tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16688796654650607552024-03-05T01:26:17.200-06:00dilettante | doyenneFROM
dil·et·tante: an admirer or lover of the arts; a dabbler in an art or a field of knowledge............
TO
doy·enne: a woman who is accomplished, influential, and experienced figure in a particular field
tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-15343567156910983672013-10-31T17:59:00.000-05:002013-11-01T18:50:21.944-05:00Happy Fall Y'all IV: Marshall's Mommy MakeoverI love to shop. <br />
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My mother, on the other hand, isn't a huge shopping fan--she'd much rather be biking on a trail in the middle of nowhere. So to satisfy my shopping craving (a girl can only buy so much stuff for herself, after all), my lovely mother was a good sport and allowed me to become her "stylist" for the day.<br />
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When shopping, I'm motivated by the "thrill of the hunt," and nothing is more exciting than finding great clothes at bargain prices (remind me to tell you about my new leather pants!), so I accepted the Marshall's #fabfound challenge and put together some stylish fall/winter looks for Mom:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0mtp0OiXPPtE22KbXhjLHrmjakZAp1f8eyvjCZTSVZ2eFj4_U91JWboTmwHVVI-OSOAY84ZZPE96UIfzA1S2kjPXNoWmVfp8PI3XT0nBOubtcKXwHOpUhYUjHtEBH0Dmwut97PExltNg/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0mtp0OiXPPtE22KbXhjLHrmjakZAp1f8eyvjCZTSVZ2eFj4_U91JWboTmwHVVI-OSOAY84ZZPE96UIfzA1S2kjPXNoWmVfp8PI3XT0nBOubtcKXwHOpUhYUjHtEBH0Dmwut97PExltNg/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookin' good Mama!</td></tr>
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The first look features a graphic blouse, leather detail leggings, tall suede boots and a bright pop of color from a figure-flattering and cozy sweater. This would be a great outfit for running around town during the day or for a casual evening out. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTby1m1toc6v7E2154upTnfH5QEVAcGp6_aeEAusdQUPY-yFGayjnONObctSISmiT6jM8gJwmi2GIhnpjwtKsnN93CFdfUGYmmLB0grza89APOdKwVGyrBl9-iDiQ3OzI72ZMaEY8i811/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTby1m1toc6v7E2154upTnfH5QEVAcGp6_aeEAusdQUPY-yFGayjnONObctSISmiT6jM8gJwmi2GIhnpjwtKsnN93CFdfUGYmmLB0grza89APOdKwVGyrBl9-iDiQ3OzI72ZMaEY8i811/s400/IMG_1844.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bright color will banish gloomy winter weather immediately!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EYgKPbHq6ss0TU9VcPbu60Grhyphenhyphen-ivITZQINsx3HJi2lffWxDxvrl5hPbRxJAMtUnisMcgO5de4D5oZeDBPhguXESWIv_pLMXhHbaBlP_7bg8i0p0h5ZmnsJu_jnb_3gfGtYJYFcuPRLr/s1600/IMG_1838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EYgKPbHq6ss0TU9VcPbu60Grhyphenhyphen-ivITZQINsx3HJi2lffWxDxvrl5hPbRxJAMtUnisMcgO5de4D5oZeDBPhguXESWIv_pLMXhHbaBlP_7bg8i0p0h5ZmnsJu_jnb_3gfGtYJYFcuPRLr/s400/IMG_1838.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I promise we didn't pick the sweater to match the flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY4-MxpKhJYJxi3_BJwl42lRmopoIGmNA8MWpoPfO15fDAukOGnPfDVgdPW-c2LMcA9buXqnBTZzlGt4hU6CdpHAj9YjJIEr4thsHvP04NxYqUKQNONZo3-Sh0_MdXB44pW7rc39ywhFg/s1600/IMG_1861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY4-MxpKhJYJxi3_BJwl42lRmopoIGmNA8MWpoPfO15fDAukOGnPfDVgdPW-c2LMcA9buXqnBTZzlGt4hU6CdpHAj9YjJIEr4thsHvP04NxYqUKQNONZo3-Sh0_MdXB44pW7rc39ywhFg/s400/IMG_1861.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the vibrant, coordinating lip color</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZNWxpWEXFt17sSGJBKKYRh3UGozdW4CRk5eQWV8NTrakY71GaROeKZGhccHXGe4I5meaJtjdUsSPmC2w5yI0VE_FYxEooThsm61m-bqBAyfWv_FErlF_unVJINI-9dAh_YIAzbpIwBt8/s1600/IMG_1910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZNWxpWEXFt17sSGJBKKYRh3UGozdW4CRk5eQWV8NTrakY71GaROeKZGhccHXGe4I5meaJtjdUsSPmC2w5yI0VE_FYxEooThsm61m-bqBAyfWv_FErlF_unVJINI-9dAh_YIAzbpIwBt8/s400/IMG_1910.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuschia is so fresh and youthful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWC2kwLgf_ZpCU52O9X7AETvp2TKxJj3gkFBorjkzUT4DOfcScQpDydOVJEdU7qS1gytsEU1VNJ2_VhPAnXGpe_SZMqgD-0sAM29sySM_h46j7MLW9empo2X3wFxMEnKo4B1n9ASLXRfl/s1600/IMG_1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWC2kwLgf_ZpCU52O9X7AETvp2TKxJj3gkFBorjkzUT4DOfcScQpDydOVJEdU7qS1gytsEU1VNJ2_VhPAnXGpe_SZMqgD-0sAM29sySM_h46j7MLW9empo2X3wFxMEnKo4B1n9ASLXRfl/s400/IMG_1818.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graphic top will work for next spring and summer paired with a colorful skirt </td></tr>
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The second look features this fall's hottest trend (and one of my personal favorites): leather! An animal print blouse is layered under a cropped biker jacket for a casual nighttime look with an edge. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFxi6aQDCAFkBpsfZoGiNgToRGxQbplwArzWs8aPf1S_QFyWwTC6qwCVht1HDxCoAWX1M0fqreEP22HuzLDx6OFFOuaewq8AKZp4j2yPOmUf3fdRpDtr99jDcoRxBV00HsH1ZZ7N9sx3V/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFxi6aQDCAFkBpsfZoGiNgToRGxQbplwArzWs8aPf1S_QFyWwTC6qwCVht1HDxCoAWX1M0fqreEP22HuzLDx6OFFOuaewq8AKZp4j2yPOmUf3fdRpDtr99jDcoRxBV00HsH1ZZ7N9sx3V/s640/IMG_1760.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">both classy and edgy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyG6hIpIBCVRbwkeHFkGP8MAxenqxeqBEc_61q7BoLojwMMAtoO8s_vuuW-ZqQaHq3bbUWON2s81TNVPuMJw5mGUowVPqNL05HC6vs5zYfEF9R7qbCzCL-kifTo2C8uxoUWUXkAloZ33V/s1600/IMG_1791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyG6hIpIBCVRbwkeHFkGP8MAxenqxeqBEc_61q7BoLojwMMAtoO8s_vuuW-ZqQaHq3bbUWON2s81TNVPuMJw5mGUowVPqNL05HC6vs5zYfEF9R7qbCzCL-kifTo2C8uxoUWUXkAloZ33V/s400/IMG_1791.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animal print looks great with gold and silver as evidenced by these layered bracelets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNaaYIy6_IdNZX1ZfiHQeq1ZJJOZGV7aNoOUPB5Ucwak1DXzx7y9qmOv5g2B3fue97W513Buhrj2GVAl_K4niQj5P7JOAnc5N4cCdManQSRUGykmkPm85BE1g-gFCVYKjz4K9tJ9f4Nof/s1600/IMG_1748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNaaYIy6_IdNZX1ZfiHQeq1ZJJOZGV7aNoOUPB5Ucwak1DXzx7y9qmOv5g2B3fue97W513Buhrj2GVAl_K4niQj5P7JOAnc5N4cCdManQSRUGykmkPm85BE1g-gFCVYKjz4K9tJ9f4Nof/s400/IMG_1748.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this pieced moto-jacket flattering? <br />
It would look great paired with a pencil skirt or a wrap dress as well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qHwcDqh3z3Yadm3G6rc38QLYL8lI8CobaAKyxXC1NtCJnc4MdbZS1obT23bJY1CHcsjsFKfWPSIzLp0E_NFqJODASGw6rRTmTegSjifTiBH4JB67k9ChtuJ-aapiYrN6IWwrODvoWTsc/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qHwcDqh3z3Yadm3G6rc38QLYL8lI8CobaAKyxXC1NtCJnc4MdbZS1obT23bJY1CHcsjsFKfWPSIzLp0E_NFqJODASGw6rRTmTegSjifTiBH4JB67k9ChtuJ-aapiYrN6IWwrODvoWTsc/s400/IMG_1811.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great subtle leather accents on this blouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-fCy0GQDe9JRb0qfFvFyKrX2y95R0l3-Rvn1HXhsJYgp75xtFFkfzp0y02qlDoL-WvyCZIV2egBojkEbxhKADcQ_Y9yjq-eeZkVZQBULvfnz_gu3wZ3lXloQDO6KMBo44dW-4zY3HLxz/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-fCy0GQDe9JRb0qfFvFyKrX2y95R0l3-Rvn1HXhsJYgp75xtFFkfzp0y02qlDoL-WvyCZIV2egBojkEbxhKADcQ_Y9yjq-eeZkVZQBULvfnz_gu3wZ3lXloQDO6KMBo44dW-4zY3HLxz/s400/IMG_1781.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical leather detailing flatters and elongates the legs</td></tr>
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Despite her shopping aversion, I think <i>even she</i> enjoyed her personal shopping experience. I pulled tons of pieces in several sizes and coordinated looks before she showed up to try on, so she was in and out (and back on her bicycle) in 45 minutes with several versatile additions to her wardrobe. <br />
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We mananged to have a little photoshoot fun too and I just had to share a few outtakes. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZImISC_pb9gAAhPP71OsxVUD2qfzGLZAlWRmiaLqiNyArGikDnbbkPTVGG-1-H85s0jlXVuliegg2u_XkxFpIzjLObOiTNnu3UOar5W9rc_XkbO9cTRicmOORQ_VsH-xTkxx-RLlkteY/s1600/dilettante++doyenne+photos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZImISC_pb9gAAhPP71OsxVUD2qfzGLZAlWRmiaLqiNyArGikDnbbkPTVGG-1-H85s0jlXVuliegg2u_XkxFpIzjLObOiTNnu3UOar5W9rc_XkbO9cTRicmOORQ_VsH-xTkxx-RLlkteY/s640/dilettante++doyenne+photos.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So do you think this stylish 50-something has a future modeling career?</td></tr>
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Thanks Mom!<br />
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What are some of your favorite fall trends that transcend age?<br />
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-45807500534400977562013-10-30T15:33:00.002-05:002013-10-30T15:36:01.538-05:00Happy Fall Y'all III: Pumpkin. It's what's for dinner.Intrigued by a stuffed pumpkin recipe first spotted on Pinterest, I decided to give it a go. I mean, what's more "fall" than pumpkins? While I consume a plethora of pumpkin flavored foods and beverages, it occurred to me that I've never actually eaten a for-real pumpkin. Pinterest challenge: accepted. <br />
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But before I could delve into the culinary portion, I had to make it pretty first, right? Extra points for presentation! I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speedball-Linoleum-Cutter-Assortment-1/dp/B0017D8W5E">Speedball linoleum cutter</a> with interchangeable tips (most likely a souvenir from that one token engraving project in high school art class) to etch a design into the surface of the pumpkin (make sure not to pierce all the way through). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The botanical vine motif was almost too cute to eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin full of stuffed deliciousness</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUzTcUEAGvVl91bWGOYrJUadpvFdv8V2mcMbR1af_hjDlZ5nx_UZ_scvXpTZEgWn0sUWCZd_Av-b34aPq_WW1WX28d8Pd14VlafJBL5En5b2urcuUPlhMSzJg3E1OSej4Yr-kyy2rYTSn/s1600/IMG_3384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUzTcUEAGvVl91bWGOYrJUadpvFdv8V2mcMbR1af_hjDlZ5nx_UZ_scvXpTZEgWn0sUWCZd_Av-b34aPq_WW1WX28d8Pd14VlafJBL5En5b2urcuUPlhMSzJg3E1OSej4Yr-kyy2rYTSn/s400/IMG_3384.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right out of the oven--I love how the etched pattern got bolder with heat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmyPucp6LugRUfAdpYWUIjw3M_sM5hGUyG_haVo_QelegzZ0Yh8naZ19x0QRPy_uvLo69xjjAUlEQ95XTmxXLMd_qVbl1O7kNHEJ1jRy0HVuVeCEOa_rQ3y-rWG7LjlpX27iaEto6qhEU/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmyPucp6LugRUfAdpYWUIjw3M_sM5hGUyG_haVo_QelegzZ0Yh8naZ19x0QRPy_uvLo69xjjAUlEQ95XTmxXLMd_qVbl1O7kNHEJ1jRy0HVuVeCEOa_rQ3y-rWG7LjlpX27iaEto6qhEU/s400/IMG_3387.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy...dig in!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fair warning for you type A personalities: I changed the <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Stuffed-with-Everything-Good-361169">original recipe</a> significantly based on what I thought would add interesting flavors and based on what I had in the fridge, but I think this is a dish that lends itself to experimentation, so get creative! </span><br />
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<i>A variant of this recipe was also featured on NPR, so if you're like me and love to listen to cooking talk radio, <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130704456">click here</a>.</i><br />
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<b>Stuffed Pumpkin</b><br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
1 pie pumpkin<br />
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />
1/4 c chopped onion<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/4 c chopped apple<br />
1 c slightly stale bread or toasted bread<br />
1/4 c handful golden raisins and/or dried cranberries<br />
2 T chopped scallions<br />
2/3 cup cheese (mix mozzarella, Parmesan, smoked Gruyere, etc)<br />
1/3 c cream<br />
3 T white cooking wine or broth<br />
Dash of nutmeg and thyme<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<u>Recipe</u><br />
Pre-heat oven to 350 F.<br />
Wash exterior of pumpkin and etch design, if desired. <br />
Cut at an angle around the stem, remove cap, and clean out the "guts." Salt inside of pumpkin and turn upside down to drain on counter while preparing the stuffing.<br />
Cook bacon in cast iron skillet and set aside.<br />
Using same pan, sauté onions, garlic and apples in bacon grease for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms to the pan for the last minute of cooking. <br />
Mix all dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add cream and wine/broth and gently fold. <br />
Stuff the pumpkin, replace the cap, set on baking dish or in a casserole dish, and bake for 1-2 hours, until pumpkin can be easily pierced all the way through with a knife.<br />
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I ended up baking this small-ish pumpkin for about an hour and a half. I was worried that it might taste watery or mushy, but the flavors and consistency came out just right. There was a good deal of stuffing leftover (enough for another pumpkin, perhaps?) and although the pumpkin itself looked small, it provided either 2 aggressive portions or 4 smaller slices. It even tasked pretty yummy leftover!<br />
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Served with a simple spinach salad, it made for a great presentation; it would be perfect for a dinner party or even as a fancy side for your Thanksgiving meal. But of course, a pretty dinner requires a pretty table setting, so here's how I've jazzed up my table for fall:<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="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSKCMCse9yzn42SO3jaXWkk56-6v3Q71XGhFeNKOvD3PIcHWOX75FWNo8PaaEqxil8NLHx_F5dsfKKo3DZd058jGFXmQPHwjRtSju898DHXUCVa4HYGK2UTTkFMeikXWjjps32AuFQ_y/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSKCMCse9yzn42SO3jaXWkk56-6v3Q71XGhFeNKOvD3PIcHWOX75FWNo8PaaEqxil8NLHx_F5dsfKKo3DZd058jGFXmQPHwjRtSju898DHXUCVa4HYGK2UTTkFMeikXWjjps32AuFQ_y/s400/IMG_3389.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest table</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUSO3C3EoEpKPqpKTXU1L1wK12fici5Qt4WKEb-N3goSYqxeGkdmyhPKZhWHQ_ec8Ck6nTIAvs_0HBEW8gGFcWmpSWwD8MzM7zCB54QY1WdthWTpSUniaxQqvl1BTtLj1efEh5mapKbN0/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUSO3C3EoEpKPqpKTXU1L1wK12fici5Qt4WKEb-N3goSYqxeGkdmyhPKZhWHQ_ec8Ck6nTIAvs_0HBEW8gGFcWmpSWwD8MzM7zCB54QY1WdthWTpSUniaxQqvl1BTtLj1efEh5mapKbN0/s400/IMG_3392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember <a href="http://dilettantedoyenne.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-fall-yall.html">these pumpkin buttons</a>? <br />
Well now they have become embellishments for some vintage napkins<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNVdYkzqcFuhbYsXOTDj5mPXwGsxqf_fa1u-3L04TOQIKkDSOaJ-zEuV65E3Lvy-owzrAtRc1AQOOG5Ur9Sv053VoYK5ZsOd1vVm7RdqYsPRC5MvhGYx36e_JNVrKL3pNOGQNgQjE4os/s1600/IMG_3253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNVdYkzqcFuhbYsXOTDj5mPXwGsxqf_fa1u-3L04TOQIKkDSOaJ-zEuV65E3Lvy-owzrAtRc1AQOOG5Ur9Sv053VoYK5ZsOd1vVm7RdqYsPRC5MvhGYx36e_JNVrKL3pNOGQNgQjE4os/s400/IMG_3253.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray painted gourds and pumpkins on a tiered dessert stand as a table centerpiece</td></tr>
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What are some of your favorite fall recipes?<br />
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-28117750628405603682013-10-29T13:52:00.000-05:002013-10-30T12:23:23.581-05:00Happy Fall Y'all II: Fall porch<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I'm a relative newcomer on my street, I figured I would do my neighborly duty and decorate my front porch for the fall season. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFR8S1drgO6_dCVtJrm8CqP7Py0ECfIuQ_GpWHg3N-NeC5n64nPGIBVJKn5ldg0yPuU3UMhOIUIt54ww2vic5Tf6q9lNAtwGnhHBP1XpDVaZeHs5uSuB33l8xCM2eViyWBVJ51hokFZ6/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFR8S1drgO6_dCVtJrm8CqP7Py0ECfIuQ_GpWHg3N-NeC5n64nPGIBVJKn5ldg0yPuU3UMhOIUIt54ww2vic5Tf6q9lNAtwGnhHBP1XpDVaZeHs5uSuB33l8xCM2eViyWBVJ51hokFZ6/s640/IMG_3325.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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Ok, that's a total lie. </div>
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I didn't do it for the good of the 'hood. Nope, my motivations were purely selfish--it puts a smile on my face to drive home and see a welcoming and cheerful entry. Not to mention, my <a href="http://dilettantedoyenne.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-fall-yall.html">home interior</a> is feeling fall-ish, so the outside needed keep up!<br />
