tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24351938297589694862024-03-13T02:34:41.482-05:00Mi Solecitowhat makes my world go roundGwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-824204334746606022015-11-03T10:29:00.000-06:002015-11-03T11:50:07.971-06:00Dia de muertosYesterday was the day of the dead. That's the day when we remember and honor our loved ones that have passed. Every year I try to make an altar for this special day.<br />
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I am pretty happy with my attempt this year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Am1JO2Jj4nDMnCAWj8cghmqIpT_AQ5FviigHv_-rRg-SemkY8RzMLtgvh32_aA4cUIjzINzONw1YsBw8fs2qyKPow-BjxzAymoZ9VkWFTcBwbDeJ2X-lviOTckhqmX8LJyX20q7Ikj3z/s1600/IMG_20151030_173715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Am1JO2Jj4nDMnCAWj8cghmqIpT_AQ5FviigHv_-rRg-SemkY8RzMLtgvh32_aA4cUIjzINzONw1YsBw8fs2qyKPow-BjxzAymoZ9VkWFTcBwbDeJ2X-lviOTckhqmX8LJyX20q7Ikj3z/s640/IMG_20151030_173715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Day of the dead is actually a two day celebration. November 1st is the day of the little angels where we remember the children that have passed and November 2nd is for the adults. It seems like it should be a sad holiday, but it really is a happy occasion. </div>
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Tradition states that on these days the spirit of your loved ones come back to spend some time with you. That's the reason for the altar. On the altars you include a picture of your loved ones along with some of their favorite drinks and food for them to enjoy.</div>
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In Mexico, families visit cemeteries, clean and decorate gravestones, and leave gifts. I haven't had a chance to do that. Maybe next year I'll plan a trip to Mexico City around this time.</div>
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Do you see the painting of the skull on my altar? I made it! It's not perfect as I am definitely not a painter, but I'm pretty thrilled with it anyway.</div>
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A week ago I went with a couple of my friends to <a href="https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/south-austin/" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjXPO6xLHaWjhZwXBORnFnKBSIp9ww8qzEvMwhSDUe2ILlmDL5-mmIUNBOBzeJOwOenCvGnx3Nf_njWPpUa6vJ18L2CnKodpXHnlQBROibzVHJ1BJ_zsstbEZvHNtwPyEMMZzIESlYEEV/s1600/2015-11-03+09.27.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjXPO6xLHaWjhZwXBORnFnKBSIp9ww8qzEvMwhSDUe2ILlmDL5-mmIUNBOBzeJOwOenCvGnx3Nf_njWPpUa6vJ18L2CnKodpXHnlQBROibzVHJ1BJ_zsstbEZvHNtwPyEMMZzIESlYEEV/s640/2015-11-03+09.27.02.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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^^ That's how the painting is supposed to look according to the teacher.</div>
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Painting with a Twist is a two hour painting class where you can take your own food and drinks. Everything is better with drinks and food! It ends up being quite a little party!</div>
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This is what greeted us when we got to our seats. Not the drink, that was mine - a ginger cider I was trying out for the first time. It was good but not great. </div>
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The instructor had thankfully outlined the skull for us.</div>
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She led us through the painting, step by step. Some people were better at following directions than I was. The cider beer didn't help my attention to detail.</div>
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This was my finished product:</div>
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If I had more time, I would've kept messing with it. And, of course, the more I look at it, the more I want to change.<br />
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Oh well! I had lots of fun painting it, and it made the perfect backdrop for my altar. I'm sure that I'll be using it for years to come.Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-35830359446067657482015-10-19T17:01:00.002-05:002015-10-20T09:56:43.776-05:00Caldo De Res<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently went to the second weekend of the <a href="http://www.aclfestival.com/" target="_blank">ACL music festival</a>. It was fun and exciting and exhausting. I discovered a new favorite band (Twenty-One Pilots) and greatly enjoyed an old favorite (Foo Fighters, They are amazing!) I also somehow managed to come out of it with a terrible cold. </div>
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My week was horrible - I was exhausted, grumpy, and probably more than a little bit contagious. I was greatly looking forward to the weekend so I could lay on my couch all day and catch up on my Netflix. </div>
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What I really wanted though was to have my mom visit and spoil me (yes, I'm an adult... don't judge!) . Unfortunately, she lives about 5 hours away from me. Although she very graciously offered to ride her bike up to make me soup (ha ha, mom), I realized that I had to take matters into my own hands. </div>
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I needed to eat something healthy so I decided to try my hand at making caldo de res - a beef bone broth / vegetable soup. Delicious and nutritious!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOfrjJea1LxgBD1yDdbztuIH8SSKYYWxu8XPPIjgXKnPKHtntd3IlAbMsL911vGB6R5CPOQe84sa-a1T_pn4Eo_VJFrpa_cBPa7yxagjbO8MBjQpe2wPVYvaMkLPCPGXahlE8ddTfq8uZ/s1600/2015-10-19+15.19.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOfrjJea1LxgBD1yDdbztuIH8SSKYYWxu8XPPIjgXKnPKHtntd3IlAbMsL911vGB6R5CPOQe84sa-a1T_pn4Eo_VJFrpa_cBPa7yxagjbO8MBjQpe2wPVYvaMkLPCPGXahlE8ddTfq8uZ/s640/2015-10-19+15.19.17.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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I've <a href="http://misolecitoblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/full-stomach-happy-heart.html" target="_blank">struggled with cooking</a> in the past so I was a little nervous about it. I didn't want another disater like <a href="http://misolecitoblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/adventures-in-cooking-meatless-mondays.html" target="_blank">this</a>. However, with my mom on the line (Have I mentioned I'm an only child? That explains everything, I think) I attempted this incredibly easy recipe and actually managed to make something absolutely delicious.</div>
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Here's the recipe. </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<li>10 cups water (or just fill a big pot halfway. Leave some room for the meat and veggies)</li>
<li>1 pound bone-in beef chuck or beef shank</li>
<li>1 pound boneless beef chuck</li>
<li>1/4 white onion</li>
<li>2 carrots, peeled and roughly cut. (I bought a bag of the pre-cut / peeled ones since I was being lazy)</li>
<li>1 zucchini, washed and cut into big chunks</li>
<li>1 big potato, washed and cut into big chunks</li>
<li>1 tomato</li>
<li>corn on the cob, halved (I didn't find any at my grocery store so I bought a can.)</li>
<li>cilantro</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>chicken bouillon </li>
<li>powdered ginger (optional)</li>
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The original recipe also includes the following but they're not my favorite so I left them out:</div>
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<li>1 celery stick</li>
<li>1 chayote squash</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DeJXYtlybhgAfwJfwIRwSyvo2hErvKTbbjSuwohRawMDwNB7vRUZto_9c7OQ7pJVDwCQahWu-mc1EWU5pYMFyYZncFzUOzrqqLtBHKGgV9vqGk0xTUeofeAaBJaKZd0nLm7ErWO36es/s1600/2015-10-19+15.11.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DeJXYtlybhgAfwJfwIRwSyvo2hErvKTbbjSuwohRawMDwNB7vRUZto_9c7OQ7pJVDwCQahWu-mc1EWU5pYMFyYZncFzUOzrqqLtBHKGgV9vqGk0xTUeofeAaBJaKZd0nLm7ErWO36es/s640/2015-10-19+15.11.44.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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I love Knorr chicken bouillon. It's probably the only non-healthy item on this list, but it tastes amazing. Since it makes an appearance in most of my mom's recipes, I'm keeping it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdEWb-0vnjMiOID8XxhxdFvudBdO3oWF6z_l1IwBoZvQGJY7VjiMVMygUfKeWCuK4oqU3hQMz9A5tWhWdn4RnlrIkrrC3H1sHPbtyUGiNdeIp0PZwQGjzzFAvIcrS9-oR0amxH_L2Nztv/s1600/2015-10-19+15.12.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdEWb-0vnjMiOID8XxhxdFvudBdO3oWF6z_l1IwBoZvQGJY7VjiMVMygUfKeWCuK4oqU3hQMz9A5tWhWdn4RnlrIkrrC3H1sHPbtyUGiNdeIp0PZwQGjzzFAvIcrS9-oR0amxH_L2Nztv/s640/2015-10-19+15.12.30.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Add water to the pot and the veggies that'll take the longest to cook - onion, carrot, celery, corn (I didn't have corn on the cob or I would have added it here. Since I had only had a can, I left that separate and added it at the end to my bowl).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpcf-2eDsiqlkPPiHCE0LExur8CTOSJSpmp0_mD2gF0ZgoPmNyOTAuA5eB8vV5Try66Mxs_7KkzjZt7LnmqGz7C19K4JnFd5V-vpctaAUkMik6no3i8PoLUkqhRebFAQQQ-e3fqzuKmcr/s1600/2015-10-19+15.13.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpcf-2eDsiqlkPPiHCE0LExur8CTOSJSpmp0_mD2gF0ZgoPmNyOTAuA5eB8vV5Try66Mxs_7KkzjZt7LnmqGz7C19K4JnFd5V-vpctaAUkMik6no3i8PoLUkqhRebFAQQQ-e3fqzuKmcr/s640/2015-10-19+15.13.09.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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Wash the meat and generously add salt and pepper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8z76kNHKVvQiCUIr8HhsP9qd2HGJN8suaLkY_3rbP_9mkFkvEiM8PtXpyKVGn6H-ZSHwmQIPHQKQmgkurABj3Z67qoapxMZ4BXUop7pcF5HjsB9NREtzlReSI4qnNp2fJmf7uYBWg-A1/s1600/2015-10-19+15.14.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8z76kNHKVvQiCUIr8HhsP9qd2HGJN8suaLkY_3rbP_9mkFkvEiM8PtXpyKVGn6H-ZSHwmQIPHQKQmgkurABj3Z67qoapxMZ4BXUop7pcF5HjsB9NREtzlReSI4qnNp2fJmf7uYBWg-A1/s640/2015-10-19+15.14.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add the meat to the pot with a large tablespoon of the bouillon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh887ieWiteHYbfOLHmbMvmYXCt9AMIClbxXu-rF0LUEtrWbIbv0lpU90vlSlHm7QSk9PyNlAhl4QLlkWhZ6jytRkBV60T4nHSgv2MQpefKhWN6ho_G8IVxrPB5EkFGyxPKzHsA2KCeNopS/s1600/2015-10-19+15.15.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh887ieWiteHYbfOLHmbMvmYXCt9AMIClbxXu-rF0LUEtrWbIbv0lpU90vlSlHm7QSk9PyNlAhl4QLlkWhZ6jytRkBV60T4nHSgv2MQpefKhWN6ho_G8IVxrPB5EkFGyxPKzHsA2KCeNopS/s640/2015-10-19+15.15.01.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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I then decided to add some sweet potato because I love it ( it was an afterthought).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMtVt1bDY86OUgnm0x3h_O5zsSlYAAIHM_qUbe1KGHOv8cJMiiaZGPqMfjYv4IvSmjHrTjhDrPolIPd9-XIWR2KHojBK24x2DXhrUEdKcQQqG4wuBm8gdWd0RUk-e9s3mmhTG7zHBe14d/s1600/2015-10-19+15.15.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMtVt1bDY86OUgnm0x3h_O5zsSlYAAIHM_qUbe1KGHOv8cJMiiaZGPqMfjYv4IvSmjHrTjhDrPolIPd9-XIWR2KHojBK24x2DXhrUEdKcQQqG4wuBm8gdWd0RUk-e9s3mmhTG7zHBe14d/s640/2015-10-19+15.15.30.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Let everything cook for about 30 minutes. When you go check on it, it'll have some foam that looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqjl4KL_1S6XMCIVMAY0HfBIp5N2Ub2r5WRHCTbDMYLBdq4YCY9L4O8OQvkDOTTH1ogmRiiu6Ndtl4b75_0a3KAbSJ6zMeqO9q-R_FGqIYZ0W7Wm4EtCYIDOw2-AEq_W3OVuyPFplMLu/s1600/2015-10-19+15.16.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqjl4KL_1S6XMCIVMAY0HfBIp5N2Ub2r5WRHCTbDMYLBdq4YCY9L4O8OQvkDOTTH1ogmRiiu6Ndtl4b75_0a3KAbSJ6zMeqO9q-R_FGqIYZ0W7Wm4EtCYIDOw2-AEq_W3OVuyPFplMLu/s640/2015-10-19+15.16.22.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Scoop that out.</div>
