tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58312131306770605052024-02-06T22:35:11.423-05:00Weavers Wobble (But We Don't Fall Down)My I-Can't-Shut-Up outlet.Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-67733984391104893352014-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-15T10:42:27.417-05:00Mara Art: She's SOOOO Proud of Zach<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of Amara's (my 9 year old) loves is to make art. Recently her 13 year old brother Zach asked a girl to be his girlfriend. For some reason this made lil' sis so happy and excited for him that she just had to stop everything she was doing and draw him a picture. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVG-Vi3pPhGViu8SvK29l2T6sxc4JBq3Tt7NU5NLDWZ9jcgI9lrOgyEXF4C5SZzdn55ptAUdmCUMcXzIccBd4smjYsKXbpFayZFXGVKcB7JZkcFRd_0fgZoAJ9VCJUm4EVoERaiaMq3br/s1600/congrats+Zach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVG-Vi3pPhGViu8SvK29l2T6sxc4JBq3Tt7NU5NLDWZ9jcgI9lrOgyEXF4C5SZzdn55ptAUdmCUMcXzIccBd4smjYsKXbpFayZFXGVKcB7JZkcFRd_0fgZoAJ9VCJUm4EVoERaiaMq3br/s1600/congrats+Zach.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She proudly placed it in front of him, he ignored it and she didn't care because she was so thrilled for her big brother. </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-71452930556190489882014-12-09T10:15:00.001-05:002014-12-09T10:17:55.996-05:0010 Life Hacks You Need To Know For Christmas!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is a great video of some super easy and quick Christmas hacks from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UU1zZE_kJ8rQHgLTVfobLi_g" target="_blank">The King of Random</a>! </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kE75vRV9tos?list=UU1zZE_kJ8rQHgLTVfobLi_g" width="560"></iframe>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-24502352347180384012014-12-08T13:15:00.000-05:002014-12-08T13:15:00.458-05:00Boys Get (and Hate) Breakouts Too- A Clearasil Review #ClearasilMom #MC<br />
<div class="yiv0084281358MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418045129500_14928">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418045129500_14927" style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Sans-Serif;"><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418045129500_14926">“I participated in an
Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for</i><i> Clearasil</i><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418045129500_14929">. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a
promotional item to thank me for my participation.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My oldest child is a grungy 13 year old boy. He is taller than me, <strike>has</strike> had long blond hair like me and unlike me, appears to hate showers and being clean. Add in the hormones of teens and he's in breakout city. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL-l_Ir_axs2jQLMyDh-xX1Ah8ds7mBe9dlrndN-DlRCfNCn9sbG0qemZ_Z8dH6t-3g3rl7pzdJliUItgUMb8zHYreOXj6U0dXlzH4wF9R7bLwQtgldEjWAXJtqqYjQtO3kotIjhsXKTd/s1600/Zach+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL-l_Ir_axs2jQLMyDh-xX1Ah8ds7mBe9dlrndN-DlRCfNCn9sbG0qemZ_Z8dH6t-3g3rl7pzdJliUItgUMb8zHYreOXj6U0dXlzH4wF9R7bLwQtgldEjWAXJtqqYjQtO3kotIjhsXKTd/s1600/Zach+Before.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before we knew he could use more than soap to clean his face.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Growing up with only a much older sister and a niece that could have been a younger sister, I wasn't exposed to boys much so every experience with them is totally new and different for me. I don't understand so many of their quirks and habits. Most of the time they are crazy, weird things smelling up my house. I kind of thought I had a few years- until my daughter became a teen- to worry about pimples and other puberty-related issues. I guess I just never thought that boys cared, or if they did that there was nothing they could do about breakouts. Parent fail. Apparently they care enough that they are sort of willing to work with their moms and <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/" target="_blank">Clearasil</a> and <a href="http://www.momcentral.com/" target="_blank">Influence Central</a> for two weeks to test out two new facial cleansing products to help himself and share his experience with others! That's actually a big deal because he even agreed knowing that I needed picture proof of this event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Zachary got my unfortunate breakout genes. I had it bad starting when I was 12 and it didn't stop until my 20s. Now I break out monthly and not nearly as bad as when I was a teen. So, he needed some major help asap and started off with the <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/product-lines/ultra/washes/ultra-rapid-action-daily-gel-wash/" target="_blank">Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash</a>. I have more of an issue with blackheads and keeping my pores clear and have even more of an issue finding a product that helps, so I gave this one a shot too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash is part of the <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/product-lines/ultra/" target="_blank">Clearasil Ultra</a> line, with stronger products designed to work quickly. Our tested product is meant to unblock pores and clear blemishes in as little as 12 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The above photo and the following photo are "before" pictures, when he was using only soap and water. It's insanely hard for me to get him to shower every other day. While I'd prefer daily, he would prefer never. He isn't into sports so that's a relief. Most of his activities are low energy and he only has gym for half of the year so I don't have to require daily showers for another month or so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It's hard to tell in the photos but he has a glaring red splotchy face with a few large angry breakouts and many small pimples across his forehead and around his nose.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMjmqRAH-psdLnINBAGbP5Ul-CZF0jKwO3n3_G6MCTHlW59pj4h4zhDz06GO-F3qP_j6_0bpOS54tN2CFDcLfIsU4TzXZQ0hBnqzw0HH5I6UPlGTZ_iZsX_SyBnYMHLHP4ra9Tnfiqwc2/s1600/Zach+Before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMjmqRAH-psdLnINBAGbP5Ul-CZF0jKwO3n3_G6MCTHlW59pj4h4zhDz06GO-F3qP_j6_0bpOS54tN2CFDcLfIsU4TzXZQ0hBnqzw0HH5I6UPlGTZ_iZsX_SyBnYMHLHP4ra9Tnfiqwc2/s1600/Zach+Before+2.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love him, blemishes and all. But we could use a few less breakouts!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's been really cold and dry outside here in South Central PA, and that combo makes for some really dry and painful skin. Because this product is maximum strength, I decided that using this with his every-other-day shower routine would be the safest. By the 4th day, or 2nd usage, all of his large pimples and zits were gone, though the smaller ones were still there. All of the redness was GONE. All gone! That was an attractive side-effect! He now has an even skin tone that looks so much better than before. What I considered his normal "shiny" face is gone. And we all know that a shiny face (as opposed to the artwork of a glowing face) isn't all that attractive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since the time period that he was using this was cut short due to my decision to use each product separately for better analysis of each one, he used this one 5 times over 10 days. His skin didn't experience any over-drying which is actually kind of amazing to me. The smaller blemishes remained but the redness and oiliness stayed away even after we switched product. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A word from Zach: It's fine. It works. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Me: I need more than that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Zach: Oh my gosh, Mommy, I'm trying to talk to someone! It's FIIIINE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the first time I used the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash, I noticed an instant change in my face. It was smoother, clearer and it definitely helped my pores. Though if I skipped a day it was definitely, noticeably back to normal. It didn't dry out my face too much using it daily, but I did need to moisturize a bit after using it. I'm really interested in checking out a few other products after trying this one.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pros of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Low-fragrance. It isn't strong which is great for the headache-prone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Clears redness large blemishes fast.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-A good deep cleaner for pores.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">- Doesn't over-dry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Low-fragrance. It won't make me sick as I inhale the scent! And the fragrance it does have is pleasant. </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cons: </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Doesn't get rid of all breakouts, but it's a very small con considering what it <i>does</i> do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is a picture of Zach getting his haircut, after our first 8 days, before beginning the second product. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRphACOBPEesZF0mntFSNRvYEGjnQlUDHa61dn-vbpkoRvrwZ8a6TGfqSogOp9_dZ-IsbdpRgLF2RHzJmkRKArqltt8r5xvY1H2b-UEI0UUxbRG5xxx14SMgfTUnjdzoTcImMxajWeYDWB/s1600/Zach+middle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRphACOBPEesZF0mntFSNRvYEGjnQlUDHa61dn-vbpkoRvrwZ8a6TGfqSogOp9_dZ-IsbdpRgLF2RHzJmkRKArqltt8r5xvY1H2b-UEI0UUxbRG5xxx14SMgfTUnjdzoTcImMxajWeYDWB/s1600/Zach+middle.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It isn't easy to see much, but you can definitely see his face isn't red.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And here he is after 10 days, also before beginning the second product. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihT4ykI_8ixsc1lvQ2W0FxNOt_Wdn4VyPUZqWdEFpHR8S6FI-xfC4t8xhcJhIwwl-sNpBQbSuE01sCaf2lwSmM-H9qJAcaXp89ivjGx6wllctYVB2a1FrDfOPLlEDaPf98iVFYGsnu4gT/s1600/Zach+After+Blue+Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihT4ykI_8ixsc1lvQ2W0FxNOt_Wdn4VyPUZqWdEFpHR8S6FI-xfC4t8xhcJhIwwl-sNpBQbSuE01sCaf2lwSmM-H9qJAcaXp89ivjGx6wllctYVB2a1FrDfOPLlEDaPf98iVFYGsnu4gT/s1600/Zach+After+Blue+Bottle.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on an "other" day so his face isn't quite as clear but still looks much better.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For the last few days of our two week experiment I had Zachary use the <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/product-lines/daily-clear/washes/daily-clear-oil-free-daily-face-wash/" target="_blank">Hydra-Blast Oil Free Face Wash</a> twice a day. The Hydra-Blast cleanser is part of the <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/product-lines/daily-clear/" target="_blank">Clearasil Daily Clear</a> This creamy face wash helps reduce breakouts up to 85% in as few as 4 weeks and includes a moisturizing complex to keep your face hydrated. It's a cream cleanser and you really only need a <i>tiny</i> amount to clean your face. The first day, Zach used a <i>ton</i>. You seriously only need about a pea-sized drop. I didn't really notice a huge difference in his before and after face with this one, but I did notice that it's great at maintaining what the first product achieved. And maintenance is VERY important! Zach, again, didn't have much to say but he's happy that his face is clearer, with little effort. That's the most important thing. If something can be accomplished with little effort, he'll continue with the maintenance! