tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76557265268997439542024-03-13T05:59:11.514-05:00Esther's ClosetThose who cherish a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in their hearts, will one day realize it.
-- James AllenLeah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-28953389972209326612014-01-02T19:00:00.000-06:002014-01-02T19:00:04.572-06:00I still cannot believe we've just started 2014! I feel like I'm still trying to wrap my mind around everything that happened in 2013. If you're like me and still basking in the glow of 2013, check out this touching video of the events in 2013 that brought us together and made us stronger in this new year.<br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/2Ut8rL0n_yQ/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2Ut8rL0n_yQ&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2Ut8rL0n_yQ&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-66109288627620036062014-01-01T16:34:00.000-06:002014-01-01T16:35:32.601-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ninerbakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ninerbakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Untitled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ninerbakes.com/2013/01/04/happy-new-year-2013-glitter-elegant-festive-cake-pops/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope today is the first day of the best time of your life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy New Year!!!</span></div>
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</span>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-68400158491831609932012-12-21T06:00:00.000-06:002012-12-21T06:00:06.912-06:00It's a Wrap<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-7JEf_7Xjg5bLSXm20AJeJ8I3_zyea8fzq-CAabekp8PhC_RyQe8WxAmopgbOwgDT79wMKuMduCFQid6HeSoy1d0MCVQoQNo8-ad1ekHtRVayJRF0el4kOAC6AciytyYvBzx0xW6RRo/s400/DSC_0731a_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /><img border="0" closure_uid_bi4y7i="5" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JdT-NkICzU/UIxPZp_9QyI/AAAAAAAAUiE/CWY2w7nE25g/s400/DSC_0253.jpg" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://luziapimpinella.blogspot.com/2011/12/gift-wrapping.html" target="_blank">Via</a> <a href="http://the-white-bench.blogspot.com/2012/11/creative-christmas-1-gift-wrapping.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm sure you thought I abandoned you for greener <strike>pastures</strike> readers, but that is the farthest from the truth. Since I left, I have gotten a new job, moved to a new city, and am going through some huge life changes at the moment. So, I appreciate your patience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In case you have not heard, Christmas is only a few days away. I hope that you are farther ahead with your Christmas shopping/prep than I am (I think maybe i'm in denial). I'm sure you have completely finished all of you shopping and now all that's needed is a little wrappage and you're all set! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Everyone has their own gift wrap strategy, but for me, I like a theme for all of my gifts. I'm still trying to decide my schematic for this year, so I've been perusing <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> for some gift wrap inspiration. Maybe you are need some inspiration as well, so here were some of my favorite ideas...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="(via: photoproblem)" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfzctvKrFR1qbycdbo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="435" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/324399979378685724/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love this color scheme, although I might switch the yellow for red to make it a little more festive. I also am in love with the different yet coordinated ribbons and such. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/155303887121658609_2WYi2I5s_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/377035800023622895/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I did the craft paper theme last year, and these little poms might be just the update for this year!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-7JEf_7Xjg5bLSXm20AJeJ8I3_zyea8fzq-CAabekp8PhC_RyQe8WxAmopgbOwgDT79wMKuMduCFQid6HeSoy1d0MCVQoQNo8-ad1ekHtRVayJRF0el4kOAC6AciytyYvBzx0xW6RRo/s640/DSC_0731a_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://luziapimpinella.blogspot.com/2011/12/gift-wrapping.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First of all, I am IN LOVE with that grey/blue with the white! And I love those little poms with the washi tape...I'm definitely thinking washi tape with be in my gift wrapping future. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JdT-NkICzU/UIxPZp_9QyI/AAAAAAAAUiE/CWY2w7nE25g/s1600/DSC_0253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_bi4y7i="5" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JdT-NkICzU/UIxPZp_9QyI/AAAAAAAAUiE/CWY2w7nE25g/s640/DSC_0253.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://the-white-bench.blogspot.com/2012/11/creative-christmas-1-gift-wrapping.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the burlap newspaper combo, but I am 100% certain I will not be taking the time to spray paint pinecones. Maybe I'll just buy some? I know that's not very environmental of me, but time is precious at this point!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Elmers-056.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2938" height="640" src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Elmers-056.jpg" title="Elmers 056" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/12/holiday-memories-with-elmers-gluenglitter-wax-paper-bow-tutorial-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Always the crazy one for polka dots, I heart that fabric! And that is a cute gift tag idea (and probably really inexpensive). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://acozykitchen.com/how-to-glitter-wrapping-paper" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13596" height="545" src="http://acozykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/New1.jpg" title="How-To: Glitter Polka Dot Wrapping Paper" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://acozykitchen.com/how-to-glitter-wrapping-paper/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Again with the polka dots! All though I'm not crazy about that puff-string sitch. And another cute gift tag idea...especially if you had a stamp (which I just happen to have, ha ha!)</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUuX6sDMAXU/TvP3JZqBpbI/AAAAAAAAB5w/ftb7mbgpkUI/s1600/gift-wrapping-present-idea-fun-easy-unique-gift-tag-stamp-candy-cane-beautiful-craft-diy-christmas-holiday-recycle-kids-wedding-family-collection-birthday-festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_ykyuza="4" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUuX6sDMAXU/TvP3JZqBpbI/AAAAAAAAB5w/ftb7mbgpkUI/s640/gift-wrapping-present-idea-fun-easy-unique-gift-tag-stamp-candy-cane-beautiful-craft-diy-christmas-holiday-recycle-kids-wedding-family-collection-birthday-festival.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lifeinmodification.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-gift-wrapping-ideas.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like the red and white with the craft paper, and that candy cane just pulls it all together! It's like a little insurance...if for some reason their gift doesn't work out, at least they have the candy cane!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/image/35638205558" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfe7uDrVE1r3uzmno1_1280.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 10px;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/post/35638205558" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That ribbon with those leaves is adorabs! I am a little concerned that in the traveling those leaves might just turn into crumbles and it might look like it was just dropped on the ground!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://www.inspiringbydesign.com/files/37b22c41701d4f82915884c133d46ce2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="529" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inspiringbydesign.com/pt/?id=64851" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like this dolie-ish look with the cutout paper. Sadly, I cannot see myself really enjoying that cutout process, maybe I could do a more simple cutout...I can already feel my perfectionism rising up just thinking about having to cut those curves. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413057166062426546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E32BR2jpTkSPx8BXugU2qmpXu-gHhQ_emCfcjg0qmf_gV__RLcsQVWncawTyfCmvWB6-GYtCPZMp_pjS6ShuNwKDn4bOTEEyysOPMtpCGUjyZ6S8mhZtmtqx-ouAV87kJzuA9VoiD_2P/s640/Carolyn+Roehm.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="516" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.emformarvelous.com/pp-christmas-day-3-gift-wrap-inspiration/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While I usually do not care for traditional store bought gift wrap, if I were to go that rought, this is definitely what I would do! I just can't resist those polkas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hopefully this was just enough inspiration to get you movin' in the gift wrap direction, so go out there get to wrapping...those gifts won't wrap themselves!</span></div>
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Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-27316028948222147532012-07-04T16:47:00.000-05:002012-07-04T16:47:51.570-05:00Happy 4th of July!<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/37928821831249199/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/37928821831249199_8ulnp5nx_c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/july-4th-party-by-found-vintage-rentals.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">designsponge.com</a></div>
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I hope you and your family have a fun and safe holiday!</div>
</div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-41872766528571473762012-06-13T21:26:00.001-05:002012-06-13T21:28:33.529-05:00iPhone Love<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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When I bought my iPhone I thought "I'll get a black case, nice and classic." Well, over a year (and a new phone) later, I am sick to death of that black case. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for something cute, but haven't really found anything until today. <br />
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I ran across <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/" target="_blank">Zazzle.com</a> today, and let me tell you, they have the mother-load when it comes to selection in cases! I mean, we're talking thousands of options. And, if you can't seem to find something you like amongst the myriad of options, you can even design your own case!<br />