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I wanted an inexpensive and easy way to makeover my front porch, so first step was to purchase the traditional pumpkins and mums from the grocery store (on sale, woohoo!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBew136vio1On7o-fbMHl_kP0JmveF_uxayVbDbjrL_8s4KYxwY_UIW3OfFPGGwvKzW6EVlU7js1EW0Smj9PAdD-Z7OiLQCyjYx1ithLQXo-xpiYertcudxxpdYdfqZe7vmi0yFnd-G9I/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBew136vio1On7o-fbMHl_kP0JmveF_uxayVbDbjrL_8s4KYxwY_UIW3OfFPGGwvKzW6EVlU7js1EW0Smj9PAdD-Z7OiLQCyjYx1ithLQXo-xpiYertcudxxpdYdfqZe7vmi0yFnd-G9I/s400/IMG_3342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud owner of the world's largest mum. Seriously, this dude barely made it into my car</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniTK8EDWYCPrX3pKZriDJDjry1L1tHhSsnVhjRd6zxlOSCZ1kdehIeRxvc22t0Nn2yQbv5ebfirJE1vlEyxOBnYRnv-VnKmBEnu6an1EHlfvjUtVc1Z8fopzJ1Xhq2QPBzEP_5RZMT37A/s1600/IMG_3347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniTK8EDWYCPrX3pKZriDJDjry1L1tHhSsnVhjRd6zxlOSCZ1kdehIeRxvc22t0Nn2yQbv5ebfirJE1vlEyxOBnYRnv-VnKmBEnu6an1EHlfvjUtVc1Z8fopzJ1Xhq2QPBzEP_5RZMT37A/s400/IMG_3347.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lopped off the top of the pumpkin to create a pumpkin case of the small mums. <br />
This is super easy and would make a great gift!</td></tr>
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I have some more sinister Halloween carving plans in store for the remaining big pumpkin...<br />
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Next, I rearranged a few decor items I had around the house. I added a bright, ceramic garden stool and a lantern that I filled with tiny pumpkins, leaves, and pine cones. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I also added some potted begonias, which have miraculously survived since the spring, despite my brown thumb. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXp8f0nMYJlx6DutRFzDrPY73wFZrHoPr8IQ5-5PJ9_A3RJc_dnweRnVfvrctAky0OU7Nkjo9MyuzdkNvQpypFGu3z9F7L44WjusVRn7oPd3jmk7EjwXVKT9X0U7IBlurrI3qSwOubdWP/s1600/IMG_3336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXp8f0nMYJlx6DutRFzDrPY73wFZrHoPr8IQ5-5PJ9_A3RJc_dnweRnVfvrctAky0OU7Nkjo9MyuzdkNvQpypFGu3z9F7L44WjusVRn7oPd3jmk7EjwXVKT9X0U7IBlurrI3qSwOubdWP/s400/IMG_3336.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I dug out a leftover wreath from the garage, brushed it off, switched out the bow, added some burlap ribbon and tucked in a couple of pressed leaves from my yard. It even has two battery powered strands that light up.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7G9d2Lb3i32QH1zI3dMLdDRdi9-3iKy0tDkOTLn1mQwfCR0CHsjT3RCDKAfogY6U6OwIVXyc6N-HXtKfbLctYCJLaF4cebJYSbreNL4wFIOg6Up3oKIyTORyWoRNQ6QJih-0bfnVl7HZ/s1600/FAQNzNQNT9m%259y+1vzf1bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7G9d2Lb3i32QH1zI3dMLdDRdi9-3iKy0tDkOTLn1mQwfCR0CHsjT3RCDKAfogY6U6OwIVXyc6N-HXtKfbLctYCJLaF4cebJYSbreNL4wFIOg6Up3oKIyTORyWoRNQ6QJih-0bfnVl7HZ/s400/FAQNzNQNT9m%259y+1vzf1bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTodeC3VdbEFWjyEmuJD_OU50O9E9jwNLBKT0sKFSfhjsZS9KkNFf9Zk1-23LJY3GHHVm4_nSE3TYvet3bG8hNNfcKc6x4oseBJQFMYTcBX0kmDblkGiVo8ERJPi1dJI0UaS8o69bNZsAW/s1600/IMG_3369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTodeC3VdbEFWjyEmuJD_OU50O9E9jwNLBKT0sKFSfhjsZS9KkNFf9Zk1-23LJY3GHHVm4_nSE3TYvet3bG8hNNfcKc6x4oseBJQFMYTcBX0kmDblkGiVo8ERJPi1dJI0UaS8o69bNZsAW/s400/IMG_3369.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make it extra spooky, I filled a couple of mason jars with river rocks and added tea lights. <br />
Trick or Treat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx2YmtGi4hr5sv2IwJn6P03uZhuKDvSz2_SpcelWCsgAjR582JyI-523zUtAnJPwCpq9aZ2DTOTX-FXaTI-p_uCVI5uzaOxlGGgVXb-9hg1-f3KEBbNtA8hByByKS9Lb6aBGOxkbvcDEE/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx2YmtGi4hr5sv2IwJn6P03uZhuKDvSz2_SpcelWCsgAjR582JyI-523zUtAnJPwCpq9aZ2DTOTX-FXaTI-p_uCVI5uzaOxlGGgVXb-9hg1-f3KEBbNtA8hByByKS9Lb6aBGOxkbvcDEE/s640/IMG_3374.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it look warm and cozy? Or maybe even a little bit creepy? Extra points for lurking dog</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How do you decorate your entryway?</span></div>
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-28959923033729436282013-10-27T23:15:00.000-05:002013-10-30T12:23:08.797-05:00Happy Fall Y'all I: Fall interiors<div style="text-align: center;">
Harvest candle lit: check.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pumpkin spice latte chugged: check. </div>
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Snuggle-y clothes rescued from the attic: check. </div>
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So yep...that pretty much makes it official: HAPPY FALL, Y'ALL!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic17ML3sbTpm6XAmYLJduSE2ct86fX5fstzAkQz4ULsNyfIAVN8LMbTkD8uu6SjotMMtRvg20AuOPP18UsH2TTP308ulvW-QCc6JXqohoLURWiVujDczK8XWLXmvurWSJmQeRR8tElAVoc/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic17ML3sbTpm6XAmYLJduSE2ct86fX5fstzAkQz4ULsNyfIAVN8LMbTkD8uu6SjotMMtRvg20AuOPP18UsH2TTP308ulvW-QCc6JXqohoLURWiVujDczK8XWLXmvurWSJmQeRR8tElAVoc/s400/IMG_3402.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I like to enjoy the great outdoors while reclining in a velvet chair...it's just whatever</td></tr>
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I'll admit, I'm a little late to the fall party; I cling to desperately to the last vestiges of summer (I was sunning myself on the beach merely a couple weeks ago) but I've finally thrown in the towel. And despite being initially resistant, fall actually is one of my favorite seasons...even if my space heater is currently blowing full blast when its all of 61 degrees outside! <br />
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To celebrate the season and one of my fave holidays (Halloween!) there will be a little dose of all things fall on the blog each day this week ranging from cooking to decor to fashion and lots in between, so stay tuned :) <br />
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So to start us off, a thrifty pillow makeover:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I happened upon this tacky pumpkin sweater on a thrifting adventure awhile back. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that (only slightly) ironically wanted to wear this gem to a fall soiree. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But to avoid firm placement into the granny category, I opted instead to transform</span> it into festive, kitschy home decor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEkebLJt7jl69yH6ExesY7676tfF_ISXLikN6nffW4ZELLcXrHT3uL6c99DpDvhvDteLmozHlzA1DGUvpFecI2ZSwDn2Q-mBc6u_7nvi1Is2uDo0gFxnM8qc_LDIYee5vS0mq-yqTjYO-/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEkebLJt7jl69yH6ExesY7676tfF_ISXLikN6nffW4ZELLcXrHT3uL6c99DpDvhvDteLmozHlzA1DGUvpFecI2ZSwDn2Q-mBc6u_7nvi1Is2uDo0gFxnM8qc_LDIYee5vS0mq-yqTjYO-/s400/IMG_3228.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: vogue, vogue, strike a selfie pose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVkMcICYHai8voPtBgOer_zJcCOYSNb1C81Rd_nW2YyYjoRV7VivclHBzEPksg6wS6IDu6shTh94JO5ReWx6xrFwWhx0jMWnABEnuypLod3hHDm19q7p0M22L33i4eDXmT6_Fz3ogFMEf/s1600/IMG_3234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVkMcICYHai8voPtBgOer_zJcCOYSNb1C81Rd_nW2YyYjoRV7VivclHBzEPksg6wS6IDu6shTh94JO5ReWx6xrFwWhx0jMWnABEnuypLod3hHDm19q7p0M22L33i4eDXmT6_Fz3ogFMEf/s400/IMG_3234.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: push aside my attention-<strike>starved</strike> greedy pup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs6vXZcQk2ibLYfTZTFC6DhC40x9fob7IS2sNmJrTPVgRu7wg6bG2YaBBo5vT7ZjdCRyTSbKvZ13SvBOHmAWibUkbSMnIW8e7_awWSoMNok6XiTfFX42dcejCsxA268fzgyOmdq_YakNg/s1600/IMG_3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs6vXZcQk2ibLYfTZTFC6DhC40x9fob7IS2sNmJrTPVgRu7wg6bG2YaBBo5vT7ZjdCRyTSbKvZ13SvBOHmAWibUkbSMnIW8e7_awWSoMNok6XiTfFX42dcejCsxA268fzgyOmdq_YakNg/s400/IMG_3239.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: remove dingy shoulder pads (ew) and pumpkin buttons</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzejTgkFmTFYkvzDTLP-htkVKaFgPdhHlz7p3s1_FDKF1xqxahb4ezD5JY3-lk0MT4iwi_vXZaxDKtaAao6H8jG3Xs5ymROPovs6mtHWy5teraWBaJDCPqD5TeFb_s6-Z91fsiX1qZL0jz/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzejTgkFmTFYkvzDTLP-htkVKaFgPdhHlz7p3s1_FDKF1xqxahb4ezD5JY3-lk0MT4iwi_vXZaxDKtaAao6H8jG3Xs5ymROPovs6mtHWy5teraWBaJDCPqD5TeFb_s6-Z91fsiX1qZL0jz/s400/IMG_3242.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4: slather gold paint all over salvage buttons for a not-yet-determined use<br />
I'll let the 1990s version of my mother take credit for this lil' piece of advice: <br />
When in doubt, everything looks better gilded. Truth. </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkpbv22S1NmqLFF9_B5xL47UU_m9ZXAcwSZENvhu6tDAzSzYrolsL5BsxxpGAy3mwY6Z7mJ-PEQLxJSxdK9gMu6NpDqOUpraEpZIwMjeqhl1_RppStyzcEZp8ttZ4g8ae8k4gsnt8QhqK/s1600/IMG_3264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkpbv22S1NmqLFF9_B5xL47UU_m9ZXAcwSZENvhu6tDAzSzYrolsL5BsxxpGAy3mwY6Z7mJ-PEQLxJSxdK9gMu6NpDqOUpraEpZIwMjeqhl1_RppStyzcEZp8ttZ4g8ae8k4gsnt8QhqK/s400/IMG_3264.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 5: measure fabric, cut, pin, stitch...stitch incorrectly, use seam ripper, re-pin, re-stitch, fluff...<b>tah-dah!</b></td></tr>
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After scrounging up some pillows in complimentary fall-ish colors, I pulled out the ole "fall decor box" and added some extra fall flair to the living room. A wreath (a previous DIY project fashioned from only-the-finest of dollar store supplies) and a cornucopia later, I felt that I'd done even the pilgrims proud.<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="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTrH1Z5MJTd3J9dmA9y9rv84yP1xN669bfTwoT3v6VrcOljdo68FkU4-UupdAQdfsjXVBG9A6yWtj8ZpMKt11ZW2VNMlaseqImSYdCGbH0YZOjD5MTi9O42AdStWD1v-MHUosiIALPD2E/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTrH1Z5MJTd3J9dmA9y9rv84yP1xN669bfTwoT3v6VrcOljdo68FkU4-UupdAQdfsjXVBG9A6yWtj8ZpMKt11ZW2VNMlaseqImSYdCGbH0YZOjD5MTi9O42AdStWD1v-MHUosiIALPD2E/s640/IMG_3271.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget a spicy smelling candle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hmd43Hrs2sJzUwC1n0vnsxr9GbhaKCWoLuSxLV3R-BXmmoLwRh81pupj4oQwM8tiMCRe7_O30FumQOi9h-PI-CuI1ubJSUj4yj-YyjsWP5wXBQcmt4uuhH84e0rd8dn4t_g2v9nn8Kg7/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hmd43Hrs2sJzUwC1n0vnsxr9GbhaKCWoLuSxLV3R-BXmmoLwRh81pupj4oQwM8tiMCRe7_O30FumQOi9h-PI-CuI1ubJSUj4yj-YyjsWP5wXBQcmt4uuhH84e0rd8dn4t_g2v9nn8Kg7/s400/IMG_3289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bennett's stamp of approval</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCq20DXFo73EV800OoHovzN2QCvR-pIq7oO0M6j7QpOXDPNJ_iIChldDCECNIKvUqtBXJTqS0Pg5OnrbNgRd9xrzlFFU1EMXYXQZ1dEWZoRKW5YDVtPOuCuiBQzsW55yBdjgXH2DVHfK8/s1600/IMG_3297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCq20DXFo73EV800OoHovzN2QCvR-pIq7oO0M6j7QpOXDPNJ_iIChldDCECNIKvUqtBXJTqS0Pg5OnrbNgRd9xrzlFFU1EMXYXQZ1dEWZoRKW5YDVtPOuCuiBQzsW55yBdjgXH2DVHfK8/s640/IMG_3297.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on over and getcha some cider</td></tr>
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What's your favorite way to prep for fall?<br />
<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-74636037423901333692013-09-26T15:21:00.002-05:002013-09-26T15:34:12.190-05:00Happy Birthday Bennett!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy first "birthday" (adoption day) to my pup, Mr. Bennett Basile Fitzwilliam!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64oG3FaBBRSlG0rrIbRXZ5WXaF38fadM1w837_L0DUb4De4rB4m6h4UIdKdUKrKRDRj8YA2vl1BKk5LURa9CMZVIUULwpJbh0J4ZSpHbDc5hCrSdo7w6KxOc9aGyqtF4qs_Mb_vyUF66R/s1600/IMG_4691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64oG3FaBBRSlG0rrIbRXZ5WXaF38fadM1w837_L0DUb4De4rB4m6h4UIdKdUKrKRDRj8YA2vl1BKk5LURa9CMZVIUULwpJbh0J4ZSpHbDc5hCrSdo7w6KxOc9aGyqtF4qs_Mb_vyUF66R/s400/IMG_4691.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I'd been going back and forth about getting a dog (for like, 5 years) and finally decided that I <i>could</i> be a responsible dog mom. As much as I love puppies, I didn't think I could last through the chewing and potty training phases, so I began searching for an adult rescue dog. After months of searching, I found my little nugget from the <a href="http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org/">Cavalier Rescue</a> in Memphis. It was love at first sight ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkQ9mmvDg_dHw02G0O0ml97789ui4ZhCDdTdCupAD9l84y5_URKQia2Ke_whGjsV2c9-s0SBiC2mUUw40JYoT4WDEJLWlZ0AOXi4vp_l5534GckygpDKomIRGw98c1AbsVdJ5XioEGvAE/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkQ9mmvDg_dHw02G0O0ml97789ui4ZhCDdTdCupAD9l84y5_URKQia2Ke_whGjsV2c9-s0SBiC2mUUw40JYoT4WDEJLWlZ0AOXi4vp_l5534GckygpDKomIRGw98c1AbsVdJ5XioEGvAE/s400/IMG_3460.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Bennett was found running around the wilds of Arkansas in pretty bad condition. He weighed almost half of what he does now, had infections, no muscle tone and could barely use his back legs. A local shelter turned him over to Greg at Cavalier Rescue. They called him "Lucky,"and he definitely was--I'm so thankful for all they did to nurse him back to health! I wish I knew more about his story, but I sure am glad he's now part of mine. <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="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskMHOgcFAT1_ajFyxYiFfl973qlY82cBZ-ACAIdhqJv8qhOmjT1jB8b_WWbz7ZOp-hdXSGfvs1AqeHbFQeibhO7LsbHL7fkZ3ptGZRSuO4AmDRr48eWSkPCUf52EVNYx-PritMA_7CiAH/s1600/IMG_7750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskMHOgcFAT1_ajFyxYiFfl973qlY82cBZ-ACAIdhqJv8qhOmjT1jB8b_WWbz7ZOp-hdXSGfvs1AqeHbFQeibhO7LsbHL7fkZ3ptGZRSuO4AmDRr48eWSkPCUf52EVNYx-PritMA_7CiAH/s400/IMG_7750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles!</td></tr>
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Since B is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, an originally British breed, I decided he needed a very British name (and yes, I had a list longer than most people have to name their baby). With tongue planted firmly in cheek, I chose Bennett and Fitzwilliam, both nods to <i><u>Pride and Prejudice</u></i>. Incidentally, Fitzwilliam is just plain hilarious to say. Basile (in addition to being my favorite herb) means "King" in Old English, which is appropriate, though, technically, he's more of a "princess prissy pants."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y5ywavHwdqgbJKBbqumqB0u0lEj8SEuFb26NBdCa2JVYeGGhsgQyvLJ8BJAume65J6u2gdlFs7I6lh0HaAmF4RtzF-6cs5XOxZ-JyiqJbpecEA09DYs52AWej6YgsUleB1e7iedYyPHw/s1600/1472+PNG+Cavalier+King+Charles+Terrier+Crown+Heart+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y5ywavHwdqgbJKBbqumqB0u0lEj8SEuFb26NBdCa2JVYeGGhsgQyvLJ8BJAume65J6u2gdlFs7I6lh0HaAmF4RtzF-6cs5XOxZ-JyiqJbpecEA09DYs52AWej6YgsUleB1e7iedYyPHw/s400/1472+PNG+Cavalier+King+Charles+Terrier+Crown+Heart+-+Copy.png" width="282" /></a></div>
