tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50623913471514941182024-02-19T21:20:01.541-05:00Cup 'a Hot ChocolateA daily dose of love, happiness, and my curiously interesting life.Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-83230774941797196042013-06-06T12:08:00.000-04:002013-07-02T16:38:52.969-04:00The big move...<div style="text-align: center;">
Well folks...</div>
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It's been a long time coming.</div>
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As much as I love this corner of the blogosphere, the time has come to close this chapter.</div>
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I'll always leave it here to look back on and be able to connect back to old projects and recipes. </div>
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No doubt, it will be a while before I'm able to build anything close to what I've created on this little site-</div>
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but it's time to try!</div>
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Feel free to follow me on to my next endeavor...</div>
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The next chapter of my bloggy blog life-</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://seatofmyshorts.com/">By the Seat of my Shorts</a></i></b></span></div>
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Thanks for everything followers! You've taught me and inspired me more than you know. Hope we can continue what we started here.</div>
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Now...</div>
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Shall we?</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-46853477491407465922013-03-21T23:59:00.000-04:002013-03-21T23:59:09.564-04:00Friday's Fancies- Spring Has Sprung!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday, everyone!</div>
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I'm finishing out a week of "normalcy" (well, about as normal as things get around here) before jumping into 3 weeks of craziness, fun, and hard work that will be rehearsals for the next show I'm getting to learn here at Disney. No doubt my head will be spinning as I try to learn everything and get comfortable w/ a new show before heading back to my full time stage.</div>
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Excited. Nervous. A whole slew of other crazy emotions. I can't wait to post pictures!</div>
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Since I'm trying to jump back into this bloggy world, I thought- what better way than getting back into some of my favorite link-ups!</div>
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One of my favorites has always been Friday's Fancies thats hosted by <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/">{av} over at {long distance loving}</a>. Along the same vein of my Window Shopping Sprees, Friday's Fancies follows a theme and anyone who wants to join in the fun can style to their hearts content with no concern of a budget. </div>
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This week's theme was- Spring Has Sprung!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fridays_fancies_spring_has_sprung/set?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=76196134" target="_blank"><img alt="Friday's Fancies- Spring has sprung" border="0" height="483" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/U2ey93ZbbTHuufxnNESOA/cid/76196134/id/tzgKqF-NSSS3iRy8-HN7Qw/size/c600x483.jpg" title="Friday's Fancies- Spring has sprung" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fridays_fancies_spring_has_sprung/set?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=76196134" target="_blank">Friday's Fancies- Spring has sprung</a> by <a href="http://kryssialma.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">kryssialma</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cotton_shirts/shop?query=cotton+shirts" target="_blank">cotton shirts</a></small></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=79363047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/79363047.jpg" title="Tommy Hilfiger cotton shirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=78334311" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/78334311.jpg" title="Alice Olivia leather skirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=75306476" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/75306476.jpg" title="Keds floral print shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=78191624" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/78191624.jpg" title="Keds floral print shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=73273518" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/73273518.jpg" title="Carven doctor bag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=75679031" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/75679031.jpg" title="Pink jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=75703021" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/75703021.jpg" title="Bride hair accessory" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div>
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Let me be very honest- I am not a pink loving girl. Haven't been for as long as I can remember. However, this was the color scheme of my bedroom when I was in 5th grade, I think, and I've loved it ever since! I love the fresh and clean cut feel of spring style and if I could have Keds for every outfit, I would. Age appropriate? Maybe not, but I can't help what I like!<br />
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Oh Spring!</div>
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Believe it or not, it's been chilly around here in Central Florida. So I'm really looking forward to the weather allowing for these kind of outfits.<br />
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...I'm also looking forward to the fruits of my "diet and exercise" labor to start showing and make me look rockin' in such outfits!<br />
<i>**she says as she eats a slice of pizza for lunch...**</i></div>
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Don't judge! It's one slice.</div>
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I believe the key to a successful diet is moderation. And tracking the calories regardless of how embarrassing they may be!</div>
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Happy Spring everyone!!</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-61184791023145224892013-03-21T14:06:00.001-04:002013-03-21T15:18:57.618-04:00Window Shopping Spree- Project Life!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thursday!!</div>
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One of the things I missed most on my blogging hiatus was the wonder that was window shopping with a purpose! There's so much out there that I will never actually purchase, and gosh darnit- I plan to explore it all!</div>
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Now- this week's edition comes from my new found obsession with <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">Project Life</a>.</div>
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I came across this trend thats been rocking the scrapbooking world some time ago but I never really understood it. </div>
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You should know I have boat loads of scrapbooking supplies. Tons. I think of myself as somewhat of a scrapbooking hoarder and I find it hard to use the cute scraps and stickers I've accumulated. </div>
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Worst of all? </div>
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I have no scrapbook to show for it.</div>
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:/</div>
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It's true! I have tons of little projects I use the the goodies for but due to extenuating circumstances, the last scrapbook I was working on met an unfortunate end that involved a dumpster... whoops!</div>
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On first glance, I thought- Ummmm... It's a strange photo album that you put squares of paper into.</div>
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Oh how wrong I was!!</div>
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Instead of working on one giant page, you combine all those scrapbooking skills of journaling and embellishing and your favorite pictures into one tiny 4x6 or 3x4 card- like a tiny scrapbook page! And I love tiny things!! Then you slip those cards into the page protectors and it's a big 'ol smorgasbord of awesomeness.</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Alright, so my description of it isn't great. In fact, if you haven't heard of Project Life, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. So just go look it up!)</span></i></div>
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The issue with all this? It's expensive! So rather than blowing all my money on it right now, I shall indulge in a window shopping spree...</div>
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:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgfveLTFuk2cK1NCCePfxhFkQoNZ3UbQKhlaIBP3PlizUUIdfFKwjhTM5eSYEAI6R6xxIAihk6yb8TtpDJIfodeMzR4ty_RDmDUB31deMt-9zcpKsELcgvTH_kxeptPYrOfH63TGHT5Em/s1600/windowblogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgfveLTFuk2cK1NCCePfxhFkQoNZ3UbQKhlaIBP3PlizUUIdfFKwjhTM5eSYEAI6R6xxIAihk6yb8TtpDJIfodeMzR4ty_RDmDUB31deMt-9zcpKsELcgvTH_kxeptPYrOfH63TGHT5Em/s1600/windowblogbutton.jpg" /></a></div>
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I should also mention I do plan to venture into this world of crafty goodness... I'm just not ready to throw down all the money it takes to get the super adorable things that are out there. But holy poot, do I love the things I've come across so far-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPQj2wOYSm-e1htnZRt8zdlVltHuEY-8rYrPqlf7BNfK7Q18us3R3XING2RaWrCE1j_Ty9rwqBwHR7_u5pFVzNBj1IL28VsoSvZDKBeJU7vNCKG5tVN3cc87STQWasHD7OHC5n8qZTKkl/s1600/windowshop16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPQj2wOYSm-e1htnZRt8zdlVltHuEY-8rYrPqlf7BNfK7Q18us3R3XING2RaWrCE1j_Ty9rwqBwHR7_u5pFVzNBj1IL28VsoSvZDKBeJU7vNCKG5tVN3cc87STQWasHD7OHC5n8qZTKkl/s640/windowshop16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/american-crafts/139184-teal-chevron-12x12-d-ring-patterned-album/?filters=last-30-days%2Falbums-category">Binder</a>- It's teal, it's chevron- need I say more?! You gotta have somewhere to stick all those pages!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/neverland-project-life-kit">Studio Calico Project Life Kit</a>- Like many of the Studio Calico kits, this one is sold out. They come out w/ a new one every month and they are chock full of fun pages and stickers and embellishments and all sorts of wonderfulness! Obsessed.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/websters-pages/141054-composition-color-alison-kreft-mini-folders-card-set/">Allison Kreft Card Pack</a>- I have a friend of mine to blame for introducing me to Two Peas in a Bucket. I want everything they sell on that site!!!</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.smiggle.com.au/shop/en/smiggle/pencil-cases/pencil-cases/pcasehardtop10thbday">Smiggle Pen Case</a>- Because what good is all this new stuff without an adorable new thing to help organize it?</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095YYP94?ie=UTF8&tag=beckhigg-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0095YYP94">Becky Higgins Core Kit</a>- A whole bunch of basic cards to help the project take off. And in my favorite colors?! What could be better?</div>
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If you still haven't caught the Project Life bug, head over to Pinterest and do a little search... I guarantee you'll want to indulge in scrapbooking all over again! </div>
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You know- the more I worked on this post, the more I wanted to actually order some of these things. Lucky for my bank account, some is sold out.</div>
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But for those things that aren't... </div>
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We all deserve to spoil ourselves every now and then.</div>
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Why not?</div>
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If any of you Project Life-ers out there have tips on getting started, send them my way!! OR if this has inspired you to give it a shot, let me know that too. I'd love to see what you guys come up with.</div>
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Maybe I'll have something to show for all this soon...</div>
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Till then-</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-46780590017606523992013-03-10T12:14:00.000-04:002013-03-10T12:14:21.384-04:002013?!? Here goes nothing...<div style="text-align: center;">
It can't possibly be a week into March already...</div>
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I say this every year but I mean it more each time- </div>
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How the hell does time go so much faster with each passing year?!?</div>
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We may only be on month 3 of the year, but there's already plenty to get caught up on-</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8EVxObRzc8/UTysuUWzCWI/AAAAAAAABH8/MbJ_qT7Vfls/s1600/image-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8EVxObRzc8/UTysuUWzCWI/AAAAAAAABH8/MbJ_qT7Vfls/s400/image-5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year! Even though everyone has to work for New Years around here, my sister and I still managed to meet up for about the last hour leading to midnight and even FaceTime w/ our Parents! </div>
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May not be glamorous, but a great way to ring in 2013!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrFDILySxuc/UTystZCHPHI/AAAAAAAABHo/URQtPegFhfc/s1600/DSC_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrFDILySxuc/UTystZCHPHI/AAAAAAAABHo/URQtPegFhfc/s400/DSC_0524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My sister ran her first full marathon!!! Thats right, none of that 13.1 baby stuff- she went 26.2 miles!</div>
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And I met her in each of the Disney Parks to cheer her on and give her orange slices to keep her going.</div>
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Ohhh the flu... I got it and it was awful! Thanks to my lovely asthma issues, I got bronchitis on top of that.</div>
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Ain't nobody got time for that.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-H-YleQi6w/UTystxMF6-I/AAAAAAAABHw/yNbXL1-FFOc/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-H-YleQi6w/UTystxMF6-I/AAAAAAAABHw/yNbXL1-FFOc/s400/image-3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Valentines Day with my person... We both had to work (as always) but it was still perfect. I woke up to a 2 CD mix tape waiting in my car, got a Magic Bullet, and was taken to an amazing Cuban restaurant for a late dinner.</div>
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And he hid Valentine's lollipops all over the house... Im still finding them and it's been a month.</div>
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And then there's the highlight of my year so far...</div>
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I ran my 4th Half Marathon and it happened to be on my 26th birthday.</div>
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I can't think of a better way to celebrate another year of life.</div>