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Add the potato and zucchini.</div>
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Scoop out the onion and blend it with the tomato and a little bit of water.</div>
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Use a colander to add the mixture back in to the soup. </div>
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Let everything cook for another 30 minutes or until the meat and veggies are fully cooked. Add a dash of powdered ginger for an extra oomph! </div>
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Garnish with cilantro and corn if you didn't have it on the cob. </div>
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Many people eat this with rice, but I couldn't be bothered so I decided I was doing low-carb. It was still amazing!</div>
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Enjoy the warm healthy goodness!</div>
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It was just what I needed to feel better. It's amazing what a bone broth and veggies can accomplish. The best part is that it tasted just like my mom made it. I'm so proud!!</div>
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I had a ton left over so I froze about half of it in separate portions. I can enjoy it later on this fall. </div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wJKPT8TDrMY%2FViVWws2fFEI%2FAAAAAAAACow%2FUqudbM3aJ5k%2Fs640%2F2015-10-19%252B15.11.44.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 92px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1503px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wJKPT8TDrMY%2FViVWws2fFEI%2FAAAAAAAACow%2FUqudbM3aJ5k%2Fs640%2F2015-10-19%252B15.11.44.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 92px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1503px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3583035944606765748&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JJ7cba5Lv2U%2FViVWZOlj53I%2FAAAAAAAACok%2FrqE3ywl7tMk%2Fs640%2F2015-10-19%252B15.19.17.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 118px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3583035944606765748&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JJ7cba5Lv2U%2FViVWZOlj53I%2FAAAAAAAACok%2FrqE3ywl7tMk%2Fs640%2F2015-10-19%252B15.19.17.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 118px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-44796705116715212322015-09-17T14:51:00.002-05:002015-10-21T11:27:11.364-05:00Harry Potter and Mickey MouseI LOVE Harry Potter! I've read the books and watched the movies countless times, plus I was <a href="https://www.pottermore.com/en-us/" target="_blank">sorted into Gryffindor</a> and know that <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/whats-your-patronus#.ayjBN96Pwl" target="_blank">my patronus is a horse</a>. All terribly important information, don't you think?<br />
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So, earlier this year, when my guy invited me to a wedding in Disney, the only acceptable response was, "Only if we can go to the <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter.aspx" target="_blank">Wizarding World of Harry Potter</a>"!<br />
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I had been there before with my family, but back then Universal hadn't opened Diagon Alley.<br />
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Look at Hogwarts!!!<br />
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The ride in there is so much fun! And, while you wait in line, you get to tour the castle and enjoy the talking portraits.</div>
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The first thing we did in Hogsmead was grab some butterbeer. It was absolutely delicious!</div>
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We then took the Hogwarts Express (!!!!!!) to Diagon Alley and had lunch at <span style="text-align: left;"> The Leaky Cauldron. The food was nothing special but who cares?? We were at the Leaky Cauldron!!!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(I'm sorry for the overload of exclamation points in this post. I really was excited)</span></div>
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We then took a stroll down Diagon Alley and tried not to get burned to a crisp by the dragon hanging out at Gringotts.</div>
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I had to get myself a Ravenclaw scarf to add to my collection (last time was Gryffindor). I immediately felt so much smarter!</div>
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Then this guy started talking to me. He gave me permission to take his picture, and left me very confused as to how he knew what I was doing. I guess the sorting hat was right, I don't belong in Ravenclaw.</div>
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We walked through both Hogsmead and Diagon Alley, rode all of the rides, and finally decided it might be a good idea to see the rest of the park. </div>
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Before heading out to Emeril's for an amazing dinner!</div>
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And having the WORST margaritas ever at Margaritaville! I was very sad and disappointed since they look so pretty.</div>
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But, in the immortal words of the Grateful Dead, "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile."</div>
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After two days at Universal, we finally made it over to Epcot Center to meet up with the wedding party and do a little around-the-world drinking.</div>
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We started in Germany. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEs1ijpyPyFvjw1iNiKGxgf5cx5yWoJTg0-ZOjeOYrdaq11jMZvzVMSHQUqqbi4LJu1fLu0xsp7Mf8rwtlH1o6U8CeNICeTxpLg5f-GhXMhIWnnr8oNBFWpAf_D-pkpsSN4GdlzOdwjbt/s1600/2015-02-12+16.54.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEs1ijpyPyFvjw1iNiKGxgf5cx5yWoJTg0-ZOjeOYrdaq11jMZvzVMSHQUqqbi4LJu1fLu0xsp7Mf8rwtlH1o6U8CeNICeTxpLg5f-GhXMhIWnnr8oNBFWpAf_D-pkpsSN4GdlzOdwjbt/s640/2015-02-12+16.54.46.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
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With a delicious grapefruit Schofferhofer , which is apparently pronounced chauffeur + ah + hoff + ah, and was bigger than my head.</div>
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We then moved on to England.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwc03gsE4S0gYsMeClwqX5DRBd_PqLCGRCWhnkosXoo7SUKyZ9K8yI1cvEjNwZHv4KQ6jmwWl3Lo9fHspBuSXcpS2iQi23a4a7xqwr5hW5OSUfRS_0AxBfmkCZNsYo6pwtmxySxF3OYG2/s1600/2015-02-12+21.42.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwc03gsE4S0gYsMeClwqX5DRBd_PqLCGRCWhnkosXoo7SUKyZ9K8yI1cvEjNwZHv4KQ6jmwWl3Lo9fHspBuSXcpS2iQi23a4a7xqwr5hW5OSUfRS_0AxBfmkCZNsYo6pwtmxySxF3OYG2/s640/2015-02-12+21.42.43.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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And Japan.</div>
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And Morrocon and Mexico and ...</div>
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Before making it over to Downtown Disney and staying out until just before sunrise.</div>
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The morning of the wedding, we checked into our new hotel at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/" target="_blank">Disney Port Orleans</a>.</div>
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It was beautiful!</div>
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We quickly got dressed and made it to the chapel.</div>
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It was a lot more elegant and a lot less cheesy than I imagined. For some reason, I thought a Disney wedding would be a lot more cartoon-y. </div>
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The only way you could tell it wasn't a regular wedding was that this guy showed up with the rings in a shoe:</div>
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Although we were starstruck when a certain famous couple showed up at the reception!</div>
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We had an amazing vacation! I didn't get my wand though. Guess I'll have to go back and get it.</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7NfEZswrVoI%2FVfrsYomxY6I%2FAAAAAAAACjg%2Fuyfr9N8tqUE%2Fs640%2F2015-02-11%252B12.29.14.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7NfEZswrVoI%2FVfrsYomxY6I%2FAAAAAAAACjg%2Fuyfr9N8tqUE%2Fs640%2F2015-02-11%252B12.29.14.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WzH2NRva4XQ%2FVfrsrbFeriI%2FAAAAAAAAClQ%2FUpxWIEyBUys%2Fs640%2F2015-02-14%252B14.16.24.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 97px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12950px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4479670511671521232&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WzH2NRva4XQ%2FVfrsrbFeriI%2FAAAAAAAAClQ%2FUpxWIEyBUys%2Fs640%2F2015-02-14%252B14.16.24.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 97px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12950px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-76698141682164054532015-09-11T12:39:00.000-05:002015-09-11T12:40:01.208-05:00It's churro time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's finally Friday! I'm terribly excited! And while this was a short work week due to the Labor Day holiday, it felt soooo incredibly long and tedious. </div>
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I think I need to celebrate. And what better way to do that than with churros! My all time favorite churros are in Mexico City, but these might be a close second.</div>
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<a href="http://churrocoaustin.com/" target="_blank">Churro Co.</a> is a food truck in Austin. (Austin loves its food trucks!) You might see it if you're around E. Riverside or hanging out on the boardwalk by the river. If you see it, you should definitely stop by! If you don't, you should look for it. I promise you won't be disappointed!</div>