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This past year hasn't been without a couple rough spots (a major mystery illness resulting in the first doggie ER trip, moving, and Bennett learning how to open the back door and embark on a solo adventure to name a few) but I'm pretty sure I hit the jackpot with this loud-snoring, frog-hunting, outdoor-adventuring, "tap-dancing," cat-friending, snuggle-loving, "ferocious"-barking, belly rub-getting, late-sleeping, enthusiastic-walking, treat-scarfing, baby-playing, non-fetching, good natured Mamma's boy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some of my fave pics from this past year</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1N4h3Dc4R5metLKJrpjbfPEQjIas7wv3-Iixts8tCFVVS25c5nZ0c83gmU24tMSpHlaJ3FbGNug8mwmmnYjN7-bORcBGIU9cE0uV1Zv3bL090F7sqpXK1xyMW5gTx4FlirMrBgRidN90/s1600/IMG_2687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1N4h3Dc4R5metLKJrpjbfPEQjIas7wv3-Iixts8tCFVVS25c5nZ0c83gmU24tMSpHlaJ3FbGNug8mwmmnYjN7-bORcBGIU9cE0uV1Zv3bL090F7sqpXK1xyMW5gTx4FlirMrBgRidN90/s320/IMG_2687.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bennett and his Cavalier Rescue posse</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHRJsFW6XJlMrhH-5At8LR2fSbv_XSNfGikD33m0Z8jAdMnphvEWtbYQCXqdWvlQMSfWb90qIVYWYn1sCtlaki_ofAKILKZNxB8akseyQBjzEFym6J_K89MZk4k4pV0U02NrZk2WvwHNr/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHRJsFW6XJlMrhH-5At8LR2fSbv_XSNfGikD33m0Z8jAdMnphvEWtbYQCXqdWvlQMSfWb90qIVYWYn1sCtlaki_ofAKILKZNxB8akseyQBjzEFym6J_K89MZk4k4pV0U02NrZk2WvwHNr/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly puppy, don't you know that you can't absorb knowledge by sleeping on your books?</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9HiGaB5ArAHCY2kwNYM5WLzX7W2hsWCzuxSZMgOwg5pc77hlboxOTVgLWAYOewjKRkOxc5XT6OFSuOQIUnKOBY4g7Hyuhj7HljyO9eFE0XMurBHOU1PvnKBGF33ZE9ulC_5ENVWXbrvf/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9HiGaB5ArAHCY2kwNYM5WLzX7W2hsWCzuxSZMgOwg5pc77hlboxOTVgLWAYOewjKRkOxc5XT6OFSuOQIUnKOBY4g7Hyuhj7HljyO9eFE0XMurBHOU1PvnKBGF33ZE9ulC_5ENVWXbrvf/s400/IMG_3877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young at heart</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlBkKMifjFWz7Eg-jBgjwYyo7tp11HH6YN8aAbk0gI_kkWt0ykUF1a4gUIvwoqUovTbCyZ6nAH0r6WZNd7dLSmnSgMs3aKkm1HzTt5G6qiHdPg_x9bhFT4pbX1yxtiukdBSDkFUHixjJ9/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlBkKMifjFWz7Eg-jBgjwYyo7tp11HH6YN8aAbk0gI_kkWt0ykUF1a4gUIvwoqUovTbCyZ6nAH0r6WZNd7dLSmnSgMs3aKkm1HzTt5G6qiHdPg_x9bhFT4pbX1yxtiukdBSDkFUHixjJ9/s400/IMG_3903.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biker dude</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMlmQDKpV2y588uDaLLo38a2tId9Z6e6cD74wmM7KIVbTFhVq4Kj4NZo2yTdn9SdAetfVQjZGRIW0uJR-6YQhxD9LZnuVT_S4bq7Dp_2GlZJWLga7hECJBMoSvlP3CXoRKbN4k9iaYle7/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMlmQDKpV2y588uDaLLo38a2tId9Z6e6cD74wmM7KIVbTFhVq4Kj4NZo2yTdn9SdAetfVQjZGRIW0uJR-6YQhxD9LZnuVT_S4bq7Dp_2GlZJWLga7hECJBMoSvlP3CXoRKbN4k9iaYle7/s400/IMG_4569.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil naughty elf ate all of Santa's cookies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gRcQeQWqajK-kVtLs2KHMvIrQ86wJihozqjHbuUSQ8tLKkE1N7NtZQ9kzxPz7XQUCmBM5rwbnessE9txjx_OTgFS66hFBvKdIpjq8jldE1o-Wj8Gk5RgFJydGqtEsTaAOfhrdgL5MIY8/s1600/IMG_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gRcQeQWqajK-kVtLs2KHMvIrQ86wJihozqjHbuUSQ8tLKkE1N7NtZQ9kzxPz7XQUCmBM5rwbnessE9txjx_OTgFS66hFBvKdIpjq8jldE1o-Wj8Gk5RgFJydGqtEsTaAOfhrdgL5MIY8/s400/IMG_5040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#1 snuggle buddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiHdFUtod1-a75aXjK8og3qWrBTpcP4mVJOHxLv39F6-mUt14JHlFvkZH1sr3taFB0SuaAisrSbOBXZ-z563bj_dCPz6XheD4VZfQU-Y-mhICSQJKvx0Q2cQDCeFpI5HHAoG6WWLJkBjV/s1600/IMG_5879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiHdFUtod1-a75aXjK8og3qWrBTpcP4mVJOHxLv39F6-mUt14JHlFvkZH1sr3taFB0SuaAisrSbOBXZ-z563bj_dCPz6XheD4VZfQU-Y-mhICSQJKvx0Q2cQDCeFpI5HHAoG6WWLJkBjV/s400/IMG_5879.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look <strike>Simba</strike> Bennett. Everything the light touches is our kingdom"</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf92yU8Wcd95yAxThJqe_CaGyOK6K9qKeq9uxXE6DXpU9ZkV3xKmVOS8xP1w-UI7YAqMYqypETJVaWWnAErHAFShTUyIxC9MDIK5UUX7Z1kjgZU-SMBbw0zF0gbVjgou2ZbUfQUSBuS-EG/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf92yU8Wcd95yAxThJqe_CaGyOK6K9qKeq9uxXE6DXpU9ZkV3xKmVOS8xP1w-UI7YAqMYqypETJVaWWnAErHAFShTUyIxC9MDIK5UUX7Z1kjgZU-SMBbw0zF0gbVjgou2ZbUfQUSBuS-EG/s400/IMG_8736.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Pitiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu-j9_MP1g_2DLhacweOk8IM6Nhjm80oz_xHQdktnqTy9BTsBhZpMt6jhXnJq1IG4k_zZqJigRAOpDLdPiDZsiugyiNgiAQnzknEUQZaqivyCfyt8vAxiSEtuxiRm92Ex8mOdJHq3-hnC/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu-j9_MP1g_2DLhacweOk8IM6Nhjm80oz_xHQdktnqTy9BTsBhZpMt6jhXnJq1IG4k_zZqJigRAOpDLdPiDZsiugyiNgiAQnzknEUQZaqivyCfyt8vAxiSEtuxiRm92Ex8mOdJHq3-hnC/s400/IMG_3715.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ain't nothin' but a <strike>hound</strike> cav dog." <br />
He's a good sport about playing dress up, which is pretty much mandatory in my house. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, all birthday celebrations should have a sweet treat, so I made some homemade doggie treats using items I had on hand. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Puppy Treats</b><br />
1 cup oats<br />
1 1/2 cup flour plus 1/2 cup for dusting<br />
1/2 cup wheat germ<br />
1/4 cup bulger<br />
1/3 cup shredded cheese<br />
1/3 cup peanut butter<br />
1 Tbsp coconut oil<br />
1 egg<br />
1 cup broth<br />
<br />
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the first five "dry" ingredients. Then add the remaining four "wet" ingredients and mix until dough forms. Roll out onto a piece of floured waxed paper and knead dough until smooth--add additional flour as needed to eliminate stickiness. Roll out dough to desired thickness, then place in freezer for 15 minutes. Remove from freezer and cut into desired shapes. Place onto lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes.<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="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoFX6wnScQWTyZHwFYEsYds-wm8a-9vFRVB6h5GPjOBa0KT95SOM7FGu1dhcK3TbeZ0yC25pQmmb_SER746xgTaV3wI6I4xJ5sfPpKKfF0YsO9LNyctKJMgY-TTRJN3MTb4uBUNVobvgH/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoFX6wnScQWTyZHwFYEsYds-wm8a-9vFRVB6h5GPjOBa0KT95SOM7FGu1dhcK3TbeZ0yC25pQmmb_SER746xgTaV3wI6I4xJ5sfPpKKfF0YsO9LNyctKJMgY-TTRJN3MTb4uBUNVobvgH/s400/IMG_1923.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gather ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAOO3IAy9YHmbOBDfW30FsngcOYhYaeGvuyTJbv_18tFTIM96ryO6U4A9zVzz50rl7qy1Wuklgg2uqoDSyM46nQkxXBoYOLMpmAiExx7O7cF1dvemeiKnq1PwG_4MaDFmCt_0Ve_VYcxb/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAOO3IAy9YHmbOBDfW30FsngcOYhYaeGvuyTJbv_18tFTIM96ryO6U4A9zVzz50rl7qy1Wuklgg2uqoDSyM46nQkxXBoYOLMpmAiExx7O7cF1dvemeiKnq1PwG_4MaDFmCt_0Ve_VYcxb/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix dry ingredients together first</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrov9f7zX3UDuZ2Pdu9WtVbZpAbqwZUWOt5AzavzqFtJh6DCbsILMhyphenhyphen1yu1tNHMD5w4kP0GDlm33JKFVumWavlmMMeKJUE1neaRFbx4cpJpH4tW92Doms6J9RBw0P00mBAsf6pNNt4pHN/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrov9f7zX3UDuZ2Pdu9WtVbZpAbqwZUWOt5AzavzqFtJh6DCbsILMhyphenhyphen1yu1tNHMD5w4kP0GDlm33JKFVumWavlmMMeKJUE1neaRFbx4cpJpH4tW92Doms6J9RBw0P00mBAsf6pNNt4pHN/s400/IMG_1926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add wet ingredients, then mix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xEdVa1hTApilR6oL2vRt9SIvLs03KIWtdlwrmJhyphenhyphen661xySny2MrGaVW3xFvt0-FvuQ2HghR-f-d62Icj_4L1Ws_mYcw4Tkmk0dtOhLxOZV4KjNBLiw3kwSqpKYRuI26ol7aOAEIlID97/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xEdVa1hTApilR6oL2vRt9SIvLs03KIWtdlwrmJhyphenhyphen661xySny2MrGaVW3xFvt0-FvuQ2HghR-f-d62Icj_4L1Ws_mYcw4Tkmk0dtOhLxOZV4KjNBLiw3kwSqpKYRuI26ol7aOAEIlID97/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flour dough, then roll out</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscINZvviENO7S7vAWZ69rCRTzw3lmKJXa96_SFz0TxxiidjikzuRR3OgUV2aiEhCTFZjnl6JIvOyesGPDIDmlaC_m1GwWyz8Up_rtSalcP900LKfy3r1KVRb2TZwe9WrYHnY86Qo3jrkq/s1600/IMG_1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscINZvviENO7S7vAWZ69rCRTzw3lmKJXa96_SFz0TxxiidjikzuRR3OgUV2aiEhCTFZjnl6JIvOyesGPDIDmlaC_m1GwWyz8Up_rtSalcP900LKfy3r1KVRb2TZwe9WrYHnY86Qo3jrkq/s400/IMG_1931.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut into shapes and bake 25 minutes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiJ4Arj7aGDoO7iWGiEzTsW4mSvYCRv-LJn-mkdO6N-Sw-fjbXZBfiRmzQUE1MpICJXCxqUuTTG3frSqWuPst3O7GwKeX70G-frXYVIYAhF4AWXTaFgWZWpW7f14Q9I8rGHdd2vuJHFu0OH/s1600/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Arj7aGDoO7iWGiEzTsW4mSvYCRv-LJn-mkdO6N-Sw-fjbXZBfiRmzQUE1MpICJXCxqUuTTG3frSqWuPst3O7GwKeX70G-frXYVIYAhF4AWXTaFgWZWpW7f14Q9I8rGHdd2vuJHFu0OH/s400/IMG_1932.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stocked up treat jar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEia97svwMhByLasd745RK4-465l_BTkKeqJWcC61K80wv3Gqmv_G_5B2me3XokxHTyiqNBa9YumSPyynNjJC94DUvHjTmdD-rmP3iBjS0QWLn7fYsgq6R9k1sKdTqqJuWsTgC6O3coFYA3N/s1600/IMG_1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia97svwMhByLasd745RK4-465l_BTkKeqJWcC61K80wv3Gqmv_G_5B2me3XokxHTyiqNBa9YumSPyynNjJC94DUvHjTmdD-rmP3iBjS0QWLn7fYsgq6R9k1sKdTqqJuWsTgC6O3coFYA3N/s400/IMG_1978.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bone" Appetit!<br />
<i>(Yep, I said it)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaH98UuoUau1bjxF0rxwufD8LzS9fGUPABF86mygSY3OqR5yFx6kkp1NuQ88trHyTdDdHmX6fjVbOtmmaWMUKHektZCsxsBH1-LACka16g_08TFi9dDs4JBYCwBrgkEIRIuZJjEO62qWE/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaH98UuoUau1bjxF0rxwufD8LzS9fGUPABF86mygSY3OqR5yFx6kkp1NuQ88trHyTdDdHmX6fjVbOtmmaWMUKHektZCsxsBH1-LACka16g_08TFi9dDs4JBYCwBrgkEIRIuZJjEO62qWE/s400/IMG_2044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dipped a few of the bones into some candy melts and dusted with sprinkles to add some fall flair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This recipe made LOTS o' treats. I will most likely give some away to B's "friends" and maybe even freeze some, since they are made with perishable ingredients and no preservatives. Also, I used ingredients I had on hand, but I'm sure you could swap out ingredients as long as the wet/dry ingredient ratio remains the same. <br />
<br />
<i>Confession: I may have sampled these treats (Ok, I did...and then ate a second). Oh yeah, pretty sure B liked 'em too.</i><br />
<br />
Bennett's "birthday" was also the impetus I finally needed to sew some new doggie bedding. I just covered his existing kennel pad with an envelope/sham style case and then made a tiny pillow for his head since he's constantly resting his head on the most random objects around the house (refer to head-on-book pic above). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr2qBB6mmXO5zgM_pSUQkdxHroQfVhkTdxqwnuEKyQvyjUXn62Y3QsB9k_auhhAjeMjgD5vdn-EzxFujBGFdlQKMpUsy72-cPmNIEDhy4hAW_8XkUeWl_oxiF49Pw0uolPTQwxeUbxaGQ/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr2qBB6mmXO5zgM_pSUQkdxHroQfVhkTdxqwnuEKyQvyjUXn62Y3QsB9k_auhhAjeMjgD5vdn-EzxFujBGFdlQKMpUsy72-cPmNIEDhy4hAW_8XkUeWl_oxiF49Pw0uolPTQwxeUbxaGQ/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr2qBB6mmXO5zgM_pSUQkdxHroQfVhkTdxqwnuEKyQvyjUXn62Y3QsB9k_auhhAjeMjgD5vdn-EzxFujBGFdlQKMpUsy72-cPmNIEDhy4hAW_8XkUeWl_oxiF49Pw0uolPTQwxeUbxaGQ/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr2qBB6mmXO5zgM_pSUQkdxHroQfVhkTdxqwnuEKyQvyjUXn62Y3QsB9k_auhhAjeMjgD5vdn-EzxFujBGFdlQKMpUsy72-cPmNIEDhy4hAW_8XkUeWl_oxiF49Pw0uolPTQwxeUbxaGQ/s400/IMG_1937.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4FquciyjWa9pr1o_9hZbfeZCeZyXLeHuSxw50_PrFdp6J9jYGrBjVZSLka0R-2yVzJHwR0atpPXtiJcQ1csSFttCeqy3cYtVKkS7xxss8zmBEsfvY1t17tmmYoNky07UtnRJwXptcycl/s1600/IMG_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4FquciyjWa9pr1o_9hZbfeZCeZyXLeHuSxw50_PrFdp6J9jYGrBjVZSLka0R-2yVzJHwR0atpPXtiJcQ1csSFttCeqy3cYtVKkS7xxss8zmBEsfvY1t17tmmYoNky07UtnRJwXptcycl/s400/IMG_1964.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think he likes it, don't you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To wrap up our "birthday" celebration, I took Bennett to Overton Bark, a local dog park. He loves sniffing everything and saying "hi" to every single dog and human at the park. Can't you tell by his face that's he's having a blast? <br />
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Happy first year, B!</div>
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-9609617556068407552013-09-23T17:01:00.001-05:002013-09-26T15:34:38.275-05:00The delicious world of Julia Child: Boeuf Borguignon While in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to finally check out the <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/food">Food</a> exhibit at the <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/">National Museum of American History</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1CO-9LXFHwjS_W4SzaCDqbD2GtPbnPhNPzIAD8AbMBSf6H-G5K_2rDqtNwmwdtCXzZwoJLjkEkT7apjHHC4nCwpoJub8hYps4Sd2MEsYTplUHfXAVQdnsvrAnIU8liBp9gTHaCDMTiYt/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1CO-9LXFHwjS_W4SzaCDqbD2GtPbnPhNPzIAD8AbMBSf6H-G5K_2rDqtNwmwdtCXzZwoJLjkEkT7apjHHC4nCwpoJub8hYps4Sd2MEsYTplUHfXAVQdnsvrAnIU8liBp9gTHaCDMTiYt/s400/IMG_1168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who has two thumbs and loves her some food? This girl!</td></tr>
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Of course, the main attraction is Julia Child's kitchen. It was donated by Julia and was painstakingly recreated piece by piece and tool by tool in the museum. Even her kitschy fridge magnets and dog-eared cookbooks were present and accounted for. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeA6SZeWrQI1XS3YB7cgIGe2QEgEOnqVF6wccbpPDiah_v3Ik8caVLBl06rATmOOtJg68OvrJoDijPM3qEzy4WSqrulHo-1TIM1OVZfJ7O343MtRzpsvNtxZsxOmPXuNEWGybzu4yN5Qu/s1600/IMG_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeA6SZeWrQI1XS3YB7cgIGe2QEgEOnqVF6wccbpPDiah_v3Ik8caVLBl06rATmOOtJg68OvrJoDijPM3qEzy4WSqrulHo-1TIM1OVZfJ7O343MtRzpsvNtxZsxOmPXuNEWGybzu4yN5Qu/s400/IMG_1173.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't you just love to have the opportunity to sit at this table and eat something delicious?</td></tr>
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Something that struck me the most, especially in this day and age of schfancy "gourmet" kitchens, was the relatively small size of the kitchen and how function seemed to be valued over form. This kitchen, the setting for 3 of her cooking shows, was designed by her husband and everything was meticulously thought out and all tools were within easy reach. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA0K0cmrSv-e7yupp_-x05FQd3iTDj5ZOzJiQPG19qZJrLssaPNLyC_iHYK6pr-DlweiwIqw0dHZ7RzazY_O8a3J9pebXgS04jRFDMpmZqZqqwU9965-PZJQuHnKmcSegHFMJetLlQq_I/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA0K0cmrSv-e7yupp_-x05FQd3iTDj5ZOzJiQPG19qZJrLssaPNLyC_iHYK6pr-DlweiwIqw0dHZ7RzazY_O8a3J9pebXgS04jRFDMpmZqZqqwU9965-PZJQuHnKmcSegHFMJetLlQq_I/s400/IMG_1177.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogling the enviable collection of copper pots and pans that hung from the pegboard walls</td></tr>
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Although I have faint memories of watching Julia Child cooking programs on PBS as a child (which I'm sure I thought was "boring" at the time because it wasn't cartoons), I had a much greater appreciation for this icon after reading her autobiography, <i>My Life in France</i>. I was impressed by her drive and determination combined with her passion to be a lifelong learner. Also, I think it's so interesting that most of her successes didn't come until much later in her life--talk about perseverance!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdEx4fPiOykGGUXOb_A0wwKcl7Sposhg7UDcMFvbsCE9CQLGZmS3tBoG9Y8z1qDTDDHKDVfoB7fYaYLH5sQasunHVt1Q_zPQDQzaQJCWMsD81wyyBdEJVksOGMD_xyFytGlHU9jAqFwPg/s1600/IMG_1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdEx4fPiOykGGUXOb_A0wwKcl7Sposhg7UDcMFvbsCE9CQLGZmS3tBoG9Y8z1qDTDDHKDVfoB7fYaYLH5sQasunHVt1Q_zPQDQzaQJCWMsD81wyyBdEJVksOGMD_xyFytGlHU9jAqFwPg/s400/IMG_1182.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to meet you, Julia! I think this might actually be how tall Julia was in real life, whoa!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Boeuf Bourguignon, or</span> Beef Burgundy for those of us who don't speak French, has come to be one of Child's iconic recipes. Her cookbook, <i>Mastering the Art of French Cooking,</i> describes the dish as "certainly one of the most delicious beef dishes concocted by man." And with that resounding recommendation, I sat out to attempt it's creation. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you'd like a one-on-one tutorial with Julia herself, well, voila!</span></div>
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I used a version of the recipe from Simply Suppers, by Memphian, <a href="http://www.cookingwithjennifer.com/">Jennifer Chandler</a>. This is one of my go-to cookbooks for easy and crowd-pleasing recipes.<br />
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<b>Recipe for </b><b>Boeuf Bourguignon</b><br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
4 lb boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2 inch cubes<br />
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
2 T olive oil<br />
5 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 large onion)<br />
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots (about 5 small carrots)<br />
6 sprigs fresh thyme<br />
3 bay leaves<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 can (14.5 oz) whole tomatoes with juice<br />
1 bottle (750 ml) good red wine (preferably Pinot Noir or Burgundy)<br />
2 cups chicken stock<br />
2 T unsalted butter<br />
2 cups button mushrooms, trimmed and quartered<br />
1 1/2 cups frozen small whole white pearl onions<br />
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<u>Instructions</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.</li>