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I tried the Hydra-Blast along with him. It definitely didn't clear my pores like the Rapid Action Gel but felt nice on my skin- tingly and smelled good. Like fresh and aloe. It's something we could use every day without over-drying or damaging sensitive skin. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pros of Clearasil </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Hydra-Blast Oil Free Face Wash:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The scent.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You only need a tiny bit. This still will go far, which stretches my dollar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Great for daily, clean skin maintenance. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>Cons: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-A little more drying than I expected, but not overly. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-It might take a while to help really problematic skin. Not to worry though- just start with an Ultra product then move on to Daily Clear for every day maintenance and clear skin!<b> </b></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's his "after" photo:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3VOXqAvBvzKBdxRcaBX3iKD42uZg_euuRkpfA83GbPXZrY7GPav7dg8ZFIfp8LM92ZbZBo5hzdnN14h5Ecx0_pWL952T7iN7QzJlpvtt5wissOhJlZuZ9_fmirxj6Zv1vOpqelgh0k-y/s1600/Zach+After+All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3VOXqAvBvzKBdxRcaBX3iKD42uZg_euuRkpfA83GbPXZrY7GPav7dg8ZFIfp8LM92ZbZBo5hzdnN14h5Ecx0_pWL952T7iN7QzJlpvtt5wissOhJlZuZ9_fmirxj6Zv1vOpqelgh0k-y/s1600/Zach+After+All.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That shine is all just photo glare from the bright lamp! Doesn't he look so much better?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are some other really great products that are part of both lines we reviewed and I can't wait to explore them more. We want to be #acnefree and will accomplish it with Clearasil! You can get some great info from the Clearasil website, including <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/concerns/" target="_blank">information about your biggest breakout and care concerns</a>, <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/expert-advice/" target="_blank">expert advice</a> and <a href="http://www.clearasil.us/special-offers/" target="_blank">special offers</a> (a FREE product mail-in rebate and a $1 off coupon!!!!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can also connect with Clearasil on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/clearasilUS" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/clearasil" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for more great information (and some fun comics on Facebook). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/clearasilmom?source=feed_text&story_id=10203108992825742"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">ClearasilMom</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mc?source=feed_text&story_id=10203108992825742"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">MC</span></a></span><br />
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-73696403611317661912014-12-02T10:48:00.003-05:002014-12-02T10:48:38.545-05:00Seriously Awesome Gift Guide for Minecraft and/or Lego Freaks and Wildebeest Children<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: xx-small;">*****In case you couldn't tell, this post contains affiliate links, though I'm still so in love with these gifts that affiliate links wouldn't matter!*****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's The Seriously Awesome Gift Guide for Minecraft and/or Lego Freaks and Wildebeest Children that doesn't include popular toys that no one can find, for those that haven't found THE gift from all of the other seriously awesome gift guides out there and who have wild and crazy children that need ridiculously cool and entertaining gifts that are not video games but might be related to video games. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've perused so many gift guides and haven't found the right stuff for my family, so I decided to create my own gift guide, based on what our family loves. I hope this helps some families that are sick of the same old things and want or need something new and fun in their lives. If this list does help you, please let me know! I hate wasting my time as much as the next person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To start, every wild and crazy family NEEDS one of these:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This thing is okay on its own, but add in these accessories to make it a killer present, especially when it's too cold or rainy to go outside:</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B007L76WVQ&asins=B007L76WVQ&linkId=M5UO3P6CXX63KKP6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> <br></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B007L76Y00&asins=B007L76Y00&linkId=XNIDOF6EHBWPUDME&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> <br></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To be fair, that one wasn't my first choice, but my first choice was sold out. For less $, you can get the Gorilla Gym complete set with everything the stuck-inside child might want to entertain themselves with (like swings and a ladder!), AND you can get add-on items that are adult-friendly too! It also has great reviews. Once I figure out if it will fit our weird doors, I might start with just the bar, which is close to $100 less. Also, most of my kids might be too big for the accessories. If so, we might go with an equally rated but cheaper bar. Either way, something is going in my daughter's doorway this year. After all, she's only been asking for about 4 years!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next up, a gift for the roughhousing kids in your house (of the adult variety and real children). It's cheap, it makes noise and you can beat each other with them. I bought two. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you have a Lego lover in your house, you NEED at least one of the next item on the list. They come in all sorts of official Lego colors and sizes. We will have 2 this season and will work toward more in the future. They aren't cheap, but they are oh-so worth it. Plus, I'm pretty sure you can stack them like the real deal! What a catch! </span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008KQ1LHC&asins=B008KQ1LHC&linkId=QS4475AWWJWPE6ZI&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008KQ1SNE&asins=B008KQ1SNE&linkId=LOEJGYKTQQBPEAYR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008KQ1ROE&asins=B008KQ1ROE&linkId=P5CKGMP6TJCYDS7T&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> <br></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The parents of Minecraft lovers rejoice. There are BOOKS! Have a book-loving, Minecraft-crazed kid already? It's a win! Have a book-hating, Minecraft-crazed kid? Maybe they'll like books with one of these! There are more, but this will get you started. We bought the Construction handbook for my 6 year old Minecraft-crazed book lover:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545685176&asins=0545685176&linkId=KE5OCA4CJ777HVRS&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545685168&asins=0545685168&linkId=ZG7IAD7AOP5FLKR5&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh, and this appears to be awesome too (I bought one for Christmas and it looks nice):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Someone in my house is getting one of these and she's going to be shooting the crap out of a target soon. Who needs Nerf? Well, we need that too, but this is going to be AWESOME.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Back to readers, these books are necessary for wild and crazy kids that have brave, awesome parents. One for girls and one for boys. While I believe either could be helpful for both genders, these were written a long time ago and specifically for scouts. P.S. There are Kindle versions of these too. </span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0879234490&asins=0879234490&linkId=X65TVMGIH5GRVLCG&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I really wanted the American Boy's Handy Book but it was sold out (and I didn't see a second version until later) and I purchased this instead:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545085365&asins=0545085365&linkId=RFVD3KWB4I6EBZUT&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, if you're a REALLY brave and awesome parent, this fits in with the above books. We aren't getting one for any of the kids this year, but are keeping it on the wishlist for the future, when we've decided that another child is old enough and responsible enough to have one. Our oldest cherished his pocket knife for many years, and now it holds a proud spot on his shelf. This one is for serious kiddos only and we've decided that it's appropriate for no one this year, but hopefully in the next few it will be:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0009KF4H0&asins=B0009KF4H0&linkId=YVS4PFTRAXZTQX2S&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On to clothing (sort of). Do you have any caped crusaders? We have two caped crusaders missing their capes, getting these beauties:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you have any wild and crazy board game players in your family, this looks like a super fun family game:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=shwiamo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008CNWUMS&asins=B008CNWUMS&linkId=PMOKPORCTHXHLZZP&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's all, folks! What's your favorite item from this gift guide? What are you getting your kids this year? What's your family's must-have gift? Do you procrastinate as badly as I do? </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-40158255627302021112014-09-17T10:08:00.000-04:002014-09-17T14:54:52.953-04:00Celebrating My Favorite Season with Starbucks® Fall Blend<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">You forgot Fall coffee, pumpkins, pumpkin creamer and fall festivals...</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's September in South Central Pennsylvania, which means cooler weather is here. Sometimes. Then it gets really hot, then freezing, then we don't know if we should put away the summer clothes and pull out the jackets or if we should keep the shorts, stash the swimsuits and grab the hoodies from the attic. We never know, and that's what I love about this season and this state. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fall is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Back to school (woohoo!).</b> This year I have an 8th grader (last year of middle school), a 4th grader (big school district changes mean a new school for her), a 1st grader (and a walker- YES!) and my little baby boy is in his last year of preschool. Where would I be without coffee when I have to wake up EARLY for school? I miss them like crazy but I've been working hard to live in and enjoy the moment. So I'm enjoying my coffee in peace!