told me that my performance of Non so piu, cosa son cosa faccio was one of the most expressive and accurate interpretations she had seen. They also told me that they thought I had a lot of talent, though I was a bit rusty technique-wise. We discussed why I hadn't been singing for the last few years, and they asked if I had a voice instructor in the area. When I said no, they suggested a mezzo in the area who teaches at Cornish. They told me they really enjoyed the audition and they wanted me to come back!<br />
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The best part was that I had a wonderful, positive experience. I've learned that mental preparation is just as if not more important than technical preparation.<br />
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Throughout all of this, I've still remained undecided about singing professionally, but I know that no matter what I decide, it will be enjoyable!<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-59804468499274385272013-02-12T16:35:00.000-08:002013-02-12T16:35:42.152-08:00New Beginnings, Part 2<span style="color: #444444;">So, here is the continuation of my last post. Beginnings are easy for me, but finishing things are another matter, so when I say "continued tomorrow" I probably mean "continued whenever I can force myself to get around to it".</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">So now, we're in Seattle. Moving here, I was forced to face quite a few things about myself that I didn't want to face. We moved here in 2011, and by that point I had been aware for over a year that I had been struggling with an eating disorder most of my life. Thankfully, there was an incredible clinic here specializing in eating disorders, and my husband had incredible health insurance with his job. If anyone wants to know more about this facility, I'd be happy to provide you with information.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">This is where my intensive healing path began.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I started intensive out-patient treatment at this clinic, and the growing pains (and healing) began. I also started doing my own personal work outside of the clinic (aka therapy). There is such a negative stigma about therapy in this country. What I'd like to say is that growing up I was always against the idea of it, because in my mind getting help was admitting I was "weak" or "messed up". That's not true. Everyone needs help now and again, and there is nothing to be ashamed of about that. Besides we've all been hurt or wounded in our life. Not one person can escape that. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">So, I suppose the last year and a half has been spent doing intensive, painful, enlightening work that has helped me to be more functional, at peace, and better able to pursue my passions. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">One of my biggest fears was of failure. I would rather not try, than try and potentially fail. I started to get really fed up with holding myself back. I also realized that singing has been a form of therapy for myself my whole life. In fact, there were times in my life where singing may have been how I survived. I realized that I need this in my life again, no matter how painful the process. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Something that I'm learning about myself is that I can go from zero to sixty in a split second, shocking everyone, including myself. I hadn't sung more than five or six words for three years, and then I had a sudden urge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> I was going to audition for the Seattle Opera. I had been looking at singing opportunities online, and saw that the Seattle Opera Chorus was holding auditions. Now, keep all of these things in mind: I was incredibly out of practice due to not having used my instrument for years, and there may not have been any openings for mezzos, as they have very few positions to begin with. The auditions are held regardless of openings in the chorus, to keep the current members in the "lowest tier" on their toes in case they've been slacking.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Equipped with new mental tools, and a wonderful support team, I prepared for the audition. I only had a couple of weeks to relearn songs I hadn't looked at since college. These are the things I learned during this process that I will carry with me into the future. I believe they apply to a lot of things in life other than singing. What I learned deserves it's own post, so I will do that separately. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The most profound tool I used for the audition is...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Mind Map!!!</b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is a technique that I wish I could share with the entire world, because it truly <i>is </i>magical. It works for anything you could think of. Are you stressed about going to a party where you don't know anyone? Mind map it. Are you giving a big presentation at work, and hate public speaking? Mind map it. Do you have a phone call you have to make, and are dreading it? Well, you know. And in my case, I was about to go to an audition for a legit opera company. I will teach you about the wonders of mind mapping in a moment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> My goal was to have a spectacular audition. And by that I don't mean, "I blow my competition out of the water. I'm the best looking, best dressed, and all-around most talented, awesome person there". I can't control what the judges will think of me, nor can I control who else will be at the audition. I wanted this to be spectacular for me. I wanted to feel that pure ecstasy that all singers know when you're present in yourself, feeling every note and every word, and the emotions that come along with them. This was quite the goal, considering my audition history had left something to be desired, to put it lightly. Most every audition I ever did was terrifying, and extremely stressful. I was so worried about things I couldn't control, I wasn't able to enjoy myself. I remember once, my voice teacher in college said he knew a woman who loved auditions, because they were an opportunity to perform, where you had people's full attention. That concept was so foreign to me, but I longed for that feeling.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">So, I was taught how to mind map, and now I will teach you. Seriously, I want to teach this in master classes at music schools around the world.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Mind mapping starts with a simple bubble chart. Here is one that I found online as it applies to business. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.abilitysuccessgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bubble-Chart.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.abilitysuccessgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bubble-Chart.jpg" class="decoded" height="247" src="http://www.abilitysuccessgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bubble-Chart.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">When doing a mind map, think of all of the things that may stress you out, frighten you, or worry you. These are the things you will address on your mind map. Most importantly, what are your intentions for this audition/event? The mind map should be filled with your intentions. Obviously, you will create the mind map sometime before said-event.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Here are the simple, but very important rules to mind mapping an event:</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Everything that you put on the mind map must be positive</b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Let me give you an example. Let's say that you're stressed about the other people going to the audition, and you don't want to spend the whole time comparing yourself to them and obsessing over who is prettier/better dressed/better singer. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">What you may want to put on the mind map is : <i>I am not comparing myself to the other singers.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">That is a negative statement, and doesn't belong on the mind map. Instead you need to come up with a positive statement to replace it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> I chose: <i>I am my own, unique, beautiful person. I am here for my own reasons</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Some things may seem difficult to spin in a positive way, but it gets easier with practice.<i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Everything is in present tense, AKA No Futurizing </b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">This is important. Just trust me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">What <i>not </i>to do: <i>I will be present while I sing</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">What to do instead: <i>I am present as I sing </i> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Whatever your wildest dreams are, put them on the paper</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">This is something I didn't understand the full extent of on my first audition. Basically, in your dream world, how would this event go? Don't let worries or pessimism get in the way of this part. Do you wish that a blue elephant would magically appear during your audition and start harmonizing with you? Put it on the mind map. But seriously, any limitations you put on yourself will affect the outcome of that day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">For example, I put all sorts of things that I hoped for on my mind map, but I didn't put one important thing; "I am selected to be in the chorus". Do you want to know why I didn't? Because I didn't believe in my wildest dreams that it would happen. I let my own insecurities and beliefs about where I was with my singing hold me back from having that as my intention on my mind map. The world has a funny way of responding to the energy you send out. You can't hide those beliefs, not even behind fake confidence. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> ---------</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">And with those rules in place, I give you a mind map! I will bare all and show you my mind map for the audition. I recommend doing them by hand, which I did. But because it's pretty messy and I doubt you'd be able to read my handwriting, I've replicated it on the computer.<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35_rsyYMA9c6na3a3fzqGmo8NlAOeUw_AOsyoilzFKSn__s25-0VZYeD1ZGgUZfXx5aj7ZaUaBJ3oOJLsIzIiApkLYoeOH3JBzwJSCpelCYT0puIVj5CPkI08ZAikZN9x8a3EJr9eU-Lz/s1600/mindmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35_rsyYMA9c6na3a3fzqGmo8NlAOeUw_AOsyoilzFKSn__s25-0VZYeD1ZGgUZfXx5aj7ZaUaBJ3oOJLsIzIiApkLYoeOH3JBzwJSCpelCYT0puIVj5CPkI08ZAikZN9x8a3EJr9eU-Lz/s1600/mindmap.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">So, do you want to know how my audition went? I will tell you in the last part of this three part series! This time, I won't promise to do it tomorrow. I'll write it when I'm ready.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">♥Emily </span><br />
