tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28596326651775671362024-03-19T00:16:44.767-07:00bluemopheads stuff i love, loathe & laugh aboutAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-66925684319874938922016-03-17T04:49:00.002-07:002016-03-17T05:00:10.691-07:00Destination: County Wicklow Ireland<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of you may know that I'm of Irish descent. I haven't been there in 25 years, so I was thrilled to meet Irish blogger Ashling of <a href="http://allthingsnice4life.blogspot.com/">Allthingsnice</a>. While I'm a city girl, Ashling is a country girl, and r</span>evels in its vast glory. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess I might be too if I lived in such beautiful surroundings. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She lives </span>two hours north of Dublin near the border with Northern Ireland. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Ashling is going to take us on a tour of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_Wicklow" style="font-family: inherit;">County Wicklow, Ireland</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's get to know her first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Q: Dogs or cats? </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cats. I have no pets at my house, but we now have four cats on the farm. Only two have
names: Tommy and Tilly. They keep the mice away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Tea or coffee?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh tea. I drink way too much. On average I take about 10 mugs a day-
addiction I know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Cooking or baking?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cooking. I’m not a great baker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Spring or fall?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like both equally, although in Ireland we don’t use the term fall
we just call it autumn. The countryside is really pretty in both spring and autumn.
Spring is so green with lots of new life emerging in the hedges and fields and
along the lake shores, and then in autumn the trees are amazing with all their
rust, red and yellow leaves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Beach or mountains?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beach probably as it reminds me of good weather. My parents have a holiday home at the beach, and I love
taking walks on the sand and collecting shells. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Favorite city?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s a difficult one. I love lots of cities, however I am a country girl at
heart so I much prefer spending time in the countryside. I do like Paris, London
and Prague though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Funniest travel
experience?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Meeting the Minister of Finance at the airport when going on
holidays to Madeira. Coincidentally, we ended up checking into the same
hotel, and meeting him almost every day there.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Q: Best meal you’ve
ever had?</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Homemade <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxty">Irish Boxty</a>. If you ever visit Ireland, you need to try it.</span><br />
<h4>
County Wicklow Ireland</h4>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b> A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take a short staycation in Ireland and went to County Wicklow. It is located just South of Dublin with easy access on the
motorway. We visited <a href="http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/avoca/">Avoca Village</a> with its lovely <a href="http://visitwicklow.ie/attractions/meeting-of-the-waters/">Meeting of the Waters</a> where two rivers merge together. Avoca village is also home to
one of Ireland’s oldest working woolen mills and one of the world's oldest
manufacturing companies - <a href="http://www.avoca.ie/home/">Avoca Handweavers</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26H_3cE6m-zKc7cwhHXs2-4KEPLX-Yl0CYRbeUU9OgjpXDr3KDUCkNEP5V_bj4_Naf3Wg9K-h0zylZ1MUPOMKK8gpkONXn5BoANjJQRBnBEIs8pTGQ6NrhvFwoYMSwOEUfqHXDbbsgNc/s1600/Avoca2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26H_3cE6m-zKc7cwhHXs2-4KEPLX-Yl0CYRbeUU9OgjpXDr3KDUCkNEP5V_bj4_Naf3Wg9K-h0zylZ1MUPOMKK8gpkONXn5BoANjJQRBnBEIs8pTGQ6NrhvFwoYMSwOEUfqHXDbbsgNc/s640/Avoca2.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
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{Avoca handweavers shop}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIB76UcHYa_aItKlPP4hlKoRVoNFP1ACa5a9BNqyi-jKJmCyUOEUaq3F6tF95oj4VocDSZfgyfkBfJFxOD46A4JQ_smIbC88t3tj2pvx8T6ZkwjUnLxrGRVhuj7hOvqPkVErIy1Kiqqs/s1600/AvocaShop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIB76UcHYa_aItKlPP4hlKoRVoNFP1ACa5a9BNqyi-jKJmCyUOEUaq3F6tF95oj4VocDSZfgyfkBfJFxOD46A4JQ_smIbC88t3tj2pvx8T6ZkwjUnLxrGRVhuj7hOvqPkVErIy1Kiqqs/s640/AvocaShop.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{woollen items for sale online too}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6OZkAUoygdjq_4G6vC2Ricpj99okuYNKMSYohqNwe31SJYUX4oO6J9aJfLqUj2a1MKknksERc0lws15JcFTyCsWwKwQqIzPH4KGw0wfQMy17hamkwik3Pn97BTPxzhTBc-PYMgttQuk/s1600/Meeting+of+the+Waters+Avoca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6OZkAUoygdjq_4G6vC2Ricpj99okuYNKMSYohqNwe31SJYUX4oO6J9aJfLqUj2a1MKknksERc0lws15JcFTyCsWwKwQqIzPH4KGw0wfQMy17hamkwik3Pn97BTPxzhTBc-PYMgttQuk/s640/Meeting+of+the+Waters+Avoca.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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{meeting of the waters}</div>
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We also stopped off at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avondale_House">Avondale House</a> set in a 500 acre forest. The house is Georgian and is well
worth a visit.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">{Avondale House}</span><br />
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{gate house at Avondale House}<br />
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From there we visited one of the main visitor destinations –
<a href="http://www.glendalough.ie/">Glendalough</a> an ancient monastic settlement founded
by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. It is set in a glaciated valley with two lakes
and beautiful scenery. It includes a superb round tower, stone churches and
decorated crosses. It really is worth a visit. Michelle Obama and her two
children visited on their trip to Ireland. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWUzd2VKZhyEOW2eiEdrKV8Cma1zkQRl8DpkZtxB5_XiU2G7QD4WcPrCls0QBngA4o2BHSpbAu2EndlOmIquAbWoNZIahedAQV55aijpV8Mf1mGRjhNCw_XBprgoIBYgQkFHOTz3aIrw/s1600/Glendalough5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWUzd2VKZhyEOW2eiEdrKV8Cma1zkQRl8DpkZtxB5_XiU2G7QD4WcPrCls0QBngA4o2BHSpbAu2EndlOmIquAbWoNZIahedAQV55aijpV8Mf1mGRjhNCw_XBprgoIBYgQkFHOTz3aIrw/s640/Glendalough5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{the lake}</div>
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Our final destination, and one of my favorites, was <a href="http://powerscourt.com/">Powerscourt Estate</a> with its wonderful gardens and
magnificently built heritage. You
can spend hours taking in the beautiful gardens, have something to eat in the
Avoca Café and shop in the bespoke Irish-owned shops. One of Ireland’s
highest waterfalls is also nearby. The scenery and landscape are spectacular. Powerscourt is only 20 km south of Dublin, so for anyone
visiting Dublin, you should plan a day to visit. <br />
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{Japanese garden at Powerscourt}</div>
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A few more questions for Ashling...</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Who do you travel with?</b><br />
I always go on holidays with my husband. Sometimes with my parents.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Where you stayed?</b><br />
We stayed in a small guesthouse, however there are plenty of B&B’s and
guesthouses in County Wicklow to choose from.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: Travel tips? </b><br />
When holidaying in Ireland, it is always a bonus to get good weather, but always
come prepared with rain jackets and good footwear. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Q: If I were to do it
again, I would…</b><br />
When in Ireland, make sure you explore rural Ireland not
just Dublin city. <br />
<br />
<b>Q: Where to next? </b><br />
Having recently traveled to Italy, Montenegro, mainland Greece and three of the Greek Islands along with my husband and my parents, we plan to stay close to home.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by Ashling. I hope to travel with my husband and children to Ireland in the next few years. We will definitely visit County Wicklow. In the meantime, I enjoy following Ashling on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allthingsnice_4life/">Instagram</a>. She's an amazing photographer!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-58050735413677076822016-02-29T06:28:00.000-08:002016-02-29T06:30:32.598-08:002016 Oscars fashion...As in the past several years, I was not wowed by what I saw on the red carpet last night.<br />
<br />
Only one person stood out in my mind -- Naomi Watts. She is on my list almost every year. Perfect head to toe as always. Just stunning.<br />
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<a href="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_08/992281/naomi-watts-001-today-160228_9d220a844e9ff3a0480d869753c2fc6b.today-inline-large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_08/992281/naomi-watts-001-today-160228_9d220a844e9ff3a0480d869753c2fc6b.today-inline-large.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_08/992281/naomi-watts-001-today-160228_9d220a844e9ff3a0480d869753c2fc6b.today-inline-large.JPG">{photo image}</a></div>
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I'm a bit torn about Cate Blanchett's dress. The color is flattering, but the embellishments, especially around the sleeves/straps were too much IMO. What did you think?</div>
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<a href="https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1494071/oscars-2016.jpg?w=400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1494071/oscars-2016.jpg?w=400" width="424" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/scalefit_630_noupscale/56d393111e00002200702f68.jpeg?cache=ksl9y7njl9">photo image</a>}</div>
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Over embellished up top. Get rid of all that stuff and it would have been lovely. </div>
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See comparison with wedding cake on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCWiaARCxB4/">Instagram</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2016/red-carpet/oscars/style-blog/cate-blanchett-600x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2016/red-carpet/oscars/style-blog/cate-blanchett-600x800.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2016/red-carpet/oscars/style-blog/cate-blanchett-600x800.jpg">photo image</a>}</div>
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The plunging neckline was popular last night. It worked well for Cate, but not others. How low can you go? Take a look at Charlize Theron's gown. She was stunning, but her dress was way too low IMO. See side boobage.</div>
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<a href="http://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/e4cefbcac58f4ca9aded0547bffa4c4e/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/e4cefbcac58f4ca9aded0547bffa4c4e/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/e4cefbcac58f4ca9aded0547bffa4c4e/960x0.jpg?fit=scale">{photo image}</a></div>
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Her co-presenter Emily Blunt gets my vote for cutest. Pretty in pink with baby pump. Love her. </div>
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<a href="http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/galleries/x701/112614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/galleries/x701/112614.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/galleries/x701/112614.jpg">photo image</a>}</div>
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As far as awards went, I was thrilled to see <i>Spotlight</i> win for best picture. It was my favorite movie last year. Too bad I didn't pick it for my pool. I would have won.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pc">PC</a> matters addressed on last night's agenda. Not going there. I'll let others duke it out on Facebook. </div>
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Until next year...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-71679253500957551432016-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:002016-02-29T17:57:13.219-08:00My favorite places: Ponce City Market I've been waiting for more than a decade for Atlanta to become an "in town" city. It's finally happening and I am thrilled! <a href="http://poncecitymarket.com/">Ponce City Market</a> is currently my favorite place to eat and shop.<br />
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PCM has a long and interesting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponce_City_Market">history</a>. It is housed in the fully renovated Sears, Roebuck & Company historic building. It sits on the Atlanta <a href="http://beltline.org/">beltline</a>, which makes it easy to access on foot or bike. Paid parking is available, but can be hard to come by on the weekends. I've had no problem finding a spot during the week.<br />
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{hop on or off the beltline}</div>
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{cool places to sit and hang out}<br />
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Shopping opportunities for well-known brands and boutiques abound. But the food is where it's at!<br />
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The food hall is aptly described as culinary central for the South. I've already eaten there more times than I can count. Here are my faves so far:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.starprovisions.com/fish-camp/">W.H. Styles Fish Camp</a></b><br />
Brought to you by Anne Quatrano of <a href="http://www.starprovisions.com/">Bacchanalia</a> fame, W.H. Styles Fish Camp aka "Dubs" is a casual fish house and raw bar. It's named after Anne's great- great- great- great-grandfather W.H. Styles whose nickname was Dubs. It's also the name of her dog. Cute. Like all of her eating establishments, the food and ambiance do not disappoint. The interior is well appointed with tasteful sea-inspired decor. Retail shelves are filled with everything you'd ever need to host a clam bake, oyster roast or low country boil.<br />
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Place your order at the counter for table top dining or belly up to the raw bar. Limited indoor seating is available, as well as a large designated outdoor area. The menu offers classic fish house sandwiches -- like a shrimp po' boy, lobster roll and today's catch -- along with some other not so typical items. To date, I've eaten at Dubs three times. The North Georgia trout fish plate -- which is also available as a sandwich -- is served with capers and pickled onions on a bed of bean salad. Tasty, but not outstanding. Our fish came with a bag of <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/UTZ-The-Crab-Chip-Potato-Chips-With-Chesapeake-Bay-Crab-Seasoning-1.875-oz/17177173">Utz crab chips</a> that brought me back to my days on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The creamy little neck chowder with chunks of roasted cauliflower is not to be missed. It could stand with a few more clams, though. The super rich she-crab soup is worth a try. A little goes a long way though, so order a cup and share it with your dining companions. The Vietnamese crispy salad seems a bit out of place on a fish shack menu. Don't let that throw you off. It's served with the catch of the day and is divine. It's my fave on the menu. The crispy calamari stands out with fried chick peas that add some texture to the dish. The generous portion makes it perfect for sharing. Be sure to order a house-made seltzer to go with your meal. A bargain at $2! You can't go wrong at Dubs.<br />
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Some food porn.<br />
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<b><a href="http://mineroatlanta.com/">Minero</a></b><br />
Minero offers casual Tex-Mex at its best by Chef Sean Brock. I was eagerly awaiting its opening after hearing such great things about the Charleston location. A bit about the name. The unofficial history of tacos dates back to the 18th century. "Minero" means miners and "tacos" refer to the dynamite -- gunpowder wrapped inside piece of paper -- miners used to excavate ore. The first reference found was "tacos de mineros" meaning "miners tacos." I'm including this so you can impress your friends anytime you eat at a Mexican restaurant.<br />
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On to the food. The space is lively and fun. A small market right outside its doors offers Rancho Gordo dried beans and dried chiles, along with a case full of cookbooks, hot sauces and other accoutrement. Sit indoors or outside when the weather is nice. I've eaten at Minero twice. The menu is limited. Go for the tacos. They are small two- or three-bite sized on corn tortillas for $3.50-$4.00. I would personally order 3. They are all good, but the pork tacos are the best, especially the pork carnitas. The guacamole, which is excellent, is served with chips in a cute tortilla warmer. The rice and beans were both bland. My advice is to skip the sides and stick with the tacos. And, if available, pick up a pint of fresh guacamole in the refrigerated case to take home.<br />
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{pork tacos are the best}</div>
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{minero #shelfie}</div>
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{order some chips. they come in these cute tortilla warmers.}</div>
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<b><a href="http://brezzacucina.com/">Brezza Cuccina</a></b><br />
Brought to you by Jonathan Waxman, the cuccina offers traditional Italian with an American bent. It's open for lunch and dinner plus brunch on Saturday and Sunday. I've eaten there once for lunch. The space is large, open and bright. My friend and I tried to cover all sections of the menu although we didn't have room for pizza. We split the gnocchi and chicken parm sandwich served with a side of kale salad. A full size salad is on the menu for $9.00. It would be a nice choice if you want to eat light. We enjoyed everything we ordered, but the chick pea fries stole the show. Delicioso! I would definitely order them again.<br />
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{mushroom parm gnocchi}</div>
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{chick pea fries. yum!!!}</div>
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<b>Hop's Chicken</b><br />
Hop's Chicken is Linton Hopkin's (Holeman & Finch, Restaurant Eugene) fried chicken joint. Order fried chicken in a bucket with traditional sides like mac 'n cheese (counts as a vegetable in the south) or the chicken biscuit. Although I prefer the biscuit, they are both finger licking good.<br />
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{recreate hop's biscuits at home}</div>
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<a href="http://hfburger.com/ponce-city-market">H&F Burger</a><br />
You can now get the famous H&F burger you relish at Braves games right here in town. Located next door to Hop's, H&F serves up burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes. You can't go wrong with the burger. They are big, so if you're not really hungry, order the Mighty Jr., which was big enough for me. Make sure to order them naked if you have picky eaters. H&F is a good family-friendly spot.<br />
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<a href="http://honeysucklegelato.com/">Honeysuckle Gelato</a><br />
Save some room for dessert and head over to Honeysuckle Gelato -- the company's first retail space. Choose from scoops, sandwiches and shakes. My advice is to go for the cookie sandwich: one cookie + one flavor + one topping for $5. Bargain. The brownie cookie with vanilla bean and sea-salted caramel is my fave. I've also tried the fresh mint rolled in chocolate chips. Five percent of all sales for every $5 spent goes to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. No brainer.<br />