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One of my best friends even came to town to run her first half marathon ever!!! And she kicked booty!</div>
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Of course theres this guy- who loves me even when I have 13.1 miles of sweat and grossness caked on me.</div>
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I'm pretty lucky.</div>
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And I wrapped up my birthday with an incredible dinner, overlooking Cinderella's Castle, with some of my favorite people in the world.</div>
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...Is this real life?</div>
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So there it all is! What a crazy start to 2013, right?</div>
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But now that we're completely caught up, I can't wait to see what other goodness can start popping up on here. There's a few posts already in the works, so stick around. I know you'll all love it!</div>
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Here's to making sure 26 is the best year yet...</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-87535315876582371162013-03-03T11:20:00.000-05:002013-03-03T11:20:59.079-05:00The Last Few Months- Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
Alright now!</div>
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I said I'd get you caught up and I meant it. So here's the end of 2012, in photos, to the best of my ability...</div>
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Hang on, it's about to get crazy!</div>
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So back in September, we took an epic trip out to the West Coast to run the Disneyland Half Marathon!</div>
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We ran 13.1 miles, visited theme parks and studios with my kick booty sister and brother in law and got to stay with my best friend and enjoy the awesomeness that is LA!</div>
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Then, at the beginning of October, the person and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary...</div>
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And of course, there was the new home's first Halloween-</div>
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(This is the person's favorite holiday...)</div>
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Why yes, I did make these awesome decorations. Thank you for asking!</div>
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And finally, December!! That glorious time that is my favoritest ever in the world. </div>
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Ever. </div>
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In the world.</div>
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Most wonderful time of the year 2012 included a trip to St. Augustine-</div>
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Then I had my 1st Annual Holiday Soiree, which also acted as my house warming AND the greatest White Elephant there ever was.</div>
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Oh, and that's Alf the Elf... play nice and maybe I'll have a Christmas in July extravaganza where you get to see the awesome inappropriateness that was his December....</div>
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<i>Swoon.</i></div>
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And to wrap things up, the magic that was my Christmas decorations. My person helped to make sure the first Christmas in my new house was absolutely perfect.</div>
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Giant Griswold Family Christmas sized tree and all.</div>
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There it is! The end of my 2012. Not too shabby, huh?</div>
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I can't say enough how lucky I am to have been surrounded by so much love and to have had a year filled with so many incredible memories.</div>
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2013 is off to a phenomenal start too... but we'll get around to that next time.</div>
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:)</div>
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You know... it feels great to be getting back into the swing of things. If I didn't do these catch ups, I'd feel like I could never sit down to a new post because I'd always be thinking- </div>
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"Oh wait! But I never told them about this other thing!" </div>
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This allows me to fast forward over all that and get back to the crafty, cooking-y, home improvement-y, fashion-y goodness that is crowding up my brain!</div>
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So until then...</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-88616875876644493162013-03-02T12:32:00.003-05:002013-03-02T12:32:57.305-05:00Oh, I'm sorry, was this my blog?<div style="text-align: center;">
Miss me?</div>
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It seemed like Cup 'a Hot Chocolate was done forever... Merely a page (or 10) in the book of my early 20s and nothing more. I got so tired of all my whiney- "What am I doing? Where does this blog fit in? What can I write about that will appeal to the married/mom/crafty bloggers out there in the blogdom?"</div>
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I think I failed to acknowledge the following I somehow got in the short life of this little gem I called/call my blog.</div>
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Somewhere out there, there is a group of readers that care about what I have to say-</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SO I'M BACK!!!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(for real this time)</span></div>
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I've been lurking a bit on some of your blogs and I realize I have some updating to do around here. Things are looking a little crowded and I'll get around to clearing them up.<br />
The important thing is to get posts back up!<br />
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Tomorrow, I shall put together an end of last year round up- Get you all caught up so we can move forward and forget about that giant blog void that was the last few months.<br />
Shall we proceed?</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-27069801991977363172012-09-12T13:19:00.000-04:002012-09-12T13:19:25.498-04:00A love letter to Encore Cast Performing Arts...<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello loves!</div>
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Hope everyone is thriving on this hump day. It's my weekend so I'm spending the day unwinding before getting back to some more rehearsing... There's always something going on around here!</div>
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I wanted to get a post up sharing an amazing performance experience I had recently. I've had a hard time putting it together because it was one of those things thats tough to put into words... But that's what this blog is all about! Trying to share my experiences in such a way that you guys feel some semblance of what it is I'm feeling. So here goes nothing!</div>
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There's this incredible group at Disney, not through the company but completely powered by its cast members, called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EncoreCastPerformingArts">Encore Cast Performing Arts</a>. It gives cast members and their families the chance to perform in extraordinary shows, completely on volunteer hours, to benefit Central Florida organizations. What started as a small group with unbelievable passion (Championed by the incomparable Clay Price) has grown over the past 10 years to an ensemble of over 500 volunteers that include singers, musicians, actors, dancers, directors, designers, technicians... the list goes on and on! The group has raised over $150,000 in the past 10 years for local organizations and continues to work hard to support the community. </div>
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This year's beneficiary was <a href="http://www.betterlifepets.com/">A Better Life- Pet Rescue</a> and everyone worked their tooshes off to raise $30,000 for the cause. This organization is INCREDIBLE and as I know a lot of you out there have a deep love for animals- I encourage you to visit their site and see if there is anything you can do to help!</div>
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Now that all the business of it is out of the way-</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Dean Ray Photography</td></tr>
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This year, the creative team collaborated on their biggest undertaking yet for <i style="font-weight: bold;">Finding Wonderland</i>. This story, loosely shaped around some of the classic Alice in Wonderland characters, followed Mary Anne in her journey to build a machine to wake her up from this dream world she's living in. The cooky cast of supporting characters guide her through the ups and downs till she finds she's been awake all this time and in essence, can live a life this fantastical. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by James Berkley Photography</td></tr>
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I had the pleasure of bringing to life the character of Harriet Spring (loosely based on the March Hare), side kick to Ivy (based on the flowers from Alice). She was quirky and playful and some of the most fun I've had in a very long time... That's me sitting there all the way to the right!</div>
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Here's a couple of clips from the show. There's lots more on youtube if you want to go looking for it!</div>
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Excuse me while things get a little mushy...</div>
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Dear Encore,</div>
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I cannot thank you all enough for welcoming me into this spectacular family with such open arms. There's no way to sufficiently thank everyone that affected me through this process but I want you all to know how much this show meant to me.</div>
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I think we all get so caught in our routine that we tend to forget we are all capable of so much more- Encore gives us all the chance to explore that. Every person in the choir, every dancer, every musician, every soloist, every actor, every person involved is so talented and really shined in this show. We were exhausted and lets be honest, at times annoyed, but in the end we all worked together to put on one hell of a show!</div>
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To each one of you who just smiled at me when I would walk on and off stage or laugh at the silly things I would do in the show- Thank you. You reminded me how invigorating it is to be part of an ensemble on this scale. It was because of the energy I got from all of you guys that I loved standing up on that stage. You all made it what it was for me. I was honored to share the stage with all of you and still don't know what I did to be so lucky.</div>
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To Rob and Jamie- Thank you for trusting me with a piece of your work. I haven't had a chance to really "do my thing" since I've been in Orlando and for the first time since I've been here, I can really remember what it is I do. Thank you for helping me find it. </div>
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I met so many incredibly talented people through this experience and I can only hope our paths continue to cross each other. I can't wait for the chance to share the stage with all of you again... :)</div>
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Till next time...</div>
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Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-32989789128189553462012-08-24T12:10:00.001-04:002012-08-24T12:10:37.361-04:00Just like riding a bike...It's been over 3 months since my last blog post...<br />
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How do I do this again?!?</div>
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I honestly feel as though I have to teach myself all the ins and outs of blogging all over again. I had put so much time and energy into figuring out how to put together my site, how to construct posts, how to socialize with other bloggers- But here I am! Back at square one. </div>
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To be honest, it's a real challenge trying to decide how to jump back in. </div>
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So much has happened!! </div>
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I suppose all I can do is take everything one post at a time. But right now I can offer you all a quick run down of what to expect in upcoming posts-</div>
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*Recap of an amazing show I had the pleasure of being apart of that's completely put up with volunteer hours by Disney Cast Members to benefit charity</div>
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*A trip to Wisconisin to spend time with my person's family (Yup! He's still around!)</div>
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*Bentley pup is a year old!!</div>
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*A 2 month saga of a move that included being prematurely ousted from my apartment lease, moving in with my sister, her husband, all her animals, and my zoo, and finally culminating in....</div>
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*Becoming a FIRST TIME HOME OWNER!!! Say what? Thats right, folks! In the past 3 months since you last heard from me I purchased my first home all by myself! Slightly terrifying but I learned so much! Hope I can pass along some of that wisdom to my lovely readers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAvZ6Mlob_eJNwaqpQzT7IEC1Jfp3U-r6Ul9DyyY8kuhZ2or4COQll9ScG6Qg-NBbEX_8mKYSV0l31pjAW5W08XTzBE7F1s6MwEnEz-ReZ5-gK63zgBLTKA73KefhJKMwtYVq7EvtTVlR/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAvZ6Mlob_eJNwaqpQzT7IEC1Jfp3U-r6Ul9DyyY8kuhZ2or4COQll9ScG6Qg-NBbEX_8mKYSV0l31pjAW5W08XTzBE7F1s6MwEnEz-ReZ5-gK63zgBLTKA73KefhJKMwtYVq7EvtTVlR/s400/DSC_0242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Side note: While I did buy this home all on my own- I am extremely lucky to have the best live-in handyman/tenant/person a girl could ask for! He's seriously the reason so much around here is getting done.)</div>
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So as you can see, there's a boat load of stuff going on around here. On top of all the catching up to be done, I'll be bringing you guys along while I <i>slowly </i>turn this first house into my HOME. </div>
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Hope you all have stuck around to enjoy this journey with me!</div>
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Please bare with me while I iron out the kinks of my blog format again. It looks like things have shifted and are slightly in wrong places, but I'll figure it all out! I've missed you all and have missed seeing your loving and supportive emails in my inbox while on my hiatus. Can't wait to start hearing from you all again and to start making my rounds to see what you all have been up to! And if you're new around here- Welcome!! I've put a lot of time and love into this little blog and plan to continue. Look around, enjoy, and if your heart desires, follow along!</div>
