tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48270498249866337982024-03-20T04:03:52.498-04:00Dash of RoseA dash of rosy positivityAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-7533495538957727242017-06-22T22:41:00.000-04:002017-06-22T22:41:41.839-04:00Hiking and Camping Alaska: Favorite Gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hiking and Camping is a great way to connect with yourself, nature, and others. I just got back from an invigorating two week in Alaska, embracing sleeping and wandering outside. Considering the weather conditions varied a lot, and I was pretty remote at times, good gear is essential! I'm pleased with what I brought along with me and here are some favorites (that definitely helped keep me comfortable)!</div>
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General Note: Technical gear is very expensive upfront and you often do get what you pay for. Especially for backpacking, weight and effectiveness matter a lot. Given that I'm not a very big person and it's not recommended to carry more than 30% of weight, it's important that equipment is light-weight. Not all gear can just be "smaller" to reduce weight.</div>
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<a href="https://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/aura-ag-65-AURA65A.html">Women's Osprey Aura AG 65</a></div>
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I fit pretty much everything I needed for two weeks in Alaska which included my tent, sleeping pad and bag, clothes, stove, emergency items, and more!</div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Light weight, easy to organize, very comfortable with a heavy load. The one I specifically have also came with the waterproof pack cover in the hood!</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Because the hip belt is so cushion-y, it can be a challenge to put it on to begin with because the hip belt often gets caught behind your lower back. It's not a deal breaker for me because I eventually figured out a good way for myself to put it on. Another con is that the hood of the pack (the top compartment that can be taken off) isn't conducive to becoming a daypack. Some other technical packs do have that feature. Also not a deal breaker because with some parachute cord + carabiner, I can turn it into a temporary daypack.</div>
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<a href="https://www.backcountry.com/leki-micro-vario-carbon-trekking-poles-womens-lek000w?CMP_SKU=LEK000W&MER=0406&skid=LEK000W-ANT-S100120CM&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&mv_pc=r101&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&mr:trackingCode=524DA63D-F0C7-E411-BDDA-BC305BF82376&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&gclid=CjwKEAjw1a3KBRCY9cfsmdmWgQ0SJAATUZ8bX4B6i9HxUOGRdtk4pqfgLAz7e2JCz4Q2qxzNKlQOfBoCR1nw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles - Women</a></div>
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Super light weight and folds up really small, I found this really convenient to get out and put away, especially in my pack when I want to stuff it with my other gear.</div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Extremely light, durable, and pretty cute</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Can be pretty expensive if you don't find it on sale</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/807452/sea-to-summit-lite-line-clothesline">Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline</a></div>
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I wasn't able to bring enough clean clothes to only wear once or twice for the entire two weeks. When I could, I'd launder some items by hand and then hang it up to dry outside. If it was raining some, I'd also hang a waterproof "tarp" above it to keep the rain off to still give it a chance to dry while I slept. The clothesline is also useful for hanging clothes to dry if they got wet from the rain.</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/895371/vasque-skywalk-mid-gtx-hiking-boots-womens">Vasque Skywalk Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Women's</a></div>
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Super excited that this style came back! </div>
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<b>PROS</b>: I found these boots to be really durable and comfortable for all day hiking/backpacking. They're plenty waterproof and easy to clean as well. They're also cute.</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Without breaking them in, the boot is pretty stiff towards the front/side of the foot, pressing on the bone. I noticed that immediately when I first put it on, so I used a <a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51SzlGgPgwL._UY395_.jpg">shoe stretcher</a> and now it fits perfectly!</div>
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<a href="https://www.superfeet.com/media/catalog/product/t/r/trailblazer_comfort_max_women_s_insole_image_view_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="197" src="https://www.superfeet.com/media/catalog/product/t/r/trailblazer_comfort_max_women_s_insole_image_view_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/trailblazer-womens-comfort-max">TRAILBLAZER WOMEN'S COMFORT MAX</a></div>
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I find that walking a long time in any shoe can be very hard on my feet and knees. I swapped the original insole of my vasque hiking boots for these from Superfeet and it's made a big difference! </div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/881598/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-sleeping-pad-womens?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-34947-_-46631-_-NA&avad=46631_ced2c49d&CA_6C15C=120217890000410701">Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad - Women's</a></div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Very comfortable, light, extremely packable. I also like how I can inflate it without using my mouth (with the aid of a pump sack listed below) to reduce growth of germs.</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Slightly slippery when sleeping on it in a sleeping bag</div>
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<a href="http://therm-a-rest%20neoair%20pump%20sack/">Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Pump Sack</a></div>
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This pump sack makes it easy to inflate the above sleeping pad, AND you can roll up the sleeping pad to stuff it into this sack to turn it into a cushy stool!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8">Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger</a></div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Lightweight, easy to use, effective</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Not waterproof and I'm not sure how durable it is next to really hard objects that might bend it to the point of breaking it. I avoided breaking it by accident by just placing it as close to my back as possible when storing it without allowing any major hard objects to poke it while stored.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005W37ZCQ">Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Pants</a></div>
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These are the most comfortable hiking pants I've ever owned. It's like wearing pajamas!</div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Full range of motion, dries quickly, keeps me warm and cool, decent wind protection, resists abrasion when climbing rocks, and stays relatively clean.</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: A little bit long for me, but I cinched the bottom a bit and when I wear my hiking boots it's fine.</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/863076/msr-hubba-hubba-nx-tent">MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent</a></div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Lightweight, very easy to set up, durable, and an amazing company with great customer service.</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Expensive... but you get what you pay for.</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/849398/buff-uv-half-buff">Buff UV Half Buff</a></div>
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PROS: Versatile, lightweight, fast drying, wicks sweat, protects from sun, and keeps my hair out of the way! It doesn't look half bad on either.</div>
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CONS: I can't think of any.</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/111875/marmot-knife-edge-rain-jacket-womens">Marmot Knife Edge Rain Jacket</a></div>
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I actually originally brought the <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/880723/outdoor-research-helium-ii-rain-jacket-womens">Outdoor Research Helium </a> to Alaska with me but I had forgotten to properly clean it to restore it's waterproof-ness before my trip so although I was not drenched from the constant sprinkles for a week while I was volunteering outside... I was definitely damp. It dried fast anyway when it wasn't raining on me. I had to make a stop at REI in Anchorage in search of a new rain jacket before spending a week in Denali where the forecast called for even more rain. I opted for the Marmot jacket because it was light weight and used Gore-Tex technology to be waterproof so it's not as susceptible to reduced performance due to dirt/sweat/grime compromising the technical fabric (from my primitive understanding of how PerTex works...). Gore-Tex is definitely more rugged, although slightly less breathable.</div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Very durable, light-weight, comfortable, very waterproof</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Not super breathable... but, it's hard to be extremely breathable AND waterproof without compromising one of the two. This jacket makes up for it with pit zips though.</div>
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/product/859981/marmot-precip-full-zip-rain-pants-womens-short">Women's Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pant (Short)</a></div>
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<b>PROS</b>: Fully zips off/on so boots don't have to be taken off. AND can buy for shorter inseam. Very waterproof and got a lot of good use.</div>
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<b>CONS</b>: Not cheap.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Toe-Warmers-40-Pair/dp/B0007ZF4PE">HotHands Toe Warmers</a></div>
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Really helpful for very cold days and nights. Good to have them handy.</div>
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No CONS. All <b>PROS</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/SmartWool-Neck-Gaiter-Running-Scarf/dp/B006R71ZUO">SmartWool Neck Gaiter</a></div>
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Good as a scarf, a hat, and a headband!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Research-Womens-Crocodile-Gaiter/dp/B009Q1BD7I/ref=pd_sbs_468_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009Q1BD7I&pd_rd_r=3AB3BQWA4YPWEC55NKNA&pd_rd_w=EekyW&pd_rd_wg=6gn6O&refRID=3AB3BQWA4YPWEC55NKNA">Outdoor Research Women's Crocodile Gaiter</a></div>
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Keep your socks and pants dry! (and relatively clean...)</div>
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ALL <b>PROS</b>! I hiked with plenty of people who ended up feeling uncomfortable as they trudged through boggy terrain with wet socks.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-21573189732061057212016-07-03T13:54:00.002-04:002016-07-03T13:54:50.903-04:00Adventure into the Amazon JungleFrom what I can tell from the internet, solo traveling is on trend right now. That's not why I went ahead with it though. Now that I'm in my late 20s and on my way to 30 I've been feeling a bit "old." I KNOW that this is not old<i> at all</i>. I haven't done anything particularly adventurous in a long time yet there are lots of things I want to do, places I want to see... and I really have No Excuse not to do those things. There is nothing holding me back besides myself. <br />
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Back in March I decided I needed to just get myself into gear and stop stalling my life. After some back and forth between various destinations and travel-companion options I decided to go with the Amazon Rainforest. I have wanted to go there since I was 7 years old and I didn't really care if anybody else wanted to go with me. I realize that everybody has their own interests of where they want to go and where they want to spend their money. Saying "someday I'll do ___" might turn into "I wish I had done _____." <br />
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Given that this would be my first international trip alone I felt more at ease given that I'd be joining a tour group. <br />
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On June 15 I arrived in Quito, Ecuador and would have a couple days on my own before my tour started. I highly recommend the tour I went on: <a href="https://www.gadventures.com/trips/local-living-ecuador-amazon-jungle/766/">Local Living Ecuador: Amazon Jungle</a><br />
Some of my favorites from my traveling include: Zip-lining upside down through the cloud forest in Mindo, waterfall hiking (climbing waterfalls included) through the Jungle, white water rafting in the Napo River and relaxing in the hot springs for hours and hours. Such an amazing adventure and I am itching for more!<br />
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Beautiful butterfly from Mindo Butterfly tour</div>
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Mindo Butterfly Tour</div>
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Mindo Orchid tour</div>
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Mindo Chocolate Tour</div>
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Informal "middle of the world" stop</div>
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Playground stop on the way to Otavalo Market... best playground I have ever been to and played on!</div>
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Shopping in Otavalo Market</div>
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Parque Condor view</div>
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Official Middle of the World! </div>