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That's all for now. I'm sure I'll be back. In the meantime, if you haven't been to PCM, go!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-36997169509421793192015-12-07T06:06:00.001-08:002015-12-08T05:23:28.648-08:00Holiday entertaining: creating a rustic tableI started hosting Thanksgiving at my house a few years ago after my sister moved to Atlanta. She actually lives on my street. So convenient. Setting the holiday table is by far my favorite thing to do. This year I decided to go with a rustic woodland theme.<br />
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Creating this theme is easy and inexpensive. It works well for any holiday, and has become popular at weddings. It can be casual or elegant. Neutral or colorful. The possibilities are endless.<br />
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<b>Get the look:</b><br />
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For this table, I chose a neutral palette with pops of green and natural fabrics like linen and burlap. A white tablecloth offers the perfect place from which to start. As does white china.<br />
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Tree slices -- often referred to as "tree cookies" -- form the base of my woodlands centerpiece. Birch votives in staggered sizes add height, but don't obstruct your guests' views across the table. Decorate with dried moss and berries.<br />
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Lots of texture = more interest.<br />
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Mix it up. Use fine china and silver with more rustic pieces like mason jars.<br />
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{mason jar + burlap + raffia + blooms from your garden}</div>
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Make it personal and add a bit of whimsy.</div>
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Some shine….</div>
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Plus patina.</div>
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A bit of kitsch goes a long way.</div>
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You see. It's all in the details.</div>
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I hope this provides you with some inspiration for your next holiday gathering -- perfect for Christmas. Have fun with it!<br />
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<b>Shop the look:</b><br />
Tree slices, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Basswood-Round-Thick/dp/B00B4F66UI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449458890&sr=8-1&keywords=tree+slices">Amazon</a><br />
Birch votives and card holders, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirchHouseMarket?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Etsy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.michaels.com/10135036.html#q=moss&start=10">Moss</a>, burlap ribbon & raffia, <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a><br />
Linen table runner and ribbon, <a href="http://burlapfabric.com/">burlapfabric.com</a><br />
Place cards and rubber stamp, <a href="http://shop.papersource.com/search#?p=Q&lbc=papersource&uid=33605712&ts=ajax&w=holiday%20rubber%20stamps&isort=score&method=and&view=grid&af=&cnt=300">Paper Source</a><br />
Succulents, <a href="http://www.southeastsucculents.com/">Southeast Succulents</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-30457424410789990282015-11-18T14:14:00.001-08:002015-11-18T14:14:07.090-08:00Currently...Today is the first installment of my new regular column "Currently." Because I haven't had time to write any feature posts, I'll fill you in periodically on what I've been up to. Always mindful of Austin Kleon's advice in <i><a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2012/11/steal-like-artist.html">Steal Like an Artist</a>, </i>I ripped off this idea from another blogger.<br />
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Currently reading: Another psychological thriller -- <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Wood-Ruth-Ware/dp/1501112317/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447787600&sr=1-1&keywords=in+a+dark+dark+wood">In a Dark, Dark Wood</a> </i> by Ruth Ware. Speaking of psychological thrillers. Go see the movie "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/">Room</a>" based on Emma Donoghue's award winning <a href="http://-donoghue/dp/0316098329/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447787302&sr=1-1&keywords=room+in+books">novel</a>.<br />
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Currently wearing: <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/janine-hair-calf-ballet-flats/379910?skuId=19039176&defaultColor=7156&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000020">Ann Taylor Hair Calf Ballet Flats</a>. A padded insole makes them super comfortable. A bargain at 40% off!<br />
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Currently drinking: Pinot Noir. We recently hosted a wine tasting. Jack Hammer pinot was the hands down favorite wine among our guests. <a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/wineselections/article/Pinot-Noir-keeps-its-cool-in-Santa-Cruz-4601309.php?t=dafbe6c45aab952c1b">Ghostwriter</a> is another excellent choice at a higher price point. If you live in the Atlanta area I highly recommend shopping at <a href="http://perrineswine.com/">Perrine's</a> wine shop on the <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/10/west-side-story-act-one.html">westside</a>.<br />
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Currently designing: Rustic floral arrangements in recycled jars. Tutorial coming soon.<br />
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Currently eating: <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/786">Trader Joe's Gingerbread Molasses Cookies</a>. They are a holiday item, so stock up now while supply lasts.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-20193335038350973172015-10-29T07:46:00.001-07:002015-10-29T07:46:53.117-07:00May I suggest...While I normally have book suggestions to share, I've been in a reading slump for the past six months. I did enjoy rereading one of my all-time faves <i>To Kill A Mockingbird</i> as a prelude to <i>Go Set A Watchman</i>. <i>Mockingbird</i> is a tough act to follow. I don't recommend reading the two books back to back.<br />
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Instead, I've been binge watching TV series on Netflix, Amazon and BRAVO. Let's start with the latest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-amazon-red-oaks-20151004-story.html"><b>Red Oaks</b></a>. A coming of age story about a college student who spends his summer working as a tennis pro at a country club in New Jersey. If you grew up in the 80's, you'll get a kick out of this.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2258904/?ref_=nv_sr_1">A Place To Call Home</a></b>. Described by the <i><a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/tv-review-a-place-to-call-homehigh-drama-from-down-under-1418350941">Wall Street Journal</a></i> as an "addictive saga of 1950s Australian family of wealth and privilege caught up in the aftermath of war and conflicting loyalties." If you like Downton Abbey and Australian accents, this series is for you. I think I like it more than Downton, which says a lot. Here's the catch, you have to pay to view on Amazon. It's worth every penny. Go ahead and buy the entire season. Season 2 is available on DVD. I'm tempted to buy it.<br />
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{my fave. warning: addictive.}</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4295140/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><b>Chef's Table</b></a>. Brought to you by Netflix, a six episode series about some of world's most renowned chefs. Binge watch them all in a few days and report back to me on which chef you liked best.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4374208/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><b>Catastrophe</b></a>. British TV comedy about an American lad and an Irish girl and their ensuing life after a drunken hook up. The two main characters are very likable. Available on Amazon Prime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bravotv.com/odd-mom-out"><b>Odd Mom Out</b></a>. Brought to you by Bravo. Definitely on the lighter side. A New York mom trying to fit in with the over-the-top 5th Avenue set. Guys can skip this series. Definitely chick material.<br />
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That's all. Have I missed any must see shows?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-83923755078809439012015-09-23T13:37:00.000-07:002015-09-23T17:34:09.859-07:00Where have you been bluemopheads: book twoHappy fall! It's been a while. Over 4 months since I last posted. What have I been doing since our spring break trip to <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2015/05/destination-san-francisco.html">San Francisco</a>? A little of a lot.<br />
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Here's my story...<br />
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<b>Chapter 1: My boy becomes an adult</b>. In June, we traveled with our temple to Israel for almost two weeks. It was an amazing trip. One we will never forget mostly because my older son had his bar mitzvah there -- something I highly recommend. A short preview of my upcoming blog post.<br />
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{old city of jerusalem}</div>
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{spices -- <a href="http://www.machne.co.il/en/">machane yehuda market</a> in jerusalem}</div>
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{view from the top of <a href="http://www.masada.org.il/en">masada</a>}</div>
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{hummus at every meal}</div>
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<b>Chapter 2: Diary of a swim team mom</b>. As is custom, the month of June revolved around my younger son's swim team season. I'll keep this brief. If you want to get a comprehensive overview of country club swim leagues, read diary chapters <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/07/diary-of-swim-team-mom.html">one</a> and <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/07/diary-of-swim-team-mom-chapter-2.html">two</a>. The Israel trip put a crimp in the schedule. Missing two weeks of practice does not bode well for a receiving a coveted spot on the championship team. To help secure one, my husband found places for him to train all over Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and a kibbutz in the north near the Golan Heights. This is serious business. Geography was not going to get in the way. The hard work paid off. They won both of his relays and the overall team championship. Everyone was happy. I, of course, was relieved when it was all over.<br />
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{highlight of the season -- drink beer and keep track of your kid's events made easy!}</div>
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<b>Chapter 3: Independence Day in Rosemary Beach</b>. We rented a house in Rosemary Beach for the July 4th week. I was so looking forward to it. But things got complicated with the championship meet (that I wasn't counting on), which took place that Tuesday night. We ended up going to the beach in shifts. My husband flew back to Atlanta to watch the meet and then flew back with the champion Wednesday. Lucky for me, they streamed the meet live online so I got to watch it with bloody mary's in hand. The best of both worlds although I admittedly was happy to be on the Rosemary end of the deal.<br />
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{gulf side beach reading. i highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disclaimer-Novel-Ren%C3%A9e-Knight/dp/0062362259/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1442961285&sr=1-1&keywords=disclaimer"><i>disclaimer</i></a>}</div>
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{what's new on 30a? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joeloveslobsterrollson30a">joe loves lobster rolls</a> not to be missed}</div>
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{and, beautiful new homes on the south side of <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/02/destination-alys-beach.html">alys beach</a>}</div>
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<b>Chapter 4: My baby turns 1</b>. Rory spent six weeks training in the country. She was supposed to come to the beach with us, but that plan was foiled for reasons I will not disclose. We were disappointed that we couldn't celebrate her first birthday with her. But, she did have a pool party with her gun dog friends. Although her water retrievals improved significantly, she returned home with few noticeable changes in the obedience department. Seems you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl.<br />
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{happy 1st birthday rory!}</div>
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<b>Chapter 5. Namaste and noshing</b>. I officially put pilates on the back burner and took up yoga at <a href="http://formyoga.com/">Form Yoga</a> in Decatur to improve my strength and flexibility. Love it! My goal is to do a hand stand. It might take a few years, but I'm determined. In pursuit of that inversion, I purchased some cute (but pricey) yoga clothes from <a href="http://www.sweatybetty.com/us/?change_site=us">Sweaty Betty</a> -- my new go to for active wear. As <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2012/11/eye-on-fashion-workout-chic_12.html">Derek Blasberg</a> points out -- the gear impacts the performance. So true. In between classes, I spent most of my time eating (and drinking). You could find me at least once a week at the <a href="http://www.krogstreetmarket.com/">Krog Street Market</a> or over on the <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/10/west-side-story-act-one.html">west side</a> dining. I don't want to spoil any of my upcoming blog posts, but some notable faves are <a href="http://www.jctkitchen.com/">JCT Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.krogstreetmarket.com/?portfolio=superica">Superica</a>, <a href="http://www.krogstreetmarket.com/?portfolio=freds-meat-bread">Fred's Meat & Bread</a> and <a href="http://www.krogstreetmarket.com/?portfolio=yalla">Yalla</a>.<br />
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{photo credit: form yoga studio. i'm currently at handstand stage #2. final stage tba}</div>
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{oh so healthy cheese steak & fries from fred's}</div>
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<b>Chapter 6: Decatur does Rosemary</b>. We just returned from another fabulous week in Rosemary for fall break. Rory came with us. She put her water skills to good use. Lots of our Decatur friends were there relieving us from too much family togetherness. Always a good thing. The weather and company were perfect. Can't wait to go back.<br />
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{first stop: dinner at <a href="http://www.georgesatalysbeach.net/">george's</a>}</div>
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{my little pool otter}</div>
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{i love rosemary beach}</div>
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{one of many spectacular sunsets}</div>
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A good note to end on.<br />
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I'll be back soon. Until then, you can find me most days on <a href="https://instagram.com/bluemopheads/">Instagram</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-70639584056686146712015-05-13T11:25:00.004-07:002015-05-13T11:25:52.209-07:00Destination: San FranciscoWe were able to piggyback a 3-day trip to San Francisco -- one of our favorite cities -- after our spring break trip to Lake Tahoe (post coming soon). San Francisco is a 3-hour drive from Tahoe. Based on our experience there five years ago, we knew trying to complete our San Francisco bucket list would be close to impossible. It was. A good excuse to go back.<br />
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Here's what I would recommend for a family trip to the city.<br />
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<b>Note</b>: You can skip this narrative and jump down to my photo journal below.<br />
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<b>Where to stay</b><br />
This was our second stay at <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/">Cavallo Point</a> -- a resort housed on the former Fort Baker army base just across the <a href="http://goldengatebridge.org/">Golden Gate Bridge</a>. Why did we go back? I'm not sure where to begin. Let's start with family friendliness. The hotel welcomes families (as well as dogs of all sizes) with open arms. It is very well appointed, but not super fancy or stodgy. You can get dressed up to dine or just show up in your sightseeing clothes or active wear. No one seems to notice or care. The lodging houses are surrounded by Golden Gate National Recreation land with stunning views of the city, bay and the bridge. After a busy day touring the city, you can return to the hotel and have a complimentary glass of wine or two or grab a hand-crafted cocktail from the <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/farley-bar.html">Farley Bar</a>. Sit on the rocking chair front porch while your kids run freely on the front lawn. As much as we love the energy of being in the city, there is much to be said for being on the water where your kids can play outside. The concierge has a collection of balls and Frisbees available to use. Kids can choose to eat from a kid's menu for $10 a meal. The food is delicious. Younger children can visit the <a href="https://www.baykidsmuseum.org/">Bay Area Discovery Museum</a> located at the foot of the property (admission fee not included). Other amenities: complimentary coffee and pastry station every morning, free yoga class most mornings, free parking, a shuttle to and from the ferry station in Sausalito on a regular schedule throughout the day. You can also get a ride into the city at 9:00 and get picked up at 4:00. If you need a break from your family, you can indulge in some spa treatments or relax at the <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/tea-bar.html">Tea Bar</a> in the <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/healing-arts-center-spa.html">Healing Arts Center & Spa</a> or take a cooking class at the <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/cooking-school-courses-and-classes.html">Cooking School</a>. One of my favorite things about the place is the fresh scent of lavender and eucalyptus wafting through the air everywhere you go. Bliss. I can't say enough good things about Cavallo Point. We would definitely go back.<br />
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<b>What to do</b><br />
So much to do, not enough time. We had a car, which made some activities easier than if you were without one. <b>Tip</b>: Do not drive your car into the city. Traffic and parking are a nightmare. Walk, bike, cab, Uber or take public transit.<br />
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To make this as brief as possible, here are my top ten things to do (in no particular order) if your time is limited:<br />
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1) Visit the <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/">Exploratorium</a>. It is a must. Plan to spend an entire day there. Your ticket allows you to enter and reenter as much as you want on the purchase day.<br />
2) Walk or bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. <b>Note</b>: It is really loud on the bridge, which might scare some kids. Have a back up plan if you think this might be an issue for your family.<br />
3) Take a break from the city and enjoy it from the other side of the bay. Take a <a href="http://sanfranciscobayferry.com/">ferry ride</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sausalito,_California">Sausalito</a> and explore on foot or bike.<br />
4) Visit the <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/">Ferry Building</a>. Learn about its history. Eat and shop there. <b>Tip</b>: Do your shopping at the end of the day and bring some large reusable shopping bags with you. Bags are hard to come by and you are charged extra at most places for a paper bag. Most are small and unwieldy. You'll see the local ladies shopping there with chic market baskets filled to the brim with fresh produce. Although tempting, buying one of those expensive satchels would only be a pain to travel with later.<br />