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Much, much more to come...</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-82204054488069678212012-05-12T21:44:00.000-04:002012-05-12T21:44:37.101-04:00Want some cheese with that whine?<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh hello everyone!!</div>
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(By the way- This post could also be called "Why house hunting makes me a big ol' grump-a-lump)</div>
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For those wondering... My disappearance coincides precisely with when I decided to start house hunting! Exciting, right? That must give me so much to blog about! All sorts of happy, sunshine, home owning, decorating goodness, right?!</div>
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<b>Wrong.</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So very wrong.</span></div>
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I think now would be a good time to explain something to you-</div>
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I'm one of those people that, when things get overwhelming, I have an anxiety attack, pace around for a little bit, and then just lay on the couch watching television instead of tackling any of the crazy stuff...</div>
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<i>Whoops!</i></div>
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Go ahead, call me crazy, I dare you!</div>
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I'm a perfectionist. I just find it challenging to control those overwhelming feelings. But obviously, Im doing much better! Because here I am, telling you all about it. </div>
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(And at least my mom still loves me! No doubt the person is a little careful around me at the moment :P I'm just kidding. He's been amazingly supportive! And in my defense I warned him I might go nuts before I started the hunt)</div>
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Anyhoo!</div>
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I wish this post was actually good news about how my search is over and I have a house!</div>
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I'm not writing that post just yet but maybe typing that will put it into the universe.</div>
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The point of this post is to allow me to openly whine about some of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things I've come across in my search thus far.</div>
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Fun, right?</div>
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(Oh! And if you're one of those people that unfollows bloggers w/ complaining posts... I'll miss you.)</div>
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**I wanted so badly to include pictures of things I've seen, but I decided pictures of other people's homes might get me in trouble... So use your imagination!**</div>
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Without further ado, I give you-</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can be damn well sure Krystina won't be buying your home if...</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if your master bathroom features a pink or blue porcelain toilet. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I want to give you the benefit of believing it was cool at some point... but your house was built in 2001...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*.<i>..if your entire home has teal carpets. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Teal, people. And throughout the entire house?! How do you match anything to that?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if your home has those awesome extra shiny white tiles.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">For one thing, you're dooming me to a life of visibly dirty floors. And seriously, they're just ugly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if there's tile of any kind in the bedroom.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I just hate it. The most ever. Ughh! Serious pet peeve. Why would you ruin a comfy-cozy space with tile?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if your backyard slants upwards at more than a 45 degree angle.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I wish I was kidding but I've seen at least 4 houses like this. I'm talking- "open the sliding glass door and you turn into the yodeling dude from Price is Right" slant.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if you've decided to take your entire kitchen with you.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I don't just mean appliances. I mean cabinets and all! I get that they're expensive but I'm a first time home buyer. I'm not exactly prepared to put in a whole kitchen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if there are bars on your windows.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Wait... what? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if I have to pay to turn on the utilities in order to get the appraisal done.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Granted- this is solely on short sale properties. But... no. I can't/won't pay for that just to go through the appraisal and find out the house isn't worth what you want me to pay! Sorry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if your backyard butts up to a graveyard.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">That speaks for itself. And I wish I was kidding.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>... if you have a creepy tenant in place that lets their pets use the whole house as their bathroom.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">If I have to hold my breath while I view your home... it's not looking good.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">*<i>...if theres a visible leak in your garage and while we're trying to negotiate a fair price because you've decided you won't pay for the repair- you decide to go with a new offer. Asshole.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Alright, so it wasn't my choice to not buy that house. But the seller did make damn well sure I wouldn't be buying that house. *wah wah* Can you tell I'm still bitter?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Now, I'm not completely unreasonable! I know how to walk into a space and disregard paint color and bad countertops. But I'm not exactly walking in ready to gut a whole house and renovate it to my liking either. I need a home that can be lived in comfortably while I slowly take on little projects.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">So don't judge me for this list! It's been a tough couple of months!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Not sure how the market is where you all are but it's hardly a buyers market anymore around here. Houses move so fast! Anything worth while only lasts 24 hours on the market before receiving multiple offers. So timing is everything and you have to move quick!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">In an effort to get some more positive energy out there surrounding me and my home search- here's what my dream home would look like, courtesy of Pinterest! Take it in and think good thoughts for me!!</span></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=cape+cod+houses&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1378&bih=942&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=dkYrpt6XLdevoM:&imgrefurl=http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/cape-cod-update-00400000006198/&docid=sFzDMUqvRql-aM&imgurl=http://img4.southernliving.com/i/2003/05/cape-cod-update/1930s-cape-cod-x.jpg%25253F500:500&w=500&h=500&ei=9gBgT8D7D8OxsgKHsemuCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=200&vpy=367&dur=555&hovh=173&hovw=173&tx=142&ty=114&sig=114641041285188472674&page=1&tbnh=168&tbnw=168&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/341367/Nice-exterior-stone-work---" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://amandacromwell.blogspot.com/2011/06/craftsman-style.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">amandacromwell.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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A girl can dream! Especially since I live in Central Florida... we just don't have houses like this around me...<br />
Maybe some day...<br />
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Ok, bloggy friends- this is the part where you all make me feel better by sharing your home buying horror stories!<br />
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And GO!!!</div>
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Hope you've all been well since the last time I've been by. I promise my next post will be a little more upbeat! Until then...<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-83886987350947606172012-03-17T12:32:00.000-04:002012-03-17T12:32:55.362-04:00My love affair...<div style="text-align: center;">Happy weekend everyone!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know how the weather is where you all are, but here in Central Florida it has been beyond gorgeous out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been having to keep my legs shaved since we're already having shorts weather!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Don't try to act all superior! Like you've never skipped a shave because you knew it was cold out anyway!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ooo! And it's St Patty's Day! Hope you all enjoy all your green yummies- I shall be at work, as will my person. Maybe I'll grab a pack of Guiness for him on my way home... (Act surprised!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now- I felt it was time to come clean about my love affair... that's right. I'm having a love affair. I've been neglecting my blog and even changing plans last minute, all because of this new found love-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFcuCy2_Oiot8ksT23FHL4U11hIq9-W-fc7ZZ6iZMgxy9_5_aYL4ZQcx_YgDMAT-4KcAOu81RhAr6htodhnlLQ67Kai54t9Shigcrn0-NX4uMtt9xPSiom-oRun6LrRpiV4MjyW3j0HCo/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFcuCy2_Oiot8ksT23FHL4U11hIq9-W-fc7ZZ6iZMgxy9_5_aYL4ZQcx_YgDMAT-4KcAOu81RhAr6htodhnlLQ67Kai54t9Shigcrn0-NX4uMtt9xPSiom-oRun6LrRpiV4MjyW3j0HCo/s320/IMG_1998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My nook!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am obsessed you guys. I haven't read this much just for fun since probably high school! It gets so challenging as you go through school to find the time or desire to read for pleasure when you are being inundated with endless reading material. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to this little guy, I am happy to report my love for reading is alive and well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At New Year's I decided I wanted to read a book a month this year. I thought considering I'd be lucky if I got through 3 "just because" books a year in the past, 12 would be quite the accomplishment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with actual books and for a while was in a very "save books!" mind set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love having books on shelves... is that weird?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I HATE getting books all dirty when you just throw them into bags, it drives me nuts! Except my copy of <i>eat, pray, love- </i>it's well loved and I don't mind a bit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So then I switched to reading on my iPad... Heavy, obnoxious, and so much glare! It just wasn't convenient at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enter my nook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My life is changed forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little guy is so light and compact, he goes everywhere with me! And I just love him!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Big thanks to the parentals for this kick butt birthday present)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for my reading goal- We're halfway through March and I'll be starting book 5 today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHAT?!? I know! Crazy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I wanted to share my thoughts on my reading adventure this year thus far...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>**WARNING: if you are looking for legitimate book reviews, you are seriously barking up the wrong tree. This is purely for some amusement**</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2yIWi73gUZlncg7KLI1s3JymTnqCRSIYy64yGyomWx-87hhD4hRQusjUiGhzCsC8aPrvDEw-t8SKAUQTb1d3ChFJimj64_isHazYrK1u18i32ejCn2IiFzHDBADOhoRn5MOQ8R2bVCyy/s1600/147954991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2yIWi73gUZlncg7KLI1s3JymTnqCRSIYy64yGyomWx-87hhD4hRQusjUiGhzCsC8aPrvDEw-t8SKAUQTb1d3ChFJimj64_isHazYrK1u18i32ejCn2IiFzHDBADOhoRn5MOQ8R2bVCyy/s400/147954991.JPG" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <b>Confessions of a Shopaholic</b>- I wanted to ease into my reading with something light and fluffy... This was possibly a little too light and fluffy even for my taste! And I LOVE a good girly book. It may have something to do with the fact that since I read Bridget Jones' Diary forever ago and then watched the movies, I cannot read a book with a British lead and not automatically make her Bridget. I know thats crazy but I do it all the time. I realize there are a ton more books in this series... I don't think I'll be reading any of them.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaTXMWrqyTR6eSJGVhxz4KuNSJ8nJ8qfB9r09e8_jhVlM8T1DEDnE7ypVktbIWrUTqgtPpOfhZfqVMj3maB_tUUI7ej3XLbOAf7ixFoZdTDji9KGYloK-8dRVcsyyb8NcmLmWwOW2fxi1/s1600/147939177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaTXMWrqyTR6eSJGVhxz4KuNSJ8nJ8qfB9r09e8_jhVlM8T1DEDnE7ypVktbIWrUTqgtPpOfhZfqVMj3maB_tUUI7ej3XLbOAf7ixFoZdTDji9KGYloK-8dRVcsyyb8NcmLmWwOW2fxi1/s400/147939177.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <b>The Help- </b>I should tell you that as soon as a book gets popular, I avoid it at all costs. I don't like reading anything everyone else loves... for the same reason I used to hate cleaning my room after my mom told me to. I had to want to do it on my own! I'm finding recently, some people actually know what they're talking about when they recommend books. This read was incredible. The writing was perfect and the story from each of the 3 characters perspectives, it engaged me in such a phenomenal way that I couldn't help but get invested. I found myself getting so heated as I read certain parts and thats what good writing should do. I went out and rented the movie as soon as I finished it. I thought it was great but I'm SO glad I read the book first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwm7r8StPtq0b7YtoDqQSBcbFoxSlnD0I9GyLVNMGfwcZdF8DtASdVd8bkzjk6IXUElMkkIz7Rvo0uxtG5M22gwx2moFvIKlKLvoS3CJENmdUNENfDsgX3tuBpYhAULDiVRewwVpyCbpdj/s1600/102048417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwm7r8StPtq0b7YtoDqQSBcbFoxSlnD0I9GyLVNMGfwcZdF8DtASdVd8bkzjk6IXUElMkkIz7Rvo0uxtG5M22gwx2moFvIKlKLvoS3CJENmdUNENfDsgX3tuBpYhAULDiVRewwVpyCbpdj/s400/102048417.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <b>Last Night at Chateau Marmont</b>- After the heated reading of <i>The Help, </i>I thought I should balance myself out a little by going back to another girly novel. I thought the latest best seller from the author of <i>Devil Wears Prada </i>would be a good choice... This really was a good book but definitely NOT the light hearted chick lit I was looking for. This story of a husband and wife having to deal with gossip columns as the musician husband rises to fame literally had me nauseous. I have this problem of putting myself in peoples shoes when I read and watch movies so as bad things kept falling into the main character's lap, my heart was breaking for her! I just can't handle that sort of thing. My guy kept looking over at me and having to tell me to calm down! And I ended up in tears at the end. Ugh!! Great book! Obviously a read for the ladies but on a whole other level from <i>Shopaholic </i>or anything by Nora Roberts.