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Waterfall hike in the jungle with fellow travelers on the tour</div>
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Waterfall hike in the Jungle</div>
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Hang-out spot from Jungle home</div>
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Woolly Monkey on the way to AmaZoonico (where amazon jungle wildlife is being rehabbed)</div>
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On the last day before some of us went to the airport, we stopped at a nearby lagoon on our way to Papallacta Hot Springs </div>
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View from lunch of the Papallacta Hot Springs spa</div>
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With our driver, Eduardo :)</div>
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Things that I'm glad I packed:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Travel clothesline (although in the jungle almost nothing ever dried fully, this at least helped get things to be damp and if lucky... dry): <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E?psc=1">Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline</a></li>
<li>exofficio brand clothing that was super quick drying, with some of them repelling insects</li>
<li>Outdoor Research packable <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Research-Womens-Helium-Jacket/dp/B008K4M2KY">Helium II</a> rain jacket (I could pack it into the pocket and just clip it to my purse and it's just so comfortable!)</li>
<li>Travel microfiber towel such as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093NHUM6">Sea to Summit DryLite</a> (given that it takes a long time for things to dry, this is one of the few things I had that consistently dried from being soaked).</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Citronella-Wilderness-Ounce/dp/B004YJSM8U/">Sea to Summit Citronella Wilderness Wash</a> (helps repel insects, travel friendly, good for everything!)</li>
</ul>
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I felt pretty blue not long after I got home which has led me to conclude that I really need to reprioritize things in my life if I want to continue feeling invigorated. The traveling taught me that there are so many different ways to be happy and people around the world have a lot to teach us about life. On the second full day in Quito, the driver had persuaded his college-aged daughter to accompany us because we were not able to communicate. Watching them interact with each other was just so sweet, to see that strong sense of family and so much affection. I want more of that in my life.<br />
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My fellow travelers came from all walks of life and they did not lead a completely "Traditional" lifestyle in the sense of...get married young, have kids, stay home, etc. They are happy, well-rounded individuals with a great zest for life and adventure and I loved spending time with all of them. There is no set timeline of what we have to do and when, it's important to be happy with what we have, live in the present, and breathe in the love and live life with gratitude.<br />
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I feel more confident in myself having had this trip and felt that I embraced just doing things on my own because I discovered that I'm never truly alone, there are people around the world who find their way into our lives and accompany us if we let them. We only feel alone, unhappy or any other negative feeling if we let ourselves. <br />
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Choose happiness.<br />
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Where to next?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-66569679099587272042016-03-10T19:35:00.002-05:002016-03-11T05:42:27.245-05:00Osprey: for the "do it all" commuter<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Life moves quickly, you want to multi-task, be healthy, work hard, play hard, find time to work out, look good, feel good.... Expectations are set pretty high!</span></div>
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I don't currently commute because I now work remotely from home, but I do travel occasionally for recreation or for work.</div>
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This week I've been spending most of the work week back at the corporate office and working from the new, more agile/modern space my organization just moved to. Even the space has a lot of high expectations... There is space to be able to work quietly in more secluded cubicles, standing desks, little rooms with giant screens, large open tables with built in outlets, booth areas... Open space with a lot of different areas to accommodate all sorts of working styles, all in one place. </div>
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Many people strive to do that with life.</div>
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This week I noticed that one of my coworkers was coming into work carrying two backpacks, one for gym gear, and one for work stuff. These bags were stacked on top of each other and it looked a bit awkward to walk around that way, with the weight going side to side a lot. I really admire his commitment to prioritize his physical health while working really hard (I can attest to the fact that he is super work committed too!).</div>
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I thought about what it is that I would have done if I wanted to bring workout stuff and figured I would probably opt for some cute weekender-style bag and end up with two bags on my shoulders. Then I realized... Just because that looks more stylish... It doesn't exactly promote good physical health when concerning my back and shoulders!! I totally get why he wanted to use backpacks.</div>
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What's out there to solve this?</div>
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I pointed him to the osprey farpoints and they come in multiple carrying capacity sizes. They are two backpacks with the larger one being appropriate for much bulkier items. The smaller bag has a laptop sleeve and is more like a typical backpack. The small back straps onto the large one. The large bag has good support to distribute weight easily and be easiest on the back. </div>
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The small day pack is only available for the 55 and 70 liter sizes.</div><div><br></div><div>It might be a bit much for most people to get a 55 liter for work but if you really want to tote around a ton of stuff... It might warrant it. I definitely recommend seeing these bags in person before purchasing though, and trying then on. The smallest size which is more like a larger day pack does not have a laptop sleeve but it is quite roomy and can hold a lot of items while being easier on the back than just any other large back pack without moving into more technical backpacks typical for hiking and backpacking in the woods for a week.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPd5ZShhTzGsxhlEl49T-8ALF2yFleq4RJ8k93sLpZbWlWl1BzjJxKJETNJQTVXGPLhtNc3o_QlvoH4gf73dZ9R_iuQrPvJwQZY4P7XeklyXbf0Na_Fe_kpVN1X_jifmOAumX6j4D6UoE/s640/blogger-image--1228489893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPd5ZShhTzGsxhlEl49T-8ALF2yFleq4RJ8k93sLpZbWlWl1BzjJxKJETNJQTVXGPLhtNc3o_QlvoH4gf73dZ9R_iuQrPvJwQZY4P7XeklyXbf0Na_Fe_kpVN1X_jifmOAumX6j4D6UoE/s640/blogger-image--1228489893.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EggZdVH1L-f19LJTHIMKBD6PtRP0W7MBejzSrGnL0HK17qGYmer3NDdZncP9lBqe6SzXOreDov0O1f-Fh7-uzTOj7EreX8a_ShDi7ppisJqTh7EpCVPBzDn4gi7zjr1VAOMO52Q6HsAP/s640/blogger-image-1285144776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EggZdVH1L-f19LJTHIMKBD6PtRP0W7MBejzSrGnL0HK17qGYmer3NDdZncP9lBqe6SzXOreDov0O1f-Fh7-uzTOj7EreX8a_ShDi7ppisJqTh7EpCVPBzDn4gi7zjr1VAOMO52Q6HsAP/s640/blogger-image-1285144776.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>
osprey <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/series/technical-packs/farpoint-landing">farpoint series</a></div>
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Work hard, workout...look relatively stylish ... And save the back and shoulders!</div>
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I think the farpoint is actually a great option for people who want to do a lot and carry a lot daily... Probably more appealing to men, but I think they still look fashionable enough!</div><div><br></div><div>I am such a big fan of this brand and love their day packs and technical packs. It is one of the best for outdoor enthusiasts and backpacking with wonderful quality, customer service, and warranty! It's also great for trekking and work! You really feel a difference on your back with its support and design.</div>
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You know what else is great about it? It's perfect for a trip backpacking in Europe or hiking Machu pichu. </div>
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A bag that meets a lottttt of high expectations for people who want to do it all.</div>
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On the way out of work, he informed me he is going to order it tonight! </div><div><br></div><div>My work is done here.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-55654101906214287802016-02-12T18:48:00.001-05:002016-02-12T18:48:38.209-05:00Lovely mini pouches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK58hPGFbRbi2GGBaoRhm3SdaY3PfMRS1Vt82KYWerpRfeeiIU0tehetY1rTkq14SdyeatWl6IgSr9ba2Ng4oadKbuLA2JAYWMIjC6bNYRkMpbnOTELdhSIWiwfQR0LojkAOu3HACllzzc/s640/blogger-image--1019240376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK58hPGFbRbi2GGBaoRhm3SdaY3PfMRS1Vt82KYWerpRfeeiIU0tehetY1rTkq14SdyeatWl6IgSr9ba2Ng4oadKbuLA2JAYWMIjC6bNYRkMpbnOTELdhSIWiwfQR0LojkAOu3HACllzzc/s200/blogger-image--1019240376.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu4ruLM9R23Gg_wH75B2qH_wkofu2-vZOsqzZbZ2Iem0xpou6E-GPfHVTUsfRsDQBkUos3B2Ckbo13Us9XvseHsbaZME75wY1prBUp0Y11Y8mIGJvNFXiwBLUGCFUF6gZlkxqt3WSnB7J/s640/blogger-image-1380592372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu4ruLM9R23Gg_wH75B2qH_wkofu2-vZOsqzZbZ2Iem0xpou6E-GPfHVTUsfRsDQBkUos3B2Ckbo13Us9XvseHsbaZME75wY1prBUp0Y11Y8mIGJvNFXiwBLUGCFUF6gZlkxqt3WSnB7J/s200/blogger-image-1380592372.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I wanted to sew something quick and enjoyable so mini pouches were put together!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TnJ08m6DbPC-1mufCIS4-JOLMIAtySJAB42ZbkYeLEhk_Ce2gJI7iwA2BhwiP21wHXiH77oLnvdtvAPzVxWgHK463IHLHNrFCyyyFCAnV4tUoNXVsi2-NWIfAjRQpkTSaxoNWtDMCDbx/s1600/SEW_POUCH_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TnJ08m6DbPC-1mufCIS4-JOLMIAtySJAB42ZbkYeLEhk_Ce2gJI7iwA2BhwiP21wHXiH77oLnvdtvAPzVxWgHK463IHLHNrFCyyyFCAnV4tUoNXVsi2-NWIfAjRQpkTSaxoNWtDMCDbx/s320/SEW_POUCH_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The two tutorials I referred to: <a href="http://www.erinerickson.com/2012/04/heart-shaped-pouch-mini-tutorial/">Heart Shaped Pouch Mini</a> & <a href="http://www.dogundermydesk.com/2011/11/circle-zip-earbud-pouch-tutorial/">Circle Zip Earbud Pouch</a></div>
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Hooray! Now, the little items that get lost in my purse are much easier to get to :).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6gTXlonJDHvTWzjdFt9bfozY4T_sbRRyvowcf17WPtH3SPezPFVpo3qGmfjPB5iCmHF1DbI1I8oka4coIokIn-dbxSf5JVLIJmAgC83voUN_V_9GfPwH1SKHf5CoLvCKy7KBfBsJ7a8k/s1600/SEW_POUCH_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6gTXlonJDHvTWzjdFt9bfozY4T_sbRRyvowcf17WPtH3SPezPFVpo3qGmfjPB5iCmHF1DbI1I8oka4coIokIn-dbxSf5JVLIJmAgC83voUN_V_9GfPwH1SKHf5CoLvCKy7KBfBsJ7a8k/s320/SEW_POUCH_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hoping more quick little projects help keep me a little more upbeat during this slightly gloomy winter weather. Stay Warm!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-3303275953119025572016-01-23T09:05:00.000-05:002016-01-23T09:09:45.754-05:002016 New Years Resolution: Be Your Best SelfJanuary is coming to an end and I'm already feeling really good about this year. At the end of last year I decided to make new years resolutions, ones that I feel really strongly about and am committed to see through. I've wanted to do resolutions in the past but I was not ready and was not serious about them.<br />
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As I've gotten older I've learned that many good things in life require a lot of effort and conquering challenges promote growth. I really want to grow this year and be a healthier, happier, and better version of myself. This is important to carry through all of life.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Resolution #1: Exercise regularly</span></u></b><br />
This is probably on everybody's resolution list (when they decide to make any) and it's not something I find easy. In the past, I've not consciously made the effort to improve on this because I used to be generally active and busy walking around with school, activities, and just life stuff. Now that I am out in the "real world" (I don't think being stuck inside on a computer is really being a part of the world...), I've been a lot more sedentary. I'm naturally rather petite so I've never felt the "need" to really lose weight but I'm learning more that it's not about what I look like. I don't feel as energized as I used to and it takes exerting energy to feeling energy. I tend to go through phases of being good about regularly exercising if there is an event I am preparing for (i.e. a big outdoor hiking vacation) but I really need to just maintain good physical shape throughout the year, regardless of a specific event. I want to feel good about myself, and feel energized... every day. To feel that every day, I need to exercise just about every day in some way.<br />
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I have begun this year with Adriene. I've been using <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene">Yoga with Adriene</a>'s yoga videos off and on for probabably half a year and I just love her videos. They are light-hearted, challenging, encouraging, and fun! I don't respond to feeling like I'm being bossed around or intimidated to do anything so I really appreciate Adriene's approach to "Find what feels good" because that is truly what I want in my life. Adriene's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLui6Eyny-Uzx5BRNB2_Kvycrn5h9OsaHC">30 Days of Yoga Camp</a>" has been amazing and I've only missed one day so far (on the worst day of my sinus infection) and feel so much better about myself. The first week was easy to feel really pumped, the second week started off with my forcing myself to partake in the video...and then I started really looking forward to taking a break from work (perks of working from home!) and spending some time on the yoga mat.<br />