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Also, most of the cases come in a Barely There option (thin, simple case), Case-Mate ID (which has a slit at the top of the case for a debit card or ID), or a Case-Mate Tough option for the more <strike>clumsy</strike> slippery fingered among us. <br />
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I perused the website today and here are a few of may favs...<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/iphone_love/set?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=50904895"><img alt="iPhone Love" border="0" force="1" height="521" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/pgrKHCDkTEl9w8NrQwqAaw/cid/50904895/id/hyzsEaYwT7yQ4Q4kt-wThQ/size/c600x521.jpg" title="iPhone Love" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/iphone_love/set?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=50904895">iPhone Love</a> by <a href="http://leahbhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger">leahbhill</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">polyvore.com</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988913" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988913.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988913" rel="nofollow">Cute Floral Design Iphone 4 Covers from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$41 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988877" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988877.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988877" rel="nofollow">Retro Flowers Iphone 4 Cover from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$42 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988791" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988791.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988791" rel="nofollow">Two Little Birds {Green} Case For The Iphone 4 from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$42 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58989006" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58989006.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58989006" rel="nofollow">Cute Pastel Pale robins egg Polka Dots iphone Case Iphone 4 Id Cover...</a></small><br />
<small>$79 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988647" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988647.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988647" rel="nofollow">Fifties Style Gray Polka Dot Iphone 4/4S Case Iphone 4 Cover from...</a></small><br />
<small>$35 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988752" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988752.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988752" rel="nofollow">Paisley Border Barely There Iphone 4 Case from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$35 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988981" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988981.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988981" rel="nofollow">Teal Polka Dots Pattern Case-mate Iphone 4 Case from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$37 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988957" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988957.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988957" rel="nofollow">Envelopments Lapis Iphone 4 Case-mate Case from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$35 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988721" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988721.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988721" rel="nofollow">Aqua Quatrefoil Pattern Case-mate Iphone 4 Cases from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$37 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988937" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/58988937.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=58988937" rel="nofollow">Floral Retro Pattern Iphone 4 Covers from Zazzle.com</a></small><br />
<small>$40 - zazzle.com</small><br />
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</div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-2769171413188662512012-06-12T19:00:00.000-05:002012-06-12T19:00:03.777-05:00Tales of the Traveling PenFirst, I want to say that I am so sorry for being MIA the last few months. A lot of things have happened in my life during this time and maybe sometime I'll share them with you, but not today. Just remember this...when you are going through a hard time in your life, it may feel like it in the moment, but it will not last forever. One day you'll wake up and realize that maybe the hardest part is over, and the struggle you went through made you so much stronger and wiser to handle each new day that you face. While you may never wish to redo those hard times, you might find yourself thankful for those days because you were able to see your strength at its best and learn the most valuable lessons that could not have been taught on any other path. <br />
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With that said, I want to introduce a new series I'm calling "Tales of the Traveling Pen." Let me give you a little background. My Dad works for a local pharmacy that had did like most businesses and had pens printed with their name/logo. I'm not sure how many they originally had produced, but these pens have the strangest way of multiplying. My parents' always joked how there would be one pharmacy pen on the table before they went to bed and the next morning there would be two or three! My sister has even said her roommate will open her backpack only to find a office supply store sized stock of these pens, but the only problem is, she never had one of those pens to start with! <br />
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I have seen these pharmacy pens in liquor stores, in the middle of the road, in other cities, in my work facility, and numerous other crazy places. So, this series is going to be about the sitings of these well traveled pens. You may be wondering what a pharmacy pen has to do with the rest of this blog, and the truth is nothing really. This pen situation has just been a hillarious ongoing story in my family and I thought you might get a little chuckle out of it too!<br />
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So, here's the first installment...<br />
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Yesterday, I was at the grocery store picking up a few things and just as I was about to pay for my purchase, realized that my debit card was MIA (no worries, I later realized I had left it in my car). In a panic and not meaning to hold up the check-out line, I decided to write a check and asked for a pen. What do you think they handed me? Of course! A pharmacy pen!!! How did <em>that </em>pen become the designated writing utensil for that cash register? It's just further proof that those pens make there way around!\</div>
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I hope you enjoyed the first installment, and hopefully this little series will bring a chuckle to your day!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-87862095723528382962012-01-01T20:29:00.000-06:002012-01-01T20:29:08.054-06:00Goodbye 2011 and Welcome 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/158189005630945221_XjXA8Gs1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/158189005630945221_XjXA8Gs1_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/158189005630945221/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Is it just me or did 2011 go by at a rapid pace? It seems like yesterday (um, maybe more like last week) that we were sitting around writing New Year's Resolutions for 2011. In trying to decide 2012's resolutions, I've spent a lot of time thinking about 2011, what went well, what went wrong, and what could have been better. <br />
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2011 was a tough year for me in so many ways. It was tough professionally (I was promoted and took on a heck of a lot more responsibility), it was tough physically, emotionally, financially, you name it. It seemed like the entire year was an uphill struggle. They say that how you ring in the New Year is a precursor to how you will spend the entire year. Last year, I worked 5pm - 5am at a CRAZY New Year's Eve party, and I thought that meant the next year would be filled with prosperity and opportunity. Looking back though, it was really filled with struggle. <br />
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With all of that said, 2011 did have some great moments...as I mentioned earlier, I was promoted at work, so I was fortunate enough to plan some really cool and meaningful events for my clients. My sister got married in September, and had the privilege of helping her with the planning and enjoying all the great festivities, especially her bachelorette party at the beach!<br />
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Last year was also a huge learning experience for me. I learned to push myself farther mentally and physically than I thought I could go, but I also learned that it is okay to ask for help. I learned that it is okay to say "I don't know" and "I'm sorry, I made a mistake." I've learned that I have such great friends in my life that have been amazingly supportive, and I learned that I have to invest time and energy in those relationships for them to continue to grow. I learned that you don't always have to work harder and longer than everyone else and to know when to say "I've had enough." I've learned that sometimes its worth taking a risk to make a difference in someone's life.<br />
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So, what about 2012? This year, I want to spend more time taking care of me. Meaning, I want to make time to take of my body and my health. I want to make my needs a priority instead of always myself on the back-burner. I want to take time for breaks when I need them and take time to refresh without feeling guilty for not burning the midnight oil. I want to live with boundaries so that my yes's are with my whole heart and my no's are because it is not the best decision for me. The number 12 is supposed to be the number of order, and I think for me, 2012, will be about getting things in my life in the best order for me and my success.<br />
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It's time to lay 2011 to rest and say hello to 2012. I'm ready for a new year and a new start. <br />