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The truck itself looks pretty welcoming.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjJE4vGfEEiIhQcA11lODVqfmAFe7VyMG65DoedcyJz-ZR2QpYtlqsDlkzvMWhw4t5ufz-O6D7SyvKxzxvaoCtPOAW_XAgluKvOBsc4XCz5keM94WQk17eZXj_Gnw7CVrNIwQkxub8M0N/s1600/2015-09-11+12.08.31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjJE4vGfEEiIhQcA11lODVqfmAFe7VyMG65DoedcyJz-ZR2QpYtlqsDlkzvMWhw4t5ufz-O6D7SyvKxzxvaoCtPOAW_XAgluKvOBsc4XCz5keM94WQk17eZXj_Gnw7CVrNIwQkxub8M0N/s640/2015-09-11+12.08.31.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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They very politely remind you of the time - it's churro time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8YBIWvZiybM5mN-DsfNj_t3Cyl4LXwj9b5PqktzKa4aoCVEzYmzzQtbD24yFmq0RXKKVP7f7pWFwOkebJJlI3iih1OQWDhx4orACFhAK5ySbGBnVfdVzzZwqGAccsTgGa9M8odP7BNW/s1600/2015-09-11+11.59.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8YBIWvZiybM5mN-DsfNj_t3Cyl4LXwj9b5PqktzKa4aoCVEzYmzzQtbD24yFmq0RXKKVP7f7pWFwOkebJJlI3iih1OQWDhx4orACFhAK5ySbGBnVfdVzzZwqGAccsTgGa9M8odP7BNW/s640/2015-09-11+11.59.18.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The menu is positively mouth-watering! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwf527pcYujZTKDlNqfpSD1v2lCskeMyZGdjsqw8XnuLCT7A_-jq65YEuROrZIL7S1WXdwXJu5mEwfUxyyOaRqiH3voTzVU4wzWN0Qx2ML2NqSBtwiDbGD3Iq-EcC2LaEh1ZVEaEJ1wuJk/s1600/2015-09-11+12.09.18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwf527pcYujZTKDlNqfpSD1v2lCskeMyZGdjsqw8XnuLCT7A_-jq65YEuROrZIL7S1WXdwXJu5mEwfUxyyOaRqiH3voTzVU4wzWN0Qx2ML2NqSBtwiDbGD3Iq-EcC2LaEh1ZVEaEJ1wuJk/s640/2015-09-11+12.09.18.png" width="556" /></a></div>
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My favorite is the Camp Fire. Served with Mexican hot chocolate, of course!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ta-T84j9z1PHpHE4wdaJ8IhlYuoNFDDKR3MPhIEK3RoyqmtDGZlJpdZ3OaDIjslTZvUNEvamjwYMCFAbsbzIPQCkmvZcmL8ibbQVq4t_V7wYKTykfMM-96x9qfJoJUAcGE7KFYZ9drSz/s1600/IMG_20141123_142809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ta-T84j9z1PHpHE4wdaJ8IhlYuoNFDDKR3MPhIEK3RoyqmtDGZlJpdZ3OaDIjslTZvUNEvamjwYMCFAbsbzIPQCkmvZcmL8ibbQVq4t_V7wYKTykfMM-96x9qfJoJUAcGE7KFYZ9drSz/s640/IMG_20141123_142809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amazing!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx2A7aUA_8gYbldEVgG-XO3ySh9p3gmmH8W1LkpQOYJt-6a-hKOBb8Dr37rOk3BJB6rGlcTGOL3itbET2R8yG322VLCzsKh1ZvaqKwZyEgDdMYAd3zS1uTiMnR_mUooV93Nmm3aFpSykX/s1600/2015-09-11+12.07.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx2A7aUA_8gYbldEVgG-XO3ySh9p3gmmH8W1LkpQOYJt-6a-hKOBb8Dr37rOk3BJB6rGlcTGOL3itbET2R8yG322VLCzsKh1ZvaqKwZyEgDdMYAd3zS1uTiMnR_mUooV93Nmm3aFpSykX/s640/2015-09-11+12.07.43.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-75456843911268550392015-09-09T16:37:00.000-05:002015-09-09T16:37:36.172-05:00Summers in New Braunfels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Labor Day means that summer is over, right? I can't wait for fall with its red and orange leaves and amazing sweater weather! But, seeing as how it's still a balmy 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Texas, it feels ages away. The calendar agrees with me that it's still summer. Two more weeks to go!</div>
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In honor of the last two weeks of summer, I thought I'd share one of the best spots in central Texas on a hot summer day - New Braunfels!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje87xTUIYhWb6GDItYbQazreRTSQ_4g5zsmwL4nn_AkFOnBFhqvNZZ0oBd_sUKWeoGAOaZw68VU4mQmMNTRysgroxkXxIlsg3p0snDAQ3wyiB6WNIR-VGzdZAEugLVewL4yjmC_0M-ZHVc/s1600/2015-09-09+14.35.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje87xTUIYhWb6GDItYbQazreRTSQ_4g5zsmwL4nn_AkFOnBFhqvNZZ0oBd_sUKWeoGAOaZw68VU4mQmMNTRysgroxkXxIlsg3p0snDAQ3wyiB6WNIR-VGzdZAEugLVewL4yjmC_0M-ZHVc/s640/2015-09-09+14.35.35.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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One of the requirements of living in the area is that you float down the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers at least once each summer. Nothing says summer like floating on a tire tube tied to all of your friends and a cooler of beers. </div>
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Fun times and hilarity will ensue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxzz7qt-eiMWLOSqANAeKBolBPaDckLUpGE-Cv9QlsbQb1eLh8U3401fLhlvyQV0Hx-Hwl2-f6uEg8aewgc6pKVRI74OHQ-PbkMznEdWPbQcQzjEqcQgZJ4R-h1Z_Y-yzWK3mTIxAN1kq/s1600/2015-09-09+14.35.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxzz7qt-eiMWLOSqANAeKBolBPaDckLUpGE-Cv9QlsbQb1eLh8U3401fLhlvyQV0Hx-Hwl2-f6uEg8aewgc6pKVRI74OHQ-PbkMznEdWPbQcQzjEqcQgZJ4R-h1Z_Y-yzWK3mTIxAN1kq/s640/2015-09-09+14.35.13.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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There are other great things to do in the area besides tubing. We found an amazing winery called <a href="http://www.lacruzdecomalwines.com/" target="_blank">La Cruz de Comal</a> while taking a break from the tiring business of floating. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3hEumr0AWEfbNaJiNN0k_5irSolBNwHE3nPGJFAVSrlqhB6Kqc69_6RY4iHrMZFBboa8GBN5xaIMjakphDiFO-zqZorfXhWbLx8O5zFOEV_jPd3TG-cWo-iJETtRbhjto9ge55pYdUw8/s1600/IMG_20140628_155133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3hEumr0AWEfbNaJiNN0k_5irSolBNwHE3nPGJFAVSrlqhB6Kqc69_6RY4iHrMZFBboa8GBN5xaIMjakphDiFO-zqZorfXhWbLx8O5zFOEV_jPd3TG-cWo-iJETtRbhjto9ge55pYdUw8/s640/IMG_20140628_155133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wine there was unlike anything I had ever tasted! Delicious and incredibly unique! They only make about 300 cases per year, all made by hand and stored in a nearby cave (or something like that!). </div>
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The owner is very friendly and will sit and talk shop for hours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcpWUBBZMyM21S4rHbvrRLiEgciS-1ZradS45mRQMVY5Ih7TyAqzJOPiEXoyt_jnMiBOxC_gwMuTn7U3bDFEF2yuDt5b_L03XkKUq342wg-JUBl31WqA6WNwjq1CbCbfLVELFBBKGHQ_f/s1600/2015-09-09+15.18.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcpWUBBZMyM21S4rHbvrRLiEgciS-1ZradS45mRQMVY5Ih7TyAqzJOPiEXoyt_jnMiBOxC_gwMuTn7U3bDFEF2yuDt5b_L03XkKUq342wg-JUBl31WqA6WNwjq1CbCbfLVELFBBKGHQ_f/s640/2015-09-09+15.18.25.png" width="636" /></a></div>
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After you drink a little wine, you can wander over to Gruene. Gruene (pronounced like the color green) used to be a cotton town but is now a a district within New Braunfels. </div>
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It still feels like its own little town, though. </div>
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There's plenty to do.</div>
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You can listen to live music and go dancing at <a href="http://gruenehall.com/" target="_blank">Gruene Hall</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5IBKxr5nST4eou6ZB4E6J7YZKSilp9OsJKOqQrX0QpsdgghR0ybxvqGoB1da-s12Yamcpy4nglyP2mAKRVktaN-BwlQRHHQCO49t0SAAscpPdRjPDm0ca5l0kDSsisONy-_8nA8UTHck/s1600/about_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5IBKxr5nST4eou6ZB4E6J7YZKSilp9OsJKOqQrX0QpsdgghR0ybxvqGoB1da-s12Yamcpy4nglyP2mAKRVktaN-BwlQRHHQCO49t0SAAscpPdRjPDm0ca5l0kDSsisONy-_8nA8UTHck/s640/about_image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Go eat ice cream and browse at the <a href="http://www.gruenegeneralstore.com/" target="_blank">general store</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24_AuoUKhxZ-5OCc2gmUbDmJpV6rn2ew4-g86hX0ckMpsJQL9oklYTFY1NlidEnyFxAxItLoZKxnHeyGyWhueLX1u_aggrbGLRsNMq8uK-adKNsJaOK-k_0igAFC_L_t4UcacHhT1eUCM/s1600/gruenetxgeneralstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24_AuoUKhxZ-5OCc2gmUbDmJpV6rn2ew4-g86hX0ckMpsJQL9oklYTFY1NlidEnyFxAxItLoZKxnHeyGyWhueLX1u_aggrbGLRsNMq8uK-adKNsJaOK-k_0igAFC_L_t4UcacHhT1eUCM/s640/gruenetxgeneralstore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or, you can go to the <a href="http://grueneantiqueco.com/" target="_blank">Gruene Antique Company</a> where you might find these seriously creepy puppets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP8PyoNVuhgK420SvyGtePfIh_JZ0IqRno8cuFHxKC0NXzBRL8x4EXqYGD90LMjonCF06TSwiPo9swEic9WALS61MHjWoDYkU7pcfBLe-A0eTEFRKI1eZRufwBrDx99DL7iYfZpbAl0Jt/s1600/2015-09-09+15.19.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP8PyoNVuhgK420SvyGtePfIh_JZ0IqRno8cuFHxKC0NXzBRL8x4EXqYGD90LMjonCF06TSwiPo9swEic9WALS61MHjWoDYkU7pcfBLe-A0eTEFRKI1eZRufwBrDx99DL7iYfZpbAl0Jt/s640/2015-09-09+15.19.12.png" width="628" /></a></div>
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The stuff of nightmares, no? </div>
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But, if all else fails, you can wander around the river and enjoy the scenery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgpocvXVJAaqlIXswFsUDIuvd5LuEj4LaySr56FHnrKT_wlxs0Bopg_yZGZOkdEPqkTpIZZwH3-TLz5VZPKIX52KD1V6KMgqyKGv3KFxV27qrtP8YFDh36JyOK6zoqQKwXokajI0vPnHT/s1600/IMG_20140627_171912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgpocvXVJAaqlIXswFsUDIuvd5LuEj4LaySr56FHnrKT_wlxs0Bopg_yZGZOkdEPqkTpIZZwH3-TLz5VZPKIX52KD1V6KMgqyKGv3KFxV27qrtP8YFDh36JyOK6zoqQKwXokajI0vPnHT/s640/IMG_20140627_171912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't it beautiful?</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LREp-SYpsjE%2FVfCVcXp8xVI%2FAAAAAAAACJA%2FsbTDQbwYKC8%2Fs640%2FIMG_20140627_171912.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5053px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LREp-SYpsjE%2FVfCVcXp8xVI%2FAAAAAAAACJA%2FsbTDQbwYKC8%2Fs640%2FIMG_20140627_171912.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5053px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-17226198564995987132015-09-01T11:18:00.000-05:002015-09-01T11:20:23.143-05:00I guess I'll exercise, but what should I wear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't exercised in over a year. Shocking, I know! I wasn't sick or anything drastic like that. I was being a little lazy, but more than that I was doing this ridiculously strict diet that didn't allow any extra calories for a good workout. </div>
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Not healthy, I know. Especially since I used to do Crossfit and could do this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPmRwLWpkynDQmBpvNtKs-1ioFMdwgSdmyejQGUzrJ-53GI915DvqfmNZjthTv3puO1xMviqCBY9qBgLh3zUtjC5G9dT3y_b0pZMVLJ79VWMjpqQy2na5QE29F1S69eoGduE7lMw73a5X/s1600/10153216_720306618013088_968392570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPmRwLWpkynDQmBpvNtKs-1ioFMdwgSdmyejQGUzrJ-53GI915DvqfmNZjthTv3puO1xMviqCBY9qBgLh3zUtjC5G9dT3y_b0pZMVLJ79VWMjpqQy2na5QE29F1S69eoGduE7lMw73a5X/s640/10153216_720306618013088_968392570_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Don't mind the hair, but check out my wrist wraps ^. They were a birthday gift from Jessie last year, and I still want to wear them just because they're awesome. Here's a better picture of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjF76iGDcsaQVbAy0W2nwB54TESpzZEWmCd68oDVMiG7A7uYkS6lXTQxo3vpd2C9WhqfpiZm_ghoDCgh8Yy6JbiVnpJJhPuzsRsi8WeonyoDrTSfaFxg28Q7VDiH6_JjGxVTUEqclKIaS/s1600/2015-09-01+11.13.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjF76iGDcsaQVbAy0W2nwB54TESpzZEWmCd68oDVMiG7A7uYkS6lXTQxo3vpd2C9WhqfpiZm_ghoDCgh8Yy6JbiVnpJJhPuzsRsi8WeonyoDrTSfaFxg28Q7VDiH6_JjGxVTUEqclKIaS/s640/2015-09-01+11.13.26.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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Cool, huh?</div>
