tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079057666470492122024-03-05T14:00:53.703-08:00Lady NineDESIGN + TREND + BEAUTY + MPLSAngelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-60367373793897505002020-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:002020-03-25T10:38:35.052-07:00#stayhome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3WOxTCgngiPwjOpakjSUH-PeUr7j2iPPlFRZAqjKQ3A4lSSnsEfdwPC33EvAPHuvQJ7cVYMTic7MavzIke0Ui1IUj4S69yRRKJKUFYr_g8rN9KyUThBWo1l3r2W-bvRjtsyQccskE7gw/s1600/IMG_8369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3WOxTCgngiPwjOpakjSUH-PeUr7j2iPPlFRZAqjKQ3A4lSSnsEfdwPC33EvAPHuvQJ7cVYMTic7MavzIke0Ui1IUj4S69yRRKJKUFYr_g8rN9KyUThBWo1l3r2W-bvRjtsyQccskE7gw/s640/IMG_8369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look at this photo and it seems ages ago. I took it while laying in the sun on a hotel rooftop in Miami. In reality, it was only taken 3 weeks ago today almost to the minute. Since then, a pandemic has taken this world by storm. Mother Nature is shouting from the rooftops and people are being forced to listen. We are being told to stay home, don't leave the house unless necessary, and practice social distancing. Such a funny term: social distancing. What will this do to human connection? To human culture? Behavior? Our future perspective in this world is about to go through a massive shift. "Are you ready for this," Mother Nature asks? I sure wasn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been learning so much about myself in the past 2 weeks. How does one react in vastly unknown and uncertain times? I am no longer in a rush to do things. It's strange, I never felt that hurried before but now there is ample time to focus on things I didn't spend that much time on before. Connecting with friends and family is all digital now. Video calls and messages to check in, see if everyone is healthy, and try to have a laugh and maybe "cheers" the screen with a glass of wine. As an extrovert who is fulfilled when around people that I love, it's been difficult to find other ways to recharge my batteries. Nature helps, as she always does. Feeling grounded outside and watching Winter fade into Spring helps me realize that there will be more seasons to come and the light will outshine the darkness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been taught to embrace the uncertainty and that in order to grow, we all must transform. Transform into what, I am not sure yet. But I know that it will be a better mindset than I had 3 weeks ago. My distant cousin in Italy wrote to our family and said, "Now we can really understand that we do not need all we have and seek. We can understand what is essential in our lives...We also pray for all human beings, may we all understand much about life, love and nature. I do hope so." </span>Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-87404786538921568542019-09-16T14:28:00.001-07:002019-09-16T14:29:51.252-07:00Checking in...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU69uDB8dy__wuArbu9XllKqDG4ZuSXWJj9yjOnaKFh-CL7JKuY17WYK_YjIhFfUGID3msa6aQv8_VQHTtIJ_SY5r4CD8-2-UkwqWXDXgc3crINkrnpYCTcf6nYq3YZnKWB41uCNf_NKjz/s1600/meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU69uDB8dy__wuArbu9XllKqDG4ZuSXWJj9yjOnaKFh-CL7JKuY17WYK_YjIhFfUGID3msa6aQv8_VQHTtIJ_SY5r4CD8-2-UkwqWXDXgc3crINkrnpYCTcf6nYq3YZnKWB41uCNf_NKjz/s320/meditation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>my morning meditation view</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Avenir Next Ultra Light";
panose-1:2 11 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-2147483473 1342185546 0 0 155 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
month I reached a birthday milestone. I am being granted the privilege of
growing old. I say that now because
before, the number of years I am, have never felt very old to me. Maybe it’s because I come from a large
extended family where my twin sister and I were always the “babies” of the
group. We were the youngest of the kids. Now the kids have kids. And we have reached a number that makes me
pause and evaluate where I am at in my life and if I am achieving what I hoped
to achieve when I was younger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Professionally,
I am not fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a job that I
like at a company that I admire and have much respect for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But something is still missing. I do not feel
the value in my work as I once did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
consider myself lucky and honestly very grateful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in the position I am to have a career
that so many would trade places with me for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I’m looking for something bigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something that fills my heart and soul with passion, motivation and ultimately,
I feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure where my career is going yet
(and I’ve learned to be ok with that) but as my mentor once said, I’m birthing
something big here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
reason my work has become lackluster is because my heart grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave birth to a wonderful little boy almost
2.5 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, my world was
forever changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that mattered
took a back seat, and anything I did in life was for him and our family.
Becoming a mother was the biggest (and best) transformation I have ever experienced.
The time I now spend away from him and my husband needs to be valuable and worthwhile.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
post didn’t have much meaning other than I needed to put my thoughts and
feelings into words. I hope to soon get
back into the swing of blogging. I’m learning to be patient with myself for not
giving 100% to any one area of my life right now. However, I think as I begin to chip away at
all of these things little by little, the truth of my purpose will begin to reveal
itself. Happiness along the way is what
I strive for. Being present in the moment is what I aim for. And being true to myself is what I hope for. Until next time friends, be well. </span><span style="font-family: "avenir next ultra light" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-24469682125118825672018-03-02T12:45:00.002-08:002018-03-02T12:45:52.936-08:00Is this thing on??So I found out that it's not a good thing to pay for a website, and then not blog on it for a few years. So in the blogging world, I've lost a few years of my life there. But in reality, so much has happened. I've taken on some new roles in both my professional and personal life, but I'll go on more in depth later on. For now, let's give this another go. Ready, set, Blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692743729104667382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-35798144778892173072014-01-29T03:00:00.000-08:002014-01-29T03:00:01.071-08:00Superbowl BitesEven though I played sports in high school and I like to watch sporting events, I don't follow sports teams too closely. However, I have many fond memories growing up watching football games on Sunday and Monday nights in front of a crackling fire and snacking on mom's appetizers. So to me, watching the Superbowl is about being with friends, eating some comfort food, and yelling at the guys who get paid millions of dollars a year to catch a pigskin. My sister is hosting a Superbowl party this year and in order to keep her sanity, it's potluck style. Here are some of the bites I'm thinking about bringing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3UnnnyEF_-20YkeCrGi7ucXpKyaASSyfov7h1mORdGezFvyAC4WzfwZqaB3hyGjUNZT-w0569MlkrLeX7cOf7To05NqJqKEQ9lVSn_0cZtuUH9RMBxtoJX-m2w2nJgcgZ-dzJ7RQw7l9/s1600/minipretzeldogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3UnnnyEF_-20YkeCrGi7ucXpKyaASSyfov7h1mORdGezFvyAC4WzfwZqaB3hyGjUNZT-w0569MlkrLeX7cOf7To05NqJqKEQ9lVSn_0cZtuUH9RMBxtoJX-m2w2nJgcgZ-dzJ7RQw7l9/s1600/minipretzeldogs.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://joythebaker.com/2012/01/mini-pretzel-dogs/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Mini Pretzel Dogs</i></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5OKhN4PyNalMd3FrPxM5m9ma5_Xb6NpvgCVAhZA-_N6TyPB0VSaYng4qJfzjiSXx1cGsLsfahLqOeu2EdRlLNjrykzGFR0wILK-Su9d1EfNr_6hkZWDKZKm593VovdplD4ut_tffeNvf/s1600/edamame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5OKhN4PyNalMd3FrPxM5m9ma5_Xb6NpvgCVAhZA-_N6TyPB0VSaYng4qJfzjiSXx1cGsLsfahLqOeu2EdRlLNjrykzGFR0wILK-Su9d1EfNr_6hkZWDKZKm593VovdplD4ut_tffeNvf/s1600/edamame.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/03/parmesan-wasabi-edamame.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Parmesan Wasabi Edamame</span></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpyoaOsDvWUKxW7Z8-rpOLc8rlx-AkoSG5M9o0jd8weF0zBqioKASTvY5QHJDRWI2m_l8gKupkMpUBpONF97kIVujcmQyiYaVDk9QzVeh05e-j98c-UnssUSXhWEEEJAcgZW-dz69Qxnp/s1600/zucchini-fritters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpyoaOsDvWUKxW7Z8-rpOLc8rlx-AkoSG5M9o0jd8weF0zBqioKASTvY5QHJDRWI2m_l8gKupkMpUBpONF97kIVujcmQyiYaVDk9QzVeh05e-j98c-UnssUSXhWEEEJAcgZW-dz69Qxnp/s1600/zucchini-fritters.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><u>Zucchini Ricotta Fritters</u></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOIFeMKMJG8y_r1YCMB5vBey_a7kfpQwcWLEBouS8IevrAyYznezpHx7uKYEqrtuEg56bnQk_PUt01H0p2KZ1rp2uhWmyDlTEkKoVxrZpK5AFjzCUylQ-eUi4Ptx7_ybdPYKLlxJ_T4x7/s1600/oreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOIFeMKMJG8y_r1YCMB5vBey_a7kfpQwcWLEBouS8IevrAyYznezpHx7uKYEqrtuEg56bnQk_PUt01H0p2KZ1rp2uhWmyDlTEkKoVxrZpK5AFjzCUylQ-eUi4Ptx7_ybdPYKLlxJ_T4x7/s1600/oreos.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/super-bowl-funday/" target="_blank"><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Oreo Truffle Cookies</span></i></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-80590475423710197912014-01-27T17:09:00.002-08:002014-01-27T17:09:29.158-08:00Honey and Rye Bakehouse<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqCod2rlNKM6JAGQ3lrpJZTrhJ55KYLGT2JdK9YoJRLTCmJt3Xj9QdH41Vn2FaybacL135aBVqeUIotgrJOrSv2PfJ-BPI9RhycO5-PxfRppuQMzj5_snWH1oyknpAmYqoC3KgUI2Drah/s1600/HoneyAndRye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqCod2rlNKM6JAGQ3lrpJZTrhJ55KYLGT2JdK9YoJRLTCmJt3Xj9QdH41Vn2FaybacL135aBVqeUIotgrJOrSv2PfJ-BPI9RhycO5-PxfRppuQMzj5_snWH1oyknpAmYqoC3KgUI2Drah/s1600/HoneyAndRye.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Favorite new weekend spot</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