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Happy New Year!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-56208342062758751452011-11-28T06:00:00.002-06:002011-11-28T06:00:07.629-06:00Pinterest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/3237030951703435_NXSfAiOc_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/3237030951703435_NXSfAiOc_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/266853925/" target="_blank">Image found here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Are you as addicted as I am? I'm pretty sure <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> took over my entire holiday weekend! Oh well, maybe I'll get those Christmas decorations put up next weekend. In the mean time, follow my pins <a href="http://pinterest.com/leahbhill/" target="_blank">here</a>.Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-31101745238158067922011-11-22T06:00:00.001-06:002011-11-22T06:00:07.643-06:00H&M Holiday Finds<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;">For years H&M has been one of my all-time favorite stores. The only problem was, we don't have one in this part of Alabama, and for the longest, their items were not available for purchase online. Well, times have changed and H&M is now among one of my favorite online perusees. Here are some of my favs from their current collections...<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_finds/set?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=39758264"><img alt="H&M Holiday Finds" border="0" force="1" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39758264/id/FifQPWgU4RGQCAlV8NVt0w/size/y.jpg" title="H&M Holiday Finds" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_finds/set?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=39758264">H&M Holiday Finds</a> by <a href="http://leahbhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger">leahbhill</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/leather_handbag/shop?query=leather+handbag">leather handbag</a></small></div><small></small><br />
<div style="padding-top: 16px;"><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44586799" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44586799.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44586799" rel="nofollow">H M pocket dress</a></small><br />
<small>£25 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=43353813" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43353813.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=43353813" rel="nofollow">H M smocked dress</a></small><br />
<small>£20 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44962098" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44962098.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44962098" rel="nofollow">H M pleated skirt</a></small><br />
<small>£40 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44962095" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44962095.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44962095" rel="nofollow">H M silk pleated skirt</a></small><br />
<small>£70 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=38722137" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38722137.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=38722137" rel="nofollow">H&M wingtip shoes</a></small><br />
<small>£25 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=42910044" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/42910044.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=42910044" rel="nofollow">H M leather clutch handbag</a></small><br />
<small>£15 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44182606" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44182606.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44182606" rel="nofollow">H M leather handbag</a></small><br />
<small>£20 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0em; padding: 0px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44542256" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44542256.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2896295&.svc=blogger&id=44542256" rel="nofollow">H&M metal earrings</a></small><br />
<small>£3.99 - hm.com</small><br />
<small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div></div></div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-91775817074646949882011-11-21T12:39:00.000-06:002011-11-21T12:39:17.890-06:002011 Gift GuideI'm not sure if it's the Christmas Parties I am planning at work or if I'm just in the mood, but I cannot wait ONE MORE DAY for the holidays! I'm not talking about Christmas Day necessarily, I just mean the Holiday Season in general. It's been a pretty tough year here, so maybe it's just my heart's way of saying "We've made it through this year, now let's celebrate and begin another year with a fresh start."<br />
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This is the week of Thanksgiving, so I'm officially declaring it the holidays! I am usually quite strict about no Christmas music or holiday gift considering until after Thanksgiving Day (the office start of the holiday season), but it's close enough. <br />
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So, with it officially the holiday season now, let's get started on those gifts! I remember this gift guide last year, but I didn't really pay it much attention. But when I stumbled across it again this year, I new I had to give it a second look. This is one of best gift guides I've seen! All the gifts are super cute and unique while staying very kind to the holiday budget (I mean who likes a gift guide that is so out of your price range that is is almost comical?!).<br />
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Set aside some time and study this years Gifted Magazine Holiday Gift Guide 2011. And when you see an adorable gift, but not exactly sure who you should buy it for, feel free to think of me (I'm just sayin').<br />
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<div><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="54ba30ff-d27d-847d-6386-35f75ce32b97" style="height: 272px; width: 420px;"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf?mode=mini&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222&documentId=111111202742-0fe73e7812da48798a34734d19d86273" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" wmode="transparent" style="width:420px;height:272px" flashvars="mode=mini&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222&documentId=111111202742-0fe73e7812da48798a34734d19d86273" /></object><div style="text-align: left; width: 420px;"><a href="http://issuu.com/creaturecomforts/docs/giftedmagazine2011?mode=window&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=christmas" target="_blank">More christmas</a></div></div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-70039102409473800572011-11-07T19:00:00.001-06:002011-11-07T19:00:00.504-06:00Kick the Door InNeed some Monday Motivation? Let me offer this. I stumbled across this blog post from a High School friend of mine. It is a letter that he wrote to his college self about being strong, persevering, pressing forward, and kicking the door in. Check it out...<br />
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<a href="http://trappstr.com/2011/11/02/letter-17-kick-the-door-in/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=trappstr" target="_blank">Kick the Door In</a><br />
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Hope you had a great Monday!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-37267519475031031472011-11-07T06:00:00.003-06:002011-11-08T05:04:22.553-06:00Auction FindsYou may not know this, but along with my full-time job, I have several side jobs. I always have; I think I will know I have really made it in life when I only have one job (or maybe I will just know I've gotten really tired). Anyway, one of my jobs has always been working at estate auctions. No, I'm not the auctioneer. If you've never been to a live auction, I suggest going as they are quite exciting. Most of the time the items for sale in these auctions really aren't my style. I mean, workshop tools, guns, and knives don't really do it for me. However, the last few I've worked have had quite the mother-load of unique items, so I thought I would share...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324753886/" title="Auction Crowd by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Auction Crowd" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6324753886_c6d54992e0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
We'll start things off with a quick view of the crowd anxiously awaiting the of the goods.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324001121/" title="Vintage Typewriter by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Typewriter" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6324001121_c6fa4c4499.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I LOVED this typewriter. I mean, someone please put this in their gorgeous office, STAT!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324754314/" title="Polka Dot Lamp by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Polka Dot Lamp" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6324754314_54500a579b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I thought this lamp would look so cute in a little girls room.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324754524/" title="Vintage Luggage Set by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Luggage Set" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6324754524_56a04eb31d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This was the most stunning set of vintage luggage. They had the complete set for sale and it was in stellar condition!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324001699/" title="Wooden File Cabinet by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Wooden File Cabinet" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6324001699_7b729035e2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This vintage wooden filing cabinet would look wonderful in a slightly girly office or in a bedroom as a night stand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324001915/" title="Gas Pump by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Gas Pump" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6324001915_b961d17a9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Look at this AWESOME gas pump!! Um, yes, that is my shadow in the picture, and no charge for the view of the garbage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324002561/" title="Blue Convertible by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Blue Convertible" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6324002561_96b0276567.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I have no idea what kind of car this is, but can you imagine going to the beach in this thing?