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QkaCiCvkikDnYrV1o7jhDhexfA4RaR7oxvYPMj0dpIMmzGBPjfh_9CHZ4kALcfqRz3mJ9z44a_MXqDZoz031Asc2cxamlJC0YoCm9e6zR9yT5rulNkzsPJFiK_3EybG4uzWKp_M3-sWo/s1600/103516691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QkaCiCvkikDnYrV1o7jhDhexfA4RaR7oxvYPMj0dpIMmzGBPjfh_9CHZ4kALcfqRz3mJ9z44a_MXqDZoz031Asc2cxamlJC0YoCm9e6zR9yT5rulNkzsPJFiK_3EybG4uzWKp_M3-sWo/s400/103516691.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3.<b>The Hunger Games- </b>I finally caved. WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG?! I was determined to not like this book but as soon as I started I could not stop. It took me 2 and a half days because apparently "reading <i>The Hunger Games" </i>is not an acceptable reason to cancel shows. Crazy right? Any time real life interrupted my reading, I legitimately wanted to punch someone so they would go away and leave me to my book. If you've yet to join this bandwagon- I feel sorry for you. Do it! Do it now. I just bought the second book and to be honest, it took a lot of coaxing to get me to write this post instead of curling up with my nook to start it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, reading! It is making a come back, people!! It feels so good to finally take the time to shut my brain off and fall into a really good book. Delicious! I highly recommend you all try to make the time to do it too. I feel like it makes my days a little calmer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Read any good books lately? Looking for some recommendations- 12 is a whole lot of books! What are your favorites? I'll try to check them out!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy reading!</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-64086536671243626902012-03-10T19:55:00.000-05:002012-03-10T19:55:01.613-05:00I ran 13.1 miles...<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Saturday world!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a strange turn of events, I didn't have to work today. WHAT?! It was absolutely amazing. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I started my day off with no alarm (aside from a whiney puppy) and a relaxing cup of coffee on the couch with that really cute guy I occasionally refer to as my person.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't think of a better way to start a day off!</div><div style="text-align: center;">THEN-</div><div style="text-align: center;">it was off to the puppy park with pooch face mcgee... for a solid 15 minutes... because while he can get very hyper, he is also a little lazy bones.</div><div style="text-align: center;">See?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Uvf6FEih8/T1vgEl6i-9I/AAAAAAAAA-U/vPB6azvQtI0/s1600/b07637de6ade11e1b9f1123138140926_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Uvf6FEih8/T1vgEl6i-9I/AAAAAAAAA-U/vPB6azvQtI0/s320/b07637de6ade11e1b9f1123138140926_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A- Lazy bones dog refusing to get off my foot because he got too hot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">...</div><div style="text-align: center;">But look- he's smiling!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After the dog park, all the animals passed out for afternoon naps while I went and enjoyed a little poolside reading.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Um. Perfect day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And while I'm sure you've enjoyed being jealous of this kick booty day I've had, I've gotten grossly off today's topic!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm finally going to recap my experience in this year's</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Disney's Princess Half Marathon!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This was my second half marathon and I have to admit, I didn't train as long as I would've liked. For last year's run, I trained for probably 6 months... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">You know, in hindsight, that sort of sounds like overkill...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This year's 2 month training was much more realistic...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Ok, let's be honest, I trained exactly as long as I liked. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I offered to make tshirts for my sister and I for the run using one of my favorite toys- my Silhouette Cameo!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I ordered some heat transfer goodies and with inspiration from our favorite Disney princesses (and the clever help of one of my good friends), we came up with fun sayings to wear on our run!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX20jvFVNSNaeIA817HruB0ytmVKn5IGYK_AwlczISQjdrfW_rAixqAHdYrBEtv1YSNAhbfpEwOwBYAfmI_N7CS0a3J1Qi4HYISMDnkp9IU-6DZM8Zf5iFeGMxrm09URfFDaTL9R0nRT3d/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX20jvFVNSNaeIA817HruB0ytmVKn5IGYK_AwlczISQjdrfW_rAixqAHdYrBEtv1YSNAhbfpEwOwBYAfmI_N7CS0a3J1Qi4HYISMDnkp9IU-6DZM8Zf5iFeGMxrm09URfFDaTL9R0nRT3d/s640/picstitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The expo happened to be the same day as my birthday so that was the first stop on my 25th!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make things even more exciting, we found out there were some extra openings in this year's Disneyland Half out in California and the boy entered us as a birthday surprise! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anaheim- see you in September!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which also means, when we cross the finish line in California, we'll get an extra medal for completing a half on each coast- The Coast to Coast Challenge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, the Saturday night before the run, I laced up my running shoes with some lucky bright blue laces, and I carb loaded with some delicious tortellini and garlic toast made by my love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then of course, bed by 7 pm because waking up at 3 am to run 13 miles is NO JOKE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj06ghf1bNacasTniT6GtHmubH6Ugb1FMR3sScisXGH36r-kmLOGdHgl3PcQaSuzbNnXeGhmTrcoDhM6UbyOsKL16KcR_SY_1rzhWnTYh6FtLYP1_n_xCW9UUhXSQHiU6etEq861vzjIAj/s1600/picstitch-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj06ghf1bNacasTniT6GtHmubH6Ugb1FMR3sScisXGH36r-kmLOGdHgl3PcQaSuzbNnXeGhmTrcoDhM6UbyOsKL16KcR_SY_1rzhWnTYh6FtLYP1_n_xCW9UUhXSQHiU6etEq861vzjIAj/s640/picstitch-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Race morning was so exciting!! But crazy cold. It was supposed to rain but luckily it held out till after I crossed the finish line. One of my favorite things for Disney runs is that they set off fireworks at the start of each corral. It keeps the excitement going even if you aren't one of the hardcore people that will manage to run 13 miles in 1 hour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When our corral finally started, half hour after the first start, I can't tell you how my heart went nuts as I finally ran under the start line!! It's hard to run when theres so many people all around so you have to go slow but you can't help but be pumped and start out strong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJoJNUaeAoI/T1vrn4VMXTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/zILq90AGnzU/s1600/picstitch-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJoJNUaeAoI/T1vrn4VMXTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/zILq90AGnzU/s640/picstitch-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you've never run a half marathon or if you have but haven't ventured into the world of run Disney- I highly recommend Disney runs!! The entertainment along the course makes the miles fly by. There's another character or DJ spot around every corner so there's always something to distract you from the potential mind blocks you may hit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the halfway mark exactly, there were signs everywhere that it was "time to get STRONGER" and that kick booty Kelly Clarkson song was blasting through speakers! Cheesy but seriously got me pumped to keep it up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, there's amazing things like the line of screaming spectators as you head up Main Street USA to Cinderella's castle. It sends chills up my arms just thinking about it. It empowers you in this amazing way and makes you push harder than you ever have in any training run. I was lucky to have my boy along the route AND some amazing friends (that even provided mid run orange slices!!) that really helped me keep pushing when I thought my legs couldn't possibly run any more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I mean, come on, you're running through Disney World!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIMoVG8B0xAcO3NZMijeVyzT_etPb31z_a6GX4pgrvweS3OmWsdJhQYRqMikIeSkgZFjLD763ob7GrdPd1Sf4_1l2-9hm52aHlMVL36JFe9ZBiOrRWb5JMAHXwDgL-QoiaKd73CbdG33O/s1600/picstitch-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIMoVG8B0xAcO3NZMijeVyzT_etPb31z_a6GX4pgrvweS3OmWsdJhQYRqMikIeSkgZFjLD763ob7GrdPd1Sf4_1l2-9hm52aHlMVL36JFe9ZBiOrRWb5JMAHXwDgL-QoiaKd73CbdG33O/s640/picstitch-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-165MixrHg/T1vyUZANsiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/8WLPXgX0w1Y/s1600/picstitch-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-165MixrHg/T1vyUZANsiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/8WLPXgX0w1Y/s640/picstitch-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh... had I not mentioned I ran in a Cinderella tutu?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ran in a Cinderella tutu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be jealous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So last year, I did my first half in 3:18. For any obnoxious brats out there thinking "Oh wow... that's really slow!" - IT'S 13.1 MILES! I went from not being able to finish a mile to doing 13.1 of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I. Am. Awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Period.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year, I wanted to finish it in 3 hours. I picked up a little pace bracelet at the expo so I would know exactly what time I had to be at each mile marker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the first 3/4 of the run, I was doing perfect on my goal pace! I had my iPod nano on my nifty watch band (Thanks Kaki for that kick booty Christmas present!) running both my sweet jams and my stopwatch. I had my phone tucked into my running belt so my runkeeper app could track my route and pace for me to look over at the end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At that point in the run, I got a horrible blister on the arch of my foot and it significantly slowed me down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THEN- at the end of mile 11- my nano died on me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*gasp!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was tune-less AND stopwatch-less so I didn't know if I was still making my goal pace! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last chunk is the hardest. There's what feels like a million ramps and the final stretch through Epcot is the longest mile of my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Point being- rough time to not have my nano!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pulled out my iPhone, plugged in my headphones, and just held it for the last 2 miles. I slowed down a lot and thought I would have to walk the rest of the way. I hit the 13 mile mark and tried to run but my hips were killing me. That's when this woman I had never met before came up behind me and just put her hand on my shoulder and said "No! You can do this! You run this last part!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...And I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I made it across the finish line in 3 hours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHTeOE-yeah-ynVJtXnpcQBBhJZbj2qW615e0ydaLMaPH3_IagkCcifFAznIhzZ5Su1UR_jxfKT1VCeH-5CK5msxftlBm2r6w10OqBNgii-9KSVvu_uCOV95x_Yu6UcrbeY3ihb-NH7PT/s1600/picstitch-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHTeOE-yeah-ynVJtXnpcQBBhJZbj2qW615e0ydaLMaPH3_IagkCcifFAznIhzZ5Su1UR_jxfKT1VCeH-5CK5msxftlBm2r6w10OqBNgii-9KSVvu_uCOV95x_Yu6UcrbeY3ihb-NH7PT/s640/picstitch-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... and they saran wrapped both my hips with ice right after.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HURRAY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I did it. I never think I'm capable of it but look- I got a medal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And some finish line love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaJ9J3x45M5hEZiJqxa6IaK2fjylN8uNfqUC1zA1n0dLrBZCl5kEKJTqNTAnb6FkEG_266VeunFO50QiEsqaLFGm5sZo9oIGQ4GUL4JEo4XnHE7WkrXT-Iz341NgPXWIILxBV9ff5QBHM/s1600/picstitch-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaJ9J3x45M5hEZiJqxa6IaK2fjylN8uNfqUC1zA1n0dLrBZCl5kEKJTqNTAnb6FkEG_266VeunFO50QiEsqaLFGm5sZo9oIGQ4GUL4JEo4XnHE7WkrXT-Iz341NgPXWIILxBV9ff5QBHM/s640/picstitch-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, if that were a full marathon, I would have to turn around and do what I just did all over again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's insane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So if I say this on here... maybe I'll actually stick to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Walt Disney Marathon 2013- I'm coming for you!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I can do it as long as I keep running after I run the half in California in September.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The idea is to be able to run 26 miles the year I turn 26.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">... I may seriously regret this goal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wish me luck on this journey! No doubt you'll be seeing a lot of it right here!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh running! You think I can do the Disneyland half in 2:45? I have 6 months to cut 15 more minutes off my time... Time to hit the pavement! Anyone else thinking of venturing into the world of full marathons?</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWcWDhyC-a9pr-ffjOUvD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHZbqJ6clXZE2JQ3-yWHy4Ef9Vkyi1USeBcug6j3jrwqnFm6X3cvGLH544tVTXgWItk_Jbj4-mr4WqZgAYSGU4o2DNY3ddSkMk5dbuquyxyYT_JH1MeHo6tOw23luSmmDbQrSy21Iqpr/s400/signatureline2.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-91454865828589805642012-03-03T20:43:00.001-05:002012-03-03T20:44:37.829-05:00Wish! {Out loud}<div style="text-align: center;">Sunday, already?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been another hot week here in Central Florida which always blows my mind when I see how cold it still is everywhere else! I realize it's almost Spring but we are a far ways from Summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dear Weather-</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is far too early for me to start sweating before I can even turn my car on! Please fix this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhoot!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The ladies and I behind Wish! {out loud} have decided to make this link-up a monthly occurrence. Starting with this month, we'll be hosting the link-up the first Sunday of each month.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That way you'll have a chance to think up a good wish, get it posted, and work on making yours and others come true!</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're new to this link-up- Welcome! <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/11/introducing-wish-out-loud.html">Check out what its all about here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/03/wish-out-loud.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" height="291" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s320/WISH%2525205%252520button.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><center><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/03/wish-out-loud.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s400/WISH%2525205%252520button.png"/></a></center></textarea></form></div><br />