<li>Pat beef dry with paper towels and generously season with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat, warm the oil until a few droplets of water sizzle when carefully sprinkled in the pot. In two batches, so as not to overcrowd the pot, cook the meat until nicely browned on all sides, about 8 minutes per batch. Transfer the meat to a plate.</li>
<li>Drain all but 1 T of fat from the pot. Add the bacon and cook over medium hear until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Add the tomatoes, red wine, and chicken stock and stir to combine. Return the beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and place in the oven. Cook until the beef is fork tender, about 2 hours. Remove from the oven and place on the stove over low heat to keep warm. Discard the bay leaves and cover.</li>
<li>In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and saute until softened and golden, about 4 minutes. Add the cooked mushrooms and frozen onions to the stew. Over medium-high heat, bring the stew back to a boil and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot. Serves 6.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8x5Ne4bX4aJV5e9pz7bSOhoWNNq8vltMrkpO_O_kgamd1fXQQkExbHymzApEyZws9K7B1LjmiEFNpPxyjkmh7RrIVEKQP2FxLY04Jw8JDHdYG7Xeo2M8mYxqzdGSQnf3MkFqCKeOdJdZ/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8x5Ne4bX4aJV5e9pz7bSOhoWNNq8vltMrkpO_O_kgamd1fXQQkExbHymzApEyZws9K7B1LjmiEFNpPxyjkmh7RrIVEKQP2FxLY04Jw8JDHdYG7Xeo2M8mYxqzdGSQnf3MkFqCKeOdJdZ/s400/IMG_1610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used pre-cut meat from the butcher, pre-sliced mushrooms, and peeled, frozen pearl onions--every little bit of saved time helps!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y4-m2v5LHV9TlZO5rNwKvOP1P3OUEmeOEV7HUXqvguPGdoI0IIc57r6NGdyyOtZrThXHsebur62WhZ2SqeOtgFxG7iB_xXwh3O4dIUUAl8OT4fFW1gdrKZV-hOUNWFrumw9n6I_V9oDN/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y4-m2v5LHV9TlZO5rNwKvOP1P3OUEmeOEV7HUXqvguPGdoI0IIc57r6NGdyyOtZrThXHsebur62WhZ2SqeOtgFxG7iB_xXwh3O4dIUUAl8OT4fFW1gdrKZV-hOUNWFrumw9n6I_V9oDN/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Browning meat in small batches (don't crowd the pan!) is time consuming, but totally worth it for all the baked burned delicious morsels of flavor it produces in the pot. I added a batch of meat, left it for a couple minutes, chopped some onions, flipped sides of the meat, then chopped some carrots, etc. for added efficiency</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RHz5rL_eNLMA6K-14BV-dnkScEFU5ZDsHFuYHem0A26oYdgtoFDrGaJgQ_cTwDcsZPwI9CJJW3EWzZADHR84hGeDwkizAOj_pTd1CpwX6PNkwH9tOPj79W3by6cQGKwCBiEUXeB_K5gk/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RHz5rL_eNLMA6K-14BV-dnkScEFU5ZDsHFuYHem0A26oYdgtoFDrGaJgQ_cTwDcsZPwI9CJJW3EWzZADHR84hGeDwkizAOj_pTd1CpwX6PNkwH9tOPj79W3by6cQGKwCBiEUXeB_K5gk/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia Child refers to searing meat and the resultant deglazing as the "treasure of cooking." And I must agree after ogling these tasty bites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JiKtp0AnZhDUMaaClOvtQA3fexyPEaSHlWnMWDQUrIcVK3sOLaR5p8zNu_qpey7br0qQaCJoRSCfnmFJ5M7boKMt72MiqNYTzMJsMZfYJBTbrFaSM4JHAN-cp9boTAIwkX2hiQfgJbpP/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JiKtp0AnZhDUMaaClOvtQA3fexyPEaSHlWnMWDQUrIcVK3sOLaR5p8zNu_qpey7br0qQaCJoRSCfnmFJ5M7boKMt72MiqNYTzMJsMZfYJBTbrFaSM4JHAN-cp9boTAIwkX2hiQfgJbpP/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the veggies to the bacon and cooking until softened</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2miBGlUlHyiAeaAkSlVcHuRGu2F7qvwECCh6Q9BvE1OaB0gsXWrOdS0UxhNc8IZTNMOT7SwcLiYGcSbofLlVu4lRIHYrJ9WOPOxhT_FcKIwOe9EZzm1M5-Y9J6y8mUTVZVUzt51jEVJ5v/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2miBGlUlHyiAeaAkSlVcHuRGu2F7qvwECCh6Q9BvE1OaB0gsXWrOdS0UxhNc8IZTNMOT7SwcLiYGcSbofLlVu4lRIHYrJ9WOPOxhT_FcKIwOe9EZzm1M5-Y9J6y8mUTVZVUzt51jEVJ5v/s400/IMG_1628.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After first adding the wine, I was convinced I'd be eating wine stew (grossss!) but after cooking for hours, the alcohol cooks off and you're left with the subtle flavor</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj-inmG1f2T1tlf2D1LdpCJtS76N054BwQa8ucEZkr0PW1dKrnhKDhEUm7Wmylb7rCKUki20xNT9TGjOHeIGbqiC_seW_-SkuvZTSG4D_JF8gIB1RAgJ2nzaeKWntR5z-6IhtLTSx1Unu/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj-inmG1f2T1tlf2D1LdpCJtS76N054BwQa8ucEZkr0PW1dKrnhKDhEUm7Wmylb7rCKUki20xNT9TGjOHeIGbqiC_seW_-SkuvZTSG4D_JF8gIB1RAgJ2nzaeKWntR5z-6IhtLTSx1Unu/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's time to let the oven do all the work--put 'er in and let 'er simmer for 2 hours. Your entire house smell like pure deliciousness during this part</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd4TMUlsKD_e7AMZKJMfBIPgF_ZY1ct33G8VTKwhqHUK9Y0eYDeLwYCmV78XcjFehBaY2wF1hiP-QZDpW1tE4VcHl2K3tUWpbk3vlISDLE11XCwCBlcapuznZ58FlRexkwY-MVw17wg-I/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd4TMUlsKD_e7AMZKJMfBIPgF_ZY1ct33G8VTKwhqHUK9Y0eYDeLwYCmV78XcjFehBaY2wF1hiP-QZDpW1tE4VcHl2K3tUWpbk3vlISDLE11XCwCBlcapuznZ58FlRexkwY-MVw17wg-I/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This recipe is time consuming which makes it fairly unreasonable for the average person trying to get dinner on the table in a timely fashion. But you can make this ahead of time and reheat the stew on the stove. It also freezes really well, so I'll be eating good for at least a month!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSx3dqHs9fNf3okLNZ9_SnRNLUVaZKxo_KyVbXQ303WEyu_oPkKnb0Q72gX3qNFgepuN0ZjsejJ8z1hONhe7vXYCc25TwQEgyNrqwKW8cslUqM44bnROLtX7QmgQqHfZmk-C5JXm5e8E-/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSx3dqHs9fNf3okLNZ9_SnRNLUVaZKxo_KyVbXQ303WEyu_oPkKnb0Q72gX3qNFgepuN0ZjsejJ8z1hONhe7vXYCc25TwQEgyNrqwKW8cslUqM44bnROLtX7QmgQqHfZmk-C5JXm5e8E-/s640/IMG_1664.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, the finished product...yum! Add some crusty, hot bread and a fresh green salad and you have a delicious meal. I served the stew with spaetzle, a type of egg German pasta, but you can also serve alone, with rice, with egg noodles, or with boiled potatoes. </td></tr>
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And for a final dose of Julia, here's a musical mash-up, created in honor of what would have been her 100th birthday. Bon Appetite, y'all!<br />
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What are some of <i>your</i> favorite Julia Child recipes?<br />
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-55417297776695459622013-09-18T18:55:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:34:49.093-05:00En Vouge/En Pointe Ballet Fashion ShowLast Saturday, I attended the <a href="http://balletmemphis.org/">Ballet Memphis</a> Fashion Show and season kickoff: <a href="http://balletmemphis.org/enpointeenvogue">En Vogue/En Pointe</a>. Billed as the "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">marriage of all things dance to the world of fashion, design and beauty" it sounded right up my alley!</span></span><br />
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I had previously attended a <a href="http://www.balletmemphis.org/spark">spark! conversation</a> at <a href="http://crosstownarts.org/">Crosstown Arts</a> about the intersection of fashion and costume design with the world of performance. It was so interesting to see photographs of old costumes, learn about historic couture and dance collaborations, and hear about the relationship between costume and movement. <br />
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<i>(For those interested, spark! conversations "happen the second Thursday of the month at Crosstown Arts and features keynote speakers from both inside and outside of Memphis, moderators who are experts in their field and topics as varied as the arts itself. Each spark typically lasts one hour and you're encouraged not only to participate in the conversation with your presence and your questions, but in the topic selection as well.")</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ1kfpf48CPMm1E-hQP_CId-9mG7HULt3yjLvrbWnQn2kwd_veJqBIX0pTlrkXx0KCq60rYB5SIskF_lQA-eMqDxU_oZvtdR80FMLxCJWwvwR_f8hT_7WRSCtMY1mgLqhKJq9u8HUs4sV/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ1kfpf48CPMm1E-hQP_CId-9mG7HULt3yjLvrbWnQn2kwd_veJqBIX0pTlrkXx0KCq60rYB5SIskF_lQA-eMqDxU_oZvtdR80FMLxCJWwvwR_f8hT_7WRSCtMY1mgLqhKJq9u8HUs4sV/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costume design illustrations by Ballet Memphis Wardrobe Supervisor, Bruce Bui</td></tr>
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En Point/En Vogue was held in the studio space of Ballet Memphis. The audience was located on elevated seating around a center "runway." The show featured chronological presentation of works beginning in the 1800s and 1900s (Swan Lake, The Rite of Spring, Scheherazade, Romeo and Juliet) and progressed through some of the most recent, original works performed by Ballet Memphis. Dancers showcasing unique costumes danced quick portions from each of the featured shows. Every minute or so, a new dance and new costume would be featured (I jokingly referred to it as ballet for people with dance A.D.D). It was a really interesting concept for a show--I loved how close the dancers were to the audience and could have watched the talented dancers all night long!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONOPX6dDB2fWofKps59XgpcwuJhZEkB3cBCHxawlaRV-zH2zViAMOFbiVLPh00Ruc-nhum9WzTfSbBZlZVHXUlKq8zepHTvk1NR273B0RrP5xAMA31-wZqlMgaSsDprkkp3XhVyPTZMN1/s1600/IMG_1537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONOPX6dDB2fWofKps59XgpcwuJhZEkB3cBCHxawlaRV-zH2zViAMOFbiVLPh00Ruc-nhum9WzTfSbBZlZVHXUlKq8zepHTvk1NR273B0RrP5xAMA31-wZqlMgaSsDprkkp3XhVyPTZMN1/s400/IMG_1537.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancers performed to a packed house on the "runway"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several pieces, like these costumes from the Nutcracker, were displayed on mannequins allowing for a better appreciation of the costume details</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great to run into <a href="http://www.memphisfashionweekend.com/Home">Memphis Fashion Week</a> model, Riley Nicholson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23LUUMtxoeFuW_sbLwOog6M8g6jPiRvmUiOHbNZyCTFLJxe0T251jaa1KibRu6gFi_SPf4NovKhVUBllf8D7v4ai-GDs7ebz-rgiM318qMXeEYw2sCduGO-t7s2AdFEf27O5xdnmrurGo/s1600/IMG_1588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23LUUMtxoeFuW_sbLwOog6M8g6jPiRvmUiOHbNZyCTFLJxe0T251jaa1KibRu6gFi_SPf4NovKhVUBllf8D7v4ai-GDs7ebz-rgiM318qMXeEYw2sCduGO-t7s2AdFEf27O5xdnmrurGo/s400/IMG_1588.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ziggy Mack, <a href="http://www.memphisfashionweekend.com/Home">Memphis Fashion Week</a> photographer with Kendall Britt, Ballet Memphis dancer and curator of the En Pointe/En Vogue show, and Riley Nicholson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU6df4UjC0m0lgU2Lo9M83wwjkfmtCh6hpcPFegIl6lvaXEl4oxI4dlWO7BlAuP7I4awsigESdrvfQc3wMK7Fhe-unAkoAlAzXvXNu9T8v764ctOolM2RqulgqagIvz_EkbWlxjC4J8Jj/s1600/IMG_1592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU6df4UjC0m0lgU2Lo9M83wwjkfmtCh6hpcPFegIl6lvaXEl4oxI4dlWO7BlAuP7I4awsigESdrvfQc3wMK7Fhe-unAkoAlAzXvXNu9T8v764ctOolM2RqulgqagIvz_EkbWlxjC4J8Jj/s400/IMG_1592.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good-looking "dates:" my brother and sister-in-law. Don't they look mysterious? Thank you, theatrical lighting!</td></tr>
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I can't wait to catch the next Ballet Memphis performance, The River Project 2, October 19-27!<br />
<i>"Three river-inspired world premiere works...reflect the wonder of our famous natural and cultural resource. From the Mississippi headwaters to the gateway to the West and all places in between, Milwaukee choreographer Petr Zahradnicek, our own Julie Niekrasz and San Francisco choreographer Julia Adam explore new territory on the stage."</i><br />
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-30830947570200331542013-09-13T13:18:00.003-05:002013-09-26T15:35:00.951-05:00Fashion, Smashion<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;">Happy Friday! To mark end of New York Fashion Week, a hilarious video: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;">Jimmy Kimmel's crew staked out Lincoln Center to ask self-proclaimed fashionistas about completely fabricated designers. This video is seriously cringe-worthy as people embarrass themselves by articulating their opinions completely fictional designers and collections. Purina Chow? George Costanza? Eddie Munster? Really?!?! Ha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;">Fashion is fun, so let's not take ourselves so seriously, people!</span></div>
tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-63469247817638855922013-09-10T21:41:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:35:16.388-05:00Kris Keys, Fashion Illustrator<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always loved fashion illustration art, so when I had the opportunity to meet and view the work of illustrator Kris Keys, I jumped at the opportunity! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdBuheKQrDtTY0_h2yKCZJPIEUSFr5f7KD6xmM8oUrdWJTwX6Q7XCsxWKT5pmQYJPZ_a6_a9IQRRR9CIKdaw_Y9KLRBd4dpSHg0DVpDK7mZJveRwVnolukLkY04g8-SQiPl5F6ozyqGC8/s1600/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdBuheKQrDtTY0_h2yKCZJPIEUSFr5f7KD6xmM8oUrdWJTwX6Q7XCsxWKT5pmQYJPZ_a6_a9IQRRR9CIKdaw_Y9KLRBd4dpSHg0DVpDK7mZJveRwVnolukLkY04g8-SQiPl5F6ozyqGC8/s400/IMG_1487.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Some background on Kris from her website <a href="http://www.bykriskeys.com/">www.bykriskeys.com</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Translating and documenting iconic women, dance, catwalks, fashion editorials, and subcultures across the world has become her trademark. Her work is infused with a rich mix of watercolor, gouache, and indian ink, allowing each stroke to form by the spontaneous mix of paint. Spending several seasons illustrating live during New York and London Fashion Week, Kris is able to capture her subjects in seconds. Kris started off her education in her hometown, Memphis, TN. She then moved to New York City, working as a Visual Merchandiser and taking illustration classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Curious to see where her talent could lead, she moved to London in 2011 and began to see her dream to illustrate come full circle. Her personal style has been captured by Vogue Italia and Essence Magazines.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 27px;">"</span></div>
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Kris was recently accepted into an Honors Program at the <a href="http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/">London College of Fashion</a> and has been raising funds through a <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/wwwgofundmecomkriskeys">fundraising site</a> and a series of events this summer. I love that she's creatively come up with a way to showcase her talents while also earning funds to achieve her goal! </div>
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We attended event at <a href="http://www.artvillagegallery.com/">Art Village Gallery</a> on S. Main about a month ago and had a great time.</div>
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At another event held at Wish Cooper Young, Keys created quick watercolor portraits of attendees.</div>
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I enjoyed watching the creative process unfold...</div>
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Keys uses several different mediums when sketching.</div>
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Aaaaaaand, the finished product! What do you think? Do you see the resemblance?</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc6eQDYq7-0Mf7c28urc3SvVbONX_pkG-bUa9u5PoHKqKZcPXWyqmc1tGwJ1-WOLVf-3f51Rz8pVN19ebhyKS0M9EZTw0rcqZwVOysymjudCAGApUj0YaQMkUg4EU7_Wr8W3MI1dRVOfX/s1600/2chahp88SyWIN9IjQ3O2MA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc6eQDYq7-0Mf7c28urc3SvVbONX_pkG-bUa9u5PoHKqKZcPXWyqmc1tGwJ1-WOLVf-3f51Rz8pVN19ebhyKS0M9EZTw0rcqZwVOysymjudCAGApUj0YaQMkUg4EU7_Wr8W3MI1dRVOfX/s640/2chahp88SyWIN9IjQ3O2MA.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I couldn't help but pick up a couple more drawings as well...I especially love the attitude on the right!</div>
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There's still one more chance to catch Kris in action and get your own portrait <b>this Friday</b>!</div>
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Best of luck to Kris in her new endeavors and can't wait to see her future work.</div>