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324755872/" title="Antique Orange Car by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Antique Orange Car" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6324755872_73948ea51b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Do you watch <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/" target="_blank">Parenthood</a>? If not, I suggest you start watching it immediately (well, immediately after reading my blog). It's going to make you want to plan a family dinner. Anyway, this car reminds me of <a href="http://sharetv.org/shows/parenthood_2010/cast/amber_braverman" target="_blank">Amber's</a> car. It also reminds of an old fashion taxi. So cute!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324756158/" title="Antique Car by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Antique Car" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6324756158_4cda68b0ce.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Another great vintage car. Love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324756598/" title="Antique Truck by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Antique Truck" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6324756598_8c01fc41df.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Cute little vintage truck.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324003749/" title="Antique Pontiac by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Antique Pontiac" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6324003749_e7c65afb00.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This was the one I fell IN LOVE with. While I was taking these photos the man who had just purchased this beauty noticed my interest and offered to let me drive it. Trust me, it was just as fun as it seems.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324004081/" title="Vintage Car by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Car" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6324004081_d428956183.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Gorgeous steering wheel. I kept telling the man he should just give me the car, but he didn't quite agree with my logic.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324004343/" title="Tweed Door by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Tweed Door" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6324004343_e0842665b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The inside of the door was Tweed! See that little switch to the right? Yeah, those are the power window switches. I mean, what's a vintage car without power windows?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324757686/" title="Pontiac Dash by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Pontiac Dash" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6324757686_01ac309860.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
GORG!! My husband told me they stopped making the dashes like that as they were metal and caused quite a safety hazard in car accidents. I mean, I think I might where a helmet if I got to look at that dashboard everyday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324004831/" title="Vintage Juke Box by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Juke Box" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6324004831_0c13c4d311.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
How fun would it be to have a vintage juke box in a cozy family room with a wet bar?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6324004991/" title="Vintage Leather Chair by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Leather Chair" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6324004991_4c03f905a2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Last but not least, I just had to bring this guy home. I apologize that it's not the best photo, but it was really an incredible find. That buttoned leather, the nail head detail, the wooden arms...And you are going to flip out when I tell you the price - $10!! Yes, that's right, I took that handsome chair home for only ten bucks! I'm pretty sure it was one of those rare moments when all the stars a-line just right to bring you the best luck. And to think, I wanted to sleep in that day.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed that little showing of my last couple of weekends. Next time you see an ad for an auction, stop by. You might just find the deal of a lifetime!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-14210921057735120252011-10-16T16:54:00.000-05:002011-10-16T16:54:37.358-05:00Lunch at Sweet BasilMy sister was in town last week and we decided to do lunch to catch up on the latest. The Shoals Area is sprinkled with wonderful little cafe's and restaurants, so a lunch date always involves a tough decision. Well, someone had to do it, so we decided on <a href="http://www.sweetbasilcafe.net/">Sweet Basil Cafe</a>. This has been one of favorites for years, so we knew we were in for a treat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6251056001/" title="Wine Selection by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine Selection" height="313" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6251056001_d888515291.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Sweet basil is combo of specialty grocery, gourmet catering, and hot lunch spot. They have an delicious <a href="http://www.sweetbasilcafe.net/Grocery.htm">selection</a> of specialty grocery items and unique wines. More often then not, if I am looking for something and can't seem to find it in the big box grocery store, I can find it here. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6250997567/" title="Cooking oils, spices, and sauces by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking oils, spices, and sauces" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6250997567_458dfc089f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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They also specialize in both onsite and carry out catering. In fact, they were in the top running to cater my sister's wedding last month! You can stop in and pick up something for your family for dinner or for a special occasion, or they can cater functions as big as a wedding or reunion.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6251521226/" title="Order lunch by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Order lunch" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6251521226_b333d78a44.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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While Sweet Basil dabbles in different things, they are most famous for their delicious <a href="http://www.sweetbasilcafe.net/Menu.htm">lunch menu</a>. This is how it goes. They have a menu of scrumptious dishes that they have all the time; these are the staples that everyone goes back for time and again. In addition, they have a weekly menu that is based on local and seasonal produce. I almost always chose from this menu, and Thursday was no disappointment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/6250999103/" title="Turkey & Brie Sandwich by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Turkey & Brie Sandwich" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6250999103_355a1878f9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This sandwich was ridiculous! The Brie was the perfect amount of creaminess and that ciabatta bread was the perfect holder for all that goodness. Kalamata olive spread provided the perfect amount of saltiness to counter the richness of the brie. Served with a greek orzo pasta, it was the perfect lunch date with my sister!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-69479196780999308302011-10-15T12:31:00.000-05:002011-10-15T12:31:07.507-05:00How to Tie a ScarfI can't tell you the number of times I've stood in front of mirror trying to create magic with the same tired scarf I've worn a thousand times. Better yet, I really can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say, I just need someone to teach me to tie a scarf. Well Girls, now's your chance. <a href="http://www.wendyslookbook.com/">Wendy's Lookbook</a> (found via <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/love-lists-friday-3/">Shutterbean</a>) has come to our rescue and posted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5LYAEz777AU&noredirect=1">this</a> video. Prepare to be amazed (and educated!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5LYAEz777AU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-36921440542996448512011-10-04T19:00:00.003-05:002011-10-04T19:00:00.892-05:00I Love a Good BOGO!One thing about taking someone place at work is that you end up receiving all their emails. Most of the time this is quite annoying as all the newsletters and advertisements your former cohort so graciously gave out their information to are now contacting you for the 50th time this week to tell you about a sale on banners. Then, one night as you are about to go to bed, you check your work email and find <a href="http://www.target.com/">Buy One Get One 50% off all Shoes and Handbags</a>!! Finally all those pesky emails have paid off! <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So here at the deetz...<a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> is having a great BOGO sale on shoes and handbags. It includes men, women, and children's items in case you need to outfit other members of your family (or if you just need to not feel guilty about buying yourself yet another pair of fabulous shoes). I read the rules and the only items not included are clearance items. But really, who wants to waste a good BOGO on a clearance item?</div><br />