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Anyway, I did the diet well for a little while (it's called Ideal Protein), and had almost hit my ideal weight - 3 pounds away from my goal - when Christmas rolled around and instead of doing maintenance so I wouldn't gain it back, I decided to enjoy Christmas to the fullest. Fun, but not the best idea in retrospect. This year, I've tried over and over to get back on it, but have had too many trips and activities to be able to completely restrict myself. </div>
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I finally gave up on pretending to diet and have finally decided to eat well and exercise. The smart choice, I'm told. Of course.</div>
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I don't think I'll rush back into Crossfit. I do, however, want to start running again. I'm excited and dreading it in equal measures. </div>
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What better way to inspire myself, however, than with new clothes? </div>
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Here is my workout wish list:</div>
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The most important thing (for me) is having a cute shirt. </div>
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I miss Doctor Who! The Doctor is always running so I figured he can inspire me to get back into the swing of things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2CPSo7NgMmsMV16UR2lluNEY01Is4eZUcMukQ6-O3sFrVyqxpZpShyphenhyphenlroWB5YQ3GKptNXptRYOCltHYxMZWWHB1nZhFyupSOQESpHCcFtF_WYjzQK0QzlQiL2VFV6_izdHrXMFVQQ5al/s1600/PhotoGrid_1441119559792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2CPSo7NgMmsMV16UR2lluNEY01Is4eZUcMukQ6-O3sFrVyqxpZpShyphenhyphenlroWB5YQ3GKptNXptRYOCltHYxMZWWHB1nZhFyupSOQESpHCcFtF_WYjzQK0QzlQiL2VFV6_izdHrXMFVQQ5al/s640/PhotoGrid_1441119559792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://teespring.com/dwi3?a=pin1&pp=1" target="_blank">Run like you blinked!!!</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.lookhuman.com/design/43929-i-dont-remember-why-im-running-do-you" target="_blank">I don't remember why I'm running.</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.lookhuman.com/design/41347-working-off-my-adipose" target="_blank">Working off my adipose.</a></div>
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A pair of good running pants is pretty important too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9S9lmeYS61WTo7Mz7CsaSsmuAynCmE2-9keHf-ZgQnojtHWZFxQ4YkiePcuMaHiPpz8Pqocg1XAqExw6y9yDvfn3fI0RXSncNpsu1-TjZIKwXlemhF_EtRvk7Zwflt2Q1h75zS0mdsAYO/s1600/LW6F01S_019217_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9S9lmeYS61WTo7Mz7CsaSsmuAynCmE2-9keHf-ZgQnojtHWZFxQ4YkiePcuMaHiPpz8Pqocg1XAqExw6y9yDvfn3fI0RXSncNpsu1-TjZIKwXlemhF_EtRvk7Zwflt2Q1h75zS0mdsAYO/s640/LW6F01S_019217_1.jpeg" width="514" /></a></div>
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4. <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-run/Run-Top-Speed-Crop?cc=19217&skuId=3611964&catId=crops-run" target="_blank">Lululemon running crop</a></div>
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And shoes! Let's not forget the shoes! I can't decide which ones I want. My foot turns inward a little when I run so I'll probably have to go in for a fitting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkGBMeBTTpoXolSdipNaN_SSmi2k8MmX2rvTYqHWihiy_-GfbyySOrCnfVSml_NrHE8FLQDg3ncRwpSkranFCKL4DjO0qN2sqKP27xIKHhVrHax3ciOh6fGgMSFuFPOM7sBhjJCzj3yXH/s1600/PhotoGrid_1441121320425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkGBMeBTTpoXolSdipNaN_SSmi2k8MmX2rvTYqHWihiy_-GfbyySOrCnfVSml_NrHE8FLQDg3ncRwpSkranFCKL4DjO0qN2sqKP27xIKHhVrHax3ciOh6fGgMSFuFPOM7sBhjJCzj3yXH/s640/PhotoGrid_1441121320425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/air-zoom-fly-2-running-shoe/pid-10294321/pgid-10077141" target="_blank">Nike Air Zoom Fly 2</a></div>
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6. <a href="http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/ignite-xt-womens-training-shoes/pna188119.html" target="_blank">Puma Ignite XT</a></div>
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7. <a href="http://www.reebok.com/us/twistform-mt/M49094.html" target="_blank">Reebok Twistform XT</a></div>
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Now I just need to work on a running playlist. I'm torn between EDM and old school 90s music. Any recommendations?<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1722619856499598713&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5VrxQPfPZf0%2FVeXIieGzMfI%2FAAAAAAAACGs%2FX8zrUxO5zs0%2Fs640%2F10153216_720306618013088_968392570_n.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 125px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1722619856499598713&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5VrxQPfPZf0%2FVeXIieGzMfI%2FAAAAAAAACGs%2FX8zrUxO5zs0%2Fs640%2F10153216_720306618013088_968392570_n.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 125px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-74407481037606526712015-08-28T12:41:00.004-05:002015-08-28T12:43:24.664-05:00Donuts for days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a serious sweet tooth. So much so that I'm convinced that if I took sugar out of my diet, I'd be super model skinny... or maybe not. Probably not. I enjoy food way too much! But it's a nice dream to have, no?</div>
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Earlier this year, I took a road trip to New Orleans with my guy and decided we needed goodies for the road. We were taking off from Houston which is were my cousin Jessie lives. She had recently discovered and become obsessed with a donut shop. She decided to share her obsession with me, and I ended up with this for the trip:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdJoeXFtkSpOnYpPNfz3Qw5VfjA4dJTx6ozEqd0_Pegp-drKQ8e1EI3a5SLGJ6cpzUGLZLfpiOy4SAW4JllmyvlN5DOtpxraJpoH-Yusl9GXTHCSxKmiquRyDDLvNCMLFN1GDyepzR9Zi/s1600/IMG_20150313_094043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdJoeXFtkSpOnYpPNfz3Qw5VfjA4dJTx6ozEqd0_Pegp-drKQ8e1EI3a5SLGJ6cpzUGLZLfpiOy4SAW4JllmyvlN5DOtpxraJpoH-Yusl9GXTHCSxKmiquRyDDLvNCMLFN1GDyepzR9Zi/s640/IMG_20150313_094043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And ate most of it myself. Of course. R doesn't have a sweet tooth. I totally forgot. My mistake!</div>
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Where does such deliciousness come from, you ask? </div>
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<img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvBHvdg6E3oRXGPs6_7krBzrvtbhiWApcoegvhFPMI9WyNf80Lv4cq2C1x7UA5u5tRGWGMybhwihcud852DAXJHBlfGAp1gnSx97LQdvJkQTuKpSQ2XDYOailS3MCASG_dJgH-oWJcbaK/s640/2015-08-28+10.36.12.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Can I say how happy I am that I don't live anywhere close to this place? It's amazing and would never be able to resist! My dream of being incredibly thin and healthy would never have a fighting chance. </div>
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I was in Houston earlier this month spending some quality time with my family and decided I needed to make sure this place was as good as I remembered.</div>
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It was!</div>
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Their menu has a whole lot of great stuff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkXrYcT8ugrDFtAUaQTreQum_I7ZCamptocKL3-v-qjbwCcnsK2EF-6oSpyEJN8GUQDooDVzvAf-GMOlpTqavTMPvALYep-u08-eV33gufP1xCt73GLzpq3SD-fb15sjvJh6sAOgf1X5v/s1600/2015-08-28+11.32.09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkXrYcT8ugrDFtAUaQTreQum_I7ZCamptocKL3-v-qjbwCcnsK2EF-6oSpyEJN8GUQDooDVzvAf-GMOlpTqavTMPvALYep-u08-eV33gufP1xCt73GLzpq3SD-fb15sjvJh6sAOgf1X5v/s640/2015-08-28+11.32.09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I was on the hunt for donuts; none of that sandwich or wrap stuff.</div>
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They have quite a few options for donuts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42IhqjsoM1jcqfxCE3RIWUyFsPc6HtpHLravescQiH-qVDxuEqY3NXfhE5RuVlLGXpjrFBQRjvohUbbb79n11Wg220gXZEp4E2sjgEe8a_1Anpa6oxoHOk1GRCn9po1xr_EFXgQmpMk_f/s1600/2015-08-28+10.38.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42IhqjsoM1jcqfxCE3RIWUyFsPc6HtpHLravescQiH-qVDxuEqY3NXfhE5RuVlLGXpjrFBQRjvohUbbb79n11Wg220gXZEp4E2sjgEe8a_1Anpa6oxoHOk1GRCn9po1xr_EFXgQmpMk_f/s640/2015-08-28+10.38.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw this little beauty fly by me while I was trying to make a decision. It's so hard to chose!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop_JZvVUxAGBd9L9lxUoTyy16LiHhfALzR_twwqhs1oIi3T4UPaPdgizr1_LGsmBD7LtcgZdu3YM8JHBHSMTT6OF1xiJjVMCfZH9E-WJogfjj6PgpOg0e2PCtxLbmUADPE8FDISVJ20Da/s1600/2015-08-28+11.32.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop_JZvVUxAGBd9L9lxUoTyy16LiHhfALzR_twwqhs1oIi3T4UPaPdgizr1_LGsmBD7LtcgZdu3YM8JHBHSMTT6OF1xiJjVMCfZH9E-WJogfjj6PgpOg0e2PCtxLbmUADPE8FDISVJ20Da/s640/2015-08-28+11.32.40.png" width="626" /></a></div>
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The last time I was there, I had their donut breakfast sandwich. It made my taste buds do a happy dance!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso2fTvApQqsYuPGD79BxP1Cr1YskilBy1e2oiHOFEMknGsjfSSVgOYG6CXqZrclevebmwGGOYRJflDI72Jc9UtqCU8NTZ9ic7s6j2o7HgU1XwMILzjP76kaSIBirkeZEK-iCmTE89M0PP/s1600/IMG_20150828_113042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso2fTvApQqsYuPGD79BxP1Cr1YskilBy1e2oiHOFEMknGsjfSSVgOYG6CXqZrclevebmwGGOYRJflDI72Jc9UtqCU8NTZ9ic7s6j2o7HgU1XwMILzjP76kaSIBirkeZEK-iCmTE89M0PP/s640/IMG_20150828_113042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But it wasn't breakfast time, and I saw this little beauty on their instagram:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUE5qRkCetzmblSRVG96AP17PaZLuLruQiSEn0jNWX3_zNTLcEZ9hdnYLsUktN3XK9QP_BJF0lmwC-gC_UgjXoKfoMnglZ-2tt3SvmHQX3cCpI0H7nRPdCiZ8l5vwAz-87kftq6H0l2Sq/s1600/2015-08-28+11.28.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUE5qRkCetzmblSRVG96AP17PaZLuLruQiSEn0jNWX3_zNTLcEZ9hdnYLsUktN3XK9QP_BJF0lmwC-gC_UgjXoKfoMnglZ-2tt3SvmHQX3cCpI0H7nRPdCiZ8l5vwAz-87kftq6H0l2Sq/s400/2015-08-28+11.28.51.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fruit medley. It has fruit! That's healthy, right? </div>
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I decided I needed some of that in my life.</div>
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My picture wasn't as pretty as theirs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg6crT35Fsd89Kgh0CxLBsf-M2MisV7lRqm1uyl2EzvjIbDLvREvVD1iIMvFN1rlf2CzElD3no9A0kiEWKlPCUiZsIfEQ8JV7Jou9rhQdPVRCM4rxmTttx_VfGkQkVOi5gyGRHinLWqOA/s1600/2015-08-28+10.44.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg6crT35Fsd89Kgh0CxLBsf-M2MisV7lRqm1uyl2EzvjIbDLvREvVD1iIMvFN1rlf2CzElD3no9A0kiEWKlPCUiZsIfEQ8JV7Jou9rhQdPVRCM4rxmTttx_VfGkQkVOi5gyGRHinLWqOA/s640/2015-08-28+10.44.06.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg6crT35Fsd89Kgh0CxLBsf-M2MisV7lRqm1uyl2EzvjIbDLvREvVD1iIMvFN1rlf2CzElD3no9A0kiEWKlPCUiZsIfEQ8JV7Jou9rhQdPVRCM4rxmTttx_VfGkQkVOi5gyGRHinLWqOA/s1600/2015-08-28+10.44.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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But it was delicious!</div>