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Having a new video uploaded every day makes it so easy because I'm not making the effort to go and search for what I want to do that day. It feels more like going to a class in person where the teacher is leading me towards better health...and not so much me leading myself. At some point, I believe I'll be able to be more self-motivated... but it's nice that it's like somebody else is helping motivate me.<br />
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To <b>measure</b> my progress, I check off every day in my planner whether or not I completed my daily exercise (right now it's just yoga).<br />
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After 30 days I'm thinking of doing Barre3 Online courses... or maybe going through Blogilates? Regardless, I think this will be a great year of energy!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Resolution #2: Eat more "Clean"</span></u></b><br />
Yes...another resolution that is so popular right now. To summarize, Clean eating is cutting out really processed food and eating foods that are as close to directly from the nature as possible.<br />
Some foods I have been loving...Millet Chia bread from Udis, Noosa yogurt, Spaghetti Squash, Egg+ Avacado on Toast... eating clean is much easier than I thought it would be! I've been inspired by two books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Detox-Recipes-Promote-Naturally-ebook/dp/B00NDTV9J6">Everyday Detox</a> & 1<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EHGIXXY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1">00 Days of Real Food</a>. The recipes are SO DELICIOUS and easy! Makes eating at home so much healthier. And when I eat out, I'm not strict with myself about eating all "clean" food... but I aim to make better food choices such as portion control, not adding all the "extras", and opting for some better alternatives. I believe that health is largely driven by what we eat and as long as I'm eating quite healthy approx. 80% of the time, I believe I'm making good decisions for my body. <br />
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To <b>measure</b> and motivate myself, I write down on each day in my planner a score out of 5 as I'll approx. be eating 4-5 small meals a day.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Resolution #3: Be more creative</span></u></b></div>
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I have not been nearly as good about keeping up with my hobbies of crafting/sewing/drawing/etc. I keep making excuses for myself about time, not being inspired, etc. Sometimes you just gotta do it. To help motivate myself I bought some new fabric recently (excited for them to arrive!) and have come up with a new space set-up. There isn't a great place for me to sew where I don't HAVE to clean it up sometime that day (i.e. kitchen table). I also have limited space in my apartment (or I just have too much stuff). Recently I purchased the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70290223/">IKEA Norden Gateleg</a> table. It's sold as a dining table that folds away but I felt it was perfect to put along the wall, and then set up to have a lot of space for all sorts of creative endeavors! It does not come with casters which is something I really wanted to be able to move it around with ease without damaging either the table or the floor. My boyfriend helped with that and installed some 2" casters (4 of them have brakes so they don't roll around) and now I have a great craft table!</div>
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To <b>measure</b>: I've made goals to have at least a certain # of hours each month on crafts, to increase a bit over time and at least be maintained.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Resolution #3: Live a more Simple Life</span></u></b></div>
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Gosh...I'm pretty bad about this...which is ridiculous to me. In my mind, I spend way too much money and have way too much stuff. I've set goals to reduce my expenses by a certain percentage each month (Thanks to <a href="https://www.mint.com/">Mint</a> app for helping me keep track!). I've also started reading Marie Kondo's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KK0PICK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1">The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing</a>. </div>
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Yes, I am WAY LATE to this...I just wasn't ready...I'm still not sure I'm ready. I'm a bit intimidated to apply her methods of really committing to taking everything out category by category, and going through them and keeping ONLY items that "spark joy". I do not agree with everything she says so far in the book, but that may also because I have not committed to applying her methods (yet?). Although, I wouldn't go as far as to say all items have potential to "spark joy" in me, I do agree that keeping things I only feel "okay" about doesn't make me feel great about my surroundings. She talks about how having things (fewer things) that really fit us and please us naturally promotes tidiness. I really see this with my living room where I only have furniture that I REALLY like/love. They're investment pieces and are a lot more expensive that I felt comfortable spending, but my living room feels so put together, tidy, comfortable, and cozy. I'm not <b>actively</b> putting much effort to maintaining tidiness in this space...It just happens. </div>
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Over the past few weeks I've been pulling out items all around my home that I just either feel meh about, only kept "just in case I need it" but I've had for years, duplicates of items, things that I want to upgrade to investment-quality pieces... and have been donating them. I don't know why I was keeping this stuff around...because I feel so much more free now. My closet feels less chaotic, my space feels like there is so much more air (weird, I know). Maybe I'll find myself really applying the KonMarie method sometime in 2016...but for now, purging things I don't really like/love, and only keeping and investing in great quality items... already feels better. I just need to keep myself in check and prevent this from completely going against my goals of being financially more responsible... A good problem to have.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Final thoughts</span></u></b></div>
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I believe that some real changes will be made this year... and it'll take incorporating better habits in my daily life. Outside of those official New Years Resolutions... I want to be a better person.</div>
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<b><i>"If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done"</i></b> </div>
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I have no idea where that quote really comes from but it's a perspective I have not consciously held before.</div>
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I want to be more...</div>
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Understanding, Spontaneous, Kind, Supportive, Encouraging, Appreciative, Confident, Accepting, Trusting, Resilient, Happy, Bold, Selfless, Caring towards myself, Tenacious, Genuine, ...</div>
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I don't want my fear of "what might happen" to prevent me from being my best self and having my best life. I don't want to be content with just being content, I want more out of life, I want to pursue happiness and adventure...I want to chase life. Hello, 2016! Hello to a better me :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-49723098198160949902016-01-05T18:50:00.001-05:002016-01-05T18:50:28.617-05:00Project LifeHappy New Year! <br />
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I've been feeling extra nostalgic lately...I suppose now that I'm a year older, I have a little more years to be nostalgic about. Sometimes this nostalgia turns into feeling a bit blue and during these cold winter months I believe it's important to make more of a conscious effort to be happier and brighter.<br />
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The weekend after Christmas, Josh & I drove up to Illinois to visit his grandparents. I always enjoy these visits because they are such lovely people and have lived so much (not just with age) and have so many stories to tell about their past, their family's past... they have so many documented memories. It's such a joy hearing them tell these stories, show me the many, many albums... walk through nearly every photo...<br />
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I want that for myself too. Compared to them, and probably my parents generation included... my life is so full of "instant" documentation. Social media, smartphones... instagram... it takes such little effort to just snap a photo and it's done. To go through these memories I have to take out my phone (I am way too attached to it) or laptop to scroll through photos. This is adding to the excessive screen time that is already a part of my life (from work, from keeping in touch with friends and family, pinterest, netflix...television...). It feels so much less personal when I go through these photos, it feels less tangible and I don't necessarily feel as much joy from looking through them as I think I should. 20 years from now, will I really want to rely on these photos to reflect back on? Not really. I want to feel that personal connection. I want to someday show my future children something tangible and personal.<br />
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Traditional scrapbooking is daunting. I don't "think" I have enough time to go through all that cutting and pasting. I've done it before and was REALLY into it for the first hour or two, getting very intricate and detailed with stickers, nice writing, paper cut-outs, etc. A few more hours in I was getting really worn out. It was taking so long to see enough results to motivate me further and towards the end my work was looking more haphazard and minimalist... not cute anymore.<br />
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That's why I decided to get into <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/project-life/">ProjectLife</a> by Becky Higgins. Print some photos, order photo album layouts and pre-designed decorated cards for accents & notes... and voila! Documented memories, with a personalized touch ... and in a snap!<br />
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I ordered a 12x12 album, a large set of album pocket sheets, and a core kit (the design cards) from the website. I bought some more decorative items from Hobby Lobby and picked up some bits from Wal-Mart. I didn't realize this stuff is sold everywhere!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPkrI5Qpr31tpnqjFHwqAthalyywTQPObsbH0GOHU_3jROuCfhlDE00OKYJApJ44gxJUVCyw_o13hwV1wBIszoi5_XqoJDbSAU_B34Nd28n1MtqRYO2UnIZSOIUIZK7lgJp4imSaiOLrn/s1600/ProjectLife_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPkrI5Qpr31tpnqjFHwqAthalyywTQPObsbH0GOHU_3jROuCfhlDE00OKYJApJ44gxJUVCyw_o13hwV1wBIszoi5_XqoJDbSAU_B34Nd28n1MtqRYO2UnIZSOIUIZK7lgJp4imSaiOLrn/s1600/ProjectLife_2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrlXfRn6Lo7Mng2m16d_S8W4U1RmWvolvY05OMiIIuvjbZfi2s9ZTlrmE-MiCyo7z8pqtHdSQyH3Oo8K1zL5-l8x2K9dFQLCTqlxfaa9NijF27CnXK6BXQylTv2YirWLA6YVT6nQARqOV/s1600/ProjectLife_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrlXfRn6Lo7Mng2m16d_S8W4U1RmWvolvY05OMiIIuvjbZfi2s9ZTlrmE-MiCyo7z8pqtHdSQyH3Oo8K1zL5-l8x2K9dFQLCTqlxfaa9NijF27CnXK6BXQylTv2YirWLA6YVT6nQARqOV/s1600/ProjectLife_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I printed out a ton of photos after I organized them by year ... So far, it's been really enjoyable and I'm excited to continue filling out my album!</div>
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Here's to a happy, healthy, and memorable 2016!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-81657341367076111322015-12-09T20:08:00.001-05:002015-12-09T20:08:40.857-05:00Festive and Cozy DIY for Christmas<br />
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I wasn't feeling very festive when December first began, even though I had already started purchasing presents. Christmas shopping was festive activity #1.<br />
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Festive Activity #2 was brought on after visiting with a friend where they celebrated Christmas early (day before Thanksgiving) as that was the only time until 2016 that my friend (& his new wife) and his brother would be home. We helped decorate a beautiful Christmas tree with some Christmas Pandora in the background. This led me to start searching around for a tree. As much as I like real trees I wanted an artificial tree because it is reusable and can be pre lit! Even though it is pre lit I didn't want to sacrifice allll authenticity. I scoured the internet for realistic looking artificial trees that weren't too big, but I couldn't bring myself to purchase any of them because I couldn't see them in person and I wasn't convinced they'd look as real as I'd hope for. One evening, wandering Menards with the boy as he was looking for some home improvement related things I stumbled upon this tree and just knew it was it. It's the 5' pre lit Carson Pine tree. I sought it out because it looked the most real, yet I don't think a Carson Pine is an actual type of pine tree... heh. Festive Activity #3 Accomplished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCovuRsiBch4vAH4AFGFYGkSBGYSl9Tyk5khOyG9OBf-H43e1zeoA4tVlZUElltjKem9-rQLgi2l7FfG8YVDQGSkgdXHmO9XjAkdrC7uIZouEym9xBQ-VDRxNyY_EeqcNAv5n-bqW9Ep0/s1600/ChristmasTree_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCovuRsiBch4vAH4AFGFYGkSBGYSl9Tyk5khOyG9OBf-H43e1zeoA4tVlZUElltjKem9-rQLgi2l7FfG8YVDQGSkgdXHmO9XjAkdrC7uIZouEym9xBQ-VDRxNyY_EeqcNAv5n-bqW9Ep0/s400/ChristmasTree_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was rummaging through my craft-closet and found some remnant of some buffalo plaid flannel that I originally purchased to sew a dog-bed cover for the puppy dog. <br />