Hello everyone! It’s been way too long since my last post, sorry about that. After the holidays my attention totally been focused on getting our new home in order. It’s taken me a while to get used to everything; the longer commute to work, cooking in a different kitchen, and trying to figure out the best layout for my closet. I took a step back from blogging to work on things in the home, but I’m happy that every day, I’m getting closer to feeling comfortable and happy in our new place. I miss Uptown very much, but I definitely enjoy living in a place where I don’t have to worry about our pipes freezing during a polar vortex. For real Mother Nature, we get it. It’s January and cold weather is just part of the party. But -40!? Please send Jack Frost to Florida for the winter. Thanks.<br />Any-hoo…in the meantime, I have been trying to get to know the shops and stores around our new place. So when the time comes where I want to walk outside, I will have a variety of boutiques and shops to choose from. Enter: <a href="http://www.honey-and-rye.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Honey and Rye Bakeshop</i></span></a>. Established in 2013 (only a few months ago I believe), this adorable little bakery is probably the most dangerous thing to my waistline in the city. Jon and I went there this past Saturday morning to see what pastries and breads they offered. I am happy to report that this bakeshop has so many delicious treats, breads, and snacks, it will become a regular stop during our weekend strolls and midweek grocery trips. We tried a variety of breads and pastries (I may have let out a small squeak while I was trying the French Toast Pull Apart Bread) and everything was fantastic. Next time we stop, I’ll be grabbing a cup of their coffee as well as Mom’s Multigrain bread to take home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N-A8CkWp6-tvHIRXyFai0YuaHaFRloJ60YJcMBOIGatIDOwEIzYvVzz492uUC4PsKVzw4liJwUxgaUVOJTHEajZTpnIazWgwYSunsSaCtvAXwp9ewVnI6xltZ8Uh65ENAhP6FnEN4Ddh/s1600/DSCN3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N-A8CkWp6-tvHIRXyFai0YuaHaFRloJ60YJcMBOIGatIDOwEIzYvVzz492uUC4PsKVzw4liJwUxgaUVOJTHEajZTpnIazWgwYSunsSaCtvAXwp9ewVnI6xltZ8Uh65ENAhP6FnEN4Ddh/s1600/DSCN3454.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49JTixx00sznAy7XPlpbQLOymAd3rdqU0cZeh7xbhe0MwIyBJVuVMDPKPr-QXdS9sFFxyPUAAXQ18yprPEEj2SORNetFm7C6OaPPGR5x_dSzQGmMYYhBUKy6ZJSWvx3PkPFjP3LkaiUIM/s1600/DSCN3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49JTixx00sznAy7XPlpbQLOymAd3rdqU0cZeh7xbhe0MwIyBJVuVMDPKPr-QXdS9sFFxyPUAAXQ18yprPEEj2SORNetFm7C6OaPPGR5x_dSzQGmMYYhBUKy6ZJSWvx3PkPFjP3LkaiUIM/s1600/DSCN3455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdP1DNTlxhUYj4ytmz3UjKNfsPQwEQQ0Sgzm3lGM8CdUDfJNwq3bGUpqaahB1W1-TBNG1N4uZRBHLDqm7i7FzmWYnQDKy6-HmWVnW-8VzzcDd8YVTFc76k3-5rVXulirnQD8pvWR62TNM/s1600/DSCN3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdP1DNTlxhUYj4ytmz3UjKNfsPQwEQQ0Sgzm3lGM8CdUDfJNwq3bGUpqaahB1W1-TBNG1N4uZRBHLDqm7i7FzmWYnQDKy6-HmWVnW-8VzzcDd8YVTFc76k3-5rVXulirnQD8pvWR62TNM/s1600/DSCN3456.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><a href="http://www.theshinebox.com/a-honey-of-a-bakery/" target="_blank">first image via</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<u></u></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-6231609680952852762013-12-29T13:55:00.001-08:002013-12-29T13:55:35.634-08:00The Game of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZivUwbGVllxAelbgYQ2DxTCWcfLm16T8unQeQs6N7t8ppgT-Ysoz43rnwvXq5OIfWGXeegeILu9d05AJjcBPPe8qbVJNQ6Zlu4oBi3QL1g4ZQoZs7VMV9zfY5-N6uWclpzCKOEK2N3ag/s1600/LifeGame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZivUwbGVllxAelbgYQ2DxTCWcfLm16T8unQeQs6N7t8ppgT-Ysoz43rnwvXq5OIfWGXeegeILu9d05AJjcBPPe8qbVJNQ6Zlu4oBi3QL1g4ZQoZs7VMV9zfY5-N6uWclpzCKOEK2N3ag/s320/LifeGame.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas day games</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
What the heck is going on?! I’m posting once a month?! (insert bug eyes and crazy eyebrows here)<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
To all of those still checking and looking for my posts, I thank you for staying with me through some really busy times. Here is what’s going on….<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
Jon and I bought a condo! Yay!!! It all happened so fast (we closed a month after we initially saw the place) and then we went to Utah for Thanksgiving and then the holiday season began full force. Normally, I would be sharing photos, DIY projects that we are working on, and even updates throughout the space. Sadly, none of those things are happening because we haven’t done any. I’m lucky I got a Christmas tree up! As much as I LOVE the Christmas season, I am also looking forward for it to be over so I can paint, drill, make, repaint, etc. Even though the place isn’t how we are dreaming it to be one day, it’s a lovely space for Jon and I. It has a real wood burning fireplace (unheard of in a condo!) and a view overlooking a little lake (also unheard of for people who are not millionaires). The kitchen is definitely bigger than my last one, however it doesn’t quite have the finishes I am looking for. Therefore, I am struggling with taking food photographs. Once the new year begins, we’ll be doing some renovations and the kitchen will be transformed into a lovely working space for me (and you!) to enjoy. We also are creating the second bedroom into “Salon de Paris.” At least that’s what Jon and I will be calling it. It’s going to be our creative room where we will have a wall of bookshelves, all of our art stuff, and a place to make the world more beautiful! I’m also on a massive hunt for the perfect sleeper sofa for our out of town guests. There’s lots to do in our new home, I can’t wait to share it all with you.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
Even though life has been hectic, I have done my best to enjoy the holiday season. We had our annual cookie exchange last weekend and I made my traditional pizzelle. Christmas décor is sparse throughout our new place so I’ll probably be buying some decorations after the season for next year. We have had many nights in front of our cozy fireplace though, listening to the crackling of wood and talking about what an incredible year it’s been for us. This year, we are happy to celebrate an early Christmas with Jon’s sister, her partner with their kids. Even though we don’t have couches, and there are paint samples painted all over the walls, it’s nice to have his family here to celebrate Christmas. We spent Christmas day with my family and will celebrate the new year up at the cabin.<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
I had all these amazing holiday posts planned for this month, but I have rescheduled them to December 2014. As we close out 2013, I have already started to think of my new year’s resolutions and perhaps updating a few of my Birthday resolutions. Blogging is jumping higher on the priority list because it’s one thing that brings me so much joy. I have decided to make the jump from a blog to a website. I'm hoping to launch this in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for some new content! In the meantime, Instagram and twitter will be my go to social media for the rest of the year.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
I wish you all the happiest of the holidays and hope that you find peace love and joy with all that you do. XO</div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-36174067570685104072013-11-28T11:03:00.001-08:002013-11-28T11:03:21.705-08:00So Grateful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh20qaAmnrBkytS8XJQlKAKOhZ0GpmuzMJQhy2ZVX2E2CwvZ5W2JEeYG3x2PAMWw_bDhwstD4zSCSXEeGrNqvzJedh3Sv3Av_ZZu1_kkfuT3WZM9oVVvzdnWNa8kaZxE31od3esgWh7P9/s1600/Thanksgiving+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh20qaAmnrBkytS8XJQlKAKOhZ0GpmuzMJQhy2ZVX2E2CwvZ5W2JEeYG3x2PAMWw_bDhwstD4zSCSXEeGrNqvzJedh3Sv3Av_ZZu1_kkfuT3WZM9oVVvzdnWNa8kaZxE31od3esgWh7P9/s320/Thanksgiving+leaf.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This has been the best year of my life. I can truly say with confidence that I have never felt so blessed and fortunate to have the friends, family, and experiences like this year. We are spending this Thanksgiving with my extended family in Utah, and I am so happy to be surrounded by loved ones to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! XOAngelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-14031350405623822002013-11-11T17:10:00.002-08:002013-11-11T17:10:41.579-08:00Just a little lovely chaos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4VNlEyS0IdfU-IL_9fxTycZ6EylUN0G2fFD5SPQhbuyE7S8T202ZJyudBR6uEvD9hhCUqtbYc1vwb6VfCuLVrWJJj-yRtLY4XRYrEFSDn_CekGQIpPs1pJ8ZovY-sV6P1ghUNZecN_Fh/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4VNlEyS0IdfU-IL_9fxTycZ6EylUN0G2fFD5SPQhbuyE7S8T202ZJyudBR6uEvD9hhCUqtbYc1vwb6VfCuLVrWJJj-yRtLY4XRYrEFSDn_CekGQIpPs1pJ8ZovY-sV6P1ghUNZecN_Fh/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One more walk around Lake of the Isles before the snow comes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wow! It has been a really busy couple of weeks. In fact, this last month has been a bunch of lovely chaos. The best part is that life is running its course right now, and I am in the race. I am hoping that things continue to move upward for me, and I promise to do my best to keep posting through the madness. Thanks for sticking with me and my blog. XOAngelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-50403658265233290982013-10-30T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-30T16:02:00.319-07:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ytYfWNtNV5y62BI9gIaWAQYAG8nEut2ZsexLFc2kRNZ_-FEJCaxj3RWrXb_tU8Q8LUn2ae2HoP1rvOLVzholVZOuNlTk4f7CefSuiJ-y2jW_mTgtE3zkiEtRHFwQ9rUjONbrAbDg4pM0/s1600/costumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ytYfWNtNV5y62BI9gIaWAQYAG8nEut2ZsexLFc2kRNZ_-FEJCaxj3RWrXb_tU8Q8LUn2ae2HoP1rvOLVzholVZOuNlTk4f7CefSuiJ-y2jW_mTgtE3zkiEtRHFwQ9rUjONbrAbDg4pM0/s320/costumes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We are one day away from the start of the holiday season! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and Jon and I always dress up and go out with friends to sing karaoke. We went out this past weekend as Ms. Scarlet and Mr. Green from the classic game/movie Clue. It was a fun costume to put together (thank you Target.com) and we had a fun night out singing our favorites. Here are a few of my favorite Halloween blog posts to help you celebrate this year. Happy Halloween everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>A spooky <a href="http://www.domainehome.com/halloween-pumpkin-punch/?ps=hp&w=rect" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">punch</span></i></a> to serve at your party or for the adults that stop by with the trick-or-treaters</li>
<li>Even though I'm a dog person, I do love these<a href="http://www.missmoss.co.za/2013/10/29/blackie/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blackie" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">photos of Blackie</span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">.</span></li>
<li>I don't have baby fever, but <a href="http://lovetaza.com/2013/10/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-halloween/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Taza's kids </i></span></a>make me want little ones to dress up! Especially as <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/simple-costume-ideas-for-the-kiddos-homemade-halloween-fashion-icons-oh-happy-day-196601" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Anna Wintour</i></span></a>!</li>