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Also, sidenote: first time to wear this amazing one-of-a-kind piece from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/7LuckyStones?ref=l2-shopheader-name">7LuckyStones</a> (who I met at RAW event <a href="http://dilettantedoyenne.blogspot.com/2013/08/saturday-night-i-attended-natural-born.html">here</a>) and love it! My rule is if I'm still thinking of a particular item days after I first saw it, I'm allowed to purchase :) Thanks Denise!<br />
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-1440700812968341632013-09-09T14:12:00.002-05:002013-09-26T15:35:28.737-05:00Upholstered Shelf Part II: Peekabo, I see shoes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Remember this newly upholstered shelf? </div>
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Well, turns out there's more than meets the eye...it hides a secret compartment!</div>
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I briefly considered keeping my super mysterious stash of top secret items here but...well, I don't actually have anything in that category, so the next best option was...SHOES! My closet measures precisely 36 inches, so I had to get creative with alternate storage solutions. I love that this shelving allows for easy, hidden access. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fQ-ASgwP04T2aLavmQZu_u9ztF2n9eoJHktn5xpRqin3QJL6cqvIMdlBla91rP6d5Dl4OyrddXVsjbcQwA726jcYAuQ6K_2KiizC2Q-0k83GvDN079wM4BbPUS3aILIJ-HD_5x-52jXR/s1600/IMG_0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fQ-ASgwP04T2aLavmQZu_u9ztF2n9eoJHktn5xpRqin3QJL6cqvIMdlBla91rP6d5Dl4OyrddXVsjbcQwA726jcYAuQ6K_2KiizC2Q-0k83GvDN079wM4BbPUS3aILIJ-HD_5x-52jXR/s640/IMG_0576.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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I wanted to amp up the "pretty factor," and make it a little more polished. Even though it's something only I will be seeing every day, I'm a big believer making even the hidden areas of a home lovely. I opted to use a white glossy white trim paint that I already had on hand. Since the cabinet doesn't have lighting, the white paint adds more visibility and makes it look fresh and clean. Kind of like an art gallery. For shoes. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Wait, did I just come up with a genius idea just now?)</i></span></div>
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Although the painted surface area was small, the nooks and crannies required a little more time and lots of awkward painting poses. The photos above and below were after one coat of paint. A small wishful thinking part of me hoped that one coat would suffice, but alas, streaky and dull. On to round 2.<br />
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Tah Dah! Coat #2 yielded a much nicer result. And sleeping in the paint fumes only made me a <i>little</i> crazier than usual. </div>
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In the meantime, my shoes were dumped unceremoniously in the floor<span style="text-align: left;">. Hot mess.</span></div>
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I loved the white, but didn't want it to start looking dull and dirty over time, so I lined the shelves with some pretty floral wrapping paper. Since I didn't necessarily want the paper to be a permanent fixture, I just taped down the corners with clear Scotch tape to hold in it place. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peekaboo, I see shoes!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwGoNx38RvfNTg-apaNrBOVUe6EHC_zycf-sXu4BVSQ_iK_mFrSNxYK5jlvTaZ81G9LFR_qeNXlZU26RDXQpULD8GTetioEQS7WFxDh238obgu2rRghpWxTMB6qUVwEPMMnAmUsNnrxTP/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwGoNx38RvfNTg-apaNrBOVUe6EHC_zycf-sXu4BVSQ_iK_mFrSNxYK5jlvTaZ81G9LFR_qeNXlZU26RDXQpULD8GTetioEQS7WFxDh238obgu2rRghpWxTMB6qUVwEPMMnAmUsNnrxTP/s640/IMG_0841.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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All settled in! I always store my shoes toe to heel; it allows for the most efficient use of space and allows me to see each pair from both angles. I was able to pack two rows of three pairs on each shelf. </div>
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The finished product! With a little paint and paper, it now feels like I'm shopping in my very own tiny shoe boutique each morning! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEDg520-EX8JJigOQuVzJ0_sqr8FXSIp-dNnl6dLLKT6B1hb49_Ms9lvVqSKX_rytywyuCzlKa-eo2k3yzIZjCAwwuD34Cxz2Gs2e6fE30U8-VwaAO4LsdWJeN43xCkQ7BGduGx0iMidF/s1600/IMG_0859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEDg520-EX8JJigOQuVzJ0_sqr8FXSIp-dNnl6dLLKT6B1hb49_Ms9lvVqSKX_rytywyuCzlKa-eo2k3yzIZjCAwwuD34Cxz2Gs2e6fE30U8-VwaAO4LsdWJeN43xCkQ7BGduGx0iMidF/s640/IMG_0859.jpg" width="505" /></a></div>
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Now you see them, now you don't...</div>
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Do you have any other great shoe storage ideas?</div>
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<span id="goog_31240910"></span><span id="goog_31240911"></span><br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-46477180582315148262013-09-03T11:11:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:35:44.307-05:00Upholstered Shelf: Part II have this great little built-in bookshelf in my bedroom that's perfect for displaying picture frames and other small "happies." I put items on the shelf that were similar in neutral tones to keep the shelf looking uncluttered. I've chosen to stick with the feel of "tranquil neutrals" for my entire bedroom. As much as I love hot pink, it's not a great color for sleeping!<br />
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Here's round 1. But it still seemed a little "blah" to me. </div>
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I love the look of shelves, built-ins, cabinets, etc. that are painted, but since since I wanted to stick with neutrals, a painted "pop" of color didn't seem like the solution. Instead, I compromised and decided to use fabric to "upholster." The fabric was left over from a previous project-FAIL, so this seemed like the perfect way to salvage a loss. Gotta look on the bright side, right?</div>
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Instead of applying wallpaper/fabric/paint to the shelf itself, I bought 2 foam boards from the Dollar Store (they were significantly cheaper than a craft store and were the perfect size). I began by measuring the shelves and marking the dimensions on the foam boards. <br />
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I used an exacto knife and large ruler to cut the boards into the dimensions of each shelf (less a little bit to allow wiggle room for the fabric). I've found the best way to cut foam board is to lightly score the top layer, bend and snap (ahem, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x-F0oSwPqo">Elle Woods</a>) and run the exacto knife through the crease for the second layer, if necessary. <br />
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After I measured and tested each board for an accurate fit, I cut out a piece of fabric that extended past the foam board by an inch on each side. This particular fabric is a loose weave which made it a little tricky to pull tight and yet maintain keep the pattern straight. Learn from my mistakes and don't chose curtain fabrics for upholstery projects, no matter how cute!<br />
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Because I couldn't find my basic office stapler (hashtag messygirlprobs), I ended up using scotch tape to secure the fabric around the board. I wrapped the corners as if I were wrapping a present. <br />
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Since the boards were exactly the size of the shelves, there was no need to attach the foam to the shelf itself. It's snug as a bug! A putty knife can be used to wiggle the boards out should I decide I want to swap out the fabric. Is it weird I kinda want to wear a pretty gingham dress to match my "new" shelves?<br />
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I also finally got around to printing out some favorite black and white photos of friends and family to make my lonely frames happy! (Yes, I finally put pictures in the frames that had been listlessly lounging around for <i>3 years</i> now. If you don't believe me, take a peek at the photo in this post from 2 houses ago <a href="http://dilettantedoyenne.blogspot.com/2013/08/jewelry-organization-part-1-diamonds.html">here</a>. Real talk, ya'll) </div>
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And...the final product--a lot of pizazz for a $2 upgrade!</div>
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Check back in for the second shelf post...because there's more than meets the eye with this little built in. Hint: it involves shoes!</div>
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Has anyone ever tried upholstering shelves?<span id="goog_31240892"></span><br />
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-43994319645876679172013-09-01T11:27:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:36:01.563-05:00Oh bring me some Figgy Pudding...I mean, Pizza<div style="text-align: center;">
Fresh figs arriving late summer are such a treat. But they appear only quickly on the farmers market scene before making a speedy exit, so I attempt to make as many fig recipes as possible in the tiny sliver of the seasonal window. Although fresh figs are yummy to eat alone, their sweetness meshes perfectly with savory recipes. </div>
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When a friend offered a fig harvest in their backyard, of course I partook...thanks!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies. I just couldn't resist</td></tr>
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They were a bit green, so I set them in the windowsill to ripen.</div>
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My absolute favorite fig recipe is quick and easy Fig Pizza. It's perfect as a tasty appetizer or as a vegetarian dinner. And dining al fresco will make it even tastier, promise. </div>
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<b>Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese, and Fig Pizza</b></div>
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-Fresh figs, sliced (reconsistuted dried figs if fresh are unavailable)</div>
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-Fresh rosemary</div>
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-Goat cheese, crumbled</div>
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-Onion, sliced</div>
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-Shredded mozzerella cheese</div>
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-Honey</div>
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-Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste</div>
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Slice figs. Try to save a few for the recipe, ok?</div>
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Slice onion and saute in skillet with oil until translucent </div>
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Flatten out dough on pan. Brush garlic butter/oil along the crust. Professional pizza tosser, I am not. I like to call this my "purposefully rustic" shape</div>
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Top dough with cooked onions, fresh rosemary, figs, goat cheese, mozzarella, and drizzle with honey</div>
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Cook pizza at 450 for 10-15 minutes (until crust and toppings are browned and bubbly). Cool for 5 minutes, slice, and enjoy a piece! (or 2, or 3)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Buon Appetito!</span></td></tr>
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<b>Pizza Dough,</b> <i>from How to Cook Everything, by Mark Bittman</i></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u></div>
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3 cups all purpose or bread flour, plus more as needed</div>
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2 tsp instant yeast</div>
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2 tsp coarse kosher or sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling</div>
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2 T extra virgin olive oil</div>
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1 cup lukewarm water</div>
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Combine the flour, yeast, salt in a food processor (if using a KitchenAid mixer, mix ingredients with paddle first, then switch to dough hook). Turn the machine on and add water and oil through the feed tube. Process for about 30 seconds, adding more water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a ball and is slightly sticky to the tough. If it is still dry, add another tablespoon or two of water and process for another 10 seconds. If the mixture is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for a few seconds to form a smooth, round dough ball. Put the dough in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap; let dough rise until it doubles in size, 1 to 2 hours. When the dough is ready, form it into a ball and divide it into 2 or more pieces if you like; roll each piece into a round ball. Put each ball on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle with flour, and cover with plastic wrap or towel. Let rest until they puff slightly, about 20 minutes. </div>
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Notes: you can cut the rising time short if you're in a hurry or you can let the dough rise for 6-8 hours in the fridge. To freeze, for pizza at a moments notice, wrap a portion of the dough tightly in plastic wrap or a zipper bag and freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the bag in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Also, I personally love to add fresh or dried herbs to the dough to add a little extra kick of flavor!</div>
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Do you have any great fig recipes I should try?</div>
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-2484577898026477182013-08-28T21:46:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:36:19.391-05:00Finer Things ClubIn case you missed the title reference for this post, I'll wait while you watch season 4, episode 10 of <i>The Office. </i>Done now? Ok, I'll continue. <br />
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In this hilarious scene, Toby, Oscar and Pam join forces in the sad little break room of Dunder Mifflin to "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 500;">meet once a month to discuss books and art and celebrate culture in a very civilized way. The debate can sometimes be heated but is always respectful. No plastic, no paper, and no work talk is allowed."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So <i>very</i> civilized</td></tr>
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So, as an homage to Scranton's attempt at being "highbrow," a few friends and I started our own informal "Finer Things Club." Essentially, the purpose was to actively pursue cultural experiences that we may not have otherwise encountered. So we toured local museums, tried new restaurants and attended the theatre. And had an absolute blast. But sadly, it had been too long since our last excursion.<br />
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But thanks to <a href="http://katebradleyfineart.com/">Kate Bradley Fine Art</a>, the Finer Things Club 2.0 rose from the ashes! My insanely talented friend, Kate, invited friends and clients to an art appreciation night at her personal studio. We were treated to a lovely spread of nibbles (farmers market goat cheese + pepper jelly = heaven). Julie Pierotti, Associate Curator at the <a href="http://www.dixon.org/">Dixon Gallery and Gardens</a>, was our special guest for the evening and she spoke on "how to view art." Her tip was the best way to view art and determine your taste is to experience it often and in diverse ways! As you expose yourself to different types and styles of art, you might notice yourself drawn to particular qualities. And those preferences then shape your decisions when it comes to purchasing art for your home to view and love on a daily basis. <br />