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><a href="http://yorkfair.org/" target="_blank">The York Fair</a>:</b> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: http://yorkfair.org</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My town is host to the oldest fair in America! It''s a short walk from my house and therefore the best spot to park if you're family or friend. If I go to the end of my block, I can see the Ferris Wheel, at night in its flashing, spinning lighted glory. It's one of the only lighted rides that doesn't make me feel like I'm about to have a seizure. If the wind is blowing right (or at all) I can hear and smell the fair. Talk about a tease! True to its roots, The York Fair is still a big agricultural fair, with contests for homemade foods, homegrown produce and plenty of stinky and beautiful farm animals shown by local farmers and 4-H. Of course, what fair wouldn't be complete without a circus, carnival rides and pig races. Every year (I think this was only recently) some amazing person creates a BUTTER SCULPTURE. For real! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is BUTTER. Butter! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I swear I don't live in the middle of nowhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/York-Fair-Americas-First-Fair/276098132121?sk=photos_stream" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for some neat pictures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Fall is FUNDRAISER TIME:</b> I am the "fundraising lady" at our elementary schools. This job just became twice as big, so that I can love it twice as much. It's chaotic but so worth the end result. You can't put a price on a smiling kid. During the fundraisers I typically drink an extra cup or two of coffee to get me through long days of checking and rechecking orders. Thankfully this is a super easy fundraiser! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrDtosjz4o2doR-E7t5RefRCg5uTrFiW0_klZF5cNPmFLpgarbV3vfDQG7l0xA3VF7gVl73fdrqwg1J9UeCGkxwViwDsixVM4oey0G9Clkgvvl2ZUJ2oDZKvU1sR9QurGvCIygHM_6FqW/s1600/Kidstuff+fundraiserjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrDtosjz4o2doR-E7t5RefRCg5uTrFiW0_klZF5cNPmFLpgarbV3vfDQG7l0xA3VF7gVl73fdrqwg1J9UeCGkxwViwDsixVM4oey0G9Clkgvvl2ZUJ2oDZKvU1sR9QurGvCIygHM_6FqW/s1600/Kidstuff+fundraiserjpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just my first cup.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Fall is:</b> Busting out my favorite hoodies, campfires, pants, warm blankets, fall festivals (there are dozens here in York and it's awesome!), pumpkin everything, changing leaves, raking (yes, I like to rake, then have my kids jump in the piles), warm drinks (coffee for me, hot chocolate for the kids) and perfect weather. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg92V9To59goFC_HUa5EnTuT3CUKHNkUbgFiL62IUANY-VgO28Ni1SSfD-SQsXwNrTRvg-No5_VjFgyOjrikjEF3SA8m4gkMxFI7Yq8NaY614D3k7AoXntanx07L4Nw7XeptMnBUMdoL6/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg92V9To59goFC_HUa5EnTuT3CUKHNkUbgFiL62IUANY-VgO28Ni1SSfD-SQsXwNrTRvg-No5_VjFgyOjrikjEF3SA8m4gkMxFI7Yq8NaY614D3k7AoXntanx07L4Nw7XeptMnBUMdoL6/s1600/coffee.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a Starbucks cup, but it says coffee.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Fall is:</b> <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/seasonal-favorites/fall-blend-2014" target="_blank">Starbucks® Fall Blend</a>. When this arrived I was hoping for something pumpkin-like. What I got was so much more. I have tried a few delicious Starbucks seasonal blends but this was by far my favorite. This is literally autumn in a coffee drink. It's a medium roast, called "a cozy coffee for the early days of autumn" and the description is perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To quote the bag:<i> Welcome the season with a harvest of flavors. Layered and full-bodied, this three-region blend offers the best of all worlds. Sumatran beans lend the warmth of fresh spice notes while coffees from Kenya add citrusy brightness, and beans from Peru provide balance and a subtle nuttiness.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I highly recommend adding Starbucks® Fall Blend to your list of fall must-haves this season. Stop at your local grocery store to see if they have my newest favorite coffee then head to your local Starbucks to find out if they are one of many offering this awesome deal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Starbucks/photos/a.152298483056.110092.22092443056/10152688948443057/?type=1" target="_blank">Buy Any Fall Drink and Get One Free from 2-6pm</a><i>. </i>Valid until 9/21. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And if you find an awesome seasonal mug while you're there, <b><i>please let me know! </i></b>I'm on the hunt for a new one and haven't found THE ONE.<b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What's your favorite fall activity and fall drink?</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Disclosure:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Modernmom and Starbucks supplied me with the products to facilitate this review. All opinions are expressly my own. </span></i><br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-82107600160626339612014-09-15T19:45:00.000-04:002014-09-15T19:45:00.098-04:00The Moral of the Story<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The other day my first grader Jonas and I read The Three Billy Goats Gruff. It's the one where the three goats cross the bridge, from the smallest to the largest. As each one crosses, the mean, ugly troll under the bridge tries to eat them, and each time the goats say something along the lines of "wait for my bigger brother because he's bigger and tastier". <b>Spoiler alert.</b> The biggest goat kicks the troll's butt when the troll wants to eat him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After we read we discuss. I asked Jo what the moral of the story was and his response was, "Don't trust ugly people." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm sitting there thinking, <i>at least he didn't say something this awful <b>to </b>someone this time</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Out loud, I said, "Try again". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So he says, "Ohhh! Don't trust ugly trolls."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Almost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm not really sure we could have come out of that discussion without offending someone. So I just suggested that one never trust a troll that lives under a bridge. They're always up to no good. #parentingwin </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-29498406800069554672014-09-06T22:46:00.000-04:002014-09-15T13:30:31.425-04:00Get a #FlawlessFinish with Sheer Cover Studio Makeup (Review) <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was so excited to get to try out <a href="http://sheercover.com/" target="_blank">Sheer Cover Studio</a> makeup. I'm a makeup klutz and always afraid to try new products that might not be right for me. The only thing I have to say is this: <i>You have to try this stuff!</i> Pictures or it didn't happen? I'm working on them. I'm a digital dummy sometimes. But I have them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's my face history:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I don't wear a lot of makeup. Every few months I'll go on a binge of wearing it a few times a week but mostly I wear it once a week-3 times a month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My skin is splotchy and my tone is uneven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I suffer from breakouts even at 32. My 32 year old face isn't nearly as bad as my teenage face, but it still happens. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have combo skin- dry and flaky in some spots, oily in others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have large pores. They are the purest form of evil. They don't even help me look youthful like I've heard some people say about large pores. They just make me look gross. In other words, I need help of the makeup variety. ASAP. Thanks to ModernMom and Sheer Cover Studio for providing me with some great products to test! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Here's what came in the box:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>1.</b> Base Perfector Primer. This smooths imperfections (yep) and minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines (yep). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>2.</b> Conceal and Brighten Trip in Light/Medium. This conceals, brightens and has a mirror. The concealer comes in two shades that you can mix to get the right color for you. It works well as long as I get the right color. Absolutely worked better with my finger than with a brush! But that might just be my problem! The brightener, when applied to the corners of your eyes and your brow bone helps brighten your face. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>3.</b> Perfect Shade Mineral Foundation in Medium. Loose powder foundation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>4.</b> Sun-kissed Bronzing Mineral Powder. Hard powder in three shades that you brush over your face in areas you want to highlight. I'm not sure I was doing this one correctly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>5.</b> Numerous brushes in different sizes to apply various makeups. They did the job well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>6.</b> Lash Extending Fibers. Applied to eyelashes prior to mascara, this extends your lashes. Might have worked a little. I wasn't too sure I was doing a good job of applying this! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>7.</b> Lengthening Mascara in Black. It's wider on the ends and narrow in the middle. It does a nice job, my eyes looked much better with than without. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Confession: I
have no clue how to properly apply makeup. Lipstick is pretty
self-explanatory but don't ask me about lip liner. I know what it is
but I look like I'm wearing Sharpie around my lips. And foundation?
Not a clue. Even watching makeup tutorials online I'm thinking..."I've
never heard of a whatsit" and "Why did she put foundation on her face 3
times? Oh...that's not foundation? Then, what is it??" I'm just so
lost and super good at doing all the wrong things. Guess what else came with
the Sheer Cover Studio products? Instructions- yes!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I
was a little overwhelmed at the large group of product sitting before me
when I opened the package. What was I supposed to do with all of this? Good thing this stuff is for dummies and
makeup c</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">onnoisseurs
alike, or I would have been in trouble. Those instructions were a
lifesaver and really helped me get a look I've always wanted but could
never achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My before and after face were definitely different. After was<i> much</i> better! I took some (terrible) selfie photos but cannot for the life of me figure out how to get them to STAY on the blog after I upload them from the phone (iphone we use as an ipod. I'm still learning all that fancy stuff). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My biggest triumph of this review was when I dropped off my daughter at a rehearsal, went home, put on the makeup then picked her up. She came out and <i>looked right past me</i>. Then there was a double-take and she came running over. "Mommy, you look sooooo different! I didn't even realize it was you. You look...<i>younger</i>, you're so pretty! What did you do? Are you wearing makeup?" She went nuts! Another happy moment was when one of the kids' friends came over and said, "Ohmygosh Miss Alex, you look so pretty!". Apparently my normal face is nothing to go gaga over. I was lovin' the positive affirmations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My favorite products:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The primer is amazing. It did what it promised and gave me the dewy look I love when I wear makeup. It smooths and minimizes and actually works better the more you use it. If you go days without it, this effect doesn't continue, but I looked better on day three using the makeup than I did on day one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The brightener does wonders. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The powder foundation was one of the best I've tried. It goes on smooth and you don't need to use much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Surprises:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That I didn't need the lightest shades. Normally I buy the lightest or second lightest product but I went with the medium (recommended for many tones) and it was just right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Try it, try it, try it! And check back for my terrible selfies. They are laughable, but you can see the difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Modern Mom provided me with Sheer Cover Studio products to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.modernmom.com/contests/sheergiveaway/" target="_blank"></a><br /></span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-22338008081947529122014-08-27T21:00:00.000-04:002014-09-04T19:44:18.984-04:00First Day of School<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ack! Where did my pictures go? Working on this... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First day of the 2014-2015 school year was August 21, 2014. I'm getting this done on the 27th...not too shabby! I'm usually a few months behind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Up first is 8th grader, Zach. This is his last year of middle school. I'm going to have a high school child soon, then he'll be driving, moving out, going to college and starting his own family and I'm just not ready! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/A7DSKAXfMkHuiSUBQtNO5lpdGe37c2UVdCBsZc8KZcFxzKVN3NKo77VCuieRmpXRt3JpJUWKPw5Qy-K-iMX8Gzlmyb4=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/A7DSKAXfMkHuiSUBQtNO5lpdGe37c2UVdCBsZc8KZcFxzKVN3NKo77VCuieRmpXRt3JpJUWKPw5Qy-K-iMX8Gzlmyb4=s400" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Too cool for photos.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4th grader, Amara is starting a new school due to a huge change in the district. She's adjusting quite well and loves her teacher! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/O3DBRajfF5dJsMTEndZTSnHRSj9MPjRVgo3eDluOvqP7wyPR-fcBhbKA1uvY8xOGaCHC-TxOy2D_2tGrCkfvEevH97U=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/O3DBRajfF5dJsMTEndZTSnHRSj9MPjRVgo3eDluOvqP7wyPR-fcBhbKA1uvY8xOGaCHC-TxOy2D_2tGrCkfvEevH97U=s400" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My smiley, photogenic little girl.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/cYTwKZPYTonxT5sncdwhMTRK2QjVN4Gwqm5H2B8s2IjTMH0HUZwB3ytKCZzeAze_2yWuFJZOhSdBrjtghkNDdD0eaws=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/cYTwKZPYTonxT5sncdwhMTRK2QjVN4Gwqm5H2B8s2IjTMH0HUZwB3ytKCZzeAze_2yWuFJZOhSdBrjtghkNDdD0eaws=s400" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry is missing all of his big siblings already. Henry won't be starting school until next week.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1st grader Jonas was very excited about starting 1st grade. We didn't have the best Kindergarten year but he was really looking forward to lunch and recess. Lunch and recess at school can make a world of difference! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZVXBcOWg9muyTMLlMthQMMCcQb8pUnOiSeIHoQTZ_7jN1O5MVm2wJK4pBRHVvzTopZvgNv2RV_NX9qDwFKxt0dXheZ4=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZVXBcOWg9muyTMLlMthQMMCcQb8pUnOiSeIHoQTZ_7jN1O5MVm2wJK4pBRHVvzTopZvgNv2RV_NX9qDwFKxt0dXheZ4=s400" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was how Jonas prepared the night before. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/taLh4S7qrFNd8wvGMJoSLmCPs94fze62Vy813_GWYJ_U2diFMrF_Up4QDF4QT2V2v5WKuy39Bbw3mm1ofm9-qfNO-6g=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/taLh4S7qrFNd8wvGMJoSLmCPs94fze62Vy813_GWYJ_U2diFMrF_Up4QDF4QT2V2v5WKuy39Bbw3mm1ofm9-qfNO-6g=s400" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here he is, showing how excited he is to be heading into the building.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy school year! </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-28014117584828307052014-07-16T12:42:00.001-04:002014-07-16T12:42:47.628-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Hey Mama, I'm a Space Man!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4f6ZR9YJivo64G-MeASE_p3mwKkVtPzBMkU8ND0oqGWOdR7lSIMuucJLe3xZ5CRD7TZtdYqqQBUd2I5_yI0jGhc_ihG7nk7UG9R2yUP9AWjIG7xQhsTterW31ga5YtyJ7410ntLCmqJi/s1600/20140315_152040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4f6ZR9YJivo64G-MeASE_p3mwKkVtPzBMkU8ND0oqGWOdR7lSIMuucJLe3xZ5CRD7TZtdYqqQBUd2I5_yI0jGhc_ihG7nk7UG9R2yUP9AWjIG7xQhsTterW31ga5YtyJ7410ntLCmqJi/s1600/20140315_152040.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-75201735136123344882014-07-02T06:30:00.000-04:002014-07-02T06:30:00.948-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Kayaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSBV8x9dOqLFRqp9kQsJCG8rC6DdFIZWwQTSHmU7yBYa96ZUT2uMhsuMxCTldEp_scP01OycVPqr3H7bbLk7fKdQ_fGnq4B1Jz_8hX24g-EZcDxyg1hqtzri8YOeNdDyCefOVNY8-Wgl5/s1600/DSC04565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSBV8x9dOqLFRqp9kQsJCG8rC6DdFIZWwQTSHmU7yBYa96ZUT2uMhsuMxCTldEp_scP01OycVPqr3H7bbLk7fKdQ_fGnq4B1Jz_8hX24g-EZcDxyg1hqtzri8YOeNdDyCefOVNY8-Wgl5/s1600/DSC04565.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-79445897793103398192014-06-25T07:00:00.000-04:002014-06-25T07:00:04.781-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Sunset on Prospect Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6HImy4mn-9ix8SVHlq65LmPV_cmjy4vWUoEzmfCEDH3eKz2xfJhkipqy7-s3l1RKNO3l6aEpw6afkxBN8ahJp9uN2rIuBh_ZJzsLHoPGEYX1rJsRio7DRfH2wQ7uBhFvurbLH5FqzLLi/s1600/DSC04554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6HImy4mn-9ix8SVHlq65LmPV_cmjy4vWUoEzmfCEDH3eKz2xfJhkipqy7-s3l1RKNO3l6aEpw6afkxBN8ahJp9uN2rIuBh_ZJzsLHoPGEYX1rJsRio7DRfH2wQ7uBhFvurbLH5FqzLLi/s1600/DSC04554.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-18792121166954091362014-06-18T06:30:00.000-04:002014-06-18T06:30:03.039-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Tiny Dancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfU3xl1GEElEUlq1NC7wJlad0z3NAxQ4NeChVw48hc-M3Q_USfE6cuqNtSdFRjRsUsB3UTUdu9G3dEOO9lfecWypwvWUAW6ZO_UjrLQkKdB2Banebt2NZZOPtdVdyGy7_cx7QYqdAGexF/s1600/DSC04466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfU3xl1GEElEUlq1NC7wJlad0z3NAxQ4NeChVw48hc-M3Q_USfE6cuqNtSdFRjRsUsB3UTUdu9G3dEOO9lfecWypwvWUAW6ZO_UjrLQkKdB2Banebt2NZZOPtdVdyGy7_cx7QYqdAGexF/s1600/DSC04466.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-33675813567723121952014-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-11T06:00:00.939-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Elmo in NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMbo7gaE-2ccGqTX7cx9W7bNd8aiispYDJRVQl43dtNoL46BiARfTOOBqYEVHuKZ87pkPjBo4yQYDlHOXTSs0lz5BF6xm7-iTFgMGzUuJpJGw91ZcL-5HMoltR3fw2cazGqgYqGVCSRpy/s1600/DSC00795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMbo7gaE-2ccGqTX7cx9W7bNd8aiispYDJRVQl43dtNoL46BiARfTOOBqYEVHuKZ87pkPjBo4yQYDlHOXTSs0lz5BF6xm7-iTFgMGzUuJpJGw91ZcL-5HMoltR3fw2cazGqgYqGVCSRpy/s1600/DSC00795.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-40007898378950264212014-06-04T06:30:00.000-04:002014-06-04T06:30:02.655-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Caught! Superman Eats Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr_FbFQwXy5iM1ekfAUPi63G_85mXgH-fv0JHEAwZ5wa1KP96reLpilfetzTkagOfrUQ2EDmPFEXOMLNbGPXS2Yk2nVewtzCv_B4fBwlEera4sKqmiCYt4GHr-LYA7K_itZiij6MX4G88/s1600/DSC00989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr_FbFQwXy5iM1ekfAUPi63G_85mXgH-fv0JHEAwZ5wa1KP96reLpilfetzTkagOfrUQ2EDmPFEXOMLNbGPXS2Yk2nVewtzCv_B4fBwlEera4sKqmiCYt4GHr-LYA7K_itZiij6MX4G88/s1600/DSC00989.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-91524085028893358422014-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-28T06:00:07.019-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Orangutang Wearing a Blanket on Her Head...Awwww<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8k0HyLyj6bH8_m-5hONOd_dswgTBNmRpz__APujCupeocMPJvKfmFyCynUSLeW3sRr0Lw0xslxGSvw82yDG0EsDMtjUH64JOnPft0Gz_fvMYsR7Ia_JqgjjJ_UU1feTdesENLZ8AG_dU/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8k0HyLyj6bH8_m-5hONOd_dswgTBNmRpz__APujCupeocMPJvKfmFyCynUSLeW3sRr0Lw0xslxGSvw82yDG0EsDMtjUH64JOnPft0Gz_fvMYsR7Ia_JqgjjJ_UU1feTdesENLZ8AG_dU/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-41586986115861829712014-05-21T21:30:00.000-04:002014-05-21T21:30:00.078-04:00Guess Who Lost a Tooth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ZXUAPhnuTn9tp1O_Q_8ivoUh4tJU05ZSApJEoyoWJgqkOiNXtm3xnKCXFId1hnlkEynoEOdf-nH0bfyFldPZ7hrfstw1v6mnV1I5L5FKO8hDAjfwECw-RcM2mSsL-tMuUXYYZ6bS6CX/s1600/DSC00983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ZXUAPhnuTn9tp1O_Q_8ivoUh4tJU05ZSApJEoyoWJgqkOiNXtm3xnKCXFId1hnlkEynoEOdf-nH0bfyFldPZ7hrfstw1v6mnV1I5L5FKO8hDAjfwECw-RcM2mSsL-tMuUXYYZ6bS6CX/s1600/DSC00983.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Look ma, no eyes! Why does this boy with the beautiful eyes have to squint when he smiles?</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yep, I know the world cares about my kid losing a tooth and that's why I'll tell you all about it. Jonas is 6 and lost his first tooth on May 9th. It had been wiggling for weeks and he wouldn't stop messing with it (though he wouldn't let me tie it to a door) and it finally fell out while he was doing nothing in particular. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then about 3 days later (yeah, I know- great mom, right?) he lost his second one. Good thing we have a reasonable tooth fairy. She left him a gold dollar for the first and a quarter for the second. It took a few days to get to him because someone takes forever to go to sleep when he goes to bed and someone's mom was really tired. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT2WKalSnVeAlfnFwS8GLW-5lxlN0ay4ed2d5v8kR5lE67xREjS1w_GjsbFeRbnCwmPDvBuTmGTFDrK4vpFQApHD4f2l-wVHhMBEYNrls-zhtMRhyphenhyphen9R73AYguOl4lEtZJwA10Hb4myGog/s1600/DSC01017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT2WKalSnVeAlfnFwS8GLW-5lxlN0ay4ed2d5v8kR5lE67xREjS1w_GjsbFeRbnCwmPDvBuTmGTFDrK4vpFQApHD4f2l-wVHhMBEYNrls-zhtMRhyphenhyphen9R73AYguOl4lEtZJwA10Hb4myGog/s1600/DSC01017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Someone got out of eating apples for a few weeks. Yay, applesauce!