5) Climb the stairs to <a href="http://sfrecpark.org/destination/telegraph-hill-pioneer-park/coit-tower/">Coit Tower</a> and take in the best panoramic view of the city, bay and bridges. While you're there, check out the murals painted on the walls. Take time to stop and smell the roses and other flora in the secret gardens as you climb up and down the 400 stairs on Telegraph Hill that lead to the Tower. I don't recommend taking the stairs with small children.<br />
6) Ride the cable cars! A visit to the <a href="http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/">Cable Car Museum</a> is worthwhile for younger kids.<br />
7) Visit <a href="http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/">China Town</a>. Eat there!<br />
8) Go see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_Street_(San_Francisco)">Lombard Street</a> -- the crookedest street in the world.<br />
9) Go to a baseball game at AT&T park and check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCovey_Cove">McCovey Cove</a>.<br />
10) Visit the sea lions on <a href="http://www.pier39.com/home/attractions/on-the-pier/sea-lion-center/">Pier 39</a>.<br />
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A few things to note. If you plan to visit, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm">Alcatraz</a>, which I highly recommend for older children, tickets are hard to come by. To be on the safe side, buy them well advance. The new <a href="http://www.waltdisney.org/">Walt Disney Museum</a> -- that we didn't have time to visit -- is more geared toward older kids and adults. We visited <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/">Golden Gate Park</a> during our last visit, including the <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/academy-of-sciences.html">California Academy of Sciences</a>. If your time is limited, research the various museums before you go, and choose wisely. The Exploratorium surpasses any other kids museum we've visited. Put it on the top of your list. You won't be sorry.<br />
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<b>Excursions</b><br />
If you have more than a few days and a car, I recommend these excursions:<br />
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1) Take a walk in the redwood forest in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm">Muir Woods</a>. There are trails for every age and energy level.<br />
2) Visit <a href="http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/">The Marine Mammal Center</a> in Sausalito.<br />
3) If you have kids with "The Farm," aka <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford</a>, on their college wish list, go while you're in the area. In our case, we have two boys nowhere near college age who are college sports fanatics. So, we drove out to Palo Alto to tour it. Not knowing much about the University, I thought the tour was interesting. The campus is gorgeous, as are the zillion dollar homes and cottages in Old Palo Alto.<br />
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<b>Where to eat</b><br />
We compiled a long list of places to eat before our trip mostly based on recommendations from friends who have visited or lived in the Bay Area. That plan went by the wayside when we got there. We ended up eating close to where we were each day or close to the hotel with the goal of hitting at least one dining spot that served seafood, Asian, Mexican or Italian cuisine.<br />
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A few things to note before I offer my restaurant picks. I was really surprised that the seafood we sampled at most restaurants was meh at best. I can get much better quality and variety here in land-locked Atlanta. Also of note, we ate lunch at the highly acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant <a href="http://www.slanteddoor.com/">The Slanted Door</a> at the Ferry Building. Having eaten at the restaurant's old location on previous trips, we were excited to visit its new digs. Unfortunately, the restaurant has lost its luster for us. In my opinion, it's living off its reputation.<br />
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Here are some restaurants I would highly recommend. All have kids menus. If you have picky eaters, these are good options for you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/"><b>Ferry Building Marketplace</b></a><br />
The marketplace houses some of the best food in the city. I recommend a movable feast of samplings from the food stalls. My favorites are: coffee at <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/blue_bottle_coffee_shop.php">Blue Bottle Coffee</a>, the sour dough baguette at <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/acme_bread_company.php">Acme Bread</a>, cheese and sandwiches at <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/cowgirl_creamery.php">Cow Girl Creamery</a>, cupcakes at <a href="https://www.miette.com/locations/">Miette</a> and ice cream at <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/humphry_slocombe.php">Humphry Slocombe</a>. Be on the lookout for <a href="https://www.tcho.com/">TCHO chocolate</a> bars in some of the specialty shops. The company used to give tours of its factory in the city, but they have moved to Berkeley. Try the Mokaccino -- milk chocolate mixed with Blue Bottle coffee. <b>Tip</b>: Seating inside the marketplace is scarce. What little there is, is hard to find. Some large communal tables, as well as counter seating, are located in the area just outside <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/peets_coffee_tea.php">Peet's Coffee</a>. Or, you can eat outside on benches if it's a nice day and you don't mind being surrounded by pigeons. Not an option for me.<br />
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<b>Sausalito/Milly Valley...</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.331fish.com/index.html"><b>Fish</b></a><br />
Located literally on the dock of the bay in Sausilito, Fish serves <i>only</i> sustainable seafood plus fresh salads and more. Stand in line to place your counter order. Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer from an extensive list, or fresh squeezed lemonade served in mason jars. Be ready to pounce on a picnic table outside as soon as one opens. The servers will deliver your food there. The fish tacos were notable, but the chowder and fish & chips were our faves. Skip the BBQ oysters. Come prepared to stand in line, and have cash or check in hand. No reservations. No credit cards accepted.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.copitarestaurant.com/">Copita</a></b><br />
When we asked the hotel concierge for Mexican restaurants recommendations, she sent us to Copita Taqueira conveniently located on the main drag in Sausilto. The atmosphere is warm and lively with outside sidewalk seating. Copita prides itself for serving traditional Mexican dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. Lunch and dinner menus are 100% gluten free. Your meal begins with a complimentary jar of jicama & cucumber spears dusted with chile powder, lime juice and flake salt -- a refreshing combination of tastes and textures. The bar features an extensive selection of tequila, so be sure to order a margarita. The $10 house margarita was shaken and served at our table then poured over a single square ice cube (my fave). It was excellent. Tacos are available in orders of two or four, which makes it fun if you want to try several. The mahi-mahi fish and special pork tacos were outstanding. The braised short rib was very good, but I would stick with tacos next time. The very generous bowl of tortilla soup was delish. Keep that in mind if you plan to order tacos. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach. Reservations recommended on busy nights.<br />
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<a href="http://www.poggiotrattoria.com/"><b>Poggio</b></a><br />
Poggio Trattoria serves classic Northern Italian cuisine using seasonal locally sourced ingredients, including some grown in the garden on site. I met some people at our hotel who had eaten there the night before. One was a chef. If he was raving about it then I knew it was good enough for us. The restaurant was warm and inviting with outside sidewalk seating. You can order half or full size pasta portions. I ordered the pasta of the day, which was excellent. As were the kids pizzas straight out of the wood fire oven. My husband ordered the yellow fin tuna. It was very good, not outstanding. If we were to go back we'd skip the surf -- except for the divine poached rock shrimp butter leaf lettuce salad -- and go with some turf. The $69 grilled porterhouse steak (enough for 2-3 people) was tempting, but we couldn't talk the kids out of their pizzas. If you are child free and feeling casual, I would recommend sitting at the lively bar and ordering several pizzas and salads to share along with a few (or more) glasses of sangria from the vat sitting on the bar. Reservations recommended.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com/">Buckeye Roadhouse</a></b><br />
A local favorite since 1937, the restaurant cuisine is described as quintessential American with a California twist. It is named for the buckeye tree outside its back doors. The two-floor open concept space is warm and cozy with dark lacquered panelling throughout. It is a definitely a special occasion place, judging from the number of birthdays being celebrated around us. Nevertheless, they welcomed us in our very casual attire. There's something for everyone on the regular menu with a kids menu to boot. We rarely order chicken out, but our sever recommended the signature chile-lime "brick" chicken. It did not disappoint. The fish of the day was excellent as was the organic butter lettuce salad I ordered to accompany it. Topped it off with a classic gimlet. There's a smoker out back, so consider ordering something from that section of the menu, especially if you're from the south and have a hankering for BBQ. My son devoured the smoked wings. Reservations recommended.<br />
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<b>Palo Alto…</b><br />
If you're in the Palo Alto area, don't miss the <a href="http://paloaltocreamery.com/">Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill</a>. It's a retro diner that serves breakfast all day, as well as typical diner food. Go for the beef. The burgers and fries are excellent. I highly recommend the Reuben too. Time your visit right or plan to wait for a table.<br />
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<b>Where to shop</b><br />
If you live in a major metropolitan city, skip shopping on Market Street. There you will find the same department and apparel stores you have at home. The one and only shop I wanted to visit was <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/stores-designshop.html">Serena & Lily</a> located in the chic Pacific Heights neighborhood. I was expecting a retail store, but it's a design center. Some bath and dining linens are for sale, but not much. The store is still worth a visit if you want to see firsthand color ways, fabric designs and rug samples, as well as inspect the quality and construction of the furniture pieces on display. You also get free fabric swatches that you would otherwise pay $2 each when ordering from the catalog.<br />
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<b>My photo journal</b>:<br />
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{Watching the kids play on the Cavallo Point lawn at dusk. Golden Gate bridge is really close.}<br />
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{Former Officers' residences now impeccably restored suites. Book all the rooms for large families & bring your dog too! Relax on your own rocking chair front porch.} </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{Lots of places to relax and take in the sea and floral air at Cavallo Point.}<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> A visit to the Ferry Building is a must! </span><br />
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Organic flowers.<br />
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{A steal $15 a bunch!}</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{Pretty in pink.}</div>
Beautiful fresh produce...<br />
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Confections at Miette. I love this shop! Get yourself a treat. Buy gifts for friends and family.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{Ginger snaps are winners.}</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{So is the toffee.}</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{Ginger bread cupcake with cream cheese frosting. So pretty and tasty. Get one!}</div>
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Wash it down with some Blue Bottle Coffee.</div>
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Time to walk it off. Head over to Telegraph Hill on foot. Enjoy the scenery as you walk up the 400 stairs to Coit Tower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1YlGRgEwKSlsoZ5UFg0ETzCC-uSTdWNbJsQwhZHmLJ8nl0vhQn9oj7jCwWJqr7vr8X_XM1pElc_dTu_f7oZBLcrl6vyCd1gCqEQEKC4-PbMmfVgWnkKHPpVI0-1WSUpAZA6zsepRjY/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1YlGRgEwKSlsoZ5UFg0ETzCC-uSTdWNbJsQwhZHmLJ8nl0vhQn9oj7jCwWJqr7vr8X_XM1pElc_dTu_f7oZBLcrl6vyCd1gCqEQEKC4-PbMmfVgWnkKHPpVI0-1WSUpAZA6zsepRjY/s640/IMG_9852.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Secret gardens abound.}</div>
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{Level upon level.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDYxM_0D8klTFroRhzeZubmPvi8d6u71TMOyxmCp6524WIUBxwxpOtoWEZZ5crlNoUBZB5T-uSky6DAhYrfv8l75VzoyIqjAmu0aybVsPhyphenhyphenXAFjL0yRjQgvvz11AjpMGqu1N_qn_KMng/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDYxM_0D8klTFroRhzeZubmPvi8d6u71TMOyxmCp6524WIUBxwxpOtoWEZZ5crlNoUBZB5T-uSky6DAhYrfv8l75VzoyIqjAmu0aybVsPhyphenhyphenXAFjL0yRjQgvvz11AjpMGqu1N_qn_KMng/s640/IMG_9842.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Stop and smell the amazing roses…}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxz22Q81BJyFFWg_BLF62LWO-aDrHyAH1jdepK_oFuIot4OeCHDifc1NIqi9d00-noLd_U19jXIDwlt9zMXA-1uAHEm7HHXxQTycb0gFA6rcra_QLbLpDoTErZlRnotq3XItA2nlChto/s1600/IMG_9847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxz22Q81BJyFFWg_BLF62LWO-aDrHyAH1jdepK_oFuIot4OeCHDifc1NIqi9d00-noLd_U19jXIDwlt9zMXA-1uAHEm7HHXxQTycb0gFA6rcra_QLbLpDoTErZlRnotq3XItA2nlChto/s640/IMG_9847.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Peaking out everywhere.}</div>
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{Panoramic view of the city from Coit Tower.}<br />
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Take the cable cars to China Town. Eat there!</div>
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{Red lanterns.}<br />
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Take the ferry to Sausalito. Check out the docks and get some sea food. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN25TKxR6jKIQ-R7IOUGzuEI_PT1lvae7BTWj8Kzz4RDSEcfZbBJd2bO3v8uM4U3oveRbspeE8sZn7rwRzZn7-duLQdkui5FZclRBxeln0cEc6K2keIZHEBmUQSNfMyX-b9eFIdKDZBc/s1600/IMG_9742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN25TKxR6jKIQ-R7IOUGzuEI_PT1lvae7BTWj8Kzz4RDSEcfZbBJd2bO3v8uM4U3oveRbspeE8sZn7rwRzZn7-duLQdkui5FZclRBxeln0cEc6K2keIZHEBmUQSNfMyX-b9eFIdKDZBc/s640/IMG_9742.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
{<span style="text-align: left;">Grab a cup of chowder and a shandy at Fish.}</span><br />
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Walk or bike around. Eat at local restaurants. Copita Taqueria is an excellent choice for traditional Mexican.</div>
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{Dine al fresco.}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIUiXu-aExp4c1-eftxy_rlppwZIqHwBjJnW5T1pHUlVlYn77PVdtj25VaXvFNWxJAJh_I2m6t8JWYWSrbBIxalZm1fWkNBooZ0EzzEagncwWbzNusH1PEH_gq-LCmpbsVqb3hgM3sgg/s1600/IMG_9924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIUiXu-aExp4c1-eftxy_rlppwZIqHwBjJnW5T1pHUlVlYn77PVdtj25VaXvFNWxJAJh_I2m6t8JWYWSrbBIxalZm1fWkNBooZ0EzzEagncwWbzNusH1PEH_gq-LCmpbsVqb3hgM3sgg/s640/IMG_9924.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
{Margaritas are a must. Shaken and served at your table.}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGwBJ0pegrn0DuwAyVOO-n0Hynw05YsD5NfPYuwIe0hteP-1LqkEBS1MVIjXpOUCCnIeHaE6jbRheEzfcIXFRQ3wjKrVtf_DKcH2ze0_w9SFpqtcNPGe-i7mJ61PvvkqR7Grrx5i2dYs/s1600/IMG_9918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGwBJ0pegrn0DuwAyVOO-n0Hynw05YsD5NfPYuwIe0hteP-1LqkEBS1MVIjXpOUCCnIeHaE6jbRheEzfcIXFRQ3wjKrVtf_DKcH2ze0_w9SFpqtcNPGe-i7mJ61PvvkqR7Grrx5i2dYs/s640/IMG_9918.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Cleanse your palette with cucumber and jicama spears.} </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTypBxOB81kapoB_B9X9-ouhOsDqUySKqxJnh-n2MbMl801zZbszajhi-glDrE2EGd1JlTUkr6ir0oNISolL6QNtlKsVfjSUpYS0p57gi6iorkDytgRE2pYfNQ1jvLjuMCqC3QoYQVG4/s1600/IMG_9928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTypBxOB81kapoB_B9X9-ouhOsDqUySKqxJnh-n2MbMl801zZbszajhi-glDrE2EGd1JlTUkr6ir0oNISolL6QNtlKsVfjSUpYS0p57gi6iorkDytgRE2pYfNQ1jvLjuMCqC3QoYQVG4/s640/IMG_9928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
{Pork tacos are the bomb.}<br />
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It you're in the mood for Italian, head over to Poggio. Share some pizzas and salad. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEldByhyyJQm3yeUauZtsHF_eyyiYECDYOJpCvgnATWxbvathlzrhyn5TUDmq4RnuTbqgexTJl8_ylNEvPYDn4uPaqb1Avo7lFQzQC2JA4kVdH-0oHVqZnzuRCVE4LOOAEzYaYT8pcba0/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEldByhyyJQm3yeUauZtsHF_eyyiYECDYOJpCvgnATWxbvathlzrhyn5TUDmq4RnuTbqgexTJl8_ylNEvPYDn4uPaqb1Avo7lFQzQC2JA4kVdH-0oHVqZnzuRCVE4LOOAEzYaYT8pcba0/s640/IMG_9856.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
{Poached rock shrimp salad my fave.}<br />
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The Buckeye Diner in Mill Valley has a warm atmosphere and great food. Order a gimlet to go with your meal. You can't go wrong with anything on this menu.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj7IT98bk_E71oKDE7jEH6rEqdNnWcqGjepb0zVAWQqTvw6Yj6sTSRt0MGdDPYKwKkvvytjXEs06fyPna7TDmDOujaGSnGccv5j9feI5M-2bUntBBMEozt_wH7An7xAU8rRuVNoNq3rA/s1600/IMG_9792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj7IT98bk_E71oKDE7jEH6rEqdNnWcqGjepb0zVAWQqTvw6Yj6sTSRt0MGdDPYKwKkvvytjXEs06fyPna7TDmDOujaGSnGccv5j9feI5M-2bUntBBMEozt_wH7An7xAU8rRuVNoNq3rA/s1600/IMG_9792.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{The Buckeye Roadhouse serving good food since 1937.}</div>
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{Gimme a gimlet please.}</div>
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Don't expect to score any sales at the Serena & Lily design shop. It is very well appointed and worth the visit for viewing and free fabric swatches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncXJmO_LhW5nVctBoGtHsV35aadY0-nCJDxcCddO-MCpqGcwJfyaULuGzAbwVC26NgyyH9eHNgLRAUv7XZFlEMd7bBXgApQuJn0ec_BVK0PJVY1P1ZapuVQnUR_jmxdGk7EV3Ev3WxVs/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncXJmO_LhW5nVctBoGtHsV35aadY0-nCJDxcCddO-MCpqGcwJfyaULuGzAbwVC26NgyyH9eHNgLRAUv7XZFlEMd7bBXgApQuJn0ec_BVK0PJVY1P1ZapuVQnUR_jmxdGk7EV3Ev3WxVs/s640/IMG_9878.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Lovely Serena & Lily design shop. Table and bath linens for sale. Don't expect to buy anything else.}</div>
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If you make it out to "The Farm," stop by the Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill for some diner grub. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPvwzn1qfTEHqGzeNaTFsv_ayiOxU-2I_iXxida40u74ME4IKdtrcc3zdtA0QPSd27TBA1pWRVk0OnW2iURWlaymsXgR5BA4LE0XiUaG2HPRCB2w2okzkoApuBMDlOO1Mh7C9cMt3UrA/s1600/IMG_9866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPvwzn1qfTEHqGzeNaTFsv_ayiOxU-2I_iXxida40u74ME4IKdtrcc3zdtA0QPSd27TBA1pWRVk0OnW2iURWlaymsXgR5BA4LE0XiUaG2HPRCB2w2okzkoApuBMDlOO1Mh7C9cMt3UrA/s640/IMG_9866.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Reuben!}</div>
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Confucius says: "Wherever you go, go with all of your heart." Great advice for a visit to San Francisco.<br />
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{Stop by and say hi to Confucious in China Town.}</div>
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The End.<br />
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What are your favorite hotels, things to do and restaurants in San Francisco?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-8232308673848700412015-03-25T13:45:00.000-07:002015-03-25T13:45:35.134-07:00May I suggest...I'm not quite sure what I've been doing lately, but it's taking all my time. In hopes of getting some good reading suggestions from you all for my spring break trip to Tahoe and San Francisco, here's what I've been reading over the past several months.<br />