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Festive Activity #4:<br />
I drew out a star and cut out pieces of the flannel and sewed them inside out (with one small section not sewn), flipped them right side out ... stuffed the stars with pieces of fleece, inserted some tied up red yarn to hang the stars with, and sewed it up! I was on such a roll because I could hand sew these on the couch and still be able to watch some Netflix (Highly recommend the show "The time in between" which is based on a novel of the same name. It's in Spanish with english subtitles, but it is such a good show once you get about 2 episodes in...a seamstress...espionage... what's not to love?).<br />
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Once I covered the tree in the red/black stars I wanted to continue with a cozy theme, like sitting by a fireplace. I had trouble finding copper/rose-gold tinsel/garland as gold and silver just weren't "warm" enough for my taste. I found some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130632522/metallic-tinsel-roping-25-feet-copper">great tinsel roping</a> on Etsy from the shop : AllTheMakings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQgQoJKFq-yr6GHnLmMBWGiIO3Qn99Iac2uF1PvgIyN0u5wf_z7efvOtrxBMHG0T6sJ1szcHxQMzQBevN5UUh7xfej_9IWIjhmfh0zjQGYm8P4UKL5bG9ksZnCuBqQMxi246i13wqawuK/s1600/Copper_Tinsel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQgQoJKFq-yr6GHnLmMBWGiIO3Qn99Iac2uF1PvgIyN0u5wf_z7efvOtrxBMHG0T6sJ1szcHxQMzQBevN5UUh7xfej_9IWIjhmfh0zjQGYm8P4UKL5bG9ksZnCuBqQMxi246i13wqawuK/s400/Copper_Tinsel_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8_OP14YxXyhP-r7DRDb18bYyvVAm9KqFCZwGQlPAIHkDBw0V01AASzHvvrAntksZsP90Ugoz8akrM4hEaP-SleRRqygYqkG_qScoNj5FBMDGfHl5iUX8QXI3_4hoe2nDofPVMLwYm2E6/s1600/Christmas_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8_OP14YxXyhP-r7DRDb18bYyvVAm9KqFCZwGQlPAIHkDBw0V01AASzHvvrAntksZsP90Ugoz8akrM4hEaP-SleRRqygYqkG_qScoNj5FBMDGfHl5iUX8QXI3_4hoe2nDofPVMLwYm2E6/s400/Christmas_tree.jpg" /></a></div>
Decorated tree with the extra tinsel on the tv stand! Living room was feeling pretty cozy... now I just needed to really feel it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpiQlf3pGtbcC2bQ-FHFMU3IJDnQ2GZH8IppYAOGcOA7Iy_W8MK56jZ6QtVNpDkTjgO0GHVJAfhe7O2t8zYQzYfPiTaBfMf7FehUXu8M9Zz8qGeApTgPSbeKpUs2rHGs_Rd_6Qi6HbxcY/s1600/Braided_Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpiQlf3pGtbcC2bQ-FHFMU3IJDnQ2GZH8IppYAOGcOA7Iy_W8MK56jZ6QtVNpDkTjgO0GHVJAfhe7O2t8zYQzYfPiTaBfMf7FehUXu8M9Zz8qGeApTgPSbeKpUs2rHGs_Rd_6Qi6HbxcY/s400/Braided_Blanket.jpg" /></a></div>
Festive Activity #5: I found some more fleece that I had ordered last year and wanted to make a super warm and comfy blanket. I used the tutorial here for a <a href="http://elementalcarbon.blogspot.com/2012/06/fleece-blanket-with-crocheted-edge_24.html">braided version</a> of layering two fleece pieces.<br />
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It may not look very wintery outside, but I can still make the inside of my home all ready for winter and Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-90100166208786889122015-10-12T21:36:00.001-04:002015-10-13T14:27:49.677-04:00Crafting Calm: Wool Giraffe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQAMN5u4aZ8Hc7J70jwglOHNiH_Mx3QGAMh3ItmTAUrR5BxVKoGyG9PIiIFEJb5g_lmxWy-Xq8tz-9jKHCPlbS1F_SheBaO6cHsFohwk-BwmE-7vg8offXJ2EXjFmMHzusR5vA8c3AoMH/s1600/DSC01784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQAMN5u4aZ8Hc7J70jwglOHNiH_Mx3QGAMh3ItmTAUrR5BxVKoGyG9PIiIFEJb5g_lmxWy-Xq8tz-9jKHCPlbS1F_SheBaO6cHsFohwk-BwmE-7vg8offXJ2EXjFmMHzusR5vA8c3AoMH/s320/DSC01784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's already fall and I have not pursued this hobby of creativity nearly as much as I should have. I haven't completely neglected creative pursuits, but today I decided it was about time I did something to energize myself a little. There haven't been any projects that inspired me and that is probably because a lot of the projects I pursue serve a practical purpose as well.</div>
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A few weeks ago I caught up with some good friends at a nearby dairy farm for brunch and coincidentally (or maybe it was fate) there was a free wool festival going on at that location. First of all, I didn't even know wool festivals were even a thing. Second of all, sheep are so cute!</div>
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We had a wonderful time wandering around the tents, exploring the crafty offerings. I didn't know there was such a wide variety of wool.</div>
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We were completely taken by these Angora bunnies. They were incredibly soft, curious, and adorable! Bunnies were the highlight of the wool festival.</div>
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Since that little excursion I've been thinking about all the wool-y cuteness and remembered that I had purchased a wool felting kit a long time ago (maybe a year ago?).</div>
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I've been under a lot of stress over the past couple of weeks and had been struggling to find sufficient calm in my life. Creativity is a good source of this calm because it requires focus without the anxiety.</div>
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I'm very pleased with this felting kit and I already feel so much more at ease.</div>
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Simple packaging</div>
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Contents of the box. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcUp6HJwVER-PQxb2XuSA1fNB_uoW8QsjRNIRmyYXXVd24sUzgQv0NcwkyPKyUU-3hlKKfECeek5Mb9GttYyKv1sATohzZp-PJyZijVH5lBw-fFt7lY0o3N86y5abYDmrVTLlPgPaGrFW/s1600/DSC01783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcUp6HJwVER-PQxb2XuSA1fNB_uoW8QsjRNIRmyYXXVd24sUzgQv0NcwkyPKyUU-3hlKKfECeek5Mb9GttYyKv1sATohzZp-PJyZijVH5lBw-fFt7lY0o3N86y5abYDmrVTLlPgPaGrFW/s320/DSC01783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When the contents were extracted, it looked more like the remains of a stuffed animal after encountering a dog.</div>
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The instructions were pretty helpful although there were details missing that might make it difficult if you follow the directions literally. At no point does the direction mention splitting the white wool meant for the body parts into the number of pieces (and their appropriate sizes) first.</div>
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I definitely recommend wool felting for an easy project, especially when you're in a "creative rut". I'd say that this project was pretty easy overall. Patience and good lighting (preferably natural/white light) is important because you don't want to poke yourself with the felting needle (pretty sharp) by accident and the white wool would be difficult to see in dim lighting.</div>
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I purchased my felting kit in a boutique in Louisville, but you can also purchase the <a href="http://woolbuddy.com/products/needle-felting-giraffe-kit">woolbuddy kit online at this link</a>.</div>
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Stay warm and cozy, everybody!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-69475158348801915512015-07-30T20:08:00.001-04:002015-07-30T20:08:55.123-04:00Sprucing up the ironing board and new apartment<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUCAusEPKiQzeCkit8kKrkWnmObNljYpP9W1RlJfs0Bjgmm2X7vx2y8jkf0fFbZLtUMpue962qGBfhyvi1fwqStZUwJ7r5dcDbrXk2zTwdQUOdKQLBVoR_1YoDbIMfHdKJD8VNNR6b-7_/s640/blogger-image-1047492817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It has been 7 weeks since I moved into my new apartment and it has gone by so quickly! Within two weeks I unpacked everything, got new furniture delivered, bought my first major appliances (washer and dryer) and have been adjusting to working from home! I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to move back to where I need to be and still pursue my career. This move has made me feel more like a "grown-up" which feels strange but I am trying to embrace this period of my life and everything that comes with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I haven't sewn much in sooooo long and part of it is because of all the transitioning, lack of motivation, and partly because I don't have a designated space to see at the moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It came to the point that the grungy ironing board that I have had for years was just an eyesore and was just really worn. This serves as the perfect opportunity to complete a quick project to hopefully get me motivated to sew again! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Took some nice cotton fabric and some cotton quilting batting and recovered the ironing board, secured with elastic looped through the sides and tied tight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUCAusEPKiQzeCkit8kKrkWnmObNljYpP9W1RlJfs0Bjgmm2X7vx2y8jkf0fFbZLtUMpue962qGBfhyvi1fwqStZUwJ7r5dcDbrXk2zTwdQUOdKQLBVoR_1YoDbIMfHdKJD8VNNR6b-7_/s640/blogger-image-1047492817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiPJ8ch3YQ-YocwIXPQRNSCUre_8qxyCTnK-Fpz5Ik5aFHWMte3mvJNDFnXa9H5wBKkTp2WK7AjGCGa-W-fHrSpTvTIh4ZZQf69-f7hTFMoJmrlIH2NyK2i6yxsQhHKPncKJ-3i93PILy/s640/blogger-image--1067680841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiPJ8ch3YQ-YocwIXPQRNSCUre_8qxyCTnK-Fpz5Ik5aFHWMte3mvJNDFnXa9H5wBKkTp2WK7AjGCGa-W-fHrSpTvTIh4ZZQf69-f7hTFMoJmrlIH2NyK2i6yxsQhHKPncKJ-3i93PILy/s640/blogger-image--1067680841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now the laundry room is a little more vibrant!</div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUCAusEPKiQzeCkit8kKrkWnmObNljYpP9W1RlJfs0Bjgmm2X7vx2y8jkf0fFbZLtUMpue962qGBfhyvi1fwqStZUwJ7r5dcDbrXk2zTwdQUOdKQLBVoR_1YoDbIMfHdKJD8VNNR6b-7_/s640/blogger-image-1047492817.jpg">Next steps... Come up with some project ideas and to find a convenient and small-space friendly sewing table!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-73408529777784667212014-12-07T15:14:00.001-05:002014-12-07T15:14:58.311-05:00Reversible Placemats: Christmas + Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsd7Nvo-Gx9xi_jcDS9LA3kl2Te9upJQ_IXDvRIcCPoJqlrNelP6511jF3xbYSnLmCsTfp6CylOrxbpwd4HsYEBUI9g2dg7Iz7P_YlZwG-jgyr6ZrghpH_C7Eh9A2J48b0T33qWbQFXEao/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsd7Nvo-Gx9xi_jcDS9LA3kl2Te9upJQ_IXDvRIcCPoJqlrNelP6511jF3xbYSnLmCsTfp6CylOrxbpwd4HsYEBUI9g2dg7Iz7P_YlZwG-jgyr6ZrghpH_C7Eh9A2J48b0T33qWbQFXEao/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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For Christmas I decided to make a few of the presents this year. It's only appropriate since I received my sewing machine last Christmas :).</div>
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<b>Materials</b>:</div>
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Light-weight iron on interfacing</div>
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Quilt batting</div>
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two types of fabric</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcUizqNwtQ3sc8QoumfzmguHr55tohwlNtBvWyzQdd-HI4JQkM3f7y_GACKO7CeOIdZiYen_d6fiYAmYPdL36i-mVg90C259ox41F2lA9pCDnPJPTw2LIMJtkImcjNlrPaAseiKgm_efH/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcUizqNwtQ3sc8QoumfzmguHr55tohwlNtBvWyzQdd-HI4JQkM3f7y_GACKO7CeOIdZiYen_d6fiYAmYPdL36i-mVg90C259ox41F2lA9pCDnPJPTw2LIMJtkImcjNlrPaAseiKgm_efH/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_1.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used some placemats I had on hand as a guide for the size of all interfacing and quilting which I ironed together. For the rest of the fabrics, they are much wider than the interfacing-quilting pieces as shown below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSJNjyhoDdqEK5nwsh39vkAUg3oPx1NlodQo2n2x6UqMQR1DqsUrIjKqJcjH32YH6c4lVoIE2lIK_0ZTGAauYrD2azKwjt7IXX84Hk9ixzcHDMEoUy9-vBr_VU6vF5CBmxiLrQYmluQt4/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSJNjyhoDdqEK5nwsh39vkAUg3oPx1NlodQo2n2x6UqMQR1DqsUrIjKqJcjH32YH6c4lVoIE2lIK_0ZTGAauYrD2azKwjt7IXX84Hk9ixzcHDMEoUy9-vBr_VU6vF5CBmxiLrQYmluQt4/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_2.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first fabric is sewed to the interfacing-quilting piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq2N05AtpmQgJhpa8ntYwnj7-zH0SkJowUNmBt7yfO5VzTJugdDHmJnKnAoC9WzTmJ6itofPkTDhw9WP5JscNZEd2N9fVDNT_XbHd3RaPBPzidj9QQr3__b6a5S5oY3eQ7kvMWNdJVAOs/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq2N05AtpmQgJhpa8ntYwnj7-zH0SkJowUNmBt7yfO5VzTJugdDHmJnKnAoC9WzTmJ6itofPkTDhw9WP5JscNZEd2N9fVDNT_XbHd3RaPBPzidj9QQr3__b6a5S5oY3eQ7kvMWNdJVAOs/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_3.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trim a bit of the fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe2Y54ehtEL8idm3K77GuD88_BHGDvoUdzXnmp2sTY2egXn7jlnHAK5f-bXN4zEHvaSYCUqDp5xGcm0cJs_bjzs4NUnuosHp_puyyPUVbhWTQ46mtgdjqF_dcOIeIv4ZxbbLp4nvWax04/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_Machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe2Y54ehtEL8idm3K77GuD88_BHGDvoUdzXnmp2sTY2egXn7jlnHAK5f-bXN4zEHvaSYCUqDp5xGcm0cJs_bjzs4NUnuosHp_puyyPUVbhWTQ46mtgdjqF_dcOIeIv4ZxbbLp4nvWax04/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_Machine.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sew the other fabric clipped to the other side with the edges folded in.</div>