<li>I still find myself looking at wedding blogs, and here is an <a href="http://ruffledblog.com/gothic-victorian-styled-wedding/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>gothic inspired wedding</i></span></a> perfect for Halloween!</li>
<li>Put together a <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/10/a-last-minute-halloween-dinner-picture-perfect-parties-cookbook-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>last minute Halloween</i></span></a> dinner for some friends!</li>
</ol>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-51495870018485603552013-10-25T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-25T03:00:00.045-07:00It Feels Like Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMDAVu1ZxqoXmq03iF9oq9E6tjGgEFt_w3I663FnD6dV3FPbXXF6N5_AygdbJw9bCXSXmN1R-VklgmuLcut1Eirdh9PVKcbvAFMG4tRV-lkNGFKey9k3XUuWw4ure4hEaU61yzzJyPZnz/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMDAVu1ZxqoXmq03iF9oq9E6tjGgEFt_w3I663FnD6dV3FPbXXF6N5_AygdbJw9bCXSXmN1R-VklgmuLcut1Eirdh9PVKcbvAFMG4tRV-lkNGFKey9k3XUuWw4ure4hEaU61yzzJyPZnz/s320/IMG_1562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Years ago, I remember sitting in my college apartment, reading an email that just told me I was accepted for a study abroad program in Florence Italy. To be honest, I was shocked. For some reason, I didn't think I would get in. I think because none of my other sisters had studied abroad, so for some reason I didn't think I was meant to either. Months later, I was living in a beautiful apartment in Florence, living with girls I had just met a few weeks prior. I have thousands of memories and stories from my time there, but a few of them stand out more than the others. This is one such story. <div>
<br /><div>
Towards the end of my time in Florence, I was getting very homesick. It's hard to even admit now because I would do anything to go back and live there again! However, I had lived there a few months, and was really homesick. I missed my friends and family, but mostly I missed my sisters. (this was before Skype or FaceTime was popular). The first weekend of November, my friend Kim from Germany (we met when she was a foreign exchange student at my high school), asked if I wanted to visit her and her family. I was reluctant for a few reasons (being a broke college student was one of them), but in the end decided to take the overnight train to see her. I arrived very early in the morning at the Stuttgart train station; the sun hadn't even come up yet, and the station was deserted. She was standing there waiting to see me and holding a leash with Lena (her Bernese mountain dog) on the other end. I gave her and Lena a hug, tired but happy to see such excited faces. We drove in her car to the bakery so we could pick up some fresh bread for breakfast that morning (side note: Germans know bread. They are bread artists if you will). Kim was chatting away and I remember watching the sunrise as we pulled up to her family home with Lena wagging her tail to get out. I was greeted by her parents and Kim showed me to my room for the weekend. It was a lovely space on the top floor perfect for my stay. Kim had put DVD's of "Sex and the City" in my room in case I needed some American TV. After showing me around the house, we sat down for a typical German breakfast of soft boiled eggs, German rolls, and a variety of cheeses. Kim made a pot of tea and we drank every last drop while talking and catching up on life. It was during my conversation with her and her mom Sabine, that I realized how happy I was. This was exactly what I needed, time with my "sister" and some time with my "mom." My heart could not have been more full with love and comfort, and instantly my entire outlook on the rest of my semester there changed for the better. I had the most wonderful weekend there, hiking in the hills of Stuttgart, shopping with Kim and her mom in the local boutiques, and dining out with the whole family (including Lena!) at a beautiful local restaurant. It was the most wonderful feeling to be "home" again. Even as I looked out the window on the train back to Italy, I held in my hand a letter from her dad Eberhart, thanking me for coming out that weekend and giving me a little money for the trip home like all wonderful dads do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was fortunate enough to have their whole family attend our wedding in Italy this past May. Kim was with me when I was getting dressed for the ceremony, and her father was the first to give a speech at our wedding dinner. I believe that people across the world are connected in so many ways, and you can find family and comfort when you least expect it. I am so blessed for my friendship with Kim, and so happy to know that I always have a place in Germany that feels like home. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LXg6XZifDavAejklp0ZiCxsOlHd9tsArqu4A3Q-ScyWON9ZZLQg6nTQBIGKcTJudeQzQKpr5VChLj0PnA2PdaKjWTj3j2aNEh-RmneCnaDfMF9lLfdpUtWFoWbxyqQKwZ0N-VWImgz8N/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LXg6XZifDavAejklp0ZiCxsOlHd9tsArqu4A3Q-ScyWON9ZZLQg6nTQBIGKcTJudeQzQKpr5VChLj0PnA2PdaKjWTj3j2aNEh-RmneCnaDfMF9lLfdpUtWFoWbxyqQKwZ0N-VWImgz8N/s320/IMG_1536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stuttgart</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_UFt5FLcEGUcXFnUb4sAjw7cuEYCKnK4iMwerTg0-KVmdV14IP5t54m8BLZr7rDyhJp9Hy1_SnarWAdFzZ7mDiZyl8OXxDKhC5jEc8oyam5Xnu8a9oTjpwT5movd-XHYie5r7gric3Us/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_UFt5FLcEGUcXFnUb4sAjw7cuEYCKnK4iMwerTg0-KVmdV14IP5t54m8BLZr7rDyhJp9Hy1_SnarWAdFzZ7mDiZyl8OXxDKhC5jEc8oyam5Xnu8a9oTjpwT5movd-XHYie5r7gric3Us/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sabine's art studio</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HhxFFrzusTFEbkZ_lXmcFyfS9SfoutOwkJyPYG-_vj9Kvo2BIrR_e3TfUFURp6sM8tFmzVynz-A3-EC7QJY4mwsViAOLhuuyyUyEXAyr3uB76xbDCEf93ih1BNIbpGwv3MXxREQ8RPSp/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HhxFFrzusTFEbkZ_lXmcFyfS9SfoutOwkJyPYG-_vj9Kvo2BIrR_e3TfUFURp6sM8tFmzVynz-A3-EC7QJY4mwsViAOLhuuyyUyEXAyr3uB76xbDCEf93ih1BNIbpGwv3MXxREQ8RPSp/s320/IMG_1557.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kim and Lena</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGURbJq3y5DlDqdW0InweBaMwnqCOpkW0Bj-2irml-GXQdzvi5QSSkKigrKj2BqYz6kGk_b4ECPaHuSemD_QXfgCkmgtRSXWlWnIoiA_uFKxlgu3tNUbA8N05tlJAJJKlHBMwqCgPM_J4/s1600/IMG_1580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGURbJq3y5DlDqdW0InweBaMwnqCOpkW0Bj-2irml-GXQdzvi5QSSkKigrKj2BqYz6kGk_b4ECPaHuSemD_QXfgCkmgtRSXWlWnIoiA_uFKxlgu3tNUbA8N05tlJAJJKlHBMwqCgPM_J4/s320/IMG_1580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hiking in Stuttgart</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjRMl2ChvDiZ4RWZsqp73UC_tQ0iyDz4w3VzXoBw_vWsG5U01qXKuj-R3bU2nxW_iHeGvxyqVBhTRqL53txcNMoOhf1jpRnOeQAxJF3NxOPmpX9L_6SRAKuQiRHOkn5RT-_q57mHPGHPy/s1600/villa-de-fiori-tuscany-wedding-shanna-jones-photography-angie-jon-6303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjRMl2ChvDiZ4RWZsqp73UC_tQ0iyDz4w3VzXoBw_vWsG5U01qXKuj-R3bU2nxW_iHeGvxyqVBhTRqL53txcNMoOhf1jpRnOeQAxJF3NxOPmpX9L_6SRAKuQiRHOkn5RT-_q57mHPGHPy/s320/villa-de-fiori-tuscany-wedding-shanna-jones-photography-angie-jon-6303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My beautiful German sister</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHPFjxmPJvHgf1yY8vm8vSa7gF1iGYciVEc4oDWqGLT68_UXO5soxK5XGEpU2MdtjeYa5czZSjVrgQwL8nQWWr062Us8Iv0-1FmcKBP-NItewFiI5xeSbR4qr9Yr66SgsNt881afjA-Am/s1600/villa-de-fiori-tuscany-wedding-shanna-jones-photography-angie-jon-7370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHPFjxmPJvHgf1yY8vm8vSa7gF1iGYciVEc4oDWqGLT68_UXO5soxK5XGEpU2MdtjeYa5czZSjVrgQwL8nQWWr062Us8Iv0-1FmcKBP-NItewFiI5xeSbR4qr9Yr66SgsNt881afjA-Am/s320/villa-de-fiori-tuscany-wedding-shanna-jones-photography-angie-jon-7370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An incredible and loving speech at our wedding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-76646090217192032622013-10-11T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T03:00:00.116-07:00The Little Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIUzTMqMHYH1skxDhrwswFvv9GSaj7wrF3_7eEGNJiIPmikAdN3905-epY8x8KRsotu0gZrBaV5w0DcVdBtxLDK_r0jnkrtjGQ0wSwqJAmU43rX0UVA2CD951HWKRCtUwa6k_gn31pRUk/s1600/leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIUzTMqMHYH1skxDhrwswFvv9GSaj7wrF3_7eEGNJiIPmikAdN3905-epY8x8KRsotu0gZrBaV5w0DcVdBtxLDK_r0jnkrtjGQ0wSwqJAmU43rX0UVA2CD951HWKRCtUwa6k_gn31pRUk/s320/leaves.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunshine through the autumn leaves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It has been a busy week and I am very much looking forward to the weekend. Work is picking up and I find myself setting a goals outside of work hours that keep me just as busy. However, I am happy to be working on so many things that I love and still having the time to spend with Jon and my friends on the weekends. I hope you all had a great week and have something special planned for the weekend, even if it's perfecting the art of doing nothing. Cheers!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFWND1jNqO-7174_ZSDwkd3cwL2dbc45UEPcOSy3OSZ60LLMjesU6ExrGMC0Sg4S7W-PGnKi4J2vXaf17ZD8I6wHFlIaT7yz46eCOMp91a3kZAElqwhLxOJ1nS_P13O_wssQr6bBTp0t8/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFWND1jNqO-7174_ZSDwkd3cwL2dbc45UEPcOSy3OSZ60LLMjesU6ExrGMC0Sg4S7W-PGnKi4J2vXaf17ZD8I6wHFlIaT7yz46eCOMp91a3kZAElqwhLxOJ1nS_P13O_wssQr6bBTp0t8/s320/candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/rewined-candles-d384/?pkey=e%7Cwine%2Bcandle%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&group=1&sku=1621234&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-" target="_blank">These candles</a> smell amazing and I love the wine bottle touch</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhmzXjoBBZP9h01nufruRVoeJjhgWyw-e4e_A5DLdjopRP-Vr7R8PzH3gQnZayGkMGMzyoMmuSM4YeN-6IGuqcy1iPa1JQL0y0y5HKgSStfKefutE-Kr6_ET63CFle4THdSi8hxSQSjcP/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhmzXjoBBZP9h01nufruRVoeJjhgWyw-e4e_A5DLdjopRP-Vr7R8PzH3gQnZayGkMGMzyoMmuSM4YeN-6IGuqcy1iPa1JQL0y0y5HKgSStfKefutE-Kr6_ET63CFle4THdSi8hxSQSjcP/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's never to early to teach kids to cook</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/AVvXsEirov_qekExQdvNv7hCW-9h8jFoE7X7mbp6KmRRLY4bHCy9WsGkR7tHf4zbY0TdZQgN2zH3fiRLL1imBIKabkSjVY6w53tZttDfMs2S5R5wOs8F04uEH6wcj0fl7InnM2JXkVrz8j7tIAvV/s1600/Ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirov_qekExQdvNv7hCW-9h8jFoE7X7mbp6KmRRLY4bHCy9WsGkR7tHf4zbY0TdZQgN2zH3fiRLL1imBIKabkSjVY6w53tZttDfMs2S5R5wOs8F04uEH6wcj0fl7InnM2JXkVrz8j7tIAvV/s320/Ivy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Special mid week social at the <a href="http://www.thehotelivy.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Ivy</a></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/AVvXsEhtFq5UrM0MyIRb1P4WsyaLs1HwMpWPHGVVQK9uQYSUDSRtBFDFDVP9pWs13L0aPx0F7e0AJnx2Lz-8dfv2jtad21F6hseDc5y8iGH3yaS0_AQYuKUJQ-cPSH2v8QxUhfjXfU2bKSWlq_0p/s1600/Itasca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFq5UrM0MyIRb1P4WsyaLs1HwMpWPHGVVQK9uQYSUDSRtBFDFDVP9pWs13L0aPx0F7e0AJnx2Lz-8dfv2jtad21F6hseDc5y8iGH3yaS0_AQYuKUJQ-cPSH2v8QxUhfjXfU2bKSWlq_0p/s320/Itasca.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gorgeous architecture at the Itasca building</div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-37121451248112162322013-10-09T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-09T03:00:01.403-07:00Wheatberry Salad<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdLOfKiGsKUdNCg6U-9HpRJcc2Ftdyj16c5T7Mr42mTtOx1iJlgHDG2FOJlBEubBUTmQfXAGCQp3cRge5xncurHdXVXBvBFUq52PqfDa84y6joDuhtd8-BJ2b8RqNtqTzMcfaMwseDeyH/s1600/DSCN2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdLOfKiGsKUdNCg6U-9HpRJcc2Ftdyj16c5T7Mr42mTtOx1iJlgHDG2FOJlBEubBUTmQfXAGCQp3cRge5xncurHdXVXBvBFUq52PqfDa84y6joDuhtd8-BJ2b8RqNtqTzMcfaMwseDeyH/s320/DSCN2622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