Don't worry, I sacrificed for you and rounded up the top items I would invest in if I <em>were</em> planning to participate in said BOGO sale. So, here we go...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/04/13045704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Women's Merona® Meaghan Ruffled Flat Shoes - Pewter" border="0" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/04/13045704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This just seems like it would be perfect with jeans on the weekend or with dress pants for the office</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Women's Merona® Mattie Cap-Toe Shoes - Leopard" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/40/13402198.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I just can't say no to a good leopard flat. I also love that these have just a little heal to dress them up a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Women's Xhilaration® Sharon Oxfords - Brown" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/38/13382964.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I know oxfords are really yesterday's news, but I'm just not over them. I love them with a cute dress or with jeans on the weekends. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Women's Mossimo® Viviana Platform Pumps - Cheetah" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/13/13139105.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it's another leopard, but really, can you say no? I don't think so (especially for BOGO, I mean come on it's practically begging you to take them home).</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Kessi Buckle Ankle Boots - Cognac" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/46/13460543.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There is something that I LOVE about these. I'm thinking maybe with skinny jeans and a cardigan for the weekend, but depending on where the top of the boot hits, they might look really cute with a dress and tights. Kind-of that opposites attract, feminine vs. masculine vibe. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Hipzbag - Brown Faux Leather Bag" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/42/13422981.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Are you on board with the <em>new</em> fanny packs? But, I love how they call them Hipzbags instead of fanny packs like we don't know it really is the same thing we all <strike>had</strike> hated in the '90s.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Bueno Travel Bag - Steel Grey" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/54/13545678.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am crazy about the structure of this bag. It reminds me of an old medicine bag. I also like that it is grey; such a great alternative to boring black or brown.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mossimo Supply Co. Triple Buckle Saddle Bag - Tan" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/53/13539701.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So, this is probably bigger than I would normally go for a cross-body bag, but I love the structure. It just seems like the perfect thing to use while perusing a great flee market (or yard sale).</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Xhilaration® Chain Evening Bag - Black" class="photo" height="320" id="heroImage" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/23/13238026.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am in love with this for night time. Someone please where this with a cute dress to a concert!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So, that's it. As you can tell, there are some great contenders for the BOGO purchase. Run, don't walk (as your fav will probably be sold out by the time you get there) to your nearest <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> and get yourself a bargain! While your there, feel free to pick up one for me as well.</div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-39067439822281788622011-10-01T19:21:00.000-05:002011-10-01T19:21:43.978-05:00Stationary Love...I love all things stationary and paper related. A new notebook, pad and pen set, notecards, you name it and I'm there! I have been know to ravage the shelves of discount stores looking for the perfect note cards to send my clients or a close friend. <br />
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Today while doing my weekend blog catching-up over at <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/">Elements of Style</a> and ran across <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2011/09/obsessed-with-rifle-paper-co.html">this post</a>, and I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing for a moment. <a href="http://riflepaperco.com/index.php">Rifle Paper Co.</a> has the most gorgeous array of stationary and anything paper related. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/rbox_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/rbox_m.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mean, I think I really need this in my kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/rec_spoon_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/rec_spoon_m.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This makes me want to host a recipe party ASAP!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/note_garden_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/note_garden_m.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure my scrappy work notes would stay much more organized on something like this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/g_print_abc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/g_print_abc.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How adorable would this be framed in a little girl's room?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/gc_justanotes_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/gc_justanotes_m.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Receiving this card could make even the worst of days seem brighter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/p_bot_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://riflepaperco.com/item_images/p_bot_2.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a cute alternative to the traditional business card? It's like a social card!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In reality, my current stationary stash is the backs of old daily calendar pages and used envelopes, but a girl can dream (or suggest these as a perfect gift for herself, if anyone was looking for a suggestion). </div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-85286782323692908512011-06-18T10:34:00.000-05:002011-06-18T10:34:41.589-05:00Truly CigarsA few weeks ago the big boss came into our office and invited everyone to drinks and cigars on him. My office mates and I, not wanting to miss a once in a lifetime opportunity, jumped at the chance to spend some of his money and get a free drink in the process. So, we closed up shop and met at <a href="http://www.trulycigars.com/">Truly Cigars</a> to receive our afternoon libations.<br />
<br />
It was my first visit to the cigar shop/man-cave lounge, and I was pleasantly surprised! I was expecting the smell of stale ciggies and old tobacco, but instead walked into the most wonderful, manly fragrance of expensive cigars and leather furniture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5845035497/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truly Cigars 011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Truly Cigars 011" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/5845035497_c5891e7054.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
How lucky were we! It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hectic week of event planning. <a href="http://www.trulycigars.com/Selection/index.html">Truly Cigars</a> had an amazing selection of delectable cigars. The staff even kind enough to show a DVD detailing the processing and production of their cigars.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5845588482/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truly Cigars 001 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Truly Cigars 001" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/5845588482_192192b7e5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
I've never really been a cigar smoker. I tried it in college once, and it was just too much to deal with. There was the cutting and puffing, and more cutting and relighting. So, I really didn't plan on having a smoke. Well, the boss and the staff convinced me and I tried a delicious Vanilla Cigar. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5845589554/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truly Cigars 003 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Truly Cigars 003" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5845589554_3d02f24162.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
And while I don't think cigar smoking will become my hobby anytime soon, it was a much more pleasant experience than in my college days. The taste was what got me, the warm taste of vanilla on your lips, it was like flavored chap-stick,but better! (Please try not to be awe-struck by my precise description of flavored cigars).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5845034751/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truly Cigars 010 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Truly Cigars 010" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/5845034751_ac60748a3d.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In the end, it really was the gin that won me over, but if you smoke pipe tobacco or cigars, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.trulycigars.com/index.html">Truly Cigars</a>. Their unique vibe and excellent staff are what keeps everyone in our office looking forward to our next Friday night outing.Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-67773465241343768232011-06-12T13:13:00.000-05:002011-06-12T13:13:57.032-05:00365 Grateful 3/52<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5825430302/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="5.30.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="5.30.2011" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/5825430302_84b2a2ca99.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So thankful for my wonderful Mom, Happy Birthday!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5825429454/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="5.31.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="5.31.2011" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/5825429454_1d271ec581.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I may have a small kitchen, but its productions are delicious!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5825431362/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6.1.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="6.1.2011" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/5825431362_9e8ce5d3fd.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lazy...Wednesday!! How lucky am I? </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5825432482/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6.2.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="6.2.2011" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/5825432482_be197fed82.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That messy pile of papers and folders means I am needed at work (and yes, I do work on Sodoku all through the day, everyday).</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5824874521/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6.3.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="6.3.2011" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5824874521_d94b851f7f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Menu Tasting for a client...I mean, it's a tough job but someone has to do it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5824875779/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6.4.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="6.4.2011" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/5824875779_73a12af81d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Watermelon for supper...Summertime bliss!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5824876909/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6.5.2011 by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="6.5.2011" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/5824876909_899b082358.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Iced) Coffee date with my husband.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-36605993498696283552011-06-11T10:42:00.000-05:002011-06-11T10:42:49.997-05:00Workplace Hazards...Working in the event industry, our office is quite frequently contacted by local vendors looking to promote their product. I am always happy to accept samples, especially when they are tasty! <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kims-Kreations/119944038069098?sk=info">Kim's Creations</a> contacted us to let us know she had recently opened her business and she wanted to bring us a sample. Of course, we said yes, and HURRY! <br />