<br />Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-57421729778499685502012-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:002012-11-06T09:28:55.218-08:00New Beginnings, Part 1Something monumental happened for me this weekend. <br />
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Let's back up. I graduated with a BA in Vocal Performance three years ago. Singing was my life. If anyone asked me what I'd do when I'd grow up, the answer would always be "sing!"<br />
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So, when I graduated from high school, and was on my way to college, I optimistically and blindly signed up for the only degree I could imagine, Vocal Performance. <br />
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I started as a double major in performance and education, but my advisor basically laughed at me and said I'd be in school for eight years. So, I decided to drop education, and stick with my passion of performing. <br />
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Immediately, I was barraged with the rules, opinions, and strong beliefs of all the music professors. <br />
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"This isn't American Idol"<br />
"Your performance must be perfect!"<br />
"Don't close your eyes when you sing, you close out the audience"<br />
"No parallel motions with your hands"<br />
"You don't get to sing songs you enjoy in real life, so you don't get to pick what you sing now"<br />
"If you can't sing all day, then you're not singing correctly"<br />
"There's too much air in your voice"<br />
"Your voice isn't airy enough"<br />
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I was tugged and pulled back and forth between feuding professors, forced to pledge my allegiance to one or the other, wanting to please everyone.<br />
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I spent hours and hours practicing, never to feel good enough. <br />
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I was constantly sick with strepp, bronchitis, and other illnesses because I was so stressed and overworked.<br />
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One of the lowest, most brutal moments was when I was preparing for an operetta. I worked so hard, and was so prepared for our performance. The night before, I got very sick. I had bronchitis, and I lost my voice. I had to perform anyway, and my solos were divvied out to the other singers. Did I receive compassion and concern? No, I was treated as an inconvenience. In fact, I was told that I'd be able to sing if I did my best to take care of myself that night. The day of the performance, I could barely get out of bed. Putting my hair back and my makeup on was near impossible. I trudged to the performance hall, half alive, and sat back stage, ready to mime my parts. <br />
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On stage, no one would have known I was sick. I was animated, vibrant, and entertaining. Between scenes, I hobbled back stage, and coughed up blood. <br />
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If I were in a stronger state of mind in college, and had a clear, unfaltering vision of why I was a singer, all of the things that were said and done by the professors and other students wouldn't have made as big of an impact. Unfortunately, I was a vulnerable, naïve, moldable girl, fully believing the words of anyone with authority.<br />
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So slowly, my passion began to fade, and I became horribly critical of my voice, and myself. My instructors didn't need to chastise me for mistakes, I did it well enough for them. By my last year, I was drained of all joy in music, and went through the motions like a mindless drone. I got to be a lead in the opera that year, which would have been a dream come true before. At that point, I just wanted to get through it. <br />
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I sang the national anthem and alma mater at our graduation, but all I could think of was getting out of there. When I graduated, I got married immediately afterward, and moved out to the Washington D.C. area. <br />
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I was deeply depressed and lost. Being a small town Alaska girl, D.C. was overwhelming and terrifying. The one thing that was consistent in my life before was music, and without it, I didn't know what direction to take. I worked retail, hated it, and then got a receptionist job at a medical company., where I was unchallenged, and unfulfilled.<br />
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I was going through the motions, doing pretty much everything but singing. Every once and a while, I'd feel the strong desire to sing, but as soon as I would the critical voices in my head would attack, and I'd go silent.<br />
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After two years, we moved to Seattle. This is where things slowly began to change for me. <br />
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(Continued tomorrow on Part 2)<br />
Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-55464484135268444862012-04-22T21:07:00.001-07:002012-04-22T21:09:48.121-07:00Channeling Farrah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the 70's here in Seattle today! I put on my retro style dress, and decided to flip my hair out as a nod to Farrah Fawcett.<br />
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Dress-Forever 21, Belt-Vintage, Shoes and purse- TJ Maxx<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed this gorgeous sunny day. My husband and I walked around the neighborhood and admired all of the blossoms and flowers, and then we went to a BBQ at a friends.<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-74610028215496735612012-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:002012-04-19T19:26:15.534-07:00April's Spring Pickin's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKN6DbCjlGgLrKEleXlvTktIG_4QB0xSZO-XBl5WZ6wDenxAbFzgroWniT1upZAtfVIIIJIlGgymE3-9Yycgw8QAjU-yLGfULdC9Gb6CTj93-tW33YAA9oz1Q1tbm714Pbl1xf9329HyF/s1600/6862701710_d478b7f5bf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKN6DbCjlGgLrKEleXlvTktIG_4QB0xSZO-XBl5WZ6wDenxAbFzgroWniT1upZAtfVIIIJIlGgymE3-9Yycgw8QAjU-yLGfULdC9Gb6CTj93-tW33YAA9oz1Q1tbm714Pbl1xf9329HyF/s1600/6862701710_d478b7f5bf_o.jpg" /></a></div> So a couple of weeks ago, I blogged about this cool project by <a href="http://dearestnature.com/blog/" target="_blank">Dearest Nature</a> called Spring Pickin's.<br />
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Here are my pics for the month. I would have liked more, but with things being as they are, well, this is it!<br />
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Pretty ground cover<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght9p8tp0bzn_KXZjFMru09P6gB2Mdz-ChTLrQRpCSJewSr-CTejxKKhUH7NHFRf7NV4ICaK2YmaYJdNH5WD5gYyFjo9U9BRNfPi2FJQWulioEdLTELXKZA1L1DHcS1OSwbmtA4v2WhRJv/s1600/WP_000312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght9p8tp0bzn_KXZjFMru09P6gB2Mdz-ChTLrQRpCSJewSr-CTejxKKhUH7NHFRf7NV4ICaK2YmaYJdNH5WD5gYyFjo9U9BRNfPi2FJQWulioEdLTELXKZA1L1DHcS1OSwbmtA4v2WhRJv/s640/WP_000312.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>Stumbled upon this stump on a hike. I don't know why, but I love it so much!<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-53674231083654813062012-04-16T14:53:00.000-07:002012-04-16T14:53:13.916-07:00Life's Challenges<b><i><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></i></b><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook; font-size: 18pt;">Does it ever seem like bad things happen all at once?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">About 3 months ago, I started having severe stomach pains. I finally got an appointment with my gastroenterologist, and found out that I have Crohn's Disease. Crohn's is an auto-immune disease that attacks your digestive system. There is no cure, and it is most commonly diagnosed in both men and women between the ages of 15 and 35. When you're in a flare-up (which I have been for 3 months now,) you are restricted to a very limited diet. Anything with fiber is out, so all of the yummy, nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, can't be eaten because they irritate your intestines and don't allow them to heal.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeyxrALPQIj1ObiJkSk4VEENR84azYLLgnIO3TWLAW78bqIRQqZOyVaVQvdFk3ZfjfB_DDPKfkk8DiRUcjdcetd03n_NVwOjc2Sdyd5vf8DpYJ8PNYtkLPPxdjxyXffxJOuyyfiguhTQW/s1600/crohns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeyxrALPQIj1ObiJkSk4VEENR84azYLLgnIO3TWLAW78bqIRQqZOyVaVQvdFk3ZfjfB_DDPKfkk8DiRUcjdcetd03n_NVwOjc2Sdyd5vf8DpYJ8PNYtkLPPxdjxyXffxJOuyyfiguhTQW/s400/crohns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">I've been doing my best to stay positive once I found out the news, but it has been hard. I'm wondering if I'll need surgery (up to 75% of people with Crohn's will need surgery at some point), and what this is going to mean for me in the future. All I can do is take it day by day, and take care of myself the best that I can.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">So, this Saturday, about an hour after my husband Ben took my pics for my last blog post, he went for a motorcycle ride with his friend. Next thing I know, I'm getting a phone call saying he's been in an accident.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">I rush to the hospital, to find him bloody and shaken. Thankfully, he was wearing full gear, and was in one piece. It could have been a lot worse. His knees were raw, and his thumb broken, but nothing more serious than that. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">Now, I'm trying to take care of myself, and my broken husband. Three days ago, I thought I didn't have enough strength to function. I'm realizing now how much more I have in me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">Things can always be worse. A few months ago, my small problems seemed so important. It is amazing how things can be put in perspective. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;"><span style="font-size: large;">We <i>will</i> get through this! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: NewCenturySchoolbook;">Here are some quotes that I've found inspirational during this time. </span></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." - Unknown</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>"I complained that I had no shoes till I saw a man that had no feet." - Unknown</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used." </b><b>Richard E. Byrd</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <br />