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Voila! Quick and simple :). I think this will be really nice through winter with the plaid side perfect for the holidays.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidM5rJQxt4EtZvni474Qd1-9Z4iqHF8tCILv3juwXwHEQalHtV-vdvrrty9FhZrj_pirZ-icBZbKcUtspV-UPnsTXAS_SwGzpXVW_YqZwAiMf9qvAl2yZbaTpSn6ZtE4PrkttVGQ9ajyG/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidM5rJQxt4EtZvni474Qd1-9Z4iqHF8tCILv3juwXwHEQalHtV-vdvrrty9FhZrj_pirZ-icBZbKcUtspV-UPnsTXAS_SwGzpXVW_YqZwAiMf9qvAl2yZbaTpSn6ZtE4PrkttVGQ9ajyG/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_4.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-JPAUv2yPlfFKA1qLRuh-60UAIzSYZQ46nVp02qZ6FWLhbamBqTYSy3HL8XfZs06MLdGOOEZzBuOTGs-7Zz2o6Rvmo1LZQ0ZbRmQtrml4hGtSSAuxSryPrdINfb4fF_N0Ktac68mxX0I/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-JPAUv2yPlfFKA1qLRuh-60UAIzSYZQ46nVp02qZ6FWLhbamBqTYSy3HL8XfZs06MLdGOOEZzBuOTGs-7Zz2o6Rvmo1LZQ0ZbRmQtrml4hGtSSAuxSryPrdINfb4fF_N0Ktac68mxX0I/s1600/Christmas_Placemats_5.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-48816269155184914542014-09-29T19:57:00.001-04:002014-09-29T20:04:26.078-04:00Staying comfortable through a cold<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/staying_comfortable_through_cold/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=136183515" target="_blank"><img force="1" border="0" height="851" title="Staying comfortable through a cold" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/xK5sojaDxf5BLVXqMibZdA/cid/136183515/id/dul5XzRI5BGctUP0qmAFrA/size/c600x851.jpg" alt="Staying comfortable through a cold" width="600"></a></div></div><br><div style="text-align:center"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/staying_comfortable_through_cold/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=136183515" target="_blank">Staying comfortable through a cold</a> by Feier </small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small><br></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small>I've been feeling a bit poorly for a few days and am very glad that I took today off. I realize that is a luxury to be able to take days off here and there so I took advantage of the day to take care of myself.</small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small><br></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small>These are the items that have made the few days much more tolerable. I've been drinking a lot of Ginger tea, consuming a lot of chicken noodle soup and vitamins... And winding down with a shower that clears me up. This shower gel by kiss my face for cold and flu is awesome, it feels luxurious, refreshing, and helps clear up my sinuses without resulting me in walking around smelling too much like Christmas peppermint.</small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small><br></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small>I think my body is telling me that I need to be less stressed, take better care of myself, and just chill. </small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small><br></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small>I'll get back to my hobbies asap! The past few weeks have been a bit stressful and the next few will be as well with a good deal of traveling so I won't be around to sew and craft, sigh. </small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small><br></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><small>Anyway, hope all is well with the world and that everybody is healthy! If you're sick, maybe some of these items will make it more comfortable and maybe enjoyable! </small></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-4509259583270760462014-08-24T15:12:00.001-04:002014-08-24T15:12:46.477-04:00Quick and easy plastic bag holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SVX9lSrDuloeWXYSOa__RoHL9el1vTkRcvrKONHifbPsVVKDFHKk7_iMVzMBwRguvT9wdjNseosTkB2-MdUU_kqH_4THU73l5wtmtG5aKBuOT66kpH9QOWCiIIY-1XnnugBW4NBSjSvF/s640/blogger-image--281183436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SVX9lSrDuloeWXYSOa__RoHL9el1vTkRcvrKONHifbPsVVKDFHKk7_iMVzMBwRguvT9wdjNseosTkB2-MdUU_kqH_4THU73l5wtmtG5aKBuOT66kpH9QOWCiIIY-1XnnugBW4NBSjSvF/s640/blogger-image--281183436.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I haven't sewn anything in quite some time... Pretty much since I sewed my thumb by accident (it's all better now!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As of late I've been thinking about how there are a lot of things I used to do that I don't really do anymore and it is making me feel less lively and a bit blah. I find that when I am a little down or unmotivated that doing something quick and easy makes me feel more positive about everything. I have a collection of plastic bags from grocery shopping (I should remember to bring my own bags) and I've been meaning to make a plastic bag holder. This took maybe half an hour and I think it's very pleasant to look at. It is super easy to make as it is just a tube with one end scrunched up with elastic and a handle on the other end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Little things make the day a lot better :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-58813133315319282532014-07-21T18:44:00.001-04:002014-07-21T18:44:31.009-04:00Lay-N-Go Cosmo: Travel Make-Up Organizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj4oKk5DJxmujWW8a6_GF6dAb3L-Nx9gjGAZpDLggf_sbmPQCGBa38Ak2Tgma0JU6Q5MBTMVoKgiLDpx-3fOrV-3x_T8rQi3DVPXKP2lhYTkBFeJIjzRg8f6YthyYc8PdBmvrFdNiLYqO/s1600/LAY_N_GO_MAKEUP_21JUL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj4oKk5DJxmujWW8a6_GF6dAb3L-Nx9gjGAZpDLggf_sbmPQCGBa38Ak2Tgma0JU6Q5MBTMVoKgiLDpx-3fOrV-3x_T8rQi3DVPXKP2lhYTkBFeJIjzRg8f6YthyYc8PdBmvrFdNiLYqO/s1600/LAY_N_GO_MAKEUP_21JUL2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I travel a lot. That's not saying I'm taking vacations or anything, but I do live what feels like a double life going back and forth between Ohio and Kentucky. Josh and I take turns doing the weekend drive back and forth, with the dog living in two states.</div>
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Maybe I carry more products than I should with me, but I do like to be prepared to look nice. It is a bit of a hassle to keep things tidy, to pack things in a pack... unpack, re-pack... then there's the fear of make-up falling rolling all over the place and onto the floor.</div>
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I first came upon this product a few years ago, but originally I saw the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lay-n-Go-Original-Activity-Mat-Green/dp/B007BPJTOU">Lay-n-Go Activity Mat</a> for kids and their toys. </div>
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Then I discovered the same concept for make-up and purchased the L<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lay-n-Go-Cosmo-Cosmetic-Bag-Black/dp/B00B04V3PQ">ay-n-Go Cosmo Bag</a> to accompany me on the many weekend trips (and hopefully an actual vaca soon?).</div>
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I keep my favorite make-up essentials in it, as well as some jewelry. It is incredibly convenient, cute, and keeps everything nice and tidy. It just takes 1-second to cinch it up and be on my way! Perfect for on the go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn1TzQElqIT1ErFVWn-079YoZyBuWe-bD6AC3r8ziIKO0zJpkdUs02LFneiBcbdkfbHFf39J3C2hXY6wcTD7l8dzbykTmMjnzGCNWHQVIusqvAIQKE3p_K4DewZdMV5Bd7E-wnZ650I-y/s1600/LAY_N_GO_3_21JUL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn1TzQElqIT1ErFVWn-079YoZyBuWe-bD6AC3r8ziIKO0zJpkdUs02LFneiBcbdkfbHFf39J3C2hXY6wcTD7l8dzbykTmMjnzGCNWHQVIusqvAIQKE3p_K4DewZdMV5Bd7E-wnZ650I-y/s1600/LAY_N_GO_3_21JUL2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bag cinches up and has a little handle to carry it around with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4hpmv-66s_h9uIMNwBBTa_zHF2BU9RxRBtrq1TO7goeXs6iIWjTpg41wk3ukUzDMctTLAuCDaISlGWXCcGAAaodWUHKX_1WlVKJIt7FK0dEwznlF5qiCE1czEoFIr-7yJHfBnq88ajCb/s1600/LAY_N_GO_MAKEUP_2_21JUL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4hpmv-66s_h9uIMNwBBTa_zHF2BU9RxRBtrq1TO7goeXs6iIWjTpg41wk3ukUzDMctTLAuCDaISlGWXCcGAAaodWUHKX_1WlVKJIt7FK0dEwznlF5qiCE1czEoFIr-7yJHfBnq88ajCb/s1600/LAY_N_GO_MAKEUP_2_21JUL2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bag even has a front little pocket! I'm not sure what it is for, so far I just put the little pouch the mat came with in it.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-51158530481109097892014-07-17T21:57:00.002-04:002014-07-17T21:57:22.128-04:00Seersucker Blouse & A Precautionary Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VEPD071biaYb4K2DuFQ8DhWUlNJJQpiw3kw_Z_lLIym3xLsSBbOnbRKz6yHYRlnM9DniV-NLi2U0VM6tQZq1X8l6bcxvtFBxGKlxUnicAO8haz2DA1xloTeUnG94CQ6rGUnv-RjLvyaV/s1600/Seersucker_Blouse_17JUL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VEPD071biaYb4K2DuFQ8DhWUlNJJQpiw3kw_Z_lLIym3xLsSBbOnbRKz6yHYRlnM9DniV-NLi2U0VM6tQZq1X8l6bcxvtFBxGKlxUnicAO8haz2DA1xloTeUnG94CQ6rGUnv-RjLvyaV/s1600/Seersucker_Blouse_17JUL2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally got around to sewing this shirt (and sewing in general). I used a Deer & Doe pattern, the same pattern that I used to sew a <a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/03/welcoming-spring-part-1.html">previous blouse</a> (that included a collar!).</div>
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I really like this lightweight seersucker fabric that I bought for my birthday with a fabric.com gift card that I received. This fabric is just right for a summer workday because it is hot and humid outside the building but very cold in the office. This is a good transitional temperature shirt with it being cute and comfortable to boot!</div>
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Blood and sweat literally went into this blouse. It is not a difficult blouse to sew actually but I did have my first sewing injury the evening I started sewing this.</div>
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I had finished the bodice and was on to sew the sleeves onto the shirt. I was not being as careful as I should be and was trying to sew closer to the edge.... then the machine ate my thumb.</div>
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My thumb was obviously too close because before long I had a broken sewing machine needle in completely through the top of my thumb. I swiftly got it out, cleaned up and rested. I'll spare you the details but I got paranoid that I didn't get it all out as it had broken in half so I went to the urgent care to get it x-rayed to make sure. Thankfully, I had an hour before the urgent care closed... also thankful that I have health insurance.</div>
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As I left, the receptionist was funny and called out "now you can get back to sewing!" to which I responded.... "maybe not today"</div>
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I did get back to it the next evening to finish the shirt though then wore it to work the next day. Thumb is still a little sore, but it's healing really well. I'm very fortunate it wasn't worse, which is why I urge you all to be very careful. Sewing can be very dangerous! There are a lot of sharp objects involved in this art.</div>
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Was the shirt worth it? I think it was certainly worth the lesson to be extra careful, and it turned out nice :)</div>
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Be safe and be happy, everybody!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-7980805755748944822014-06-19T18:07:00.003-04:002014-06-19T18:14:26.943-04:00Purse Essentials June 2014<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/purse_essentials_june_2014/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=125585591" target="_blank">Purse essentials June 2014</a> by <a href="http://feier-cheng.polyvore.com/?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">Feier</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/satchel_purse/shop?query=satchel+purse" target="_blank">satchel purse</a></small><br />
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I like to be prepared wherever I go yet I also don't like to carry large purses. Those are two conflicting wants in life so over time I've limited myself to a handful of items to keep in my purse. For my medium-sized purses I'll put a lot of these items (+ some other personal items) in a small pouch to keep my purse organized.<br />
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I recently purchased this <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Mini-Satchel-Bag-with-Scallop-Bar-Detail/12lv91/?iid=3761069&SearchQuery=asos%20satchel%20scallop&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Nude&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1NaW5pLVNhdGNoZWwtQmFnLXdpdGgtU2NhbGxvcC1CYXItRGV0YWlsL1Byb2Qv">Mini Satchel Bag with Scallop Bar Detail</a> purse from ASOS.com and I'm quite fond of it! It's not real leather but it has a nice feel to it, is not expensive, and is just darling.</div>
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Considering that I use my phone a lot for texting, browsing, calling, listening to music... my iPhone works pretty hard and sometimes runs out of juice. There are a lot of battery boosters out there available for our electronics, but I'm a big fan of how sleek and small this U<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Compact-Portable-Lipstick-Sized-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B00EET7UHE/">ltra Compact Portable Charger Lipstick Size by Anker</a> (in pink!) is!</div>
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Also, being that it is summer right now my face gets oily quicker and I don't want my make-up to be running off my face. I like to have oil blotting sheets with me like this <a href="http://www.sephora.com/green-tea-blotting-linens-P61217">Boscia</a> one. To freshen up on the go I like having this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/La-Fresh-Instant-Smoother-Wipes/dp/B00EEBEPUC">Instant Body Smoother by LA Fresh </a>handy.</div>
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I wash my hands a lot, or use hand sanitizer (one of my essentials!) if necessary. Washing my hands a lot results in some dry hands, dry cuticles... I really like having <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rosebud-Salve-Tin-8-Ounce/dp/B009I4PRI4/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1403215119&sr=1-1&keywords=rosebud+salve">Rosebud Salve</a> with me because it is good for moisturizing my skin, my nails, and work like a lip balm! Speaking to dry cuticles and such, my nails have been getting hang nails and chipping more recently lately so I like to have mini nail clipper/file/poker with me at all times as well! It is really miserable for hang nails to be pulled out by accident by being caught on things like clothes. I'm a big fan of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-4073-r-Nail-Rescue-Kit/dp/B002HK2H1G">Tweezerman Nail Rescue Kit </a>because it really does rescue my hands!</div>
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Band-aids & Re-wetting drops because I'm a contact lens wearer is always helpful as well! My shoes tend to rub on the backs of my heels so I like to have band-aids handy to protect my feet. Re-wetting drops for contact lenses is a no brainer for me, because my vision is so horrible. If I got stranded somewhere with no contacts or glasses I don't even think I could get myself home. I like to minimize that likelihood by keeping my contacts moist and I keep extra pair of glasses in the glovebox of my car.<br />