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I got a Vietnamese iced coffee to wash it down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AAaCvfSfSTtwcqPyEAn_R6BDREpeUVSvxuzUXzqL68mWZQH25J5pO7imHiNFDm7RzhVpsr8iRqFxDpMMmGNZF-vp7zF2B2Pk5idd8a0j80iPSGnJ9q88qILycK7-TI03UR4alMm_igI0/s1600/2015-08-28+10.42.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AAaCvfSfSTtwcqPyEAn_R6BDREpeUVSvxuzUXzqL68mWZQH25J5pO7imHiNFDm7RzhVpsr8iRqFxDpMMmGNZF-vp7zF2B2Pk5idd8a0j80iPSGnJ9q88qILycK7-TI03UR4alMm_igI0/s640/2015-08-28+10.42.02.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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And waited a few hours for my sugar high to go away before tucking into this other little beauty - Mississippi Mud!</div>
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Houston is an amazing city! I never need to be asked twice to go visit, and Jessie can attest, I usually invite myself over most of the time! However, it's always nice to have an extra incentive. My extra incentive now is working my way through that donut menu. I'll just need to go for a run after! </div>
Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-60005271333901640252015-08-26T15:48:00.000-05:002015-08-27T09:11:21.436-05:00Top Golf - trying to improve my swing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know how to play golf. There was one time about six years ago that a friend of mine showed up at my house with a pair of brand new golfing shoes for me and whisked me away to the golf course for a lesson. I tried to learn. I really did. But I was distracted by the golf cart and a couple of beers. He didn't try to teach me again. Needless to say, I still have the shoes. They're brand new, hiding away in their box in a closet at my mom's house. </div>
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I bring this up because I always consider sending for my shoes when I go to Top Golf - to distract people from the fact that I am not the best at hitting a little ball with a stick.</div>
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The picture above is from the grand opening of the San Antonio location. We didn't get to play that time since it was ridiculously crowded, but we were able to watch some of the San Antonio Spurs players enjoy themselves. That kinda made up for it. I guess. Everything does looks more fun at night, no?<br />
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For those of you that have never been, Top Golf is an entertainment venue much like a bowling alley except that instead of bowling you play golf. There are targets on the field, and you score points every time your golf ball goes into the target. It's all computerized so you don't have to worry about keeping score.<br />
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That ^ is the Austin location. They all look the same.</div>
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As you can probably tell, I've been to this beloved golfer's paradise several times. However, I never quite seem to improve. Apparently, when I swing, it looks like I have a dead arm. I don't bend it properly or something like that. I defended my arm and my swing until I saw a video. It was less than ideal. I blame it on that golf lesson I had six years ago!</div>
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My last attempt to better my swing was at the Houston location with my family.</div>
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It was a bright and sunny day. </div>
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I was ready to prove myself to the world. "Yes, let's play!", I thought. After all, my only competition was my family and most of them had never played before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9igjnKgXAvWNyTvLjazELphc5qalNWb6ifzbemR9r8ZLXAbbOwBxgQnA0eOIecw9WZ3462WnePUgWEb-KPw8tC2SfFerkXec8Q8LF_1ybeZueIZjQeHXNaGAit1ATUkDSRmS5Gpn71TfB/s1600/2015-08-26+12.10.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9igjnKgXAvWNyTvLjazELphc5qalNWb6ifzbemR9r8ZLXAbbOwBxgQnA0eOIecw9WZ3462WnePUgWEb-KPw8tC2SfFerkXec8Q8LF_1ybeZueIZjQeHXNaGAit1ATUkDSRmS5Gpn71TfB/s640/2015-08-26+12.10.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before starting, though, we needed sustenance. It was time for brunch! I recently discovered that I like chicken and waffles. How very Southern of me, no? That and a mimosa was all I needed to get energized.</div>
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After getting settled in the comfy couches and logging in our information, we were ready to pick our clubs and get started.</div>
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This was a very important step. All of us were a bit attached to our clubs.</div>
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I started off playing like a champ. All of my hits landed right where I wanted them. I was tied for first place; I was very excited! </div>
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Then someone complemented me on my swing, and I started missing the ball. I hit it onto the net. I might have bounced it off of the dispenser a few times too. </div>
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Thankfully, none of our fellow top golfers were hurt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2mciYzK2KBU2x6z25UtQxg7xPKrLwuA2lTKM7SU7Kbm7H6MsaDRJpte1LCZumv-AZwi5hKuPNxFTx_SrR3mVUkh7bBMkVzvA_URfA_iFr8IB4OL4bquU_qYGqksP4vXYhcvqpYiwiihi/s1600/2015-08-26+12.22.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2mciYzK2KBU2x6z25UtQxg7xPKrLwuA2lTKM7SU7Kbm7H6MsaDRJpte1LCZumv-AZwi5hKuPNxFTx_SrR3mVUkh7bBMkVzvA_URfA_iFr8IB4OL4bquU_qYGqksP4vXYhcvqpYiwiihi/s640/2015-08-26+12.22.05.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
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Top Golf - 5, Gwen - 0</div>
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I came in third out of six. Not horrible, but guess I still need some practice. Maybe the golfing shoes would help after all?</div>
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On the plus side, Jessie's little girl - my favorite child in the world - played golf for the very first time!</div>
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She was amazing! </div>
<br />Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-18961982189974708042015-08-24T11:07:00.000-05:002015-08-26T15:11:02.568-05:00Playa del CarmenI love traveling in Mexico - it is such a beautiful country with amazing food and people. The country has gotten a bit of a bad rep recently due to a certain escaped drug lord and some violence in the border, but it should still be top of the list for any travel destination.<br />
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One of my favorite spots in Mexico is Playa del Carmen, near Cancun. Playa del Carmen used to be a sleepy little city, but it has grown tremendously thanks, in part, to tourists who want a beautiful beach without the craziness of Cancun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-dXes-LF5tIptAiSJAxCYiLqLoAr9IKhhAW8LhXUXaaT1NmWW8JiZPdZtgnxVrjlpn_wEbB6zRqU5374-h1XzIlcT0GJp8fXKw6DEhsJ99JIp5zqdWG_7e82tlF5PZFU9GvbypJLSpc/s1600/IMG_20130714_174912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-dXes-LF5tIptAiSJAxCYiLqLoAr9IKhhAW8LhXUXaaT1NmWW8JiZPdZtgnxVrjlpn_wEbB6zRqU5374-h1XzIlcT0GJp8fXKw6DEhsJ99JIp5zqdWG_7e82tlF5PZFU9GvbypJLSpc/s640/IMG_20130714_174912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That picture ^ was taken right before a rain storm rolled through. I didn't filter it - the colors really are that surreal. </div>
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I have cousins in Playa so I try to go visit often. The last time I went was about two years ago, but I'm still trying to catch you up on my trips from my blogging hiatus. I hope you enjoy anyway!</div>
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I was getting over a bit of heartbreak at the time. It was a really difficult time for me but, thankfully, I was teaching then and it was summer so I had a few months off to get away and regroup. What better way to forget all about that sort of thing than with family and gorgeous scenery?</div>
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I spent every day at the beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ltl7-7cDE9nm8NnLBArM3ybU47VP3MWh1h_Loir5NVeUjEMR6IYf_5yrieN4V2NUMYA3OtTLJg3r4vw3F7mo0wrI5TdVB4T1md4JtUA8F2kPvrtrFh1ONypVex8exgJeFi5Vl1FLSL0q/s1600/IMG_20130714_180830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ltl7-7cDE9nm8NnLBArM3ybU47VP3MWh1h_Loir5NVeUjEMR6IYf_5yrieN4V2NUMYA3OtTLJg3r4vw3F7mo0wrI5TdVB4T1md4JtUA8F2kPvrtrFh1ONypVex8exgJeFi5Vl1FLSL0q/s640/IMG_20130714_180830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also went to visit the crazy college kids in Cancun.</div>
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And spent an amazing day in Tulum.</div>
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Have you ever had a Michelada? It's basically a Bloody Mary with beer instead of Vodka and is oh so amazing!</div>
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I love fresh coconut! There really is nothing better than coconut water. And, after you finish drinking the water, the nice waiters cut it up for you so you can eat the coconut meat with some chile and lime. Yum!!! </div>
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There was also a beach party with tightrope walking and some shopping at La Quinta Avenida with lots of gelato in there somewhere too, but I really was just focused on cheering myself up. There weren't too many pictures. Sorry! But, I completely and whole-heartedly recommend Playa del Carmen for anyone needing a Mexican adventure or some time to reflect. I left feeling refreshed and much much happier. Might have to plan another trip back there soon!</div>
Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico20.6295586 -87.07388509999998420.5106936 -87.235246599999982 20.7484236 -86.912523599999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-90482887053996040132015-08-21T10:11:00.000-05:002015-08-21T10:48:43.381-05:00Happy hour and a mercantileMy friends and I tend to go to the same places over and over for dinner and happy hour. We love these places. And, seriously, you can't beat <a href="http://www.jackallenskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Jack Allen's Kitchen</a> for pretty much anything. We have spent many an afternoon happily munching on their amazing appetizer menu and enjoying an Austin margarita or three before deciding that we each need our own blondie for dessert.<br />
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Austin, however, has so many amazing restaurants that it really is a shame not to explore them all. Or at least try. In that spirit, I convinced everyone that we really need to expand our horizons and try someplace new - <a href="http://www.jacobysaustin.com/" target="_blank">Jacoby's Restaurant and Mercantile</a>.<br />
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Jacoby's is a farm-to-table restaurant located on the Colorado River. This means that their food comes from their family-owned farm and ranch, and the views are amazing!</div>