"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do." </b><b>Eleanor Roosevelt </b></span></div><br />
<br />
♥Emily <br />
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<b> </b>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-48394574734749180942012-04-14T13:53:00.000-07:002012-04-14T13:53:53.294-07:00Spring Sunshine It's been rainy all week in the Seattle area, only to become sunny and beautiful for the weekend. I love spring here. There is so much life and greenery, and when the sun comes out, everyone celebrates.<br />
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I had to wear something that made me feel super "springy", so I pulled out my girly crop top from ASOS, and one of my favorite skirts. I kept the shoes simple with some nude flats. I wanted to be able to frolic!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVuJRtKJCP7QX-Fqfh-ddBlol66l3gAWVLGfIPwF0VUZRRFggQg-sXn75uRySwKonX9VCO6wF987m5iNk0VQH5XO3P_KVwks6z-C_H-0eWEkgB8p7-dHCLpeZkpSLsJjkaILgaQwhExJP/s1600/P1010169b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVuJRtKJCP7QX-Fqfh-ddBlol66l3gAWVLGfIPwF0VUZRRFggQg-sXn75uRySwKonX9VCO6wF987m5iNk0VQH5XO3P_KVwks6z-C_H-0eWEkgB8p7-dHCLpeZkpSLsJjkaILgaQwhExJP/s640/P1010169b.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTXvXFWm_jdUjkzbWetCWQlT7Rs5UgOXP3GUUQGFtE5pGW977hSEtHL4TuMy7DTrLLfY-INouhjbg1zTipK1akCPajTp4ZlSCGv-Y7cNJZDXLCWUkrT5Oz9lDaaRg_kXGTOGhbOpVAjn5/s1600/P1010172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTXvXFWm_jdUjkzbWetCWQlT7Rs5UgOXP3GUUQGFtE5pGW977hSEtHL4TuMy7DTrLLfY-INouhjbg1zTipK1akCPajTp4ZlSCGv-Y7cNJZDXLCWUkrT5Oz9lDaaRg_kXGTOGhbOpVAjn5/s640/P1010172.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>I recently got my hair cut and had more blond added for a more summery hairstyle, and I love the change. I hope that today is as sunny and beautiful for all of you.<br />
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♥Emily<br />
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Top and shoes <a href="http://us.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank">ASOS</a>, Skirt: past season <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp" target="_blank">Anthropologie</a>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-47542396934109574172012-03-28T10:06:00.001-07:002012-03-28T10:10:46.157-07:00Spring Pickin's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dearestnature.com/blog/2012/03/spring-pickins/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNhK01kplm18-uy6X4rsJusmXkF0NGfnq82h4JLOVPQFpPy03cHr_1f648LpLSmIyv8LrWFvUCa7wV5VtnCJ9RDCBWeBf7W6ReZ2g5NUWCR0rAVgTWtZd5c1wPZYtp0qWAMRbYuzFjPmM/s1600/6862701710_d478b7f5bf_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today, I stumbled upon this awesome project I've decided to take part in. It's called <a href="http://dearestnature.com/blog/2012/03/spring-pickins/" target="_blank">Spring Pickin's</a>, and it's hosted by this gorgeous blog called <a href="http://dearestnature.com/" target="_blank">Dearest Nature</a>. The blogs founder is a web designer, has a paper blog, and loves nature! On the 19th of every spring month, those participating will be sharing some beautiful pictures of things found in nature. With a blog name like Wilderlace, how can I refuse? I think this is such a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by the natural world around us!<br />
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To participate, go to Dearest Nature's blog and post a comment underneath her <a href="http://dearestnature.com/blog/2012/03/spring-pickins/" target="_blank">Spring Pickin's post</a>, so that she can include you in her monthly round-up.<br />
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Here's a little teaser for you all, in anticipation of my first Spring Pickin's post on April 19th:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XuxVAvcNOZ11e9mR5HV9gyYQ8SslhIl0HkBlekHqSQgNW0PYlCYLD61HUwyxHHADtFAP7D5anpgTVej71ShbDC4U5k_2557NDllOtsmzMu5uCXAKh95_4oREJaTsLtWZ67BNumh3YASc/s1600/WP_000312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XuxVAvcNOZ11e9mR5HV9gyYQ8SslhIl0HkBlekHqSQgNW0PYlCYLD61HUwyxHHADtFAP7D5anpgTVej71ShbDC4U5k_2557NDllOtsmzMu5uCXAKh95_4oREJaTsLtWZ67BNumh3YASc/s640/WP_000312.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-81354747955463958892012-03-24T22:06:00.000-07:002012-03-24T22:06:45.912-07:00Bainbridge IslandBeing new to the Seattle area, I decided it was time to start exploring the surrounding islands. My husband and I headed to Bainbridge Island. There is something so exciting about riding a ferry!<br />
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First we went down to the piers, where you play "follow the leader" as they line you up in rows. As fate would have it, we parked right next to another fiat! See if you can spot us (mine's the green one).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here comes the ferry! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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We drove onto the ferry, then we got out and got to wander around for the 35 minute ride. We walked to the back of the boat, and since it was still early, it was really cold! Thankfully, Ben brought a coat. :)<br />
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There was a restaurant, and all sorts of covered decks. It was crazy to think that this is a daily commute for some people.<br />
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We got some popcorn and hot chocolate. I believe this is very "ferry-appropriate" food. Before we knew it, there was an announcement letting us know that it was time to go back to our cars.<br />
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Once on the island, we drove to the downtown area of Winslow. After looking around at some beautiful reclaimed and vintage furniture, we decided it was time for lunch. We stopped in a local diner.<br />
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My handsome hub-hub.<br />
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I'm wearing a new top that I got from Ross. On the hanger, it looked like a baggy pillowcase, but I was brave and decided to try it on anyway. It ended up being super flattering and comfy. Yay for trying new things!<br />
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After lunch, a little more shopping, then we walked down to the marina. There is something so beautiful about sailboats. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8s_mdIozAhzJkaBFs5eKZNtVv4UplLvaodHwhX5X5b-_NSmAuhQmnu3JxfH0LzLFkx3fxx1JETkIZmoMwb0BuzFjcqaoXWkIcBXE9B1QN2dqKYRCbm38hVGEoXqLJN6H1cqE3VpCsxuP/s1600/P1010037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8s_mdIozAhzJkaBFs5eKZNtVv4UplLvaodHwhX5X5b-_NSmAuhQmnu3JxfH0LzLFkx3fxx1JETkIZmoMwb0BuzFjcqaoXWkIcBXE9B1QN2dqKYRCbm38hVGEoXqLJN6H1cqE3VpCsxuP/s640/P1010037.JPG" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so in love with these huge chains!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L_J3e_pLV1u9jLcg80i-GmUxsVchgewYTQZQ6vlBr-RXJ9qXhK6sJlfEaOU-1tAX_SwtJ4X8kg8_KnPdAqslicc81X35rqXGS3wKRaXoj3WCdM7Jy-dvJ2cLDIugqjHdWaicYRbwcXW-/s1600/P1010046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L_J3e_pLV1u9jLcg80i-GmUxsVchgewYTQZQ6vlBr-RXJ9qXhK6sJlfEaOU-1tAX_SwtJ4X8kg8_KnPdAqslicc81X35rqXGS3wKRaXoj3WCdM7Jy-dvJ2cLDIugqjHdWaicYRbwcXW-/s640/P1010046.JPG" width="448" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There were so many beautiful blossoming trees and bushes everywhere. Ocean, lakes, mountains, forest, plants- I can't express how much I love this area!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KLAI70k600CGuJKPnN88euEMZQ_vqmHRCehKSTY-UizlNlypUZOnWm2fyW0PHs2enfjNRu9ZejwjqhOqfmUK1b0oOTlxyLS4FZVsnXe2yBo5C_5s6rUy6u_JLaxxZltWgc-ZBMuEtuZi/s1600/P1010041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZYi7CtcVtC-WEYHlbdccj6s59fiEB-d8GVZteP_7b4XsWIij6Do0p2p4Y1nQztZKvyeLWWI8V2n-gDHh0uZbgd4eio2VkFtbFRNPOlKGR-MfzvGeBoZe1vOQiWpfGmSrPkeCUAHjz1_V/s1600/P1010060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZYi7CtcVtC-WEYHlbdccj6s59fiEB-d8GVZteP_7b4XsWIij6Do0p2p4Y1nQztZKvyeLWWI8V2n-gDHh0uZbgd4eio2VkFtbFRNPOlKGR-MfzvGeBoZe1vOQiWpfGmSrPkeCUAHjz1_V/s640/P1010060.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X8hOxOUBTAVMnozJBtdQU6UmufGubYjeCB3Ag2JO70ZO_kVqpk6oX5ZPplns6hcxqSzCgRec0n0qnD9qdkJZMaec1ugSlyGm_0Ea13orMNoa-_eMhvYD4BQiYjoac_I4FmJrCZ2iFTKu/s1600/P1010058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X8hOxOUBTAVMnozJBtdQU6UmufGubYjeCB3Ag2JO70ZO_kVqpk6oX5ZPplns6hcxqSzCgRec0n0qnD9qdkJZMaec1ugSlyGm_0Ea13orMNoa-_eMhvYD4BQiYjoac_I4FmJrCZ2iFTKu/s640/P1010058.JPG" width="504" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After a few hours of exploring, we got back on the boat. The trip back was much warmer, because the sun was out in full force!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6keI_1Swbw8_mRK7kSXpE9RWVMXmden7Z_VQBSdZ4p71uU3gab3QGdJs4ODubu3nJOhQlsSg4CPCSpARZEyffFoTi2ChdFtUf_BxIj5R7oTR_o5IDBVgTxK1OwWHW9uoMYjdCgrlyl77W/s1600/P1010074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6keI_1Swbw8_mRK7kSXpE9RWVMXmden7Z_VQBSdZ4p71uU3gab3QGdJs4ODubu3nJOhQlsSg4CPCSpARZEyffFoTi2ChdFtUf_BxIj5R7oTR_o5IDBVgTxK1OwWHW9uoMYjdCgrlyl77W/s640/P1010074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI7Cr6hriUPE650fjcaYR2B30skduISSs2ysL4bMpnDfgOrIMYnit8HXDFSqWDnssFhbuFH8_KliN_jMZdzpd7_oBJkweLrXaQ20lU_YG6U8qn_wgHj0TV3aUNIAr_Q3i5bVrY_lBUh8h/s1600/P1010076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI7Cr6hriUPE650fjcaYR2B30skduISSs2ysL4bMpnDfgOrIMYnit8HXDFSqWDnssFhbuFH8_KliN_jMZdzpd7_oBJkweLrXaQ20lU_YG6U8qn_wgHj0TV3aUNIAr_Q3i5bVrY_lBUh8h/s640/P1010076.