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I love meeting people that are passionate about their career or hobby and that enthusiasm is definitely contagious! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUiBRRq0RrfT9707f2AcIyajZqmnubfJfeNa0VOp9sDy0mqk8d8MjuGH_qSzFijNwoBj8VU3Z2DzRfwLbf1bQF-MeyaEB2XZGV3tOdMtGIy-EqTcsP6eexg6WMnYdaL49tw4KgQ9YVp_d/s1600/gardensweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUiBRRq0RrfT9707f2AcIyajZqmnubfJfeNa0VOp9sDy0mqk8d8MjuGH_qSzFijNwoBj8VU3Z2DzRfwLbf1bQF-MeyaEB2XZGV3tOdMtGIy-EqTcsP6eexg6WMnYdaL49tw4KgQ9YVp_d/s400/gardensweb.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dixon is one of my favorite museums in the city and a stroll through the gardens is perfection<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Thanks for a planning a great eventing, Kate!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't we look more artistic and knowledgable already?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Where are some of your favorite local places to experience the arts?</span></span><br />
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-36360370491198090352013-08-28T01:01:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:36:49.191-05:00A rose by any other name <div style="text-align: center;">
The other day, I woke up bleary-eyed and stumbled out into my yard sans-glasses to attend to my pup. In my semi-blind state, I was startled to look into my yard and notice this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFSq2ZvbJzVh_41wSqMq-2e26qRLuQ6vU7LFEXt-CCvpd5oDPvNzxt7kzpq63LCX5OPOFRBV0sAEQJQq_5Gu3_0v9zkRvRxzdZ9zT64eoTeNrhZ03P5KBXEZ-Nuz2uQ8lAcAa8TBZjhUo/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFSq2ZvbJzVh_41wSqMq-2e26qRLuQ6vU7LFEXt-CCvpd5oDPvNzxt7kzpq63LCX5OPOFRBV0sAEQJQq_5Gu3_0v9zkRvRxzdZ9zT64eoTeNrhZ03P5KBXEZ-Nuz2uQ8lAcAa8TBZjhUo/s400/IMG_0619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have never been so shocked to see one single, 5 foot tall, perfectly coiffed rose. I had no idea there was even a rose bush planted in the bed. It had literally sprung up overnight and was now screaming, "Tah dah! Look at me!" (complete with jazz hands, tap shoes, the whole nine yards)</div>
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"Stop and smell the roses." Such a cliche. </div>
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But this time, I followed that instruction in the most literal sense. </div>
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I stopped. </div>
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And I smelled that rose. </div>
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And it was delightful. </div>
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Nature has a lovely way of surprising us when we least expect it.</div>
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Appreciation inspires awe and gratitude. </div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-104-24-Ps-104-30" id="en-MSG-6641" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"What a wildly wonderful world, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-104-24-Ps-104-30" style="position: relative;">You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-104-24-Ps-104-30" style="position: relative;">made earth overflow with your wonderful creations."</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 104:24</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> The Message (paraphrase)</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span></div>
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-81450452562999121332013-08-27T00:55:00.003-05:002013-09-26T15:36:35.330-05:00The one where I accidentally crashed Justin Timberlake's party...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night, local Memphis boy Justin Timberlake performed at the 2013 VMA's. While I didn't watch the entire craziness, of course I had to tune in to see the much anticipated NSYNC reunion and JT's epic "best of" medley. I loved it, although, let's be honest...he doesn't have to try very hard to impress me! *swoon*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mK7YpOrz1fGFkEffOom0u0Rnt0aSGucYpllUjqlDiXv8x9joOYr12jGF5j5zSm-8C33x1IwnoKwQK-rsnxkUdVk0-Md2rEAw6hlaRYF_EV7Jfluv-0U1WeCqRxb0X75zs3EU90-4N_tg/s1600/tumblr_inline_mm2u1mKMSI1qz4rgp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mK7YpOrz1fGFkEffOom0u0Rnt0aSGucYpllUjqlDiXv8x9joOYr12jGF5j5zSm-8C33x1IwnoKwQK-rsnxkUdVk0-Md2rEAw6hlaRYF_EV7Jfluv-0U1WeCqRxb0X75zs3EU90-4N_tg/s320/tumblr_inline_mm2u1mKMSI1qz4rgp.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That hair. Giggles.</td></tr>
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JT won "Video of the Year" for "Mirrors." Call me a sappy romantic, but I think the video is so sweet. Timberlake dedicated the music video to his maternal grandparents, William and Sadie Bomar, who were married for 63 years until his grandfather's passing in 2012. The video depicts a couple in different stages of their relationship as they grow old together. <br />
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MTV News' James Montgomery praised the video, saying, "It's a clip that packs an emotional wallop, a downright beautiful examination of the ebbs and flows of love and the true connection that continues once our time here is over. That's a rare thing indeed, and so is this video...it is understated and elegant and really truly touching."<br />
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<object 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/uuZE_IRwLNI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/uuZE_IRwLNI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/uuZE_IRwLNI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">"One of the most valuable things in a relationship is being able to constantly change and be individual, but look to the other side to there person that you're with and know that they're changing as well individually, but somehow you two can micro each other and be the other half of that world that you both create." -Justin Timberlake</span></div>
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Timberlake's grandmother, Sadie Bomar, told Italian weekly <i>Grazia</i> "Justin didn't tell me he was doing it [making the video], it was a surprise. He said, 'You have to see this video, just you sit down and watch it.' I was moved by it, it brings tears to my eyes. It's a lovely tribute to us." She continues "I like the way he catches my wedding ring, like he's the husband now. He's making a great husband. I am close to Justin and it's a lovely, beautiful thing to have done. That's how he is."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtlXTQrdxQRg9YMSKvo3n-MJER5IvAr4d-xPdJtbLpRceCspOVMoafvdaHVxXXFIdRj0cj7aKDtL3iU1zVBrGY9jgF9P7Pzt1x6SM5ovvaeKvQqAQ-ofgU-iGFbgWIDrM6ENZSIliruKX/s1600/article-2296176-190AC1A2000005DC-527_634x569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtlXTQrdxQRg9YMSKvo3n-MJER5IvAr4d-xPdJtbLpRceCspOVMoafvdaHVxXXFIdRj0cj7aKDtL3iU1zVBrGY9jgF9P7Pzt1x6SM5ovvaeKvQqAQ-ofgU-iGFbgWIDrM6ENZSIliruKX/s400/article-2296176-190AC1A2000005DC-527_634x569.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Awwwww, a sweet Southern boy who loves his Granny. <br />Justin, you need to stop being so cute if you're going to insist on being a married man!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And speaking of JT's grandparents... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I bet <i>you've</i> never used that line as a conversation starter before)</span></div>
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All of this recent hubbub surrounding "Mirrors" takes me way back to 2010. Everyone in the Mid-South has their own "I-know-somebody-that-knows-somebody-that-knows-JT" story, so here's mine:<br />
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My friend, Aubrie, had been invited to a party at <a href="http://www.mirimichi.com/">Mirimichi</a>, JT's golf club newly opened in Millington. The event was Friday afternoon and we were under the impression that it was some type of business professional mixer to debut the new venue. We decided to attend and I'd be lying if I tried to deny that large part of the motivation for attending was the scant chance that JT himself would make an appearance. We left straight from work sporting our best girly professional garb only to realize that we are the very first people to arrive. So we passed the time by checking out the landscaping and taking some pics. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh2oDnjOLwmwkrC1Zok-uGmK1sAHb6Dt1K8p4UA1bBjdQIg_zurAuldpvklxd77QdhEzsZwxYoSjJ6WCUAQwdWwljvIyTo4ymD2frub3P1xFOJoC2kH6ChdClUrM_oH_Ojd7iViNxyqpc/s1600/DSCN4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh2oDnjOLwmwkrC1Zok-uGmK1sAHb6Dt1K8p4UA1bBjdQIg_zurAuldpvklxd77QdhEzsZwxYoSjJ6WCUAQwdWwljvIyTo4ymD2frub3P1xFOJoC2kH6ChdClUrM_oH_Ojd7iViNxyqpc/s400/DSCN4250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Told ya we were the first ones to arrive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p15ZlgQazQtPqWU9O6y7VPUAOAJh5PWi3NeRDU8ReWR8EBBRlxddur4-5pISfYCN5EcU71Qqrh6NjN4PF1kdvQUHkby9w9U8Va4d8Q0JvPPyW7qW1g_gnNkm2EXoGCxrwC67JXecbVJP/s1600/DSCN4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p15ZlgQazQtPqWU9O6y7VPUAOAJh5PWi3NeRDU8ReWR8EBBRlxddur4-5pISfYCN5EcU71Qqrh6NjN4PF1kdvQUHkby9w9U8Va4d8Q0JvPPyW7qW1g_gnNkm2EXoGCxrwC67JXecbVJP/s400/DSCN4252.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruffle shirts, pencil skirts, pumps: check!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZwyb6iZYF7QHkLDlfbqtkIme0GuDY1Avc2Prdo_mQfXQ-Rh_qgedpSN3GlvMj_R85sCxMvlpOtCT9B0mur0HFSAiSzzJkTZ4RVkarWeRN090yPURA1pMqzd2VpJyV7iJkpZ9SCYG4JqD/s1600/DSCN4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZwyb6iZYF7QHkLDlfbqtkIme0GuDY1Avc2Prdo_mQfXQ-Rh_qgedpSN3GlvMj_R85sCxMvlpOtCT9B0mur0HFSAiSzzJkTZ4RVkarWeRN090yPURA1pMqzd2VpJyV7iJkpZ9SCYG4JqD/s400/DSCN4264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin, you sure can design a pretty golf course</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBrBxuN7oYvvnI5KQGrKrlmk-625Emdpnj6tEkkiMELiWdDfzF5-9RGYklZnK195JK_7Ab27cnaLOLEuzAXKf7hDsVL3OoUEG7ZUu62iq9YLf_3lEjZe9OcHb6U4OmklCgPeXk4A0d2b3/s1600/DSCN4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBrBxuN7oYvvnI5KQGrKrlmk-625Emdpnj6tEkkiMELiWdDfzF5-9RGYklZnK195JK_7Ab27cnaLOLEuzAXKf7hDsVL3OoUEG7ZUu62iq9YLf_3lEjZe9OcHb6U4OmklCgPeXk4A0d2b3/s400/DSCN4265.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How non-pretentious is this table decor? Wildflowers plucked straight from the course</td></tr>
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But as guests begin to arrive, we realize that the crowd is much different that expected; instead of young professionals, we were in a crowd of families and older individuals dressed more casually than we. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then, we spotted it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrro1d6N7IodfPcmIDvHU9WXZsifqBaZTtZspsKuo_VwYCFzxq8MCI_figdjJwZoO9tIOva4paWax785_0AwPgDGpq_EjXaY4TdccqJ3x_HoL91q81FaGLHYLvp6Th0-POpivxTwgfY1hq/s1600/DSCN4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrro1d6N7IodfPcmIDvHU9WXZsifqBaZTtZspsKuo_VwYCFzxq8MCI_figdjJwZoO9tIOva4paWax785_0AwPgDGpq_EjXaY4TdccqJ3x_HoL91q81FaGLHYLvp6Th0-POpivxTwgfY1hq/s640/DSCN4256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers planted in the shape of the #60. "Congratulations William and Sadie." scrawled on the cake. Ohhhhh my.</td></tr>
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Oh. My. Goodness...<br />
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We had unintentionally crashed a 60th anniversary party for Justin's grandparents?!?! Consider me MORTIFIED! We contemplated leaving, but right about then, Justin's mother came over to chat. We sheepishly and apologetically told her about our mix-up, but she was as nice as could be and insisted that the "more the merrier." So we made ourselves at home, ate plenty of BBQ, catfish, and enjoyed the Elvis impersonator. And then <i>just barely</i> contained our girlie squeals when Justin skyped into the party from Dubai.<br />
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It was such an unexpected mix-up, but thanks to a generous dose of Southern hospitality, we felt right at home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sg1F6bjdv4sMQSxg1hyphenhyphenUSufoEqcoObEL2uDBub_9qaBBQmXvPxKJtoz6hdt_hc8nJpwOHL2PZn9HEeMNgx3YzCHyAAJif7GegkBrW1wRxWqg1vJ1P6spiSwfsEdQxxLg6rPMjmShxzf_/s1600/DSCN4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sg1F6bjdv4sMQSxg1hyphenhyphenUSufoEqcoObEL2uDBub_9qaBBQmXvPxKJtoz6hdt_hc8nJpwOHL2PZn9HEeMNgx3YzCHyAAJif7GegkBrW1wRxWqg1vJ1P6spiSwfsEdQxxLg6rPMjmShxzf_/s320/DSCN4266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks y'all!</td></tr>
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I want to hear your best "I-know-somebody-that-knows-somebody-that-knows-JT" story--share in the comments<br />
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-23522188606418782172013-08-24T04:02:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:37:02.853-05:00RAWMemphis Artist ShowcaseSaturday night, I attended the<a href="http://www.rawartists.org/memphis"> RAW natural born artists</a> showcase event held at <a href="http://www.minglewoodhall.com/">Minglewood Hall. </a> RAW is an independent arts organization in over 81 cities and their mission is to provide artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as to provide tools and resources to emerging artists. Described as a "circus of creativity," the event features art, fashion, music, film, hair, makeup, photography, and performances all in one venue and one one night. <br />
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I was excited for the to scope out local talent as well as mix and mingle with the creative community in Memphis. Apparently many other Memphians had the same idea--the place was packed! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This was great for the event but not so great for my faraway-parking-in-heels situations--accepting future chauffeur applications!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHouB-deAVFkOAXGhfn8pdB4qL_sQY2L6JeQIicGo1SpaaIhla1ExU6smkSi5Sxb-xJkOq7iiuB49FfFQ_okKGXHSz4UJ8IRMfrPL0mu8ju8dSoZqKURxSyPoltVXPm0uIeHwAqJf-JlC-/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHouB-deAVFkOAXGhfn8pdB4qL_sQY2L6JeQIicGo1SpaaIhla1ExU6smkSi5Sxb-xJkOq7iiuB49FfFQ_okKGXHSz4UJ8IRMfrPL0mu8ju8dSoZqKURxSyPoltVXPm0uIeHwAqJf-JlC-/s400/IMG_0746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene at Minglewood</td></tr>