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm pretty sure this whole post was just to show off my kid's gorgeous face. Yeah, I know I'm a little biased. </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-21817436565447732522014-05-21T10:53:00.000-04:002014-05-22T13:19:44.090-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Lemur Photobomb <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhO6cVb_wnCtEcFssU_M7qREnyY_tgZQX5EYOOJxYaerGTA01boiS-v9PaObShNVz-FhWkbNyR3tjL-EFB5dIvmURPAt4sofo7fPSAn0nC-yiL6rSoQBjo3345eiFCKhR2CU8QKMCZNsk/s1600/DSC00939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhO6cVb_wnCtEcFssU_M7qREnyY_tgZQX5EYOOJxYaerGTA01boiS-v9PaObShNVz-FhWkbNyR3tjL-EFB5dIvmURPAt4sofo7fPSAn0nC-yiL6rSoQBjo3345eiFCKhR2CU8QKMCZNsk/s1600/DSC00939.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-9436745502801984472014-05-21T06:30:00.000-04:002014-05-22T10:39:24.704-04:00Look What I Bought<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRZ-fGK39f1X_hLKxNtqP9TyzWXx95mQ7ZjFkUJtB7DGVJkRxLIRMpOJPVLoJIQA8XTdEUcFFPTCG9TxB4TEqb1g9P5Y7ZHhC-M4YoLL0JCrIiEDp8rS_OfhmzhmdKXMAY09qYKyd-PLr/s1600/DSC00986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRZ-fGK39f1X_hLKxNtqP9TyzWXx95mQ7ZjFkUJtB7DGVJkRxLIRMpOJPVLoJIQA8XTdEUcFFPTCG9TxB4TEqb1g9P5Y7ZHhC-M4YoLL0JCrIiEDp8rS_OfhmzhmdKXMAY09qYKyd-PLr/s1600/DSC00986.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at this and don't fall in love.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every month a local consignment and other goodies shop, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelittlegreenowlyork" target="_blank">The Little Green Owl</a> in York, PA, holds a community night for two of our local elementary schools. I totally dig supporting schools and local small businesses so if I can get there on those dates, I go out and buy a couple things. It's never much, but it makes me feel better about myself and I love coming home with a few new things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At recent community nights I grabbed a few shirts and sweatshirts for the kids; things we needed anyway. A friend set up her Tastefully Simple biz at one of the nights and also donated some $ to the schools so I bought myself some Orange Dreamsicle cheese ball mix because it's a necessity and absolutely delish. Next time I go I plan to grab one of the super adorable American Girl outfits that a local lady makes and sells at ridiculously affordable prices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The last time I went I actually snagged a photo of my swag so you can get excited and travel to my little city and get your very own awesome swag. Or find someone in your town who makes cool stuff too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XYQlLiPR6EnHbVzDHbeCysoNZ7bAuHJZ3dExO993yFcszQGyihMlrpaRgX6Q4NPgFQUutKEFUelaLPBcbj3Bm-T-ku53rjCp16zVCThubOb6Ee4BUY3LoxM_gXr4I3gmo0Wbm6g3Q3EX/s1600/DSC00985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XYQlLiPR6EnHbVzDHbeCysoNZ7bAuHJZ3dExO993yFcszQGyihMlrpaRgX6Q4NPgFQUutKEFUelaLPBcbj3Bm-T-ku53rjCp16zVCThubOb6Ee4BUY3LoxM_gXr4I3gmo0Wbm6g3Q3EX/s1600/DSC00985.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First up is this adorable grandma photo or whatever holder. I'm not a grandma, but I know someone who is and they are getting this. It could hold one 4x6 or a few wallets. The hearts are magnets, making switching up the photos super easy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That fabulous wine thing in the first photo? I don't even know where I'm going to put it but at $2.50 I had to buy it. I'm going to buy more too. It's big and great and I love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And last, but not least, there's the itty-bitty chalkboard:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA6fsrgN02Tt2bXKeUTwNKQ6F8_QcCWY39d5f5FfODRyh9aM3CZ_I3hC7090zRfMv5XkYia0KLXU_2zSw-qQvUiyrSgZg8-W3IGsHucWT2z-z9gmlLqI5g3jatOYlX2W8EuD7_pFxVngC/s1600/DSC00988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA6fsrgN02Tt2bXKeUTwNKQ6F8_QcCWY39d5f5FfODRyh9aM3CZ_I3hC7090zRfMv5XkYia0KLXU_2zSw-qQvUiyrSgZg8-W3IGsHucWT2z-z9gmlLqI5g3jatOYlX2W8EuD7_pFxVngC/s1600/DSC00988.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are so cute.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm not sure it's big enough to write more than,"hello" but that's big enough for me. I don't know where I'll put this either, but I like it enough that I'm sure I'll find a place in no time. </span><br />
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By the way, if you want to shop with me and support some local schools and a local business, head out to The Little Green Owl on Carlisle Rd. on May 29th from 4-8pm. Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-47771667156600754352014-05-20T18:30:00.000-04:002014-05-20T18:30:00.479-04:00I Voted<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrC5yUPwqSVWHZkLM_RSPcv1M5htxh5ACKn-E2bJQ_vtFJaQas9LwmZztgfQaY935FwkyNor6-5QDQv8gkp866eY2ZvHkFQGR5yyIcrKw0VdW-njg0ketcJrr3PUxOnWAVwjET3dQtjNh/s1600/DSC01042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrC5yUPwqSVWHZkLM_RSPcv1M5htxh5ACKn-E2bJQ_vtFJaQas9LwmZztgfQaY935FwkyNor6-5QDQv8gkp866eY2ZvHkFQGR5yyIcrKw0VdW-njg0ketcJrr3PUxOnWAVwjET3dQtjNh/s1600/DSC01042.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#Votedselfie Henry, Superman and I voted this afternoon.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today is the Primary election here in PA so Henry and I took a trip to our polling venue and got our vote on in less than 5 minutes. It's actually kind of disappointing that it happened so fast because it meant they weren't busy. While I was pleased to see that all 4 polls were occupied, there was no line. Sad, PA. Please don't complain if this election doesn't turn out the way you wanted it to. You can't complain when you don't exercise your right to vote- something that many people in this country fought for you to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And on a side note, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Pennsylvania's Marriage Ban has been ruled Unconstitutional today. Right after I saw the news, I was driving to the polling place and saw two guys proudly holding hands while walking down the street. It's nice to see that other human beings have one less thing to worry about. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAB-GFFlXHxwVqxLrHt7PsYT0yPQpNVZKwJOPevwPenDApnAuJWjqtMRyJdiJNRb-VSKchAwaz4XtI2KxGoDjoSDbbq_iAwYmL7_2zFjLOh7jgE6_d0dT3QuO1sCYZW0vCDOBjm61KEKe/s1600/10376335_10203835444476738_8077762471072675775_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAB-GFFlXHxwVqxLrHt7PsYT0yPQpNVZKwJOPevwPenDApnAuJWjqtMRyJdiJNRb-VSKchAwaz4XtI2KxGoDjoSDbbq_iAwYmL7_2zFjLOh7jgE6_d0dT3QuO1sCYZW0vCDOBjm61KEKe/s1600/10376335_10203835444476738_8077762471072675775_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Did you vote today? </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-25606307987508252022014-05-20T15:01:00.001-04:002014-05-20T15:01:27.759-04:00What Happens When a Mom Cleans Under Her Bed (After Months of Neglect)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxgKVcT2pGsSddnLYqrWb0Fh7JyiRGTUaEQrKE038wuKh4zTLZL_38R9uuGgVFQiXtPSHwvj9SnyXW95ZSmd6VvghTItlsIm3rBPSFhfIk1o7AuYwbCAvt37A-346aneUYn0otFh-oJKU/s1600/DSC01033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxgKVcT2pGsSddnLYqrWb0Fh7JyiRGTUaEQrKE038wuKh4zTLZL_38R9uuGgVFQiXtPSHwvj9SnyXW95ZSmd6VvghTItlsIm3rBPSFhfIk1o7AuYwbCAvt37A-346aneUYn0otFh-oJKU/s1600/DSC01033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is not a small bin.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am absolutely not the best housekeeper but I seriously skipped cleaning under the bed for the longest time. I actually only did it because I can't find the dang tv remote and I really wanted to watch Heroes on Netflix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, what does one find under the bed of a family with 4 kids who love to visit mom and dad in the middle of the night, hands stuffed full of the Lego toys that they <i>need</i> to have? The bed that doubles as the home of mutant zombies or ninja warriors? Well...I can tell you! Lots of socks, enough toys to fill a large bin, enough dust (and trash??) to fill the vacuum. Twice. Enough books to entertain bored kids all year, enough Lego pieces to build an empire and the Fitbit I couldn't find for weeks. I put that on stat, so that I could make myself feel better today about eating 3 donuts yesterday. But seriously, it's like The 12 Days of Christmas in here. Sort of. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZdaZvO07GZkbAAzSnz07VhG0tw5mgG3EcM6D2CPpF8kWXjSuwf1L87ZptGnkK834MkLzzTN_1ICfoUGwmYtdXc6SO94aJrtdqIpExshpEXwoM_gnWtMFN1kjXncjQRAyGu1gwS3R70Qa/s1600/DSC01034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZdaZvO07GZkbAAzSnz07VhG0tw5mgG3EcM6D2CPpF8kWXjSuwf1L87ZptGnkK834MkLzzTN_1ICfoUGwmYtdXc6SO94aJrtdqIpExshpEXwoM_gnWtMFN1kjXncjQRAyGu1gwS3R70Qa/s1600/DSC01034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, hello tiger. Long time, no see.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm nowhere near done cleaning out from under my bed. Or the rest of my room. Or the rest of my house </span><br />
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But I got it in my head that everyone would love to see what I found under my bed. Because everyone loves being bumped up a notch on the good mommy or good housewife list. You're welcome :) <br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-80225131894697215612014-04-30T20:12:00.001-04:002014-04-30T20:14:24.641-04:00Starbucks Spring Blend and My New Spring Celebrations (Hint: It's Chaos) @Starbucks @ModernMom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczLVHAIruc_soaUFoKzAnDZQCswMFrEQbXfjxKWKaeL56GKu0Z4ZSkzNwyLrZ0VMS8pO5uPOtxOOkwB3r57E8XDt3xu5II7PZEBda8t3rVJ1KGhU2BuLkHAUBm2Wf3S-Q7kc06VKOJdVH/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczLVHAIruc_soaUFoKzAnDZQCswMFrEQbXfjxKWKaeL56GKu0Z4ZSkzNwyLrZ0VMS8pO5uPOtxOOkwB3r57E8XDt3xu5II7PZEBda8t3rVJ1KGhU2BuLkHAUBm2Wf3S-Q7kc06VKOJdVH/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy spring!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a child growing up in South Central Pennsylvania, spring
was hot, windy, snowy, rainy, cold or practically any other weather you could
imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also when families- determined
to free up closet space or living in denial- would pack away the winter gear and
send the kids outside no matter how poor the weather conditions were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spring</i>
and we were going to enjoy it!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I’ve always been a creature of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tradition is my way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Christmas we go to the same places and
see the same people at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birthdays
are spent partying with friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mornings are spent drinking coffee (preferably a smooth blend of Starbucks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always welcome new people, but new places throw me off and a totally
new schedule causes an internal meltdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For less significant activities I’m okay with a little variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t too upset to leave the Mother’s Day
Street Fair early the year that it felt more like mid-January than May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t cry if we don’t go to the Saint
Patrick’s Day Parade every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But this spring has been a major test for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s truly been a season of change, stress,
little sleep and crazy days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