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDafVoUDoVmPAfctw9NYYMaLYp9afhXQIPgLBqXKJwm_oRfuGFrFPB44CF3ysrmBjnvE-UHiTOBSldwJppoDNFggb2Hi7Q9AwkHNbVhDDEV2J-1fEVLCMqe1OStM1HRtOw9cmKwChEhtRe/s1600/P1010079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDafVoUDoVmPAfctw9NYYMaLYp9afhXQIPgLBqXKJwm_oRfuGFrFPB44CF3ysrmBjnvE-UHiTOBSldwJppoDNFggb2Hi7Q9AwkHNbVhDDEV2J-1fEVLCMqe1OStM1HRtOw9cmKwChEhtRe/s640/P1010079.JPG" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> ♥Emily</div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-3053937747919703852012-03-16T17:18:00.002-07:002012-03-18T13:17:53.805-07:00Macarons, Cupcakes, and KittySo, after sampling my first macaron on Pike's St., I was hooked. So, I went to Metropolitan Market and bought a few. I bought five, but tragically, one broke on the way home, so I had to put it out of it's misery. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_Go4RcQIaR2YQoZviDSVMuySY3Xr799xqyE2nqNnEqoVm_ZTy3wBY1S0cdSuXjU_XVFAbnuZfBIa3hqv8Wyv4b2qzVTwXmejvAkmCgOxof5Gu61KPzjeujwqC_CnSi26l6i88L1jLVVC/s1600/macarons02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_Go4RcQIaR2YQoZviDSVMuySY3Xr799xqyE2nqNnEqoVm_ZTy3wBY1S0cdSuXjU_XVFAbnuZfBIa3hqv8Wyv4b2qzVTwXmejvAkmCgOxof5Gu61KPzjeujwqC_CnSi26l6i88L1jLVVC/s640/macarons02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Now, these are beautiful, but they weren't nearly as scrumptious as the one I got from Le Panier. I have heard they are extremely difficult to make. These were just a touch gummy. Regardless...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXky7b94xrlqTW3qALeTSn7LZS9glMopoIPEUAzo2sllWaMNeIG6tJvFqCcpTjyQGp7NsogFqsB_FUUWK5OtKXpvFW6uUO_TBKbp7bAs3oUzmoCpK9Hi6IbJby2SSXXtQLNpuEIySiRup8/s1600/macarons01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXky7b94xrlqTW3qALeTSn7LZS9glMopoIPEUAzo2sllWaMNeIG6tJvFqCcpTjyQGp7NsogFqsB_FUUWK5OtKXpvFW6uUO_TBKbp7bAs3oUzmoCpK9Hi6IbJby2SSXXtQLNpuEIySiRup8/s640/macarons01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I some how managed to choke them down. :)<br />
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Last weekend, I was invited to a "Cupcake and Champagne" party. How could I pass that up? So, I made some cupcakes for the event. I decided to go classic, with vanilla cupcakes, and buttercream frosting. This <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2011/07/perfect-vanilla-cupcakes-recipe.html" target="_blank">vanilla cupcake recipe</a> is from <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Glorious Treats</a>. So, Glory tested all sorts of recipes for vanilla cupcakes, until she found the perfect one. They didn't overflow, and they rose perfectly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg1duriWhM8hOBu9Do2bgHSg99cYju34939dddgze7OzorbxBUdfZQ5_-5EADU02GqX_ubviBp2hPXq2XewUds72PMoWXtFDjgQo4LaX9ho4S8vl8lhz76Ryv8_c2PsVaCa3lC2LEF_t-/s1600/cupcake01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg1duriWhM8hOBu9Do2bgHSg99cYju34939dddgze7OzorbxBUdfZQ5_-5EADU02GqX_ubviBp2hPXq2XewUds72PMoWXtFDjgQo4LaX9ho4S8vl8lhz76Ryv8_c2PsVaCa3lC2LEF_t-/s640/cupcake01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I also used her <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2011/08/american-buttercream-frosting-recipe.html" target="_blank">American Buttercream recipe</a>. Buttercream frosting is pretty basic. It's usually powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and a touch of cream or milk. But somehow, hers turned out better than any I've made in the past! It was a nice thick consistency, which was perfect for piping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyaR8j4PhYvPoGFlsSj0mAmOvpIMv2gqsvwuJOKnn6qIJi0DhfQTK7OWQXLsnZkLZg3WiwVr4AMONIbOEmE42VD4fC9XvITelGyid7X5KW4IKuLVJ73sn_uvDBMElTi7qHJ0In0P9GoKh/s1600/cupcake02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyaR8j4PhYvPoGFlsSj0mAmOvpIMv2gqsvwuJOKnn6qIJi0DhfQTK7OWQXLsnZkLZg3WiwVr4AMONIbOEmE42VD4fC9XvITelGyid7X5KW4IKuLVJ73sn_uvDBMElTi7qHJ0In0P9GoKh/s640/cupcake02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I decided to make little roses, which was done by starting the piping in the middle and moving outward. Very simple! I used some silver disco dust (edible glitter) on top, but the camera had a hard time capturing that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEarnsYaruzNmx1jGqdhVJYSh6cxw9Tn5wE6cPtqjXA4uCRoZHU10GR6107Xw16Iu2KCBLMf1P1z5tPc2IGGwj5XkUeAh9_bZ3zAASaLEX67qLTwmO1LK-fZ1NaTpI5ejr9OxlDs0s2WSN/s1600/cupcake03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEarnsYaruzNmx1jGqdhVJYSh6cxw9Tn5wE6cPtqjXA4uCRoZHU10GR6107Xw16Iu2KCBLMf1P1z5tPc2IGGwj5XkUeAh9_bZ3zAASaLEX67qLTwmO1LK-fZ1NaTpI5ejr9OxlDs0s2WSN/s640/cupcake03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The party was super fun. Lots of champagne, lots of cupcakes, and great company!<br />
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And lastly, kitty. Whenever cardboard and Emily mix, it's a dangerous combination. I basically love cardboard. When I was younger, my dad would get those giant Gateway computer boxes, and I would make the most epic forts out of them, with compartments, doors, and a sun roof.<br />
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So when I had a few pieces from some curtains I bought, I was giddy. I made a little house for Layla. In my experience, if you make or buy something for a cat, they never touch it. But I walked in the living room just now, and look what I found?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3xNMnEnDJLEFT4xAINd0smjnbHiAn7u_-2Hque3uwH0OwhhyphenhyphenpQq0IX4J3ooYLbWxoyJ7SobKDN9ibB6DGWmdytq3XPG39xTZ4LftyhQ2emSrYuzhfeGD1pnxcRuw8HAyQK4jvVrh_l3F/s1600/laylahouse01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3xNMnEnDJLEFT4xAINd0smjnbHiAn7u_-2Hque3uwH0OwhhyphenhyphenpQq0IX4J3ooYLbWxoyJ7SobKDN9ibB6DGWmdytq3XPG39xTZ4LftyhQ2emSrYuzhfeGD1pnxcRuw8HAyQK4jvVrh_l3F/s640/laylahouse01.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>Layla in her kitty cottage! I can't tell you how happy that makes me! Ah, it's the small things. :)<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-34669649161804664932012-03-04T18:08:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:21:06.332-08:00Spring in SeattleYesterday Ben and I went downtown to wander around the Pike Street area. It was a beautiful sunny day. I'm finally getting over being sick. I had a super bad cold a few weeks ago, which was followed by an inner ear infection. I don't know if you've ever had one, but it can cause severe dizziness and vertigo, which I'm still getting over. Blech. <br />
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ANYWAY, we first stopped in an adorable french bakery called Le Panier<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5181p7opdigGAxgtM4U-gd-D3GZBQkCOsQTokzgycdibKLOsEjYVt1gMJhjlNbtysdlEAL63BX-Ij_StFV4v9691ZGmL4gf8GxcDduSta4ZvDPzM0lzJT0qyg1stqk0re_I2oEln7id61/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5181p7opdigGAxgtM4U-gd-D3GZBQkCOsQTokzgycdibKLOsEjYVt1gMJhjlNbtysdlEAL63BX-Ij_StFV4v9691ZGmL4gf8GxcDduSta4ZvDPzM0lzJT0qyg1stqk0re_I2oEln7id61/s640/01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These were beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR0D6AW6LrD3_GvxAv7hc3sXeg21S4_Et0rl8IAxzeAsrYEyWfjMP00f5JSq8fZ76QtZuLrqAnhHt1AYRP39eq0FggdpKFwGBr4D9smsE1ZGuoZ1tEeUl69VKByIxuo4FUeWsHGrbn0wG/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR0D6AW6LrD3_GvxAv7hc3sXeg21S4_Et0rl8IAxzeAsrYEyWfjMP00f5JSq8fZ76QtZuLrqAnhHt1AYRP39eq0FggdpKFwGBr4D9smsE1ZGuoZ1tEeUl69VKByIxuo4FUeWsHGrbn0wG/s640/02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a pain au chocolat, while my husband had a crossaint with apples (I'm slowly forgetting my French) We each ordered a macaron. I've always thought they were so beautiful, but never had one, believe it or not! I was hesitant, because I've had meringues before, and I wasn't crazy about them. I had a raspberry macaron, and it was heavenly! I think I've found a new replacement for cupcakes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMSNMwtKsQWnrBItEelxvdh-oBsjBbwBJw26ejSe7WfGtCZVSFB9mgLFlrHmT1sBFhesK6ibI3qbydgsxFvF1HA-230S-qxtiLJUzIqyqiS5sKrjPlCBZ7UxgmyEVZl_9lmORXNCUp62O/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMSNMwtKsQWnrBItEelxvdh-oBsjBbwBJw26ejSe7WfGtCZVSFB9mgLFlrHmT1sBFhesK6ibI3qbydgsxFvF1HA-230S-qxtiLJUzIqyqiS5sKrjPlCBZ7UxgmyEVZl_9lmORXNCUp62O/s640/03.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then wandered around to see the sights. Mostly that involved street corner musicians, and schitzophrenic homeless people, but hey, it's Seattle! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIpZbqw3hj55XfFLT3R-mDsFDhm-OUjMuNTX8qli4nlQMK8RtTZXr7DwrU2A28ZQn2Hn4sQMXXy74Ml9KGfU2kMKshmZkaspdgKutCoxcvQ9GasARItY89dzBuiqeGKmAmXEmTA03Xu2T/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIpZbqw3hj55XfFLT3R-mDsFDhm-OUjMuNTX8qli4nlQMK8RtTZXr7DwrU2A28ZQn2Hn4sQMXXy74Ml9KGfU2kMKshmZkaspdgKutCoxcvQ9GasARItY89dzBuiqeGKmAmXEmTA03Xu2T/s640/04.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got these new black leggings at Long Tall Sally online. Being 5'9", its almost impossible to find leggings that hit my ankle. Tall girls out there, you know what I'm talking about! So, I ordered these jersey leggings from their site. They recently made them even longer, with a 34" inseam! They hit my ankles, with more to spare! It's such a satisfying feeling for those of us who are used to highwaters. Also, they're thick enough so I don't feel naked from the waist down, and I can wear them like pants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpf2RK0lrcJx8oGhcPDhU34KAdAE-2-Dj9f6rg1xqkixlr5J8tmtTQ8szlCaXPwb4KmUkbfyooiacZyPaik1heLjBkogGi88SktpD1hNRlqkP9VQ66Q8fGZCK8r69SyFmSM2q8PSh-ndm/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpf2RK0lrcJx8oGhcPDhU34KAdAE-2-Dj9f6rg1xqkixlr5J8tmtTQ8szlCaXPwb4KmUkbfyooiacZyPaik1heLjBkogGi88SktpD1hNRlqkP9VQ66Q8fGZCK8r69SyFmSM2q8PSh-ndm/s640/06.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm carrying my new vintage leather purse I got while antiquing a while back. I've received so many compliments for it, and it was only $9!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcs7DPa-pflkcyA3QmGOpcGJZ3T-aFVofAic9H2sk8lo4lsj6u4X4Ggu4p6mHOIFVDXSvD4AHq6BV5yS02LxkCSThDkuYuxWKFyJuzwrdIYhd-xVUt1FQJuJLi-VJKlQvvLlBwjrbG4tH/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcs7DPa-pflkcyA3QmGOpcGJZ3T-aFVofAic9H2sk8lo4lsj6u4X4Ggu4p6mHOIFVDXSvD4AHq6BV5yS02LxkCSThDkuYuxWKFyJuzwrdIYhd-xVUt1FQJuJLi-VJKlQvvLlBwjrbG4tH/s640/08.