<div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here's how it works-</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. Grab the button and attach it to your post</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. </span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now for the wishing part...</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>This week, as inspired by my last half marathon, I wish I could get my pace up on my runs.</i></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I want to specify, and you'll read more about it this week when I post about the Princess Half, I'm insanely proud of how well I did! But I do run in intervals and I want to train up to running for longer periods than I am now. </span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I know some of you are fellow runners so any training tips you've got-</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">PLEASE send them my way!</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So there's this month's wish for me! Join up on the fun so I can head over and try to make some of your wishes come true too. Hoping you're all having a lovely end to your weekend...</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Till next time-</span></div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</script>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-82516813888750637332012-03-02T00:00:00.002-05:002012-03-02T00:00:09.223-05:00Friday's Fancies- Tangerine Tango!<div style="text-align: center;">It's Friday!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy weekend everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's my first day back to work from my staycation and oddly enough, I'm ridiculously excited!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've missed seeing my friends there and running around dressed like a mismatched 12 year old and talking to puppets and carrying out very interesting conversations with 2 year olds.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Run on sentences can be fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since it is indeed Friday and I already made a return to one of my other favorite link parties this week,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to keep it up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm back, Friday's Fancies!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Man oh man, did I miss putting together make believe outfits I wish I could afford.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/">{av} from {long distance loving}</a> hosts this day of closet envy every week and I LOVE playing along. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fridays_fancies_tangerine_tango/set?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=44710077" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Friday's Fancies Tangerine Tango" border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44710077/id/6sQso7mGS3GDmpeohIDD7Q/size/y.jpg" title="Friday's Fancies Tangerine Tango" width="600" /></a></div></div><br />
<div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=52053878" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/52053878.jpg" title="T shirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=50224106" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50224106.jpg" title="Cargo shorts" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=47676423" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47676423.jpg" title="Sperry Top-Sider vintage shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=49798321" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49798321.jpg" title="FOSSIL leather tote bag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=51845762" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51845762.jpg" title="Silicone watch" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=51214438" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51214438.jpg" title="Bracelet" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=48985750" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48985750.jpg" title="Plastic sunglasses" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=50184615" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50184615.jpg" title="HILLIER Earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
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So confession-<br />
I only added these shorts because I want them so bad!! They're from Anthropologie and I happen to think they look great in this outfit. PLUS- they have little honey combs on them!<br />
I would also like to say "sorry/not sorry" for including yet ANOTHER Fossil bag. Whoops! How did that get in there?<br />
Thank goodness tangerine is this years color! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!<br />
A couple years back, I had a ton of things in my closet in this color.<br />
How ahead of times was I?<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Le sigh. </i>That felt great! You know you want to play along and put together an outfit too... Go do it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wish me luck on my first day back at work! I hope I remember all my lines...</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-9260764102886382922012-03-01T15:40:00.000-05:002012-03-01T15:40:01.847-05:00Welcome March...<div style="text-align: center;">Happy March everyone!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I say this frequently but- wasn't it just New Year's?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're already on the 3rd month of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the start of every month, I realize I get very "fresh new start! Be more awesome!" and if it gets old for anyone... well... avoid my blog right around the first of every month.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I strongly believe in the idea of giving yourself a fresh start with not only every new month but also every new day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My big thing right now is trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. Even if I attempt this time and time again, I'm thinking the repetition will help me stick to it at some point. That's the beauty of waking up to a new day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Even if I stuffed my face with cupcakes yesterday, I can still wake up today, go for a run, and grab a banana instead of a candy bar!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm planning to use my life planner this month to really track how I stick to my health plan...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's hoping!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first of the month is also the time I post my picture a day for the past month...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I failed miserably at this for the better part of this past month! I'd venture to say I missed about the first half. I had planned to follow along the photo a day challenge...whoops! I have the list for March and I'm planning to be much better about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For real.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I still wanted to share some of the awesomeness that happened this month. Including, but not limited to, the person and my post Valentine's- Valentine's Day and my 25th Birthday/Quarter life crisis stay cation! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Check it out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo2Gy3XbMsA3HztmAy_JZCHkpl-UPMohDuLQjAxZC1tM4a0JaISeyB_cKb9VJ9aJIEaQn238nD4k2JCygW15LVCJkUBI_O4nKlIFnnsglvZXBbkq0_g0Y45T9SmLWrS2I53Irpk0cgAXt/s1600/FebMIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo2Gy3XbMsA3HztmAy_JZCHkpl-UPMohDuLQjAxZC1tM4a0JaISeyB_cKb9VJ9aJIEaQn238nD4k2JCygW15LVCJkUBI_O4nKlIFnnsglvZXBbkq0_g0Y45T9SmLWrS2I53Irpk0cgAXt/s640/FebMIP.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So, now it's time to tackle March. As a 25 year old. Uff.<br />
I'm feeling crazy blessed lately so I'm excited to see what I'll have to report this time next month...<br />
How was everyone else's February? Did that extra day bring any fun and excitement to your life?<br />
Hoping this post finds everyone happy, healthy, and hopeful for the month of March!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-71540069972157721122012-02-29T09:29:00.000-05:002012-02-29T09:29:58.542-05:00Oh How Pinteresting...<div style="text-align: center;">It's Wednesday!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Only a couple days left on my Staycation and it has been beyond wonderful!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So many friends and good times and loads to share about my 2nd time at the Disney Princess Half Marathon...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But today...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm linking up with Michelle at the <a href="http://www.thevintageapple.com/">Vintage Apple</a> for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know- It's been a while.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But Pinterest never gets old.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So once again, it's time to share some of my recent favorites!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://thevintageapple.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="google" border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/michellevintageapple/files/pinterestingwed.png" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center>If you've never joined me for how I rock Pinteresting Wednesdays... I hardly ever do themes! I try to grab stuff I like from different boards and keep it well rounded... Or I just have Pinterest ADD.</center><center><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Because goodness knows, chicken dinner can get pretty boring... </center></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/116671446566535733/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/116671446566535733_ZGT5FEr9_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/02/fresh-food-friday-50-easy-and-delicious.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">sixsistersstuff.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pathowell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pat</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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These are filled with "feel good" notes for a friend... I love everything on <a href="http://ohhellofriendblog.com/">oh, hello friend</a><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184253573/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="415" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/6473993184253573_ec6yNHoq_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/2012/02/hello-diy-message-in-bottle.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+ohhellofriend+%2528oh%252C+hello+friend.%2529" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">ohhellofriendblog.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Call it the Pisces in me, but I LOVE having the place to myself...<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184139276/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/43839796342482344_7KA8Q6B3_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://littlereasonstosmile.tumblr.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">littlereasonstosmile.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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YES! I want to turn an armoire into a crafting mecca...<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184249968/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/135530270005700524_3QLiaIUb_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://calicoandco.blogspot.com/2011/01/studio-love-home-office-studio.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CalicoCo+%28Calico+%26+Co.%29" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">calicoandco.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Because it's still hot as crap in Florida!<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184256279/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/270216046361856277_8peo8Q7n_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/simply_everyday/set?id=33058451" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">polyvore.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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And this one- oddly enough, I designed for a <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/07/banana-bread-opposite-of-dry.html">blog post back in July</a>... In the past few weeks, I have not stopped getting emails about it getting repined. WHAT?!? It gets me so excited that people are loving on something I made! Woot! Go me!<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993183834458/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/6473993183834458_xWYjtdQ0_c.jpg" width="457" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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There it is! This week's collection of my favorites! Check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/">Pinterest boards</a> for more loveliness!<br />
If you haven't yet, link up to this fun linky party!!<br />
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As for me... I'm gonna peruse everyone else's favorites before going to spend some birthday money.... Woo hoo mini shopping spree!!<br />
Happy hump day everyone! And I guess Leap Day too?<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-81572742820672870122012-02-23T19:01:00.000-05:002012-02-23T19:01:04.323-05:00A Pre-Birthday/Ruby Red Window Shopping Spree...<div style="text-align: center;">Hey...Hey... HEY!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Guess what?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow's my birthday!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been dreading turning 25 for at least the past few months and for some reason, this week I've been so excited!!<br />
I've had a phenomenal first part of my staycation- loads of yummy food and some wonderful friends!<br />
(spoken like a true fat kid!) There's still a whole lot more to come in the next week so I'm thrilled. It's going to be busy and chances are I'll be exhausted by the end... but I'm ok with that!<br />
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Tomorrow is the also the Princess Half Marathon Expo so I'll be starting my day by going to pick up my race packet... AHHH!!!<br />
What a way to start my next year of life- by proving to myself once again that I can run 13.1 miles all at one time!<br />
GO ME!!<br />
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Since it is indeed my birthday, I like to treat myself. I'm indulging in outings and food and planning on a little bitty shopping spree at some point.<br />