thrown out of my comfort zones and have been busier than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been much more active in Girl Scouts,
and even managed some (stressful) camping and overnight trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than our yearly Easter dinners,
egg-decorating and Easter egg hunts with family and annual birthday party for
my daughter, Amara and I had a girls’ weekend with my mother-in-law, grandmother-in-law and sisters-in-law.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Leaving my little boys overnight was the hardest thing I’ve
ever done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztdUHppDYRh733mSRPxqurReqcfJLxPGKvBTfjO7h2W5nLrKj6RoDrB5elXlupVWFmajvUjIEgXOLv0als_MCzrODCMt80s-w_Kbw2C9MUjomktX9YCk7J3ViSBUHr0kvg1WsbizAG8Pj/s1600/DSC00573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztdUHppDYRh733mSRPxqurReqcfJLxPGKvBTfjO7h2W5nLrKj6RoDrB5elXlupVWFmajvUjIEgXOLv0als_MCzrODCMt80s-w_Kbw2C9MUjomktX9YCk7J3ViSBUHr0kvg1WsbizAG8Pj/s1600/DSC00573.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Love these guys!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUziRW1gJVR1O5OQeuAtshcpPnaNB2OdBDxzj1cDSQSr2eaKTj6QOGEEcDQVhftLJvVpspX2TcG4Y4jdlKwX8-tp-pTC-5R3qaBlw7wOLLyxH2Veqvka-4duvF4lzs6NACXpdT-55GRrC0/s1600/DSC00574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUziRW1gJVR1O5OQeuAtshcpPnaNB2OdBDxzj1cDSQSr2eaKTj6QOGEEcDQVhftLJvVpspX2TcG4Y4jdlKwX8-tp-pTC-5R3qaBlw7wOLLyxH2Veqvka-4duvF4lzs6NACXpdT-55GRrC0/s1600/DSC00574.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And the ones that wouldn't let me take photos too.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Before this year, I had never
been away from them overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
left me- going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house or Nana’s but that’s different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they go away I can retrieve them in a
flash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was gone, I was hours away
and too busy to call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was missing them
and wishing they could enjoy my experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not that I didn’t have fun; I spent the night and following day at the
Philadelphia Zoo. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a girls’ weekend
in Manhattan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjngxXqAYGnLFeGPSEc4wmVDGJ5sJNUcfC27lnyvaUxxpFthdfrhl1fmyHSauEDMve7Vgc6kCn_1IAOspIy71L1QKUpVLYheg78zOw-Q1LbFz4sWRi-9Yf7eZxsX5wXrOD0raw24bfY8/s1600/DSC00770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjngxXqAYGnLFeGPSEc4wmVDGJ5sJNUcfC27lnyvaUxxpFthdfrhl1fmyHSauEDMve7Vgc6kCn_1IAOspIy71L1QKUpVLYheg78zOw-Q1LbFz4sWRi-9Yf7eZxsX5wXrOD0raw24bfY8/s1600/DSC00770.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FAO Schwarz, NYC girls' weekend and 9th birthday celebration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I camped in a lodge at a
beautiful campsite in perfect weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I went to a PTO Expo in Philadelphia (yes, that IS fun!).
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What’s kept me awake during these long days and sleepless nights?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coffee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During these busy weeks, thanks to the awesome <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks</a> and <a href="http://www.modernmom.com/" target="_blank">Modern Mom</a>, I’ve been downing <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/seasonal-favorites/spring-blend-2014" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Starbucks Spring Blend</span></a> coffee, stopping in the Starbucks in NYC (on
Broadway!) for a drink and
an awesome new mug and chugging it to get through another few hours after 4 hours
of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaNnbijRYTmpEXGlEA4-wvfAc9gEAStuVtciok6b-v6sPRUEFl2pP4bzKRw1iZs8pRpcrhX7XVeFX9o9xgmVir8khvNFv214A5Y5aitbKSTMosQbijL2Nzk6MI7gIYzbPJGfOB7IJ1SMZ/s1600/DSC00952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaNnbijRYTmpEXGlEA4-wvfAc9gEAStuVtciok6b-v6sPRUEFl2pP4bzKRw1iZs8pRpcrhX7XVeFX9o9xgmVir8khvNFv214A5Y5aitbKSTMosQbijL2Nzk6MI7gIYzbPJGfOB7IJ1SMZ/s1600/DSC00952.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starbucks on BROADWAY!!! I think you can see a Broadway sign in the background. Can you see my new #Starbucks mug?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj3O7wAMZI427sgwIybc4nLl42vnpF65jRRb5NiilAaeYhGeMve6Pd403i6xcr1CfK1W7Hr-P-nEJYqQmPGTqTujg1thyphenhyphenOKdP83LnpcZt3voG6WxaqMwWdWfP4cIUmZzRlLII5-NmFHGZ/s1600/DSC00968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj3O7wAMZI427sgwIybc4nLl42vnpF65jRRb5NiilAaeYhGeMve6Pd403i6xcr1CfK1W7Hr-P-nEJYqQmPGTqTujg1thyphenhyphenOKdP83LnpcZt3voG6WxaqMwWdWfP4cIUmZzRlLII5-NmFHGZ/s1600/DSC00968.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up. It's the New York skyline! But there's more:</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92_A7fQyzXS_K1c_jZ434DYe0abTgr4T7gApTupbsFBl91vKRYjxSOQ3dxK8c2qm7apKgwowxJzlBSMAabPn0zU44TZ8shNYE5q3okvXTm4SmELvFbtVqY_yO50gsaqREWxUorWEWwd_/s1600/DSC00969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92_A7fQyzXS_K1c_jZ434DYe0abTgr4T7gApTupbsFBl91vKRYjxSOQ3dxK8c2qm7apKgwowxJzlBSMAabPn0zU44TZ8shNYE5q3okvXTm4SmELvFbtVqY_yO50gsaqREWxUorWEWwd_/s1600/DSC00969.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A taxi AND a Starbucks store on the mug!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9YkzsHgWsXXyA_OmzcVPGJfF1msKK16Xcw4gUkzD6wofU_o4JxC7dkBK2kVjSUUMTHNNelD0bsC3itpGyh2HdSqWNCDGdXE3cIIcvOSlSJ48C-Ix_qSPB61pivwV8qchlJ7Jz0cLmAnV/s1600/DSC00950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9YkzsHgWsXXyA_OmzcVPGJfF1msKK16Xcw4gUkzD6wofU_o4JxC7dkBK2kVjSUUMTHNNelD0bsC3itpGyh2HdSqWNCDGdXE3cIIcvOSlSJ48C-Ix_qSPB61pivwV8qchlJ7Jz0cLmAnV/s1600/DSC00950.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here we are outside of #Starbucks with Ellen's Stardust Diner in the background. Awesome place!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I even brought a few VIAs with
me when I went camping, since I knew they wouldn’t have a coffee maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">By the way, that Starbucks Spring Blend I mentioned? It includes notes of milk chocolate and sweet orange. I thought this might be strange, but it's probably my new favorite. It combines beans from Latin America and East Africa. I'm not an aficionado so I'll describe it as best as I can. It's smooth and just strong enough. A hint of the flavors can be smelled when it's dry and it smells amazing. When it's brewed, it smells and tastes like good coffee. I had a picture of it but a virus got my computer and currently my photos from the last month or so are missing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So anyway, while this has been an incredibly difficult time for me,
it’s also been full of amazing experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I fell in love with the orangutans at the Philly Zoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11b5HGpyonFBzvYZw2p819B9JVvuJyPtESAFjH0H6KKj_eb4ZNBQIxcbBPvNIGR9SMKXMOBLdPSk1Q4Z3sdPRJrzg2xQeEYB3wg6t7Nlf0v0WmtNHypNhMsbeBWHTUOqh4zrQ5Ilcs6PS/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11b5HGpyonFBzvYZw2p819B9JVvuJyPtESAFjH0H6KKj_eb4ZNBQIxcbBPvNIGR9SMKXMOBLdPSk1Q4Z3sdPRJrzg2xQeEYB3wg6t7Nlf0v0WmtNHypNhMsbeBWHTUOqh4zrQ5Ilcs6PS/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The hippos were pretty cute too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how can you not adore a massive, dumb rhino?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are afraid of birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tiny birds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have no idea how big they are and are scared of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">While visiting New York we had the opportunity to stay in
China Town, tour the skyline by boat, eat amazing food (Lebanese was awesome
and the servers at Ellen’s Stardust Diner sing!!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg485nE08TDeQXPHeTY2KxlmWyXbYXxkIBTWDLJsI38Y81DbWfTIuWq8sPDsogPQlGy7qhka-gukkLWA9XiqSj6dkedPXLw9ebOXliPDM1JCgEUHPAh8DtlkgS-f_oQ6X9ccODCtEs3gC5n/s1600/singing+with+ellens+stardust+diner+singers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg485nE08TDeQXPHeTY2KxlmWyXbYXxkIBTWDLJsI38Y81DbWfTIuWq8sPDsogPQlGy7qhka-gukkLWA9XiqSj6dkedPXLw9ebOXliPDM1JCgEUHPAh8DtlkgS-f_oQ6X9ccODCtEs3gC5n/s1600/singing+with+ellens+stardust+diner+singers.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we join the crew at Ellen's Stardust Diner?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were serenaded on our first ever subway
ride, </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwrZanhKRZhmyt5CF3KJ5gKciOllfuN58wxiigcSJAGd4Pi2bqiZlbuuyFFKv_eznXqsEZBOVkkOe08JTmDjBHAHG-LC4tHezKTBhxoxjYLZZwmZNhO2Xh-WYFwlnxRgPyYaPUKS_iFfS/s1600/DSC00745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwrZanhKRZhmyt5CF3KJ5gKciOllfuN58wxiigcSJAGd4Pi2bqiZlbuuyFFKv_eznXqsEZBOVkkOe08JTmDjBHAHG-LC4tHezKTBhxoxjYLZZwmZNhO2Xh-WYFwlnxRgPyYaPUKS_iFfS/s1600/DSC00745.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky Amara getting a nice song for her birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">we walked to Times Square and listened to live jazz while eating
brunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Central Park was
mind-blowing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxqLWZCDx39p9G5iY5KWtCC_-M4T4tTP3Rurv0w15v4h0uqIWOrrObvNL_Ni1d5kwkh-14u0pss-1RT_sHNMwKQUgci-LRfMYI3JfkZS91x69mVz-vslRRl8zj4tkPU2UetQtRMfqpoIC/s1600/DSC00865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxqLWZCDx39p9G5iY5KWtCC_-M4T4tTP3Rurv0w15v4h0uqIWOrrObvNL_Ni1d5kwkh-14u0pss-1RT_sHNMwKQUgci-LRfMYI3JfkZS91x69mVz-vslRRl8zj4tkPU2UetQtRMfqpoIC/s1600/DSC00865.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that skyline!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFwl4RojSVdsgA-CQGu2Keqgg4wW_IrDvmYMZzpfP6jguZKgbM1q2UoCxQzYVAJ2syncBu0BH9MXRxDeUy5Gw0cNm8jtcjXh-mx7G4ggKF2GaB0yCj7boLxuPETF-oQrRbVEYpL-5CBh0/s1600/DSC00900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFwl4RojSVdsgA-CQGu2Keqgg4wW_IrDvmYMZzpfP6jguZKgbM1q2UoCxQzYVAJ2syncBu0BH9MXRxDeUy5Gw0cNm8jtcjXh-mx7G4ggKF2GaB0yCj7boLxuPETF-oQrRbVEYpL-5CBh0/s1600/DSC00900.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, really, just look at that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I never expected the size
and seeing the city behind the trees was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of people (so many people!) but
there was still so much space!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a
carriage ride around and learned about some landmarks in and around the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched the ice skaters at Rockefeller Center and checked out all of the gorgeous Easter egg art on display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played chess with a guy in Washington