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This is the cake they were kind enough to make for us...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5820841349/" title="Kim's Creations by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's Creations" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5820841349_9cc2dc3803.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I must say it was quite delicious! Just look how wonderful that looks...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63745560@N04/5821406252/" title="Kim's Creations by estherscloset, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's Creations" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/5821406252_55799b1173.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Let me just say, I think I ate more than my recommended serving size! (It was so worth it, though). It's things like this that make me LOVE my job!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-4224560258036647072011-06-09T19:00:00.001-05:002011-06-09T19:00:01.948-05:00Outside LoungingMy husband and I have lived in our current apartment for a little over a year now, and I have decided it's time to put a little effort into decorating! I would love to say that I have this wonderful nack for all things decor, but that simply is not the case. I can confidently put together any outfit for anyone, but for some reason for me this skill does not translate into home decor. I think I get nervous that it will be something that I look at every day. <br />
<br />
Well, I have decided it's time to take a leap and just do it, maybe it will get easier along the way? So, I've decided to start with the outdoors. We have a wonderful porch that I love dearly, but to sit outside you must endure the frat party lawn chairs that currently decorate our porch. Last weekend I decided I was sick, to death, of these chairs and its time for an upgrade. <br />
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I did a little searching on <a href="http://www.beso.com/?mkt_id=747258485">Beso</a> (which is AWESOME by the way!) and found several selections that hit just the perfect note for my porch and seem to agree with my budget. <br />
<br />
These are the final contenders...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B003YYVDMI.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V168567942_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B003YYVDMI.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V168567942_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/191-3724132-9074905?asin=B003YYVDMI&AFID=shopzilla_df&LNM=|B003YYVDMI&CPNG=patio%20garden&ci_src=10043468&ci_sku=B003YYVDMI&ref=tgt_adv_XSB10001">Target Piazza Bistro Set</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I really love this set, but I think it might be a little too dressy. It's really cute though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://media.cymaxstores.com/images/1524/361908-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.cymaxstores.com/images/1524/361908-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cymax.com/Common/Product/Product.aspx?ID=361908">Cymex Wood Bistro Set</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I decided I wanted to do some type of bistro set, this is really what I had in mind. I'm just a little concerned about wood being outside all the time. I know it is treated to be weather resistant, but still.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/095457/095457112260xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/095457/095457112260xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=3234651&cm_mmc=SCE_shopzilla-_-Shopzilla-_-Shopzilla-_-Garden%20Treasures%203-Piece%20Dabny%20Patio%20Furniture%20Set%20S-ZS110226">Lowe's Dabny Patio Furniture Set</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><img height="96" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B004035TMC.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V193410345_.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 366px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 304px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year Target had a set like this and I kept waiting for it to go on sale. I waited too long, and they were all taken. I think this would be oh so adorable on our cute little porch. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B004035TMC.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V193410345_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B004035TMC.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V193410345_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/191-3724132-9074905?asin=B004035TMC&AFID=shopzilla_df&LNM=|B004035TMC&CPNG=patio%20garden&ci_src=10043468&ci_sku=B004035TMC&ref=tgt_adv_XSB10001">Target Square Bistro Table</a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This little set is my husband's fav. He liked the square table better than the round table in the Cymex set. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So, those are the top four choices. I'm just having a hard time making a committment. Let me know which one you would pick!</div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-2194190402936011792011-06-01T22:37:00.000-05:002011-06-01T22:37:24.316-05:00365 Grateful 2/52<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKXcCAN0nAx12Io-Yt7d-DhCa3VsN9r5VrccdRcGX6fEnAmJUXaGDX2QaK2oTp4nlviD1EkMUChE7ijJKjE_dF6F5bxtp7FG95-xapJ2CJCKQORlSszzUDW3VfH6u0MqtVL_wIwZp1Olt/s1600/5.23.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKXcCAN0nAx12Io-Yt7d-DhCa3VsN9r5VrccdRcGX6fEnAmJUXaGDX2QaK2oTp4nlviD1EkMUChE7ijJKjE_dF6F5bxtp7FG95-xapJ2CJCKQORlSszzUDW3VfH6u0MqtVL_wIwZp1Olt/s400/5.23.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Groceries come in under budget!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l-TDn6v_5TrKu-g7Wsn6AP_AQ22LfPzaVo-hSgK4ngHa8b6Klh_9CTcDy10GexmpQ9WRrPL7qe-Vd30aHD3-uu0XAfE5exAOfmEaBVNSXcMVicMBZJbpy5m8tWQbFr_UTpwe9hyphenhyphenM88gF/s1600/5.24.2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l-TDn6v_5TrKu-g7Wsn6AP_AQ22LfPzaVo-hSgK4ngHa8b6Klh_9CTcDy10GexmpQ9WRrPL7qe-Vd30aHD3-uu0XAfE5exAOfmEaBVNSXcMVicMBZJbpy5m8tWQbFr_UTpwe9hyphenhyphenM88gF/s400/5.24.2011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nothing better than a good bottle of wine and a comfortable porch.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nV6RMmfXyKK3cbUlnmbIHA-Z6ZaP5tfmoRj7rWJ5nUP80idCsziPxhlXd2Np9hJb5OzxRDM2RM6DN7eGYlk-bvO3q6eghpln0UU-TEnPOmg0Ir0XO-4wBoBymYwnnpAyudHw6olOx4EW/s1600/5.25.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nV6RMmfXyKK3cbUlnmbIHA-Z6ZaP5tfmoRj7rWJ5nUP80idCsziPxhlXd2Np9hJb5OzxRDM2RM6DN7eGYlk-bvO3q6eghpln0UU-TEnPOmg0Ir0XO-4wBoBymYwnnpAyudHw6olOx4EW/s400/5.25.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My sweet family relaxing with me after dinner. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXJNI499_49b0WYielzS5le30JWsj0F6PVjyJSmrJ-_1ZXVAYlrAFrqI3X_VfJydBivbZOrlJsk-w1T7m19tu9RmG7oaBYB0RLgZLImBvqKAqcEZ8zaDfTwnKFWtNIv0nnQ6qLDy2QZlp/s1600/5.26.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXJNI499_49b0WYielzS5le30JWsj0F6PVjyJSmrJ-_1ZXVAYlrAFrqI3X_VfJydBivbZOrlJsk-w1T7m19tu9RmG7oaBYB0RLgZLImBvqKAqcEZ8zaDfTwnKFWtNIv0nnQ6qLDy2QZlp/s400/5.26.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Auction ends early (before dark, it's a record!) and I get to ride home with the top down!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqeP5DOVi0foirZao0YEaeZ9_muImMLQynWS5yfltiPKzdwLQZq4T8js8YN_RnYTDt3LjtIYqWPW2WSCecXypkJVb2H2yZsfNCLZXDqtuPz84YSjONsANDQlrIZecz-pxIcY1qi5x4j0r/s1600/5.27.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqeP5DOVi0foirZao0YEaeZ9_muImMLQynWS5yfltiPKzdwLQZq4T8js8YN_RnYTDt3LjtIYqWPW2WSCecXypkJVb2H2yZsfNCLZXDqtuPz84YSjONsANDQlrIZecz-pxIcY1qi5x4j0r/s400/5.27.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Impromptu lunch with coworkers has a sweet surprise!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKbGjnYj77M9nHPXy801uZQpbYuEBilqjIX0QOktYdJ4OYl7Chlaw9D6FeRFIsU-ADHxrR-2e2DWzQ1-Q68HtC2vgySP9D1BjwwgvQTGwEseb8vRCFw81N2fL7jBKiDHg5xbbltlJPgXh/s1600/5.28.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKbGjnYj77M9nHPXy801uZQpbYuEBilqjIX0QOktYdJ4OYl7Chlaw9D6FeRFIsU-ADHxrR-2e2DWzQ1-Q68HtC2vgySP9D1BjwwgvQTGwEseb8vRCFw81N2fL7jBKiDHg5xbbltlJPgXh/s400/5.28.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, that is my new iphone - I'm SO addicted!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISnKhcvS8XHgabPod1vFSvg_sEOLcds2CFkQPOwyK_DMZSLvOTCSAj7q9iJT6Gs2HnfiiXkaRtrJsviOEV9IyZdt-6eUi1aHW4WznJUDFa-gigdaMHgNlQwc2LahFdAFRuA-hIgarCGgC/s1600/5.29.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISnKhcvS8XHgabPod1vFSvg_sEOLcds2CFkQPOwyK_DMZSLvOTCSAj7q9iJT6Gs2HnfiiXkaRtrJsviOEV9IyZdt-6eUi1aHW4WznJUDFa-gigdaMHgNlQwc2LahFdAFRuA-hIgarCGgC/s400/5.29.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was able to be a part of this gorgeous wedding - it's those moments when I absolutely love my job!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-52541049088811807292011-05-24T23:37:00.000-05:002011-05-24T23:37:01.275-05:00365 Grateful<div style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been feeling a little under the weather. Truth be told, I just not really happy in life right now. I'm just not in the place I thought I would be at this time in my life - not financially, not physically, not intellectually, not geographically, not career wise...well career is okay, but the rest could use some work. I just imagined my life differently. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend I was feeling particularly unsettled while I was catching up on email and reading my regular blogs. I subscribed to a <a href="http://www.digital-photography-school.com/">photography</a> blog to learn more about taking and publishing photos. One of the topics on that particular day was a <a href="http://www.digital-photography-school.com/365-grateful-a-photography-project-that-could-change-your-life">video</a> introducing the <a href="http://365grateful.com/">365 Grateful project</a>. In this video <a href="http://tonipowell.me/">Toni Powell</a> talks about this project that she embarked on several years ago. She explains that she simply was not happy with life and she had to do something to jolt her out of the rut she had fallen into. After wise council, she decided to start documenting one thing each day that she was thankful for, and being a photographer, she documented this through photography. She kept documenting little moments every day for an entire year, and at the end, she realized how much she had and how her life, more specifically, her outlook on life had completely changed in the past year. It's an amazingly inspiring story,and I highly recommend watching the video. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have decided to embark on this journey. I am not a photographer by any means, but I can take a photo, and I can be grateful for something each day. So, for the next 52 weeks, I am going to challenge myself to find something to be grateful for each day. I may miss some days, but I'm going to give it my best shot. All I have is this one life, and I have to start living and enjoying it or I am going to miss my chance!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So without further adieu, here is week 1 in my own 365 Grateful project...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><b>Week 1 of 52:</b><br />