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6U5jV2qn7qbr3Au3j0feU-DV7ianLfrF2ajbHt5I01jP11GDutyftEAXaMrFOW5bPSM0fV5GITEh5_cRWwvFWSFerMUPkUwdvI3GPx4Z8E62bSlxZ5hVWYW0zd6aI6jIaCx7lnE8zbRF/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6U5jV2qn7qbr3Au3j0feU-DV7ianLfrF2ajbHt5I01jP11GDutyftEAXaMrFOW5bPSM0fV5GITEh5_cRWwvFWSFerMUPkUwdvI3GPx4Z8E62bSlxZ5hVWYW0zd6aI6jIaCx7lnE8zbRF/s640/09.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak-lEn11pSkqxsTydUCmxbkQWX__VjnmYnKOHjm6M0KI1wXPetWFSEE14DBPqIX9MmgQ4NwoDfcydbyeAmdjhxqMosnt8kYR2Nx6Sju7HrfYcuKXKy7MJQ0Ap0eQEn4KeYCbY3Mv_WBmB/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak-lEn11pSkqxsTydUCmxbkQWX__VjnmYnKOHjm6M0KI1wXPetWFSEE14DBPqIX9MmgQ4NwoDfcydbyeAmdjhxqMosnt8kYR2Nx6Sju7HrfYcuKXKy7MJQ0Ap0eQEn4KeYCbY3Mv_WBmB/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJJlxsVWFIP71Z09STOlvSuvpf8YvY6nb4Pi3fEgPS_FCIoETJCfyduQ9dqtM6zr8-3oN-_scwVY1bt_6Y6cepNjKHZu0KG8M4c_VKuH20ugg7HvXyyk1j9wPFyFdbbqP03-Qmfgbs0Vd/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJJlxsVWFIP71Z09STOlvSuvpf8YvY6nb4Pi3fEgPS_FCIoETJCfyduQ9dqtM6zr8-3oN-_scwVY1bt_6Y6cepNjKHZu0KG8M4c_VKuH20ugg7HvXyyk1j9wPFyFdbbqP03-Qmfgbs0Vd/s640/12.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRVU8WfyI-oSp8zhOvqTDbYXZNlLojj-REqK2QHXSkWwQ5sgayfcPWxxMvdKk65EbzkV05l5s6t07NwD1igDIhwh3fJe0oewyBWtRY6yAx29sySTb_-501Uq3eXsqQPbE5cAFSbidIrGC/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRVU8WfyI-oSp8zhOvqTDbYXZNlLojj-REqK2QHXSkWwQ5sgayfcPWxxMvdKk65EbzkV05l5s6t07NwD1igDIhwh3fJe0oewyBWtRY6yAx29sySTb_-501Uq3eXsqQPbE5cAFSbidIrGC/s640/13.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We eventually went to the Crumpet Shop, which I've heard so much about. Unfortunately, after our French pastries, we weren't much in the mood for crumpets. I ended up getting their signature blend tea, which was scrumptious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvpMv7JxfRiIB-imyam6quDIoc9deYhS1W8-9nUGpAj-xYtD__9oocYMI2R9cZNlOp2eLWFekjr6DJG4x1LYEOTbMg5dC8c0a7EE5vU23EMVNfU0_x15ny_UQHO9Xk-ldUDej04fXzg28/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvpMv7JxfRiIB-imyam6quDIoc9deYhS1W8-9nUGpAj-xYtD__9oocYMI2R9cZNlOp2eLWFekjr6DJG4x1LYEOTbMg5dC8c0a7EE5vU23EMVNfU0_x15ny_UQHO9Xk-ldUDej04fXzg28/s640/14.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The double finger bird ring is one of my favorites. Every time I wear it, I'm reminded of Portlandia. (Put a bird on it!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGwvhDbd5UW55OspYgXpTpZ3CiANfV79uH-BsMZ34j19v3YPFi74SXqK9NkokTBGVJ0tk3pfz-n1rUJhSy9r0AIgXfE_RSpRrSIf74CutjQ7JV4WqAN9difbPqMK54WjpKPQCR4zeZxMG/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGwvhDbd5UW55OspYgXpTpZ3CiANfV79uH-BsMZ34j19v3YPFi74SXqK9NkokTBGVJ0tk3pfz-n1rUJhSy9r0AIgXfE_RSpRrSIf74CutjQ7JV4WqAN9difbPqMK54WjpKPQCR4zeZxMG/s640/16.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was about this time that I was really wishing I had brought my sunglasses. These poor Pacific Northwest eyes aren't used to this so-called sun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KvqCuyKkJOZvMOeU8GhDye2PRDP_nA8CGK1KZ0A6vOpcnoKQZH30JfrkT4Vd6WAX-GlWj_vZ6ZCnwk-8y-7ReA21nejZAAcdLo6Cm4jRFXhhKrKPwAV3YIsylrAloKQwzyG3n05Ahzae/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KvqCuyKkJOZvMOeU8GhDye2PRDP_nA8CGK1KZ0A6vOpcnoKQZH30JfrkT4Vd6WAX-GlWj_vZ6ZCnwk-8y-7ReA21nejZAAcdLo6Cm4jRFXhhKrKPwAV3YIsylrAloKQwzyG3n05Ahzae/s640/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has always been really important for me to live near mountains. Being from Alaska and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they represent home for me. When we lived in the DC area, I coudn't handle the absence of mountains. Here, there are beautiful mountains everywhere! I feel doubly blessed, because we are surrounded by water. I think now that I have it, I coudn't live anywhere else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqMUkG1n5M_-Y4MtI9dJ-8ecdHCOl1Vp3VPbh4UAAxDvJkzFofpgi-83ZQNP5FKQIPNHscoaKcfzbuyartHjnDGaZDjptQX_3ayFtHkCjlfNTcA0-wiR_txQT1gqE3RJChl8EnvXKxo1R/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqMUkG1n5M_-Y4MtI9dJ-8ecdHCOl1Vp3VPbh4UAAxDvJkzFofpgi-83ZQNP5FKQIPNHscoaKcfzbuyartHjnDGaZDjptQX_3ayFtHkCjlfNTcA0-wiR_txQT1gqE3RJChl8EnvXKxo1R/s640/18.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc_qsorCiaHXRvTVmzSQsmsfmYB1QF7lhcjF7F0QCjv-5t6M0y5rb2r5k4OODQzG42J4JhioAbzfDCI9E_K7_6tVKcIwctHGIqICd-B2fYXaFG5g3yuW1w-o1WZl5Mq4B7sQLYMpsPtC5/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc_qsorCiaHXRvTVmzSQsmsfmYB1QF7lhcjF7F0QCjv-5t6M0y5rb2r5k4OODQzG42J4JhioAbzfDCI9E_K7_6tVKcIwctHGIqICd-B2fYXaFG5g3yuW1w-o1WZl5Mq4B7sQLYMpsPtC5/s640/21.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to do my hair in the braid headband thingy, which I think makes me look German! I'm glad I pinned it up, because it was a super windy day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3isXgO_Zzr1hCndqBK1VXpL4BUgPEt6wilmLM5YgTyNW46Cb1gMUmjvPFMQU2NRb_4YT8nIPlMNSkPl69hjoHAbp_jsn3ps7HjIFhZRDBg2QuQBxSPeuWC5C86ncV3wiVqfzGF9NGgVN/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3isXgO_Zzr1hCndqBK1VXpL4BUgPEt6wilmLM5YgTyNW46Cb1gMUmjvPFMQU2NRb_4YT8nIPlMNSkPl69hjoHAbp_jsn3ps7HjIFhZRDBg2QuQBxSPeuWC5C86ncV3wiVqfzGF9NGgVN/s640/22.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a few hours of exploring, (including more antiquing, much to Ben's dismay), we both got hungry and grouchy and decided it was time for lunch. We found a Peruvian restaurant across and above the Pike Street Market, but I can't remember the name. If you know it, post it below! Anyway, it was amazing. I had a salad with chicken, avocado, and much more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV3gA7iwDB1DFTfl7CBKypDNqKQ8956_ELGXzdJPje8ES6L2qv2H2MbgNhj0vcxzar2UyCMTkk2-3HVNT-U3Lp-2RmAcaqi6QcJfyfBBHO3n9I5p3hFjM2mGha5Ahimfnb-K2AayVfQMy/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV3gA7iwDB1DFTfl7CBKypDNqKQ8956_ELGXzdJPje8ES6L2qv2H2MbgNhj0vcxzar2UyCMTkk2-3HVNT-U3Lp-2RmAcaqi6QcJfyfBBHO3n9I5p3hFjM2mGha5Ahimfnb-K2AayVfQMy/s640/20.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, we decided to go home. We ended up making a nest on our living room floor using couch cushions, pillows, and blankets. This is pretty much one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I can remember when my friends and I would do the same thing when we were kids! We at strawberries, drank wine, and watched a movie on netflix. All and all, a rich and fulfilling Saturday. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was wearing: Peach silk blouse by Forever 21, ivory leather jacket by Rivet, black jersey leggings from Long Tall Sally, Juicy Couture sparrow ring, vintage ring and purse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">♥Emily</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-6541546765487921192012-02-21T09:09:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:22:14.831-08:00AntiquingSunday, I woke up and had a strong desire to go antiquing. I'll do a post about some of the cute things I found. I threw together a cute but comfy outfit that I thought was perfect for browsing through trinkets from the past. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTcUcaBIV0ad7KN3NLMZeVtct6RBI9YnknGChoV8SXhNqjJGTCairbAa-tBJGAxXqC1szYVep5J_bY_eWUya5h8OAVKSTQqaPMOpZjlYQ9E2NYuFPByCYND3GOZW7oMTA88Sd4RsxYP4R/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTcUcaBIV0ad7KN3NLMZeVtct6RBI9YnknGChoV8SXhNqjJGTCairbAa-tBJGAxXqC1szYVep5J_bY_eWUya5h8OAVKSTQqaPMOpZjlYQ9E2NYuFPByCYND3GOZW7oMTA88Sd4RsxYP4R/s640/01.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6YnIs_kaHsmsGYNS4dvpIVleVzjTUrL3lru9b3KnfviaRvMN-R7MVyJiliTlPnEj7qz7R_zQkVKXZGC1Bw6y6yUcwakUMFmoDgsdz2qWyV40jS5k8lIXWvmd1QI4lHzXPO1VK0vYGmA4/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6YnIs_kaHsmsGYNS4dvpIVleVzjTUrL3lru9b3KnfviaRvMN-R7MVyJiliTlPnEj7qz7R_zQkVKXZGC1Bw6y6yUcwakUMFmoDgsdz2qWyV40jS5k8lIXWvmd1QI4lHzXPO1VK0vYGmA4/s640/10.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I've been obsessed with lavender lips lately, but haven't found the perfect color to buy. So in this case, I mixed my own. I love how it turned out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaEzH5e_G4b7IFrF2DHPuuqUIHt1vq2uNjcs2vwIQI8nrzvva7yjqKKPBIhK7dqKPpYyXUPDaCIYBnhM5QWBX61UHWKiG3VGVi9P3qNaX_MKxZmAKCDnPHKe2QtG_j5-mkAl0MDOKcqgs/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaEzH5e_G4b7IFrF2DHPuuqUIHt1vq2uNjcs2vwIQI8nrzvva7yjqKKPBIhK7dqKPpYyXUPDaCIYBnhM5QWBX61UHWKiG3VGVi9P3qNaX_MKxZmAKCDnPHKe2QtG_j5-mkAl0MDOKcqgs/s640/05.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXd-rArmxTOe8OeminMlJMaZlIBF6bEvimhiYphI0zjPTldPCc_NECCnrrjOQ4nQekC1Pedt25bwiEfx5_QAcO1vgT2UjsbAQM45RFCTMUz2kDHl3XkgCufVrjv_B5jaIsugArg2UXVtX/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXd-rArmxTOe8OeminMlJMaZlIBF6bEvimhiYphI0zjPTldPCc_NECCnrrjOQ4nQekC1Pedt25bwiEfx5_QAcO1vgT2UjsbAQM45RFCTMUz2kDHl3XkgCufVrjv_B5jaIsugArg2UXVtX/s640/03.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfhknbseupqwYYMwlZXD4P0GGbd_IAwW3tTv0jhx89gWcD6elr8KAVkaLSegFZMgiGgCKRlkie93-9iKxIwW3CPgnFxdHg6FJ-cZtCXnKMovD1Hb-hkfXNfQCATJQmT5CuxF-RYWOj21a/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfhknbseupqwYYMwlZXD4P0GGbd_IAwW3tTv0jhx89gWcD6elr8KAVkaLSegFZMgiGgCKRlkie93-9iKxIwW3CPgnFxdHg6FJ-cZtCXnKMovD1Hb-hkfXNfQCATJQmT5CuxF-RYWOj21a/s640/07.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm42b03LRhZHAUO_97yswTG38nTHunXV4dFwaqwH4E7ZtpJtvkSsv0ag0bUXGdywAJPIlc1q_rul2Ys_KLz15ZSEdQ8a45Oplw6Gm5ZxBtcqR0runPM9VVHItCtcVnLmRbeMZLvsFdQRdf/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm42b03LRhZHAUO_97yswTG38nTHunXV4dFwaqwH4E7ZtpJtvkSsv0ag0bUXGdywAJPIlc1q_rul2Ys_KLz15ZSEdQ8a45Oplw6Gm5ZxBtcqR0runPM9VVHItCtcVnLmRbeMZLvsFdQRdf/s640/11.jpg" width="491" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6A3uagqvThZMeJ-GMuveF98wvu-11EsqmK9B2f7OT5OjnnlhOb9D86bbwlLiBdLVnvmmAWegQqgUGx4aLakThBhCBVgERFed_tvmGJPmGYtse7wlyUKjDGkzIwSPoKQm0pn9S3qYhHlI/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6A3uagqvThZMeJ-GMuveF98wvu-11EsqmK9B2f7OT5OjnnlhOb9D86bbwlLiBdLVnvmmAWegQqgUGx4aLakThBhCBVgERFed_tvmGJPmGYtse7wlyUKjDGkzIwSPoKQm0pn9S3qYhHlI/s640/09.jpg" width="539" /></a></div>♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-28805768837387017472012-02-19T17:51:00.002-08:002012-03-04T21:22:49.739-08:00Past OutfitI took some pics of an outfit a while back, and now I'm finally posting them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkCV6-LkTWP13cjnDgDbbXQqZhc6_DlRybplXaNf_H-ljz-UpH7ZcqYGYdz2lqPSFqy_vbOHHrrbUwGUAeTJXW09h6LpCwh060T4NS6jpITWheQWoFNP3VUL20RcYRijqIUqkbL3pB008/s1600/blog03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkCV6-LkTWP13cjnDgDbbXQqZhc6_DlRybplXaNf_H-ljz-UpH7ZcqYGYdz2lqPSFqy_vbOHHrrbUwGUAeTJXW09h6LpCwh060T4NS6jpITWheQWoFNP3VUL20RcYRijqIUqkbL3pB008/s640/blog03.