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One of the first people I ran into was fellow blogger and stylist, Kim Thomas, author of <a href="http://www.kpfusion.com/about/">KP Fusion</a>. She's an expert on all things Banana Republic during the day and pursues her passion as writer and stylist by night. I personally love the great makeup tips she regularly posts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vx4ybuEJnEg7u0TE6ogNhIb54KOwAjHKKTGE8v1LvJ3xBLan0OhEe8EFNrSnzqhZJ8XntAVTe5yBGIIcvxtwDbtN9_6DUdW_Z44yMa6w_5e5PPYdUr_p7FfZJxWvPSwQchuKfpxUtv93/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vx4ybuEJnEg7u0TE6ogNhIb54KOwAjHKKTGE8v1LvJ3xBLan0OhEe8EFNrSnzqhZJ8XntAVTe5yBGIIcvxtwDbtN9_6DUdW_Z44yMa6w_5e5PPYdUr_p7FfZJxWvPSwQchuKfpxUtv93/s400/IMG_0625.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim Thomas of KP Fusion<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are some of my fave finds of the night:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1du7Q6eK2H7EbiLbbVo_0DWw-KELZn2WGAxzQ9wdWiEk5d2JawxazydJbquN3DvuYJvchRhVh8XaUsjxWuxygXD5z7GTYHUo_LVGJSsYEbUrHkVR1RMNRyL3bIPszjLW7diJj3UR3UqR/s1600/il_570xN.479314431_aea6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1du7Q6eK2H7EbiLbbVo_0DWw-KELZn2WGAxzQ9wdWiEk5d2JawxazydJbquN3DvuYJvchRhVh8XaUsjxWuxygXD5z7GTYHUo_LVGJSsYEbUrHkVR1RMNRyL3bIPszjLW7diJj3UR3UqR/s320/il_570xN.479314431_aea6.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ncgjewelry?ref=l2-shopheader-name">NCG jewelry</a> sells both unique vintage pieces and repurposed vintage creations, such as this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/156618015/upcycled-vintage-brooch-bib-necklace-e?ref=shop_home_feat">statement necklace</a> constructed from brooch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCYF1-6S7mOwLAxuyrIzSFEe1IGLmfZwg648hIacBThR_uLBNWFUgUUfZ4L-E_f4cMkE_Afk2EO4urxtfFdY1P2f3BZeWx4hbDBKnEbmma0pA3D0WXy0HJuip55oKAVTvEE16sB-DaYmf/s1600/il_570xN.473047773_togf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCYF1-6S7mOwLAxuyrIzSFEe1IGLmfZwg648hIacBThR_uLBNWFUgUUfZ4L-E_f4cMkE_Afk2EO4urxtfFdY1P2f3BZeWx4hbDBKnEbmma0pA3D0WXy0HJuip55oKAVTvEE16sB-DaYmf/s320/il_570xN.473047773_togf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCG jewelry: How cool is this vintage bone and brass <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/154958088/vintage-hinged-ox-bone-and-brass-bangle?ref=shop_home_active">bangle</a>?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIqp_6twaXzJ0yKnXyA7ES3yuCIFnbpRJ7tTYbj96P1VY-ffOQPljriD81FSfmV_Xyv5zyX7EQsUzMpQC-CeK2kghz97Sz0Zh_IvZSaiORLwo_Z9ZV9PNaa3ldfQAirdAbtBhiyImKKGD/s1600/il_570xN.482262167_ucff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIqp_6twaXzJ0yKnXyA7ES3yuCIFnbpRJ7tTYbj96P1VY-ffOQPljriD81FSfmV_Xyv5zyX7EQsUzMpQC-CeK2kghz97Sz0Zh_IvZSaiORLwo_Z9ZV9PNaa3ldfQAirdAbtBhiyImKKGD/s320/il_570xN.482262167_ucff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise Dunn of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/7LuckyStones?ref=l2-shopheader-name">7LuckyStones</a> showcased handmade jewelry using one-of-a-kind stones. My favorites were the chunky bold necklaces featuring agates, like this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/157405508/black-turquoise-agate-stone-on-doubled?ref=shop_home_active">piece</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyeAgxkmNsFf3mRy3t45AbtrZIGyScRy2Gg6NrxLoKvA5O_VnEk7ivQFt8BGNl-FTGXYclDbA3S6HC8kONDWW2KTjf9IDRv-Zy5ZTMBle1NTOkBDbaqV_uiB6kMva6-g2veO2PSDl-kSE/s1600/il_570xN.344533434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyeAgxkmNsFf3mRy3t45AbtrZIGyScRy2Gg6NrxLoKvA5O_VnEk7ivQFt8BGNl-FTGXYclDbA3S6HC8kONDWW2KTjf9IDRv-Zy5ZTMBle1NTOkBDbaqV_uiB6kMva6-g2veO2PSDl-kSE/s320/il_570xN.344533434.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Quistt?ref=pr_shop_more">Quistt</a> sent oversized clutches in original geometric shapes and mod fabrics down the runway</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWDvj-kQ1JR0UwwNdZyt7v1Gh_yxunLyLQhqLkJAHDjYXa3S4Tdkt1FyjIjtnlGgaJWhnJQeb4A0sJBVC-0Phen8mJBrLAe4lVTEA0uboyIP8QQCaz2JclsWp000XWbyjSolNa1LZinGK/s1600/il_570xN.225273990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWDvj-kQ1JR0UwwNdZyt7v1Gh_yxunLyLQhqLkJAHDjYXa3S4Tdkt1FyjIjtnlGgaJWhnJQeb4A0sJBVC-0Phen8mJBrLAe4lVTEA0uboyIP8QQCaz2JclsWp000XWbyjSolNa1LZinGK/s320/il_570xN.225273990.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleOwlDesign?ref=shop_sugg">Little Owl Designs</a> showcased this typographic <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81817363/typographic-map-of-the-united-states?ref=shop_home_active">US map</a>. And if you're a Memphis Grizzlies fan, you must see <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/160453485/grit-grind-gothic?ref=shop_home_active">this</a>! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgClWk64um2B3UKs43Ug0Bvha4u09QYabcDlEpzEbJJaE0NMq3BPuvVBYEC_BeqnJ2ha9iQVqC4PYtZ2kAZWj-A5WLf_jgs_br2iF42Pk1OMVemwF673FFFhX3lp3t7Ek8bovzq0TW7ODO/s1600/IMG_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgClWk64um2B3UKs43Ug0Bvha4u09QYabcDlEpzEbJJaE0NMq3BPuvVBYEC_BeqnJ2ha9iQVqC4PYtZ2kAZWj-A5WLf_jgs_br2iF42Pk1OMVemwF673FFFhX3lp3t7Ek8bovzq0TW7ODO/s320/IMG_0627.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is the piece Abby, Star, and I all oohed and ahhhed over--the ultimate statement necklace displayed in such an eye-catching way! Stephanie Bray is both metalsmith and jeweler. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihliRXTewlEs51729RLJ8dFTHPCQLk5OtBS9sOSCaaozC8EIsFMDQIbhjDIRYs9vZbOk_qbkXRpSCRCDZT3S0dK-dSxXQtvdieOZHGjsjJqGWhdNpWi5B4l4mPgl8Ms6qQto6PXWuNylBY/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihliRXTewlEs51729RLJ8dFTHPCQLk5OtBS9sOSCaaozC8EIsFMDQIbhjDIRYs9vZbOk_qbkXRpSCRCDZT3S0dK-dSxXQtvdieOZHGjsjJqGWhdNpWi5B4l4mPgl8Ms6qQto6PXWuNylBY/s320/IMG_0629.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal brooches and necklaces in eye-catching colors by Stephanie Bray</td></tr>
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I also loved seeing several <a href="http://www.memphisfashionweekend.com/Home">Memphis Fashion Week</a> participants featured during the event:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NzSCfSyECE82Z8sKkLgFBII_kLPfF0Geh6hUlYwu4Y51qqFjFbybj1-QiQJzP0dH4ziSsenJ0XQHa_zPoqB6KS21RE-TPEcFZdVtf-ap8VuP9JqVUH6E1wYB7WIi2_2ER2FCIqPQKMmr/s1600/970230_173992639443356_197891284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NzSCfSyECE82Z8sKkLgFBII_kLPfF0Geh6hUlYwu4Y51qqFjFbybj1-QiQJzP0dH4ziSsenJ0XQHa_zPoqB6KS21RE-TPEcFZdVtf-ap8VuP9JqVUH6E1wYB7WIi2_2ER2FCIqPQKMmr/s320/970230_173992639443356_197891284_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MystiqueMakeup">Dominique Chaney</a>, makeup artist for Mystique Makeup, created looks for the runway models</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrI-nI9ilGP8b3fuuiBz6rmBqdnio0I4FfBhfm8MVyxc5Jgh6rWr3dTl9VAJh5GG9PVkxcdSToKdh0-5x9g1SssT1lilORq5mVwyb-4DVhxkf5pUt9MN0DC7m7YFsuL9F5X4WvbgY5_Ie/s1600/IMG_0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrI-nI9ilGP8b3fuuiBz6rmBqdnio0I4FfBhfm8MVyxc5Jgh6rWr3dTl9VAJh5GG9PVkxcdSToKdh0-5x9g1SssT1lilORq5mVwyb-4DVhxkf5pUt9MN0DC7m7YFsuL9F5X4WvbgY5_Ie/s320/IMG_0658.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terial Lee, a <a href="http://www.memphisfashionweekend.com/emdp/events">MFW Emerging Designer</a> sent 7 looks down the RAW runway<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt49IfEJ8upmN_Ha-AmUVC5Ro1UwJRptfBfDxr4FG1h2Kq7GWqSc4AFNeTqGeHHaedNHquwGjzChLwPHiPBlGuiGRgMtxB456R-5nkIftIUn7plSkm2kLUioPmPbFIYwXFur2suEsmokr/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt49IfEJ8upmN_Ha-AmUVC5Ro1UwJRptfBfDxr4FG1h2Kq7GWqSc4AFNeTqGeHHaedNHquwGjzChLwPHiPBlGuiGRgMtxB456R-5nkIftIUn7plSkm2kLUioPmPbFIYwXFur2suEsmokr/s320/IMG_0703.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designs by Terial Lee</td></tr>
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And a few more snaps from the evening</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanieka Carter, emcee for the evening, and Kimberly Taylor of K'PreSha boutique</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrPULOCLdrZMjL6zhZ0s8vHvG6uPJJ4yUDwGF9BWlXEuTTNaNTzncj6fgMkmBXXUFQIlf6cLWE3GP4hKd_Ofj16MDyPsShFbrOsDh-3cl-6sPe2gqslhBLbv-bicKQJycZYBI2AUCvDdX/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrPULOCLdrZMjL6zhZ0s8vHvG6uPJJ4yUDwGF9BWlXEuTTNaNTzncj6fgMkmBXXUFQIlf6cLWE3GP4hKd_Ofj16MDyPsShFbrOsDh-3cl-6sPe2gqslhBLbv-bicKQJycZYBI2AUCvDdX/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographers and spectators intently watch the runway shows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9U1zcmLyHguMuwAqEYveJYXl-kwl7CtB6jRxZ2AiVatVfalZuScT9-o-r3BXfkXWvZKYmfUpU_eD_PGQ9LOPKUI9C6jRXcyj2eslqMeBFXukcr5rpBADfq5vCHTdjMx6MYfNGjiTrLHP/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9U1zcmLyHguMuwAqEYveJYXl-kwl7CtB6jRxZ2AiVatVfalZuScT9-o-r3BXfkXWvZKYmfUpU_eD_PGQ9LOPKUI9C6jRXcyj2eslqMeBFXukcr5rpBADfq5vCHTdjMx6MYfNGjiTrLHP/s320/IMG_0744.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Travis Bradley, my favorite <a href="http://www.balletmemphis.org/">Ballet Memphis</a> dancer and Memphis Fashion Week model</td></tr>
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I thoroughly enjoyed the celebrating creative pursuits, chatting with artists and reconnecting with friends in the creative community. How about you?</div>
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tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-35754851047580664472013-08-23T03:30:00.002-05:002013-09-26T15:37:24.961-05:00Designer Spotlight: Clover Canyon <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don't you just hate it when you show up to an event and find yourself wearing the same dress as someone else? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OK, so <i>technically</i> I wasn't at that InStyle event and there <i>was</i> a 5 month gap so I guess I'll let it slide this time, Ash (I can call you that, right? I mean, having the same fashion brain basically makes us besties at this point).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So without further ado, I give you the obligatory "Who wore it better?" </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ummm, on second thought, let's just make that a rhetorical question, k, thanks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">n early spring, I was on the hunt for some interesting and unique pieces to add to my spring wardrobe. I must have been really tired of the cold weather and the wintry shades of gray, but everything I was attracted to for Spring '13 was insanely bright, bold, and floral. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So when I came across a funky dress by Clover Canyon on Piperlime, although I wasn't familiar with the brand, I was intrigued. And when I realized it was neoprene, well, that was just too bizarre. And for this chick, sometimes weird seals the deal. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clover Canyon, lead by creative director Rozae Nichols, is a line started only a few short years ago and is based out of Los Angeles. Their </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;">"</span>vivid prints and streamlined silhouettes" have quickly garnered mass appeal and a celebrity following. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: small;"> I personally love the sense of whimsical FUN that's captured in their free-wheeling prints (portraying everything from florals, car motifs, and Siberian Russian landscapes) that are paired with modern shapes and materials. The line is carried at Saks, Neimans, and other online retailers. Locally (Memphis, TN), you can find pieces at <a href="http://isabellamemphis.com/">Isabella </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southerncoutureboutique">Southern Couture</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ViUjzQ9e3gqJccKolLupc-yNftakKKCDPoS8HNn3MnSuk6e7zisY9j5D-PDy6PhwHEKAudxlgJTdoU_ewp9iTNz3pnHUcbGBbjkLyQFcQOFRFYU9t5PbZWL10FSDBFDwLbgi6Sk1hODF/s1600/Recently+Updated3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ViUjzQ9e3gqJccKolLupc-yNftakKKCDPoS8HNn3MnSuk6e7zisY9j5D-PDy6PhwHEKAudxlgJTdoU_ewp9iTNz3pnHUcbGBbjkLyQFcQOFRFYU9t5PbZWL10FSDBFDwLbgi6Sk1hODF/s400/Recently+Updated3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover Canyon's Hollywood fans clockwise from top left: Shay Mitchell, Khloe Kardashian, Olivia Wilde, Jordin Sparks, Olivia Wilde, and Nicole Scherzinger</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are a few of my picks currently available on the Clover Canyon site:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love the florals on <a href="http://clovercanyon.com/shop/turquoise-valley-top/">this top</a>. And it's on sale!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't know why people don't wear<a href="http://clovercanyon.com/shop/how-high-pant/"> flowy pants</a> all the time. They are so comfy, yet chic. I'd pair these with flat sandals, a tank, and a straw hat for an easy breezy summer look</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://clovercanyon.com/shop/taj-mahal-necklace-top-2/">This top</a> sports it's own printed statement jewelry. That's double bang for our buck!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sleeve length and futuristic print of this <a href="http://clovercanyon.com/shop/lotus-temple-dress-2/">dress</a> is so flattering</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wore this Clover Canyon "Orchid Trip" dress to the <a href="http://www.memphisfashionweekend.com/Home">Memphis Fashion Week 2013</a> after party. The event was held in the basement of <a href="http://www.minglewoodhall.com/">Minglewood Hall</a>, a popular concert<b> </b>venue in<b> </b>Memphis. This was the inaugural event to be held in the rugged and industrial basement space, but with some creative lighting and plenty of creative people, it was transformed into a hip and unique venue. So if you're looking for a fresh location for an upcoming event, it's definitely worth checking out!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I styled this dress with fuchsia platform t-strap heels and little minimal jewelry (with a dress this busy, it can easily stand alone). Of course, I added the glow necklace and bracelet to class-it-up a bit, obbbbbviously. Only the finest, y'all :) I love the way that <a href="http://ashleytisdale.com/">Ashley Tisdale</a> styled the same dress pulling out the pastel tones with her apricot pumps and light blue drop earrings. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Although I loved the look of the dress, a few mild warnings: neoprene is flattering in that it "sucks" you in, but also apparently rides up and twists so I found myself constantly pulling it down. The neoprene also had a faint chemical-y smell to me. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9yqRWR1nnU41bZETLeU5a8ugm4GNLtfzvmey9ieedeS-oNo12Ckb3QRWYirFaWrzETy8sYYh7d7_x_uqMGS45_o41yOTSO72yRq0JryCJ7dWvxszoaxE3nTaw3QVcTeuJEnd_G6MAQjz/s1600/2013-08-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9yqRWR1nnU41bZETLeU5a8ugm4GNLtfzvmey9ieedeS-oNo12Ckb3QRWYirFaWrzETy8sYYh7d7_x_uqMGS45_o41yOTSO72yRq0JryCJ7dWvxszoaxE3nTaw3QVcTeuJEnd_G6MAQjz/s400/2013-08-23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With MFW model, Jazmine, one of the few individuals who makes me seem short!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeHeeHrkaVxueDvvsE3PiNbs3dwP1hXDgy-WoHf8654ymGAWUPGLWz610nlb0X14Vu2rXgGrU507TiQj2E-E5wzA6oxUjJeRbeT_j8yuN3vKTwYb7FyUWxqSWfoHaTi0w1DcgQSGekY0s/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeHeeHrkaVxueDvvsE3PiNbs3dwP1hXDgy-WoHf8654ymGAWUPGLWz610nlb0X14Vu2rXgGrU507TiQj2E-E5wzA6oxUjJeRbeT_j8yuN3vKTwYb7FyUWxqSWfoHaTi0w1DcgQSGekY0s/s400/IMG_7367.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin and MFW model Hannah--maybe we are genetically required to sport the same pose?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpxhtBRC9D_0FhNgew_KAPebWJkj9x_5WT97i651lhfuWr6AWrMmgQHrHcO6cKXrvHFqcaG0-JYZ0Kf7836poPH548HVciGdlpLtJRbxsdw3029qkSzttRKcdpzv1Bip-V3Llpsdg58QO/s1600/IMG_7377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpxhtBRC9D_0FhNgew_KAPebWJkj9x_5WT97i651lhfuWr6AWrMmgQHrHcO6cKXrvHFqcaG0-JYZ0Kf7836poPH548HVciGdlpLtJRbxsdw3029qkSzttRKcdpzv1Bip-V3Llpsdg58QO/s400/IMG_7377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a blast with Addie, event planner extraordinaire and social media tycoon .</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c2GIpBUvpIxTWbslUGZbtqeJeVOZEAUh68xWtcan7FrSRewrD0MxnWEuBnR7Wff0BWPOB_RcoKMofrPeZ-BjrF_IUOp0azuKpCa8wEKtb3ENei2VzXjkLSMhN-OwY0sgz0gpjwUigTri/s1600/IMG_7382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c2GIpBUvpIxTWbslUGZbtqeJeVOZEAUh68xWtcan7FrSRewrD0MxnWEuBnR7Wff0BWPOB_RcoKMofrPeZ-BjrF_IUOp0azuKpCa8wEKtb3ENei2VzXjkLSMhN-OwY0sgz0gpjwUigTri/s400/IMG_7382.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our awesome MFW photographer, Joey Miller, who happens to be sporting to the most dapper look of the night. What this photo doesn't show is his matching pink argyle sock--add it to the hot pink and a crisp bow tie? Definite A+</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'd love to see some of YOUR fave Clover Canyon looks!</span></div>
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-63253896704607293912013-08-22T01:26:00.000-05:002013-09-26T15:38:03.824-05:00Jewelry Organization Part 2: Shhh...it's a secret (shadowbox)<br />
Have you ever woken up one morning and wished that you were the love-child of James Bond and Elizabeth Taylor? Oh, you too? Then keep reading y'all because this storage solution will give you an uber top-secret hiding spot for your precious, sparkly baubles!<br />