<b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCVBFT-gabZ0umlbY-zHrXbwyPro1frihq77ezqppx-GoJRiqy442pfL-M1HiKd6d1cyGCpt2YO7tai8jBl3qvfl_LltLPG6Mdkbd2WJ8od77y-VwSz92yVrDYRM8AYQQLkzmmPnzH-WE/s1600/5.16.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCVBFT-gabZ0umlbY-zHrXbwyPro1frihq77ezqppx-GoJRiqy442pfL-M1HiKd6d1cyGCpt2YO7tai8jBl3qvfl_LltLPG6Mdkbd2WJ8od77y-VwSz92yVrDYRM8AYQQLkzmmPnzH-WE/s400/5.16.2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.16.2011<br />
I'm thankful for delicious homemade pizza - it was REALLY good.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">P.S. Don't laugh, I know it's just pizza, but I spent all morning thinking about eating it and thoroughly enjoyed every bite</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSnu-kgnPyX3OWntL1AiCtNcG0Apko89-TfHlbHHpPvVpP2_YjR21_xFfo0QBZjILBCvPsYZaOwGY25vyTUNxqR09oHkQfcy2u5521PxCWQHTFmCVmO70JSbDYf_6EEDOKTYa1y4gCbRS/s1600/5.17.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSnu-kgnPyX3OWntL1AiCtNcG0Apko89-TfHlbHHpPvVpP2_YjR21_xFfo0QBZjILBCvPsYZaOwGY25vyTUNxqR09oHkQfcy2u5521PxCWQHTFmCVmO70JSbDYf_6EEDOKTYa1y4gCbRS/s400/5.17.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.17.2011<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm grateful for my neighbor who happily obliged to eat my leftovers when I made enchiladas that were WAY TOO HOT for my buds!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq2tlI4aLWqQtTLSW8X5IZ3D1dDdvqI3E6_lOEOeY29JKNNF1SMP2DepowXLUv2gvXnJRB-19lGiT0yeiY_VlswKtSOXMDIrK2aa5l42Z-moq3jtrbjaCRO3lAn-gXYtfwFQeYss62Bqc/s1600/5.18.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq2tlI4aLWqQtTLSW8X5IZ3D1dDdvqI3E6_lOEOeY29JKNNF1SMP2DepowXLUv2gvXnJRB-19lGiT0yeiY_VlswKtSOXMDIrK2aa5l42Z-moq3jtrbjaCRO3lAn-gXYtfwFQeYss62Bqc/s400/5.18.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.18.2011<br />
I'm grateful for my husband who is satisfied with drive-thru baked potatoes when I don't feel like cooking.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcEhO0VEj_VF5tDWlHShkQ52FPIF2Ez0sCVkQpZAcJQGZDd4O_W5Vn8fcnrnyoddSuZD3BDyuoTYfzjuzoSm2IutlnAxcKm81L0DzcfiD14HoDykIT6rRjpfme9LubAVh984POIrX7IYG/s1600/5.19.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcEhO0VEj_VF5tDWlHShkQ52FPIF2Ez0sCVkQpZAcJQGZDd4O_W5Vn8fcnrnyoddSuZD3BDyuoTYfzjuzoSm2IutlnAxcKm81L0DzcfiD14HoDykIT6rRjpfme9LubAVh984POIrX7IYG/s320/5.19.2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.19.2011<br />
Oh, Samsung, you've been so good (most of the time), but it will soon be time for your retirement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjVh4MmT7-jDBDQBcykPraiwAIfRWdAEbiRGD3_9189rApZktuJHfHGhFo7f2F6BdLdBoDCsAdvicjyT9mP_sUy-OsiR72-4C3ZsPeQpH1HL6AfHHEbqDQXtMaVuSrYxcCR6vE0SLbxez/s1600/5.20.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjVh4MmT7-jDBDQBcykPraiwAIfRWdAEbiRGD3_9189rApZktuJHfHGhFo7f2F6BdLdBoDCsAdvicjyT9mP_sUy-OsiR72-4C3ZsPeQpH1HL6AfHHEbqDQXtMaVuSrYxcCR6vE0SLbxez/s400/5.20.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.20.2011</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Kim, I know it was only two days, but I really could not have made it without you. I am thankful you helped keep me sane!</div></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvSYlE_CCmx6Rwd7eZB0HK-mqPayYW4-yDS59w1fPC_Sma1gAZBp97tkIShycvExp2YGbxLyg1nDOtYSDgncd0QP0CzP5dXqa4Mp6lwcN_njYH8grFBs9kVtiUTvkPq5Ovq_J7h2H-HMo/s1600/5.21.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvSYlE_CCmx6Rwd7eZB0HK-mqPayYW4-yDS59w1fPC_Sma1gAZBp97tkIShycvExp2YGbxLyg1nDOtYSDgncd0QP0CzP5dXqa4Mp6lwcN_njYH8grFBs9kVtiUTvkPq5Ovq_J7h2H-HMo/s400/5.21.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5.21.2011<br />
I'm so thankful for my flowers this year. Finally planted and beautiful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbJ_ElDoacZgarIMD9KXV6V_iyCpn4618ONJq5bz_KYbtx8ifCL99bfJfr2BCAKnR_EcAkmTYnwgvcAgho70QKRy4-phJL3xBG9j02449EmWAe3QnHnZMx_LspS5GlnO5sEWskOkFZl4k/s1600/5.22.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbJ_ElDoacZgarIMD9KXV6V_iyCpn4618ONJq5bz_KYbtx8ifCL99bfJfr2BCAKnR_EcAkmTYnwgvcAgho70QKRy4-phJL3xBG9j02449EmWAe3QnHnZMx_LspS5GlnO5sEWskOkFZl4k/s400/5.22.2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">5.22.2011</div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream...need I say more?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's it for week 1, let me know what you think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><br />
</b>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-22509156230355507822010-12-27T23:40:00.000-06:002010-12-27T23:40:35.118-06:00Waffley Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipm5JMZWkJ0VARJ0bGrkKk2kGctZne8_ZTFzkwl42hO9Rrp9oYQ-PWd4XL1QzedioqK3LuLHNrLqgb4l4NV-REa0lP1Tgm8JWWim5c24rir_ejPcTMvlLLKL8WuAvgmR50VYfa7Jr6ipQ/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipm5JMZWkJ0VARJ0bGrkKk2kGctZne8_ZTFzkwl42hO9Rrp9oYQ-PWd4XL1QzedioqK3LuLHNrLqgb4l4NV-REa0lP1Tgm8JWWim5c24rir_ejPcTMvlLLKL8WuAvgmR50VYfa7Jr6ipQ/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have been wanting a long time, a really long time - like since I was a kid long time! I'm not really sure why the delay in making the jump and actually purchasing the waffle maker, but all these years I've been longing for that delicious crispy, sweet goodness. Well, this weekend my husband decided it was time, and he surprised me on Christmas morning with my very own waffle maker! I literally screamed with excitement! <br />
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<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/AVvXsEiG0_InuRmRb41ulLUeNvG-sW59a15fGnyZoysboOEryr7nBF8PFShVdPEhpf0M_q2-jawtrEGPVr5X6rgaTMrcYsGIyEFYS_NYI-3KlXooXJPNOrLinblG82zXEcDq5qD7TGAGnrQ38hfa/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+001+Edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0_InuRmRb41ulLUeNvG-sW59a15fGnyZoysboOEryr7nBF8PFShVdPEhpf0M_q2-jawtrEGPVr5X6rgaTMrcYsGIyEFYS_NYI-3KlXooXJPNOrLinblG82zXEcDq5qD7TGAGnrQ38hfa/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+001+Edited.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Doesn't it look like it would make the most delicious waffle concoctions? Well, last night we gave it a try, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more! This particular model was super easy to use - when you plug it in it turns on, it lights up when it is ready for batter, it lights up when the waffle ready. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a really delicious recipe for <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/oatmeal-cinnamon-waffles/">Oatmeal Cinnamon Waffles</a> over at <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/">Shutterbean</a> (an amazing inspiration for all things foodie and delicious by the way!). The original recipe came from <a href="http://www.sunset.com/">Sunset Magazine</a>. This is how it went:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon baking powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups quick cooking rolled oats*</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tablespoons ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tablespoons light brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 large eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 3/4 cups low-fat milk</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup butter melted</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil**</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">*My husband informed me after we ate that I might should have cooked the oats before adding them to the mixture. I'm not sure if this is true for all oats, but I just used regular oatmeal and precooking probably would have helped.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">**The vegetable oil is not for the mixture, but to grease the griddle. I used non-stick cooking spray and it worked excellently!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-8Sqf9RZnM_QfwiqY9LnbIHxyzyKLG2baVCjLrrf5bjkqPLh31taWkfgyJZ7ypmvfq_Zc-mScOlnFNMTTc2W35PzYvyWXNsShkOqFE1J9Scz9xh1hhu8fJNdSBtRKu_anq6u3IUj9YOr/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-8Sqf9RZnM_QfwiqY9LnbIHxyzyKLG2baVCjLrrf5bjkqPLh31taWkfgyJZ7ypmvfq_Zc-mScOlnFNMTTc2W35PzYvyWXNsShkOqFE1J9Scz9xh1hhu8fJNdSBtRKu_anq6u3IUj9YOr/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix all your dry ingredients together in a large-ish bowl until combined. And yes, this is the largest bowl I have, so if you have an extra...just kidding. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9G240_BZCW6Q0Hb0Pq-cQ47ctEEC86i0LIZIx4k_NZ8m9t5HvTr41oWauydp3SJtLZFgc6MxO514AqISHQH6unbVnwTRr_kkc5Jx25zhJ4aj8q5aVLYYxvS5IE5ImZ106iCGmloPAwXz/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9G240_BZCW6Q0Hb0Pq-cQ47ctEEC86i0LIZIx4k_NZ8m9t5HvTr41oWauydp3SJtLZFgc6MxO514AqISHQH6unbVnwTRr_kkc5Jx25zhJ4aj8q5aVLYYxvS5IE5ImZ106iCGmloPAwXz/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a separate bowl mix your wet ingredients until combined. Add your wet to your dry ingredients and mix until combined (but don't over-mix, a few lumps are good). See how a larger bowl would have come in handy?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-92CNM4l4iDJBNUDTCgc6RV5bg855uYKylBM5QX-pUVG_0xhhUyxSmAHjYP_zvaEQcramrzinUrigfxywV-WMuQqOo1JMp3vZ1_3fJ_6lUcymU8_MqCT-NJKzPtnHW-tlI-tJ8ETibSMI/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-92CNM4l4iDJBNUDTCgc6RV5bg855uYKylBM5QX-pUVG_0xhhUyxSmAHjYP_zvaEQcramrzinUrigfxywV-WMuQqOo1JMp3vZ1_3fJ_6lUcymU8_MqCT-NJKzPtnHW-tlI-tJ8ETibSMI/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Now it's time to get that baby ready. Get it warm and ready (if yours takes a while to warm, you might want to preheat it while you are making your batter). Also, we keep our syrup in the fridge, so I let it sit by the waffle maker during the whole process to warm it up a smidge. <br />