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmOIhoqsfIHL59V0t8bj08sBPihgcMkus3qjbE6cWdbcRCEalQa5yrPHN092blTKgc0L5k-rM-K5G1SrvjEwtQ6QRSaWbFnFLx5erAyolHGXPG2rrGediWoQm-ug-WWmkGvE4qK_CZyqq/s1600/blog02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmOIhoqsfIHL59V0t8bj08sBPihgcMkus3qjbE6cWdbcRCEalQa5yrPHN092blTKgc0L5k-rM-K5G1SrvjEwtQ6QRSaWbFnFLx5erAyolHGXPG2rrGediWoQm-ug-WWmkGvE4qK_CZyqq/s640/blog02.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD300yag8kPpGqEaITRzH9HrsYsSYYEzhceeQQze6m3OVzThXGFoIKbkibNFlxB_KA6xgtrMBgj7BFGx9-Gp75J9DTLUSozQztUjejvvNAG4S2a4d7zhW4wD-0XJQYvRxTFzx-pkqegSZ/s1600/blog04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD300yag8kPpGqEaITRzH9HrsYsSYYEzhceeQQze6m3OVzThXGFoIKbkibNFlxB_KA6xgtrMBgj7BFGx9-Gp75J9DTLUSozQztUjejvvNAG4S2a4d7zhW4wD-0XJQYvRxTFzx-pkqegSZ/s640/blog04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5pn-VXqmAYf1WblL_PxU0C2nrOnmJpaGKcB45gMAZztXXPQqnAk0MuiOAvg9vEWeg03Lp1gY-r-F99379BEhR6F0TcW6rrIJ0mJsFCR2H6CoE6J3yrTTIZe1AsUGabWrwwm97mAvJEAE/s1600/blog05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5pn-VXqmAYf1WblL_PxU0C2nrOnmJpaGKcB45gMAZztXXPQqnAk0MuiOAvg9vEWeg03Lp1gY-r-F99379BEhR6F0TcW6rrIJ0mJsFCR2H6CoE6J3yrTTIZe1AsUGabWrwwm97mAvJEAE/s640/blog05.jpg" width="401" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiX1qqTvpFVB54K9soWDa7zFsgJiGMJ3-SLA1VEmYZwpBcipSKiCpbKIR32AMxi1U0Pml9Av-v6iwS9lnU2xYmGXXqW4_xkyB3_7ky8rZBZA7z40Qd66QbLVlDqDx0HyHUHWmPxgF7mPu/s1600/blog01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiX1qqTvpFVB54K9soWDa7zFsgJiGMJ3-SLA1VEmYZwpBcipSKiCpbKIR32AMxi1U0Pml9Av-v6iwS9lnU2xYmGXXqW4_xkyB3_7ky8rZBZA7z40Qd66QbLVlDqDx0HyHUHWmPxgF7mPu/s640/blog01.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely love this skirt. I got it a couple of years ago when I was working at Anthropologie. One of the girls there described my style as "Alpine Princess". I like that, and I think this look really captures that image. Enjoy!</div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Skirt and blouse from Anthropologie, Tights by Hue, booties and peacoat by Forever 21, and vintage umbrella.</span><br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-76240349367748067362012-02-11T18:30:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:23:25.716-08:00Valentine's SweetsI've always loved baking, but I've wanted to get into candy-making for some time. I went to a cute little cake and candy shop, and bought a couple of molds, and some melting chocolate. Today, I made these!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G3_RUFdML8IPk3jXaOAWrTr0StbUheowP7sXjjJfyC9-t6UA5T_IYqIEbmWCvKDd4RjS0jzeG4EXRIVQiksvEbZg-1pvwDiwhFJe-H-l8uNRrbZUW_ATdoqtkjI4D963B42Jvic_6rM1/s1600/val05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G3_RUFdML8IPk3jXaOAWrTr0StbUheowP7sXjjJfyC9-t6UA5T_IYqIEbmWCvKDd4RjS0jzeG4EXRIVQiksvEbZg-1pvwDiwhFJe-H-l8uNRrbZUW_ATdoqtkjI4D963B42Jvic_6rM1/s640/val05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are peanut butter cups on chocolate saucers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYpJjFjK9ea6UgpuM0OEEMLA-xuaJddrXT_LhlZBE6DwMZc0K5-l1VWSx30QKIIGhEHBwT6GkYjPLPo4yFPsr-IvHD3KmJYBDaFs8Um_97J6TrHVmZRmGJ_ws4MeEyfF4jc9KFP8ANBOQ/s1600/val03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYpJjFjK9ea6UgpuM0OEEMLA-xuaJddrXT_LhlZBE6DwMZc0K5-l1VWSx30QKIIGhEHBwT6GkYjPLPo4yFPsr-IvHD3KmJYBDaFs8Um_97J6TrHVmZRmGJ_ws4MeEyfF4jc9KFP8ANBOQ/s640/val03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> There are dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate/vanilla (the red ones) flavored cups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCxKgt8Sx2LthE1bRIQx4Sp324zgkYXTHkiMpkGVWz0hlW-4rk0QzhWp3wWS5jpVHAcnSGqzQdAWJz9iDsi9KQrHiaBWG4XhBuXJiVMPNmIDzaYxiSxJzK3TBI8Rx-iHpLL7tKq9MVCWH/s1600/val02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCxKgt8Sx2LthE1bRIQx4Sp324zgkYXTHkiMpkGVWz0hlW-4rk0QzhWp3wWS5jpVHAcnSGqzQdAWJz9iDsi9KQrHiaBWG4XhBuXJiVMPNmIDzaYxiSxJzK3TBI8Rx-iHpLL7tKq9MVCWH/s640/val02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're covered in silver disco dust, an edible glitter, and pink sanding sugar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmpgnhTe3vDwNdbfazdwf-WrI-OpeB6iYmzugPf2P8gJv5Gyu769AkuvgiQI0oYbW4CxGzbXBELTBgCE6DTkJZISNFZIFaVXtg2NQwbnHu89uFNQFwh6xeNItZIXZEAyQjwXKbYSfB2CH/s1600/val01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmpgnhTe3vDwNdbfazdwf-WrI-OpeB6iYmzugPf2P8gJv5Gyu769AkuvgiQI0oYbW4CxGzbXBELTBgCE6DTkJZISNFZIFaVXtg2NQwbnHu89uFNQFwh6xeNItZIXZEAyQjwXKbYSfB2CH/s640/val01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There are all sorts of recipes for the creamy peanut butter filling online. I definitely think they are way more scrumptious than the store-bought peanut butter cups. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofNPMzmHpra_CyNSu_EvM1MMkjIb3quK_jadg1uy6oRywNPuPSbtTdRM0L19gNmJLNZAAwVUO2M-5H5VghQDiflODWKCScqUyDBEA0DF_iAT9fVZ2AhTuAAVXUdtyV1TbFyCgCrIc21vP/s1600/val04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofNPMzmHpra_CyNSu_EvM1MMkjIb3quK_jadg1uy6oRywNPuPSbtTdRM0L19gNmJLNZAAwVUO2M-5H5VghQDiflODWKCScqUyDBEA0DF_iAT9fVZ2AhTuAAVXUdtyV1TbFyCgCrIc21vP/s640/val04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All and all, I thought it was a huge success! What sort of crafts are you doing for Valentine's?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">♥Emily</div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-39509587587107762332012-01-04T15:44:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:24:44.367-08:00Eco-Chic in 2012Now's a great time to start fresh with the new year. I've been examining my lifestyle, and I've realized that a lot of things get thrown away that needn't be. Here are some ideas for reusable items that you can either make yourself (if you're crafty), or buy.<br />
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Instead of:<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Disposable Cotton Rounds</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purenature24.com/shop/a221/cotton-pads-3-x-70-pcs.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVAyJcpkvvE/TwTcYbAXhsI/AAAAAAAAAUc/VLHJ9wmPtxE/s400/cotton+pads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Try:</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><strong>Reusable Cotton Rounds</strong></div><div align="center">Buy them here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87522962/sale-make-up-remover-pads-green-bubbles?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=cotton+rounds&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5IGQ_1LWZU/TwTdWZC0qlI/AAAAAAAAAUo/bskhvubkhcs/s400/reusablecottonrounds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Or make them here:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://blog.leandrageorge.com/2010/05/reusable-cotton-rounds.html" target="_blank">Leandra George</a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">Instead of:</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Plastic Grocery Bags</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/23778.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4wFO2Q2hr0/TwTe1F_qlEI/AAAAAAAAAU0/4_07JCQLrTk/s400/bag1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Try:</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cloth Totes</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buy them here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89666637/reusable-grocery-bag-gift-bag-canvas?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=grocery+bag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMiFn5Zjugk/TwTgecBmmrI/AAAAAAAAAVA/ZSCKVDxWUQQ/s400/tote.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or make them here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tipnut.com/35-reusable-grocery-bags-totes-free-patterns/" target="_blank">Tipnut</a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Instead of:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Disposable Plastic Straws</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nbatoday.net/2010/02/the-last-straw-for-caron-butler/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZumN-7OO7xI/TwThLUUKJ4I/AAAAAAAAAVM/s9vJCIqAFuA/s400/straws1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Try:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Glass Straws</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buy them here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61203491/glass-straws-set-of-six-multicolor?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=glass+straws&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Onc0JDMn65k/TwTh0BLFsBI/AAAAAAAAAVY/jwaUDAt_6ng/s400/glassstraws.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you can make them:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm impressed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instead of:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Plastic Sandwich Bags</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Reliable-Survival-Kit/step18/Ziploc-bags/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmVP-isK1so/TwTiiz7cvSI/AAAAAAAAAVk/nJScYAmtYQc/s400/Ziploc-bags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Try:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Reusable Snack Bags</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buy them here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89277717/reusable-sandwich-bag-eco-friendly-lunch?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_submit=&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=reusable+sandwich+bag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zflBdQPXwyE/TwTjVFsvWdI/AAAAAAAAAVw/SxTSI5mXLaU/s400/reusableziploc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or make them here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/make-reusable-sandwich-bags/" target="_blank">Craft Buds</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are just a few ideas to start your new year greener! Your wallet will be happier, and your Mother Earth will be happier as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">♥Emily</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"></div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-55800366725193460202012-01-01T21:57:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:25:20.622-08:00Happy, Happy New Year!Last night, New Year's Eve, my husband and I went downtown to spend New Years with friends. We went out for Ethiopian, then went to a friends condo, which just so happened to have an ideal view of the space needle from their window, and their roof. A few minutes before midnight, we all went up to the roof with our champagne and watched the stunning fireworks being shot off of the top of the Space Needle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2011/12/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNov-nsvrL_HQACbUntGtAg6Xauj0GEsAG4p_Ee4SJBGt5xNjg_I0T70XcptpRCydYG969mA10UDtOVpovSEDecfwBUoUqeYyFV7yFWYZOwk6TqZImuk7Dm2utGN59Gaog3p6eKcVMvsP/s640/fireworks.