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In no particular order of preference:</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Train-Novel-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594633665/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426813753&sr=1-1&keywords=the+girl+on+the+train">The Girl on the Train</a> </i>by Paula Hawkins. Hitchcock-like psychological thriller from the author who penned several trashy romance novels under another name. A page turner that can be read in one or two sittings. For the first time <i>ever</i>, my entire book club read the book. Dreamworks has already bought movie rights. Interviews with Hawkins on <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/01/13/376996145/girl-on-the-train-is-a-journey-into-the-lives-of-familiar-strangers">NPR</a> and<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-girl-on-the-train-author-paula-hawkins-ticket-to-success/"> CBS</a>. If you've already read it, please weigh in on who you think might be cast for the film. Hawkins said she can see Michelle Williams as Megan. Rachel is a tough one.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1476746583/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426814442&sr=1-1&keywords=all+the+light+we+cannot+see">All the Light We Cannot See</a></i> by Anthony Doerr. Included in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/books/review/the-10-best-books-of-2014.html?_r=0"><i>New York Times Ten Best Books of 2014</i></a>. I really enjoyed the book, but wasn't as blown away as many others are.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Signature-All-Things-Novel/dp/0143125842/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426814851&sr=1-1&keywords=the+signature+of+all+things">The Signature of All Things</a></i> by Elizabeth Gilbert. Not having been a huge fan of her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, I loved this book. Really long by my standards -- 512 pages. But well written and <a href="http://www.believermag.com/exclusives/?read=interview_gilbert">painstakingly researched</a>. It's worth plodding through.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tell-Wolves-Im-Home-Novel/dp/0812982851/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426815064&sr=1-1&keywords=dont+let+the+wolves+know+i%27m+home"><i>Tell the Wolves I'm Home</i></a> by Carol Rifka Blunt. Good story and very well written. This is probably my my favorite recent read.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brain-Fire-My-Month-Madness/dp/1451621388"><i>Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness</i></a> by <i>New York Post</i> reporter Susannah Cahalan. My favorite in the non fiction category. Riveting memoir that I could not put down. Probably not a good choice for hypochondriacs. Listen to her <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/11/14/165115921/a-young-reporter-chronicles-her-brain-on-fire">interview</a> on NPR too. </div>
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For all of you <i><a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/08/book-shelf-tiny-beautiful-things.html">Tiny Beautiful Things</a></i> fans, you can now hear Carol Strayed and Steve Almond giving advice on <a href="http://www.wbur.org/series/dear-sugar">NPR</a>. If something's been eating away at you, this is your chance to get some lovin' from Sugar.</div>
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I've already preordered my copy of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Set-Watchman-Harper-Lee/dp/0062409859/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427314128&sr=1-1&keywords=go+set+a+watchman+harper+lee">Go Set a Watchman</a></i> Harper Lee's prequel that's actually a sequel to <i>To Kill a Mockingbird --</i> one of my all time favorite books. Any chance it's as good? We shall see.<br />
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What have you got for me?<br />
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p.s. If you have any good restaurant recommendations for San Francisco, please share them here. Thanks!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-59128087273868309112015-02-23T18:14:00.000-08:002015-02-23T18:14:09.356-08:002015 Oscars fashions...I'm happy to report that I saw all eight best picture nominations. Unfortunately, I lost my annual picks pool. The toss up between <i>Boyhood</i> and <i>Birdman</i> threw me for a loop. I thought Michael Keaton was a shoo-in for best actor even though Eddie Redmayne deserved it. <i>Birdman</i> was actually my least favorite film of the season. I walked out of the theater wondering what the heck just happened. Although extremely intense, <i>Whiplash</i> was my fave.<br />
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Before I get started with my fashion roundup, let's talk about my new favorite subject -- underwear. <i><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/fashion/what-lies-beneath-that-oscars-outfit.html?_r=0">The New York Times</a></i> reported Saturday that most A-listers on the red carpet would be sporting <a href="http://www.wearcommando.com/">Commando</a> "invisible underwear." I had never heard of this line, which is made of stretch fabric instead of elastic. Guess it works because I didn't notice any underwear snafus. No panty lines, no spillover.<br />
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As with the Golden Globes, nothing really wowed me. One thing's for sure: beads, beads and more beads, including pearls, littered the carpet. With this trend in mind, here are few standouts.<br />
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Fashion darling Lupita did not fail to impress. I thought she looked stunning in her white pearl - all 6,000 of them -- custom beaded gown with understated drop earring and rings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015122/rs_634x1024-150222161325-634.lupita-oscars-022215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015122/rs_634x1024-150222161325-634.lupita-oscars-022215.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015122/rs_634x1024-150222161325-634.lupita-oscars-022215.jpg">e-online</a>}</div>
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I was also impressed with Julianne Moore's Chanel beaded frock. Her hair, makeup and jewelry were spot on. Way to go Julianne.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.hollywoodtake.com/sites/hollywoodtake.com/files/styles/large/public/2015/02/22/julianne-moore-2015-oscars.jpg?itok=PPHC3NzN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.hollywoodtake.com/sites/hollywoodtake.com/files/styles/large/public/2015/02/22/julianne-moore-2015-oscars.jpg?itok=PPHC3NzN" height="640" width="370" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://cdn.hollywoodtake.com/sites/hollywoodtake.com/files/styles/large/public/2015/02/22/julianne-moore-2015-oscars.jpg?itok=PPHC3NzN">via</a>} </div>
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In the red category, Dakota Johnson's gown was simple yet elegant just the way I like them. Too bad mom <a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm269349376/nm0424848?ref_=nm_phs_md_1">Melanie Griffith</a> overdosed on Botox. She could hardly crack a smile.<br />
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<a href="http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5211555.ece/alternates/s615b/Oscars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5211555.ece/alternates/s615b/Oscars.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5211555.ece/alternates/s615b/Oscars.jpg">via</a>}</div>
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And, Rosamund Pike made an impressive come back after her hideous <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-golden-globes-best-dressed.html">Golden Globes</a> flop.<br />
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<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2125070.1424669117!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_1200/rosamund-pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2125070.1424669117!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_1200/rosamund-pike.jpg" height="640" width="382" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2125070.1424669117!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_1200/rosamund-pike.jpg">via</a>}</div>
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Cate Blanchett is one class act. She stood out in the crowd, but her outfit did not survive closer inspection. I wanted to love her black velvet gown for it's simplicity and silhouette, but the unfinished trim arm holes and back cut out ruined it for me. Her hair looked unkempt too. So out of character. I did love her Tiffany turquoise-beaded statement necklace that popped against the black dress. Nice clutch to boot.<br />
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{<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/media/snappa/assets/2015/02/23040549/1424664346-f29c836516581cff0a1fe2acb5b98593-600x859.jpg">via</a>}</div>
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I could go on, but I'll stop here. Did anyone wow you?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-90926891906747856662015-02-03T09:42:00.001-08:002015-02-05T06:09:50.847-08:00Destination: Austin, TXFinally made it to Austin. I've been dying to go there for many years. When the opportunity arose -- UCLA played in the Alamo Bowl -- I jumped on it. For those of you who don't already know, I hate watching football. Nevertheless, I endured countless hours tailgating and cheering on the Bruins. I actually got into the game, and was jumping for joy with my boys when they won.<br />
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Austin is known for many things. Among them: weird people, live music and bats. Forty-eight hours barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. We made the most of our time though. Here's what I would recommend for a family trip.<br />
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<b>Where to stay: </b><br />
Instead of staying on the city's famous 6th street -- often compared to New Orleans' Bourbon Street -- we chose <a href="http://austindowntown.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Hyatt Place</a> downtown. Certainly not the Four Seasons, the hotel has a lot to offer families with kids: it's clean, has good service, free breakfast and an <b>indoor pool</b>. We all know how important a pool is when traveling with kids.<br />
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<b>What to do:</b><br />
The <a href="http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/tspb.htm">Texas Capitol</a> is the largest state capitol and is widely regarded as one of the nation's most distinguished. Open daily, you can take a self-guided or free guided tour. We caught one of the hourly guided tours -- a great way to learn about Texas history, the legislature and magnificent architectural details. Our very animated and knowledgeable docent made the tour all the more entertaining and informative. The capitol grounds are a lovely spot for active children to roam and burn some pent up energy. <br />
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{lots of room to run around}<br />
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It's all in the details…</div>
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{the <a href="http://www.utexas.edu/gtc/assets/pdfs/lonestar.pdf">Texas Lone Star</a> everywhere}</div>
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{cool door knobs}</div>
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{door hinges too}</div>
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{spectacular rotunda}<br />
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While you're in the area, the main campus of the <a href="http://www.utexas.edu/">University of Texas</a> is just four blocks North of the Capitol. The campus is compact and surprisingly walkable. There are some notable architectural details and views. From University Avenue you can see views of both the 307-foot-tall <a href="http://www.utexas.edu/tower/">Tower</a>, as well as the State Capitol. Because it was New Year's Day my husband and kids took the <a href="http://www.utexas.edu/about-ut/campus-tours">self-guided tour</a>.<br />
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If your family is into US history, the <a href="http://www.lbjlibrary.org/">LBJ Library and Museum</a> located next to the UT campus is well worth a visit. You can explore the museum on your own or rent a hand-held multimedia tour device or download the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lbj-presidential-library/id594804017?mt=8">museum app</a> at the iTunes store. The museum offers several core exhibits and galleries with some special exhibits. We were lucky to catch the last day of an engaging exhibit about the 60's. Plan to spend a few hours there. It's one of the better presidential museums we've visited.</div>
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{welcome to the museum}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F3x2kp59pv96ucNuORTbEbGPuNAlnbCRv6Di3aulV53hyphenhyphenYWrdODDm10ffPcKGnoQGtZ8TyWXC_06pRTN_0cwkfYCG-L9zFRvMT4tpYk0ty2Tz6-cZOgVb1rmwOaOzNq_0dg8bJggfJA/s1600/IMG_9353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F3x2kp59pv96ucNuORTbEbGPuNAlnbCRv6Di3aulV53hyphenhyphenYWrdODDm10ffPcKGnoQGtZ8TyWXC_06pRTN_0cwkfYCG-L9zFRvMT4tpYk0ty2Tz6-cZOgVb1rmwOaOzNq_0dg8bJggfJA/s1600/IMG_9353.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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{LBJ in the sculpture garden. at 6'4" he tied Abe Lincoln as tallest president.}</div>
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Why is <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/08/book-shelf-tiny-beautiful-things.html">Cheryl Strayed's</a> photo displayed at the museum? Thanks to LBJ, she was able to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, find herself and then go on to write her best selling novel <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422414274&sr=8-1&keywords=wild">Wild</a></i> turned blockbuster movie.<br />
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The museum and library open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm except for major holidays.<br />
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To take in the city's natural beauty (and burn off a few of the million calories we consumed) we rented bikes and rode the paths around <a href="http://austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake">Lady Bird Lake</a>. The unpaved dirt paths are teeming with walkers, runners, bikers, baby strollers and loosely-leashed dogs, so be prepared to navigate cautiously.<br />
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{rent a bike and hop right on the trail at <a href="http://www.bartonspringsbikerental.com/">Barton Springs</a>}</div>
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{enjoy the scenery}</div>
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<b>Where to eat (my favorite part of the journey)</b>:<br />
Everyone knows that Texas is known for it's BBQ, most notably brisket. The best of the best places are food trailers open just for lunch and takeaway. This means you must get in line early, wait for a long time, and pray that there's grub when you finally reach the window. Most days they sell out. Food critic's pick <a href="https://franklinbarbecue.com/">Franklin Barbecue</a> posed too much of a risk for us based on what we heard from people who waited in line the day before in the rain only to be turned away when they sold out. We got lucky at our second choice <a href="http://www.labarbecue.com/">La Barbecue</a> a short walk from our hotel.<br />
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We arrived at the food truck park at 10:30 and got our food at noon. Not bad. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around, live music and <b><i>free</i></b> beer (Saturday and Sunday) from a tapped keg to drink on while you wait. Was it worth the wait? Let's see...<br />
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{it all starts in the smoke house. enjoy the aroma while you wait}</div>
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{some covered picnic tables & live music}</div>
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{get in line}</div>
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{bring your dog -- try to wait patiently like this guy}<br />
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Order a lot of food…<br />
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{sliced brisket and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_toast">Texas toast</a>}</div>
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{my order: the "El Sancho Loco," buttermilk potato salad and chipotle slaw}</div>
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{a closer look -- yes, I ate the whole sandwich}</div>
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We also ordered some ribs and turkey. Everything was delish!<br />
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La Barbecue is open Tuesday - Sunday from 11:00 am - sold out.<br />
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If you have a hankering for a burger, head on over to <a href="http://www.hopdoddy.com/">Hopdoddy</a> for the perfect union of burgers and beer. Not to mention signature cocktails and shakes. We arrived at the South Congress location right before noon and just before the line around the block started to form. <b>Note:</b> it was New Year's Day, which might have explained the huge crowd of hungover people (that would include me) craving fat and sugar. Once inside, you get in line to place your order. Grab a drink at the bar to enjoy and watch them bake made-from-scratch buns -- classic, whole wheat or gluten-free -- while you wait. Your food is delivered to a table after you pay for your order. Feeling a bit guilty about my holiday binging, I ordered the ahi tuna burger offset by an order of truffle fries, which were to die for. My tuna burger was good, but I should have gone for the beef. My husband ordered the "prime time," one of the best burgers in his life. My picky boys raved about their burgers too.<br />
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{truffle fries}</div>
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{ahi tuna burger on whole wheat}</div>
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{cute servers}</div>
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I'm praying that Hopdoddy will open sometime in Atlanta. Until then, I'll be dreaming about the truffle fries.<br />
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Hopdoddy is open daily 11 am - 10:00 pm ('til 11:00 pm Friday and Saturday).<br />
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Mexican restaurants and taco trucks abound in Austin. We didn't have time to hit the taco trucks on our list, but had a nice dinner at <a href="http://www.fondasanmiguel.com/">Fonda San Miguel</a> known for its Sunday brunch. It's a drive and has no kids menu. Those with picky eaters should skip it.<br />
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{entrance lit up at night}</div>
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No trip to Austin is complete (IMO) trip to <a href="http://gourdoughs.com/menu/gourdoughs-doughnuts">Gourdough's</a> donuts. Not for the faint of heart, these monstrous donuts are a cross between a donut and funnel cake. With very clever names to boot. So decadent and delicious. Unless you are really, really hungry or just ran a marathon, these donuts are for sharing. In fact you could split one four ways and still feel satisfied. Clearly our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. We ordered four right after our BBQ feast. The kids stopped after a few bites. I felt sick for the rest of the day after eating my entire "miss shortcake" -- probably the only offering with fresh fruit. Thank goodness they ran out of their best seller -- the "mother clucker" topped with fried chicken strips and honey butter. Sounds gross, but the diners at our picnic table raved about it.<br />
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{welcome to Gourdough's}</div>
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{"black out" -- brownie batter, fudge icing and chocolate-covered brownie bites}</div>
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{"blue balls" -- covered with blueberry filling and icing}</div>
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{the oh so healthy "miss shortcake" -- cream cheese icing topped with strawberries}</div>