Since I've been trying to decide what to focus my mini shopping spree on, I thought it would be a good day to bring back...<br />
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Window Shopping Spree Thursday!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju24bNa28HqSvAc39pdMweDF1_gNTg4HcVhSCvTZdvgMA0JKeSZ8cu_9V2-z9-e21yZ1BwEO3_G-D8kq3nGKBQe7YFb6eJFQCbIOqgbO_XuDAEwhFkhBOCf6hmh4wh9K9fbqDI6Yamdz9d/s1600/windowblogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju24bNa28HqSvAc39pdMweDF1_gNTg4HcVhSCvTZdvgMA0JKeSZ8cu_9V2-z9-e21yZ1BwEO3_G-D8kq3nGKBQe7YFb6eJFQCbIOqgbO_XuDAEwhFkhBOCf6hmh4wh9K9fbqDI6Yamdz9d/s1600/windowblogbutton.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Oh, I seriously missed doing these!<br />
This week I'm sharing a little shopping list I've been putting together lately. For some reason, I'm growing increasingly more and more fond of red accents in my wardrobe. I've been rocking my red wayfarers for over a year now and I will seriously wear them with anything!<br />
I've been wanting to add red pieces to my wardrobe so here's what I'm thinking...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g0H071Hp6Q/T0bP9vo24rI/AAAAAAAAA9k/EKs5OL0ie8s/s1600/windowshop15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g0H071Hp6Q/T0bP9vo24rI/AAAAAAAAA9k/EKs5OL0ie8s/s640/windowshop15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div>1. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=68348&vid=1&pid=749794&scid=749794112">Red Shorts</a>- I'm not sure when I decided I was brave enough to venture into colored bottoms... goodness knows my curvy bum may not be the best silhouette for colored pants, but I seriously want these!<br />
2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87728953/red-headband-with-bow-winter-wool?ref=sr_gallery_5&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=red+headband&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Red Headband</a>- I found this one on etsy and I LOVE it. Confession- my desire for a red headband stems directly from my current obsession with Gossip Girl. And in this case, obsession is an understatement... whoops!<br />
3. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=898256&scid=898256032">Red Cardigan</a>- I recently cleaned out my closet and I kid you not, the majority of my closet is sweaters and cardigans. And still, all I can think of when I look at that chunk is "How do I not have a red one?!"<br />
4. <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/red-canvas-classics-shoes">Red Toms</a>- I actually started wanting these when I saw them on an 8 year old who came to my show... Is it wrong to take fashion inspiration from an 8 year old?<br />
5. <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/fossil-handbag-vintage-reissue-weekender-bag?ID=576132&CategoryID=27686&LinkType=&swatchColor=RED#fn=COLOR%3DRed%26sp%3D3%26spc%3D200%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D110">Red Big Bag</a>- Fossil?! I'm shocked! This may not be the first time this bag shows up on my blog, but it's the first time I've had it here in red!!!<br />
6. <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~75408/75408.jsp">Red belt</a>- I've come to find lately, that any shirt or dress can be made a million times more fabulous with a color pop belt! So I want one in red.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">...Have I gone over board with this whole "red" thing?!...</div><div style="text-align: center;">...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm ok with that though!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all go through color spouts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm loving bright colors in general right now. Bring on more blues, greens, and yellows! But for some reason, my wardrobe is just screaming for these accent pieces...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do still have another week of staycation...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll let you know if I go through on any of these purchases!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone has a wonderful "My Birthday!" tomorrow! Have a cupcake in my honor! :)</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-28869583030193202412012-02-20T11:44:00.000-05:002012-02-20T11:44:14.187-05:00Where the hell have I been?!?<div style="text-align: center;">Ummmm... What?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi, my name is Krystina. You probably don't remember me seeing as I HAVEN'T BLOGGED IN FOREVER!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm such a slacker.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's really no one explanation for it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've just had an extreme amount of blogger's block for about a month...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have no interest in airing any dirty laundry on my blog but I feel like there's certain things that need to be said in order for me to continue on my journey to be healthy and happy me! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Plus- My birthday is on Friday!</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's no better time to take a giant blog sigh and keep moving forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, here's what's going on.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to attempt to do this as vague but understandable as possible... Forgive me if you don't follow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My previous chapter in life recently had some big news that I got wind of courtesy of Facebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And honestly, I couldn't be happier for them!</div><div style="text-align: center;">That being said- it put me in a very pensive position.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On top of that, and I realize I have done nothing but complain about this recently (and I'm hoping this post will help me stop doing that!), the person's schedule has really been a trying experience for our relationship. This may sound ridiculous, but in the almost year and a half that we've been together, things have come so easily for us that quite frankly, we suck at dealing with fighting.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've come to find that any couple can be great when things are going smoothly. I think it's how you grow and learn in the tough times that really shows a couple's strength.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After a whole lot of thinking, here is my rebuttal to the universe-</div><div style="text-align: center;">My life may not go picture perfect in the eyes of some people, but I could not be happier with it. I am living out my own fairy tale in my own way, making the decisions that are right for me. If I get caught up in comparing how my life runs to others, I'm missing out on the amazingness right in front of me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Having to take life's steps when I see fit is part of the beauty of this journey being my very own.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my life and I fully intend to live it out precisely as I was meant to.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May have taken the better part of 25 years to get to this point but I'm beyond excited to see what's next...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184203266/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/182114378651699316_cQXggdjR_c.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://habitualbliss.tumblr.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">habitualbliss.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184034678/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977066227_ULdJXwIL_c.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://peasinourpod.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">peasinourpod.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184022268/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/54887689178271208_6DTg1019_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/reblog/14982462279/c3zFfyZ2?redirect_to=%2Fdashboard%2F11%2F14982471584%3Flite" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><br />
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Happy to be back in the blogging seat! Hoping this is the start of a lot more inspiration and that you'll be sticking around to follow this journey with me. Thanks for being so patient with me while I was gone!<br />
Hope this post finds everyone healthy and happy!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-44312021500099137362012-02-05T15:23:00.001-05:002012-02-05T15:24:35.074-05:00Wish! {Out loud}<div style="text-align: center;">Another Wish!{out loud} Sunday!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which is also Super Bowl Sunday...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Confession:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only will both my person and I be working straight through the entirety of the Superbowl-</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could not care less!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oops.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I LOVE LOVE LOVE college football and have just never managed to get behind a pro team. They just don't play with the same heart. However, if we were talking basketball, I love college and the NBA!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">But since it's the biggest night in the NFL... I don't so much mind working at both my jobs! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now- Wish time!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">As always, <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/11/introducing-wish-out-loud.html">check out the intro post</a> if you're new to the concept!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/02/wish-out-loud.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" height="291" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s320/WISH%2525205%252520button.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><center><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/02/wish-out-loud.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s400/WISH%2525205%252520button.png"/></a></center></textarea><br />
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Here's the rundown...<br />
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<div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;">1. Grab the button and attach it to your post</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;">2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. </div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;">3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;">(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;">4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!</div><br />
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This week, my wish is-<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I wish I could turn my brain off more often to read as much as I'd like to...</i></span><br />
I LOVE books. Always have. But I feel like the older I get, the more challenging it is for me to focus on putting everything else on hold and just reading.<br />
Does anyone else have this problem?<br />
I set a goal for myself to finish a book a month this year... Seems like an easy enough goal!<br />
I'm still on my January book.<br />
So here's wishing I can actually get back to my love of reading!!<br />
Tips welcome!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Off to check out more wishes! I hope everyone enjoys their Super Bowl Sundays and keeps it tame enough to be able to start your week off right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's hoping each week is better than the last... Especially as I creep closer to my birthday...</div></form></div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</script>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-45375925432889390772012-02-01T17:43:00.000-05:002012-02-01T17:43:57.340-05:00Wait... It's February?!?<div style="text-align: center;">Happy February, everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">How in the world is this possible? Every year goes by a little faster than the last and this is no exception.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's my birthday month! I'm trying to make some plans, seeing as I'll be on a 10 day "staycation."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any recommendations?</div><div style="text-align: center;">What would you do if you had 10 days off from work, and it can include anything from alone time to dates to girly stuff to day trips!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>And- go!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, since it's the first of the month- it's time for my month in pics!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually thought this month would be nothing but 31 pictures of Bentley dog. The month is not lacking in that by any means but there is a surprising amount of other things in here!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps January wasn't as lame-o, boring as I thought...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhTVNe3ft4eFLBZIw-geMqbPxVLB83JJZkMd0z-rdZiYX9FF4ieT0dTvIiONbxwUUH2lxHbRcsMRZRVCSrhfgs8HowCcRI9EverUST8RKmMlw8mR7QFgvmqJES_WfRxYNJHaYJhmqK0ZJ/s1600/JanMIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhTVNe3ft4eFLBZIw-geMqbPxVLB83JJZkMd0z-rdZiYX9FF4ieT0dTvIiONbxwUUH2lxHbRcsMRZRVCSrhfgs8HowCcRI9EverUST8RKmMlw8mR7QFgvmqJES_WfRxYNJHaYJhmqK0ZJ/s640/JanMIP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of this month's highlights, in order of their appearance...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Being surprised at work by my person...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*A visit from one of my besties!</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Kicking the half marathon training into high gear and new running shoes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">*My first green smoothies</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Using my stand mixer for the very first time</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Getting my organizer</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Having a fun day in Orlando with my parents</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Using my sewing machine again!</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Dying my hair back...</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Dusting off my chops to sing at an open mic night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So there it is in a nut shell... The month of January. My last full month being 24. Not a bad start to the year but not exactly a great one. I fully intend to keep making an effort to make life more kick booty as the year continues. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's also a month in pics going around the blog world. I haven't seen the list of picture prompts but I'm on the look out for it! If any of you have that info, can you send me a link? As fun as I'm having doing this on my own, it would be interesting to play along and see how others do this!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy hump day! I hope everyone's Februarys are getting off on the right foot.</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-51307104715122766452012-01-28T23:39:00.001-05:002012-01-28T23:40:08.956-05:00Wish! {Out loud}<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Sunday everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope your weekends weren't too crazy and you're all relaxing and ready to head into another full week!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sundays are almost always my very busiest days. That's when I normally work both at Disney and at the dinner theatre. By the end of the night, I am one tired lady. But tomorrow is my Friday!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">On top of the whole lot of nothing I have planned, my training will have me up to 8 miles this week...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wish me luck people! Race day is 4 weeks from today and I'm pumped but so excited to be running another half marathon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're back with <a href="http://flyingfarandfree.blogspot.com/">Robin</a> and <a href="http://chickadette.com/">Ashley Marie</a> to make some more magic as we all make and grant each others wishes! Yup- it's Wish! {out loud} Sunday!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been so exciting to see more and more people join in each week! You all seriously rock!! With each person joining in, it's another opportunity for your wish to get granted. So it's been amazing to see the support and help everyone is offering each other.<br />