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Once it's heated and ready, brush the vegetable oil (or cooking spray) on the griddle and pour in your batter, then close and let the magic work. My maker had it own measuring cup for making sure you poured the right amount of batter on the griddle. If yours doesn't have one, 1 cup of batter would be fine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdCPnquo2ddjKOyLSNvgwClnVmL9SgU4lk4_y0sRF7qqLhI0QtjjUMKsIiLCSK6laWlTfWz-8LFQBvJgERiuENU4Dg1SV_WfJtowDjyiHsVRx_ObjPAhjqu1msYsblCndnA2d-LKQdFOK/s1600/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdCPnquo2ddjKOyLSNvgwClnVmL9SgU4lk4_y0sRF7qqLhI0QtjjUMKsIiLCSK6laWlTfWz-8LFQBvJgERiuENU4Dg1SV_WfJtowDjyiHsVRx_ObjPAhjqu1msYsblCndnA2d-LKQdFOK/s320/Oatmeal+Cinnamon+Waffles+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Serve with a bit of butter and warm maple syrup and enjoy! And yes, they really were that good!!Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-33104857353634411652010-10-25T18:00:00.000-05:002010-10-26T09:08:04.800-05:00Oh, Murphy! I think it is part of Murphy's Law that when you have plenty of money, you can't seem to find anything you like/want/need. BUT...when the fundage is running low, incredible deals and must have's seem to flood my browser. For instance, there I am mindlessly perusing my normal web favs when I come across an announcement that <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us?cm_mmc=Google-_-US-_-Branded-Meta%20Branded-_-Aldo">Aldo</a> is having a sale! What?! Of course this would come at the most inopportune time, as I am trying desparately to stick to my budget! I mean, I guess I can dream, but purchasing is so much better than dreaming. Well, should the financial situation change, these are the selections I will be purchasing...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://images.asos.com/inv/media/3/5/8/9/1149853/taupe/image1xl.jpg" width="250" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/sale/women/sale-shoes/80460911-gagner/37">Gagner</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.more.com/images/photo/image/02/17/68/photo/21768/original/21_aldo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://www.more.com/images/photo/image/02/17/68/photo/21768/original/21_aldo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/sale/women/sale-shoes/76970169-lahaie/27">Lahaie</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/0e/95/0e95a5a0bea8cb24a08e1da9655138e1/aldo-sandals-beier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/0e/95/0e95a5a0bea8cb24a08e1da9655138e1/aldo-sandals-beier.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/clearance/womens-shoes/heels/78580922-beier/28">Beier</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655726526899743954.post-68847029691713760202010-10-14T17:00:00.002-05:002010-10-14T17:00:03.170-05:00Dreaming in White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year, my sister was on the prowl for a winter white pea-ish style coat. We searched high and low, places near and far, and no such coat existed (at least that we could find). She found several that were just okay, but never <em>the one. </em>Flash foward to last week, I am frantically looking for shoes to wear at my best friend's wedding and what do I see? It's the very coat that illuded us only a year earlier. I had seen the perfect selection for her in a department store and was searching to find it online when I discovered there is quite the selection of winter white coats out there. So, here is a taste of some of the best (and most affordable) options I available. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of these coats are $200 or less, and while this may seem like a lot to spend on one item (especially if you have a particularly tight budget), I do want to mention one thought. In my opinion, winter coats are an investment. Think about it, you will most likely wear it several times a week, if not everyday, for most of the winter season. If you do this for say two years (at least), then your cost per wear becomes so little that you are almost getting paid to wear that beautiful coat! Also, I have found that I have never regretted spending more on a coat to upgrade to better quality, but I have always regretted spending less.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, without further ado, here's the goods... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/6/optimized/780096_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/6/optimized/780096_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/COATS/STELLA-COAT.html">Jessica Simpson Stella Coat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am in love with those rosettes on the collar. The overall shape of this coat is very feminine, but that detail just gives it the extra umph! to make it really special. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/8/optimized/780098_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" width="261" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=480818&CategoryID=6403">Kensie Coat</a><br />
This option is a little more casual, but that ruffle bib and the ruffle on those sleeves...Loving it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.victoriassecret.com/product/tmblg3/V305812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://media.victoriassecret.com/product/tmblg3/V305812.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265311189909&c=Page&cid=1283342260268&pagename=vsdWrapper">Guess Belted Wool Coat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This style is a little more classic, yet trendy at the same time. I'm usually not a fan of double-breasted styles, but the gold buttons help me not mind so much. Also, the double hem at the bottom seems to be reminiscent of the ruffle hemmed coats that graced the Fall Runways. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/804/804210/quick/pl804210-01qlv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/804/804210/quick/pl804210-01qlv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=47892&vid=1&pid=804210&scid=804210022">Jack by BB Dakota, Africa Plush Coat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the most casual option, and while it is quite basic, it is also very classic. This could easily be worn for years. It also has an excellent price tag...$65. It would be perfect on the weekends with jeans and a thermal or cozy flannel button-down. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/809/809488/main/pl809488-00p01v01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/809/809488/main/pl809488-00p01v01.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=47892&vid=1&pid=809488&scid=809488002">Eryn Brinie Ruffle Collar Coat</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite selections. I love the oversized buttons, the bracelet length sleeves, and that big collar. It is so feminine and would look equally well with dress clothes going to work and jeans on the weekend. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/67/14/6714fe986da6a6a17be5115f6eb3d368/modcloth-coats-spiced-vanilla-coat.jpg" width="179" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth%2FWomens%2FOuterwear%2FCoats/Spiced+Vanilla+Coat">Spice Vanilla Coat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my opinion, this color is the most practical. I have a tendency to spill things, rub up against things, etc. I had a stark-white puffer coat a few years ago that would stay perfectly white for about as long as it took me to put it on and walk to the car (about 10 feet). That coat lived at the dry cleaners more than it lived in my closet! I digress. The "spice" in this coat would defnitely help those who are more inclined to spillage. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b-4I2Z1cPBGVpibRUw7Yxk4fi-qP68Ms35iSdqZWw3_YaDUsjtqCgg1iQgC4LIxphSs6ieSZvngnXw8PygJeHzUHGMc2wisByEW9f0GrL65W5-dWpB2ELCdkPCMBgam6X4BjFg4wbZ2_/s1600/cape+may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b-4I2Z1cPBGVpibRUw7Yxk4fi-qP68Ms35iSdqZWw3_YaDUsjtqCgg1iQgC4LIxphSs6ieSZvngnXw8PygJeHzUHGMc2wisByEW9f0GrL65W5-dWpB2ELCdkPCMBgam6X4BjFg4wbZ2_/s320/cape+may.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Outerwear/Jackets/Cape+May">Cape May</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">You may be looking at this and thinking it is not the most practical option, and you're right, it's not. But, imagine it over your party dress for a wedding or even with a pair of highwaisted jeans and heels. I love that it is such a cute alternative to just a regular coat. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/ac/0b/ac0b00e81bff2c6238d1caaa825d4804/urban-outfitters-coats-pins-needles-ruffle-front-lady-coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/ac/0b/ac0b00e81bff2c6238d1caaa825d4804/urban-outfitters-coats-pins-needles-ruffle-front-lady-coat.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=18718858&parentid=W_APP_JACKETS_COATS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=56&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=W_APP_JACKETS_COATS&popId=W_OUTERWEAR&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=">Pins and Needles Ruffle Front Lady Coat</a><br />
I really love the shape of this coat, and the ruffles and pleating give it just enough without going over the top.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://s7.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/1D9F524F.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=CLOTHES-OUTERWEAR-SWEATER&id=18903526&catId=CLOTHES-OUTERWEAR&pushId=CLOTHES-OUTERWEAR&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=55&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=070&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=subCategory">Alice in Autumn Sweatercoat</a><br />
This is more of a sweater option, but is still adorable and totally worth mentioning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/e0/ac/e0accdd227be7a458c0817b44f234206/dkny-bluefly-coats-black-wool-blend-hannah-oversize-collar-coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/e0/ac/e0accdd227be7a458c0817b44f234206/dkny-bluefly-coats-black-wool-blend-hannah-oversize-collar-coat.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.bluefly.com/DKNY-ivory-wool-blend-Hannah-oversize-collar-coat/COLOR_CROSS-SELL/307228202/detail.fly;jsessionid=TNY6r5YAP38PR55TfciVWQ**.app_node5">DKNY Hannah Coat</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">This might possibly be my favorite option. I know it's very simple, but I think that is why I like it. It is just classic enough to last for years, yet it is not simply a boring pea coat. The empire waist seaming and pleats would be ultra-flattering on almost any body shape. If you are looking for a classic yet feminine coat for this year, this one just might be the ticket.</div>Leah Batsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226613302816242988noreply@blogger.com0