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You never know what happens when you're out and about... enjoy lunch but splatter some sauce on yourself? Spill coffee? ... I have a lot of clothes that happen to be white/light colored so having <b>Shout Wipes</b> with me is so practical not only for myself but other people I'm around (accidents apparently don't only happen to me ;-)). I actually like them a lot more than tide pens even though each wipe doesn't go nearly as far. Even so, I find them to do a much cleaner job which is the point of having touch up cleaning on the go.</div>
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Last two items: <b>Stationary</b>.</div>
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I Love Collecting Stationary. I Love Colored Pens. I have multiple sets of colored pens. My favorite is actually the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Retractable-Ballpoint-1781564/dp/B004U9TEEA">Paper Mate's Inkjoys</a> + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-color-334SB10/dp/B000RMS238">Staedtler Fineliner</a> Pens because they both write so smooth. As much as I love those pens, they are rather large. For my purses, when I feel like carrying stationary with me I like to have these mini <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013N9HZW/">Stabilo's</a> with me along with a small notebook.</div>
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Yes, all of these things are teeny and purse friendly! There's something so satisfying with being prepared for the day, especially when the items are so cute and small.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-25736624573492603642014-06-19T09:32:00.001-04:002014-06-23T21:33:24.017-04:00Closet Oranization June 2014<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/closet_organization_2014/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=125587350" target="_blank"><img force="1" border="0" height="550" title="Closet organization 2014" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qaTYFVTwW6eMdQ1VnQMoLg/cid/125587350/id/jGuGNLb34xGHkdSlDXURzQ/size/c600x550.jpg" alt="Closet organization 2014" width="600"></a></div></div><br><div style="text-align:center"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/closet_organization_2014/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=125587350" target="_blank">Closet organization 2014</a> by <a href="http://feier-cheng.polyvore.com/?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">feier</a>on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small></div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">My closet is starting to get out of control and I have no good excuse for it. It's a very large walk in closet and I just shove everything in there even if they're not clothes/accessories. There are things hanging on the back of the door, bags piled on each other, shoes still in boxes taking up room unworn because I don't notice them in their box... </div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">It really is not making good use of space.</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">It is really the multi-purpose closet because the coat closet is so tiny it barely fits my vacuum and a few jackets. I want to de clutter my apartment better. Just because things fit in the closet does not mean they should look like that in there, hah.</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">I bought thin hangers in the past but I still have a lot of thicker plastic ones which would be better served playing role of impromptu drying racks. I'm also accumulating skirts and like them to be hung up because I won't notice them to wear them otherwise... Same goes to pants hence I have extra pant hangers on my list for organizing my closet.</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">I'm curious about how the purse/shoe hanger will actually work out on my closet because I'm worried it will squash purses too much or shoes won't fit in it right.</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">One of my favorites on this list that I have yet to purchase is the hanging coupler thing that allows me to hang two sets of clothes in the same space.</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">I missed the wagon for spring cleaning but it's never too late!</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">Happy summer!</div><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><div style="text-align:center">Time to make room for the summer wardrobe :)</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-83641570857256578782014-06-18T18:38:00.000-04:002014-06-18T18:38:04.411-04:00June 2014 Everyday Favorites<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/june_2014_everyday_favorites/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=125528434" target="_blank"><img alt="June 2014 Everyday Favorites" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/fLTI1XpI7GH9hmawyYQ/cid/125528434/id/GMI8JzX34xGZD53TSLYPRA/size/c600x506.jpg" force="1" height="506" title="June 2014 Everyday Favorites" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/june_2014_everyday_favorites/set?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger&id=125528434" target="_blank">June 2014 Everyday Favorites</a> by <a href="http://feier-cheng.polyvore.com/?.embedder=10000544&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">Feier</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/soap_&_glory/shop?brand=Soap+%26+Glory" target="_blank">Soap & Glory</a></small><br />
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There are so many skincare and beauty products out there and although there seems to be an endless list of recommendations out on the internet, the reality is that everybody's skin is different as well as their preferences. Over the years I've tried a bunch of products and as soon as I've figured out a slimmed down list of products I love, either my skin or style changes. Sometimes, that also changes with the season given the humidity, heat, allergens, level of activity... etc.<br />
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These are my current favorites for the days of sun, heat, and humidity!<br />
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<b>Diorskin Nude BB Cream</b> -- A few months back I was at Sephora and attained many small sample sizes of foundation products. I wanted something that looked natural, worked with my skin, and gave me some SPF protection... Essentially the point of a BB Cream. This is not the same as original BB Creams out of Asia as this BB cream (and most in the United States) is more like a nice tinted moisturizer. I love how it looks on my face and how nicely it blends in. It's a bit on the pricy side so maybe next time I'll try out a Jouer tinted moisturizer as I have heard lots of good things about it.</div>
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<b>Ole Henriksen Blue Black Berry Enzyme Facial Mask</b> -- This humidity has not been particularly kind to my skin which is not intuitive to me at all. One would think that because the air is not dry that the skin would not be flakey. This weather has been making my skin more unpredictable and prone to break-outs and in combination with make-up, my skin has not been nearly as smooth. This Enzyme Facial mask is great! It doesn't look crazy on my face because it is clear, it's not abrasive, and it makes my skin feel wonderful and new.</div>
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<b>NARS Foreplay blush/highlighter palette</b> -- I just love the colors in this palette and it is perfect for on the go! It makes it easy to change up looks without having to pull out a bunch of blushes. Also, the color is very pigmented with good staying power which is especially good in the summer when it feels like makeup is prone to just melting off.</div>
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<b>Lioele Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Gray </b>-- Most eyebrow pencils I find in any store just don't really go with my eyebrows. I have black hair and typically eyebrow products are either for blondes or brunettes. A lot of the other more black/gray products I've found in stores have been too dramatic/startling on my face. This product is buildable and looks super natural on me. This pencil also comes in other colors!</div>
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<b>Urban Decay Cannonball Mascara</b> -- This mascara works so well and is so waterproof! Eye makeup tends to run on me even if it is labeled waterproof but this mascara is great. It also looks very natural, has good curling power, really lengthens my lashes and opens up my eyes!</div>
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<b>Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus</b> -- I am such a fan of bright colors! This is as bold as I feel comfortable with for wearing to work as well as out and about. It's bold red with a hint of orange to give it some real warmth. This is so hydrating and fun!</div>
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<b>L'Oreal Clean Artiste Makeup Corrector Pen</b> -- As I alluded to above, my eye makeup tends to run on me, especially eyeliner. To combat with this problem on the go, I really love this makeup correcter/remover pen to clean up my makeup! It's like tide pen but safe for my face :).</div>
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<b>Urban Decay All Nighter in Perversion</b> -- I love this <i>waterproof</i> eyeliner because it doesn't need to be sharpened, glides on so velvety, and has such an intense color.</div>
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<b>Real Technique Expert Face Brush & Blush Brush</b> -- I love how airbrushed my makeup looks with these brushes AND I love their price! Each is under $10 and I like it much more than my other much more expensive brushes right now.</div>
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<b>Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix</b> -- So I got a tiny sample size version of this with my Sephora VIB points. I had a few large spots on my chin (from the heat/makeup/stress?) that were bothering me and I dabbed some on... in a few hours they were smaller and by the next day they were gone! Definitely keeping this around.</div>
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<b>Soap and Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel & The Righteous Butter Lotion</b> -- I am such a fan of this line of products because I'm not sensitive to it, it smells amazing, and my skin feels so luxurious afterwards. It makes showering feel like a pamper evening, every day. Sometimes I think maybe I'm living in the wrong country because I am drawn to so many products and fashion out of the UK.</div>
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<b>ASOS.COM</b> is going to be the end of me...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-70475570687773203162014-06-16T19:34:00.000-04:002014-06-16T19:34:14.423-04:00Aiming for Mint Green Skirt (Chardon Pattern)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I've been away from my sewing machine for much too long! May was much more busy than I would have expected. This project took longer than expected... not because it was difficult because I could have completed it in two evenings... but I did appropriately complete it this past Friday which was National Sewing Machine day! my Juki and I bonded.</div>
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I love that my friends know me so well! So the fabric from this skirt was purchased with a fabric.com gift card I received from one of my friends. </div>
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<a href="https://d2d00szk9na1qq.cloudfront.net/Product/31e94f85-2618-4a75-ac96-b40d8f5ea16b/Images/Large_0343444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d2d00szk9na1qq.cloudfront.net/Product/31e94f85-2618-4a75-ac96-b40d8f5ea16b/Images/Large_0343444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0343444/premier-prints-arrow-twill-mint">Twill Premier Prints Arrow Twill</a></div>
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This dress is sewn with a Deer&Doe pattern for the Chardon skirt. I made this previously and blogged about it in a previous post which features some tutorial-photos <<a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/03/blue-on-blue-chardon-skirt.html">here</a>>.</div>
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I am quite happy with how this turned out! If I had thought of it, I would have taken photos while I was wearing this out and about at a local winery... maybe next time... I at least took a selfie at home though, but by then it was dark outside.</div>
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What should I work on next? oh the options...</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-90872455478685332572014-05-04T16:26:00.001-04:002014-05-04T16:26:29.661-04:00First Kentucky Derby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my besties drove down from Columbus to spend the weekend with me and we had quite a blast!</div>
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She drove in on Friday night and our first Derby-related excursion was to go check out the garland that is made by the florists at one of our local Krogers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzRS4tGsFINyihcG2QTh26Rr6aQJqXdiz0IreZwHoBMdeVyzcRr0DNlfg2lmrY9yl4dTwXSlnLJyz2u8U7GHPeuKW0ebSZfVesi4YhlNG9jsQIeyeet_VEgUAUGUeEbK09psk1DmX5A3O/s1600/Derby_Garland_2MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzRS4tGsFINyihcG2QTh26Rr6aQJqXdiz0IreZwHoBMdeVyzcRr0DNlfg2lmrY9yl4dTwXSlnLJyz2u8U7GHPeuKW0ebSZfVesi4YhlNG9jsQIeyeet_VEgUAUGUeEbK09psk1DmX5A3O/s1600/Derby_Garland_2MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's amazing, they hand pick every single rose, and then hand sew every rose onto the fabric that has preservative water in between. There are 540 roses in the garland and my friend and I got little keepsakes of rose petals from these roses. We got to take a little bit of derby home with us on Friday.</div>
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The Paddocks:</div>
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These drinks are delicious, Lily's are the official Oaks (Friday before Derby) drinks and they are just... yes, too good. They also come with keepsake glasses each time, so we accumulated a few glasses during the day.</div>