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I really wanted to sit outside. They have bunnies! Unfortunately, Texas is a bit hot in the summer.</div>
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I didn't get to sit here.</div>
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But the inside was pretty nice too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3S-P5dYsbo47J7avkL3tgy-mKC-FI7zAo26RRj8gC19r-1zE637TRenOIl79QSnHttzaAkCXJsAZvNYj1jy14GoS497eBMdF67UVVBY6adHJsLApeoGcYy-_T1IRAfa-Y6h65q_MbZvUr/s1600/2015-08-13+00.07.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3S-P5dYsbo47J7avkL3tgy-mKC-FI7zAo26RRj8gC19r-1zE637TRenOIl79QSnHttzaAkCXJsAZvNYj1jy14GoS497eBMdF67UVVBY6adHJsLApeoGcYy-_T1IRAfa-Y6h65q_MbZvUr/s640/2015-08-13+00.07.00.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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Their menu consists of lots of hearty comfort food. </div>
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Happy hour is from 5-6, and things are quite a bit cheaper then. It's what we did!</div>
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We started off with some drinks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSsFpZp21GxpyZIX_a8UtocBWsTljbp75eivyRnuSm8alxXCrpgc0Nt2ZXpF9RKrEt3vtgtWd_SF8KNklPSjxjKwrbQ68MLf7cEe5hfFHWCTaW-mMaA4NqHfov542IQQ4eTUrer5Qi4RG/s1600/20150812_173934%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSsFpZp21GxpyZIX_a8UtocBWsTljbp75eivyRnuSm8alxXCrpgc0Nt2ZXpF9RKrEt3vtgtWd_SF8KNklPSjxjKwrbQ68MLf7cEe5hfFHWCTaW-mMaA4NqHfov542IQQ4eTUrer5Qi4RG/s640/20150812_173934%257E2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and onion rings.</div>
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And followed that up with a burger and fries. We're super healthy, I know!</div>
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Served on a tray with butcher paper since we were basically on a ranch.</div>
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Most of us decided the burger was the way to go. Only Marissa decided to be a rebel and order the steak fingers. I didn't get a picture since I was too busy eating. Apparently the taste was good except that they were served in a bowl. She doesn't like it when her food touches. </div>
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I was happy though! I really am a burger and fries kinda girl. The fries were amazing, and the burger was definitely above average. Not the very best burger that I've ever had, but really really good. Everything was made even better by knowing the food was locally grown and raised. </div>
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After eating our fill, we walked over to the Mercantile. A mercantile is basically just a general store. It's not a term we use too often, but it provided endless amusement as we tried to incorporate it into our vocabulary for the rest of the day.</div>
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They had quite a few little trinkets.</div>
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Sorry for the glare of the lights in the pictures. I'll start using a real camera (not my crappy phone camera) soon!</div>
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All in all, I was thrilled to have added a new place to our happy hour / dinner rotation. I'll be sure to go back when the weather is a little cooler so that I can sit here:</div>
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And hang out with the bunnies.</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2435193829758969486" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2435193829758969486" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D9048288705399604013&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zgegnKjS3bg%2FVdc-qfY-RCI%2FAAAAAAAABow%2FF8oE4NQzQL0%2Fs640%2F20150812_172853%25257E2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 173px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7559px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2435193829758969486%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D9048288705399604013&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zgegnKjS3bg%2FVdc-qfY-RCI%2FAAAAAAAABow%2FF8oE4NQzQL0%2Fs640%2F20150812_172853%25257E2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=nU73fn8sBbFh&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 173px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7559px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-53731326617810088802015-08-19T10:01:00.001-05:002015-08-19T12:39:50.975-05:00Bird BakeryLast week was my friend Monica's birthday. Monica loves cupcakes, and is notoriously hard to impress when it comes to those cupcakes. She has had the best of the best from around the world!<br />
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I decided to be brave and get her this for her birthday...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I found these little beauties at a bakery in San Antonio called <a href="http://www.birdbakery.com/finch/" target="_blank">Bird Bakery</a>.<br />
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I found this place through Yelp. I have a great love for birds so the name drew me in right away! It also had great reviews, but you know how those can be sometimes so I was mentally prepared to continue my search for the perfect cupcakes elsewhere. </div>
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However, I lucked out!</div>
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I warmed to the place even before stepping inside.</div>
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And once inside, I liked it a little bit more.</div>
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It's the place you'd get if pinterest and etsy threw a party....</div>
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and invited amazing desserts and lots of food!</div>
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Perfect for a girlie brunch!</div>
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I had faith that the cupcakes would be delicious!</div>
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Monica's gift came in an egg carton. </div>
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She believed me when I walked into her house and told her I'd gotten her eggs for her birthday. That got me thinking... do I normally give such bad gifts? I might need to step up my gift-giving game!</div>
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Such a cute idea, no?</div>
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The inside was the best part.</div>
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I didn't try any of the cupcakes. Sad, I know! But the birthday girl loved them (thankfully!), and we now have a future appointment to meet there for a girl's brunch and pinterest party.</div>
Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-70133269609291858912015-08-17T15:24:00.001-05:002015-08-17T15:28:44.061-05:00The UK - Market day in LondonMy last complete day in London was my market day.<br />
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I started at Borough Market - food, food, food! There were stands with breads, desserts, fried foods, bison burgers, organic juices.....<br />
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I was in foodie heaven!</div>
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I wasn't as hungry as I needed to be, though, so I left the market and walked over to the Tower of London.</div>
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And the London Bridge.</div>
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I was already feeling a bit melancholy about about this being my last day in the UK, but returned to Borough Market for lunch and was cheered up by the people watching and delicious food.</div>
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After lunch, I took the tube back to my home away from home near Camden Market and walked to Primrose Hill and Regents park. </div>
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Best view in town!</div>
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This is where I'd want to live if I moved to London (when I move to London???)</div>
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I sat and contemplated the possibility of moving for a long while before rushing to make it to Camden Market .</div>
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Camden Market reminded me of being at a market in Mexico City - stalls of clothes, bags, and shoes everywhere!</div>
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It was quite busy! And I founds gifts for everyone back home. </div>
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Unfortunately, this was my last evening in London, so I slowly and reluctantly followed the crowds out of the market and back to the flat to pack.</div>
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Until next time London!</div>
<br />Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-19153865682651042302015-08-13T16:44:00.001-05:002015-08-26T11:01:27.057-05:00The UK - The day I fell in love with LondonThis is the day I fell in love with London! There was nothing in particular that did it - just the energy of the city. Does that sound crazy?<br />
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I started the day with coffee and a lemon poppyseed cake from a cute little coffee shop. All the while thinking that I needed to cut back on the bread but rationalizing that I was walking oh so very much.</div>
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From there I took the tube to Buckingham Palace and took a walk in the park.</div>
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It was lovely out - bright and sunny, covered with flowers. I really lucked out with the weather in early March!</div>
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From there I walked over to Fortnum & Mason for some fancy grocery shopping.</div>
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I was very tempted by the chocolate!</div>
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I bought some gifts there for my mom and grandma before stopping for an afternoon tea. Duchess Grey tea and delicious scones were just what I needed. I did have coffee that morning and needed to fulfill my daily tea quota.</div>
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From there I walked to Hatchards. They have apparently been in business since 1797.<br />
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Bookstores are my happy place.<br />
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From there it was a walk down Oxford Street and Covent Garden. </div>
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I really did do a lot of walking!</div>
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But I had views like this to keep me entertained:</div>
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I finished the day with some shopping at Selfridges - some Jo Malone to spoil myself.</div>