Square Park- and I won!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0mgkwsk09jbU3t1VcSnJTU5RZ-6rWl93CzmQEm9P-QMIlrS9XKjmOGkFdaic0t0SvtLzrm6ZA0IoyF5qAgyLuPVkXOo60qJxoh3v3sHnltPqgW74EiW2w3GIs_kAhqkAFv-yzC3sMgNE/s1600/Chess+in+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0mgkwsk09jbU3t1VcSnJTU5RZ-6rWl93CzmQEm9P-QMIlrS9XKjmOGkFdaic0t0SvtLzrm6ZA0IoyF5qAgyLuPVkXOo60qJxoh3v3sHnltPqgW74EiW2w3GIs_kAhqkAFv-yzC3sMgNE/s1600/Chess+in+NYC.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He said he was rated near 2000. I think he was just flattering me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I missed out on a lot of family moments this spring, I wouldn't have changed anything for these experiences. I'm grateful for the memories we've created and I'm glad I had some energetic family members and Starbucks coffee to keep me awake!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42okAU0LC4ELnxw9S38mGi5Iq0A4zh69YOC6baAKdptbLWSlpa_l28C7gzH0YPPZ1BsXRp8apwS3-yduvDv9Zo7i_R7vGivtC1o_trgPiTkI0b_UfQP6zJiMeJXA0c3uYQg6uyfRMlVMc/s1600/NYC+all+the+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42okAU0LC4ELnxw9S38mGi5Iq0A4zh69YOC6baAKdptbLWSlpa_l28C7gzH0YPPZ1BsXRp8apwS3-yduvDv9Zo7i_R7vGivtC1o_trgPiTkI0b_UfQP6zJiMeJXA0c3uYQg6uyfRMlVMc/s1600/NYC+all+the+girls.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How else could I keep up with these girls?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you have any spring traditions or memories? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Starbucks
and Modern Mom provided me with Starbucks Spring Blend ground
coffee and a gift card to try some great mugs and other coffee. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">All opinions are expressly my own.</span></span></b></span></span></span></i></div>
Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-54858386563953373222014-03-06T06:30:00.000-05:002014-03-06T06:30:01.978-05:00Throwback Thursday: My Blog's Myers-Briggs, 2009 and Now<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I must be really bored, or I'm totally avoiding a dozen things I really need to do. Because today I'm doing a throwback to my 2009 Myers-Briggs blog personality test. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Back in April of 2009 I decided I needed to test my blog's personality. I had to make sure my blog and I were on the same page. So I visited <a href="http://typealyzer.com/" target="_blank">Typealyzer </a> to check. The Typealyzer determines your personality based on your blog writing. You type in your blog address and within a few seconds you get a result. Then it matches your blog to a personality type, based on the Myers-Briggs personality test. Fun! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I like looking back on the past. Plus, I have to make sure I don't repeat any bad history. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So here's what my (old) blog personality was like: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ESFP - The Performers was my 2009 blog. When I take the actual test I go back and forth between extroversion and introversion depending on my mood. I typically end up with sensing over intuition but it changes sometimes. I've never been anything but an FP- Feeling and perception, rather than thinking and judgement (TJ). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>My 2014 blog is also an ESFP. </b></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.typealyzer.com/images/ESFP.gif" title="ESFP" /> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.</span><br />
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<br />
__________________<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Is that me?<span style="color: purple;"> </span>Entertaining? Maybe. I see myself as boring. Friendly? Definitely! I do see importance in my surrounding- I like to feel, smell and see nice things (who doesn't?). As for living in the present moment and not planning ahead...well I plan all the time but tend to make impulsive decisions anyway. I am constantly exhausting myself with my thoughts and plans for the future. It's very overwhelming being me. While I am impulsive, I have the most amazing self-control when it comes to shopping. I can window shop like a pro. </span></span></span><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I do enjoy work where my effort shows, whether or not it is with people. I always try to avoid conflicts and I will not initiate confrontation. Ever. So that is spot-on. I never did have a problem working in management though. </span></span> <br />
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___________________<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Also back in 2009, I took the regular test to compare. The <a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp">Myers-Briggs personality test </a>agreed with the Typealyzer:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Your Type is</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>ESFP</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My exact results:</span></span><br />
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<tr align="center"><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Extraverted</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sensing</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perceiving</span></span></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td colspan="4"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Strength of the preferences %</span></span></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">62</span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">22</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Qualitative analysis of your type formula</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are:</span></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">slightly expressed extravert</span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">slightly expressed sensing personality</span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">distinctively expressed feeling personality</span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">slightly expressed perceiving personality</span></span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After taking the test again (just to remind myself, this is March, 2014) my score is very similar:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="yourtype" id="yourtype">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></b><br />
<div class="TypeTitle" id="jtype">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ESFP</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></b><br />
<div id="divTypeDims">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="jtypeExplainAlt">E</span><span class="jtypeExplain">xtravert(44%) </span><span class="jtypeExplainAlt">S</span><span class="jtypeExplain">ensing(25%) </span><span class="jtypeExplainAlt">F</span><span class="jtypeExplain">eeling(88%) </span><span class="jtypeExplainAlt">P</span><span class="jtypeExplain">erceiving(67)%</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></b><br />
<ul id="ulJungInterpretation">
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have <i>moderate</i> preference of Extraversion over Introversion (44%)</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have <i>moderate</i> preference of Sensing over Intuition (25%)</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have <i>strong</i> preference of Feeling over Thinking (88%)</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have <i>distinctive</i> preference of Perceiving over Judging (67%)</span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=4&c=performer">Artisan<sup>TM</sup> Portrait of the Performer (ESFP)</a> (More in-depth.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Performers have the special ability, even among the Artisans, to delight those around them with their warmth, their good humor, and with their often extraordinary skills in music, comedy, and drama. Whether on the job, with friends, or with their families, Performers are exciting and full of fun, and their great social interest lies in stimulating those around them to take a break from work and worry, to lighten up and enjoy life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Performers are plentiful, something over ten percent of the population, and this is fortunate, because they bring pleasure to so many of us. Performers are the people for whom it can truly be said "all the world's a stage." Born entertainers, they love the excitement of playing to an audience, and will quickly become the center of attention wherever they are. Performers aren't comfortable being alone, and seek the company of others whenever possible-which they usually find, for they make wonderful playmates. Performers are smooth, talkative, and witty; they always seem to know the latest jokes and stories, and are quick with wisecracks and wordplay-nothing is so serious or sacred that it can't be made fun of. Performers also like to live in the fast lane, and seem up on the latest fashions of dress, food, drink, and music. Lively and uninhibited, Performers are the life of the party, always trying to create in those around them a mood of eat, drink, and be merry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Performers' talent for enjoying life is healthy for the most part, though it also makes them more subject to temptations than the other types. Pleasure seems to be an end in itself for them, and variety is the spice of life. And so Performers are open to trying almost anything that promises them a good time, not always giving enough thought to the consequences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Like the other Artisans, Performers are incurably optimistic - "Always look on the bright side," is their motto - and they will avoid worries and troubles by ignoring them as long as possible. They are also the most generous of all the types, and second only to the Composer Artisans [ISFPs] in kindness. Performers haven't a mean or stingy bone in their body-what's theirs is yours-and they seem to have little idea of saving or conserving. They give what they have to one and all without expectation of reward, just as they love freely, and without expecting anything in return. In so many ways, Performers view life as an eternal cornucopia from which flows an endless supply of pleasures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have you taken the Myers-Briggs or Typealyzer test for fun? What were your results? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