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the words of encouragement with my trying to stick with my workouts in last weeks wish!! I'm happy to report I've been snacking smartly (aside from the very occasional "date night" meal) but most importantly, I'm really sticking to my training! So- yay me!!<br />
Now let's get going on another great week!<br />
As always, check out what it's all about <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/11/introducing-wish-out-loud.html">HERE</a> if you're just reading about this!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/wish-out-loud_28.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" height="291" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s320/WISH%2525205%252520button.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><center><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/wish-out-loud_28.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s400/WISH%2525205%252520button.png"/></a></center></textarea><br />
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<div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here's the drill...</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. Grab the button and attach it to your post</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. </span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This week, my wish is inspired by some of reality tv's finest- The cooking show genre!!</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I wish I had REAL cooking skills- like how to properly chop veggies and cut meats...</i></span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I feel like that sounds so silly. But honestly, I LOVE being in the kitchen. But my kitchen skills are all from the little my Grandma has taught me and what I've made up along the way. Not exactly pretty looking handling of foods or utensils! I watch shows like <i>Top Chef</i> all dreamy, wishing I was that hard core awesome.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So- tips or sources for being a semi pro chef in my own kitchen would be greatly appreciated!!</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now to see what I can do for any of your wishes! If you haven't joined in on the Wish! fun- what are you waiting for?</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #666666; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</script>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-50292512324152027162012-01-26T08:42:00.000-05:002012-01-26T08:42:35.456-05:00My new Life Planner + my crafty sleeve-y thing...<div style="text-align: center;">Hey everybody!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So... January is almost over...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which means it's almost February...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which means I'm almost 25...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Commence quarter-life crisis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You think I'm kidding. I'm not. February 24th is my birthday and I have no idea what I want to do because I partly don't want to have this birthday. I realize every time I say that, I offend every person older than I am. Allow me to specify- this is not about you. This is about me. Turning 25 and no longer getting to say I'm in my early twenties. My life is happening as we speak. Am I really enjoying it and experiencing it to its fullest?!? I think I am... in most ways... I suppose there's always more we could be doing. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned as I continue to find fun and interesting ways to live out my quarter-life crisis.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This should be exciting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhoot!</div><div style="text-align: center;">About a week ago, I got something in the mail that will no doubt change my life forever. I'm sure you've all seen or heard of <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/store/">Erin Condren</a>'s <a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/index.php?cPath=129_956">Life Planners</a>. They've seriously been featured on every blog. Ever. If you're anything like me, you were transported back to Elementary school with some sort of "But all the cool bloggers have one!" moment. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm here today to report to you-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>It is SO worth the hype!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was incredibly excited after I placed the order, I seriously checked the FedEx tracking every couple of hours. I actually had a little "AHHHHH" moment when it wasn't updated for like 4 days. When you're waiting for Christmas Day so badly, the thought that Santa got lost on the way- it's frightening! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily, it came!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's here, it's all mine, and I am more organized than ever!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvRaY05Qz4GH63f0bEqjmZjQEZodGnioLbTFxNQqqGf7r9ZOGjZOxDrkhVwYyT5SZk42dVjBSxCwctOq-wJ5RDLtRuKCVWp-JaaBe7672tLFYSa3YA117NUi8qY1jn4eMkrms1E9oJsXK/s1600/plan1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvRaY05Qz4GH63f0bEqjmZjQEZodGnioLbTFxNQqqGf7r9ZOGjZOxDrkhVwYyT5SZk42dVjBSxCwctOq-wJ5RDLtRuKCVWp-JaaBe7672tLFYSa3YA117NUi8qY1jn4eMkrms1E9oJsXK/s640/plan1b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZglhNn7BqLlMf96Wj7JLPBNE5YZVsHMSn0UG1kR1p5sF1anp6EfJH_6D1a4te7EG5sr_EG1PU-ce2-R-cq0NIJnda9F6c7EJ-SV_NIMVujH-hOw05aKd0ik9TLBT9FJpha4GWLhLFcSTr/s1600/plan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZglhNn7BqLlMf96Wj7JLPBNE5YZVsHMSn0UG1kR1p5sF1anp6EfJH_6D1a4te7EG5sr_EG1PU-ce2-R-cq0NIJnda9F6c7EJ-SV_NIMVujH-hOw05aKd0ik9TLBT9FJpha4GWLhLFcSTr/s640/plan3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aint she a beauty? I went with the "Favorite Things" design so all that writing is random stuff that makes me smile. So now I get organized AND smile!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to admit though- I add things to the goals and to do lists just so I can cross them out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whoops! </div><div style="text-align: center;">No doubt I am NOT the only that does this though!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well... now that I had this gorgeous planner, you would have to be crazy to think I was going to just throw it into my bags to fend for itself amongst make-up and hairspray and goodness knows what else is at the bottom of my bags.</div><div style="text-align: center;">TO THE CRAFT ROOM!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I picked out a project for an organizer sleeve from one of my favorite crafty books, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Yard-Wonders-Sewing-Fabric-Projects/dp/1603424490/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327548234&sr=8-1">One Yard Wonders</a> (Honestly! If this isn't in your sewing arsenal, GET IT NOW!), and just adjusted it to the dimensions of my planner. I also couldn't decide on just one fabric... so I took some liberties with my design on it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itnwVN19RYo/TyDIIN1h0iI/AAAAAAAAA80/tpNotbNlwSk/s1600/plan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itnwVN19RYo/TyDIIN1h0iI/AAAAAAAAA80/tpNotbNlwSk/s640/plan4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> All the cut pieces- Just took quilting cotton and some batting! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9P6jCRRoUbz1rzHDkvP4jLD2WsXHaer2rdkUdo7HY_VqIoe3MX6M_X_GMdDZFzU8wRRIyje2Hynw4J-yfG8x91HNvWqvvhH3rAMSw9Ja4xL1kq34NYOaatGV3ioBcYJ1Q0-ZPdQ3M94Ba/s1600/plan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9P6jCRRoUbz1rzHDkvP4jLD2WsXHaer2rdkUdo7HY_VqIoe3MX6M_X_GMdDZFzU8wRRIyje2Hynw4J-yfG8x91HNvWqvvhH3rAMSw9Ja4xL1kq34NYOaatGV3ioBcYJ1Q0-ZPdQ3M94Ba/s640/plan5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Proof that my decision making skills aren't so great... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-aT15sv9zc/TyDIb05hlvI/AAAAAAAAA9E/I7K_OiAeRX4/s1600/plan6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-aT15sv9zc/TyDIb05hlvI/AAAAAAAAA9E/I7K_OiAeRX4/s640/plan6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">So thanks to a day off at my sewing machine, my beautiful little planner can safely be thrown into any bag without me worrying about the pages getting bent or gross!</div><div style="text-align: center;">... Is my OCD showing?</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still trying to figure out the most efficient way for me to use it to help me get my posts up on time...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesson from this week-</div><div style="text-align: center;">Write that a post needs to go up THE DAY BEFORE so you don't get to that day and go- "Oh crap."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still, I am thrilled to keep filling it up with all the awesomeness 2012 is sure to have in store.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aside from the whole 25th birthday thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Full circle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope this post finds you all well! Don't forget to come back and join in on the <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/11/introducing-wish-out-loud.html">Wish! {out loud}</a> goodness on Sunday!</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-5122982400575172212012-01-22T15:53:00.001-05:002012-01-22T15:53:36.304-05:00Wish! {out loud}<div style="text-align: center;">Sunday?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;">What?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah... this post is going up MUCH later than usual because I had no clue it was Sunday. Which is all the more confusing because I still managed to be to work at the right time...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish I could explain/understand how my brain works.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since it is in fact Sunday- it's time to link up w/ <a href="http://flyingfarandfree.blogspot.com/">Robin</a> and <a href="http://www.chickadette.com/">Ashley Marie</a> for another rip roaring edition of...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wish! {out loud}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/11/very-first-wish-out-loud-link-up.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish out loud" height="291" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlfceusG6Bw/TshuizCoA7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Uw4MmqxcoaQ/s320/WISH%2525205%252520button.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Of course, If you're late to the game, check out the <a href="http://cupahotchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/wish-out-loud_22.html">original post</a> and then follow the rules!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Old Standard TT'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">1. Grab the button and attach it to your post</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. </div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">I'd like to report that Im doing phenomenally well so far on last weeks wish to put more effort into how I dress day to day. I even had a manager of mine say "Ummmm... where are your sweat pants?" There's also been a slew of compliments and more than likely people realizing I have the potential to be cute form time to time! </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Who knew?!</div></div></form></div>This week...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I wish for the will power and patience to stick with my work outs and eating healthy (note: not calling it a "diet" anymore!) for as long as it takes to get back down to my healthy and happy goal weight.</i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Wish me luck!! And please send any tips on how you keep yourself motivated when progress is slow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone is refreshed and ready for another work week... tomorrow is my Friday... :)</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</script>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-7784567606059832972012-01-19T23:59:00.000-05:002012-01-19T23:59:14.611-05:00Friday's Fancies- Outfit Inspiration!<div style="text-align: center;">Another Friday!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it possible we're already more than halfway through the first month of 2012?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I say this a lot- but time is going in fast forward!! That's a fact now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I mentioned in one of my last posts that the person's schedule has been crazy. Yup, that hasn't gotten any better what with the President stopping by our parts yesterday! That actually caused us to lose our one day off together for a while but I'm still hopeful that February will hold some quality time in there somewhere- what with it being Valentine's Day AND my birthday. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fingers crossed! I miss that guy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But! I am very grateful for our late night Netflix dates and morning coffee breaks. And until we have time for a real date again, I'll keep loving those things!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And since it's Friday, that means I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/">{av} from {long distance loving}</a> again for Friday's Fancies! This link up always inspires me to look fierce as often as possible so I loved the theme for this week. Anyone participating this week was urged to build an outfit based on some inspiration from pinterest or the blogosphere. I've really been meaning to implement all the awesomeness I find on pinterest into my every day life. This gave me a chance to work out that "outfit building" muscle... does that make any sense? I just mean this was really good practice! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So let's start with my inspiring pin!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993184040001/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="653" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/101542166568117351_FV7Wp8QW_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com/page/15" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kryssia/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Krystina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now, when I first started putting my version together, I was literally just copying it piece for piece. Same colors and everything. I stopped and thought "Ummmmm! You are SO missing the point of this!" I took a step back, and decided to switch it up with some of my favorite things-</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chiefly, the color coral and poofy sleeves.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps my version is a little plain jane but I'm having a love affair with clean lines and color pops.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fridays_fancies_outfit_inspiration/set?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=42495743" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Friday's Fancies Outfit Inspiration" border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42495743/id/nWbx892_SAOlDpWo1UcuKQ/size/y.jpg" title="Friday's Fancies Outfit Inspiration" width="600" /></a></div></div><div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=49262598" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49262598.jpg" title="Burberry Brit puff sleeve blouse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=48987810" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48987810.jpg" title="Miu Miu mini skirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=47673960" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47673960.jpg" title="Free People opaque tight" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=48916914" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48916914.jpg" title="Rubber shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=48789122" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48789122.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent woven leather tote" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2983632&.svc=copypaste&id=48231486" rel="nofollow"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48231486.jpg" title="Scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I need to keep collecting outfits I want to recreate and keep those in mind when I go shopping...</div><br />