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>After a romantic New Years kiss, :D, we went down to Belltown and celebrated the new year. The streets and clubs were packed, and everyone was friendly and jubilant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtoTemU5bYU/TwFFQnI-6PI/AAAAAAAAAUE/7-XpGHnYFAo/s1600/newyear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtoTemU5bYU/TwFFQnI-6PI/AAAAAAAAAUE/7-XpGHnYFAo/s640/newyear1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Promptly, at 4 AM, we went back to our friends condo on Capitol Hill, and zonked, sufficiently partied-out. At 10AM, I awoke to the sound of church bells playing a beautiful melody. Breakfast was waiting, and the coffee was hot. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRDz5yEFXF8/TwFGZMWjXjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/b7t_6Q_C6oA/s1600/newyear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRDz5yEFXF8/TwFGZMWjXjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/b7t_6Q_C6oA/s640/newyear2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My husband and I live a good ways out of the city, with a big yard, a stream, and forest out back. We've got a huge garage, and plenty of solitude, but there is something to be said for city life. I think last night was the best New Years I've ever experienced.<br />
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With a celebration like that, I'm confident my new year is going to be amazing. It's a good omen!<br />
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I hope all of your New Years were spectacular, and that you're ready for a new start.<br />
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Happy 2012!<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-63833541955561482832011-12-27T15:02:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:26:44.716-08:00Primped and PamperedEvery now and then, it's nice to take some time to show yourself some love. Last night was the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.<br />
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I sat down and gave myself a New Year's inspired manicure:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22w3kI-aJwA/TvpE_8AlRgI/AAAAAAAAATQ/xAg3KFnV_94/s1600/nails01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22w3kI-aJwA/TvpE_8AlRgI/AAAAAAAAATQ/xAg3KFnV_94/s640/nails01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After getting squeaky clean, I gave myself an avocado/green tea facial:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nrOIM5IFJA/TvpCcgM6NnI/AAAAAAAAATE/2CyElRz_Kak/s1600/mask01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nrOIM5IFJA/TvpCcgM6NnI/AAAAAAAAATE/2CyElRz_Kak/s640/mask01.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br />
And now I feel refreshed and radiant!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JLI58dInV4/TvpJMCuKtKI/AAAAAAAAATc/c3OH41BU7Lw/s1600/radiant01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JLI58dInV4/TvpJMCuKtKI/AAAAAAAAATc/c3OH41BU7Lw/s640/radiant01.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>Ahhhh...There's nothing like treating yourself to a little pampering now and then. What do you like to do to be kind to yourself?Answer on the nifty poll below!<br />
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<img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMjUwMjY2MTAwMDkmcHQ9MTMyNTAyNjg1ODYzNiZwPTEyNzQxJmQ9Jmc9MiZvPTQ5NDE2MGY5ZTljNDQyM2I4NGI*/ZTYwY2U2MTkwNjJhJm9mPTA=.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><br />
<div class="widgetContainer" style="display: table; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 180px;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="250" id="sodahead_widget_2362205" style="display: block;" type="application/x-oleobject" width="180"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param value="transparent" name="wmode"/><param name="movie" value="http://widgets.sodahead.com/images/flash/poll.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="height=250&width=180&darkColor=0x007d70&widgetHeight=250&lightColor=0x900270&widgetWidth=180&graphicColor=0xfafbef&poll_id=2362205" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://widgets.sodahead.com/images/flash/poll.swf" width="180" height="250" flashvars="height=250&width=180&darkColor=0x007d70&widgetHeight=250&lightColor=0x900270&widgetWidth=180&graphicColor=0xfafbef&poll_id=2362205" wmode="transparent" style="display: block;" allowScriptAccess="always" /><noembed><a href="http://www.sodahead.com/living/whats-your-favorite-way-to-pamper-yourself/question-2362205/" title="What's your favorite way to pamper yourself?">What's your favorite way to pamper yourself?</a></noembed></object><br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-52417636933383820592011-12-24T23:10:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:27:02.050-08:00The Merriest of Christmases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15VgR_2ZfYA/TvbK-8E_1ZI/AAAAAAAAAS4/2bhJ0VRA1cU/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15VgR_2ZfYA/TvbK-8E_1ZI/AAAAAAAAAS4/2bhJ0VRA1cU/s640/santa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>For all of my beautiful readers:<br />
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In this beautiful season of giving and celebration, I would like to thank all of you for your support. I hope that your holidays are magical and full of warmth, love, and peace.<br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-82076622320338658552011-12-20T21:43:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:27:45.058-08:00A Solid Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesexyshoe.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-is-french.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6A1D0cU3n8_M1EXDhR5MFWHuVSDSI3K5uz7s9-WXKYzWxntMB3rTWlfmf25rCgPwi1gn20BJRvIuWDiyQ14LGXpazejOYTy9byzmSJ465TEWhs8nraGqnL5lDI7005-_pipVWJ_sVq3s/s640/09.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><br />
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One of the things I've always admired about Europeans is their fashion sense. They tend to buy fewer items than Americans, of better and more timeless quality. I am definitely guilty of finding the most outrageous, trendy, colorful, and cheap items. I've always said I wanted to buy better quality and less quantity, but my actions speak otherwise. <br />
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The result? I end up with pieces that are very hard to mix-and-match, and a very nonversatile wardrobe. I'm finally starting to get to the point where I'm ready to invest in some timeless, well-made pieces. <br />
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So, I visited the much-revered and even more feared site, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/">Net-a-porter</a>, to dream about what could be. I wanted to find beautiful and timeless standards that would be a good foundation for my wardrobe. Here's what I came up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVwB20AlGRpdm94JlS8MoThklzJf3GF6IvxasQ33IWU1O45piJFOIgYQjdSYmeptBjmT_aQXPwsXNDjo0c76YFN7lR8_uTDRlLA6r3w__05u-0ikDORqtw3WDsQZ_J365YwdHuzJiJaVz/s1600/wishlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVwB20AlGRpdm94JlS8MoThklzJf3GF6IvxasQ33IWU1O45piJFOIgYQjdSYmeptBjmT_aQXPwsXNDjo0c76YFN7lR8_uTDRlLA6r3w__05u-0ikDORqtw3WDsQZ_J365YwdHuzJiJaVz/s640/wishlist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/184301" target="_blank">1. Miu Miu Leather Pumps</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">These beauties are the example of a classic, well-constructed pump. They're the perfect height to be comfortable all day, and can transition from work to out on the town. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/185979" target="_blank">2. Norma Kamali Bill halterneck swimsuit</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I've done work to better love and appreciate myself and my body as it is, I've decided that a fuller-coverage swimsuit would make me feel more comfortable than the string bikinis of my past. I love this vintage bombshell style, in a classic emerald color.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/182807" target="_blank">3.Theory Lerea side-slit stretch cotton-blend shirt</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone needs a basic white button-up, and even better is one that is stretchy and comfy. I've always strayed away from the button-up because it's "boring", but there have been so many times when I've been getting dressed and wished I had one. Sometimes the more simple pieces can help create a striking and unique look. A white button-up can be a backdrop for a statement necklace or complete a look with a bold skirt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/173268" target="_blank">4.Citizens of Humanity Intimate mid-rise bootcut jeans</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe a simple, dark blue pair of bootcut jeans are universally flattering, and can be worn casually, or dressed up. The mid-rise are so comfy and prevent the "coin slot" syndrome, which I doubt is comfortable for <em>anyone.