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The donut truck is open daily at various times. Time it right or plan to wait in line. For a complete artery clogging dining experience, a full menu plus donuts are served at <a href="http://gourdoughs.com/locations-contact">Gourdough's Public House</a>.<br />
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I popped into <a href="http://www.joscoffee.com/dtjoshome.htm">Jo's coffee</a> downtown several times. The coffee shop is known for hot coffee, good food and cold beer. Wine too. There are several Jo's locations. The Congress Street shop is located in the ultra hip <a href="http://www.sanjosehotel.com/hotel/jos/">Hotel San Jose</a> parking lot. That's where I'll be staying sans children during my next visit.<br />
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{Jo's downtown}</div>
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{order from a full menu of coffee, drinks, snacks, fresh pastries and desserts}</div>
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{like this pie}</div>
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No doubt, Austin is a great city. I can't wait to go back!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-74790128084077478662015-01-27T09:06:00.000-08:002015-01-27T09:06:46.562-08:00Everything you'll ever need to know about bras...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3.r29static.com/bin/entry/bdb/x,80/1352827/every-type-of-bra-opener3-anna-sudit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3.r29static.com/bin/entry/bdb/x,80/1352827/every-type-of-bra-opener3-anna-sudit.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/bra-types#slide">Refinery29</a>}</div>
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Bras are getting a lot of attention on the blogosphere lately. Timely, because I just cleaned out my bra drawer last week as part of my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-2015-resolutions.html">New Year's resolution</a> to purge. I kept the three that I recently purchased at Nordstom after a proper fitting (of course), and trashed the rest. Then I ordered three more of the same brands.<br />
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This project was long overdue. Who knows how long some of them had been in my stash. Turns out I'm not alone. According to<a href="https://trueandco.com/"> True&Co</a><b> </b>founder <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/michelle-lam-of-trueco-2013-4">Michelle Lam</a>, 60% of women haven't changed their bras out in three years. This raised some questions in my mind about bras, so I did some research.<br />
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Here's what I found out:<br />
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<b>How often should I get fitted for a bra?</b><br />
Most lingerie experts recommend at least once a year. Also get fitted if you've had a child (obviously) or gained or lost five-seven pounds.<br />
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<b>How long do bras last?</b><br />
According to Bobbie Smith of <a href="http://www.freshpair.com/">Freshpair</a> (via <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/bra-mistakes-fix_n_3854055.html"><i>Huffington Post</i></a>), if worn and cared for correctly a good bra will last <b>eight months</b>. After that, the band gets stretched out and doesn't provide good support. That's why she recommends having <b>six or seven</b> in your wardrobe and rotate them to make them last longer. Avoid wearing a bra for <b>two days in a row</b>. The elastic needs to rest to regain its shape. Check out Bobbie's other <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/bra-mistakes-fix_n_3854055.html">bra mistakes and fixes</a>.<br />
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<b>How should I care for my bras?</b><br />
By washing them in <a href="http://woolite.us/?gclid=CjwKEAiAoo2mBRD20fvvlojj5jsSJABMSc7jIVYJc7_5n1FuN_PFgR-26FQ1NoORm9wlD-05rUaKdRoC3lDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Woolite</a> like Ive been doing for forever? Wrong. According to Bobbie, Woolite was designed to soften wool. You don't want to soften elastic. You want it to stay firm. <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/bra-care">Nordstom</a> recommends hand washing with a special <b>lingerie detergent</b> in warm water or in the washer on the delicate cycle. Gently reshape and hang to dry. Never put them in the dryer.<br />
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<b>How often should I wash my bras?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bra">WhoWhatWear</a> recently asked the bra experts at <a href="https://trueandco.com/">True&Co</a> for advice. Generally, a bra can go <b>four or five wears</b> between washes subject to climate, sweating and odor. Over washing can lead to faster wear and tear. Bottom line: "If it smells good, it's all good," they said.<br />
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<b>What bra </b><b>styles </b><b>should I have in my repertoire?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.refinery29.com/bra-types?utm_source=email&utm_medium=editorial&utm_content=everywhere&utm_campaign=150123-bra-types#slide">Refinery29</a> recently reported which styles their experts recommend and why. Don't know your breast type? Take a good long look in the mirror and check out Refinery21's informative <i><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/bra-shopping-guide#slide">No-Bullsh*t Guide to Bra Shopping</a>. </i><br />
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<b>How should I store my bras?</b><br />
You can store your bras flat in drawers, in shoe boxes or hangers. While its okay to fold a non-molded bra (bras with no padding), <b>never</b> fold or invert molded cups. Why? Because they can dent and pucker. This advice comes from <a href="http://blog.lindasonline.com/2011/07/27/how-to-store-your-bras/">Linda Unhooked</a>. Same goes for packing your bras when traveling. Check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5zbx7bGfUs">video</a> on bra packing. Filling molded cups with socks -- something I never would have thought to do -- is a genius.<br />
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Hope this helpful and prompts you to investigate what's in your lingerie drawer. You may be as shocked as I was.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-57806831340922074902015-01-12T11:58:00.001-08:002015-01-12T14:09:05.738-08:002015 Golden Globes Best Dressed...I'm sorry to report that I have only seen three movies this year, which is very unusual for me. Good thing I have plenty of time to catch up before the Oscars.<br />
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George Clooney got it right when he said during his Cecil B. DeMille acceptance speech --- 20% of actors here tonight are winners. The other 80% are obviously losers. That ratio applied to fashion as well IMO. After watching the entire awards ceremony, I struggled with my picks for best dressed. Nothing wowed me. Did anyone else notice that the lighting was terrible? That, or most of the women used self tanners with liberal abandon. Many of their complexions looked orange with a very dewy (aka sweaty) glow. Maybe the HVAC was out of whack too.<br />
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With less is more in mind, here are my picks by color.<br />
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Let's start with yellow -- a hard color to pull off. Naomi Watts looked lovely in her yellow Gucci gown. Loved the clutch. Didn't love the snake statement necklace.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111154629-634.Naomi-Watts-Golden-Globes.jl.011115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111154629-634.Naomi-Watts-Golden-Globes.jl.011115.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111154629-634.Naomi-Watts-Golden-Globes.jl.011115.jpg">eonline</a>}</div>
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Leslie Mann pulled it off better in her simple, strapless sheath accented with emerald green accessories. Way to go Leslie.<br />
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<a href="http://i1.nyt.com/images/2015/01/11/fashion/Leslie-Mann-red-carpet/golden-globes-2015-slide-WV4L-jumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.nyt.com/images/2015/01/11/fashion/Leslie-Mann-red-carpet/golden-globes-2015-slide-WV4L-jumbo.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://i1.nyt.com/images/2015/01/11/fashion/Leslie-Mann-red-carpet/golden-globes-2015-slide-WV4L-jumbo.jpg">New York Times</a>}</div>
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Of the many pretty red gowns worn, <i>Girls</i> Allison William's was my fave.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/326/164/6/S3261646/slug/l/72nd-annual-golden-globe-awards-arrivals-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/326/164/6/S3261646/slug/l/72nd-annual-golden-globe-awards-arrivals-1.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/326/164/6/S3261646/slug/l/72nd-annual-golden-globe-awards-arrivals-1.jpg">via</a>}</div>
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Not as daring, black is always a safe bet for most women. Amal Clooney's Dior gown with white gloves and clutch was a winner. She looked stunning.<br />
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<a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2015/red-carpet/globes/style-blog/amal-clooney-600x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2015/red-carpet/globes/style-blog/amal-clooney-600x800.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2015/red-carpet/globes/style-blog/amal-clooney-600x800.jpg">stylenews</a>}<br />
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Once again, metallics, especially silver, littered the red carpet. I'm open to other's opinions here, but I liked Reese Witherspoon's simple, but elegant gown with minimalist accessories. Did anyone notice Cheryl Strayed sitting next to her? I didn't catch what she was wearing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/81704-reese-witherspoon-looks-expensive-in-15-million-jewelry-at-globes/1421031986_461360704_reese-witherspoon-zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/81704-reese-witherspoon-looks-expensive-in-15-million-jewelry-at-globes/1421031986_461360704_reese-witherspoon-zoom.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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{via US Magazine}</div>
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Camila Alves looked pretty in her simple pink satin gown.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111165353-600-golden-globes-camila-alves-.ls.11115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111165353-600-golden-globes-camila-alves-.ls.11115.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111165353-600-golden-globes-camila-alves-.ls.11115.jpg">eonline</a>}</div>
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I didn't care for any of the white gowns worn, especially this…<br />
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<a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111170238-600-golden-globes-kate-hudsonn-.ls.11115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111170238-600-golden-globes-kate-hudsonn-.ls.11115.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111170238-600-golden-globes-kate-hudsonn-.ls.11115.jpg">eonline</a>}</div>
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Even worse, this…<br />
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/11/249AEA2E00000578-2905872-Cut_out_Rosamund_Pike_leads_the_Brits_on_the_red_carpet_as_she_a-a-115_1421019645621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/11/249AEA2E00000578-2905872-Cut_out_Rosamund_Pike_leads_the_Brits_on_the_red_carpet_as_she_a-a-115_1421019645621.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
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{via <a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/11/249AEA2E00000578-2905872-Cut_out_Rosamund_Pike_leads_the_Brits_on_the_red_carpet_as_she_a-a-115_1421019645621.jpg">dailymail</a>}<br />
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That's all I've got. What do you all have?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-77914783117853329822015-01-08T08:01:00.001-08:002015-01-08T08:01:26.729-08:00My 2015 resolutions...Happy New Year! Kids are back in school. Yay! I finally have some time to blog again. At least I hope so.<br />
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Last year I resolved to do <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-2014-resolutions.html">four things</a>: keep abreast of current events, write more correspondence in cursive, send a holiday card and swim.<br />
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Keeping in mind that of the 40% of people who make new year's resolutions, only 8% keep them (according to some estimates), let's see how I did.<br />
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<b><i>No 1</i></b>: I faithfully read <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/">The Skimm</a> everyday. I do feel like I'm well versed in current affairs, pop culture and major sporting events, and that I could confidently comment on such topics during social occasions. If you haven't subscribed, do it. You'll thank me later.<br />
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<b><i>No 2</i></b>: I successfully completed and enjoyed my calligraphy class. Did I write any correspondence in cursive? No. Had I planned to address my holiday cards with my new found skill? Yes. Unfortunately, I couldn't because I broke my finger playing football with my son -- one of the <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014_10_01_archive.html">three curses</a> I was inflicted with during the Jewish high holiday season. While we're on the subject of broken fingers, a few words of advice: <b>hand specialist</b>. If you or anyone you know has a finger injury -- swelling and bent finger joints are tell tale signs -- head to an orthopedist for an exam and X-ray. Do whatever it takes -- lie, beg, plead -- to get an appointment asap. If the injury results in a fracture or damaged tendon: run, don't walk to a hand specialist. I'm still in a splint, and probably will be for a long time. Hands are very complicated. You'll thank me for this advice later.<br />
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<b><i>No 3</i></b>: I did not send a holiday card this year for a couple of reasons. My kids won't let me take photos of them. They either cover their faces or make silly faces. I'm so busy trying to get pics of them that a family shot is virtually impossible. See number two for my other excuse.<br />
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<b><i>No 4</i></b>: I did an aquatics boot camp throughout most the winter into spring. Then, I enrolled in the masters swim program at my club this summer. Made it there several times in spite of the 6:00 am start time. I paid my son $10 an hour to coach me. My speed and technique improved dramatically. I planned to go back to boot camp before the holidays, but I couldn't get my finger splint wet. I consider this goal achieved even though I still can't do the butterfly stroke.<br />
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In summary, my broken finger precluded me from keeping two out of four resolutions. So unfortunate.<br />
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This year, I'm being less ambitious:<br />
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<b><i>No 1</i></b>: <b>Cook more family dinners. Eat out less</b>. This is going to be somewhat of a challenge. My children are very picky eaters. Nevertheless, I resolve to make four homemade family dinners per week. I also plan to model how Europeans food shop. I will shop daily and select what is freshest and seasonal. I go to the grocery store almost everyday anyway. I hope this will prevent me from wasting food.<br />
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<i><b>No 2</b></i>: <b>Pilates, yoga swim.</b> In her coming of age book <i><a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/01/i-feel-bad-about-my-neck.html">I Feel Bad About My Neck</a>,</i> Nora Ephron laments: "I want to be in shape. Every time I get into shape, something breaks." This is becoming the case for me too. I've never injured myself swimming or doing yoga or pilates. I think I'll stick with those activities, and avoid organized sports and front yard football.<br />
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<b><i>No 3</i></b>: <b>Clear clutter one drawer, cabinet and closet at a time</b>. This may sound familiar to those of you who read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X">The Happiness Project</a></i>. I started with my closet over the holiday break. It's still a work in progress, but it does make me happy to know that soon it will look kind of like this…<br />
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<a href="https://images.containerstore.com/images/elfa/plan/types/clothingCloset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images.containerstore.com/images/elfa/plan/types/clothingCloset.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
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{image Container Store}</div>
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Speaking of Gretchen, she offers these <span id="goog_540712901"></span><a href="http://www.gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2014/12/going-to-make-a-new-years-resolution-consider-these-5-tips/">5 tips</a><span id="goog_540712902"></span> when considering resolutions. I also like this <a href="http://www.hithaonthego.com/this-year-2015/">list</a> from Hitha On The Go. Maybe I'll use it next year.<br />
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I'll be back soon.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-62862851911860038582014-12-17T06:17:00.004-08:002014-12-17T06:18:22.996-08:00Spice to Table...I've been spending a lot of time exploring and eating in <a href="http://inmanpark.org/">Inman Park</a> recently. One of my new fave restaurants is <a href="http://www.spicetotable.com/">Spice to Table</a> -- an Indian patisserie. I've already eaten there three times. The restaurant is owned and operated by Asha Gomez, best known for her critically acclaimed restaurant Cardamom Hill, which closed its doors. I never had a chance to eat there, so I was delighted that she opened this spot with another on the way at the <a href="http://www.krogstreetmarket.com/">Krog Street Market</a> (more on the market coming soon).<br />
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Let's take a look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeTChoiBl73H2_c3BSwHBDByFeWf2i5ogTC6C6tj2bY33pjcSfs2dPvQiibse3Vzz0cJbrWsFazoUEaJvaU0a8HcJ1DWywdqe_2TBrOUTrxfnCWTi3lf9XpsTlS21i83KB5UNrnEw9uU/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeTChoiBl73H2_c3BSwHBDByFeWf2i5ogTC6C6tj2bY33pjcSfs2dPvQiibse3Vzz0cJbrWsFazoUEaJvaU0a8HcJ1DWywdqe_2TBrOUTrxfnCWTi3lf9XpsTlS21i83KB5UNrnEw9uU/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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{welcome to spice to table located in the <a href="http://www.studioplexlofts.com/">Studioplex</a> lofts}</div>
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{no dinner yet, but might be soon}</div>
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{cute planted bicycle is a nice welcoming touch)<br />
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The interior space is small, but well appointed. Open, yet cozy with lots of natural light streaming in from every direction. It's refreshing to see a loft space look homey with richly painted blue walls and an eclectic collection of traditional/shabby chic type furnishings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE-qT7SIIb_YMdwTyucVpH8f5xd04WQGgatqVe0xACpAdUS56mI2ca1Dr6vxM7of80YJvIlJCh6UneLdflnu_LNMCyd9sJFao0q7yz0dBJmylsjm2Yr_kCs3k3IyB5Edx7DX-AOooJ0w/s1600/IMG_8930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE-qT7SIIb_YMdwTyucVpH8f5xd04WQGgatqVe0xACpAdUS56mI2ca1Dr6vxM7of80YJvIlJCh6UneLdflnu_LNMCyd9sJFao0q7yz0dBJmylsjm2Yr_kCs3k3IyB5Edx7DX-AOooJ0w/s1600/IMG_8930.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Windows separate two rooms.<br />
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You can choose to dine at one of the communal tables littered with Indian spices and cookbooks...<br />
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Or, grab an intimate table for two.<br />
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Food is served cafeteria style.<br />