I have most of Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. They have such great recipes and I always find them easy to follow with delicious results. I wouldn't call this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/wheatberry-salad-recipe/index.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Wheatberry Salad</i></span></a> a fail by any means, but it definitely did not turn out the way I expected. The wheat berries took twice as long to cook as the instructions said, and I they didn't really turn "soft." It was more like "chewy."Nonetheless, it was an easy dish to make (I even made pesto sauce while waiting for the wheat berries to cook) and I look forward to having it for lunches this week. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchLzza3Rpujl1jc7kNtYM06tibqoqfkMDzCCD_Vg4cB-cl5Q26n8jhqvCC1UoW5VzbS2yGczYbDTR_RGv0fP2qmN1G1cSh25e_zl_lkqpKfOShqIEhJE5JZbkznRG_IRxzQgyHq5jY6oP/s1600/DSCN2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchLzza3Rpujl1jc7kNtYM06tibqoqfkMDzCCD_Vg4cB-cl5Q26n8jhqvCC1UoW5VzbS2yGczYbDTR_RGv0fP2qmN1G1cSh25e_zl_lkqpKfOShqIEhJE5JZbkznRG_IRxzQgyHq5jY6oP/s320/DSCN2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Raw Wheatberries</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fBoHAaqE32a254Z3bYAP8oda4HPKVXjJKujeiuw4PepVHfq97aP3QGJ7A-6cPXCHlOQFl0xPiGHFsJ8HqPOAMuIahGGgFmSp_F1ecLNFNWtcJhwZbCyEV3Jx1vH5Q-XYvpqyMQlP0qta/s1600/DSCN2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fBoHAaqE32a254Z3bYAP8oda4HPKVXjJKujeiuw4PepVHfq97aP3QGJ7A-6cPXCHlOQFl0xPiGHFsJ8HqPOAMuIahGGgFmSp_F1ecLNFNWtcJhwZbCyEV3Jx1vH5Q-XYvpqyMQlP0qta/s320/DSCN2639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I use Alessi coarse salt when I salt water for cooking</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48vj7IPCup9a4alRc-qt7xbs1R68DAEah1Z_uIgO_Pq2a6OMWZ6-VUUCtV6OCMaiN6u_NcaibgzDf_sfK-B2dLX874llpPKCjYGV-fYodsGhY1_O12Ih77eLfLlqUzQAxaZR95k8lCZAB/s1600/DSCN2659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48vj7IPCup9a4alRc-qt7xbs1R68DAEah1Z_uIgO_Pq2a6OMWZ6-VUUCtV6OCMaiN6u_NcaibgzDf_sfK-B2dLX874llpPKCjYGV-fYodsGhY1_O12Ih77eLfLlqUzQAxaZR95k8lCZAB/s320/DSCN2659.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ombre Onions</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/AVvXsEhxb1Ig2-ZSNzo02ea6XpcQXslLgb6MzfpJnGYITjnTNOQX88FK_Dd2B3MSnuqq6xfglViDitkrXqakOX73kSy6VZsLmiqPUenLCHjXkqOcs5201eNScmUuPnpZ42cViiJGwfZ0ci5dW-8D/s1600/DSCN2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb1Ig2-ZSNzo02ea6XpcQXslLgb6MzfpJnGYITjnTNOQX88FK_Dd2B3MSnuqq6xfglViDitkrXqakOX73kSy6VZsLmiqPUenLCHjXkqOcs5201eNScmUuPnpZ42cViiJGwfZ0ci5dW-8D/s320/DSCN2674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fall Colors</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-827851170171574812013-10-07T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-07T03:00:02.645-07:00Seasonal Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2jw_Vx6vo65W0_IqoyZDPZeJrjuilPoRNrcFEBh-U2zfBejiJCxxi80uda3riwFzeniJ3RlfMare0Hk-iYRPtXsrIKrrZWs3m1rVUZ39s7zHq0LIU2wf3fCGp9KEubDLCj3tcrv2ZyvA/s1600/leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2jw_Vx6vo65W0_IqoyZDPZeJrjuilPoRNrcFEBh-U2zfBejiJCxxi80uda3riwFzeniJ3RlfMare0Hk-iYRPtXsrIKrrZWs3m1rVUZ39s7zHq0LIU2wf3fCGp9KEubDLCj3tcrv2ZyvA/s320/leaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As most of the country begins their slow decent into the autumn season, Minnesota tends to jump in full force the moment we have one day less than 70 degrees. The leaves are turning beautiful colors of orange, yellow and red, and the chilly weather is making it tough to leave my house in the morning without a jacket and scarf. I welcome the change of seasons and have already made updates to my wardrobe and living spaces. Here are some quick tips on how you can make some easy changes to embrace the autumn season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.herriottgrace.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk1NRxENsIqJcwyXBw_KYQeysW3t5ReAYGw9cY2F64R-p2_1XblS3uLqQPxp8RWmGzuCz2v-5J3MvXWDj14qJhDjhtpTbq7KZauoSv3FAJh4CrTpJXjOSVOLUYsTHNpIeGUC5Dx0RTwwD/s320/baking.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
1. Stock up on baking items. Do an inventory of your spices, baking ingredients, and tools to see what you need. I just picked up some new cookie sheets from <a href="http://www.kitchenwindow.com/index.htm" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Kitchen Window</i></span></a> as my old ones needed to be donated. Baking is much more fun when I know that I already have everything I need, and then I can make my pumpkin bread during the week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa1GYW1W-_kqXlDpEd_7DADgaRiDBsOGotmvvkwnEaUs5AjIMFrON_hQkO2mEGricaNqO5MoG1ez_XFVi10qR28MUPJBAm1YZHxe3H0NMVKl_o1NLSKWM6RLm5YQkAIOjItNHE0UPDMPc/s1600/bedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa1GYW1W-_kqXlDpEd_7DADgaRiDBsOGotmvvkwnEaUs5AjIMFrON_hQkO2mEGricaNqO5MoG1ez_XFVi10qR28MUPJBAm1YZHxe3H0NMVKl_o1NLSKWM6RLm5YQkAIOjItNHE0UPDMPc/s320/bedding.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
2. Switch your bedding. This is something that a friend of mine showed me, and I am determined to do it this year. Currently I have an all white duvet cover and it's perfect for spring/summer months. However, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80189804/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>this bedding</i></span></a> would add such a seasonal element without changing the entire look of the bedroom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFretXumG_D4RUjSWIC9siphAQ5TtaUTka_LweYRpYzqJcdwz7Mjndoj9kYrpzQ6hkPNmBhVSc_mEqCLNoI9famTUpH13CTgaKRT04PLhb0Nzv16wsFuThjFUECVST2YAuJWxvlxZEjIo6/s1600/living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFretXumG_D4RUjSWIC9siphAQ5TtaUTka_LweYRpYzqJcdwz7Mjndoj9kYrpzQ6hkPNmBhVSc_mEqCLNoI9famTUpH13CTgaKRT04PLhb0Nzv16wsFuThjFUECVST2YAuJWxvlxZEjIo6/s320/living+room.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. Add some cozy to your living room. Slipcovers for pillows are the best invention ever. It allows me to change the look of the couch without finding a space to store the old ones. I love <a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-14437-ainsley-pillow-24.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>this pillow</i></span></a> as I am change to darker colors and textured fabrics for the cooler months. I have also pulled out my <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/favorite-throw-t087/?pkey=e%7Cfavorite%2Bthrow%7C6%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">favorite throw</span></i></a> and think I may have to buy <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/sheepskin-rug/?cat=1210&initial=19139" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">this rug one</span></i></a> to throw over a chair once the snow begins to fall. Stock up on votive candles to scatter throughout your space to add a warm ambiance, especially if you don't have a fireplace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKi0M4EQxZaPat_8iLdE3SdeqhZsIHbuHrOUTlAlcOKTTEp79_AmR9VhxfKKmAHZ87J9DUMGH-JVF2ZHc-CWCgsf5GuHjxjQCIKsxMLdYa9tjPFOz5OlaQiJyTTMDCS_tHhdnp1KkczJd/s1600/Carrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKi0M4EQxZaPat_8iLdE3SdeqhZsIHbuHrOUTlAlcOKTTEp79_AmR9VhxfKKmAHZ87J9DUMGH-JVF2ZHc-CWCgsf5GuHjxjQCIKsxMLdYa9tjPFOz5OlaQiJyTTMDCS_tHhdnp1KkczJd/s1600/Carrie.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
4. Wardrobe transitions. Pack away all of your shorts, mini skirts, and other summer items you won't be needing for a few months. Even though feng shui says not to keep stuff under your bed, <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10009994&N=&Ntt=under+bed" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">these storage bins</span></i></a> allow me to keep all my summer items clean and packed away until next year (or until a winter getaway). This is also a great time to donate all of those summer items you didn't use, and take inventory of what you will need this season (for me, I need some new <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=102700&np=261" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">black booties</span></i></a>).<br />
<br />Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-59052419975708440732013-10-04T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T03:00:01.829-07:00Scary Movie List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_LhZQ2Asjbxted5t5cKfwVh2c8zRziVhdx9AOf-5ueHLJHXX5RxyCG4jx0vjFBygUZ7P-KkmbvsEoneasCm6JIHuMKg6UnmwSaD4J4BAQBje93d9GM6kXYL5VgUdAM1PjSJb2R7PMwIl/s1600/theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_LhZQ2Asjbxted5t5cKfwVh2c8zRziVhdx9AOf-5ueHLJHXX5RxyCG4jx0vjFBygUZ7P-KkmbvsEoneasCm6JIHuMKg6UnmwSaD4J4BAQBje93d9GM6kXYL5VgUdAM1PjSJb2R7PMwIl/s320/theater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have to admit, I am a total wuss. I do not like horror films and I rarely get pleasure out of being scared. That is not to say that I would not be good in scary situations, (I would never follow a serial killer into the basement of his home as Jodie Foster did in Silence of the Lambs) and I like to think that I can think fast in panic situations. However, I do like the spooky spirit of Halloween, and enjoy watching some semi-scary movies made for wusses (thank you Disney) this time of year. Old movies in black and white are my favorite, and the scary movies give me enough thrill to watch in the dark on a chilly October evening. Here is my list of movies I will be watching this weekend while I begin to put together my costume for Halloween.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkij2OJIkiDrAB8cAxTTh2-esg6mZrDjXHRlNu95JF9RPqaqTs0B6bzB2x4pkKwIfbBP3v0NAhoiBYc6cP3UGM6iqupk_HIOBx6MFljL2ariVWD6fwlR6ZHPRTvdWd6yf4FH46CQ7hCqP9/s1600/movies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkij2OJIkiDrAB8cAxTTh2-esg6mZrDjXHRlNu95JF9RPqaqTs0B6bzB2x4pkKwIfbBP3v0NAhoiBYc6cP3UGM6iqupk_HIOBx6MFljL2ariVWD6fwlR6ZHPRTvdWd6yf4FH46CQ7hCqP9/s320/movies1.