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Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-75611181732117692282014-03-03T10:32:00.001-05:002014-03-03T10:32:38.124-05:00The Walmart $25 and Free Del Monte Product Coupons Giveaway Winner Is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RMUcv65hXn0nM6F32d3vb8Z2eeAWUBpzLySy2WwvDdR7svY9MZjspXl0qNo2KXQI1xSFov6HiuaM08Y1YTHfeu2-FHyfjcNM7RY1MsBAdnwp1cewESks3255qWmkKzKSq7m_rp_B-8zK/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RMUcv65hXn0nM6F32d3vb8Z2eeAWUBpzLySy2WwvDdR7svY9MZjspXl0qNo2KXQI1xSFov6HiuaM08Y1YTHfeu2-FHyfjcNM7RY1MsBAdnwp1cewESks3255qWmkKzKSq7m_rp_B-8zK/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have a winner! After moderating the giveaway (yes, I do that!) for the last few hours, the winner for the $25 Walmart gift card and 2 Del Monte free product coupons has been announced! Check the original post <a href="http://weaverswobble.blogspot.com/2014/02/del-monte-fruit-burst-squeezers-and.html">http://weaverswobble.blogspot.com/2014/02/del-monte-fruit-burst-squeezers-and.html</a> to see if it's you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Congratulations to the winner! </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-33496510893138084762014-02-24T20:47:00.000-05:002014-02-25T11:05:51.197-05:00Del Monte® Fruit Burst® Squeezers and Fruit Cup® Snacks Review and Giveaway <div class="thread-body" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3649">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEx7E7WyncxcJzAa3_ARP8TfVcjcMNS9cMMDbnt6n931QvJnCJPY2_qhZengKrAhmZYAwrgfruxkFr5wFthQV3hzpeSvjUptgX6UZWD-RfX4FFsGFEUO9XXLZTKaVq_MsodQXbCBTvGm3/s1600/DSC00532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEx7E7WyncxcJzAa3_ARP8TfVcjcMNS9cMMDbnt6n931QvJnCJPY2_qhZengKrAhmZYAwrgfruxkFr5wFthQV3hzpeSvjUptgX6UZWD-RfX4FFsGFEUO9XXLZTKaVq_MsodQXbCBTvGm3/s1600/DSC00532.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/8AMAmK" target="_blank">Learn more at Delmonte.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3661">Snack time in the Weaver house is practically all the time. Particularly when we aren't on a regular schedule or we have a lot of extracurricular activities, we will graze a lot throughout the day. But I don't like feeding my kids a bunch of junk. I prefer convenient <i>and</i> healthy. During the peak seasons when fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available for low prices we make sure to stock up on apples, strawberries, green beans and anything else we can get our hands on. Sometimes I go the homemade route and make granola bars. But when I'm not feeling $5 for a pint of fresh strawberries or like Suzy Homemaker, I check the snack food aisles for deals. </span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3661" style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lately I've been struggling with energy and fresh produce is at a premium so I'm very grateful that <a href="http://bit.ly/8AMAmK" target="_blank">Del Monte</a> sent me a few samples of their product to try. They are a healthy snack food giant! I was able to try Del Monte Fruit Burst Squeezers and Del Monte Fruit Cup Snacks, or rather, I should say that my <i>kids</i> got to try it. I sneaked in a bite here and a taste there but they were a bit stingy with their snacks<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span> The Fruit Burst Squeezers have even been affectionately named "fruity snacks" by my 3 (I should just call him 4- he'll be 4 next month) year old, Henry.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3661" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some facts about the products we tried:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fruit Burst™ Squeezers</span></span><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3661" style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>are made in the USA, contain 1.5 servings of fruit or fruit and vegetables and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. In addition (and my personal favorite part)- there are no artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393270264214_3661">There are 2 varieties of </span>Fruit Burst® Fruit + Veggie Squeezers: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The Peach-Mango contains pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, peach puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, carrot juice concentrate, carrot puree, mango puree concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citric acid. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The Blueberry contains pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citric acid. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are 3 varieties of Fruit Burst® Simply Fruit Squeezers:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The Apple Cinnamon contains pear puree concentrate, water, apple puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cinnamon and malic acid.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The Mixed Berry contains pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, strawberry puree, red raspberry puree concentrate, blueberry puree concentrate, fruit and vegetable extracts for color, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and malic acid.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The Strawberry contains pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, strawberry puree concentrate, natural flavors, carmine, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and malic acid.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mango Fruit Cup® Snacks are a fat and cholesterol-free snack high in vitamin C.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks combine mango and pineapple- two of the world's most popular fruits. They contain no high fructose corn syrup and are a good source of vitamin C.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I don't know about all of them, but the Mixed Berry Squeezer, Peach-Mango Squeezer, Mango Fruit Cup and Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup are under 100 calories per serving. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Squeezers come in a convenient foil package that is easy for little hands to hold, and there wasn't even an accidental squeeze from my accident-prone kids. They are great on the go or when you need a healthy and simple snack in a pinch. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We tried the Peach-Mango Fruit + Veggie Squeezer and the Mixed Berry Simply Fruit Squeezer. They were about the consistency of baby food- smooth and easy to swallow. "There are zero chunks", as my kids would say. The Peach-Mango was a brownish-orange color and the Mixed Berry was a purplish-red. They tasted primarily of their description, though I could detect hints of other flavors in the Peach-Mango. My two younger boys were my main taste-testers for the Squeezers. My 6 year old- Jonas- was able to eat about half of one Mixed Berry Squeezer (he has a low sweet tolerance). Henry ate all of his and the rest of his brother's. I wasn't too sure about the Peach-Mango because of the odd mix of flavors. Mango just isn't a common flavor for young kids so I just told him that if his belly was too full for all of it that I would eat the rest. But Henry devoured that one on a car ride, and demanded another! Jonas wouldn't try a second one. My 8 year daughter- Amara- didn't try any of these because her little brother ate them all. My 12 year old- Zach- refused them all, which is typical of him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These are definitely going on future shopping lists because Henry couldn't have enough of them. They will be great when we are out for hours or camping. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We also tried both varieties of fruit cups- the Mango and the Mango Pineapple. Except for my husband- who doesn't like mangoes, and Zach- who doesn't like anything, we all tried these. Henry devoured both kinds. And again, he demanded more. I am pretty sure he is going to grow in the next few weeks because he's eating like his belly is a bottomless pit. Jonas really liked his Mango cup. Amara enjoyed her Mango Pineapple. While I am not a fan of sweetened fruit (in light syrup, aka sugar), I do believe that it played a role in them liking the fruit more. For me, I would have been happier if they had been in plain juice rather than syrup. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had actually never had anything mango before this so I didn't really know what to expect. They taste and feel a lot like peaches. The pineapple in the Mango Pineapple variety was the same quality as Del Monte's other pineapple products. I liked both varieties a lot but would definitely search for non-sweetened products. If I can find that, I'll be a repeat customer! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These products, and other <a href="http://bit.ly/8AMAmK" target="_blank">Del Monte</a> products are available at your local Walmart, or you can pick up Del Monte Fruit Burst Squeezers on <a href="http://bit.ly/19oJ1ca" target="_blank">Walmart.com</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I never would have thought to look up Del Monte for recipes, ideas for parties, tips in the kitchen or ways to upcycle your used cans, but they are there and they have an amazing social media presence! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Follow Del Monte on <b><a href="http://bit.ly/NWxj4a" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b> for fabulous Pinspiration, including plenty of mouth-watering recipes. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And now drumroll please..........</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The moment you've all been waiting for: the giveaway! You can earn a few entries to win a $25 Walmart gift card, plus 2 coupons for your choice of 1 FREE Del Monte Fruit Cups Snack Pack. Try all of the varieties when you win! US entries, only. Giveaway ends at midnight, March 2, 2014, EST. </span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walmart Gift Card and two coupons for FREE products!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Disclosure: The Del Monte products, information, gift pack and gift card have been provided by Del Monte to help facilitate this review and giveaway. No
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Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831213130677060505.post-64202022370384485392014-01-14T10:28:00.001-05:002014-01-14T10:28:16.977-05:00Hit Me With Your Best Shot<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Because I'm already down. I seriously feel like I can't win right now. Apologies and a warning before I begin...this is going to be nothing but wallowing in self-pity. I warned you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are finally getting back on our feet after a lengthy period of unemployment. Or we were starting to get back on our feet. First it was our heater, which the installer forgot to register which almost made for a VERY costly repair. Fortunately it was only $140 that we couldn't afford and not $500 that we couldn't afford. My vacuum needs a new belt. <i>Again.</i> That one is not a big deal- just a few bucks. It's just a pain because the belts are getting increasingly harder to find. Next...my basement backs up. It's bad. Really bad. This isn't the first time and I'm just so scared that the cost for this venture is going to be way beyond what we can handle. But we don't have any other options. Jason did try to fix it with the snake, and he had no luck whatsoever. We can't live with it like this- it's not safe or sanitary or convenient. Right before it happened I put <i>all</i> of our dirty laundry down there. Crap. Literally. Our dishwasher has been broken for a few weeks. I can't even begin to explain how much time I've spent doing dishes. I want clean dishes but it's the kids' chore so I have them do the first round, then I rewash them once all the grime is off them in clean, soapy water. It's probably doubling my water bill too. I hate dishes. I hate not having a dish washer. I could easily do two loads of dishes every day (dishwasher loads, not sink loads). Then my dog wants to make sure we don't forget that she can be trouble too, so she has been working hard to thoroughly saturate our carpet. Should I just be glad it isn't the wood floors right now? Or should I just hope (with all my being) that it isn't a UTI? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's just the big stuff. Then there's the not being able to focus on anything ever which leads to nothing ever getting done, my desperate need for new contacts (I really love the headaches, glasses- really, but I'd like this relationship to be over), constantly picking up after my lazy family (getting them to help is like pulling teeth, and ensuring it happens takes 3 times longer than just doing it myself). And I have so many errands to run. Ugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Okay, I'm done. Thanks for listening. </span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253637446137350458noreply@blogger.com0