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One of the fun hats at derby... flamingos. There were just so many fun hats that range from really elaborate to absolutely absurd/zany.</div>
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These are photos before the first race of the day (Derby was Race 11 so no way were we able to find room to be able to see them come out with the crowds in the way).</div>
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Then we moved on to the Infield. The morning was very nice and peaceful with plenty of space to breathe in. By the time afternoon came along it was just insane with broken glass on the ground, trash strewn everywhere, crazy people running around... quite a show. The picture below shows what it was before any of that set in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXQ5Dq4HluFmtEWojBqN6mvAz96QKmSg9ypFS6nhgFYriuyqNR97n3WPzz3sAIc5YTGXt3dFjT3RkknnNkY6fsLoN_N8I_BGLQo_ndSCzJSkM8Qh_GTKtcvnGTq4rOdgF7C0fGD4jvjhc/s1600/Derby_Infield_Landscape_3MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXQ5Dq4HluFmtEWojBqN6mvAz96QKmSg9ypFS6nhgFYriuyqNR97n3WPzz3sAIc5YTGXt3dFjT3RkknnNkY6fsLoN_N8I_BGLQo_ndSCzJSkM8Qh_GTKtcvnGTq4rOdgF7C0fGD4jvjhc/s1600/Derby_Infield_Landscape_3MAY2014.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mint Julep + Pretzel</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9dSB5kjgN4wvUxffql4FqlPhUUkFJ-iM0Ai4_P9sh9NXuMDj5owEGPS8iH6EgH0MB8QrNMOE4QanLgvjHtEvGwVmP9hvK2m8pWmmhqef2pmztk20GbHFGyAxQXP0LtTnbGa1ehptpGG1/s1600/Derby_Mint_Julep_Mascot_3MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9dSB5kjgN4wvUxffql4FqlPhUUkFJ-iM0Ai4_P9sh9NXuMDj5owEGPS8iH6EgH0MB8QrNMOE4QanLgvjHtEvGwVmP9hvK2m8pWmmhqef2pmztk20GbHFGyAxQXP0LtTnbGa1ehptpGG1/s1600/Derby_Mint_Julep_Mascot_3MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got a mint julep (not from here) and spotted this mint julep mascot. Really excited about this.</div>
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This is the crowd leaving Derby...</div>
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We ventured to a different part of the Paddocks, to take photos with the horse statue. I really enjoy this photo because it looks like we've been photobombed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8fVCxhC8_ZyA3SNAunTsgtAFQF0ZZgaRTwx3_m7H_vW64DWN_8FZjQ-293_iySqzpWyYLogf7VyDf6ZWIHhB5z7HxIT_DZq0Q8NWU8E4C4552yRATQW7czCPoKysVX0o25F4ybKgZq8B/s1600/Derby_Paddock_Horse_Feier_Trish_3MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8fVCxhC8_ZyA3SNAunTsgtAFQF0ZZgaRTwx3_m7H_vW64DWN_8FZjQ-293_iySqzpWyYLogf7VyDf6ZWIHhB5z7HxIT_DZq0Q8NWU8E4C4552yRATQW7czCPoKysVX0o25F4ybKgZq8B/s1600/Derby_Paddock_Horse_Feier_Trish_3MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></div>
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This weekend has been absolutely amazing and just what I needed. Spending some fun girl-time at the tracks is a great way to kick off this month of May. I just wish I could wear big hats and dresses all the time!</div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=4130580810078">Nikola Dress from Anthropologie</a> (On sale Right Now)</div>
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Although this dress is not brightly colored, I went with something that was more appropriate for the infield where I would occasionally have to sit on the ground and such. Next year we're thinking of getting actual seats and bringing the guys with us. Derby is a worthy experience and I can't wait to do it again! I didn't win any of my wages, but I definitely win in good company and sunshine.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-52637529803743167072014-05-01T18:56:00.000-04:002014-05-01T18:56:15.656-04:00Dressing for Dawn at the Downs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBECek6lqsP42U1JfuX71mAqBTA7HMJwsyPjDfQvBgszHnbh0UuSF69rp7MuvEk_C5dmGH9IltGrs7U3zytyBIJPHKhAM7AwC25Wm8okVPaA79TIKFnc-D-deawHVtyyxcGjcbuRj09nzG/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Feier_Paddock_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBECek6lqsP42U1JfuX71mAqBTA7HMJwsyPjDfQvBgszHnbh0UuSF69rp7MuvEk_C5dmGH9IltGrs7U3zytyBIJPHKhAM7AwC25Wm8okVPaA79TIKFnc-D-deawHVtyyxcGjcbuRj09nzG/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Feier_Paddock_1MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby!</div>
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Our department had a fun off-site event this morning to head over to Churchill Downs for breakfast: Dawn at the Downs. What a beautiful day!</div>
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It was a lot of fun planning my outfit for this outing because it offered up an opportunity to sew! (Not that I need any excuses). I realized that my closet had very few work-appropriate dresses because I knew that as soon as breakfast was over it was back to work!</div>
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The dress I chose to make was based on the <a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/02/mint-and-tiffany-blue-style-mccall.html">Mint and Tiffany Style</a> dress I made in a previous post. The original dress pattern calls for knit fabric but it's hard for me to find knit fabric that I like, much more difficult than woven fabric. I used fabric that I bought before spring as I was <a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/03/plans-for-spring-fabric.html">planning for spring fabric projects</a>. The only real change is that instead of a dress that slips on, I modified it with an invisible zipper in the back. It fits well and I am pleased with how it turned out. I sewed this earlier this week, just in time for breakfast at the tracks!</div>
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Now, on to photos of Churchill Downs on this beautiful and sunny day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6GJleuxgFVgZqtj0vNUlKyBRMI6S4l-RP-h-pEOPo2s-mFWcm3k9CPNQwUjQ-ZwaYYeZOnlx0ayki_qgPASZ7Vx5scznG2V7zvaKSqkUxvvu_GWalYc8ILrcrDraHBo81aOnSWE1WomK/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Statue_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6GJleuxgFVgZqtj0vNUlKyBRMI6S4l-RP-h-pEOPo2s-mFWcm3k9CPNQwUjQ-ZwaYYeZOnlx0ayki_qgPASZ7Vx5scznG2V7zvaKSqkUxvvu_GWalYc8ILrcrDraHBo81aOnSWE1WomK/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Statue_1MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Out at the paddocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYPVR7W2BDgE1u_9iYtfzgiFHUcQ3XXnXVNPmsOBQVC9TTd6PFdB655etYjmgyCiuwpaBAKkReqW8dMPYypexY8gXxwKbFOw3tAq-OXzt0NM8TAqQUZjYA3aE8y1k3WBqGqxrJm1rLKDm/s1600/Churchil_Downs_Tulips_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYPVR7W2BDgE1u_9iYtfzgiFHUcQ3XXnXVNPmsOBQVC9TTd6PFdB655etYjmgyCiuwpaBAKkReqW8dMPYypexY8gXxwKbFOw3tAq-OXzt0NM8TAqQUZjYA3aE8y1k3WBqGqxrJm1rLKDm/s1600/Churchil_Downs_Tulips_1MAY2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxqnT59-3jxqKihioa2idu6b3_apzNx980KyHZt8A9RMLbODYoxyRATS-5qU4daKNKZLGp5TL4z_sp7ffCqEppsQuBPUZP50fQi8sZJM1eC-eT62aYpgtrYD7jR7i-uaiATqErjxdcxJA/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Glass_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxqnT59-3jxqKihioa2idu6b3_apzNx980KyHZt8A9RMLbODYoxyRATS-5qU4daKNKZLGp5TL4z_sp7ffCqEppsQuBPUZP50fQi8sZJM1eC-eT62aYpgtrYD7jR7i-uaiATqErjxdcxJA/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Glass_1MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blown glass model of Churchill Downs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHrbxc47sJuxSFZ6BjBPC8q_d0uG8JnxrpuXvF4ygBmkPBI-wn9LH5Eg0sLaPfCMvTmS_en99cMTu2hqoPoADy9z_ZNjvurMFe3U8DoGUoxF5ViR6f5NwIUEjjfq8L_HoXb9FYz_vye3F/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Paddock_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHrbxc47sJuxSFZ6BjBPC8q_d0uG8JnxrpuXvF4ygBmkPBI-wn9LH5Eg0sLaPfCMvTmS_en99cMTu2hqoPoADy9z_ZNjvurMFe3U8DoGUoxF5ViR6f5NwIUEjjfq8L_HoXb9FYz_vye3F/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Paddock_1MAY2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT2gHt5SgT0pwe_sHdI35UI0xsT8w01aYxAJ_y6DbWHrWspcKb8UPSPSkgRUf8Kx-S4_Y9VWZmpFvtdhJegLapaoDu1Be4SVE7bceDOsYwGHCGy9mqAzaZLlo3b40dNDTl6rXx6ZG4v-P/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Screens_1MAY2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT2gHt5SgT0pwe_sHdI35UI0xsT8w01aYxAJ_y6DbWHrWspcKb8UPSPSkgRUf8Kx-S4_Y9VWZmpFvtdhJegLapaoDu1Be4SVE7bceDOsYwGHCGy9mqAzaZLlo3b40dNDTl6rXx6ZG4v-P/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Screens_1MAY2014.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEwtPNu24OD7o3Pf43sUpQjYjBm3lhFe-bvoMR7ubr5BY4hnGprYYI4wd1hNfamQsIV1Wn65I7B0BDIDWSVcFy8t2bDbTjOSd0BNmapAqGfOA8_30mtN6beqGOaUapqCbTX1i5GWgFk9u/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEwtPNu24OD7o3Pf43sUpQjYjBm3lhFe-bvoMR7ubr5BY4hnGprYYI4wd1hNfamQsIV1Wn65I7B0BDIDWSVcFy8t2bDbTjOSd0BNmapAqGfOA8_30mtN6beqGOaUapqCbTX1i5GWgFk9u/s1600/Churchill_Downs_Track.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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View from Millionaires Row. It was still pretty exciting at the tracks because the horses were out in the early morning practicing. Without the noise from the crowds, we could actually hear the horses heave as they pounded around the tracks. They are such beautiful creatures and I'm looking forward to this Saturday as I'll be headed to the Kentucky Derby! My friend and I are spending it in the infield so it's not as "fancy" as the grandstands or other seats but it'll save money for the tracks! The day should be great fun as I have heard that the infield is like a giant party!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-28975325066233912402014-04-30T19:50:00.000-04:002014-05-01T19:28:55.686-04:00April Blog Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySBs9FL5dDrnvyCbI85MeRgXJcd6mExBegB19DUuGv_xdgNRWJcz2obPD3xDbbWmWe37rfz77PGO-6ktNOUxs0fjlHsd0PIMPSiYwfclbYooM7SCYCVLw_mquTdnseWQawdJyznWGcuvP/s1600/April_Blogger_Exchange_Overview_26APRIL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySBs9FL5dDrnvyCbI85MeRgXJcd6mExBegB19DUuGv_xdgNRWJcz2obPD3xDbbWmWe37rfz77PGO-6ktNOUxs0fjlHsd0PIMPSiYwfclbYooM7SCYCVLw_mquTdnseWQawdJyznWGcuvP/s1600/April_Blogger_Exchange_Overview_26APRIL2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This treasure arrived on a beautiful spring saturday. The day was sunny, bright, warm and everything just fell together wonderfully. This blogger swap gift was like the icing on the cake.</div>
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I was paired with Kristy of <a href="http://lemonaderunway.wordpress.com/">Lemonade Runway</a> and I must say... she has quite an eye for treasure.</div>
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As soon as I opened the box I was pleasantly surprised over the abundance of sparkly, purple fun filling the box. Kristy is so vibrant and thoughtful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeUidCBRjgqb3bTthI80qk2wvBlwXX2IrscKfLtHJ5jOTDy1EczK8_VvO7XFVg2o1C10iTvprlQBKc5SfYbbBPdfP6E7SSa36agoGu8o14M5r0hp0LrZgrD-Wcz9V7-H3kMwl07vpHf8e/s1600/April_Blog_exchange_Collage_26APRIL2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeUidCBRjgqb3bTthI80qk2wvBlwXX2IrscKfLtHJ5jOTDy1EczK8_VvO7XFVg2o1C10iTvprlQBKc5SfYbbBPdfP6E7SSa36agoGu8o14M5r0hp0LrZgrD-Wcz9V7-H3kMwl07vpHf8e/s1600/April_Blog_exchange_Collage_26APRIL2014.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></div>
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Beautiful Packaging <b>// </b>Decorative paper for crafts</div>
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... would be great for cards too! <b>// </b>Really cute little wallet from from Target</div>
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Antique teacup with Lilacs (her home state flower!) <b>// </b>Yummy, Yummy Cookies</div>
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Thrifted fabric that suits my tastes perfectly, quite excited to work with this! <b>// </b>Tea time? :)</div>
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THANK YOU KRISTY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvy8L1K9QvJw6CYgEhmMLCBTCUP4pX8INM7G9pMmQ0kFyw3bDaz8ZU1hkUcy9JwCfQCTV9ki94Y32jYCtzGYyEp_n22LimNgRsNiWd56HI1xjW3IEF9PwIRplgntJQsYO2_q6ch3vAOC5/s1600/bloggerswap_spoolish_buttons_birdcages.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvy8L1K9QvJw6CYgEhmMLCBTCUP4pX8INM7G9pMmQ0kFyw3bDaz8ZU1hkUcy9JwCfQCTV9ki94Y32jYCtzGYyEp_n22LimNgRsNiWd56HI1xjW3IEF9PwIRplgntJQsYO2_q6ch3vAOC5/s1600/bloggerswap_spoolish_buttons_birdcages.jpeg" height="79" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go and check out everybody from the blog swap too!</div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_2003" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://funcraftysavymom.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_2002" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Western New Yorker</a> and <a href="http://almostahippy.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Almost a Hippy</a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_1973" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.abunchofradness.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_1972" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">A Bunch of Radness</a> and <a href="http://www.spoolish.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Spoolish</a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_2039" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Dash of Rose</a> and <a href="http://lemonaderunway.wordpress.com/">Lemonade Runway</a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_2042" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.buttonsandbirdcages.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Buttons and Birdcages</a> and <a href="http://awesomesauceasshattery.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1398808785882_2041" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Confessions of a Refashionista</a></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-84060832231766530012014-03-31T11:00:00.000-04:002014-03-31T11:00:10.390-04:00Spring throw pillows: birch ruffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNRgjVZlMqprqscHsZSxzEbOEXZMZBucGJuyp8jRLCu8c3ElSvBjA4BSwrVpGNmuQWZnv86ZmTjaQvG1Vw91Qo2HJDHCLf6PjnmP8SBTvKi8exrji6RYE9tff7vWq3kJGHEUZtcm_GFRm/s640/blogger-image-1537731310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNRgjVZlMqprqscHsZSxzEbOEXZMZBucGJuyp8jRLCu8c3ElSvBjA4BSwrVpGNmuQWZnv86ZmTjaQvG1Vw91Qo2HJDHCLf6PjnmP8SBTvKi8exrji6RYE9tff7vWq3kJGHEUZtcm_GFRm/s320/blogger-image-1537731310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was going back and forth about what to do with the birch and woodpecker fabric that I have. I only bought a yard of it because although I loved the pattern, I had no real idea as to what I was going to do with it. As I was standing in my living room and looking at the couch I realized that as much as I love my bow and fox throw pillows (<a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/01/its-here-foxy-bow-pillow-cover-tutorial.html">post and tutorial here</a>), the material and colors were too fall and winter... Looks like I found a purpose for the birch fabric! It is great for spring with its light and airy colors. It is also relatively smooth to the touch so much more practical as a pillow cover.</div>