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Hocus Pocus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Young Frankenstein</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein</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/AVvXsEgrAtaDEIKx_fApKdrN5Ey2He6fhicxRWJrhM_-DzVDClGSxgprBiG8ZosterHHzJnBiAbsATJWjogGNRNI-jQusFBXFLx78eRwY2r_-6U_4o0X0-eu4BhhczVSlVq9WFVbCuOmStlD4_vV/s1600/movies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAtaDEIKx_fApKdrN5Ey2He6fhicxRWJrhM_-DzVDClGSxgprBiG8ZosterHHzJnBiAbsATJWjogGNRNI-jQusFBXFLx78eRwY2r_-6U_4o0X0-eu4BhhczVSlVq9WFVbCuOmStlD4_vV/s320/movies2.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Clue</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Practical Magic</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Rear Window</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/AVvXsEg_oqMDatU6PckmNkaOHP6iroWl2ixWAv1hpZHa79x3XyB3ysMtYT_q-_60Q0VjycTTqSPlNk0wmXzjy25e1zDZ9T_MxXIchY8zrvbdGGoQxBMriVNX9tfcvPPYg89Z7ppti2sm0Se2_q6S/s1600/movies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oqMDatU6PckmNkaOHP6iroWl2ixWAv1hpZHa79x3XyB3ysMtYT_q-_60Q0VjycTTqSPlNk0wmXzjy25e1zDZ9T_MxXIchY8zrvbdGGoQxBMriVNX9tfcvPPYg89Z7ppti2sm0Se2_q6S/s320/movies3.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Death Becomes Her</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. The Craft</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. The Birds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-78826595125344456532013-10-02T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T20:11:22.787-07:00PSL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16mqZoCswgh1_fuld1lJWWvdBVzRszPkPA65y_GI4JvwUZc3aH4NeahctGdlXY-c2k85cl5QIF1A3rAziTC0QzK3Ry-58ZkF42noeocfV4HS_C6Ud57_Nv9zhsx9dML0WfgNuL8UwIwPl/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16mqZoCswgh1_fuld1lJWWvdBVzRszPkPA65y_GI4JvwUZc3aH4NeahctGdlXY-c2k85cl5QIF1A3rAziTC0QzK3Ry-58ZkF42noeocfV4HS_C6Ud57_Nv9zhsx9dML0WfgNuL8UwIwPl/s320/DSCN2610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I was totally thrilled to find a new acronym this fall. PSL was posted on so many things around my office and pinterest, it took me a minute to figure out what the heck it meant. PSYis the pistachio nut guy with the funny dance, PS4 is the video game thing where I can play mario cart...What the heck was PSL?!? And then it dawned on me, it was like someone threw a pumpkin at my head and said, "Guess what time of year it is?!" It's pumpkin season! Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back! Ok, confession, I've never had a PSL from Starbucks or any other mass coffee producer. To be honest, those fancy coffee drinks aren't worth the calories to me. However, I do love all things pumpkin, so I figured I should see if I can make this recipe at home first. Thank you pinterest for being a better search engine than google in times like these. I found <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/09/psl-syrup.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>this lovely recipe</i></span></a> and whipped up a batch of pumpkin spice syrup so I can add it to my coffee any time. Side note: this makes a lot of syrup (like 3 cups), so plan on getting a few cute bottles and give some extra syrup to friends. Side side note: this is the first part in a 3 part Pumpkin Spice Series (noted for future posts that I need to look at ingredients lists before coming home and not assume I already have everything in the pantry for pumpkin butter or turnovers.) More Pumpkin Spice recipes to come!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1w9Vc4ymi1IV-PXjFdW3c3ipnTvsoeJigaVAAh2-pTbh2Ikw60mrG1mY6Hgc4jFmqIJQMncrWTf8lXl8kHQyTdjoklq9Qhg5UiOmHYRumBGCtggR6wUCcwGLB1NKirtKJCXgVsOlWp8D/s1600/DSCN2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1w9Vc4ymi1IV-PXjFdW3c3ipnTvsoeJigaVAAh2-pTbh2Ikw60mrG1mY6Hgc4jFmqIJQMncrWTf8lXl8kHQyTdjoklq9Qhg5UiOmHYRumBGCtggR6wUCcwGLB1NKirtKJCXgVsOlWp8D/s320/DSCN2590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxh-80rikwhdizSFWRwaM4PQuPGmzLeubRbDce7iH6bH42MMN2OoRcZt5fZ1LMvFraH_7OpDJiRf4H4-SloHckxLEYxLAtUh8MX_gYZ6tRhqgBkW-EXU5LydLrnV9a1j-JFjAh0wdB4t/s1600/DSCN2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxh-80rikwhdizSFWRwaM4PQuPGmzLeubRbDce7iH6bH42MMN2OoRcZt5fZ1LMvFraH_7OpDJiRf4H4-SloHckxLEYxLAtUh8MX_gYZ6tRhqgBkW-EXU5LydLrnV9a1j-JFjAh0wdB4t/s320/DSCN2615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-24040701352114674122013-09-27T03:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T03:00:01.214-07:00Not Just for Coffee Anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUFtORxel-UadjDra9NIrnVLyOdiwn4EXIXKjQgqQEe0Jl4nqxSGMedXdgJJxs7_iuHYInlbeBgryppQRDMnGI2JGlYcJeTe7boxCDGy-81vVdeVbRMzELMOWchTozrY5ToW-3ZAyCJEq/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUFtORxel-UadjDra9NIrnVLyOdiwn4EXIXKjQgqQEe0Jl4nqxSGMedXdgJJxs7_iuHYInlbeBgryppQRDMnGI2JGlYcJeTe7boxCDGy-81vVdeVbRMzELMOWchTozrY5ToW-3ZAyCJEq/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When Jon and I moved in together, we had a coffee table way before we bought a couch. There would be nights we would sit <strike>on</strike> next to the table, and eat dinner while watching our favorite shows. Once we got a couch, we decided to forego the coffee table and got two small ottomans with trays for entertaining, storage, and/or sitting. A few months ago, Jon and I were doing some weekend shopping at West Elm when we came across this coffee table. Jon looked at me and said, "This is an AMAZING coffee table!" Now for anyone that knows Jon, he's a pretty easy going fella, and does not have a strong opinion about home decorating or furniture for that matter. He was so into this coffee table, I was totally shocked. He said, "We have to get this!" Since it was a little bit of a financial investment for us (our previous coffee table was from Ikea), we decided to think about it for a little bit. Weeks later, Jon was still talking about the coffee table. So when West Elm had a sale, we ordered the coffee table. Now we come to the reason for this post; I had to figure out how to decorate our table. After browsing through countless images on Pinterest and seeing some really helpful how-to videos, here are the main elements to decorate or update the look of your coffee table.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjCsseLCL1lIxSpczKNSBhGpMk2DOm35tMqC-Rh-BvT4NKhxE7T7-nzOrAJ5iOTXLRyTpng3G62EF1d1NaALAtOIyekZj1h3hDukW6Z8s1jsac0NVIktioS4a94Xnle97Kn7bkKq2-1gw/s1600/DSCN2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjCsseLCL1lIxSpczKNSBhGpMk2DOm35tMqC-Rh-BvT4NKhxE7T7-nzOrAJ5iOTXLRyTpng3G62EF1d1NaALAtOIyekZj1h3hDukW6Z8s1jsac0NVIktioS4a94Xnle97Kn7bkKq2-1gw/s320/DSCN2500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>Books - Coffee table books can show your personal style and interests. The only rule I tend to follow is stick to a book that has mostly images instead of text. We have a ton of art and art history books lying around that I rotate throughout the year. I also love books about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-McQueen-Savage-Beauty-Metropolitan/dp/0300169787/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379863870&sr=1-1&keywords=alexander+macqueen" target="_blank">fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Inspiring-Citys-Creative-Heart/dp/1452113858/ref=pd_sim_b_5" target="_blank">travel</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Domino-Decorating-room---room-ebook/dp/B008TRUJBQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379863951&sr=1-1&keywords=domino+book" target="_blank">interior decorating</a>. <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/AVvXsEgB_dGwTKzIYpHzOOYWUiz1n_-rvFl_YLEnxuj4vuVHBpBpKepR6J0-232r1D4xXLbFHbf4CE-Cd2OKY9ihprcmbivL9UKPH6R7zmg-I-cYRyaTxBwwv4G0TG4GBj_oVOs2rrjQEpODBwUZ/s1600/DSCN2504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_dGwTKzIYpHzOOYWUiz1n_-rvFl_YLEnxuj4vuVHBpBpKepR6J0-232r1D4xXLbFHbf4CE-Cd2OKY9ihprcmbivL9UKPH6R7zmg-I-cYRyaTxBwwv4G0TG4GBj_oVOs2rrjQEpODBwUZ/s320/DSCN2504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Trays - I think trays can be so versatile on a table. It allows me to put decor and other objects on the table, and then take them all off in one swoop if needed. They make the table look styled and organized. I chose <a href="http://www.cb2.com/format-tray/s276564" target="_blank">this tray</a> since I like that you can still see the beautiful wood on our table. However, I also like <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/large-rectangle-lacquer-trays-c348/?cm_src=SEARCH_TOPPRODUCT||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Featured%20Tray-_-&cm_re=OnsiteSearch-_-SCHBillboard-_-SEARCH_TOPPRODUCT" target="_blank">these options</a> and may update over time. When winter comes, I will probably lay a placemat inside the tray like <a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-13757-sequined-placemat-sets-of-4.aspx" target="_blank">this one</a> to add some holiday decor. <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/AVvXsEjtVPi_SxLALZRkTl41NCjFdKP_JlTrt9yG8eoTdLAAg7kROlu7xRewbiJawM00HOkO0a9vPmkQJ3atAkXM0v26CMm_Gg5huzFLMXB6Tm_kMda51r3auYJanqNt1NdOO1ZrBBf5v1hqtGu6/s1600/pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVPi_SxLALZRkTl41NCjFdKP_JlTrt9yG8eoTdLAAg7kROlu7xRewbiJawM00HOkO0a9vPmkQJ3atAkXM0v26CMm_Gg5huzFLMXB6Tm_kMda51r3auYJanqNt1NdOO1ZrBBf5v1hqtGu6/s320/pics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Candles - I think that white candles look the best since they are so neutral. I also usually ignore the scentless candle rule if I'm not serving dinner. <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21689086&cp=12586994.12936210.4304630" target="_blank">This candle</a> is my favorite during the fall. My mother in law also gave me the best candle advise I've ever heard; only choose scents that are natural to the earth. Stay away from the ones that smell like baked goods since they usually have saccharine in them (and make me want to eat an entire batch of cookies). <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/AVvXsEgcVgwX5NbiTS9_dV3Ii9rn8voIkgMK40P2vznUlvsCJycdbLBvhposdPqbb7QeWl6K75-RY3nnI15HCsgiPX7wU1gGCUNM2nD8uXJvGNKDi5gECp1eawiVm5lOX3kcg_S_7onHc8tA723p/s1600/DSCN2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVgwX5NbiTS9_dV3Ii9rn8voIkgMK40P2vznUlvsCJycdbLBvhposdPqbb7QeWl6K75-RY3nnI15HCsgiPX7wU1gGCUNM2nD8uXJvGNKDi5gECp1eawiVm5lOX3kcg_S_7onHc8tA723p/s320/DSCN2512.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Plants or Flowers - I always try to have fresh flowers in the house. They bring simple beauty to any space, and the coffee table seems pulled together with some type of natural element on it. I try to stick to plants or flowers that are not very tall since we watch TV over our coffee table. Succulents and pothos are also a good coffee table plants. <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/AVvXsEjQkd7wfSO-RTDD2YWf2_P1vCdOIPMFls7QNLjZImXl2m17Uh5NrJSvSYB2rzSLAXUhvOvxIzAjhAl7QCjgrw_vca0atqw27VDQj6y9bi5syiNxaxM8FLM_lMGDEfL9FJCcDmOclUPV7-A6/s1600/DSCN2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkd7wfSO-RTDD2YWf2_P1vCdOIPMFls7QNLjZImXl2m17Uh5NrJSvSYB2rzSLAXUhvOvxIzAjhAl7QCjgrw_vca0atqw27VDQj6y9bi5syiNxaxM8FLM_lMGDEfL9FJCcDmOclUPV7-A6/s320/DSCN2516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Decor - Try to add some personal style to your table. I have a small glass bottle that currently holds conversation questions. Poker cards, interesting sculptures, or seasonal elements can add an whimsical touch and make your table feel less like a picture from a catalog. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<br />Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-66262998557287065992013-09-25T03:00:00.000-07:002013-09-25T03:00:01.327-07:00Angelina Zuppa Zuppa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1536iTy3OHpWSgWEu18scoOaPSdIBlBtjKiu03tgpOzVC3D6RyD_5VI-_RltEeswASunlOWwPkH_DVr_kskXGcqXaDpnX5l6gFsDYn0Mj7kKZ_LSIiABBVe_50r01k5b-vIKHK7cqySz/s1600/DSCN2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1536iTy3OHpWSgWEu18scoOaPSdIBlBtjKiu03tgpOzVC3D6RyD_5VI-_RltEeswASunlOWwPkH_DVr_kskXGcqXaDpnX5l6gFsDYn0Mj7kKZ_LSIiABBVe_50r01k5b-vIKHK7cqySz/s320/DSCN2556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm usually pretty good about following recipes. However when it comes to soup, I feel like all the rules can go out the window. Soup is so versatile and easy to make, it's a great addition to your weekly menu. Since I can never cook for two people (I think that's one reason Jon married me), there are plenty of leftovers for lunches or even to put in the freezer for a busy week ahead. For this soup, I made up the recipe since I couldn't find one that I wanted to make. So I'll do my best to get all of the details written out for you, so you can try it at home. Have fun and feel free to add or omit things to your liking! Buon Appetito!<br />
<br />
Angelina Zuppa Zuppa<br />
Makes: 6-8 servings<br />
<br />
3 Tbsp olive oil<br />
1 yellow onion diced<br />
3 garlic cloves small diced<br />
2 lbs sweet Italian sausage casings removed<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
2 tsp pepper<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 tsp dried oregano</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3 tsp dried thyme</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 tsp dried basil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 tsp paprika</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/2 tsp red pepper chili flakes</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 bay leaves</div>
1 Zucchini diced<br />
1 russet potato peeled and diced<br />
2 carrots peeled and diced<br />
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes<br />
2 Tbsp tomato paste<br />
1 14oz can of cannelloni beans<br />
32 oz Beef Broth<br />
1 bunch of swiss chard leaves removed and roughly chopped<br />
<br />
In a large dutch oven, add olive oil on medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Squeeze the sausage out of the casing into the pot and break up meat with a wooden spoon. When the meat is fully cooked, drain off some of the fat. I did this the fancy way by tipping the pan and soaking up the fat with paper towels and tongs. Once you've got most of the fat, add in all the spices (salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, paprika, chili flakes, and bay leaves). Stir so the meat gets fully coated in the spices and then add remaining ingredients except the swiss chard. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, and then lower heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook the soup for 45 minutes so flavors blend. Add the swiss chard and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool slightly before serving into soup bowls. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDFrbmW0PGQZF5R_swQzRib1_YYe24bFcuvUV01T5Z4j_6EyzyDRbJPdEgXwKgMblSuuJElXOpB6bKaewnnOStFisDpX72wRfxGNtvLoDXwPslHyYA7Z9LVaNn0ef61pln8Y69Ca1Ira6/s1600/DSCN2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDFrbmW0PGQZF5R_swQzRib1_YYe24bFcuvUV01T5Z4j_6EyzyDRbJPdEgXwKgMblSuuJElXOpB6bKaewnnOStFisDpX72wRfxGNtvLoDXwPslHyYA7Z9LVaNn0ef61pln8Y69Ca1Ira6/s320/DSCN2526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Didn't use all the ingredients I planned because it didn't fit into the pot. #italianproblems</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2lNk-StaBAlWoy__g5glfyxxORZmM88RzCV1HHzKpRqMv0L8HZ8tSQqWQKPAvOwgoQBQMLRGFLU_lcw2cu8TWes4KFv7l2GXwQWKcTwC6SG0lOi1L1ZSwCZGmV1AhbAfpzjZ9f_2nYVS/s1600/DSCN2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2lNk-StaBAlWoy__g5glfyxxORZmM88RzCV1HHzKpRqMv0L8HZ8tSQqWQKPAvOwgoQBQMLRGFLU_lcw2cu8TWes4KFv7l2GXwQWKcTwC6SG0lOi1L1ZSwCZGmV1AhbAfpzjZ9f_2nYVS/s320/DSCN2540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rachel Ray taught me to use a garbage bowl. Very helpful!</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/AVvXsEhy3AIcBYuzx8r7brv4BIoJQMH4-2a3JDWaFX8hjVe7-_TiIwupV1cdcmaLWScqjoErsgksR6KZtB6UawAslAGkrAc7yWFRfhf1INhcmUM9aqTgBU-ihSq5Z3TN2iwX-A71MXLdXMDSp7Dq/s1600/DSCN2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3AIcBYuzx8r7brv4BIoJQMH4-2a3JDWaFX8hjVe7-_TiIwupV1cdcmaLWScqjoErsgksR6KZtB6UawAslAGkrAc7yWFRfhf1INhcmUM9aqTgBU-ihSq5Z3TN2iwX-A71MXLdXMDSp7Dq/s320/DSCN2549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tomato paste is better in a tube so you can save it in the refrigerator. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPdWT3A1v4IEzSjWvvV1Q67Q43uhy_Cg59nU19yU7cuk5YFgKjM7z8KwF9yueRGutbRdIi455QS56KYAa8T57_ZqNj5TSPjz2sXdtrlgWDAQVw2uydR2n9JfxoQ47I2kDHLVsX_eonfHk/s1600/DSCN2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPdWT3A1v4IEzSjWvvV1Q67Q43uhy_Cg59nU19yU7cuk5YFgKjM7z8KwF9yueRGutbRdIi455QS56KYAa8T57_ZqNj5TSPjz2sXdtrlgWDAQVw2uydR2n9JfxoQ47I2kDHLVsX_eonfHk/s320/DSCN2561.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ladle up!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwykYrmrwSBMdJN6OwuBgJsizqx3Wm6LmnzTnG36GRXG276VAIqixqLCgxMfokRdk3_-Z4SPGRDA4Enzn23OcuxK0S-fwlfiskESvQ5JdrrLbP1EWG6oUbDYtt3nnHFauyvGyaPPmbVZ1V/s1600/DSCN2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwykYrmrwSBMdJN6OwuBgJsizqx3Wm6LmnzTnG36GRXG276VAIqixqLCgxMfokRdk3_-Z4SPGRDA4Enzn23OcuxK0S-fwlfiskESvQ5JdrrLbP1EWG6oUbDYtt3nnHFauyvGyaPPmbVZ1V/s320/DSCN2570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I served it with crusty bread, yum!</div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-38051377630447902622013-09-23T10:09:00.002-07:002013-09-23T10:15:50.654-07:00Monday Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZN7HZnQIVsbTmMS0wNyugpFV3ppw6Wl7yYSEQvmJjYWskhrm79wWN_U2OY4bDY3rVNgt1Age_JxYNCQvsYkjXqKgQA-BPLFWAXozDgnY9hzjf7F85lvC-6GMk4W3YeNGO1bKIOi9CI6t/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZN7HZnQIVsbTmMS0wNyugpFV3ppw6Wl7yYSEQvmJjYWskhrm79wWN_U2OY4bDY3rVNgt1Age_JxYNCQvsYkjXqKgQA-BPLFWAXozDgnY9hzjf7F85lvC-6GMk4W3YeNGO1bKIOi9CI6t/s320/pumpkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's official; fall has arrived! The nights are cool and pumpkin spice is the new black. It's my favorite season and I am excited to change my style, home interior and eating habits! We had a lovely weekend filled with visiting friends, late brunches, and a bonfire at my sister's house. Hope you had a great weekend too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5LFzm6n3BwXKG5GbDbOfaeuL_Oi83rXpMDJ5Y2C-V77SyKnQWEfTTREPNk6l03KW1YDl91Kha0QaZ-ZKPMBWFLti-KGEW56QMNalbQLq3Mxwe72v9AOTwsZXKrMEsdookn7819mCbrPN/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5LFzm6n3BwXKG5GbDbOfaeuL_Oi83rXpMDJ5Y2C-V77SyKnQWEfTTREPNk6l03KW1YDl91Kha0QaZ-ZKPMBWFLti-KGEW56QMNalbQLq3Mxwe72v9AOTwsZXKrMEsdookn7819mCbrPN/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soup season! Recipe coming Wednesday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq3k0x7_Ug_y5lvz4xYFz38EuFSNGVGwXEFGrNV22Leb8iFLEjCiAKYmIiH41S7ybrIaM9x_1ZoovRQ5nWsHVuN7hQgBqds9Fu4DQ9G_aWff5e_s-RZzw1IZLXVkE6O9N8IUlEc6jeIki/s1600/JA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq3k0x7_Ug_y5lvz4xYFz38EuFSNGVGwXEFGrNV22Leb8iFLEjCiAKYmIiH41S7ybrIaM9x_1ZoovRQ5nWsHVuN7hQgBqds9Fu4DQ9G_aWff5e_s-RZzw1IZLXVkE6O9N8IUlEc6jeIki/s320/JA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shopping at Jonathan Adler</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lc-ggZaod6SNe8kcj-FXVtRjnBG5mQcWdhvOUHKsiks4QLVVaoEjbAizZym1_ryyYVf3RGD2iNrWj_i_vfqU9ALUkA2er0zJScK9wR03bOufiXGHiVHNBo9WJ2D_2Eo3ZTg2NNDutlv6/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lc-ggZaod6SNe8kcj-FXVtRjnBG5mQcWdhvOUHKsiks4QLVVaoEjbAizZym1_ryyYVf3RGD2iNrWj_i_vfqU9ALUkA2er0zJScK9wR03bOufiXGHiVHNBo9WJ2D_2Eo3ZTg2NNDutlv6/s320/tea.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My new autumn tea from <a href="http://www.teavana.com/" target="_blank">Teavana</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLgTvbVDnSR3XEI3i7NjLqmzPHxg4a2Kagbh8-4a3g30dEofbLntedJf4TUdaP8vavxghjtkUxTNDIEtBdRB86vgo5TtX5gtPKdz1yB3XANhQw-IQOmIjAF-LE53nHk2Yxkymoqn3a7S4/s1600/DSCN2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLgTvbVDnSR3XEI3i7NjLqmzPHxg4a2Kagbh8-4a3g30dEofbLntedJf4TUdaP8vavxghjtkUxTNDIEtBdRB86vgo5TtX5gtPKdz1yB3XANhQw-IQOmIjAF-LE53nHk2Yxkymoqn3a7S4/s320/DSCN2483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My brother-in-law showing us his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eqfarms" target="_blank">farm</a>. Organically beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-60987758304691148632013-09-20T03:00:00.000-07:002013-09-20T03:00:00.402-07:00Applesauce Spice Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZhxdr_nXm0jda9Rm4SXmrShue11wmIyQA20c2lioIk1An_mVqn8N2IbyDNg-L8QXgTd-6rJCvqDG7jxGUsL8gBOTYC2MZx5T1QLOKkR1RQbEPRgZfSjx_iSvHxL6C_3XqQzBVG4ke7ES/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZhxdr_nXm0jda9Rm4SXmrShue11wmIyQA20c2lioIk1An_mVqn8N2IbyDNg-L8QXgTd-6rJCvqDG7jxGUsL8gBOTYC2MZx5T1QLOKkR1RQbEPRgZfSjx_iSvHxL6C_3XqQzBVG4ke7ES/s320/cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few weeks ago, I made <a href="http://ladynine.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-grandparents-with-love.html" target="_blank">zucchini bread</a> using applesauce as a healthier alternative to oil. However, I was left with quite a bit of applesauce and wasn't sure what to do with it (plain applesauce straight out of the container didn't sound appealing). I stumbled upon <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/10/spiced-applesauce-cake/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from a favorite blogger of mine, and the results were perfection! The only alteration I made was to add raisins instead of walnuts since that is what I had in the pantry. It was an easy and delicious cake to make on a rainy night.<br />
<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/AVvXsEgswDz1ywTEzrCnU9TvI9_l5nZQ_CuWDSbLGuZfIuAcHagYHgdZsDwK7ttVtnLGAOfg_fk_8AYcyPUIuUo6LWbXt6itqsQLNymy5rBrVtDWP4YPqTTFPQVN0OeXDJfVfnHCLGQYpjc1rNKg/s1600/DSCN2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswDz1ywTEzrCnU9TvI9_l5nZQ_CuWDSbLGuZfIuAcHagYHgdZsDwK7ttVtnLGAOfg_fk_8AYcyPUIuUo6LWbXt6itqsQLNymy5rBrVtDWP4YPqTTFPQVN0OeXDJfVfnHCLGQYpjc1rNKg/s320/DSCN2426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