Now- go join in this link up so I can be inspired by your fashion savviness! Hoping everyone survived the week! If your weekend plans include Disney, wave to me!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-57524771088147775832012-01-19T12:59:00.000-05:002012-09-14T20:04:54.128-04:00An outfit post...<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Thursday already?!?</div>
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Holy cow! My weekend flew by. But I relaxed, and trained, and got a crafty project done!! </div>
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Can't wait to share that later this week!</div>
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This is just going to be a short post to keep me accountable on my New Year's Resolution.</div>
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I mentioned I hardly ever take the time to put an outfit together and actually look cute so I really want to change that. I spend so much time perusing other blogs and pinterest and I'm constantly inspired by all of it! So now it's time for me to step up and actually use that inspiration! </div>
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Lucky for me, my person was home this morning so he ran outside with me a second ago to snap a couple quick pictures. </div>
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Here's hoping this is just the start of me looking awesome much, much more often!</div>
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**Keep in mind: I never feel like I look cute if I don't have my hair straightened. In these pictures, I left my hair as is when I get out of the shower. EEeek! But in all actuality, I wear my hair like this most often. So it makes this whole "Outfit Post" thing more legitimate. So, try not to mock my lion-like mane!**</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H8RSRE0gxAJchzJFT3eSXegBWB3Ek2bt-lGjezvg5VKpIgi-3uh4EJqHWnherIUWU3BGvp4QYd37_5yyvSBXS1FbYho1yyRjul2FzizaYYG2Cg69lMcA5HUpm4rc75idlCNHjnPtK1cw/s1600/DSC_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H8RSRE0gxAJchzJFT3eSXegBWB3Ek2bt-lGjezvg5VKpIgi-3uh4EJqHWnherIUWU3BGvp4QYd37_5yyvSBXS1FbYho1yyRjul2FzizaYYG2Cg69lMcA5HUpm4rc75idlCNHjnPtK1cw/s640/DSC_0122.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Top- J. Crew</div>
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Bottom- Gap</div>
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Shoes- Tory Burch</div>
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Watch- La Mer Collections</div>
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Headband- Claire's (Keepin it classy!)</div>
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All other jewelry- Brighton</div>
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There it is! My casual but (hopefully) cute first outfit post! It was much easier than all my hemming and hawing would make it seem. Not sure why I get so lazy about it! We all do sometimes though, right? Please tell me I'm not alone in this!</div>
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Alright everyone! Power through the ends of your weeks as I get ready to start mine. Here's hoping everyone is doing well and putting in a little effort to get out of sweats and into actual outfits! Just me? Alright then, I got this!!</div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062391347151494118.post-74659785509326570042012-01-16T12:30:00.000-05:002012-01-16T12:30:53.335-05:00WTF did I just make for dinner...<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday, everybody!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which of course is my Friday... although I will be working tomorrow night so technically it's not quite my Friday...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and is all energized and ready for your work week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Weekends go way too quickly... Good thing I haven't even started mine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So things have been a little crazy around here. And by a little I mean- </div><div style="text-align: center;">"<i>Holy shit! Isn't this the time of year where things are supposed to slow down?"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still working my 2 jobs with Disney and the dinner theatre and lucky for me, there's been a lovely amount of extra hours to pick up. Which means I can afford to indulge in turkey from the deli counter instead of from the meat section! That's how you can tell I'm feeling rich.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The person, however, has been working NONSTOP! You think I'm kidding? This past week he hasn't worked a single day that was less than 12 hours and even worked a 34 hour day... Yes, you read that correctly. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">34 hours. </span>"Surely he had long breaks and slept for an hour in there somewhere." No, no. He pushed it through to get the work done.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I applaud his work ethic.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And will cut anyone that expects me to work for as long and as hard as he does.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So! When he works these ridiculous hours, I like to make sure he has something yummy to come home to. Mainly because I'm well aware of what he eats while he's working that hard- a whole lot of junk with a side of nothing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">On this particular night, I was home from work and, since his schedule is pretty much open ended, I had no idea when he would get home. So I didn't want to make anything that wouldn't be tasty reheated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have quite the smorgasbord of ingredients lying around...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hence the whole "WTF" part of this recipe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I made it up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure many of you have made things similar to it BUT- I used no recipe and just sort of said "How bout some of this?" as I went along.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's what I came up with!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Zpy_atMVKNaIcYjywfYc840LkwSbQhi44bdmCieuw8f6olM_1lPGACDWnrw8RJuBSUrzWiM11al7o4eR-RJIW9QXRomTUWf9-j5-OO31pnCJOSCviMuw9_2YTP5n20ONEadmlvqpXxy/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Zpy_atMVKNaIcYjywfYc840LkwSbQhi44bdmCieuw8f6olM_1lPGACDWnrw8RJuBSUrzWiM11al7o4eR-RJIW9QXRomTUWf9-j5-OO31pnCJOSCviMuw9_2YTP5n20ONEadmlvqpXxy/s400/DSC_0188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ingredients-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Pillsbury French loaf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olive oil/balsamic vinegar mix (I have it pre-mixed)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ranch Dressing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deli style turkey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shredded Cheddar Cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garlic Salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parmesan cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Italian blend spices</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNSy8GEyxE0/TxRVqfNTgbI/AAAAAAAAA6w/4DLK2fs6Y_4/s1600/DSC_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNSy8GEyxE0/TxRVqfNTgbI/AAAAAAAAA6w/4DLK2fs6Y_4/s400/DSC_0189.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...AND a Wild Blueberry Sea Dog to help get my "WTF" cooking mojo underway </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFmEWQQYLrs/TxRVydVYpcI/AAAAAAAAA64/phIZMSC80Ps/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFmEWQQYLrs/TxRVydVYpcI/AAAAAAAAA64/phIZMSC80Ps/s400/DSC_0193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, first I rolled out the dough, drizzled it with a little of the olive oil/balsamic mix, and then spread some ranch over that</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygbc7vF9Lgo/TxRV6BHgCYI/AAAAAAAAA7A/42t4rZ-pLhI/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygbc7vF9Lgo/TxRV6BHgCYI/AAAAAAAAA7A/42t4rZ-pLhI/s400/DSC_0194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, in the center, I layered in a whole bunch of sandwich turkey</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkick4fwHm976vojeHcqr-FEeDCeM_I3L2_2d-w3ptbLZZO32OdhgUD3F6Fao9m4oniB5ENUqy6EnaCeNeu_79Ve7nOwNDyWub_mzdH9OXQBjh5aIMXc1lv-wZDicEbVwtJmNmbX2Q9QQ/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkick4fwHm976vojeHcqr-FEeDCeM_I3L2_2d-w3ptbLZZO32OdhgUD3F6Fao9m4oniB5ENUqy6EnaCeNeu_79Ve7nOwNDyWub_mzdH9OXQBjh5aIMXc1lv-wZDicEbVwtJmNmbX2Q9QQ/s400/DSC_0195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over that, I got a little cheddar cheese happy. You could sprinkle as much or as little as you want, we happen to be avid cheese lovers!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhWIxaX-FgM/TxRWK_6T25I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/r0S5-Ox_JXw/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhWIxaX-FgM/TxRWK_6T25I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/r0S5-Ox_JXw/s400/DSC_0196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I folded in the short sides before overlapping the long ends to give it the loaf shape again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I drizzled it with more of the olive oil/balsamic mix and sprinkled a little Italian herbs on it</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2asyJJ3VJbodrJ1Ub1EK7ciRQrrsofi0_v9dD1DNJcil0MIa5ZKpCB1n3uLYUmRNWyBpd4Zjkyq443s_RqOVaJl1mc291xFXdyDual7BqAat5xzkK9Tm4Hj6mLLXdGiESEDEEFPa2xwj/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2asyJJ3VJbodrJ1Ub1EK7ciRQrrsofi0_v9dD1DNJcil0MIa5ZKpCB1n3uLYUmRNWyBpd4Zjkyq443s_RqOVaJl1mc291xFXdyDual7BqAat5xzkK9Tm4Hj6mLLXdGiESEDEEFPa2xwj/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I let it bake at 350 for 15 minutes before sprinkling parmesan cheese and a little more cheddar over the top. Then popped it back in the oven to for 15 more minutes to finish it off!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3XsVOiPQyw/TxRWbRHR3uI/AAAAAAAAA7g/fpqexNfNEfM/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3XsVOiPQyw/TxRWbRHR3uI/AAAAAAAAA7g/fpqexNfNEfM/s400/DSC_0200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And voila! My "WTF did I just make for dinner" Turkey sandwich/French bread loaf...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The name is still a work in progress </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybnfDBCnhjU/TxRWja1LLVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/isIwbob4Cn8/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybnfDBCnhjU/TxRWja1LLVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/isIwbob4Cn8/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was seriously one of the greatest turkey sandwiches I have ever had. I'm going to have to keep a lot more of that Pillsbury French bread around because the possibilities are endless!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, the amazing dinners you can put together with just a beer and the wonders in your pantry and fridge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">**SIDE NOTE: The night I made this was the night he ended up not coming home because he worked 34 hours. Luckily, a few minutes in the toaster oven and this puppy is good as new! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But the real side note is I just wanted to take a second and give a shout out to my person for all the hard work he does. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He's an entertainment tech at Disney and he specializes in lighting. Right now, he's been working his butt off to make sure the lighting was up and running for all the cheer/dance competitions that happen at Disney this time of year. Most of us, I included, go to shows or events and spend little time appreciating that there's a whole crew working their butts off to make sure every aspect is just right. A whole crew thats busting their butt, putting in extra hours, forfeiting breaks, missing out on dinners with family, because its their job to make sure we as audiences and spectators get the fullest and best looking experience we can.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW9i1L5V_uTOrXLV1Qc02ZUqKhGHC6SGZZl155QRxuU5GpHh4GauxRmdin-aO9DFOs_7ffErQ_mbi8VwaVPdPMjmSIHg2RiaUpfswwEUh0NhiX2fdO20hCkkC6dtRFP4ipyRgPvII9-v0/s1600/396291_655128367458_211700444_34032181_769274702_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW9i1L5V_uTOrXLV1Qc02ZUqKhGHC6SGZZl155QRxuU5GpHh4GauxRmdin-aO9DFOs_7ffErQ_mbi8VwaVPdPMjmSIHg2RiaUpfswwEUh0NhiX2fdO20hCkkC6dtRFP4ipyRgPvII9-v0/s400/396291_655128367458_211700444_34032181_769274702_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, that's him. Working his magic in China at Epcot for New Year's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So next time you're at an event like this, take a second to look up and appreciate their artistry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They work so ridiculously hard and are so under appreciated. So thank you!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I for one, would be singing and dancing in the dark if it weren't for people like my person. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Where would be the fun in that?**</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's enough of my soap box for today. And try this sandwichy/french bread type thingy!! You'll probably eat the whole loaf in one sitting. Delicious!!</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mYzdZetI7SnwztW7YOrRgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="75" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Ml1IcsNqSZQ/TbjQsvHiv_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/PbzxrC5H7Js/s400/signatureline.jpg" width="400" /></a>Krystina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04581461360696561776noreply@blogger.com13