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Here's a break down of the general steps I took to create the slipcover (It's got a zipper!)</div>
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Top Left: Gather the materials you need! For each pillow, cut 2 squares that is about an inch wider and longer than the pillows. For the ruffles, it will be folded long-ways in half so have the folded width to be about half an inch wider than the desired width for the ruffles. Length of the ruffle fabric was about 2.5 the perimeter of the pillows. It really depends on how much gathering (how tight the ruffles) you prefer. You could always go with a longer length and shorten it later.</div>
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Top Right: The fabric I have was not nearly long enough to have the ruffle fabric length I needed the first go around so I sewed strips of them together.</div>
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Bottom Left: Fold the ruffle fabric long-ways and baste through the fabric to form gatherings to the tightness you like.</div>
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Bottom Right: Pin the ruffles on the right side of the fabric facing towards the middle. Sew around the edges but make sure you are careful to not accidentally overlap the ruffles too much as you sew.</div>
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Top Left: This is what the ruffles will look like when you turn it right side out.</div>
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Top Right: Sew the zipper along one side over the ruffle. Right side of the zipper laying on the ruffle.</div>
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Bottom Left: Sew the other side of the zipper to the other square (Note, if you have a patterned fabric that has a distinct direction, make sure you are having it face the right way).</div>
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Bottom Right: Unzip the zipper</div>
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Pin the squares together with the ruffles in between them facing the center. Make sure the ruffles are as far away from where you are going to sew as possible, you want to make sure the ruffles still exist when you turn it right side out. Sew around the perimeter of the pillow carefully (remember, there are ruffles to consider). Turn it right side out and you've got a ruffled pillow that can zip up!</div>
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I went back and hand sewed parts of the zipper to make sure it was laying right and completely done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWonVJiU8zDoejYu5lR6yVUUnNRW9dnLf_ZbXufTfHrKkSECuxOq9ltdiwebdFOClEMvNuVN0TtzESdjV0tz3C9xakhR4S8AQbkwQ8yMcvyCAvOMdeo0_ZhHogPDL2wJvdRZ-_RNpSePkk/s1600/Birch_Bird_pillow_zipped_29MARCH2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWonVJiU8zDoejYu5lR6yVUUnNRW9dnLf_ZbXufTfHrKkSECuxOq9ltdiwebdFOClEMvNuVN0TtzESdjV0tz3C9xakhR4S8AQbkwQ8yMcvyCAvOMdeo0_ZhHogPDL2wJvdRZ-_RNpSePkk/s1600/Birch_Bird_pillow_zipped_29MARCH2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's convenient I had zippers that were pretty similar to the color of my fabric. The zipper on the left REALLY blends in beautifully, it's like an extra birch tree!</div>
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Hope everybody is having beautiful spring sunshine!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-84215083737204892014-03-27T20:22:00.000-04:002014-03-27T20:22:15.270-04:00Double the stripes: shirt and skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO MANY STRIPES! I ordered this striped jersey fabric a few weeks back from Fabric.com. It is such nice fabric, soft and comfortable!</div>
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This week I decided to use it up because I really wanted some casual spring additions and these looked like they would be easy projects... which turned out to be true!</div>
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First up is the Plantain shirt by Deer & Doe that was made in approx. 2 hours. This shirt pattern is great because it can be short sleeve, 3/4 length, long sleeve, have patch on elbows, etc. What makes it even more than great is that it is completely free! She has this <a href="http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/29-tops-plantain-t-shirt.html">Plantain t-shirt pattern for free online</a>. This is a great beginner apparel project, so go try this out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOxKrykZtnO_d10ecfpaIPCWOAF7ez6F_KzMHYu9OCvDvWC-RHms-WqRcSGO3qhLiBI9DSBJnRIq-KpnnzAyJH8Gqt-EgfqTE8OIBlljLqoK_5GnG71_m2cHq0hetbKjR52i5QBo0aS9V/s640/blogger-image-1382564465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOxKrykZtnO_d10ecfpaIPCWOAF7ez6F_KzMHYu9OCvDvWC-RHms-WqRcSGO3qhLiBI9DSBJnRIq-KpnnzAyJH8Gqt-EgfqTE8OIBlljLqoK_5GnG71_m2cHq0hetbKjR52i5QBo0aS9V/s200/blogger-image-1382564465.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I actually wore this shirt to work today though I'm not sure if people could tell that it was a shirt that I sewed... There is ONE person who did figure it out pretty quickly though, my awesome manager who is a much more advanced sewer than I.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiwkntj_vCczvZxWZop2pneFGa-8XwdCay1pRy5jDgGWYglOpqqJJ2Wro682zjLGwE39NWxvXxgLQ-RWMhQAFQVdB4p7I1TiMDymAOCUeXDFwe6qsVpWY_CRoA0URxIZ9pHtoaVJTEOIs/s1600/Plantain_Shirt_Stripe_25MARCH2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiwkntj_vCczvZxWZop2pneFGa-8XwdCay1pRy5jDgGWYglOpqqJJ2Wro682zjLGwE39NWxvXxgLQ-RWMhQAFQVdB4p7I1TiMDymAOCUeXDFwe6qsVpWY_CRoA0URxIZ9pHtoaVJTEOIs/s1600/Plantain_Shirt_Stripe_25MARCH2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I really like this shirt because it has a lot of movement, comfortable without it looking slubby... so it is still appropriate for "smart casual" dress code at work and good for this transitional weather.</div>
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Now on to the skirt! Actually, this is a second attempt with this skirt as I wasn't completely sure how it would lay once I was done. The width of the fabric is double my natural waist size. The first run with this fabric for this skirt I kept it overly simple where I had the top folded over with an elastic in between but the top of the skirt was way to bulgy and just did not look flattering with this specific jersey fabric because it is actually really thick. This is the <a href="http://www.shrimpsaladcircus.com/2012/08/sew-super-simple-skirt-sewing-101.html">tutorial</a> that is similar to what I originally attempted with this fabric. If the fabric was not as thick and bulgy it would have been fine. So, I ripped the seams up and went a different route. I sewed around the waist of the skirt to gather it up, then sewed it to a circle waist band fabric piece. Then I used a wide elastic band just slightly smaller than my waist and folded the waist band fabric over that to enclose it. This was much flatter at the top and also much more flattering. Even with just about starting over on the skirt, it really didn't take long either. If I had not screwed up, maybe like 1.5 hours?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOY_Umd1LmLiRYUlZmBYHT5vjPoOA3PjEFDrZlBVWqyzl3n_picVI9sN2h4E6eCCPWlKzUK1WBS2e334yVpVjUGQKuL1Jly2lKumJYBoD3ND2pMeglYWSlK3rnvqinEIryn4pClFIGrhS/s1600/Stripe_Jersey_Skirt_Worn_24MARCH2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOY_Umd1LmLiRYUlZmBYHT5vjPoOA3PjEFDrZlBVWqyzl3n_picVI9sN2h4E6eCCPWlKzUK1WBS2e334yVpVjUGQKuL1Jly2lKumJYBoD3ND2pMeglYWSlK3rnvqinEIryn4pClFIGrhS/s1600/Stripe_Jersey_Skirt_Worn_24MARCH2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS7hi5TkcQUFuET9ZvV_DJLkyiD7GdJOumBpBH9JXoo1_t4ZDqh6k1XTuINEKk-1DVS9BigVWtPwQFUPcm_ZGkMi2Pj0kFh1TaZ6VzxlmaKLxyY97DDqJ0N55JPgtxibUw_GPH2eTZA5c/s1600/Stripe_Jersey_Skirt_Outfit_24MARCH2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS7hi5TkcQUFuET9ZvV_DJLkyiD7GdJOumBpBH9JXoo1_t4ZDqh6k1XTuINEKk-1DVS9BigVWtPwQFUPcm_ZGkMi2Pj0kFh1TaZ6VzxlmaKLxyY97DDqJ0N55JPgtxibUw_GPH2eTZA5c/s1600/Stripe_Jersey_Skirt_Outfit_24MARCH2014.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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Warm weather is on the way, hooray! AND, it is almost Friday!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-34039617618745499612014-03-21T15:00:00.000-04:002014-03-21T16:28:04.315-04:00Welcome Spring: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Still so glad that it is spring now, this past winter was a bit fierce and wreaked havoc on the roads and trees. Even though winter is beautiful, it got to the point that it outstayed its welcome. Spring, on the other hand, I welcome with open arms!</div>
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I love pink and I probably wouldn't have bought myself such a pink frock but somehow sewing it makes all the difference (similar to the blouse post yesterday I suppose). I actually originally intended to make this dress with a much darker color... a dark raspberry.... but, they ran out of stock between my order and when they were preparing my order. This was my second choice that I had ordered anyway without any specific plans for it yet. Pink saved the day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif51Z6oAP4cig1sRr-f1e4c3b2yfVY0LoVsDHlAFgVx62S0xwYG1Eoj30wi221jjpgACDYhEOsYfa-n9tBxK7xeTXsbWMls6hgqplcufT-yUBRuPvRrgSfsOTDVdTSgslXOf4oxBzIw0Jk/s1600/Deer_and_Doe_Belladone_Cut_March2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif51Z6oAP4cig1sRr-f1e4c3b2yfVY0LoVsDHlAFgVx62S0xwYG1Eoj30wi221jjpgACDYhEOsYfa-n9tBxK7xeTXsbWMls6hgqplcufT-yUBRuPvRrgSfsOTDVdTSgslXOf4oxBzIw0Jk/s1600/Deer_and_Doe_Belladone_Cut_March2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabE_HW-oz-gjubDf7HXIs9bwl1o5ZDID1EpFk1NKvICJmg3q2XS7p_b-ndbMPBMx74mus0J99l0-HbAuq-4We22uthYW4idEb6mST8MotnXle6cHlWXRnQ_hCGpGs9NvYSJoCHU9lOOq5/s1600/Belladone_Front_March2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabE_HW-oz-gjubDf7HXIs9bwl1o5ZDID1EpFk1NKvICJmg3q2XS7p_b-ndbMPBMx74mus0J99l0-HbAuq-4We22uthYW4idEb6mST8MotnXle6cHlWXRnQ_hCGpGs9NvYSJoCHU9lOOq5/s1600/Belladone_Front_March2014.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mQmgW-mTEaAX5r14LhwTabEUoWRhvv4fEi0RtMBjOOF9VvLcDR1r1sasndVwRoakHC8nFHUCTjEHHo2ICLjw7d7FSwm0GzMeoysHF4rhRJoc0C4MJfixartoz68hvuzaAWtsuJQY8THU/s1600/Belladone_Back_March2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mQmgW-mTEaAX5r14LhwTabEUoWRhvv4fEi0RtMBjOOF9VvLcDR1r1sasndVwRoakHC8nFHUCTjEHHo2ICLjw7d7FSwm0GzMeoysHF4rhRJoc0C4MJfixartoz68hvuzaAWtsuJQY8THU/s1600/Belladone_Back_March2014.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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I'm such a fan of the cut out in the back and the timeless cut/fit of this dress.</div>
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I think the dress itself could still use some work in terms of its fit. Given that the material is relatively structured, it is not nearly as forgiving as lets say... a knit. Even so, this dress was also very easy to sew. Deer and Doe makes such great patterns that turn into beautiful outfits!</div>
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Spring projects are so fun and colorful... such a boost!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973197009669152512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827049824986633798.post-37966659076687701302014-03-20T18:24:00.000-04:002014-03-20T18:24:05.337-04:00Welcoming Spring: Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Spring is the time of plans and projects." -- Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoCtAPR6pN8xMJfTpoEeF6Qy8NQBvCQAsvGWl9AO_ChZ0ceHd9GrUoppR-HMsGjSN3dK_SM9A72d5rsKZsnsRkqUEpjJKrCLmaKfIW5fFca4NxD0f7nRfCNvISvexJDS40xYGNrlUR-Ri/s1600/Deer_and_Doe_Blouse_Comp_March2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoCtAPR6pN8xMJfTpoEeF6Qy8NQBvCQAsvGWl9AO_ChZ0ceHd9GrUoppR-HMsGjSN3dK_SM9A72d5rsKZsnsRkqUEpjJKrCLmaKfIW5fFca4NxD0f7nRfCNvISvexJDS40xYGNrlUR-Ri/s1600/Deer_and_Doe_Blouse_Comp_March2014.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Today marks the first day of spring and it's such a beautiful spring day here in Louisville, KY. I am really looking forward to the trees to bloom, the weather to warm up, cute baby animals... and projects!<br />
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So a few weeks ago I ordered 3 patterns from Deer & Doe and the first one I completed is the <a href="http://dashofrose.blogspot.com/2014/03/blue-on-blue-chardon-skirt.html">Chardon Skirt</a>. After that, I just couldn't hold in my excitement to work on the other two as well because her patterns are so simple and pretty.<br />
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Blouse:<br />
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Day 1: Trace and cut pattern, cut fabric:</div>
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Day 2: Sew Blouse!</div>
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(I assure you that the sewing is even! </div>
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It only looks crooked because of how it is hung and how the fabric lays... it's a tad stiff here)</div>
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This blouse was much easier than I had expected given the delicate fabric but with the right sewing needle (rounded) and right tension setting, it was a breeze. My conclusion is that I am no longer intimidated by batiste and voile. I was concerned that I would destroy the fabric from messing up a lot, but with a minimum amount of practice on scrap fabric, I really didn't have any major issues with snagging, knotting, tearing, etc.</div>
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This is not a blouse I would typically buy for myself but after sewing it, I got attached to it and I think this will get a lot of wear in the near future, especially now that it is officially Spring!</div>
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