prep time</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gs9ukJlMS4LeGnkKHzcFtAbedrcgqJkTgyWYP9D5uNMSMhzzJHkeGzpWoZY_FE4-XDyFsF8JhCLOJmWBFcQl3gZ-xcxEo8UST-5KgaoZPKXB_4Xd5-zuXaUDHhi9_EOr8vGmTAaCG0zV/s1600/DSCN2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gs9ukJlMS4LeGnkKHzcFtAbedrcgqJkTgyWYP9D5uNMSMhzzJHkeGzpWoZY_FE4-XDyFsF8JhCLOJmWBFcQl3gZ-xcxEo8UST-5KgaoZPKXB_4Xd5-zuXaUDHhi9_EOr8vGmTAaCG0zV/s320/DSCN2445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
mmmmm...batter...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eXztxDBi8SOhLeAdJy-bg6QNrGcecZDv7fnJ3qekdPKSBpToqXliTzHItHe-f_CTMjW6O4_SdRIZ5y5fMlx9zm4-xXmlk35zUe6IPRgqmdKJmVaOIzlII8DqCUDXLyMKnA9hKHGgtzel/s1600/IMG_3279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eXztxDBi8SOhLeAdJy-bg6QNrGcecZDv7fnJ3qekdPKSBpToqXliTzHItHe-f_CTMjW6O4_SdRIZ5y5fMlx9zm4-xXmlk35zUe6IPRgqmdKJmVaOIzlII8DqCUDXLyMKnA9hKHGgtzel/s320/IMG_3279.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
special cake tools</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/AVvXsEhZfiK0GVBFn8JTiAoEteyaascHOEfi1wm27XwXEacRJCUo37mASjzhcLym2E6IK41WRCxyTGkiVrsKmVeNRVAE_1oMVJj9SxqPDWjgn6I_SuevPzdISyCSgTlOuwJCiQMN845-3J-Fa0XQ/s1600/IMG_3283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfiK0GVBFn8JTiAoEteyaascHOEfi1wm27XwXEacRJCUo37mASjzhcLym2E6IK41WRCxyTGkiVrsKmVeNRVAE_1oMVJj9SxqPDWjgn6I_SuevPzdISyCSgTlOuwJCiQMN845-3J-Fa0XQ/s320/IMG_3283.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
cream cheese frosting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTujtPmri4RrGvf8bT1LImzMfkzINzcDNMh9HqsQF0r_SreuzBbKjoA9qmMfYedrDVwboVGgrLh9Z06ShA2h2nfRIhjgm589QeBRw1LscnYBrr8dy5fsett196kHhjCvsWjX1I7cHQQ9K/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTujtPmri4RrGvf8bT1LImzMfkzINzcDNMh9HqsQF0r_SreuzBbKjoA9qmMfYedrDVwboVGgrLh9Z06ShA2h2nfRIhjgm589QeBRw1LscnYBrr8dy5fsett196kHhjCvsWjX1I7cHQQ9K/s320/IMG_3295.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
YOLO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-30908422128830441392013-09-18T03:30:00.000-07:002013-09-18T07:18:06.279-07:00Mid-Week Social<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LEUuPpwd6rnQcbDsJc-sTzEmKjAqeCrMJSmiN6xWCh5SDF-_5ocFb7slZNmpoRxkMp4pX6j1EJobPr5jCq2i0FlxNuThGwoP8M9r38Nyah9dipcH1oWFiUBhlRIfrkrFUKOjm_vY61e9/s1600/DSCN2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LEUuPpwd6rnQcbDsJc-sTzEmKjAqeCrMJSmiN6xWCh5SDF-_5ocFb7slZNmpoRxkMp4pX6j1EJobPr5jCq2i0FlxNuThGwoP8M9r38Nyah9dipcH1oWFiUBhlRIfrkrFUKOjm_vY61e9/s320/DSCN2401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Years ago, my close friends and I started a weekly get together we affectionally call Wine Wednesday. Initially we used to gather around the TV and tune into one of our favorite shows like Project Runway or Top Chef. Then we realized that we were not watching much of the show, and ended up just talking and catching up for a few hours (husbands included). With such busy schedules, it was a great way to stay connected and enjoy a mid-week mini-party. As we continue the tradition (it's my turn to have everyone over tonight) I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way to make the night easy, fun and stress-free! Hopefully this will inspire you to host your own Wine Wednesday to get you through the work week!<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Clean the day before. It's so much better to have your house clean so you can just prep the food before your guests arrive. Since it's a mid-week party, you only have a few hours before people show up. If you are pressed for time, at least clean your bathroom and the living area where people will hang out. Shove everything else in drawers and under the bed so it looks like you power-cleaned. Yep, I've done this.</li>
<li>Make the food and drinks simple. Since it's wine night, everyone usually brings a bottle of wine and the host provides the food. I try to do at least one sweet and one savory appetizer. It also helps to get some appetizers that can just be assembled. Some of my favorites: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cheese-stuffed-dates-with-prosciutto-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">cheese stuffed dates</a>, smoked Salmon on pumpernickel bread, or a mixture of olives. It's also nice to have a carafe of plain or flavored water on hand for those who don't want to have an alcoholic beverage. </li>
<li>Background sounds. Since we used to watch a TV show, sometimes we keep the TV on and tune in. Other times, I choose my favorite playlist or Pandora station and keep that playing softly in the background. One of my friends even have their grandparent's record player and we play some old favorites. </li>
<li>Flip the switch. Light some candles (especially a <a href="http://www.voluspa.com/japonica_new/index.php" target="_blank">nice smelling one</a> for the bathroom), and make sure your lighting is complementary to the space. It sounds kind of strange, but lighting can really help the mood of a party. I like to have lights on that are from the ground up (floor lamps, sconces, etc.) as they are less harsh on the eyes. </li>
<li>Try to incorporate some seasonal elements. This can be anything from serving a sangria during the summer, or apple cider in the fall. If it's nice out, sit on the patio and enjoy the weather or a bonfire if it's chilly. If it's during the holidays, serve some <a href="http://ladynine.blogspot.com/2012/12/buon-natale.html" target="_blank">holiday cookies</a> or hot chocolate. It's fun to come up with new ways to keep the party fun, simple and enjoy some time with each other. </li>
</ol>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-83440009291605597572013-09-04T04:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T04:00:15.045-07:00One Last Hoorah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG0U1iTNS8TCepqdE_7p0w1UkD_dm0Tzd7Ns3JpE3sRu-lxm5GxGUfXrzFz7vgs1LkRfHM7jauRSGNt4U-r8_Mc8wgBSVXPNDHHcFxPdcGlgEtRfvxpfD85yIAig9TlapUzNJw1JswdIU/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG0U1iTNS8TCepqdE_7p0w1UkD_dm0Tzd7Ns3JpE3sRu-lxm5GxGUfXrzFz7vgs1LkRfHM7jauRSGNt4U-r8_Mc8wgBSVXPNDHHcFxPdcGlgEtRfvxpfD85yIAig9TlapUzNJw1JswdIU/s1600/mail.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clearly... age is just a number.</div>
<br />
Today is my 29th birthday. Technically, it's also my twin sister's birthday which is a bonus since we usually get double the birthday desserts. It's my last birthday before my hit a major milestone. I took a stroll down memory lane and tried to find pictures from my 20th birthday. I definitely found some pictures of Annie and I that could easily be used as blackmail at a later date. Looking back, I see a young college girl with eyebrows that are too thin wearing a "I sold my soul to rock and roll" T-shirt (trust me, it was a good look at the time). I also see someone who has so much to learn about this world and how she fits into it. I truly enjoyed my twenties. I went to college, graduated, traveled to Europe a few times, met Jon, got married, and began my professional career. I've come to realize that most of my learning has been the later part of my twenties. After 25, I begun to feel more comfortable with who I am, and truly value what is important in my life. My priorities have changed over the years, and I'm sure they will continue to change as I enter my 30's. However, I have one more year left of my 20's, so I am going to enjoy it and try to accomplish these 10 goals before I turn the big three-oh!<br />
<br />
1. Learn how to make a fancy dessert. I'm thinking this <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/milk-chocolate-souffl-s-with-nougat-whip" target="_blank">Chocolate Souffle</a> would be sufficient.<br />
2. Take a spontaneous weekend trip out of town. Perhaps Priceline.com could help me with this one...<br />
3. Learn Spanish. Jon's family speak Spanish when they are together and I truly want to join the conversation so our kids someday will grow up in a bilingual household.<br />
4. Two Words: Fitness routine. Working out has always been part of my life. As I get older, it's really important for me to stay active and healthy. I want to find a fitness regime that I can stick with and make it part of my lifestyle.<br />
5. Take dance or ballet classes. When I was younger, I was in ballet and I still have such fond memories of those years. <br />
6. Invest in a designer handbag or shoes (or both!). If I get my dream job before I'm 30, then I'm buying myself a nice treat!<br />
7. Learn the Ukulele. This is a stretch, but I would really love to learn the ukulele. It's such a sweet instrument and it fits so much better in my hands than a regular guitar.<br />
8. Read some of the classics: Catcher in the Rye, Wuthering Heights, Nineteen Eighty-four, etc. I think they are all free on my kindle too. Bonus!<br />
9. Buy <a href="http://inslee.net/shop/category/stationery-and-note-cards/" target="_blank">personalized stationary</a> and become really good at sending cards. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Thinking of You...I think it's such a personal connection in this digital world we live in.<br />
10. Begin a holiday tradition with Jon. If you have any suggestions, send them my way!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kub2us9dzHzhx7Vs_260ub9vvINR3Wc8xLFcHZ3LHZJ2AEANdQwKai1_goFPMpeNIHFTVUJEg_biFw8V_W_uo-kMq86_uZ6Q6DUjaeOgSVKQsj-5ca1g-X5P4-tr-EKtaZcX2JfexQ1t/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kub2us9dzHzhx7Vs_260ub9vvINR3Wc8xLFcHZ3LHZJ2AEANdQwKai1_goFPMpeNIHFTVUJEg_biFw8V_W_uo-kMq86_uZ6Q6DUjaeOgSVKQsj-5ca1g-X5P4-tr-EKtaZcX2JfexQ1t/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday to me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-84015575762345979982013-09-03T08:34:00.000-07:002013-09-03T08:45:33.901-07:00Life Lately...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUi-3oVtlrZudXmnF1R-mNH1CckjluVvMufxRWkCyOKSqHGqd4NBLh4tJaqaV9cXHEZg2d8xtwJgQKPMPDFHZvQPGaFBPIeo88lZxT4u9n_U3HkuepkE1SR_8qu_UNuPgh92lndUZ8j4/s1600/photo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUi-3oVtlrZudXmnF1R-mNH1CckjluVvMufxRWkCyOKSqHGqd4NBLh4tJaqaV9cXHEZg2d8xtwJgQKPMPDFHZvQPGaFBPIeo88lZxT4u9n_U3HkuepkE1SR_8qu_UNuPgh92lndUZ8j4/s320/photo5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Appetizers for a night with my gal pals</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