</em> Styles such as acid wash and whiskering come and go, but the dark clean blue will always be classic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/178805" target="_blank">5.DKNY Crepe dress</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a toughie for me. I have a weakness for dresses, and they tend to be very unique. I've always wanted to have a LBD (Little Black Dress), but when it came down to it, I would buy something very trendy that wasn't easily layered. This beautiful well-tailored black dress could be worn in countless ways. It instantly makes me think of a sophisticated French woman sipping her espresso at a cafe. A dress like this could last a lifetime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/114258" target="_blank">6.Yves Saint Laurent Cat eye-frame acetate sunglasses</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been in a habit of buying $10 frames at the drugstore, squashing them, then replacing them with $10 frames. I believe if I had a pair of quality sunglasses, they woudn't end up under my rump as I sat in the car. I would probably have a beautiful hard case for them, and would delicately clean the lenses before and after each use. Cat eye glasses always remind me of beauties like Audrey Hepburn or Bridgitte Bardot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/182809" target="_blank">7.Theory Hydric Medora collarless wool-blend blazer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A blazer is extremely versatile, looking equally beautiful over a suit, with jeans, leggings, or over a dress. It's something you can throw on to instantly look more sophisticated and put-together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/175790" target="_blank">8.Kors Michael Kors Otley cap-toe leather ballet flats</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Flats are absolutely timeless and are sweet, sweet relief to a fashionista's tired feet. These metallic flats are perfect, because they are dressy enough for work or a drink, but can also look stylish with jeans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I'll start saving up and tackle these items one by one! I can't wait to have a timeless, classy wardrobe, just like a classy French woman at a sidewalk cafe!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">♥Emily</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-72790299463474032222011-12-19T22:08:00.001-08:002012-03-04T21:28:25.435-08:00My New Car!So much has happened since I moved to Seattle. I'm working on getting my voice and piano studio set up, and just getting to know the area and people. One of my newest and most exciting developments is my new...<br />
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FIAT 500!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FbzkyyVPx8q6HIoacgS03LVC1QghvKbKQcPbwNE45oep10NBGHZ-oU7-IHFJAE25HXrflMFEJFzc3JC2aMjUJ42EmR3y6qRhXufMkiK_lvZlfJ2minA0NAKTEgl_Vxd5zrqZDkM4BBof/s1600/Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FbzkyyVPx8q6HIoacgS03LVC1QghvKbKQcPbwNE45oep10NBGHZ-oU7-IHFJAE25HXrflMFEJFzc3JC2aMjUJ42EmR3y6qRhXufMkiK_lvZlfJ2minA0NAKTEgl_Vxd5zrqZDkM4BBof/s640/Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The last time Fiats were sold in the US was in the 1970s, with this baby:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugo90/5429339692/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR_GCAZxt1HvoZZ8YNJc5U9uPR_2DsZ88t52omF8kTVj6zPoMONhnS7X4-EIvsruVJonh3LwBr-OgV8Vvo3Pblz6DU4tVn2zRJHmBsckbaTRWFX9W4j5y-exjt48kbSWvI43ebPVPeXfa/s640/5429339692_ee556d43fb.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>They've introduced the new Fiat 500 this year, which I saw while passing the dealership, and fell in love!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsZUMlJ2iHEgy4riYfh3peNZW0hIHP56Evgdlx0C1a_zVbD036MUV6C_frpk3WnHkaCtvL7hO6gwsW8-_QxLkNIqlzWEe8j1dzdFNNuXEiksP6MUg-NO-43KuKiGE-lnxoAy3-c-drosr/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsZUMlJ2iHEgy4riYfh3peNZW0hIHP56Evgdlx0C1a_zVbD036MUV6C_frpk3WnHkaCtvL7hO6gwsW8-_QxLkNIqlzWEe8j1dzdFNNuXEiksP6MUg-NO-43KuKiGE-lnxoAy3-c-drosr/s640/front.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is so cute! At the same time, it is so spacious inside. I'm almost 5'10", and my husband is 6'2", and we have so much room, even in the back seats (which fold down)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLltsK1endvDLFTH0xfh7v07RIrhhvoRz9AQRLz5_n9RxfHfYbkl037X4CMc2TRjvIWbe08-QbANqTc3HelUsuocsThwbfkoJHmgKq29o8qqYTIpZIT91AXsWOqpAYyG9GUV4fkBqbD4hs/s1600/rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLltsK1endvDLFTH0xfh7v07RIrhhvoRz9AQRLz5_n9RxfHfYbkl037X4CMc2TRjvIWbe08-QbANqTc3HelUsuocsThwbfkoJHmgKq29o8qqYTIpZIT91AXsWOqpAYyG9GUV4fkBqbD4hs/s640/rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This cutie can drive to Portland and back on one tank! *Sigh* This is my first brand new car, and I'm in heaven. The color is called "Verde Chiaro", which means Light Green. That is why her name is Chiara. <br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-68306994270341218792011-08-16T19:28:00.001-07:002011-08-16T19:33:11.904-07:00Sunshine in the Emerald CityIt's supposed to be sunny and gorgeous all week here in the Seattle area. I can't get enough of this place. It helps that our yard backs to a huge forest with a stream running through it. Here's my outfit for the day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress, shoes, leggings, and necklace from Forever 21-Shrug gifted from Stepmom-Purse from Old Navy circa 2002-ring gifted from friend.</span><br />
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♥EmilyEmily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923003263384593113.post-56459815962475619402011-08-14T14:53:00.001-07:002012-03-04T21:30:01.209-08:00Paint ColorsSo,<br />
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We've finally moved into our beautiful home outside Seattle! We have a few projects to do, including getting rid of some tacky '80s brass light fixtures and some popcorn ceilings. We'll also be painting the walls, since they're all white, and I love color! <br />
<br />
I always find it's hard to know what colors will look like in a room. Even if you get a paint sample, it's hard to judge how it would look in the entire room, instead of just a patch on the wall. <br />
<br />
Enter: Valspar.<br />
<br />
If you go to <a href="http://valsparpaint.com/">valsparpaint.com</a>, you can click on a link that lets you upload pictures of your room, and then see what they look like with the paint colors on them. One of the neat features is that you can change the lighting in the room from dim to bright, natural, or artificial, so you can see what the room looks like in different lighting. Here are a few rooms in my house that I tried some pretty paint colors on:<br />
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<div align="center">Kitchen:Current</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3410iIYS8xXnqez-SirHmua9Tl9vkhy6VV1595ibndk-oHqHXWAylqCiQl8KSFUTww4eBkNheHNcjWv3xs_WRjOyLhNjxuSW-Zp1VqZSGIBi3NefQRi0AKoZDwybL7HEU61B65GruhWM/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3410iIYS8xXnqez-SirHmua9Tl9vkhy6VV1595ibndk-oHqHXWAylqCiQl8KSFUTww4eBkNheHNcjWv3xs_WRjOyLhNjxuSW-Zp1VqZSGIBi3NefQRi0AKoZDwybL7HEU61B65GruhWM/s640/kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A cheerful yellow called "Homestead Resort Tea Room Cream"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-EC-iOKJ0c107X69bR-CONKXWRQCoBCslE7ethYApictsfaNe99b4lrrZH9KJM7z2Joy2rxLDRUZIiZzbu7o8Azvdcj97eE6w2rEqIcBlOw0YH_Toof_uycN0TKWS0xd9ezeE-Z1LHls/s1600/3004-4CHomesteadResortTeaRoomCream.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-EC-iOKJ0c107X69bR-CONKXWRQCoBCslE7ethYApictsfaNe99b4lrrZH9KJM7z2Joy2rxLDRUZIiZzbu7o8Azvdcj97eE6w2rEqIcBlOw0YH_Toof_uycN0TKWS0xd9ezeE-Z1LHls/s640/3004-4CHomesteadResortTeaRoomCream.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Warm terra cotta tones in "Home Sweet Home" and "Vintage Coral"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8kIQBHKgkDLd5mK1VrKp3-LFw1-sVsuvfRN90RZGBi9fHjw0grN9zT0K0bHuoNdyGnlITajqOaYRQ7SFo-0kxaefJgScA6Ike7cx3JBSHOn-xo5wPRQn8ak1U1Q0cEYGgOv47XoaLiVe/s1600/HomeSweetHomeCI116VintageCoral2002-6A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8kIQBHKgkDLd5mK1VrKp3-LFw1-sVsuvfRN90RZGBi9fHjw0grN9zT0K0bHuoNdyGnlITajqOaYRQ7SFo-0kxaefJgScA6Ike7cx3JBSHOn-xo5wPRQn8ak1U1Q0cEYGgOv47XoaLiVe/s640/HomeSweetHomeCI116VintageCoral2002-6A.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Earthy Neutrals in Subtle Suede and Resort Peach</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bt9U2lH3jlvCzVz0Me20gp5k9zB1TPM_VQiPKRTTlzQgt1GNpb3ueqjmLKLiLW2Zcbqwu1hc9gdLzCOs6nLHSjzPQ9Fu71ZVCm9eJUmq81jznqOmopdCgt_Pfd1Vs1f2WIFnFTsrjip1/s1600/SubtleSuede2009-6CResortPeach2005-8B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bt9U2lH3jlvCzVz0Me20gp5k9zB1TPM_VQiPKRTTlzQgt1GNpb3ueqjmLKLiLW2Zcbqwu1hc9gdLzCOs6nLHSjzPQ9Fu71ZVCm9eJUmq81jznqOmopdCgt_Pfd1Vs1f2WIFnFTsrjip1/s640/SubtleSuede2009-6CResortPeach2005-8B.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center">My Voice Studio: Current</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSps98C8_jKUN3V0weIQQDNidCEN1l_m2THdbtogMcfNn6Z-x4oT-IMLtp899zfGINnpVW4fK5myDBFJxSBnGipeqpw53jOcvz07pmVJ4nyzMCo7H_2Htmp-E8j2hHT9UkHz29D8yIvkd/s1600/studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSps98C8_jKUN3V0weIQQDNidCEN1l_m2THdbtogMcfNn6Z-x4oT-IMLtp899zfGINnpVW4fK5myDBFJxSBnGipeqpw53jOcvz07pmVJ4nyzMCo7H_2Htmp-E8j2hHT9UkHz29D8yIvkd/s640/studio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center">A beautiful rose color in "Brazilian Blush"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS1rS-isJawIHB2HLsQ0_laVnQx2h8ugUnmZPTGRUzz3BQWcjLS9bCRWeLN7Sk9CUrJD7zcHkg-9Ntb-diF7mzEIhnCD1No56h59Yx6w04k0YNI5zaIXf6anrw3KLUpedkw5LtWU1_8Pv/s1600/brazilianblush10083b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS1rS-isJawIHB2HLsQ0_laVnQx2h8ugUnmZPTGRUzz3BQWcjLS9bCRWeLN7Sk9CUrJD7zcHkg-9Ntb-diF7mzEIhnCD1No56h59Yx6w04k0YNI5zaIXf6anrw3KLUpedkw5LtWU1_8Pv/s640/brazilianblush10083b.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A dusty purple in "Purple Plumage"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_XXI7lIV_SWoyxwbSPlBdpcXA0w2Lm_HlZRpj_G-OckWmzoLKjopaivnDWI0esnXlBfOUWpxnLIMNDNrKcr34oz5GxKDWlOJ6obZv3lD2vpIA4KEJEdguJXz3XnB2AtrS8X9j38aT0q/s1600/purpleplumage10055b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_XXI7lIV_SWoyxwbSPlBdpcXA0w2Lm_HlZRpj_G-OckWmzoLKjopaivnDWI0esnXlBfOUWpxnLIMNDNrKcr34oz5GxKDWlOJ6obZv3lD2vpIA4KEJEdguJXz3XnB2AtrS8X9j38aT0q/s640/purpleplumage10055b.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pretty cool, huh? If you have any paint projects coming up soon, I urge you to check it out at <a href="http://valsparpaint.com/">valsparpaint.com</a>. It's wildly entertaining!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what do you think about the paint colors? Which is your favorite? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">♥Emily</div><div align="center"></div>Emily♥♥♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01631246978728902528noreply@blogger.com1