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Since I had decided on concealed storage for my necklaces, it occurred to me to put on my handy<i>(wo)</i>man pants on to create a custom storage solution. I had purchased a framed Italian map several years ago at a yard sale for a couple bucks (so there <i>are</i> perks to being a stage 1 hoarder!). I have so many treasured memories from my time spent there and I love incorporating Italian art around my home. So I decided it would be simple enough to repurpose this picture into a shadowbox, of sorts.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BEFORE:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb3EMj8-r8KKuM0kq6ByBq1eZFnOwCJ9tBJ24oVQBpOkrHVm5-MF5OjB5xeBWKQRE6SIv6u-HQcJjVa6aXL2NA4IJwR3_z2SRc_Nidw9RQ2JFJidJB8EPfXmON5dFU2s6omWiV78RR1R1/s1600/IMG_0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb3EMj8-r8KKuM0kq6ByBq1eZFnOwCJ9tBJ24oVQBpOkrHVm5-MF5OjB5xeBWKQRE6SIv6u-HQcJjVa6aXL2NA4IJwR3_z2SRc_Nidw9RQ2JFJidJB8EPfXmON5dFU2s6omWiV78RR1R1/s400/IMG_0528.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I had temporarily hung necklaces on the back of door which created serious noise pollution when the door was used</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AFTER</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4Y7YOQDS5WzPigclY56xHg5HgfMl79GquFp4qORyVTvFdb-BJwCk7j6f8h0KVSVH-3-9nUtBasklsWxq2Ptzz07maFiuSJBE1aFQTdBzmHXvFLPwTp5psJsBtCNPxpGfp8cej3UwghNf/s1600/IMG_0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4Y7YOQDS5WzPigclY56xHg5HgfMl79GquFp4qORyVTvFdb-BJwCk7j6f8h0KVSVH-3-9nUtBasklsWxq2Ptzz07maFiuSJBE1aFQTdBzmHXvFLPwTp5psJsBtCNPxpGfp8cej3UwghNf/s400/IMG_0555.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Is it a picture?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KUujeZoh6Z54uDQgYokXn-WOxQnaQAd6hp_zo0lqOiT5HjwpRrxDE9o2E97hS2WMcHOi3irUjhEk85dzcMY-VijUdsu23pmi09YQhxOf7eNab4oQX2N-lEKsEZ7ToX__9ZDIDEA-vOFJ/s1600/IMG_0565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KUujeZoh6Z54uDQgYokXn-WOxQnaQAd6hp_zo0lqOiT5HjwpRrxDE9o2E97hS2WMcHOi3irUjhEk85dzcMY-VijUdsu23pmi09YQhxOf7eNab4oQX2N-lEKsEZ7ToX__9ZDIDEA-vOFJ/s400/IMG_0565.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Or a jewelry box?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwvP_f9EyC3z2GhfS_E36A2M6rdLX3zf9RRU4AApFc6V1jiShTz6zVqwUe3foQAgphUk7AFwsdDIgeW1g-6Tyw4DE1X_-Lh7_htpV8pMEG7VtQJ20FrbfkGEqDLQgU_v7u5xWfVPg8EbS/s1600/IMG_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwvP_f9EyC3z2GhfS_E36A2M6rdLX3zf9RRU4AApFc6V1jiShTz6zVqwUe3foQAgphUk7AFwsdDIgeW1g-6Tyw4DE1X_-Lh7_htpV8pMEG7VtQJ20FrbfkGEqDLQgU_v7u5xWfVPg8EbS/s400/IMG_0541.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's both!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HOW TO: Jewelry Shadowbox</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2ycWj1rYHKOtLqahdUjet4-OahS5QSZxXJtnGun_E-tkIQwtlUt0oCuozsx8IKudOaLg5B2wWF_mN5WAkhxd5THfH_NKYE8oAOrRj-XOfLHFS8XwVl3-LImAMCUnaJYNVpnCeuSWKMZE/s1600/Recently+Updated2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2ycWj1rYHKOtLqahdUjet4-OahS5QSZxXJtnGun_E-tkIQwtlUt0oCuozsx8IKudOaLg5B2wWF_mN5WAkhxd5THfH_NKYE8oAOrRj-XOfLHFS8XwVl3-LImAMCUnaJYNVpnCeuSWKMZE/s320/Recently+Updated2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Supplies</u><br />
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Framed picture<br />
Set of 4 corner brackets and 8 wood screws<br />
Set of 2 hinges and screws<br />
1x3 wood board<br />
Hooks or knobs<br />
Paint and painting supplies, if desired<br />
2 small, strong magnets<br />
D-ring picture hanger<br />
Tape measure or ruler<br />
Pen<br />
Drill/screwdriver<br />
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<u>Assembly</u><br />
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<ol>
<li>Measure art and decide on dimensions for the shadow box</li>
<li>Unscrew hanging wire from back of frame</li>
<li>Trek to hardware store to purchase supplies. Home Depot cut my 1x3 board down to the sizes I had previously measured (I like my fingers too much to ever attempt that step myself)</li>
<li>Make second trek to hardware store to buy screws for brackets (apparently there's a difference between flat-ended machine screws and wood screws...I learn something new everyday!)</li>
<li>I chose to paint my wood box pieces the same color as my wall in the hopes that it would fade and be less noticeable</li>
<li>Measure, mark, and pre-drill holes for each corner bracket. Tightly screw brackets in to create a box frame</li>
<li>Measure, mark, and pre-drill holes for the hinges. Tightly screw in hinges to create the "door" for your box. I attached the hinges to the outside of my box frame so that I would be drilling through the wood of the picture frame (since my box frame was a few inches smaller than the picture frame, had I placed them on the inside of my box frame, I would have drilled through the frame glass = no bueno)</li>
<li>Drill a shallow hole into the box frame that is the same depth and diameter as your magnets. Mark on the frame sure where the magnet touches then secure a magnet to each side with super glue or hot glue. This will enable the frame "door" to remain closed</li>
<li>Just for kicks and giggles, I added a pop of color to the back of the ugly, brown frame with a piece of wrapping paper I had on hand</li>
<li>Attach a D-ring photo hanger to the frame then hang on wall</li>
<li>Add hooks to inside of the shadowbox. I managed to recycle an ancient closet organizer-thingy from the yard sale pile, so I gave it a quick once-over with spray paint to freshen it up, then attached it directly to the wall with two nails</li>
<li>Aaaand now, the fun part--hang up your necklaces...then bask in the awesomeness!</li>
</ol>
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And a few bonus suggestions based on my trial-and-error process<br />
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<ul>
<li>If you want to be super schfancy, sanding the wood prior to painting will give a finished look</li>
<li>Use wood glue or hot glue on box frame corners in addition to the brackets to make it's sturdy--this will help with the entire piece hanging straight on the wall</li>
<li>Measure the frame and pieces of the box frame exactly (and take into account the 1in width of the wood on each side when determining the length of the cuts)</li>
<li>Use larger/stronger hinges or more than 2 small hinges--gravity pulls on the frame while hanging on the walls and this will help the frame not to sag over time</li>
<li>You could create a backing for your box using a sheet of plywood nailed into the box frame then screw knobs/hooks directly into the backing versus directly into the wall </li>
</ul>
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A satisfied as I was upon completion of this project, I am definitely convinced that I don't have a career in carpentry...there's no artistic license allowed when it comes to right angles and drilling!<br />
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Since I had many of the supplies for the project on hand, the total cost was under $10! <br />
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Considering <a href="http://www.horchow.com/p/Cavalier-Storage-Floor-Mirror/cprod94940005___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FNtt%253Dmirror%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D90%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=cprod94940005&cmCat=search">this storage floor mirror</a> was my <i>only</i> other choice for a jewelry storage solution, using "girl shopping logic," I actually saved $1,989 that I can now put toward other house projects, right? Ha!<br />
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I can now officially check jewelry organization off of my projects list. Here's the overall finished<br />
product!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Where's the jewelry? Sssshhh, it's a secret!</span></div>
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668879665465060755.post-20800210583000054082013-08-20T01:36:00.001-05:002013-09-26T15:38:25.234-05:00Jewelry Organization Part 1: Diamonds are a girl's best friendI've finally completed one of the most tedious and yet rewarding organization projects--I tackled the ole jewelry box! The first step was to sort through it and get rid of some items (well, technically the first step was actually to untangle the massive spiderwebby cluster of necklaces, but that might just be me). Second step was to make a few repairs--thanks Dad! Then, it was time to search for storage and display inspiration. <br />
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Here are some of my favorites!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJApnwW43D95RHwcnc0ICckEjHqvSSxuxnZUakji8uXQUUWBtjwkKF8qPekEErRhD110Hds4H5kP7lMRqPvmDG7WOyx_MLQEhw21ZO4V0r6qJZ_X55BOzLttxQKn7ypH0LxjgaAe0m4Ja/s1600/jewelryboard2_whippycake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJApnwW43D95RHwcnc0ICckEjHqvSSxuxnZUakji8uXQUUWBtjwkKF8qPekEErRhD110Hds4H5kP7lMRqPvmDG7WOyx_MLQEhw21ZO4V0r6qJZ_X55BOzLttxQKn7ypH0LxjgaAe0m4Ja/s320/jewelryboard2_whippycake.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://whippycake.com/2013/07/jewelry-board-tutorial/">How gorgeous is this all white milk glass display?</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-CXVtq1SpdfwzHXMqCrD_91vfhicLDIaxGgw84xuwmCD64yS3XaAW-JxArzN7oy6uSy0FQ4V_9Bn7ZodGX_SB-vZxUk11ykXblwhROINTWzrnH_bLosqMSoIT9MmHIDXYMG7n3IVQxK_/s320/DIYJewelryHolderStorage5.jpg" width="213" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/simple-diy-jewelry-display.html">DIY decorative sheet metal frame frame</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsueWmTWa5pF0e8rdtksYzeskXv47nPr5UDHPVFQhT7kJrbHmpIfgg0plZGB4FJH0nOn4q3eqYhEcR0NsNVJpiW1hjSOqtntbRiBnYvALfC5bWqhyphenhyphenwEvd7KPX6b-gMOK0dpYNysRkIKaQ-/s1600/teacups+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsueWmTWa5pF0e8rdtksYzeskXv47nPr5UDHPVFQhT7kJrbHmpIfgg0plZGB4FJH0nOn4q3eqYhEcR0NsNVJpiW1hjSOqtntbRiBnYvALfC5bWqhyphenhyphenwEvd7KPX6b-gMOK0dpYNysRkIKaQ-/s320/teacups+jewelry.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://darlingdarleen.blogspot.com/2011/07/teacups-for-jewelry.html">Jewels in an antique teacup collection</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen1FaBzQdmFRKbouWE_lEsA2fr22Q6Vf3qravlOffh0_8H-dRrKtHyBBtT39cQo5CxWF66VrFr4escRnYonw-bR4dDNnbtXtg2OyWxvvgxX_QKgpLZCus4ZDg1wTql4nlqyQDY6tUB3BJ/s1600/7af1894dd0fe0c32f7905b142362a4c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen1FaBzQdmFRKbouWE_lEsA2fr22Q6Vf3qravlOffh0_8H-dRrKtHyBBtT39cQo5CxWF66VrFr4escRnYonw-bR4dDNnbtXtg2OyWxvvgxX_QKgpLZCus4ZDg1wTql4nlqyQDY6tUB3BJ/s320/7af1894dd0fe0c32f7905b142362a4c0.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/34551122112087797/">A frame collage keeps things looking tidy</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtO8Q1Aa9c1FA3l60etzADx1C8KrEOyvjc44K8WdpHQ0IcnlaVk2Ds5f5rjKXuYEnR6LMpGW3hOYZ-h_iddGgIeXjPCvmAbCACbA9vHJTkknmr5uJ1rdDj4zSG2tkKHxu8EgyCXTHNICZ/s1600/0143d021a10a6ead2bf6303d3206f2fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtO8Q1Aa9c1FA3l60etzADx1C8KrEOyvjc44K8WdpHQ0IcnlaVk2Ds5f5rjKXuYEnR6LMpGW3hOYZ-h_iddGgIeXjPCvmAbCACbA9vHJTkknmr5uJ1rdDj4zSG2tkKHxu8EgyCXTHNICZ/s320/0143d021a10a6ead2bf6303d3206f2fe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/glass-cloche-jewelry-storage/">Glass cloche displays from Pottery Barn</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxcMYiyRHjJoNPZ6xOAH8AGk-v-U-0711k5esr7D9AXhUVYopd5IDKh3hoNKYB_MtLIKJ5myolZ31_vgrTadEFsLDTNfAB2ZQ9PPFzpOWdHJ_pgc1ZzpIpkGfk-Pph9Ks2-pQfEcNk9zU/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxcMYiyRHjJoNPZ6xOAH8AGk-v-U-0711k5esr7D9AXhUVYopd5IDKh3hoNKYB_MtLIKJ5myolZ31_vgrTadEFsLDTNfAB2ZQ9PPFzpOWdHJ_pgc1ZzpIpkGfk-Pph9Ks2-pQfEcNk9zU/s320/IMG_4155.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
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This is a pic from my previous house--necklaces were hung from <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23454101&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS">branch hooks</a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(And to answer your question, yes, that is a fur hat on my lamp, and yes, that is a Barbie on my shelf, and yes, my picture frames sat empty for two years. So there.)</span></div>
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There are so many unique and creative ideas for jewelry storage but I narrowed it down to a couple requirements. I wanted all my jewelry to be in one easily accessed location so that I could see with one glance what I had, making it more likely I'd actually wear it. Additionally, while I especially love beautifully displayed jewelry, as with many picture-perfect magazine shots, the items displayed are carefully curated to achieve the optimal look. But this is real life! And I have some crazy and colorful jewelry that doesn't necessarily match my bedroom color scheme. I personally find mismatching shapes and colors to be a little distracting and messy looking...and let's be honest: I don't need any assistance in the make-things-look-messy-department. So concealed storage it is!<br />
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The first and obvious solution for storing bracelets and rings was my desk drawers. Sometimes you have to think outside the box and use storage spaces for their unintended purposes. Honestly, in this digital age do I really need drawers full of paperclips and staples? And in my bedroom no less? Nope, adios dorky office supplies, hellooooo baubles! <br />
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My first attempt consisted of using a mismatch of boxes to divide the drawers but they slid around and seemed cluttered. So after taking drawer measurements and searching the web, I found <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-6-compartment-drawer-organizer/-/A-13699306#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=clear+drawer+organizers">these</a> acrylic dividers at Target. Extra points for them being on sale in my local store. A few scraps of colorful scrapbook paper later and voila.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYWgksSMPzMtg-V0jR4tnyp93eKiAf-L-cwo1p3tEndweVYiewNHXV3u7B_USm_uYI3WVHK0p_Yw7OBpyABDVJSQU6UdAF2NebcXdduEg9M8yrt6v7IvER9mU9ZeFfQdXtY14bIwHHjvA/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYWgksSMPzMtg-V0jR4tnyp93eKiAf-L-cwo1p3tEndweVYiewNHXV3u7B_USm_uYI3WVHK0p_Yw7OBpyABDVJSQU6UdAF2NebcXdduEg9M8yrt6v7IvER9mU9ZeFfQdXtY14bIwHHjvA/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the pop of color peeking out when I open the drawers--it makes picking out what to wear more fun.<br />
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For overflow knicknacks and frequently worn items, I re purposed some vintage family crystal (my Grandmother all but forced them on me, but I'm now glad she did). I think they look great with the mirrored desk and add a touch of girlie-ness. The frame holds one of my favorite pics with my favorite people from my freshman year of college way back in 20**.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7eCQAr_5Fbwx8DSw4Wj1QhivbehK2J-Gk-X9CwDXTf9ktGMAcPZjoP3j4NsyS_wkYhgKuS25Jya02gsJegDdK2vs9DR3u9XCo560Lu4AWL50D8HmRlv1W_qkY8_MXh-EqLpHrwf9HOZz/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7eCQAr_5Fbwx8DSw4Wj1QhivbehK2J-Gk-X9CwDXTf9ktGMAcPZjoP3j4NsyS_wkYhgKuS25Jya02gsJegDdK2vs9DR3u9XCo560Lu4AWL50D8HmRlv1W_qkY8_MXh-EqLpHrwf9HOZz/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, here's the finished product y'all:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9OqgJr7giKO8ukqx0dNQiwQN8wdst64sDc6VCRKupQSpjQCvIai9PZeRae5pYGGbgheW9FA4lJgZndgSTbX6lxRGU5jQaXqVxFeS-PiCC3jeivMmZX1XJNwd9ab7953JCML5Deaahrpl/s1600/IMG_0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9OqgJr7giKO8ukqx0dNQiwQN8wdst64sDc6VCRKupQSpjQCvIai9PZeRae5pYGGbgheW9FA4lJgZndgSTbX6lxRGU5jQaXqVxFeS-PiCC3jeivMmZX1XJNwd9ab7953JCML5Deaahrpl/s320/IMG_0547.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-7G0CdgYA_PEXqWgBQpZPpUoz8ZTVhyphenhyphenHUT6Ra6ywmwihB4Xj0kNQmnyzAknwbm5BzJuLEmmX0QJILxuepuBzsQFpFjbjV9sRWErWVvodw6dMmzSEyre75gGK7vkS3TfuByNoW848UA9O/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-7G0CdgYA_PEXqWgBQpZPpUoz8ZTVhyphenhyphenHUT6Ra6ywmwihB4Xj0kNQmnyzAknwbm5BzJuLEmmX0QJILxuepuBzsQFpFjbjV9sRWErWVvodw6dMmzSEyre75gGK7vkS3TfuByNoW848UA9O/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mr. Bennett was supervising every step of the way, obviously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_19uxtUoXyPLFbYWtsWxnaH9YVgFVmRYVO0u015rEtMQcUAeTCtFzHwK_KF9UeqaFIGkGUqxhaGsMYD-SdwQrf5sLwaqBlKKE4iVzXPyX6JRcRMPoE43Mr-LITgWIA-PYhuF91-6ho8aV/s1600/IMG_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_19uxtUoXyPLFbYWtsWxnaH9YVgFVmRYVO0u015rEtMQcUAeTCtFzHwK_KF9UeqaFIGkGUqxhaGsMYD-SdwQrf5sLwaqBlKKE4iVzXPyX6JRcRMPoE43Mr-LITgWIA-PYhuF91-6ho8aV/s320/IMG_0571.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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My lil scarab is loving his new digs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6lFMhmYVwGuhlwjDGTlBUwuBWE0azCNiTIJlJ-cJNrW7RCEO-XiA0JfPcKPJe9pPoxIJsYvDUYdYGL3OxacVxCgRz5WfEeHdnKYbqxCoTU-lpIOMk54-kPtc9yMwlUDZBtJCil7Kcw6g/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6lFMhmYVwGuhlwjDGTlBUwuBWE0azCNiTIJlJ-cJNrW7RCEO-XiA0JfPcKPJe9pPoxIJsYvDUYdYGL3OxacVxCgRz5WfEeHdnKYbqxCoTU-lpIOMk54-kPtc9yMwlUDZBtJCil7Kcw6g/s320/IMG_0572.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Fashion sidenote: love <a href="http://we-wood.us/">these wood watches </a></div>
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Round two will be a DIY necklace storage solution. Here's a hint:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc8lriM7ujc_Kva4-nh3cn4EhjgXPjwalrhx-0kr3hz57ndfb8a-RTHP4MqBwLT7oK6EY56Jrbp98pR8bQ_b66FcX9fnz21fpFo0bLgyblnSlHGU2-cKE1cApUcpavCdzfdjmXfEBERIu/s1600/katefinalhidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc8lriM7ujc_Kva4-nh3cn4EhjgXPjwalrhx-0kr3hz57ndfb8a-RTHP4MqBwLT7oK6EY56Jrbp98pR8bQ_b66FcX9fnz21fpFo0bLgyblnSlHGU2-cKE1cApUcpavCdzfdjmXfEBERIu/s1600/katefinalhidden.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://m.designsponge.com/2010/01/diy-project-hidden-jewelry-box.html">It's a secret!</a></div>
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<br />tara lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416408270779014091noreply@blogger.com0