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In fact, you will find Asha behind the counter on most days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLve246u2qwR-qrHRbgrI8rKTqdzqLZO827u8tSNoa8dj6kbAhz79bg74MlbInSg5nUbJ94byT4rOt1Iajg-v_zIb7cjruQeGHgHqX70fCXgQ_rZM3ACDqeQen73OiL_52A_fN2sdAq2A/s1600/IMG_8810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLve246u2qwR-qrHRbgrI8rKTqdzqLZO827u8tSNoa8dj6kbAhz79bg74MlbInSg5nUbJ94byT4rOt1Iajg-v_zIb7cjruQeGHgHqX70fCXgQ_rZM3ACDqeQen73OiL_52A_fN2sdAq2A/s1600/IMG_8810.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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What to order? My hands down fave is the beautifully presented potato kati atop a bed of chickpeas finished off with a piece of flatbread. This dish is a regular menu item although they change up the beans occasionally.<br />
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{robin's egg blue tin plates available at <a href="http://www.starprovisions.com/">Star Provisions</a>}</div>
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Another favorite is a vegetable stew in a light ginger broth served with flatbread. I recommend ordering a samosa pocket -- either potato and peas or curried chicken. They are both delicious.<br />
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The roasted veggies make for a nice side.<br />
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The menu also features meat dishes. For dessert, try Amma's spiced carrot cake or head over to <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/11/jenis-splendid-ice-creams_11.html">Jeni's</a> at the Krog Street Market for ice cream.<br />
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Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-3551140529603503882014-11-12T12:16:00.001-08:002014-11-12T12:16:36.015-08:00Cheap & easy grocery store floral designs...We recently hosted our annual neighborhood oyster roast. The weather didn't cooperate, so we improvised by moving the party inside. The roast became an oyster raw bar thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.cakesandalerestaurant.com/">Cakes & Ale</a> who quickly sourced some tasty oysters from Montauk, NY. Good news: C&A is opening a new restaurant -- Bread & Butterfly -- in Inman Park next summer. Yay!<br />
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I'll talk about hosting a backyard oyster roast in another post (you can check out my oyster roast <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/max2002/oyster-roast/">Pinterest board</a>). With the holiday season upon us, I want to show you how to throw together some quick and easy floral arrangements using grocery store flowers and greenery from your yard.<br />
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For these arrangements, I spent less than $15 -- one small bunch of blue hydrangea, one bunch of lime green mums and one 5-stem bunch of gerber daisies. From my yard, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatsia">fatsia</a> blooms and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieris_(plant)">pieris</a>.<br />
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Although fatsia is grown primarily for its green foliage, don't overlook the flowers. They bloom in the fall, and they are ripe for the picking in my yard right now (Southeast). I think they add texture and interest to floral arrangements.<br />
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Don't know if you have any in your landscape? It looks like…<br />
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Here they are mixed with hydrangea and tulips on my Thanksgiving table last year...<br />
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A similar arrangement I made for the party. Follow my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/05/floral-design-how-to-line-clear-vase.html">tutorial</a> on how to arrange one.<br />
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On to the smaller arrangements. It's no secret, I <i>love</i> using <a href="http://www.chive.com/">chive</a> <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/03/floral-styling-with-frog-cubes.html">frog cubes</a>. They add pizazz to any surface they sit on as singles or in groups.<br />
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Lay out your materials before you get started. Notice you only need a small sprig of hydrangea for each cube. This is enough for 10.<br />
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From there, the possibilities are endless.<br />
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Bold and modern...<br />
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Or, more on the rustic side…<br />
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{sea foam cube -- one of my fave colors}</div>
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Mix with votives when the sun goes down…<br />
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I've also been using my chive <a href="http://www.chive.com/products/digout-bubble-milk#.VF1rz96i9hM">bubble milk</a> vases. A sweet addition to my powder room.<br />
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There you have it. I hope this gives you some good ideas for how to stock up your inventory and repertoire for the holiday season. And, don't forget, a filled frog cube is sure to put a smile on your hostess/host's face.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-6071726657021861012014-10-30T09:27:00.001-07:002014-10-30T09:27:47.859-07:00Where'd you go, bluemopheads...A rip off of from one of my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/08/may-i-suggest.html">favorite books</a>. Get it? I thought I'd come back today because it is bluemophead's two-year anniversary!<br />
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Here's my <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mia">mia</a> story + pics:<br />
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<b>Chapter 1: Diary of a tennis tournament mom</b>. In late July, My son's 10U tennis team went to the state finals in Macon, GA. Major nail biter. Three brutally <i>hot</i> days in Macon. Lots of sweat and really bad hair days. The team was robbed and lost by one measly point. Major disappointment, but the kids took second place with grace and poise. The parents and coaches couldn't have been any prouder.<br />
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<b>Chapter 2: Sea Island bliss</b>. Stopped at <a href="http://www.seaisland.com/specials-and-packages?nck=ppc_coolrates&gclid=CjwKEAjwoMKiBRDHwoaQ0dzn0UwSJAAUk5JiLFBcd7MEWOudA094WFPqFh9WBt8dadj__XLIyTUzKRoCdK7w_wcB#Cool-Rates-at-the-Lodge">Sea Island</a> on the way home from Macon for a short respite. More details to come.<br />
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{We actually stayed at the beach club, but popped into the cloister lobby for cookies and lemonade in the afternoons.}</div>
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{Cloister}</div>
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{Cloister grounds -- so pretty}</div>
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<b>Chapter 3: School starts.</b> Everyone's happy, especially me. Yay!<br />
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<b>Chapter 4: Puppy love. </b>We welcomed with love our adorable new puppy "Rory." Named by my son after Rory McIlroy. She's a girl, but we all liked the name. It's unisex, e.g., <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_Kennedy">Rory Kennedy</a>.<br />
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{Welcome home Rory!}</div>
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{Rory's brother George lives down the street. They are BFFs.}</div>
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{It's best to let sleeping dogs lie.}</div>
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{Puppies are a lot of work. They get really dirty.}</div>
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<b>Chapter 4: Daycation at the Four Seasons</b>. After much scheduling difficulty expertly handled by Elizabeth F., some Decatur moms and I went to the Four Seasons for a long overdue beginning-of-the-school-year celebration. Some were getting braced for fall break staycations with their charming children.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> {Between services relaxation room.}</span></div>
<br />
While I was getting ready for...<br />
<div>
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<b>Chapter 5: Rosemary Beach bliss. </b>We spent another delightful fall break week in <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/06/aint-misbehavin.html">Rosemary Beach</a> eating, drinking visiting with other Decatur families and getting my tennis game back on.<br />
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{Ahhhh -- sunset on 30A. Love.}</div>
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<b>Chapter 6: The three plagues. </b>The Jewish high holiday season is not a good time of year for me. As some of you may recall, I tore my ACL playing tennis last year on Rosh Hashanah. <b>First plague.</b> This year, I came down with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/">shingles</a> on Yom Kippur. After working my butt off rehabbing my knee, I couldn't play the one match I was scheduled to play during the ALTA fall season. <b>Second plague.</b> Our house was infested with fruit flies, because I left some apples out for too long after Rosh Hashanah. Some <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-best-posts-on-getting-rid-of-fruit-flies-fruit-fly-traps-194009">home remedies</a> if this should happen to you. Apple cider vinegar works wonders. <b>Third plague.</b> The week before the USTA season training begins, I break my finger playing football with my son. The orthopedist says it's "a fairly significant injury." Best case scenario, I'll be in a splint for 6 weeks. Worst case, surgery. Divine intervention or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiksa">shiksa</a> curse? I believe it's a curse.<br />
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<b>Footnote</b>: Shingles is not just for old people. I've talked to people who have had them in their teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. Get up to speed on the symptoms, and get the vaccine if you can.<br />
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The End.<br />
<br />
P.S. I'll be back very soon. In the meantime, you can find me most days on <a href="http://instagram.com/bluemopheads">instagram</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-20547723671371531742014-08-26T09:43:00.001-07:002014-08-26T09:43:26.784-07:00Stitch Fix: the final chapterLast week, I received my August fix. My July fix came while I was out of town. I had to hastily try on items and return them ASAP before getting stuck with the fix. It was probably my best fix, but I returned everything anyway.<br />
<br />
Let's take a look at the latest…<br />
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<b>1) Market & Spruce "Twain" twisted neckline slub knit shirt ($48).</b><br />
A flattering neckline on me. The fabric is thin, which would warrant a cami underneath for most people unless you want to layer it under something. The fabric is a cotton/poly blend. Hand wash = high maintenance. It's a bit boxy too --something I specifically advised against. More than once might I add. Returned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhEoERDdCmzEFAaqksZOVdZt71d5ZK5Jb_VWn95Cm5xCEOMJgEE9HhZ5ggLjVuNowQtwalDRjTRi-fpNUf8td73hHBlnClPD3oP8h0aO4e7yup0gCl7uwYWv6od6AC8XWNcULzp0_lAE/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhEoERDdCmzEFAaqksZOVdZt71d5ZK5Jb_VWn95Cm5xCEOMJgEE9HhZ5ggLjVuNowQtwalDRjTRi-fpNUf8td73hHBlnClPD3oP8h0aO4e7yup0gCl7uwYWv6od6AC8XWNcULzp0_lAE/s1600/Image+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{notice high/low hem and seam down the middle}</div>
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<b>2) Olive & Oak "Mulliken" raglan striped knit shirt ($48).</b><br />
Where to start? I'll start with the positive. The fabric is super soft and comfy. Nice price point. It is, however, striped. Notice that the collar and sleeve stripes are gray -- not my best color. If you're into stripes, you can find this top in aqua/poppy for the same price at <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/olive-and-oak-tee-stripe-raglan?ID=927376&CategoryID=10026&LinkType=#fn=BRAND%3DOlive%20and%20Oak%26spp%3D3%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D28%26spc%3D3">Bloomingdales</a>. The fabric is really yummy! I might buy it just to lounge around in at the beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIILYkFY3fzcnDF5Ui8xGrjPebbE37__tbm4gh86a84YA4z9Z8Kkqmt-y_qhzgC2ZVKOJ69NVL0SRtp9scj2IGdxFj8yEAnJknariEqO7KyXyGvmIBdKBFE367AeZFZXl3PQmpUjQcOjA/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIILYkFY3fzcnDF5Ui8xGrjPebbE37__tbm4gh86a84YA4z9Z8Kkqmt-y_qhzgC2ZVKOJ69NVL0SRtp9scj2IGdxFj8yEAnJknariEqO7KyXyGvmIBdKBFE367AeZFZXl3PQmpUjQcOjA/s1600/Image+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{high/low hem}</div>
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<span id="goog_1830035811"></span>
<b>3) Splendid "Gerald" striped boat neck tee ($88).</b><br />
Stripes. 50/50% cotton/poly blend. Yuck. I would never pay $88 for a T-shirt, especially one that is not 100% cotton. Enough said. Returned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlgZ3h99A9mpRZKHZDMo5rvI8M0y0wJ78U62awwWxlGqRB9M8JU1c3gq2TUrmmj-NeRpWWpNOEhgApP89BMkQkKe10eoo_wmG53XCk_RZ2gNCm_W0glB_GqjMrAzvuxhBT5cQ6mvNWl0/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlgZ3h99A9mpRZKHZDMo5rvI8M0y0wJ78U62awwWxlGqRB9M8JU1c3gq2TUrmmj-NeRpWWpNOEhgApP89BMkQkKe10eoo_wmG53XCk_RZ2gNCm_W0glB_GqjMrAzvuxhBT5cQ6mvNWl0/s1600/Image+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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P.S. I saw a cute (100% cotton) Splendid vintage coastal tee at <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/splendid-tee-vintage-coastal-stripe?ID=989416&CategoryID=2911&LinkType=prodrec_pdpza&RecProdZonePos=prodrec-1&RecProdZoneDesc=NULL%7CNULL%7Cprodrec_pdpza%7CCMIO&choiceId=cidDE0011-5d8e6556-a241-4868-8656-0e314dc85010@H9@CUSTOMERS%20ALSO%20VIEWED$$989416">Bloomingdales</a>.<br />
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<b>4) Collective Concepts "Gina" geo print dress ($78).</b><br />
This dress is really cute. I was pretty excited about it until I tried it on. The fabric is a cotton/poly blend -- not super comfy. Although it hit me a few inches above the knee -- something I specifically asked for in my profile -- it made me look really thick around the middle. Not flattering. This dress might work for someone petite, flat-chested, skinny and younger. Not for me. Returned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqP71nTFIiSluq_LkW9dKl3PqoFunwjqvgZBO3v0mJBTljEuBKxtxXR6MQgHj9BuhSJUYmIybzfGnQx7fym0cyfbodoB2qb2MzyZmEjDZXP_mMZI6VRrh9qhvN1Q9O6hKkYoU_RUGWC-Y/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqP71nTFIiSluq_LkW9dKl3PqoFunwjqvgZBO3v0mJBTljEuBKxtxXR6MQgHj9BuhSJUYmIybzfGnQx7fym0cyfbodoB2qb2MzyZmEjDZXP_mMZI6VRrh9qhvN1Q9O6hKkYoU_RUGWC-Y/s1600/Image.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>5) Kut From The Kloth "Katherine" high rise boot cut jeans ($68).</b><br />
You can buy a very similar, if not the same <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-natalie-bootcut-jeans-regular-tall-care/3587185?origin=related-3587185-0-1-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_R3-CategoryDiversePurchaseCP">jeans</a> by the name "Natalie" at Nordstrom for $89. I actually own a few pairs of Kut jeans that I bought there. They are stylish, comfy and have a bit of stretch. These jeans fit me well except they are too long. And, I don't care for the button-flap back on the front and back pockets. If I wanted another pair of Kuts, I'd buy them at Nordstrom where I can get free alterations. Returned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y-FOKKjmc4n5YSiw07gu7Lm6KwDlCFVYmFQCjS7iSUhlFGNlXvreefSmrQ-7lgtesZTopStUffxm0Z1PPsmv2rxchrV4KI6OhDxI2XH0zL0U0wDe9wzb7ua4p27QUhwHIJ-Jgblqy30/s1600/Image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y-FOKKjmc4n5YSiw07gu7Lm6KwDlCFVYmFQCjS7iSUhlFGNlXvreefSmrQ-7lgtesZTopStUffxm0Z1PPsmv2rxchrV4KI6OhDxI2XH0zL0U0wDe9wzb7ua4p27QUhwHIJ-Jgblqy30/s1600/Image+5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{tiny button-top flap on the right pocket}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBBUA7juYp2wqrFeYwWJB5UjN6kbFKk06M66VjiAIvIDJFyZeFfVJvBvWZZaYlj23h6abK9gVqNClSODg9kzwvsqxSVoNK8GiauJtTd0TiKqy6SAogPMnf6OvzRkkRLjBguNu-ZVR-qA/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBBUA7juYp2wqrFeYwWJB5UjN6kbFKk06M66VjiAIvIDJFyZeFfVJvBvWZZaYlj23h6abK9gVqNClSODg9kzwvsqxSVoNK8GiauJtTd0TiKqy6SAogPMnf6OvzRkkRLjBguNu-ZVR-qA/s1600/Image+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{back pockets. notice the "natalie" tag}</div>
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To say I'm disappointed with Stitch Fix is an understatement. Here's what gets to me most. A note from my stylist Kaley:<br />
<br />
<i>"I took a peak at your fabulous blog (she got that part right) and Fix feedback."</i><br />
<br />
<b>Note to Kaley:</b> If you had actually read my blog posts on my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/05/stitch-fix.html">first</a> and <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/07/stitch-fix-take-2.html">second</a> fixes and my fix feedback, you would know by now that I don't care for horizontal stripes and that gray totally washes me out. And, fyi, I like to wear natural fibers.<br />
<br />
It is time to nix Stitch Fix. So long. Farewell.<br />
<br />
I'll have to continue to count on <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/01/birchbox-top-ten.html">Birchbox</a> for my monthly mailbox bliss.<br />
<br />
In other fashion news…<br />
<br />
Are you wondering if you have to put your white jeans away after Labor Day? I'm personally in the camp that says no to white denim, sandals and bags after the end-of-summer holiday -- unless you're going to a resort. Belle from Capitol Hill Style <a href="http://www.caphillstyle.com/capitol/2014/08/21/ask-belle-white-denim-now-and-later.html">shows how</a> to rock your white jeans year round. I highly recommend checking out Belle's blog. Her entertaining mission statement (especially for you Washingtonians):<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>People say that Washington,
D.C. is like Hollywood, but for ugly people. But these detractors have
never tried to maintain their appearance while living in a city built on a
swamp, where the workdays start at dawn, the salaries are minuscule and the
cobblestones eat stilettos for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Anyone can be beautiful in
Southern California. In the nation’s capital, looking your best is practically
a full-time job.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Capitol Hill Style seeks to
inspire the women who work on Capitol Hill (or in any professional environment)
to strive for excellence in their career and their closet. No matter the
pay grade or the weather, we must not surrender our sense of style. Fight
for your right to be successful and fabulous</i>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will you be sporting white denim after Labor Day?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-35727000979004014142014-08-07T12:02:00.000-07:002015-01-27T19:08:50.212-08:00Book Shelf: Tiny Beautiful Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I rarely read a book twice, but Cheryl Strayed's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Beautiful-Things-Advice-Someone-ebook/dp/B005V2DUP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407184983&sr=1-1&keywords=tiny+beautiful+things">Tiny Beautiful Things</a></i> has made it to my bedside table twice. It's now part of my permanent collection. Cheryl is best know for her national bestseller <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Journey-Lost-Found-Oprahs-ebook/dp/B005IQZB14/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407184914&sr=1-1&keywords=wild">Wild</a></i> -- a book I mentioned in my very first <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2012/10/mopheads.html">blog post</a>.</div>
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I never would have stumbled upon <i>Tiny Beautiful Things</i> if a friend hadn't loaned it to me a few years ago. The same friend sent me a <i>nymag</i> <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/06/self-help-book-women-love-to-give-each-other.html">article</a> this summer that talks about the book gaining popularity mostly among women as a self-help book.<br />
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<i>Tiny Beautiful Things</i> is a compilation of letters Strayed wrote as an advice columnist under the pen name "Sugar" for the literary web site <a href="http://therumpus.net/">The Rumpus</a>. Cheryl wrote the column for a year unpaid and had no prior experience. Yet she wrote each response with the perfect balance of authority -- mostly using stories from her own life -- and compassion. The subjects run the gamut from dysfunctional relationships, romance, sex, substance abuse, death and more. Each is so beautifully written. In an interview she said she considers them literary essays. They are in my opinion.<br />