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Peony & Blush Suede perfume smells amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoQIVbJnBFCn2cMgAqwUWXHBThBBP-alxJGlgaLg2L4W9X_b-aketYP2W7ZHVEA06Nalss5wwDDAcAemZkEypWh11d5R3bKSchM-U1fXdDKizeY4FO7eDm1ecGuQUFd2-p02AGBMaBIY3/s1600/IMG_20140314_102059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoQIVbJnBFCn2cMgAqwUWXHBThBBP-alxJGlgaLg2L4W9X_b-aketYP2W7ZHVEA06Nalss5wwDDAcAemZkEypWh11d5R3bKSchM-U1fXdDKizeY4FO7eDm1ecGuQUFd2-p02AGBMaBIY3/s640/IMG_20140314_102059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't remember where we went to dinner. I do remember that I was already sad about only having one more day in London so shortly after falling in love with it.</div>
<br />Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-8131628090285501322015-08-11T19:30:00.002-05:002015-08-26T11:02:05.046-05:00The UK - Being a tourist in London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a beautiful place to stay in London - a friend's flat near Camden Market.</div>
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Check out the view.</div>
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Gorgeous, no?</div>
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<a name='more'></a>I wish I could enjoy that view every morning with a cup of coffee... or tea, I adapt easily!<br />
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My first day in London started off with vanilla scones and tea from a little restaurant I found on my way to the tube.</div>
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Once I figured out how to use the tea pot, I greatly enjoyed it! I'm really more of a coffee person, but I can get used to this.<br />
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I love riding the tube; it reminds me of living in Boston.<br />
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At Parliament, I was greeted by Big Ben. It wasn't foggy; I just got a little carried away with the instagram filters.<br />
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It was actually beautiful out. Check out the London Eye.<br />
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My favorite though, were these signs on the street - I needed help not getting hit by the cars driving the wrong way!<br />
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I walked along the bank of the Thames to the Tate Modern Museum followed by the British Museum. They were amazing and interesting, but it was a very long walk. Being a tourist is exhausting!<br />
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After my wanderings and a well-deserved nap, I met up with a friend for dinner at York & Albany. Pizza and red wine to finish the day!<br />
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All in all, a very fun day!Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-66605096574164715272015-08-09T15:53:00.001-05:002015-10-21T11:41:03.007-05:00The UK - It's pronounced 'Edinburrah' not Edinburg<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My third morning in the UK, we woke up very early to go to Edinburgh. It was to be a three hour drive, and I was incredibly tempted to hit the snooze button on my alarm and stay in bed. Fortunately, my sense of adventure prevailed, so I reluctantly got dressed and on the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The drive in Scotland was beautiful - all hills and castles and hairy cows. Of course I didn't take any pictures. I'm blaming this on me being half asleep, of course! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I spent quite a bit of time on the drive practicing the correct pronunciation of the place - torn between getting it right or just saying screw it and talking with a Spanish accent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were both a bit grumpy from the lack of sleep and a little worried about the drop in weather as we got further in Scotland. My friend A had conveniently forgotten his jacket in Norfolk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then we got to Edinburgh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It really is a beautiful city!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was enough for us to forget our grumpiness (and buy a jacket) as we wandered around the cobblestone streets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Edinburgh castle was amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out this sunset...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I completely fell in love with the city, and might have been planning on ways to stay there permanently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, at this point, my jet lag magically disappeared! It was the weirdest feeling - one moment I was tired and slightly sluggish, the next I felt wide awake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following day I had breakfast at the hotel and took a nice walk to Prince Street where I visited the shops and bought souvenirs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After I had my fill of shopping, I decided to find the University of Edinburgh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe I need another masters degree??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had to stop at the Elephant House too - couldn't resist the birthplace of Harry Potter! Their millionaire bars are the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The bathroom was a bit interesting too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ05EQ5TAYkZnawQ34zgmGusFk5xnyMIcfjPto2rNVoY43teD7aG9ZDP5ohoYG5zzSRNhTTXk4IOKVVCJvwUbaIGgJhHRwkE_XjOKJHXrLgFnIq6-ADDeWYuCNkO3jMW9kQjvFG8JdzBwu/s1600/IMG_20140311_123127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ05EQ5TAYkZnawQ34zgmGusFk5xnyMIcfjPto2rNVoY43teD7aG9ZDP5ohoYG5zzSRNhTTXk4IOKVVCJvwUbaIGgJhHRwkE_XjOKJHXrLgFnIq6-ADDeWYuCNkO3jMW9kQjvFG8JdzBwu/s640/IMG_20140311_123127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">At that point I remembered that I needed to catch a train to London and started heading back to the hotel. Did I mention I loved </span>Edinburgh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've always wanted to go to England. "The Secret Garden" was one of my favorite books growing up, and I always imagined myself living in the English countryside in a cottage with a beautiful garden. This desire has never really gone away, and I would happily move there tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm a big fan of many British things - tv shows (Dr. Who!), music, fashion, men with gorgeous accents (Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy!!!), the list goes on and on! So I was thrilled last year when I was finally able to make it to the UK for the very first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I spent my first two days over there in Norfolk which was about a two hour drive north of London. There I learned that everything really is as pretty as I'd imagined it, and that I have a very difficult time pronouncing the names of certain places (like Norwich and Sandringham, and Edinburgh). My friend A got a huge kick out of that, but I'll be reminding him of that next time he visits me here in Texas! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't have too many pictures of my first two days which I really do regret. The blame for that is completely going to my excitement and the jet lag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's a quick rundown of what happened: we tried going to Sandringham, the Queen's house but it was closed so we wandered around the forest catching up and looking at the wooden sculptures. It was incredibly beautiful there, and I'm still kicking myself for not capturing any of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that we went for a walk on a really pretty beach. It was low tide so there was really a lot more mud than water, but A rescued a little boy who was stuck in the mud and, well, I quite enjoyed that he did that. He also collected some shells for me which I kept.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkEhG4NBUBXyyuehW95i5mWT3dWbxNn6rjjptQXtVNw4n4lspuisvEc1RbkL96HKzEJkUy-yydMr4hO9PDrC8r-3P59d8kpARKPMjDfIhIlNsNUFR2XuUWuafkB-3kpev4puArrDMSLg8/s1600/IMG_20140316_151645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkEhG4NBUBXyyuehW95i5mWT3dWbxNn6rjjptQXtVNw4n4lspuisvEc1RbkL96HKzEJkUy-yydMr4hO9PDrC8r-3P59d8kpARKPMjDfIhIlNsNUFR2XuUWuafkB-3kpev4puArrDMSLg8/s640/IMG_20140316_151645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We finished out the afternoon with a tour of Castle Acre. Fun fact - this castle is centuries older than our country. I knew this, but it's still a little hard to wrap my head around it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXgSy1PgOhk1ca4vskAt5AQCjD6ML6OhNVNKe-9PkNzuBxOMyoqa11r-8I-GrTqOFdn7O1RCwPm5hNd6wHXA8KYen70KPLrSghsl9BBxAoe7aVaUaoMUsRRjpuLcJ7EKOq5otyT-UXlky/s1600/IMG_20140308_193346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXgSy1PgOhk1ca4vskAt5AQCjD6ML6OhNVNKe-9PkNzuBxOMyoqa11r-8I-GrTqOFdn7O1RCwPm5hNd6wHXA8KYen70KPLrSghsl9BBxAoe7aVaUaoMUsRRjpuLcJ7EKOq5otyT-UXlky/s640/IMG_20140308_193346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sunset was beautiful!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5YANF7KBWSV0W1GdJD2F4KLtm1IQeMITuBuacKkiq12uu_sKPtRoCyMJt3Ufq9SkvhRoqL9pJDCJu_P-oEN409zgxMBh0EqZsOMIMm4VOMv760CJyMwA2g9MYIo9eiE46B_NJOIAGTT_/s1600/VC8HlkTWz9BJCDn3WVAclwzSTawbcpe0gegf_QJaBwI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5YANF7KBWSV0W1GdJD2F4KLtm1IQeMITuBuacKkiq12uu_sKPtRoCyMJt3Ufq9SkvhRoqL9pJDCJu_P-oEN409zgxMBh0EqZsOMIMm4VOMv760CJyMwA2g9MYIo9eiE46B_NJOIAGTT_/s640/VC8HlkTWz9BJCDn3WVAclwzSTawbcpe0gegf_QJaBwI.jpg" width="633" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From there it was homemade lasagna and a visit to the local pub - The Ploughshare Beeston. A perfect start to my vacation!</span>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-10055852560382963012015-08-06T10:00:00.002-05:002015-08-11T18:47:03.155-05:00Remember me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqY8ANhqTfEKzFtNRW6BJ0cj86zxKkonAw9LpMGX6DoYueeQrVt2KdEfBOMSMH8C8L85S1VYm0GqZZbG96WUP07EftQ7ILORKRlz3AVIjlFcB0shULFt9zhPV8XSly8HWAUDJ1zo-4cJZ/s1600/IMG_20140830_115919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqY8ANhqTfEKzFtNRW6BJ0cj86zxKkonAw9LpMGX6DoYueeQrVt2KdEfBOMSMH8C8L85S1VYm0GqZZbG96WUP07EftQ7ILORKRlz3AVIjlFcB0shULFt9zhPV8XSly8HWAUDJ1zo-4cJZ/s320/IMG_20140830_115919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hi there! Remember me? I've been gone for a very long time! Can't believe it's been four year already! I got so busy with life and work that I totally forgot about my little piece of the internet. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that I "discovered" a new favorite blog and started thinking about my own. I realized that I miss writing it, and that there is no reason why I can't start again. So here I am again - a little older and a little wiser (hopefully).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't remember everything that happened in the past four years, but I can share with you some of the trips that I've taken and things I've done that still stand out. I think I'll start there and we'll be caught up soon. Hope you like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. The site is getting a little face lift, and I had to delete some posts that were missing pictures. I apologize for any messiness and links that don't work.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2435193829758969486" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2435193829758969486" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-41870253128868587772011-11-27T09:29:00.003-06:002011-11-27T10:03:34.606-06:00Weekend Wear: Sunday<div>Mommy and Me Apron Set:</div> <a href="http://www.poshtots.com/_common/_assets/product_images/512/23821_PD1-B.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.poshtots.com/_common/_assets/product_images/512/23821_PD1-B.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div> PoshTots...$73.00<br /><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Have a beautiful day! ~jess!e</b></div>JeSs!ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555421200798158275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-67897840413974073332011-11-04T17:07:00.001-05:002015-08-11T18:49:21.564-05:00Sunshine & Melodies - David Bowie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi! Happy Friday!!!!<br />