After pulling together photos for this post, I began to realize that my life has a lot to do with food. Haha, what a wonderful life! Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend! Ours was filled with lots of memories, laughs, and a few glasses of rosé. Now that summer is winding down and the mornings are cooler, I look am really looking forward to the changing of the seasons and the upcoming holiday season. Tomorrow is my last birthday before I enter my 30's. I think it's time for me to make a list of all the things I want to do before I hit that milestone; stay tuned for that. Here's to a short week everyone; hope you get to do something special today!</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkn3rCEAqGtAr9XBAFMjjNuc6gODlyFogyuPI3V8Bnwb5m7XnAtCSJyd0GX4hL5D7q8V6RUEvNzek_lFyX08-86WSroyO19tnbez-i-vmb9oHiaLDU1M__fduwHArcPCn1iHb6AOoFnhe/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkn3rCEAqGtAr9XBAFMjjNuc6gODlyFogyuPI3V8Bnwb5m7XnAtCSJyd0GX4hL5D7q8V6RUEvNzek_lFyX08-86WSroyO19tnbez-i-vmb9oHiaLDU1M__fduwHArcPCn1iHb6AOoFnhe/s320/photo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jonallerpaintings.com/jonallerpaintings/Still_Lifes.html#12" target="_blank">Jon's painting</a> at the MN State Fair. So.Proud.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPqNAo3AxVd_r9j0etzQhMfXUANMkWGQqLKYzjHhWUbUN7PeR7re5OAGj1W6vFakucSA-Ye9wJFev_NuKRFBLUcmqL-DBiYL5wqeN6wOhzmBTFCh_yiqwdoNzXEmn1qpMAAmnhMWyPnnk/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPqNAo3AxVd_r9j0etzQhMfXUANMkWGQqLKYzjHhWUbUN7PeR7re5OAGj1W6vFakucSA-Ye9wJFev_NuKRFBLUcmqL-DBiYL5wqeN6wOhzmBTFCh_yiqwdoNzXEmn1qpMAAmnhMWyPnnk/s320/photo2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pearls that my sister found in her mussels at <a href="http://burchrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Burch</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt1wLaSw8v-tr2Bf2Q2SfHqOeVunZd2gMbbCgOl73_Et2etFPui-p41aFNWeNP1vCwaKNsqWi01_y_jdxYe427Q6ipPKgzq8tvZ_RLEeN7oc_o2S6dl2qQwABd7AdcLhSZ_G-8FIYA-9q/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt1wLaSw8v-tr2Bf2Q2SfHqOeVunZd2gMbbCgOl73_Et2etFPui-p41aFNWeNP1vCwaKNsqWi01_y_jdxYe427Q6ipPKgzq8tvZ_RLEeN7oc_o2S6dl2qQwABd7AdcLhSZ_G-8FIYA-9q/s320/photo3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bowl of French Onion Soup at <a href="http://salutbaramericain.com/" target="_blank">Salut</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNtLZabRSuSBi2I5RkEMU-SvTeQDohDOHMjw2T4Qo7oAp3qJYWHoWRempXwsviDQ16AEiPAabxWaVSSiGaBg-wyapa6-YLnt6BmyBLu2Qn4QLDV0YMi7AbGAMYGJAXuWAMzrBtJ4oHo19/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNtLZabRSuSBi2I5RkEMU-SvTeQDohDOHMjw2T4Qo7oAp3qJYWHoWRempXwsviDQ16AEiPAabxWaVSSiGaBg-wyapa6-YLnt6BmyBLu2Qn4QLDV0YMi7AbGAMYGJAXuWAMzrBtJ4oHo19/s320/photo4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Homemade arugula pesto for an easy weeknight meal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-fS3tzcSSOS86Mh6ej2rv5PRu2vWdMvLIHBTGabwFmtScnTT5-DcwvCly5vzQuPOvZeXCWcYUUKOvfyYKGJD-Bh65UundSWRY0KDtsjmPMeUuMhb4LAjB6zaJE7PIYpXNa-vKQOg3-AX/s1600/photo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-fS3tzcSSOS86Mh6ej2rv5PRu2vWdMvLIHBTGabwFmtScnTT5-DcwvCly5vzQuPOvZeXCWcYUUKOvfyYKGJD-Bh65UundSWRY0KDtsjmPMeUuMhb4LAjB6zaJE7PIYpXNa-vKQOg3-AX/s320/photo6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bowling at <a href="http://www.elsies.com/" target="_blank">Elsie's</a>. Secretly wanted to keep the shoes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-5031000971657428142013-08-21T13:05:00.001-07:002013-08-21T13:06:34.916-07:00From the Grandparents with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f5XwLCULhjqgYczzlu3VqyG4DGiMPSzzZrfMM4UJguKdmVTLssqxMDcRBlGdxNQZi5AjQQm-7vUS9LcxuXcSFd-88pm4PYb1LIoCptdlJCnp4oMvC0eHu8LoiA456jla9XwtRqLaqzqf/s1600/Zucchini+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f5XwLCULhjqgYczzlu3VqyG4DGiMPSzzZrfMM4UJguKdmVTLssqxMDcRBlGdxNQZi5AjQQm-7vUS9LcxuXcSFd-88pm4PYb1LIoCptdlJCnp4oMvC0eHu8LoiA456jla9XwtRqLaqzqf/s320/Zucchini+Bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1848031744"></span><span id="goog_1848031745"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When I was growing up, we used to get care packages in the mail from my grandparents. Now, when you have Italian grandparents like me, these care packages almost always consisted of food. Grandma would always send a couple of loaves of zucchini bread, and Grandpa would always include veggies from his garden (mostly bulbs of garlic). I still have nostalgic memories of unwrapping the aluminum foil and plastic wrap from the loaf, and digging into the zucchini bread even before mom read the letter that came with the package. With summer in full swing, I find myself making this bread whenever there is an abundance of zucchini in the house. I used to make Grandma's original recipe, however my Aunt has updated it with a few healthier options that taste just as great.<br />
<br />
Zucchini Bread<br />
Makes 2 loaves<br />
<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp ground cloves<br />
1 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
2 eggs room temperature<br />
2 cups grated zucchini<br />
1 cup raisins (optional)<br />
1/2 walnuts (optional)<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
Grease and flour two loaf pans and set aside.<br />
Mix together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl combine oil, applesauce, both sugars and eggs. Mix in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Don't worry if it looks too dry, the zucchini will add lots of moisture. Add zucchini into the mixture along with raisins or nuts; mix until combined. Split batter between both loaf pans and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until cake tester stick comes out clean. Let the loaves cool slightly before you dig into one. Warm zucchini bread from the oven is heaven!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eKhL65lvBOzb-M8F6bIGUOUjnQ6D6guwGCyIwXk5_o0KIz8y1okyBR2wd5r-udvzIytUb09qCKHL3V7rUK-MGtyYjj-TdahvQYfBp-BG0OPF84fjfSrZ9jg0LmOZN13iXV3vs80FvKS5/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eKhL65lvBOzb-M8F6bIGUOUjnQ6D6guwGCyIwXk5_o0KIz8y1okyBR2wd5r-udvzIytUb09qCKHL3V7rUK-MGtyYjj-TdahvQYfBp-BG0OPF84fjfSrZ9jg0LmOZN13iXV3vs80FvKS5/s320/DSCN2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf3xRVg4pWhyphenhyphensFTOKY6u9MuWaGR6JSHkKFDnEO9EfcUbEDWZCcZ6BZWmCWA4BxYjtm9U1KyWHDotmXnQc0d_To-R85JFlBohel8P0-PPckD_S8mJnuzXSvu207wkb-_M8164CXIhZEEOi/s1600/DSCN2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf3xRVg4pWhyphenhyphensFTOKY6u9MuWaGR6JSHkKFDnEO9EfcUbEDWZCcZ6BZWmCWA4BxYjtm9U1KyWHDotmXnQc0d_To-R85JFlBohel8P0-PPckD_S8mJnuzXSvu207wkb-_M8164CXIhZEEOi/s320/DSCN2143.JPG" width="320" /></a></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/AVvXsEgL7Ar8n6oGRFogZS_5JbLya2J3LKAhjYR1U7rer8VI-NwOSpnN3kRAJs6OFBGjtr66xjQCdLH-JtUlc6XLstAApa-Ki3IZKJ5ojiIDwzBO7kD2mJlaqVqSWW22YLCAdB3M0aAJKVWsUc8Q/s1600/DSCN2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7Ar8n6oGRFogZS_5JbLya2J3LKAhjYR1U7rer8VI-NwOSpnN3kRAJs6OFBGjtr66xjQCdLH-JtUlc6XLstAApa-Ki3IZKJ5ojiIDwzBO7kD2mJlaqVqSWW22YLCAdB3M0aAJKVWsUc8Q/s320/DSCN2174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1848031736"></span><span id="goog_1848031737"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-16250533619664187682013-07-31T20:12:00.002-07:002013-07-31T20:17:31.889-07:00Summer To Do's<div>
Let me just tell you that Minnesota summer's do not last long. This past week we had weather that gave me a glimpse into fall. Instead of being upset about the cooler weather, I embraced it, and went back-to-school shopping. Luckily, I have a husband that understands even though I graduated from school years ago, BTS shopping is a smart addition to my annual wardrobe (my words, not his). I refuse to think about the end of summer though, and remain blissfully unaware that we are coming to an end of another beautiful summer. I am going to make the most of the few short months we have left, by compiling my final summer "to do's" to make sure I complete them all before I wear my new school clothes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj-F2TAdJZa6DnQhXz1GBWE-7sR942v9iqOn9DZJXKoJpZ8DdxlSYqjjOcQ-vVFWMCjL4sQIjlYGVh9qHm4hMRS0fZb36xLpTzT0u4Kj0FmL4TWDGcmnDVNisBLgsRgqIIjJgP5B0LpYx/s1600/7.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj-F2TAdJZa6DnQhXz1GBWE-7sR942v9iqOn9DZJXKoJpZ8DdxlSYqjjOcQ-vVFWMCjL4sQIjlYGVh9qHm4hMRS0fZb36xLpTzT0u4Kj0FmL4TWDGcmnDVNisBLgsRgqIIjJgP5B0LpYx/s320/7.31.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Love the <a href="http://www.casasugar.com/Pacific-Northwest-House-Pictures-31057488?slide=27&image_nid=31057509" target="_blank">layout of these prints</a>. Hoping to do something similar in our living room. </div>
<div>
2. I know this is far fetched, but I'm dying to see the <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1380" target="_blank">rain room at the MOMA</a>. Maybe I'll have a impromptu jetset weekend in NYC.</div>
<div>
3. Jon will be out of town next month and I'm totally doing a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/178244097725515156/" target="_blank">Whiskey and Donuts girls night</a>. </div>
<div>
4. Hoping to check out this new decor <a href="http://primeandpolish.com/" target="_blank">boutique</a> in Minneapolis. Love their style!</div>
<div>
5. Jon and I got a gift card to the new hotspot, <a href="http://www.boroughmpls.com/" target="_blank">Borough/Parlou</a>r. Can't wait to try the Trojan Horse cocktail. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307905766647049212.post-67523698971241529412013-07-22T16:19:00.004-07:002013-07-22T21:07:30.346-07:00Diner en Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDZnu2oy9wI_kB_xRSj_AyJEPuzL9X8CEkBRuqblDjfizRHlqrPvjAIRngQpG1bXqLPYE4Kx08UE7SY5-T25NxZfgGeJqou9YJgdoy8K1vYJDvCNBOS10AbGItYuNJWDz74s9sjPcDBi1/s1600/Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDZnu2oy9wI_kB_xRSj_AyJEPuzL9X8CEkBRuqblDjfizRHlqrPvjAIRngQpG1bXqLPYE4Kx08UE7SY5-T25NxZfgGeJqou9YJgdoy8K1vYJDvCNBOS10AbGItYuNJWDz74s9sjPcDBi1/s320/Paris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diner en Blanc in Paris</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
It's no secret that I love to picnic. Which is strange because when I'm at work in a cubicle all day, I hate going outside for lunch. Let's just say that I'm a high maintenance picnic-er. I love to picnic, but I need to have my table, food that can be room temperature, and usually a glass of wine. This past weekend, I happen to come across a white picnic party. It was a outdoor picnic, but everyone was dressed fashionably in white and dining al fresco by the light of candles and the moon. One of the guests was nearby and I asked her about the party ( I assumed she was a guest because she was wearing a very large white had with a bird perched on the rim). She explained that it was Diner en Blanc; an outdoor picnic that allows friends to gather in a secret location for a summer picnic. Everyone wears all white and has to bring all their own picnic supplies (food, table, chairs, etc.). Once the party is complete, people take all their belongings, careful not to leave anything so it appears as the party never happened. The location is always kept secret until one hour before, and then is never revealed to outsiders. This woman, who perhaps had too much white wine, said that the original Diner en Blanc began in France (man, those French know have amazing ideas!) and now the idea has spread across major cities in the world. Doing a little research today, I discovered that Minneapolis isn't quite part of the official <a href="http://dinerenblanc.info/" target="_blank">Diner En Blanc</a> organization, but I think the party seemed to have quite the success without. It has totally inspired me to have a pop up picnic with my friends! I'm even thinking we need to bring it one step further and try to only have white food and drink. Dining al fresco just reached a whole new level!Angelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245783269221827779noreply@blogger.com0