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I enjoyed the book so much that I suggested it for one of my three book clubs. Everyone loved it. In addition to catching up on our lives and critiquing my latest <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/07/stitch-fix-take-2.html">Stitch Fix</a>, we actually used an <a href="http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/2012/04/in-the-bookroom/cheryl-strayed/">interview</a> with the author to guide our discussion. The book contains many of Strayed's famous quotes. My fave is actually her interview response when asked "how can we all be better to each other?" Cheryl said that's it's important not to absorb other people's bad behavior -- jealousy, pettiness, being weird and acting distant. "If this were summed up on a bumper sticker," she said, "it would read: Don't own other people's crap." My new mantra.<br />
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As always, we drank lots of wine and presecco, and snacked on these delicious s'mores macaron prepared with love by Elizabeth F.<br />
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{beautiful!}</div>
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I highly recommend <i>Tiny Beautiful Things</i>. If, for nothing else, it will make you feel better about your life.<br />
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I need something good to read. What do you recommend from your summer reading list?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-38630509906532477512014-08-04T13:02:00.001-07:002014-08-04T13:02:11.935-07:00Daisy's garden...In April we said good bye to our beloved yellow lab "Daisy." She brought us so much love, joy and energy for over 13 1/2 years. It was a very, very sad time. We miss her more than words can describe. But, we are so thankful she was happy and healthy for so long. To honor her life, we decided to plant a memory garden.<br />
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Before I move on to the garden, a few words about Daisy. Besides being the best dog in the world, she had many talents, one of which was gardening. When she was a puppy, she liked to help me in the garden. She was an early adopter of drip irrigation. Who needs soaker hoses when you can bite hundreds of tiny holes into a regular garden hose? Those hoses could be used as sprinklers too. Or, she often up cycled them for chew toys. Daisy had a sixth sense when it came to special hard-to-find flowers and plants -- the ones I spent hours sourcing and traveling outside the city to get. She loved to frolic around ripping the plastic pots to shreds. As soon as I turned my back, she would have one of the plants in her mouth manically shaking it. I knew what she was thinking: "go ahead, try to catch me if you can" -- her favorite game. That of course was impossible because she was extremely agile and fast as lightening.<br />
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Daisy liked to help me do the dishes any chance she could. She took care of any remnants of food on plates in the dish washer. And she took counter surfing to a new level. In her youth, she could actually jump up on top of the counter. No exaggeration. Retrieving was another one of her talents. She would fetch things and bring them right back and then run away begging you to chase her. Tennis balls and dog toys were way too boring and inexpensive. When left to her own devices either at the park or on the beach, she would steal just about anything she knew was valuable. This included, but not be limited to: shoes, cell phones, keys, wallets, other people's picnic lunches and articles of clothing that she usually dragged through mud. Or, really disgusting things like trash, dead fish and other animal carcases. Although, she would swim from here to eternity to retrieve her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KONG-Cool-Extra-Large-White/dp/B0006G5RAG">cool kong</a> and bring it right back for more. She made some frenemies at the dog park earning the nick name "Crazy Daisy." It was hard to hold a grudge for long. She was too cute and loving.<br />
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Moving on to the garden. When we renovated our house several years ago, our backyard was leveled leaving us with a clean slate for landscaping. I decided to go with a green and white color scheme -- something I've always wanted to try. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
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{coneflower 'meringue' my new all-time fave}</div>
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{coneflower 'white swan'}<br />
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{coneflower 'white double delight'}</div>
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Of course, there are lots and lots of daisies!<br />
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{shasta daisy}<br />
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{shasta 'crazy' daisy}<br />
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{shasta daisy 'aglaia'}<br />
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Here are a few in a <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/03/floral-styling-with-frog-cubes.html">frog cube</a>…</div>
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{lab garden ornament from the etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GardenCopperArt?ref=pr_shop_more">Garden Copper Art</a>}</div>
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{heart-shaped memory stone from etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MemoriestoStone">Memories to Stone</a>}</div>
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You can see more garden pics on my Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/max2002/my-green-white-garden/">board</a>.<br />
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Daisy's garden reminds us every day of what a wonderful dog she was and how lucky we were to have had her. I have no doubt she is wagging her tail in doggy heaven wishing she could dig up each and every one of those plants.<br />
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Daisy a few weeks before she left us on our way home from <a href="http://www.wagalot.com/">Wag-A-Lot</a> -- her home away from home.<br />
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So many happy memories.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-23417540152732971272014-07-10T12:40:00.001-07:002014-07-10T12:40:54.776-07:00Diary of a swim team mom: chapter 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINYnxowHhZd8Dh4_tIP-xFbmwE5egKjjCk-QTIxaKum3eXnejyJLDWrcSKCuCOMKSRY0ClaCOQI_CLO1wrbQ8V0ALl28DkEJbjqv6Ynr0C-KQW63XuT-hvKx6Txk6-d2NHk4DUeEjyPM/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINYnxowHhZd8Dh4_tIP-xFbmwE5egKjjCk-QTIxaKum3eXnejyJLDWrcSKCuCOMKSRY0ClaCOQI_CLO1wrbQ8V0ALl28DkEJbjqv6Ynr0C-KQW63XuT-hvKx6Txk6-d2NHk4DUeEjyPM/s1600/Image.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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"I believe" was the resounding theme throughout this summer's major sporting events -- The World Cup, Wimbledon and the 2014 Country Club Swim League of Atlanta Championship Meet. If you remember my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/07/diary-of-swim-team-mom.html">post</a> from last summer, swim season is an exciting and nerve racking few months. This year was no different -- a roller coaster of emotions that ran high and low. Kind of like parenting.<br />
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For the first time, I felt like I was getting into the swing of things. I managed to keep my volunteer schedule straight, and arrived on time in my green T-shirt to show team spirit. I was assigned to the 10U boys bullpen for all three of my shifts. Working the bullpen (what Mrs. Coach Chronicles calls <a href="http://mrscoachchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/07/bullpen-aka-seventh-circle-of-hell.html">The Seventh Circle of Hell</a>) can be challenging. Thirteen well-behaved boys made the job manageable. With the exception of one fight that resulted in some pushing and knocking over an entire multi-gallon water cooler early in the season, things went rather swimmingly (pun intended). Most of the boys sat quietly reading comic books. One even took a little siesta between his events. This freed up us moms to make several trips to the bar and back without missing a beat. All the while we were thanking our lucky stars that we weren't managing the 35 girls in the 10U pen next to us. Those moms were probably packing Xanax. The icing on the cake: there we <i>no</i> rain outs or delays the entire season!<br />
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This is what I consider role model bullpen behavior…<br />
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{hands to themselves (very important) while quietly reading, snacking and sharing}</div>
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I knew it was all too good to be true. Right before our last and biggest meet against our rivals "the sharks," Mophead Jr.'s ear started to hurt. He was diagnosed with a perforated ear drum. Ugh. The doctor told us that he wouldn't recommend swimming unless it was important. Needless to say, this meet was important. Armed with several kinds of ear plugs, as well as a multi-colored pack of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Silly-Putty-Ages-Bin080102/dp/B000EOASEK">Silly Putty</a>, and layers of swim caps, he was determined to swim. He pulled out of some of his usual events before the meet just to be on the safe side.<br />
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As the 10U relay boys were huddled together chanting "I believe that we can win," my heartstrings started to tug. My gut told me that those four boys would swim the relays at the championship meet. The night ended in a glorious victory for the dolphins over the sharks -- the first in well over a decade. And, an undefeated season to boot. My night ended in a heart-wrenching scene. I'm usually resilient to getting caught up in children's sporting event drama. After all, these kids are 10 and supposed to be having fun, right? While I was extremely proud of my son, I ended up crying and had to leave the meet. Not one of my finest parenting moments.<br />
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Back on a high note. After a lot of hard work and effort all season, Mophead Jr. earned a spot on the championship team. Rigorous practice went into full swing. You can find the <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/07/diary-of-swim-team-mom.html">detailed schedule</a> in chapter 1 of my diary. The heat sheet came out a few days later. He was the alternate again. Kind of a bummer. Did I want to see him dive off the block into the Olympic pool? Yes. But, when it comes down to it, all dolphin swimmers proved to be champions.<br />
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Because we weren't hosting the meet this year, I didn't have to volunteer. Yay. I was free to relax and watch the parade -- my favorite part. The meet was exciting. We were ahead and behind by small margins throughout until the dolphins rocked it in the final relays. Winners yet again!<br />
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Before I forget, some major perks come along with being an alternate. Who wouldn't want to dress to the nines in green bling with a plastic megaphone in hand to cheer on your team?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieygfhZhKtkmMNWEjXiqq-5XYziAaS6jdh9NvlbpOqlEnIwrDMScnKcsDi3v0GEyu0qsevazc2dzRXgB4fCx4CcnWam90lnB9-9L24JdnJXfWjiQkPECBgP8CVrI20IHvgqnzLn_LodI/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieygfhZhKtkmMNWEjXiqq-5XYziAaS6jdh9NvlbpOqlEnIwrDMScnKcsDi3v0GEyu0qsevazc2dzRXgB4fCx4CcnWam90lnB9-9L24JdnJXfWjiQkPECBgP8CVrI20IHvgqnzLn_LodI/s1600/Image+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The season ended with the customary swim team banquet. It was another great year.<br />
<br />
Once again, I was in awe of how hard the parents, volunteers, committee members and coaches (many unpaid) worked to make this happen. To our kids who swam their tails off, I'd like to share these pearls of wisdom:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> -- David Frost</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For 2015, I believe the dolphins will reign as club champions. I believe my family will have an injury-free season. Finally, I believe that I will be able to swim 25 yards of butterfly with some semblance of grace and form.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned for chapter 3. Until then…<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QAfQE_mN94PLzOhODLO5poofNhQW87OVzRZXYLY4SVNbwzVeX-eGiE-QvC0spJOS9JgeEwhyphenhyphenBFzyAPYRTedF6X2nDjGgkBwwN5hBeuWIm_wNM8h4mt4tKo_iIKqUe85wO1tB89ftOqA/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QAfQE_mN94PLzOhODLO5poofNhQW87OVzRZXYLY4SVNbwzVeX-eGiE-QvC0spJOS9JgeEwhyphenhyphenBFzyAPYRTedF6X2nDjGgkBwwN5hBeuWIm_wNM8h4mt4tKo_iIKqUe85wO1tB89ftOqA/s1600/Image+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Go dolphins!<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-7361246502299324592014-07-02T13:37:00.000-07:002014-07-14T12:30:50.876-07:00Stitch Fix: take 2Having been disappointed with my <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2014/05/stitch-fix.html">first</a> Stitch Fix, I had high hopes for no. 2. My hopes were dashed as soon as I opened the box. As luck would have it, I received my fix the day I was hosting book club, so I got some good feedback.<br />
<br />
Before I show you what I received, let's go over some specifications from my style profile and feedback from my last fix:<br />
<br />
-- no v-necks<br />
-- steer clear of the color gray -- probably the worst color possible for me<br />
-- no skinny jeans<br />
<br />
Now let's take a look at what my stylist -- Jemma -- pulled together for me…<br />
<br />
<b>1) Margaret Elizabeth Esme Teardrop blue stone bezel necklace -- $98</b>. This is the same <a href="http://www.margaretelizabeth.com/collections/necklaces/products/druzy-teardrop">necklace</a> with the "druzy" stone. Cute, but no thanks for $98. Margaret Elizabeth has some teardrop <a href="http://www.margaretelizabeth.com/collections/under-100/products/aqua-chalcedony-teardrop-bangle">bangles</a> I like better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZd0l89eI1p4ECo3qLi2wEDja83MA2wttUmNd5gdQ0a3CmFunq6B1fwQrcgCN9urBiIiKWPvgnmqjgpfUDz5Lq24JrJwtTos0EDWLbW_e-OjFzsB5pK3ZvqIUS4B3KwLcGgocoCS2KSLI/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZd0l89eI1p4ECo3qLi2wEDja83MA2wttUmNd5gdQ0a3CmFunq6B1fwQrcgCN9urBiIiKWPvgnmqjgpfUDz5Lq24JrJwtTos0EDWLbW_e-OjFzsB5pK3ZvqIUS4B3KwLcGgocoCS2KSLI/s1600/Image.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2) Mavi "Freida" Skinny Jean -- $118</b>. You can find the same jeans under the name <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mavi-jeans-alexa-distressed-ankle-skinny-jeans-blue/3758884?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1016&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_4_D">"Alexa"</a> in a lighter wash at Nordstrom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7GOM_8RXmeLfgrC3WkgYkyiuXJBiHEYaPgFrVCQaq6CDfWJ98tMjwA0gD_rCKZ4ZCIDXhcvUituVDRSBQXa3QtoE0hUwAMsJTG14IlbzswS7Q6KnKzknjm6rcocuJ38FwqqYfRMTO2g/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7GOM_8RXmeLfgrC3WkgYkyiuXJBiHEYaPgFrVCQaq6CDfWJ98tMjwA0gD_rCKZ4ZCIDXhcvUituVDRSBQXa3QtoE0hUwAMsJTG14IlbzswS7Q6KnKzknjm6rcocuJ38FwqqYfRMTO2g/s1600/Image+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I was really annoyed about the skinnies given I asked them not to send any. My book club friends insisted, so I tried them. The jeans fit nicely -- except for the length -- and were super comfy. They were a tad long and gathered at the knees. Not becoming. That said, if it were boot-wearing season, I would have considered keeping them to wear with knee-high boots. Given the amount of stretch, these are not jeans, they are jeggings in my opinion. Like leggings, jeggings are not pants. They are meant to be worn covered to at least below the hip.<br />
<br />
While we're on the subject, what are your thoughts on wearing skinnies over age 40? My thoughts: if you rock them, wear them. If not, don't. If you're unsure, follow Stacy London's <a href="http://www.today.com/id/27222217/ns/today-today_style/t/scared-skinny-jeans-stacy-solves-style-issues/#.U69bphai8_s">advice</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>3) Pomelo Indianan Abstract Chevron print mixed material tee -- $44.</b><br />
<br />
This top is so hideous that I didn't even try it on. The look of disgust on Elizabeth F's face reinforced my opinion. Not only is it ugly, the sleeve length does not suit me, and gray is a no-no color for me. Hate it.<br />
<br />
front…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C7B389aIgFwM3WsRE_0EUFy50qDiX840QQM3MJTkMVFfw_N4e3V5hqz63h4DbR438FvYfkES6Qgj7cuv-H4bepChu9zuScMKxmjDX621P_4ItwCLkjMEJ2qH8aaSLv0wry4eFNJrJKw/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C7B389aIgFwM3WsRE_0EUFy50qDiX840QQM3MJTkMVFfw_N4e3V5hqz63h4DbR438FvYfkES6Qgj7cuv-H4bepChu9zuScMKxmjDX621P_4ItwCLkjMEJ2qH8aaSLv0wry4eFNJrJKw/s1600/Image+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{my style profile calls for fitted, not tight tops. and, not boxy}</div>
<br />
back…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLd_StMHyt4xqd8JEIcmSNxvTAQr1bzhi4HS7dJhn_spVcuaOp1DqXWA182iymdirOPLK0NlS9n1R8Km914XEG8uHWdzWptq3Nw_CinI6hSSAzAJcxoDh4i_4tgWD1HH9F2GdB6gRoGA/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLd_StMHyt4xqd8JEIcmSNxvTAQr1bzhi4HS7dJhn_spVcuaOp1DqXWA182iymdirOPLK0NlS9n1R8Km914XEG8uHWdzWptq3Nw_CinI6hSSAzAJcxoDh4i_4tgWD1HH9F2GdB6gRoGA/s1600/Image+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>4) Tart Collections "Deena" abstract print belted wrap dress -- $68</b>.<br />
<br />
In her letter, Jemma said "she tried to avoid horizontal stripes, v-necks and sleeveless, but I think you'll love the "Deena" dress." Jemma, this makes me sad. Hate it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzhLjKJDWWifvQ3qYR0JRFsxbhZGQmaXW6LsseqbA-NIcTYD53mMvniI0sVwrPS1AFOGhds2IKFpnabdmNyp6klIKH8OPW0vVLVkEKjlelviz1Wl_Bm0_wUC2Bp3Fe8POHrdYZM0ezaw/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzhLjKJDWWifvQ3qYR0JRFsxbhZGQmaXW6LsseqbA-NIcTYD53mMvniI0sVwrPS1AFOGhds2IKFpnabdmNyp6klIKH8OPW0vVLVkEKjlelviz1Wl_Bm0_wUC2Bp3Fe8POHrdYZM0ezaw/s1600/Image+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend Debby who loves wrap dresses and looks great in v-necks tried on "Deena." She said it was way too short for her. Skip it if you don't love your legs. I do like the color (navy), pattern and fabric.<br />
<br />
<b>5) Tart Collections "Daryn" floral print jersey top.</b><br />
<br />
This top, also by Tart, is pretty cute. I like the pattern and the fabric is super soft, And, pink is my favorite color. I could pull off the sleeve, but not the scooped back. Although it isn't deep (hard to see in photos), it is low enough that most bra straps show. It has a shelf bra inside that might be enough support for an A-cup. Otherwise pointless.<br />
<br />
Front…<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdnpeGvgCKJBdfKWXTov7OJwVTloCr1yHCIw0kZCHWZ9Ugc0TvudUgXHUIQxL1Zkbo8NQPQrUZ4ZxXx6xObms3Kv1ilcHoyej51syGT24iu0AkEUkVlpE88ZjsSSG_Iu_DrBHqLIUuQU/s1600/Image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdnpeGvgCKJBdfKWXTov7OJwVTloCr1yHCIw0kZCHWZ9Ugc0TvudUgXHUIQxL1Zkbo8NQPQrUZ4ZxXx6xObms3Kv1ilcHoyej51syGT24iu0AkEUkVlpE88ZjsSSG_Iu_DrBHqLIUuQU/s1600/Image+5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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back…</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc8du7RUkeEn8G5_mPPuJR5NrMOvlieCRzI0C1VPwUxJBT34Q23Tik6KbmEDZUnq8lwxt0pJ0hHZWv-eBc4hCtBOHqO3oMjnqcmwS55wFsqwd25UTimgbdSjNiE7fHy3lyfjfNySVeHM/s1600/Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc8du7RUkeEn8G5_mPPuJR5NrMOvlieCRzI0C1VPwUxJBT34Q23Tik6KbmEDZUnq8lwxt0pJ0hHZWv-eBc4hCtBOHqO3oMjnqcmwS55wFsqwd25UTimgbdSjNiE7fHy3lyfjfNySVeHM/s1600/Image+6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I like the fabric and prints of the Tart pieces, so I did some research on the brand. I found a dress in the same pattern as "Daryn," a cute coral striped maxi skirt and a tank geo maxi dress on amazon.com. You can check them out on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/max2002/stitch-fix/">Pinterest board</a>.<br />
<br />