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Tonight I'm going to the Alamo Drafthouse to watch a sing-along of <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth_(film)">Labyrinth</a></i> - one of my all time favorite movies! I am ridiculously excited about this!<br />
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Here's the trailer for the movie in case you've never watched it:<br />
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It's one of the few movies that I loved as a kid, that I can still watch and enjoy today.<br />
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This is turning into 80s movie week, isn't it? I can't help myself!<br />
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How amazing is David Bowie???<br />
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Need more proof? Dance Magic Dance!<br />
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Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-4547849648285868362011-11-02T12:44:00.001-05:002015-08-04T11:31:16.100-05:00I'm Reading! - The Princess Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just finished reading <i>The Princess Bride</i> by S. Morgenstern. I hadn't read this since high school, and while I still prefer the movie (What a great movie!!!!), the book is not too shabby either.</div>
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I don't need to tell you the plot, right? You've watched <i>The Princess Bride</i>, right? Right?<br />
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It's always amazing to me when people start quoting random lines from the movie. It is such a quotable movie!<br />
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<b>"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."</b><br />
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Or, my personal favorite:<br />
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<b>"You keep using that word. I do no think it means what you think it means."</b> Try reading that without Inigo's accent - impossible!<br />
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I could go on and on.<br />
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Here's a clip:<br />
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Ah, Westley!<br />
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EW had a cast reunion special last month. Check it out <a href="http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/10/07/princess-bride-reunion/">here</a>.<br />
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What's your favorite line from <i>The Princess Bride</i>?Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-91890234155061960942011-10-23T10:52:00.012-05:002015-08-04T11:44:04.712-05:00Weekend Wear: Sunday<a href="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/909076?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/909076?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 180px; width: 180px;" /></a><br />
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1. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/jacketsblazers/vests/PRD~909076/Jennifer+Lopez+Reversible+FauxFur+Vest.jsp">Kohls</a>...*on sale *58.80</div>
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I am lOving <a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a>...</div>
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2. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59112&vid=1&pid=512741&scid=512741012">$32.94</a><br />
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3. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58390&vid=1&pid=730770&scid=730770122">$34.94</a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993399;">Have a beautiful day! ~</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">jess!e</span></b></span></div>
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JeSs!ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555421200798158275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-53047098983542741532011-10-20T19:46:00.000-05:002015-08-06T08:42:17.729-05:00VolverHappy Thursday! It's almost the weekend!<br />
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I've been away for almost two weeks now. Sorry! I've been a bit distracted, but today I was watching the movie <i>Volver</i> and decided to share with you.<br />
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Such a great movie!<br />
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This is my favorite scene from the movie: Penelope Cruz singing <i>Volver.</i> </div>
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I adore this song! It always makes me a little emotional. </div>
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<i>Volver</i> is a tango by Carlos Gardel; just gorgeous! </div>
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Here's the original version:</div>
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Doesn't it make you want to know how to dance tango?</div>
If that wasn't enough, here's the version sung in the movie by Estrella Morente:<br />
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Which one do you like?</div>
Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-15702475303711945152011-10-16T11:25:00.006-05:002011-10-16T11:52:54.331-05:00Weekend Wear: Sunday<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">In the mood for some <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">ModCloth</a>...</span></div><a href="http://productshots3.modcloth.com/productshots/0058/3481/4fe75a68e02e3bcb9ba8f8c4184c46c6.jpg?1301092771" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 211px;" src="http://productshots3.modcloth.com/productshots/0058/3481/4fe75a68e02e3bcb9ba8f8c4184c46c6.jpg?1301092771" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Tops/Sweaters/-Aquarium-Date-Top">Sweater</a>...$49.99<div><br /><a href="http://productshots3.modcloth.com/productshots/0077/0669/56dbd69f14928a371f55931bd1bd836a.jpg?1308603346" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 211px;" src="http://productshots3.modcloth.com/productshots/0077/0669/56dbd69f14928a371f55931bd1bd836a.jpg?1308603346" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Bottoms/Shorts/-Lasting-Joy-Shorts">Shorts</a>...$61.99</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://productshots2.modcloth.com/productshots/0088/4183/97179430f7d4987d8d2e0e563233dbf1.jpg?1317932442" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 211px;" src="http://productshots2.modcloth.com/productshots/0088/4183/97179430f7d4987d8d2e0e563233dbf1.jpg?1317932442" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Accessories/Socks+Tights/-Knee-d-to-Know-Tights">Tights</a>...$32.99</div><div><div><a href="http://productshots1.modcloth.com/productshots/0088/3281/65d52cde1be69688badf48880554efc6.jpg?1317850107" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://productshots1.modcloth.com/productshots/0088/3281/65d52cde1be69688badf48880554efc6.jpg?1317850107" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 211px; " /></a></div></div></div><div><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Shoes/Wedges/-Public-Sleeking-Wedge">Wedges</a>...$59.99</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Have a<b> beautiful</b> day! ~</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">jess!e</span></span></div>JeSs!ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555421200798158275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-37333274727256779082011-10-07T10:32:00.001-05:002015-08-06T08:42:27.730-05:00Sunshine & Melodies - Mumford and Sons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RNerVHKRL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RNerVHKRL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
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You've heard of these guys, right? </div>
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If not, you're in for a treat! This British band has a country, folk rock, bluegrass feel that is quite unique. </div>
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Watch them in action:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnSYrhNY758?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Good, huh?</div>
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Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220184527352509333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435193829758969486.post-74568109020597385092011-10-02T07:00:00.001-05:002015-08-04T11:44:27.304-05:00Weekend Wear: Sunday<a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/22768378_011_b?$redesign-appcat$" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/22768378_011_b?$redesign-appcat$" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 269px; width: 179px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22768378&catId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&pushId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=18&color=011&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&templateType=subCategory">Anthropologie</a>...$148.00<br />
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I LOve these...</div>
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<a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_na/dw/image/v2/AACA_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-ninewest-Site/Sites-ninewest-catalog/default/v1317442101673/products/PG.BASELAR.BLACKSU.PZ.jpg?sw=126&sh=126" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_na/dw/image/v2/AACA_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-ninewest-Site/Sites-ninewest-catalog/default/v1317442101673/products/PG.BASELAR.BLACKSU.PZ.jpg?sw=126&sh=126" style="cursor: pointer; height: 126px; width: 126px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ninewest.com/Basela/8020390,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=BLACKSU&cgid=8346254&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=ninewest-catalog">Nine West</a>...$99.00</div>
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<b>Have a beautiful day! ~jess!e</b><br />
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JeSs!ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555421200798158275noreply@blogger.com0