Anyone else gotten a recent fix -- good or bad?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-44174532891988583112014-06-26T12:18:00.000-07:002014-06-26T12:18:32.980-07:00Destination: Santorini, Greece<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I'm delighted to introduce you to Effie who pens <a href="http://apieceofbliss.com/">apieceofbliss</a>. Born and raised in Greece, her name actually means "bliss." Effie works full time while earning her PhD in linguistics. She's lived in and traveled to faraway places and currently resides in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dhabi">Abu Dhabi</a> with her husband. I can't think of a better person to take us on a quick tour of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santorini">Santorini</a>. Let's get to know her first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Q: Dogs or cats?</b> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Tea or coffee?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coffee in the morning. Tea in the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Cooking or baking?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Baking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: Spring or fall? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Beach or mountains?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anywhere as long as I can gaze at the sea even
from far. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Favorite city?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dubai (without the traffic and the complicated
road system), London and Chicago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Funniest travel experience?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
flying back to Greece from the States on July 4, 2004, the Greek national
soccer team scored the winning goal at the Euro Cup final game. The pilot
announced it. I don’t need to tell you how all the Greeks on the plane
responded to the announcement, do I? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: Best meal you’ve ever had?</b><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best: Seafood
pasta at <a href="http://www.gustavino.it/">Gustavino</a> in Florence. And mom’s food of course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few more questions about expat life...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: What you miss most about home? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My family
and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: What you miss least about home?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The list
is long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: What you love most about your home abroad?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That it
is a multicultural, clean and safe city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q: What you like least about your home abroad?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
driving, that things can change overnight without any warning and that we are
very often reminded that this is not our home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: Tips for others who take the leap? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be
patient when relocating. It personally takes me 1-2 years to adjust to a new
place. If you don’t feel like you belong there after a couple of years, then
you probably don’t. </span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Santorini, Greece</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last July, my husband and I<span style="color: #202020;"> visited Santorini for three days. We stayed at a picturesque little hotel called </span><a href="http://athermisuites.com/#!athermi-suites"><span style="color: #34745c;">Athermi
Suites</span></a><span style="color: #202020;"> in <a href="http://www.santorini.com/villages/megalochorivillage.htm">Megalochori</a>, a few minutes outside the main city,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fira">Fira</a>. It was the perfect combination of style, atmosphere, service and
breathtaking views at an affordable price.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpyhn3eu5cKNLdRL48ctH60nUetVxuuYPYs6NCHvvlgNXIS-eZo8RhsnFEhZrrSO7ZmhbAg2rHexb1yBn_b5E-WWXEk3nyBKiBQ0iLzIQk5zdWzzi2WaM1BgQnRpzSFargQdcrH816nU/s1600/Image+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpyhn3eu5cKNLdRL48ctH60nUetVxuuYPYs6NCHvvlgNXIS-eZo8RhsnFEhZrrSO7ZmhbAg2rHexb1yBn_b5E-WWXEk3nyBKiBQ0iLzIQk5zdWzzi2WaM1BgQnRpzSFargQdcrH816nU/s1600/Image+12.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> {our room}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih30sBl7iR_iLbVWSAvPmTBaiQ_fymx87f1PGdsRsMtFHaP0qFa8bHgTTkSxdES9NrJwP0iunv7jRyZZAw28r7wjXRx9Agyh6M4LQDyWFvfnrpv71noO0fBuag47ODU5UsuZ39NEgxsc/s1600/Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih30sBl7iR_iLbVWSAvPmTBaiQ_fymx87f1PGdsRsMtFHaP0qFa8bHgTTkSxdES9NrJwP0iunv7jRyZZAw28r7wjXRx9Agyh6M4LQDyWFvfnrpv71noO0fBuag47ODU5UsuZ39NEgxsc/s1600/Image+6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{the bathroom in our room. great idea for a sink!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfYDqIT3Q3oQ92jvLExlfJkpmPn6Va_RfSZIoV0Va-x7wGaQblcVOxwIffoXcdBphkOgXk7IH5Ni-2ai4JK_doh1pW49t3LwtfvOlen2ls__cCCOJ_0wU7IzLf5jCkNiSHbqxbc7gPU4/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfYDqIT3Q3oQ92jvLExlfJkpmPn6Va_RfSZIoV0Va-x7wGaQblcVOxwIffoXcdBphkOgXk7IH5Ni-2ai4JK_doh1pW49t3LwtfvOlen2ls__cCCOJ_0wU7IzLf5jCkNiSHbqxbc7gPU4/s1600/Image.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{view from our hotel by day</span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;">}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwyBu0ejYZtB0Qp_QgkRPzYDPMXrRrIL9T8lTglyPLvxgviCw-TpiBoWRaic7eJNskp3Xs2GD6-9vJ_Tpqy-s_IZD7q-k91iCj3Wvw1CTANauNREf3WAjLtA3ES888zFuW0gOEZfzcKE/s1600/Image+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwyBu0ejYZtB0Qp_QgkRPzYDPMXrRrIL9T8lTglyPLvxgviCw-TpiBoWRaic7eJNskp3Xs2GD6-9vJ_Tpqy-s_IZD7q-k91iCj3Wvw1CTANauNREf3WAjLtA3ES888zFuW0gOEZfzcKE/s1600/Image+16.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{and at sunset}</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We spent most of our time lounging by the pool basking in the sun and taking in the views. Of course we did all the tourist things, like watching the Santorini sunset, visiting the towns of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fira" style="font-family: inherit;">Fira</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oia,_Greece" style="font-family: inherit;">Oia</a>, as well as the archaeological site in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akrotiri_(Santorini)" style="font-family: inherit;">Akrotiri</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir3j6Sv9oxHDu7M3a4KsVxXi7d2LRRM832c4z5QUEA3IP5VWX1CwrdPCTrhkeJXOYX46WsfvKWD6UGKOySWMA6jdmdaUdFFS_YvXbFKOuwSOIu8Rg78Rx1llFxX_grEHMBRcJacmy1oU/s1600/Image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir3j6Sv9oxHDu7M3a4KsVxXi7d2LRRM832c4z5QUEA3IP5VWX1CwrdPCTrhkeJXOYX46WsfvKWD6UGKOySWMA6jdmdaUdFFS_YvXbFKOuwSOIu8Rg78Rx1llFxX_grEHMBRcJacmy1oU/s1600/Image+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{looking up at Oia from the Bay}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rpk6LvRlIRZ-Scrvhyphenhyphen_eXO_okFP9u6ZoyypV8buYzRejD-yW75dOekbXtNsFueE7fiCypbCLTg0P_ihcAofdRMqYdgKuv55oEVVmejgG6dbwFEAPpEQip0PJSr1Ynmk_x1Y1CUkNl0Y/s1600/Image+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rpk6LvRlIRZ-Scrvhyphenhyphen_eXO_okFP9u6ZoyypV8buYzRejD-yW75dOekbXtNsFueE7fiCypbCLTg0P_ihcAofdRMqYdgKuv55oEVVmejgG6dbwFEAPpEQip0PJSr1Ynmk_x1Y1CUkNl0Y/s1600/Image+8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{church bells in Oia}<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrtQ3RZELpDGaA6QWeaYhrcmBlDhfVyZhFgBkLEhEsmrngvU54NqQHXOwOIlBrtLMao26UsVaLXkiknlFetFRrXBqxVN2QYMJUh2aW2Oy6XiCNICLoBcCYYWYufk585cwljZSQWoHxHg/s1600/Image+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrtQ3RZELpDGaA6QWeaYhrcmBlDhfVyZhFgBkLEhEsmrngvU54NqQHXOwOIlBrtLMao26UsVaLXkiknlFetFRrXBqxVN2QYMJUh2aW2Oy6XiCNICLoBcCYYWYufk585cwljZSQWoHxHg/s1600/Image+10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{infinity pool at a very expensive hotel in Oia -- spectacular view}</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We spent our last day in <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g482941-d1223227-Reviews-Amoudi_Bay-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades.html">Ammoudi Bay</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{fresh fish taverns on the Bay}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aF0sMmf5D7gsYfvhYfq5q-fhMGrZH4whoj-8FDw90aYYd_bQ-kGM8Css5Vi3kyK1xA1YX35y5LqIWafEfAXXdlSyYTraOpsGLEPyklp5we5NyK67SQ8lFqvcWoJNb38ohW0jiW0k15c/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aF0sMmf5D7gsYfvhYfq5q-fhMGrZH4whoj-8FDw90aYYd_bQ-kGM8Css5Vi3kyK1xA1YX35y5LqIWafEfAXXdlSyYTraOpsGLEPyklp5we5NyK67SQ8lFqvcWoJNb38ohW0jiW0k15c/s1600/Image+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{Ammoudi Bay -- not easily accessible, but great if you are
into cliff diving}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, the food in the area is amazing. The owner of our hotel recommended two hidden gems <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189433-d1939380-Reviews-Metaxi_Mas-Santorini_Cyclades.html">Metaxi Mas</a> and <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189433-d4227012-Reviews-Mousiko_Kouti-Santorini_Cyclades.html">Mousiko Kouti</a> where we had our most memorable meals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvDrrVzj16siTWIdmzkNlkRIRYM7hwYlbIvDDEDacfOZakapCSjzIZd-y4kBwY3MOZhrrvK6qmr4SSY8Jy2vor0qgReR-kwCo8kO8E-PXT6dExL_ukcz62I7QcOSNg6gnk8wBvCIrQng/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvDrrVzj16siTWIdmzkNlkRIRYM7hwYlbIvDDEDacfOZakapCSjzIZd-y4kBwY3MOZhrrvK6qmr4SSY8Jy2vor0qgReR-kwCo8kO8E-PXT6dExL_ukcz62I7QcOSNg6gnk8wBvCIrQng/s1600/Image+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{fresh dorado}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFaLoX-4dfPXMjNL3nNC-SiktfU4VjjXx9-E0chzlPFxcK-dyrHIGOY4YNlDV-Pxpm5jRzsGfhYCcniw_zhoQ0p-hpRagAWmlZJZ-Npu38vq6d3C5cmeF3uRtZBuhNZNIqmxJwqJ3UeQ/s1600/Image+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFaLoX-4dfPXMjNL3nNC-SiktfU4VjjXx9-E0chzlPFxcK-dyrHIGOY4YNlDV-Pxpm5jRzsGfhYCcniw_zhoQ0p-hpRagAWmlZJZ-Npu38vq6d3C5cmeF3uRtZBuhNZNIqmxJwqJ3UeQ/s1600/Image+11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{fresh fish, greens and </span>fava (Santorini delicacy)}<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I were to do it again, I would take a sunset cruise. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH85o14-x8FrhcXk9KZ-kmMMgBRhfBqyh7hr08imwzXuZ38kOOT_lXLMHIBz0yZMWMUjORRINOg8qiQb4fnzlfKzmNeGUeyXY0pH4B_Yx3C9oNucdjLmr4dfOXyFNAuCsv4by1p0CQQxs/s1600/Image+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH85o14-x8FrhcXk9KZ-kmMMgBRhfBqyh7hr08imwzXuZ38kOOT_lXLMHIBz0yZMWMUjORRINOg8qiQb4fnzlfKzmNeGUeyXY0pH4B_Yx3C9oNucdjLmr4dfOXyFNAuCsv4by1p0CQQxs/s1600/Image+17.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{blissful Santorini sunset}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A few travel tips: </b> If you’re staying outside of Fira or Oia, you
probably need to rent a small car or squad. Don’t go for a big car as the roads
are quite narrow. You can stay at a hotel like the one we did with a great view, but half the price of what you’d pay if you stayed in Fira or Oia. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">* * * *</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for stopping by to share your Santorini experience with us, Effie. Here she is strolling in Fira after sunset. As you can see, she is quite beautiful. Having not me her in person, I just know she is super nice too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to stop by Effie's <a href="http://apieceofbliss.com/">blog</a> for more on her travels, interiors, food, fashion and more. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-40115944464081750102014-06-23T05:20:00.000-07:002014-06-23T05:20:54.987-07:00Beach blues…I've got a major case of the blues. Back to reality after another fabulous week in Rosemary. It's as hot as Hades in Atlanta. <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/07/diary-of-swim-team-mom.html">Swim team</a> is in full swing -- my full time job for the month. And, I got some unfortunate news at my 6-month post-op appointment last week. No tennis until October. Say what? I went to a few clinics at the beach and felt fine. And I had already told my fearless captains that I'd be back for the fall ALTA season. A quick update on my team while we're on the subject. They were demoted not once, but twice during my absence. I was obviously missed. We have gone full circle. Back to <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-all-about-love.html">D1 status</a>.<br />
<br />
To lift my spirits and add a bit of bliss to your Monday, I present the perfect blue/green beach palette.<br />
<br />
Coastal window shopping...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_bKQlorPYGf4PUYnTeWcZuJN49XXKngsUPYlKA1_XaatiVOTyb9EjScvjSqcn3GoFWc_M5zTi1rcXMKa_pVpCaqCnITNFMQrQ2FAotyBZTMcJUE781TK-V5oCv08GjEpcJnnljijh5k/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_bKQlorPYGf4PUYnTeWcZuJN49XXKngsUPYlKA1_XaatiVOTyb9EjScvjSqcn3GoFWc_M5zTi1rcXMKa_pVpCaqCnITNFMQrQ2FAotyBZTMcJUE781TK-V5oCv08GjEpcJnnljijh5k/s1600/Image+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A closer look...</div>
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{beach treasures -- star fish, sea biscuits and driftwood}</div>
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Sweet ride…<br />
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Blue picket fence…<br />
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Serenity...<br />
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Have a seat in the blue-washed rocker upstaged by the blue glazed pot. Adorable mini palm...<br />
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I loved this cute sea foam gate. You can see straight through to its twin on there other side...<br />
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Love this one too. Such a welcoming side entrance...<br />
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An arched vine makes a huge difference...<br />
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Or over a pergola. Pretty blue trim on this house.<br />
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Nice color combo for your coastal garage doors….<br />
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It doesn't get any better than this. The door, windows, <a href="http://bluemopheads.blogspot.com/2013/08/gas-lanterns.html">gas lantern</a>, shutters, landscape, creeping vines. All inspiration for my future beach house.<br />
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Happy Summer!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2859632665177567136.post-19941829488462975682014-06-16T11:16:00.000-07:002014-06-23T05:08:53.447-07:00All aboard the blog train...Over the past 12 months I've taken two <a href="http://decor8blog.com/ecourses/">Blogging Your Way</a> e-courses. In addition to lessons taught, we were encouraged to team up with partners on home work assignments. Home work was not mandatory, but like everything in life, effort counts. We randomly met homework partners in a class forum. My first partner in a class of 700 plus students was a delightful Australian blogger Tammy of <a href="http://ladytam-tam.com/">Lady Tam-Tam</a> who relocated to Washington, DC for her husband's job. She lives a few blocks from where my husband lived when we moved from DC to Atlanta. My second partner in a class of 300 plus students Kristiina of <a href="http://www.alittleofalot.net/">A little of A lot</a> lives in Virginia. To say that we lead parallel lives is an understatement. What are the chances, right?<br />
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We could post questions in the forum section called "members helping members." Through this forum, I met so many talented, creative and friendly bloggers from all walks of life all over the world. By the end of each course it was clear to me that not only were we learning from each other, we were all supporting each other's success.<br />
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One of my fellow classmates, the <a href="http://thedaydreamerdiary.blogspot.fr/">daydreamer</a> started a blog tour. The tour works like a chain letter. Each blogger answers the same four questions, and then passes them on to a few other bloggers. And so on.<br />
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Effie of <a href="http://apieceofbliss.com/">apieceofbliss</a> graciously invited me on the tour. I won't say too much about Effie, because she's guest blogging for my travel column soon.<br />
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The four questions:</h4>
<b>Q: What am I working on?</b><br />
A lot. Among other things, I'm working on stretching my writing muscles. To that end, I'm participating in The Daily Post's <a href="http://dailypost.wordpress.com/courses/writing-101-building-a-blogging-habit/">Writing 101 challenge</a>. The Post presents a daily topic with a twist for those who are up for the challenge. Using what I learned on Day 5 "Be Brief," I'll be as succinct as possible here. My college Shakespeare professor used a heavy hand with his red editing pen. He encouraged us to use strong verbs and avoid any form of the verb "to be" (ironic for a Shakespeare class). He loathed certain words like "really," "truly" and "sincerely." Coincidentally, Day 8 was "Death to Adverbs." The assignment was to write an adverb-free post. Try it. My goal is to do at least one lesson each week. I've also subscribed to <a href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl">grammar girl's</a> quick and easy tips to brush up on grammar.<br />
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{new illustrated version! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dyT1jyUGIGklHI8HpKUJ5_Y8X7Zh5uDNkXcYUcsoUhGcq_U_Evx_jNNJwEfN8VfqPIC-7xZIpkgaBAwCrx9_UGEMll9RMlpVzp4YDjFgES1zn0A922vSx8lvImPreBmcXu5asP6uLoIG/s1600/elementsofstyle.jpg">via</a>}</div>
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<b>Q: How does my blog differ from others in this genre?</b><br />
My own voice and style. I think it's important to feel comfortable using your unique voice without worrying about being liked by everyone. I'm opinionated and not afraid to show it. I also write about things I loathe with liberal abandon -- something I seldom see other bloggers do. When I was a corporate writer, one of my colleagues and I talked about writing a book called "Corporate Bullshit." All talk and no action. Someone else beat us to it. I always encouraged my clients to use straight talk. They always ignored me. This is my chance to tell it like it is.<br />
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<b>Q: Why do I write this blog?</b><br />
Because it's fun, and provides me with a platform to practice my writing skills.<br />
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<b>Q: How does your writing process work?</b><br />
I wish I could say that I have a streamlined process. But I don't. That's part of the fun. I do keep a notebook to jot down ideas. I always have draft posts in the hopper, but they often get trumped by a project I'm working on or something I've seen, read or talked about with my friends that I find interesting or makes me laugh.<br />
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Enough from me. I'd like to introduce you to my tour guest:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi, m<span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">y name is Barbara. I’m an Italian-based graphic designer and freelance photographer with a penchant for traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.</span><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">My blog </span><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://momographica.com/">momographica</a></u></span> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">narrates adventures and misadventures drawn from my daily creative routine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /></span>
<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barbara writes her <a href="http://momographica.com/">blog</a> in Italian. If you don't speak the language, I </span>encourage<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you to pop over anyway to see her stunning </span></span>photographs, especially if you like flowers. She will be back here soon to show and tell us about her home town near Milan.<br />
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Thanks, Effie for inviting me on the tour. Barbara, we look forward to seeing where you take us next!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07201715001935435214noreply@blogger.com4